WL_54

WACO’S LUMMOX
Waddie Greywolf

Chapter 54

"Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself. For love is sufficient unto love. And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course. Love has no other desire but to fullfil itself." Love ~ from "The Prophet" by Khalil Gibran

The following Monday Angus sent Cole and Shane to do some farrier work for a member of the Grange whose ranch was outside the next small town of Digby. Angus made good money hiring out his two cowboy farrier slaves and the Grange members saved money contracting with Angus, because he charged a lower discounted rate to Grange members. They couldn’t beat Angus’ prices anywhere in the state of Texas. They worked hard all day. They had a remuda with twenty horses cut for shoeing. They no sooner got one shod than they ran another one in. They only took thirty minutes for lunch, gulped down a couple of sandwiches, some potato chips and a small bottle of milk.

Shane and Cole hardly said a word to each other all day. They didn’t have to, they knew their jobs. They knew what was expected of them and each other. They were happy and comfortable with each others company. There was an unspoken bond between them that was stronger than either man wanted to admit. It was late in the afternoon when they finished and packed up their tools. They actually finished a little early. Shane was throwing tools and stuff in the back of the old truck and slamming storage panel doors like a madman on a mission or one whose mind was totally fixed on something else. His frustration from the situation of his pending hearing was beginning to get to him and he felt like a sleeping volcano inside which was about to erupt. He mentally chewed his emotional cud all day.

The ramrod of the ranch brought Shane an envelope with a check inside for Angus. It broke his mood for just a moment as he graciously thanked the head waddie. They jumped into the rickety old truck in which they carried all their farrier tools and headed back to the Goodnight ranch. Shane wouldn't even glance over at Cole. He had his head turned away looking out his window like it was fixed in that position. About halfway back, without warning, Cole pulled the truck off into a deserted roadside park nobody used anymore since the main freeway was rerouted. He pulled way down into a grove of trees behind a cane break where they couldn’t be seen from the road.

Shane wondered what he was doing, but as usual, Cole never say a word. He trusted Cole completely. Cole pulled the truck to a stop and switched off the engine. It was only then Shane turned his head to look straight ahead, but he still wouldn't look at Cole even for an explanation. He figured if Cole wanted him to know why he pulled off the road and stopped the truck he would tell him. They sat in silence for the longest time, Cole leaning slightly forward in the seat with both arms crossed over the steering wheel looking off into the distance. Shane didn’t say a word. He wasn’t about to. A meteor could fall from the sky headed directly for the truck, and Shane wouldn’t have said anything.

“You wanna’ talk about it?” Cole asked quietly without turning to look at Shane. He was still looking straight ahead.

Shane sat for another several minutes without responding. He turned to Cole with a mean look in his eye. “Talk? We don't never talk, Cole – why break with tradition?” he asked with anger.

“We ain’t never had much to talk about before,” Cole replied quietly.

“Humph! Maybe you ain’t,” Shane said with contempt, then added, “Okay, what da’ ya’ wanna’ talk about?” Shane asked.

“What’s eat’n your heart out, Cowboy?” Cole said without looking at him.

“What makes you think...?” Shane paused, then continued, “Ah, to Hell with it! You don’t know nothing about me, Cole. You ain't got no idea where I been, who I am, what I done, and what I've become in the last five years.”

“‘At ain’t true, Odd-job. If'n you warn't lying to me, one thing I do know. I know you love me. You done told me so. That’s all I need to know,” he drawled.

“If you only knew...” Shane started to say something but trailed off. He was like a cold engine that wanted to turn over but just couldn’t find the spark. Cole knew he was going to have to prime Shane’s carburetor.

“You mad at Master Bill?” Cole asked.

“No! I ain't comfortable being around him, but I ain't mad at him,” Shane said firmly.

“You mad at Master Angus?”

“No.”

“You mad at me?”

“No, Cole, why would I be mad at you? I ain’t got nothing to be mad at you about. We ain’t exchanged more’n five words all damn day. I counted. That’s just the way you are. Nothing. It’s just the way we are. Nothing. That’s why we work well together. Ain’t nothing between us to get in the way. Nothing from nothing leaves nothing. Ain’t nothing to be mad about. Can’t be mad about nothing,” Shane spat out with even more contempt.

“This ain’t going well. I guess this once maybe I should be do’n the talking. As you know, I don’t do it much, ‘cause I ain’t very good at it, and most of the time, I ain't got a lot to say. Oh, Hell, that ain’t the truth neither. J’ever consider I ain’t got nothing to offer you, and I been afraid for years to say anything to you because of who you are? I didn't lie to you none the other day, neither, when I done told ju' I love you. I secretly loved you for ten years. Other than to offer you a help’n hand from time to time, I ain't never dared to encourage nothing between us but being work’n partners, because you was the brother of my master and the main squeeze of my ramrod. Think, Son! Think! Use that good brain of yorn for something besides a hat-rack! Look beyond the trees and see the forest. What do you think they would’ve done if they found out I was encouraging more between us than just being your work partner?”

Shane was stunned. He was dumbfounded. It was all so simple. Why the Hell didn't he considered this before? Maybe that’s what the old Judge was getting at when he asked if his master’s knew of his affection and admiration for Cole. Of course they didn’t know. Until very recently, beyond always being there when Shane most needed him, there was no relationship. Cole was right, they were just work partners, but that was enough for Shane. Why was he so upset now? It suddenly came to him like the old Judge predicted, like a bolt out of the blue. His world was in chaos and falling apart. His main supports of Angus and Bill Birdsall were pulling away from him, and he saw the end of his comfortable little world fast approaching, coming to an end more powerfully than ever. It was like an avalanche he couldn’t outrun, and he was about to panic. He felt abandoned. Cole was the only modicum of support he had, but he desperately needed more. He wanted to reach out to Cole like a doomed man on a sinking ship looks for anything that will float.

“No, Cole, you're right, I ain’t never considered it. Don't know why. Jes' stupid, I guess. You were just always there for me like the dad I ain't never had, but I always knew you loved me. I just took your silent steady love for granted. I ain't never lied to you, neither, Cole, and I never will. What makes you think I’m mad about something?” Shane asked without anger.

