Dante, My Inferno

“What happened to you two?” I asked Andrew and Jimmy as they stepped out of the kitchen.

 

“Mama felt we were more of a hindrance than a help,” Jimmy said as he gave Andrew a kiss on the cheek.  “Well tell him.”

 

“Uh oh!” Dante said as he and Gil Montoya walked over. “What, news?”

 

“My daughter has come around,” Andrew told us, then kissing Jimmy’s cheek. “Jessica is coming out with her husband and kids later this week.”

 

“And she wants to know more about the weddings,” Jimmy added. Then smiled. “And she said Cheryl can be our flower girl.”

 

“Cheryl is my granddaughter,” Andrew added.

 

“Have Jason and Peter found a flower girl?” Dante asked.

 

“They’re hoping for my son Andy Jr.’s daughter Tonya,” Andrew told us. “We hope Jess can work her magic on her brother.”

 

“Sounds good,” I told them. “Now Gil.”

 

“What surprises do you have for Angel?” Dante asked with a big grin.

 

 Gil smiled broadly.

 

“Well I have presents for Angel and Antonia,” he told them. ”Let’s go to the corral.”

 

“Abuelo! What did you bring us?” Angel asked him as we walked to the corral.

 

“At the corral Angel.” Was all he would say. So we went to the corral.

 

As we stepped up to the fence. We could see the horses Gil had brought. 

 

“These are yours.” Gil said waving at the corral. “The chestnut is yours Angel.”

 

“Antonia, the bay is yours.”

 

“What do you think?” Gil asked his grandchildren. Donna, crying hugged Gilberto. As did Angel and Antonia.

 

“Wow!” Peter said looking at the new horses. “These horses are beautiful.”

 

“That they are,” Dante said giving me a kiss.

 

“What do you think my love?” Dante asked me. I smiled.

 

“Gil, you’re making a new bred,” I said. “Aren’t you.”

 

“What gave it away?”  Gil asked me as we handled the horses.

 

“Well they’re not the crossbreds like Pinion or Rawhide,” I told him as I looked each horse over.

 

“They’re both almost three years old,” Gil told us.

 

“What are their names Abuelo?’ Antonia asked him.

 

“You and Angel know their names,” Gil answered her with a chuckle. “You both were there when they were born.” Realization hit them both.

 

“Castana,” Angel yelled. (Chestnut)

 

“Bahia!” Antonia yelled. (Bay)

 

Angel grabbed Daniel and kissed him. While Antonia grabbed and kissed Bass. They both turned red instantly.

 

“Hey!” was all a surprised Bass could say.

 

And out of the corner of my eye. I see Amelia and Kevin look at each other. Then turn away from each other. As they still held hands.

 

“Dinner’s ready,” Andrew called from the patio.

 

So we all went up to eat. We cut through the house. As we entered the Kitchen. Mama was handing Sherry a bottle. Dante immediately perked up.

 

“Oh! Sherry,” Dante said quickly. “Can I feed little Billy while you eat?” With that Sherry’s stomach growled.

 

“We insist,” I told her, to Dante’s glee.

 

“His daddy should have him out on the patio,” she told him, handing over the bottle. And Dante was gone, as we all laughed

 

I stepped out onto the patio and looked for Dante. George pointed at our open bedroom doors. So I followed him inside to see Dante talking to Lil Billy.

 

Diane followed me in to see her son so happy. She turned and motioned for Sam. I think I could have knocked them both over with a feather.

 

Suddenly Daniel, and Angel came in. Daniel huffed seeing Dante feeding Lil Billy.

 

“Rats,” Daniel said. “I was hoping to give Lil Billy his bottle.” But Angel gave him a kiss on the cheek.

 

“There is always a next time,” Dante told him with a smile.

 

“Billy are the two of you thinking of having children?” Diane asked finally.

 

“We are,” I told her and Sam. “But not until Dante has graduated.”

 

“Billy will you get a diaper ready?” Dante asked me. But Daniel jumped up. 

 

“I got it Dante,” Daniel told him. “I’ll change him if you want?’

 

“Well I would like to learn Angel’s technique,” Dante told Daniel. But catching a nodding Angel. “But I can watch you I guess.”

 

Dante had burped Lil Billy by then. It was a loud one too for such a little baby.

 

“My,” Diane said. As they started to do the diaper change. She was impressed was obvious.

 

Daniel moved deftly. With a little coaching from Angel. Lil Billy lay quietly for his diaper change.

 

Donna came in just in time to see a tear run down Angel’s cheek. She immediately moved up to give him a hug.

 

“Thinking of Tomas?” she asked her teary eyed son.

 

“Si mama. Mi Sombra,*” he said getting a kiss now from Daniel.

*My Shadow.

 

“I don’t think I’ve met Tomas,” Diane said. “May I ask…”

 

“MOM!” Dante quickly scolded her. But to late.

 

“It’s okay Dante,” Donna told him.

 

“Tomas was my youngest,” Donna explained. “We called him Angel’s shadow.”

 

“We went to collect the eggs from our chickens,” Angel told us. “He saw a dead chicken before I did.”

 

“Then before I could stop him. Tomas went over and picked up the chicken,” Angel continued. “There was a rattlesnake that bite him in the neck.”

 

“Angel screamed for help,” Donna told us. “He was gone before we could get to them.” There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

 

“Donna, Angel I’m so sorry to bring that up," Diane said giving Donna a hug.

 

“It’s all right Diane,” Donna told her as they broke.

 

“We need to remember and talk about him. Right mijo?”

 

“Si mama,” Angel said through teary smile. Earning a kiss on the cheek from Daniel.

 

“So Angel, are you going to help Billy and Dante when they watch Lil Billy?” Diane asked to change the subject.

 

“Of course,” Angel told her. “They want children of their own.”

 

The look on Diane’s face spoke volumes. Realization had hit her. Because today was the first time we had talked about having children with her. And we hadn’t talked to Sam and Diane yet.

 

“Like we said. That will be after I graduate from college,” Dante added quickly as he picked up Lil Billy.

 

“And when were you going to let us know you wanted children,” Diane said. It was as if she had slapped Dante.

 

“Mom! It’s our decision,” Dante said whirling to face his mother.

 

Dante handed Lil Billy to a waiting Angel.

 

“Billy can we get married next week?” Dante asked, taking me by surprise.

 

“Dante. I didn’t mean to say you couldn’t,” Diane said. But she couldn’t finish. She turned to cry on Sam’s shoulder. “I’m sorry.”

 

“Diane, Dante,” I said. “Let’s retire to the living room and talk what we plan to do.”

 

“And let’s talk calmly about our future plans,” I said  aimed directly at Dante.

 

So we went into the living room. There were  a few more of us than just the four of us. But Dante again held Lil Billy. Who was obviously not concerned with us adults.

 

Sam and Diane listened as we told them our plans. Though Dante was calming down. Dante again asked if we could move up our wedding.

 

“We need to talk to everyone else,”  I pointed out to Dante. “If you still want to, and they do too, then yes.”

 

You could see Dante thinking real hard on it.

 

“”Okay. We will wait,” Dante said. “As long as you’ll wait?”

 

“Of course I will,” I told him. “I love you.”

 

“Dante I’m sorry,” Diane said. “It was a little surprising is all.”

 “We would love for you and Billy to have children.”

 

“Son we are just surprised that you have made these plans so soon,” Sam told his son. “A lot of this is new to us.”

 

“Let’s go get something to eat,” Dante told them. Giving his parents a one armed hug, having Lil Billy.

 

 “I saved you all some food,” Mama Fernandez told us as we entered the dining room.  

 

“Ned is on the patio interviewing Peter,” she told us with a smile.

 

“What?” Dante said. “How is Peter doing?”

 

“Mr. Blount has a young, enthusiastic wildcat by the tail,” Andrew told us. “I would ask for a copy before they leave.”

 

We stepped out to see Peter telling how we were teaching him many  things. How I had given him Hermosa and Tickles. Then explaining that Tickles was to young to ride. But then he saw us.

 

He ran over and hugged us.

 

“Thank you again for making me a member of your posse,” he said with a huge grin.

 

“Well we need promising trackers for the posse,” I said to the camera. “Ned do you have enough tonight?”

 

“I think so,” Ned said signalling Dan to cut.

 

So we took our food out to the patio. Dan was glad to make us a copy of Peter’s interview. Later Dante and I watched the interview. We felt Peter’s enthusiasm.

 

 Sunday morning Dante and I cooked breakfast out on the patio. We made pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, and hash browns. Sam and Diane showed up to help out again.