“I don’t need no words to tell me when my work partner of damn near ten years is hurt’n inside. It’s like you read’n them ponies. I know I don’t say much, but right now I got me some'um to talk about. In five days y’ain’t gonna’ be my work partner, or my cowboy slave brother no more. Do you still love me?” Cole finally turned his head to look Shane in the eye.

“Of course I do. You know I do. With all my heart, Cole. I ain't never lied to you. I love you so goddamn much it aches in ma' gut sometimes. Fuck it, I done loved you as faithfully as an old hound dog for years,” Shane said as his eyes got watery.

“I know you have," Cole turned his head back to look forward again, "You never know’d it, but sometimes your love was the only thing what kept me going for the last ten years. Just waking up in the morning knowing you’re in my world, I’m gonna’ get to see you, be with you again, and work with you was enough to make me smile and make my heart start pumping a little harder to get me going in the mornings. Today’s gone, but in four days I’m gonna’ lose the cowboy what my heart most takes pleasure in. I guess I withdrew into myself more’n I should have lately, because I didn’t want you to see the depth of my despair. I been selfish, Son, but my greater love for you won out. I want you to go. That’s why I done told you what I did the other day. I want you to spread your wings and fly away. I done tried to think of a present to git you to celebrate you becoming a freeman again, but I couldn’t come up with nothing,” Cole said.

“Cole, I’m a slave. I don’t need no present...”

“Hesh up, Boy!” Cole interrupted. He leaned back in the seat, reached down, undid his big rodeo belt buckle, unzipped his Wranglers, put his thumbs in each side of the waist, raised his butt up off the seat a skosh, shoved his Wranglers down over his knees to his boot tops exposing his handsome cock and balls. Cole hefted them in his big calloused hand like he was showing them off or presenting them for a short-arm inspection. “I know'd it ain’t much, but I know it’s some'um you been want’n for a while now. It’s all I got to offer a cowboy slave brother what loves me, but make no mistake, I wouldn’t be offering it if I didn’t love him, too. I hope it’s the right size and color. I tried to think of a way to gift wrap it, but I couldn’t come up with nothing.” Cole grinned real big.

“You know what your problem is, Cole?” Shane asked and grinned.

“What?”

“You talk too Goddamn much,” Shane said as his tongue took its first long slather on Cole’s hot and sweaty cowboy balls. Every taste of Cole was better than the last. It only got better from there. Cole’s cowboy cream was the stuff of Shane’s dreams. It was for him like sweet ambrosia; nectar from his personal god who became the Earth father he never had.

* * * * * * *
Shane finished cleaning his partner and helped him pull up his pants. After several more kisses to the head of Cole’s handsome penis, Shane gently returned it to his Wranglers. Cole buckled his belt and zipped his fly. Shane sat up in the seat. Their silence surrounded them again like a dark heavy pall. They sat for a good while listening to the cicadas call from tree to tree in the sweltering late afternoon heat.

“Now will you tell me?” Cole tried again.

“I don’t wanna’ leave you. I don’t wanna' go off on my own without you, Cole. I don’t think I got the courage to do it by myself,” Shane laid it out for him.

“Of course you do. I have faith in you, Little Brother," Cole said.

They sat in silence for another good while. Cole could almost hear the gears shifting in Shane's brain or perhaps it was his back teeth grinding together. He couldn't be sure. “I’m gonna’ ask you three questions, and all I ask is an honest, straight-forward answer, ‘yes’ or ‘no.’” Shane put to him.

“Okay, shoot, Cowboy,” Cole said with some relief.

“If you could be my slave would you want to be?” Shane asked each question slowly so there was no misunderstanding.

“Yes,” Cole replied immediately.

“If you could do things over again would you have chosen your freedom when it was offered?” Shane asked.

Cole shot a look at him that asked where he heard that, and then remembered Shane spent a day with the old Judge. “Yes,” he replied; a bit slower to respond.

“If you could be a freeman tomorrow would you still love me and be my partner?” Shane asked.

“Yes,” Cole replied and crossed his arms on the steering wheel. They sat for another while in silence. Finally Cole spoke, “You wanna’ tell me why you asked me them questions?” he asked.

“Nope," Shane replied without nuance looking straight ahead.

Cole grinned and shook his head like he couldn’t understand Shane. They sat for a while longer enjoying the afterglow of their coupling.

“Thanks for my present, Cole,” Shane broke the silence, “how did you know it was just what I needed? The size and color were perfect. The lace curtains were a nice homey touch. All in all, I thought it was a very tasteful and thoughtful gift. It even came in a unique package. After all, nothing says ‘cowboy’ quite like a tasty treat packed tightly inside a pair of Wranglers,” Shane said, looked at him, and smiled wickedly.

“You ready to get back, Odd-job?” Cole grinned.

“No. I’d like to sit here with you for the rest of the evening, watch the sun go down, maybe hold your hand, and listen to the turtle doves, prairie chickens, and whippoorwills call to one another,” Shane said softly.

“That would be mighty nice, but us slaves can’t afford the luxury of whimsy,” Cole sighed as he turned the key to start the ignition. “You have a romantic side to your nature I always admired,” Cole smiled at Shane.

“So do you, Cole. You just don’t choose to exercise it very often. Of course, when have you had a chance other than today?” Shane asked.

“You’re right, Son. It’s gonna’ rip my frick'n heart out to see you go,” Cole slammed his open hand against the steering wheel in an unusual outburst of anger, “but I love you so gotdamn much if I thought for one minute you entertained an idea to stay a slave because of me, I don’t think I could go on another day. It would be the end of me. I want you to go and start your life as a freeman and never look back.”

“What if I could take you with me, Cole? There’s things you don’t know about me. Things I can't tell you about right now because I'm a slave and been sworn to secrecy. Ain’t chu’ never wondered or been curious about where I go sometimes with my brother or when he loans me out to Master Charlie and Ramrod Long? Especially when I’m gone for a week or two at a time?” Shane asked.

“I’ve heard me some rumors. All us cowboys have, but they's jes' too fantastical to be believed. Where you go and what you do ain’t none of my business. I miss you when you’re gone, but I’m always happy to see you return. I have faith you’ll come back each time you go. Do you need me to tell you again? I know all I need to know about you. I know you love me and you know I love you,” Cole said and smiled.