 

The Cub Scouts thanked us again when they got ready to leave. And they made John and me promise to come up at the end of July. Which we did.

 

Then Monday I went over to the University hospital to meet the head of the Trauma and Emergency Department. Adam and Paul were waiting for me. With Donna arriving as I knocked on the door.

 

“So we’re pleased to have Dr. Patrick join your posse, Marshal Hickok,” Dr. Archer said.

 

“Along with Paul and Donna,” I added with a smile.

 

“Oh of course,” Dr. Archer said.”I’m sorry I forgot you two.”

 

“But I suggest we do some first aid training,” Dr. Archer added. “Some of your posse are kind of young.”

 

“That’s a good idea,” I agreed. “Even some of my Marshals could use some.”

 

“Hell I could even use some,” I said getting a few chuckles.

 

“I understand that the youngest member is seven,” Dr. Archer said.

 

“Well we’ll have to arrange for you to meet Peter,” Donna said with a smile. “My Angel and his Daniel have taught him to ride.”

 

“And how to care for his horses,” I told him. “He’s quite the driven youngman.”

 

“What’s the cause of that?” Dr. Archer asked concerned.

 

“The McCall children lost their mother recently,” Donna told him. “But I can tell you more later.”

 

 “Are they getting any therapy?” Dr. Archer asked her.

 

"His father is working with a therapist,” I told him. “She thinks it’s a good thing for the McCall children to be with the other children.”

 

“You’ve met the therapist?” Donna asked me and I smiled.

 

“I met her this morning,” I told them. “She had some questions of me since I was the one who had to shoot Sharon.”

 “She’ll be out from time to time.”

 

“Who is the therapist if I may ask?” Dr. Archer asked me.

 

“Dr. Barbara Jones,” I told him. And Dr. Archer smiled.

 

“Excellent,” Dr. Archer said. “She is one of the best.”

 

“Well I’m glad for that,” Donna said after hearing that.

 

“Well, thank you for the help and allowing these three for joining the Marshal’s posse,” I said as we shook hands.

 

“So are you back to the office?” Donna asked as we hugged.

 

“No,” I told her. “I’m off to meet with one of Dante’s Professors.”

 

“He wants to know more about our trip to Washington.”

 

“Ah! Well I’ll see you tomorrow,” Donna said. “Well back to Emergency.”

 

And we parted. I went over to the University and the lecture halls. As I got near Prof. McChord’s class I heard applause.

 

Looking in I saw Dante stepping up to the podium. So I slipped in quietly. No one seemed to notice.

 

Dante was explaining the Office of the Attorney General. The Department of Justice, what that entailed. As well as what he had learned as a guest of the Attorney General. A young lady raised her hand.

 

“So why were you called to the Attorney General’s office?” she asked. Dante thought carefully about his answer. Then he saw me and I smiled.

 

“Well part of it is personal business Kim,” Dante told her. “But it was in part due to my knowledge of an incident that happened here.” As Professor McChord stepped up.

 

“Now Dante has answered your question,” Professor McChord told them.

 

“If you have further questions of Dante. Please respect his right to privacy.” Then he spotted me.

 

“Now tomorrow I hope to have a U.S. Marshal in to talk about the Marshals Service,”  He said as the bell rang.

 

“So that’s it for today.”

 

As the class thinned out. I went down to the waiting Dante and Professor McChord. Who held out his hand to me.

 

“Professor,” I said as we shook hands. “So you want me here tomorrow.”

 

“If you can make it,” the professor said with a smile.

 

“We have an audience,” Dante said as I put my arms around him. 

 

I turned to see who the audience was. It was the young lady Kim and a young man. So I kiss Dante. The young man promptly made a phone call.

 

“Get ready for a storm,” I told them.

 

“What do you know about him Professor?” I asked.

 

“His name is Solomon Lovejoy,” Prof. McChord told me. I turned to look at him.

 

“He wouldn’t be related to the Bishop David Lovejoy by chance?” Dante asked the Professor.

 

“Younger brother,” Prof. McChord told us.

 

“He has objected to Jimmy and Dante more than once,” he told us.

 

“Well after seeing us kiss. He’ll have more to object to about us,” Dante said with a smile. “See you tomorrow Professor.”

 

“Ten A.M. right?” I asked Professor McChord.