“Is life really that simple for you, Cole?” Shane challenged him.

“I wish it could be. I want it to be, but I ain't fool'n myself none, I know it rarely is. Do you really need to know more about me than I love you?” Cole asked.

“Yes. I need to know, if I lead will you follow?” Shane asked bluntly.

“There’s an old story in the bible about Ruth and Naomi. I learned me them words by heart, ‘cause I thought they's so beautiful: ‘Entreat me not to leave thee, or return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so unto me, and more also, if aught but death part thee and me." Cole said.

“Would you be fearful to throw your lot in with me?” Shane asked.

“No, not at all. It’s true, I don’t know ever’ detail about you, but I know you’re a special young man what’s been put here for a purpose greater than himself. Ain’t never seen me no man what could calm a scared or frightened pony the way you can. I could swear sometimes you can talk with them critters. I know you weren’t meant to spend your life as a slave. You been burnished by the fires of submission and come out the other side a humble, intuitive, compassionate, considerate, highly intelligent young man. What you learned and experienced in the last ten years has given you a strength of purpose no man can ever take away from you. Would I follow a man like that?” Cole paused for a moment for effect, looked over at Shane and grinned, “Bet chore’ sweet cowboy ass I would, in a cow-town minute," he said, grinned real big, and flicked his head in a way that said he was serious.

* * * * * * *
When the men returned to the Goodnight ranch, Shane took the pay envelope with a check inside into Angus’ office to drop it off. Angus was sitting behind his desk doing some paperwork when Shane walked in and laid the envelope on his desk.

“You men finish?" Angus asked.

“Yes, sir. They wanted twenty shod. We each did ten," Shane replied.

“Damn, you men work fast. Most farriers couldn’t get that many done in a day,” Angus said as a compliment.

“When you work with Cole, you don’t stand around and jaw, Master,” Shane said, rolled his eyes, and grinned. Angus got Shane’s meaning and laughed.

“No, I know how Cole can be,” Angus said, grinned, and raised his hand in agreement, “Oh, by the way, Judge Potter called. He asked if you’d be available for tomorrow. I told him you would. I can’t take you over, I gotta’ be here all day. Since you men are through with that job and we ain’t got another scheduled ‘til next week, take the old truck. If you’re gonna’ be late git’n back just gimme’ a call. I’ll have some supper put aside for you,” Angus said.

“Yes, sir. I’d enjoy another day with the Judge,” Shane said.

“You made quite an impression on him the other day. He’s convinced you can walk on water,” Angus joked.

Shane just grinned. “I like the old man,” he said.

“Good, I like him, too. Is ever’ thing okay between you and our ramrod?” Angus asked like he already knew the answer. Shane froze but didn’t respond. Instead he just shrugged his shoulders and sort of grimaced. He had his own small room next to Master Bill’s master bedroom in his house, but Bill hadn’t said two words to him in the last month. Shane would come in, ask if he could do anything for him, Birdsall would grunt at him and just say ‘no’ then tell Shane to go to his room. Shane would dutifully go to his room, close the door and be very quiet staring at the walls and ceiling or read a book until he got sleepy and went to bed. Angus took Shane’s silence to indicate it was a difficult situation. “I was afraid of that. He ain’t adjusting well to the idea of you leaving. Tell you what, gather up your things and move in with Cole for the rest of the week. He’s got an empty bunk in his room in the slave quarters.”

“Thanks, Master. I appreciate it. It might be a little more comfortable for Master Bill with me gone.” Shane didn’t say more.

“Oh, yes, and one more thing – I know I been kinda standoffish the last couple of weeks myself, and I ain’t availed myself of your services, but it ain’t because of you. Y'ain’t done a damn thing wrong. Truth is, I’m having a hard time adjusting, too, but I’m gonna’ change that. I made arrangements for you and me to stay at the lodge on Mars Wednesday night. So be ready, I’ll come get you early in the afternoon. We’ll gate from here to the ‘Snatch.’”

“Sounds good to me, Master. It’s been a while. I could use me some master cock. I’ll be looking forward to it,” Shane said.

“Me, too, Son, and I’m sorry, Shane. I promise, I’ll make up for my stupidity.”

“You always do, sir. No hard feelings, Master.”

Shane turned and walked away. His heart was full with some small hope there just might be a chance for the plan he was formulating in his mind to work. Master Bill wasn’t home when Shane arrived. He didn’t bother to shower in Bill’s house. He threw his personal articles, clothes, and his best pair of boots in a couple of bags and headed for the slave quarters. He knocked lightly on the door to Cole’s room. Cole answered the door in the nude. Shane was standing with a bag in both hands looking like a lost puppy searching for a warm lap and a saucer of milk.

“Master Angus told me to bunk it in with you ‘til the end of the week,” he said.

“Come in, Son. Come on in. Glad to have you. That bunk over there is vacant. Stow your things in that closet. Ain’t nothing in it. Things bad at Master Bill’s?” Cole asked.

“Quiet. Very quiet, but not you and me kind of quiet,” Shane said and grinned.

“I understand,” Cole said, “It will be nice to have you around for a while. It’ll gimme’ somebody not to talk to,” Cole said and laughed openly at his joke.

“Thanks, Cole, I was a bit worried you might think...”

“You arranged it? Nonsense. Wouldn't care if you did. We all know how Master Bill’s been the past several weeks. He’s miserable so he thinks ever’body else should be, too. Y'ain’t the only one what’s suffered from his quiet snits.”

“Quiet snits? I love that. That’s too funny.” Shane started laughing and couldn’t stop. It was a cathartic explosion and a release of pent-up tensions and emotions. He started Cole laughing. Then, the strangest thing happened. Shane doubled over in heart wrenching sobs and fell on the unmade bunk to cry.

Cole went to him and gathered him in his arms. “Let it out, Son. If the man really loved you, he would be happy for you like I am,” Cole said.

Shane slowly recovered and suddenly realized Cole was holding him naked. He pulled away. “I’m sorry, Cole. I don’t know what come over me. It’s just such a relief being out of there. The last couple of months has been nothing but tension. I been walking on eggshells so’s not to irritate him.”