 

“That’s right. So thank you Marshal Hickok,” He said. ”And their right to privacy applies as well.”

 

Out in the hall we hooked up with Jimmy. So I took them to the cafeteria to grab some lunch. It didn’t take long to figure out we were being followed.

 

We were watched as we ate. It was almost over when.

 

“You two remember their faces,” I told Dante and Jimmy.

 

“So you think they’re from Lovejoy’s church?” Jimmy asked as he looked over at them.

 

“You can bank on it,” I told him. With that Dante kissed my cheek. Solomon Lovejoy and friends were definitely watching us.

 

 Because Solomon Lovejoy lurched up. Only to be stopped by the young lady Kim. She was able to slowly pull him back down. At which Dante just smiled at their glaring faces.

 

“Don’t taunt them,” I told Dante. Then kissed his cheek. “To much.”

 

“But we know who to watch for,” Dante said as he kissed me back. On the lips. 

 

“More tonight,” he promised with a smile.

 

“There are more than I thought there was,” Jimmy said before downing a french fry.

 

“Well pass the word. Everyone try to stay in pairs,” I told them. “Especially you two. Now I’m off to see some people.”

 

“And who would that be?” Dante asked me suspiciously.

 

“The University President and the Chief of Campus Police,” I told them. Dante looked at me disapprovingly.

 

“And why?” he asked me. I smiled as I leaned over and kissed him again. But I didn’t answer him.

 

“Billy!” he shouted as I smiled and walked away.

 

“Get to class,” I said turning back to them.

 

As I walked past them. Solomon Lovejoy and Kim followed me out. Once outside I lead them to the Administration Building. I made a quick phone call to the Chief. Asking him to join me at the President's office.

 

But once in the Administration Building I ducked out of site. Then they stepped into the entrance hall. I stepped out to confront them.

 

“Following a Federal Office is not very smart,” I said as they stopped.

 

Solomon Lovejoy just glared at me. I noticed Kim’s control over him at a touch. Kim gave me an obviously fake smile.

 

“Well Marshal Hickok. We’re coming to register a complaint about offensive PDA* in the Cafeteria,” she said with a smug smile. “We find anything you and Dante do. Well it offends our Christian values.”*PDA- Public Display of Affection

 

“Not the other couples engaged in PDA. That were sharing kisses in the cafeteria?” I asked them as the President walked up.

 

“Yours is unnatural!” Solomon said forcefully. “And we would rather not watch it.”

 

“Then quit watching our every move. You were staring,” I told them.

 

“That sounds good to me,” said the University President as she walked up. “But we do ask people to keep the PDA to a minimum.”

 

“So noted,” I replied.

 

“But avoid staring at people helps you the best,” The President said. Directing her comment toward Solomon and Kim. “Is that understood Mr. Lovejoy, Miss Gallo?”

 

“We will try to do better President Berrie,” Kim Gallo said with that self righteous smile.

 

“But!” Solomon started.

 

“Let us be patient,” Kim Gallo said grabbing his arm. Turning him toward the doors. 

 

“Your brother knows what to do.”

 

“And what would that be?” I asked her. They turned back.

 

“Oh! You will find out in due time,” she told me. 

 

“Miss Gallo! Make sure that the Bishop also understands,” President Berrie snapped. “Any action on the University grounds WILL result in charges. For any member of the church.”

 

“Of course President Berrie,” Solomon Lovejoy replied. “Good day Marshal Hickok. President Berrie.”

 

Then they left as the Chief walked in.

 

“I guess you want to talk about the Church of God’s Light members?” he asked us.

 

President Berrie asked me. “Dante Green gave me a call.” I should have known.

 

“Well let’s step into your office if we may,” I replied.

 

The three of us talked for nearly an hour. It wasn’t the first time that the University had had a run in with the Bishop Lovejoy and the Church of God’s Light. They had to go as far as to get a court order keeping them off the campus except for registered students.

 

The Chief suggested that I get a court order. So I went to see Tom and Eric. After talking with Dante after class, they got right on it for us.

 

“Looks like they’re watching you as well,” I told them from the window. They came over to the window.

 

“Two cars,” Tom noticed. “I guess the second is for you.”

 

“We’re definitely getting on this,” Eric said in a huff. “Fortunately our investigator is here.”

 

“Who is it?” I asked knowing some of the Private Investigators in Albuquerque.

 

“Desmond Soto,” Tom told me. I smiled. I knew Desmond. He had been one of A.P.D.’s* finest. *Albuquerque Police Department.

 

Desmond was medically retired after a gunfight. His left leg was nearly taken off by a shotgun wielding robber.

“He’s the best P.I. in town," I said.

 

"Thanks for the compliment,” Desmond said as he came in.

 

“So you took my advice,” I said.

 

“I did,” he said as we shook hands. “And I only take the really interesting cases.”

 

“Desmond works mainly for us,” Eric told me. “He was my training officer before becoming a detective.”

 

“But I never figured him for becoming a lawyer,” Desmond said. “Or being gay.”

 

“He kept trying to set me up with his sisters,” Eric chuckled.

 

“Hey! How was I to know?” Desmond said. “Now back to business.”

 

 “Billy can you get authorization to send us any of your body cam footage?” Tom asked.

 

"I have to call Linzie today anyway,” I told him.

 

“Are you worried about her?” Eric asked me.

 

“Not really. But Dante, yes,” I replied. “Because he worries more about me than he does himself.”

 

“I’ll give him a call,” Eric said.

 

“You don’t have to,” Dante said walking in. "I’m here.”

 

“Peter’s cooking out at the ranch Saturday,” I told them. “You are all invited. Desmond.”

 

“Well we accept,” Tom and Eric said together.

 

“Desmond?” I asked. 

 

“And don’t forget the family,” Dante added as he hugged Desmond. “Good to see you Des.”

 

I forgot that Dante could know Desmond.

 

“Peter’s the new kid at Mama’s right?” Desmond asked. “Your oldman going to be there?”

 

“Of course,” Dante told him, as they hugged again. “And I’m not going to tell the oldman you're coming.” They laughed at that.

 

Well I had to head back to the office. Of course the people from the church followed me. I resisted the urge to confront them. Especially after the police showed up. 

 

Once upstairs I sat everyone down in the conference room to talk. I layed out what had been going on this morning. I suggested Sam and Ethan get court orders as well. And advised everyone to keep their eyes open.

 

Sam told everyone how they were following him and Diane. It was bothering Diane. Jessie mentioned how they may be following him and Shaun.

 

The next few days were busy. I lectured to Prof. McChord’s class.Then that afternoon we took the kids hat shopping.

 

The girls all got matching flat crowned vaquero style hats. Each hat band though was as different as the girls. Bass and Charlie picked standard style cowboy hats in white. While Daniel chose a fawn colored hat he had styled himself. But the color match Angel’s vaquero style. 

 

Dante bought them some hat charms. Heart halves that meet and become one. One was engraved with Angel. The other Daniel.

 

Then Peter picked a hat with a rounded crown and a narrower brim. But Kevin well.

 

“Petey! That’s not a cowboy hat,” Kevin told his little brother. Dante and I both smiled.

 

“Marshal Billy, Dante,” Peter asked. “Is that true?”

 

“Well it’s not a modern cowboy hat,” I told him.

 

“See!,” Kevin said.

 

“But cowboys didn’t always wear what we would call cowboy hats,” I finished. Causing Peter to stick out his tongue at Kevin.

 

“There was an Irishman who rode for a Texas ranch who wore a bowler,” Dante told them.

 

“And I’ve heard of a Scotsman who wore a Scottish Bonnet and kilt with knee high moccasins,” I added. “He had to put sheepskin on his saddle seat.”

 

“Just look at the old pictures of cowboys on the wall,” Dante told them. Which all the kids did.

 

There were pictures of cowboys, trappers, outlaws, and even law men. Like my great great grand uncle. Then Peter found it. 

 

“OH! Look!” he roared. It was a picture of a young wrangler under 12. Though his hat was tipped back. It looked an awful lot like his. Daniel and Angel patted him on the back

 

“Well let’s saddle up,” Jean called. “Mama is holding a banquet for us.” But as we stepped outside.

 

“Ah! Marshal Hickok,” Bishop Lovejoy said pretending to be surprised. “Fancy meeting you here.”

 

“Lying is a sin,” Peter barked. “We’ve seen your people following us.” Lovejoy froze at that.

 

“I see you’ve seduced the McCall children,” Beatrice Lovejoy snapped with a frown.

 

“I would rather Billy Hickok and Dante Green influence my children, rather than you,” Ethan said as he walked up to them from behind.