“It’s all right. If we’re gonna’ be bunk mates you gotta’ get used to me being naked. I rarely wear clothes when I’m here in the room,” he said.

“Can I go native, too?” Shane asked like a kid.

“Sure you can. I certainly won’t have me no problem looking at yore’ handsome body.”

Shane cleaned up and had supper with his cowboy slave brothers. They were a mixed group of men. Most were good men who made mistakes and ended up as slaves. They seemed to enjoy having Shane with them. They knew what was going on. When one slave suffered, if he was a brother, they suffered with him. One big man, named Phil Pie, who everyone loved, but could sometimes be crude and somewhat boisterous, called to him across the table. “Ah, if it ain’t my sweet-meat baby-buckaroo Shane. Welcome to the world of the common cowboy-slave, Little Brother. My how the mighty have fallen,” he bellowed, winked at Shane, and roared with laughter.

“You’re so right, Poppa Pie,” Shane replied, “There ain't no pariah like a short time slave,” Shane agreed. The other slaves laughed at Shane’s retort and patted him on the back. They knew what he was going through with their ramrod.

“Just don’t never forget those what still love you, Boy,” Phil said more quietly.

“I promise, I will never forget you or your love, Phil,” Shane said. There was an awkward poignant feeling that surrounded the room.

“To Shane!” Phil lifted his cup and motioned for the others to join him in a toast. They all raised their cups. “May he find all the happiness his heart can hold and never wear the yoke of submission again.”

“Hear, hear!” they agreed, clinked cups, and drank.

“Thanks men,” Shane said and the conversation was changed. After supper Shane left to return to Angus’ office. He was still there.

“Sorry to bother you, Master Angus, do I need to call Master Potter, or did he say what time for me to be there?" Shane asked.

“I’m sorry, Son, my brain ain’t work’n right today. I got too many damn things going on, and I ain’t git’n a lot of help from my partner. He’s gone missing now for two days and nobody seems to know where he went. Did he say anything to you?” Angus asked.

“Naw, sir. He ain’t said nothing to me in two weeks other than ‘go to your room,’” Shane replied without nuance.

“Judge Potter said for you not to eat breakfast. You'll have breakfast with him. He wants you there by seven, so if you leave here around six you should be there on time. He said wear work clothes and said something about bringing some tools to work on his dessert machine? He said you’d know what he's talk’n about,” Angus said seriously. It was all Shane could do to keep from dropping to the floor and howling with laughter. He had to bite his tongue, and look away from the puzzled look on his brother's face.

“Uh, yes, sir. I know'd what he be talk'n 'bout. I worked on it for a few minutes while I's there. I’ll take what I need to finish the job," Shane assured him.

“Good, good! You comfortable for the night?” Angus asked.

“Yes, sir, and thanks again. I appreciate it. I just may git me some sleep tonight,” Shane replied.

“Well, ain’t no need for you to be punished for some'um you didn’t do. Come here, Boy!” Angus stood and opened his big arms. Shane almost leaped into them. He broke down again, but Angus held him tight. When he got himself together Angus found his mouth and began to kiss him gently and then proceeded to a full blown passionate kiss. Shane responded to his big brother in kind. It was the first such kiss Shane got from Angus in a long time. Angus broke it off and held his little brother tightly. “I love you, Shane, and I’m proud of you for making it through. I’ll make sure you get a good start. You won’t be leaving my nest empty handed. I’m looking forward to Wednesday afternoon and evening.”

“Me, too, Master. You can’t know how much I love and appreciate you, Master Angus. I won’t never forget all you done for me.”

* * * * * * *
Shane returned to the slave quarters and to his new room. Cole was already in the buff lying on his bunk reading a Western novel. He was wearing a funny looking pair of cheap, Dollar General, half-rim glasses that made him look like a college professor. Shane smiled to think how out of character it made his ultimate cowboy hunk appear. Shane wasted no time taking off his clothes. He pulled his boots back on to walk around in. He put his things away in the closet and filled an empty dresser on his side of the room. He made his bunk and folded his blanket neatly at the bottom. He brought his own pillow from his other bed. He wound his alarm clock and set it for five o’clock. He figured an hour to get ready, have a quick cup of coffee in the bunkhouse, and be on the road would put him at the Potter ranch on time.

“Master give you something to do tomorrow?” Cole asked.

“Yes, sir, I gotta' go back over to the Potter ranch. Last time I was there, after I split a cord of firewood for him, I got involved with his ponies. One was lame from an overgrown hoof. The others jaw was swollen and tender. Pulled an abscessed tooth out of the old horse and had to shoe them both. The lame one’s hoof lost its shoe and grow’d so long it was splitting and rubbing his flesh. He had a couple other small projects we didn’t get to, and I promised I’d come back over to help him. He called Master Angus today, and they set it up for me to go over there tomorrow morning. Master told me to take the farrier truck. Is there anything in there you need?”

“Naw, I can’t think a’ nothing. Ain’t gonna’ be do’n no farrier work tomorrow no ways. Probably be riding fence all day. Don’t know. I hear tell ain't nobody heard from our ramrod in a couple of days. If we don’t hear something by tomorrow morning, I’ll go knock on Master Angus’ office and get work assignments from him. You didn’t take the farrier truck last time, did you?” Cole asked.

“Naw, sir. Master Angus done drove me over. I found some tools in the old man’s work shed. Said his boy was a farrier. Said he apprenticed under you for a while,” Shane said.

“Damn, I didn't connected the two. Of course, I remember now. He was just a kid, Billy Dean Potter. I remember him well. Fast learner and a good worker. He gimme’ a run for my money for a while. I was sad when I heard he got drafted and killed in one a’ them wars in the middle East.”

Shane was bending over fixing his bed and Cole got a straight shot at his asshole. He stared at it in wonder. Being a straight man by original orientation, he wondered how a man’s ass could appear so beautiful to him? It was perfectly formed and looked like the bud of a small, tight flower. He wondered if the image might have been the original Rose of Sharon from King Solomon’s ‘Song of Songs.’ He didn’t care. It would become his Rose of Sharon for his moment of free association. Brain farts, he called them. His mental meanderings were his only freedom sometimes and made the endless hours of hard work and countless days of drudgery pass quickly. Was it the portent of an omen? What strange voice in his head came to him to suggest such a thing?