 

“Hey dad,” said the McCall children. Totally ignoring the Lovejoys.

 

“Oh Reverend. I have something for you,” Ethan said handing over several folded legal briefs. “You’ve been served. Court orders not only to cease and desist. But to not approach as well."

 

“You are joking!” barked the Lovejoys. Though Beatrice was the louder. Then David looked them over. They were from Dante and me. The Greens, and Ethan and his children.

 

“Now what!” David Lovejoy roared.

 

“What about class?” Solomon Lovejoy asked after reading Dante’s and Mine. 

 

“You have to sit on the far side of any class we are in together,” Dante told him. “I had that put in for you.”

 

“Thanks guys,” Dante said.

 

“Our pleasure Dante,” said Tom said as he and Eric walked up.

 

“And Bishop we have one more for you,” Eric said handing the Bishop another court order. “This is from us and our Law Firm.”

 

“You’ve not heard the last of us!” Beatrice Lovejoy roared as her husband pulled her away.

 

“They’re not done, are they?” Dante asked me before kissing my cheek as Beatrice looked back. I felt him shutter at her glare.

 

“Those are some nice hats,” Tom said trying to change the  subject. Causing Ethan to sigh.

 

“What do I owe you Billy?” Ethan asked me.

 

“Nothing,” I smiled. “Courtesy of the U.S. Marshal’s Service Search and Rescue Posse.” 

 

“But you will have to buy them saddles,” Dante told him. “They have them picked out at the Saddlery. And they picked one for you.”

 

“I got them to set it up for payments,” I told Ethan, who was speechless.”

 

“Yeah Dad!” Katy said. “We all picked yours out.”

 

“With a little help,” Kevin added. Causing Ethan to get on one knee and hugged all three of his kids.

 

“Well I guess you guys have to have them,” Ethan said as he wiped away tears. “When do you want to get them?”

 

“They’re in the bus,” Peter told him with a big grin. “The bus is for the posse.”

 

“Bus?” Ethan  asked amazed.

 

“We got a retired school bus,” I explained. “It seems Jean can drive it.”

 

“Especially since she drove one for years,” Dante told him.

 

“I drove one til the boys started middle school,” Jean told us. “And I still have my CDL.”

 

“Now what brings you two here?” Jean asked Tom and Eric. Causing them to chuckle.

 

“What makes you think there’s more?” Eric asked with a smile.

 

“Maybe we only want to join you for supper,” Tom added, and I smiled.

 

“Well how about you do join us for supper?” Dante said. “Because I suspect you want to talk about something important.” Tom and Eric looked at each other.

 

“They are,” Peter said looking seriously at them.

 

“Peter!” Ethan said sharply.

 

“He’s right Ethan,” Eric said with a chuckle.

 

“Dante’s right,” Tom added. “He has a gift for reading people. And I hope he keeps it.”

 

“Well it looks like we’re accepting your dinner invitation,” Eric said as he patted Peter on the shoulder.

 

So we loaded up. Dante and I stopped at Mama’s to pick up the food.

 

The kids were ready and waiting to help when we got home. So we carried the food in and set it up. 

 

“Billy, Dante. Can we talk now?” Tom asked while everyone else filled their plates.

 

“Sure,” Dante said. "We have time.”

 

“Dante said it,” I said. “We have time.”

 

So we stepped out to the patio.

 

“Dante we think you’ll make a hell of an attorney after you graduate,” Eric lead off. “Tom and I have talked it over.”

 

“We want to offer you a job now to help you learn more,” Tom said.

 

Dante was stunned and didn’t say a word. But I wasn’t really. I was proud of him at that moment. So I hugged him and kissed him.

 

“Are you sure I should?” Dante asked me.

 

“Of course,” I told him. “But it’s your decision.”

 

“What would you have me doing?” Dante asked them. 

 

“Well you would be doing research for us,“ Tom told him. 

 

“Can I think about it?” Dante asked. You could see the confusion Dante was feeling.

 

 “You take all the time you need,” Eric said. “And it doesn’t have to be full time.”

 

Dante turned to see his parents. He smiled at Sam and Diane. That they had heard the  conversation was obvious by the looks of pride on their faces.

 

But I understood. So much had come into our lives in the past month. Would this take something away was the question. It was his question.