What? Was he going crazy? Was it a vision of his future? The voice assured him it was so. ‘Look upon its beauty and weep. Yea, weep. It’s enough to make the stoutest of strong-hearted men bite his knuckles and sob into his beer. Set it as a bond upon your heart and a seal upon your strong right arm. Humble yourself before it. Love and protect it with all your might. It shall bear your children,’ It said. Cole shook his head in disbelief. He wouldn't believe his ears, but he couldn't deny his eyes. Shane’s hole suddenly looked like a sacred object to him. It was like he was seeing through someone else’s eyes. Cole felt like some religious junkie who could imagine the virgin Mary in everything he saw. Was a holy icon ever discovered in a cow pie, he wondered?

There, before him, he could envision a bright pure light shining forth from within to secure the way to the final resting place every true warrior of the holy grail dreamed about. A shrine to which he would gladly pay homage to gain its blessing and a promise of entrance into the sweet comfort of its heavenly kingdom with only one complete thrust of his powerfully erect male genitalia. On the more mundane side, he could swear it was winking at him or at the very least blowing him a kiss.

Cole’s body reacted like the base animal his mind strove mightily to overcome with thoughts of the esoterically sublime. Aves for naught, plainchant for many, he immediately started to get an erection. He reached for his blanket to hide his honor and his shame, but Shane turned too quickly and caught him. It was too late to insert the key to the confessional, he was busted. There was no water so sacred a complete immersion could absolve him. It only made the egg on his handsome buckaroo face run faster.

“It’s yours any time you want it, Cowboy, but if you love me, you have to kiss it first,” Shane said and grinned wickedly.

“I’d do more’n kiss it, Odd-job,” Cole grinned back, “But not tonight, I got other things in mind. Lock the door, hit the light, and git chore’ sweet young ass over here,” he demanded like a stern parent.

Shane did as ordered. As soon as he hit the light a small lamp with a tiny bulb lit on Cole’s dresser. Shane walked over to Cole’s bunk where he was sitting. Without warning Cole engulfed Shane’s cock and took it deep into his throat. Shane was so surprised his eyes started watering. Cole was no amateur to cock sucking. He sucked Shane off like he did everything else in life; if it was a job worth doing, it was worth doing well, and if that job should just happen to be with the one Cole loved, then there was nothing too good for the job. No personal expense would be spared.

Cole had Shane crying for release after about fifteen minutes, but he taunted the young man time and again until Shane threatened to do the same to him when it was his turn. When Shane blew, Cole growled deep in his throat like a big Grizzly bear and the vibration made Shane shoot several more unexpected volleys. His mind was racing and he couldn’t think of very many who reciprocated sex with him. The Admiral offered, but Shane shot his load while Lazarus was fucking him. Lazarus was good, very good. His nephew, Waco, was the last person he could remember to suck him off. Cole drained him. Shane was exhausted.

“You didn’t have to do that, Cole. I would’ve been happy to be your...”

“My what? My cowboy concubine? No thanks. Besides, I wanted to see what I might be up against if I become your slave. No offense, but it was just like sucking Master Angus’ cock only you's a mite more toothsome,” he said.

“It ain’t gonna’ be that way between us, Cole,” Shane said trying to reassure him.

“I never though it might, Son. I was totally straight when I became a slave but Master Bill and Master Angus worked with me until I come to enjoy male sex as much as with a women. Good thing. I ain’t never been with a woman since my wife. Ain’t likely to neither. I don’t think much about either these days. It takes someone I really care about to move me to do what I just done. Rather than waste a lot of words, I just thought I’d show you. I guess it's true...actions speak louder than words,” Cole said.

“Are you still required to service our masters?” Shane asked.

“Yeah, about once't a month, I go up and offer myself. They don’t fuck me, but once in a great while Master Angus will let me suck him off. I ain’t done nothing with Master Bill since you came. Just as well. I never enjoyed it with him no how, and he knows it, too.”

“I love you, Cole,” Shane said softly.

“I love you, too, Odd-job. Now let’s git to bed. Morning comes early, and at my age, I needs me beauty sleep,” Cole declared.

“Damn, you should a’ been in bed hours ago,” Shane replied and grinned.

“That’s one, Odd-job,” Cole mimed licking an imaginary pencil and placing a mark in an imaginary book.

* * * * * * *
Shane’s alarm went off; both men got out of bed and headed for the showers. They were only half awake as they did their morning ablutions and were eventually joined by other cowboy slaves. Shane enjoyed the bunkhouse atmosphere. Everyone was relaxed and not the least shy about being in the raw around each other. He wondered what he missed by living with Bill Birdsall these last ten years. He could remember long periods of time when Bill would be mad at him for the least little thing and banish him to his room for weeks at a time. Finally, he would come around and allow Shane back into his good graces again; he would allow Shane to start servicing him once more.

Shane came to believe that’s all there was to his relationship with Master Bill. He never really cared much about Shane as a person. He never tried to get to know the young man. He cared a lot about Shane for his body. Many times he would service Master Bill, and he would send him off to his room immediately afterward. In ten years he never once reciprocated. Shane wasn’t even allowed to come when Master Bill was fucking him. For all his liberal slave policies, practices, and teachings, there was precious little personal humanity in Bill Birdsall. Before they left the room for coffee, Cole grabbed Shane and kissed him passionately. “I been want’n to do that for ten fuck’n years,” Cole said.

“I never dreamed I would ever get a kiss from you,” Shane said.

“Well, we got four days left. Let’s make the best of it. I’ll be think’n ‘bout you all day, Cowboy.”

Shane got an erection from Cole’s words. It was a side of his mentor he never saw before. It was like a dream come true. They sat and slowly drank their coffee together in quiet mode. Shane thought it was the perfect cover for them. Then he thought, it had always been the perfect cover for them. No one could claim to have overheard Cole or Shane discuss anything out of the mundane. Shane got up to leave and Cole winked at him. “Have a good day, Odd-job,” he said.

“I will, Pa,” Shane said quietly. Cole smiled.

* * * * * * *
The lights were on in the Potter kitchen as Shane parked the old truck and ran to the backdoor, up the steps, and knocked gently. “Come in, Son! Come on in," the old Judge hollered at him. Shane entered and walked into the kitchen with his hat in his hand. Shane started to drop to his knees to pay homage to his boots, but the old man grabbed him in mid air and gave him a hug instead. “I ain’t one for formalities, Boy, I done told you that,” he laughed nervously, “besides, when it’s just us, who gives a damn. Y’ain’t got that long to go no ways,” he added, heavy on the cowboy lingo.

His housekeeper came into the room, and Potter introduced her. She was finishing up breakfast for the two of them. Potter told Shane to sit down, and they ate a big country breakfast together. Mrs. Huggins must have been there very early because she spoke of lunch in the fridge and instructed them to leave the dishes in the sink for tomorrow. Just be sure and rinse them. She bid farewell and departed.

“What chu' been up to, Boy?” Potter asked.

Shane told him of recent developments and his coupling with Cole. The old man was thrilled to hear it. He went on and on about what a good man he thought Cole Jenkins was. He wanted to know if Shane talked with any more folks. Shane told him about having supper with Ramrod Long and him telling Shane he would buy him anything he wanted for a present to celebrate his freedom. He told the Judge about his plan to ask his brother for the old farrier truck and one slave.

“Do I have to guess who the slave might be, Son?” the old man asked with a kenning grin.

“Naw, sir. You already know, but Cole is one of my brother’s best slaves,” Shane said.

“That’s right, but if he’s a smart man, he'll want to be sure his investment of ten years for his younger brother pays off. What better way to hedge his options or create an insurance policy you won’t revert to your previous ways by having the stabilizing influence of a rock solid slave like Cole Jenkins to keep you in line; and slave or no, Cole Jenkins is the man for the job. It’s brilliant, Boy. It's a damn good workable plan. I only hope Angus can see it,” Potter said.

“We’re getting away together on a small trip Wednesday evening," Shane said, "We’re going to a wild animal lodge we know about to spend the night. It’s a wonderful place. I promise to take you there after your retirement as a celebration.”

They finished eating and Shane cleared the table. He didn’t just rinse the dishes. He washed, dried them, and put them away while he and Potter jawed. Shane felt so much more free around the old man. The old Judge felt like his grandfather, and Shane was really enjoying their time together.

“You were right about Cole being guarded, sir. I wonder about myself sometimes. How I can see some things clearly and others I’m hopelessly naive about. He made me feel so stupid. He pointed out to me what might happen if he tried to have a relationship with me. Me, being the brother of Cole’s master, and the slave concubine of his ramrod made me politically off limits, a hot property. That’s why you asked if they knew about my feelings for Cole, ain’t it?”

“Exactly. Don’t worry none about your naivete. It’s something we all have to learn to live with. Believe it or not, after all these years, I’m still naive about a lot of things. I should have spelled it out for you. I thought you understood, but I’m glad Cole pointed it out. Slaves have to be careful how they play the game. I try to be an informed Judge and read account after account of slave’s lives, and you would be surprised some of the horrible situations slaves find themselves in. Cole, being a slave for life has to be even more guarded. I still don’t think it would be wise to put all your cards on the table with Angus. The less he knows about how you and Cole feel about each other the better. Try to approach it from a strictly business angle with him. Angus is a sucker for a good deal,” he said. The men shared a laugh, “I just wish there was some way I could help convince Angus of the merits of your plan. Two of the best farriers in the area could make a comfortable living. I know you and Cole have been, excuse the expression, cash-cows for Angus for your farrier work.”

“Maybe if you put in a call to my Uncle Charlie and spoke with him and Ramrod Long might help, sir. Master Angus listens to them. He also listens to my nephew, Master Waco. He would do anything for him.”

“I could do that tomorrow while you and Angus are away,” Potter plotted, “Maybe you could speak with your nephew.”

* * * * * * *
The Judge took Shane out to show him the improvement of the horses. They saw Shane and Potter from the high ridge that overlooked the other meadow and started in a trot toward him. They seemed to have regained a lot of their verve for life. They came up to Shane and were all over him like a long lost relation. Shane stopped along the way and grabbed two ripe apples from a tree in his brother’s orchard. He was holding them in a paper bag. They wanted to know what he had in the bag? Was it for them? He laughed and told them it was a treat for both of them. He took the apples out and gave them to the ponies. They were pleased. Potter was wowed and laughed. Shane was talking with them, and they looked like they were listening and understanding every word.

“They tell me you’ve been talking with them, they appreciate you coming to visit and checking on them more often,” Shane said.

“I have, I been checking on them daily,” Potter replied.

“They say you’ve been talking about starting up the ranch again. They want me to thank Jack and Jill for them. They would like just a bit more oats with their evening meal, and would you, please, let Shane come over more often to curry them?” Shane smiled.

“I believe you. What else did they tell you?” Potter inquired.

“They say you got some wonderful things to tell me. They said they would let you tell me,” Shane said.

“Smart ponies,” laughed Potter as he reached to pat them, “Come, I have some things to show you and ask your opinion about.”

Shane noticed several other buildings on the property when he was there the last time, but since they were a good way from the main house he thought they could be on another piece of property. Potter led him to a small, two story house that seemed in good condition. It needed a paint job and some minor repairs, but it looked livable. They walked up the front steps onto the porch, and Potter reached over the door frame to retrieve a key. He unlocked the door, and they walked in. The interior was amazing. It was in mint condition, and looked like a lot of love and fine workmanship went into its building. It was fully furnished but had old sheets and painter’s drop cloths over everything to protect it. Off to the right, was a small sitting room and to the left was a large family room with a huge fireplace. The two sections were divided by a hallway and staircase that went to the second story. The hallway went to a huge country kitchen and screened back porch. Upstairs were four bedrooms and two baths. Everything worked. It was amazing.

“I thought this was on a separate property, Master Potter,” Shane said.

“No, it’s part of the ranch. It’s the ranch foreman’s house. See down there in the valley...” Potter pulled back a curtain from the upstairs’ bedroom window to show Shane, “that’s the slave quarters and bunkhouse.”