 

“Let’s go for a ride,” Dante said to me. Then he hugged his parents and me. 

 

“Okay,” was all I said.

 

 We walked down to the corral. I could see that Dante was deep in thought. So I saddle both of our horses.  Or should I say two horses. As Spot was lame from a stone bruise. So I saddled Mouse.

 

“I’m going to trade to my snake boots,” I told him. Shaking Dante out of his heavy thought.

 

“How’s Spot? Why isn’t she saddled?” Dante finally asked.

 

“Spot has a stone bruised hoof,” I told him as I put a small revolver in a holster on my boot.

 

“Can we call the vet to check it out?” he asked me.

 

“Sure,” I told him. “I’ll tell Tommy and Sebastian about it. And call the vet in the morning.”

 

“So why Mouse?” he asked with a smile.

 

“You need a horse who knows the terrain,” I told him. “Because your head isn’t into you riding. She’ll bring you home.”

 

“Now where do you want to go?” I asked as gravel crunched behind us. It was Peter.

 

“How about the new wickiup,” Dante told me. “We haven’t seen it yet.”

 

“Should we take a bedroll?” I asked getting a smile from Peter and Dante.

 

“No,” Dante said. “I just want to see it.”

 

“So where is it?” Peter asked.

 

“Remember where we had lunch the day you found the cougar track?” I asked him.

 

“It’s in the aspen grove,” Dante said as I smiled. I got him to smile as well.

 

“Aren’t you guys going to eat?” Peter asked. “Mrs. Green sent me to ask.”

 

“Not right now,” I told him. Causing Peter to look back up to the house.

 

“Can I come too?” Peter asked with those pleading eyes of his.

 

“Sure,” Dante told him. “Get saddled quickly.” Then Peter was gone with a whoop.

 

We followed him down to the other corral. Hermosa came as Peter called. In a flash he had that blanket saddle on her.

 

Dante lead off with Peter right behind him. And I was bringing up the rear. It was a beautiful afternoon as the day waned. 

 

Peter was doing what he did best. He was enjoying the ride. But I could tell he was concerned about Dante. As we neared the creek where we ate lunch. A covey of quail suddenly flew up.

 

“Dante! Watch out!” Peter yelled as the cougar jumped. Mouse reared up and I drew to fire.

 

The cougar hit Mouse at the withers. Knocking Mouse and Dante over the edge of the trail. I snapped a shot at the cougar as someone screamed.

 

“Peter! Ride back to the house for help,” I yelled as I jumped off Blue Water. Peter put  his heels to Hermosa’s ribs and was gone.

 

As I moved down the mountain. I scanned for the cougar. Which snarled at me as I got close. It was trying to drag itself off with a broken back. Another bullet quickly ended it’s suffering.

 

Then I found Dante and Mouse. Piled up like the rocks of an avalanche. I saw Mouse had two badly broken legs and Dante was unconscious. I ended Mouse’s suffering quickly with the .22 magnum revolver I was carrying.

 

Then I went to Dante. His breathing was painful as he turned black and blue. I sat down and cradled him as tears streamed down my face. Because I had been here before.

 

After an hour I heard a truck. Bob was driving with EMT’s in the back. They quickly loaded him into the truck bed. Bob and Jean held onto me. Tears still flowed down my cheeks.

 

“Billy come on,” Sam finally said as they were ready. All I could do was stand there. “Billy.”

 

“You guys go,” I said . “Bob you know how to turn on the helipad lights.”

 

“I do,” Bob said. “I’m sending the boys back for you. If they’re not on their way already.”  Then there was a rush of hooves. They were all there. Peter, Charlie, Bass, Angel, and Daniel came rushing down the slope.

 

Bob got into the truck and headed back to the house. The boys said nothing,  but walked with me back up the slope. Bass handed me my horses reins. Mounting up we headed back to the ranch.

 

As the ranch yard came into view. As we heard the helicopter roar away.

 

“Billy he needs you at the hospital,” Daniel told me.

 

“It’s scary Billy,” Angel then said. “But think how scary it will be for him if you’re not there.”

 

“Marshal Billy. We’re there for you,” Peter added tears running down his cheeks.

 

“Uncle Billy you have to go,” Bass said.

 

“We’ll take care of your horse,” Tom said walking out to meet us.

 

I hugged each and everyone of them. As I noticed Sam standing by his car. The passenger door open.