Shane looked out at a rambling two winged bunkhouse. It was a large building. It was bigger than the slave quarters on either Angus or Charlie’s ranches. It soon wouldn’t be because the Stamper boys under Blake Tindell were building new quarters for Charlie’s men and Angus already had plans drawn up for two new buildings. He was on their waiting list. Nevertheless, it was ample room for enough cowboy slaves to run Potter’s ranch quite well.

Potter seemed in no hurry to get to work and Shane felt he probably just wanted his company for the day. He was right, but they did get a few things done. They walked to the bunk house/slave quarters and made a quick tour. Shane was impressed. It was solidly built, rugged, and really caught the feeling of the old West. There were two wings with twenty, two man rooms to each wing. They weren’t small rooms either. They were ten by twenty, but there were four rooms, two on either wing next to the main rooms that were larger with their own separate bath facilities. Potter explained they were for lead cowboy slaves who deserved a little more privacy and comfort.

“Why do I get the feeling you showing me all this is leading up to something, Master?” Shane asked with a smile.

“Did them ponies tell you?” Potter asked with a grin.

“Naw, sir, they were firm. The wanted it to come from you,” Shane said.

“Good, then I can trust them,” Potter replied.

“Sometimes, Master... depends on the pony. Like humans, some ponies are notorious gossips,” Shane said and winked at him. The men shared a laugh.

“I’ve become quite fond of you, Shane, and one of the main reasons is you make me laugh and see the humor in things. I can’t tell you how encouraged I was after your last visit. I hope I wasn’t too forward asking to see you again so soon,” Potter said like a school boy with a new friend.

“If you hadn’t called I was gonna’ ask permission to call you. I damn near had me a heart attack when my master told me your message about yore’ dessert machine," Shane said and laughed, “I almost had apoplexy. I had to bite my tongue to keep from falling to the floor with laughter.” Shane poured on the cowboy bullshit and had the old man gasping for breath from laughing. “You’ll be happy to know I brought the appropriate tools and plan to work on it for you this afternoon. I’m sure I can fine-tune yore' handsome machine and have it running like new. I can’t wait to taste a new, fresh batch of cowboy cream,” Shane said.

Potter was holding on to Shane’s arm he was laughing so hard. “That ain’t the only reason I asked for you today,” he managed to get out.

“I know it ain’t, Master. I’s just playing witch-ya. I certainly hope it was one of the reasons. I would cry all the way home if you didn’t feed yore’ faithful slave some dessert before he left. Why, I would be crying so hard I might not be able to drive and have an accident. You wouldn’t want that on yore’ conscience, would you, sir?” Shane winked and grinned at him.

Potter roared with laughter. “You have the Goodnight gift of flattery and bullshit, Boy. You truly are yore’ daddy’s son,” Potter declared.

The old man’s innocent remark threw a shroud over Shane. “That’s part a' why I spent ten years as a slave, Master Potter. I never knew my daddy,” Shane said remorsefully.

“Of course, you’re right. I remember now. I’m sorry, Son, that was an insensitive statement. I humbly apologize. I’m a forgetful, foolish old man,” he said.

Shane recovered quickly. “The Hell you say, Master,” he smiled, “With greatest respect, sir, you’re sharper than many I know half your age. Y’ain’t no fool neither, and have you so quickly forgotten our conversation about naivete?” Shane sounded like a well trained lawyer.

“Not at all, I see your point. Well taken, Son,” Potter replied and just looked at Shane for a moment in admiration.

“Beside, the more I fine tune your dessert machine the younger yore’ gonna’ get. I won’t stop, neither, until you’re half your current age, trust me,” he said

Potter smiled at him and shook his head. “You know I trust you, but I also know you’re a cowboy at heart with all it implies,” he smiled.

“This cowboy ain’t no quart low, Master. What I tell you ain’t no bullshit,” Shane said sincerely.

“Shane, you have a home here to come to after Friday if you want it. The foreman’s house is yours for the taking. Come live here with me. Run my ranch for us. Live free here for your help and when we get the ranch going we’ll work out a contract between us. If you can talk Angus into letting you have Cole for your slave, bring him along. He’s welcome here, too. You men can live here for free for what help you give me and do your farrier work to get on your feet.”

Shane sat down on the long porch of the bunkhouse, placed his head in his hands, and started weeping. The old man sat next to him and placed his arm around him. “I’m sorry, Son. I didn’t mean to blurt it all out and upset you. I know you’re going though a rough adjustment period. I just wanted to make it a little easier on you,” he said.

“No, no, Master Potter. I ain’t crying ‘cause I’m upset. I’m crying out of joy and happiness. Men do that, you know?” he asked and smiled at Potter through his tears, “I didn’t know what I’s gonna’ do. Here it is, only three more days after today, nobody’s sit down with me and give me much solid advice but you and Cole. I planned to ask you before I left today if’n I could come stay in your bunkhouse and be a factotum for you ‘til I can get on my feet; also to bring ma’ dad Cole with me if Master Angus will let him go. I was think’n on asking Ramrod Long to buy him for me as the present he wanted to give me, but I had second thoughts, because it might cause hard feelings. Now, here you are offering me some'um far more wonderful than I might have imagined for myself. Don’t you think I deserve a couple of tears, sir?” Shane smiled at him.

“As always, you make your point well, Son. I can’t argue with that. So is that a ‘yes’? Do we have a plan?” Potter asked.

“Of course we have a plan, Master. I’m so humbled and honored you think enough of me to make such an offer. We can only try, but I have good feelings about it. Tell me one thing, sir. Is this your idea or have you been influenced by voices in your head or vivid dreams about this in your sleep?” Shane asked.

The old man looked at Shane with a look of surprise and almost horror. He shivered like a cold chill ran up his spine. He got a grimace on his face like a kid who got a brain freeze from eating something cold too fast. “How could you know that? You can’t get into my head, can you?” he asked astounded.

“Naw, sir. I could, but I wouldn’t. It ain’t ethical. All men, even slaves, deserve the privacy of their own thoughts. Animals can block you when they don’t want you listening. I can block anyone I don’t want listening to my thoughts,” Shane said.

“You’re serious about all this. This ain’t just some trick with you. It ain’t no cowboy palaver,” Potter said.

“Dead serious, Master,” Shane replied.

“From where did my dreams come, Son? The dreams I saw of you and Cole living here – happy together, him calling you ‘Odd-job’ – sitting around my table enjoying each others company, talking about business, whether or not to buy a prize bull, a certain slave for sale, buying the next property over to expand our operations. Where did all that come from?” Potter asked in wonder.

“Ain’t sure, Master, but I got my suspicions,” Shane said.

“Are they false pictures, Son?” he asked.

Shane looked at him, smiled gently and shook his head ‘no.’ “They’re very real. 'Odd-job' is ma’ pa’s favorite nickname for me. Like Joseph interpreted the Pharaoh's dreams, your dreams let you see a glimpse of the future. It's good to know, so's we can count on me git’n my beloved dad for my slave if'n I can manage to talk Master Angus into letting go of him. Tell me, was Cole my slave and how old were you in your dream?" Shane asked.

“Cole was definitely your slave. The only way Angus would release him to you was for you to sign a personal contract with him you would not grant Cole manumission for fifteen years. If you tried, your contract would be null and void, and he could legally reclaim Cole as his slave. But, that weren’t the really weird part, Son. What you said earlier pulled the memory up from my subconscious. In the dream, I was in my mid to late forties and I had a beautiful female border collie by my side what could talk. You called her 'little sister' like she was part of our family. I dearly loved her like she was my own child. It was crazy stuff, but it was wonderful at the same time. That’s why I didn’t give it much credence,” Potter said.

“Fifteen years? Hell, fifteen years ain’t nothing,” Shane said like he was thinking to himself, but Potter heard him and wondered how he could reason that way. Then Shane added, “Judge there’s things about me you don’t know.”

“Are they bad things, Son? If, as you tell me, my dreams are true, I know you ain’t nothing but a good man,” Potter insisted.

“I hope I am, Master. I try to be, but I sometime live in a separate reality," Shane said.

“You mean like a dream world? Like a person with dual personalities?” he asked.

“Naw, sir. Nothing like 'at. This is real. You’re well read. You must know about separate realities. The universe has at least eleven parallel realities going at the same time. Damn, I wish't it was after Friday, I was a freeman, and you was retired. It would make this conversation so much easier,” Shane said like he was carrying a heavy burden.

“You asked me several time to trust you. I will. I don’t need to know more right now than I’ve come to love you. You’re surrogate dad, Cole, was right to tell you all he needed to know about you was he loves you. It’s something any true father would tell his son. I said it to my boy many times. I said it before, and I’ll say it again, Cole Jenkins is a damn good man and you should listen to him,” Potter urged him

“I have and I am, Master. I don’t think I could go on without him or you for that matter. Yes, sir, we done got us a plan. As soon as I can get out of my brother’s place, Friday evening or Saturday morning at the latest, you will see me driving up your gravel road,” Shane promised.

Shane stuck his hand out, Potter took it and the men shook hands. Shane pulled the old man into a hug, held him tightly, and kissed him gently on the cheek. It was the Judge’s turn to water up. “Thank you, Master Potter, for being here and providing me with a way out. If I stayed with my brother I would be under constant surveillance, and I know that cain’t be healthy for a man to grow. Besides there’s bad feeling between Master Bill and me. I will put down roots here and grow. I certainly hope your dream is a glimpse of the future. If it is, we will become a tight and successful family.”

“That’s my hope, Son, but what about the talking dog?" he asked with a smile.

Shane turned, looked him in the eye and grinned, "You don't really believe a dog can talk, do you, sir?" Shane asked in a teasing manner.

"But it was so real, and I loved her so much. I wanted it to be real," Potter said like a kid who dreamed of Christmas morning.

"I ain't say'n it will, but in my world, the alternate reality I told you about – it could happen," Shane said and smiled at the old man without giving him more.

* * * * * * *
It was still early morning and the men walked back to the big house. They were followed everywhere by the ponies. They wouldn’t let Shane out of their sight. The old man was amazed and smiled to himself. Potter was having problems with his plumbing in the kitchen and the upstairs bathroom. Shane figured out they were on the same line which went off to the septic tank. He found some plumbing tools in the tool shed and determined the line to the tank was free so there must be a problem in the line inside the house. He removed the clean out plugs and ran a stiff wire up the stack to the upstairs bathroom. He hit a solid object. After several minutes work with the wire he felt he hooked the problem and gave a great yank with the wire. Backed up sewage came rushing out almost hitting the Judge. He jumped back laughing at his standing too close to where the big man was working. Shane held up a hand towel covered in muck. “You cain’t go flushing wash cloths and hand towels down the toilet, Judge. They’ll stop it up ever’ damn time,” Shane declared and laughed.

The old man looked astonished. “I don’t know how that happened. I don’t remember flushing one. Am I getting that old, Shane?” he asked.

“Not at all. It happens all the time. Anyone can accidentally knock one off the rack, it falls into the toilet, it ain’t noticed, and it gits flushed. How many folks turn around and look at what they done in the toilet?” Shane asked and smiled at him, “Do you have a towel rack over your toilet?” he asked.

“Yes, my wife used it as a guest towel rack because it was handy to the sink,” Potter said.

“There you go. Let’s take it down, move it, and it won’t happen again,” Shane suggested.

“Good idea, Son,” Potter agreed.

So went their morning. They got a lot of things done and didn’t stop for lunch ‘til around one o’clock. Mrs. Huggins left them two turkey and ham sandwiches each and some wonderful German potato salad. Shane enjoyed his with a tall jar of iced tea.

“We done enough for today. S’git’n too damn hot anyway. You wanna’ ride them old ponies down to the swimming hole again today, Son?” he asked.

“I would really enjoy it. Dessert tastes so much better after a good swim,” Shane winked at him. Potter giggled like a school boy and actually blushed. Shane continued, “Let’s walk this time. It’ll do us good. Besides, yore’ dessert machine works better when you exercise it properly,” Shane teased and they laughed together.

The men talked nonstop as they walked arm in arm up and over the hill and down into the meadow followed closely by their constant companions. Potter couldn’t remember the names his boy gave them. Shane asked them if they could remember their names and the older one said his master named him 'Pete' and the other 'Race.' “They said their names are Pete and Race,” Shane whispered to Potter.

“My God, of course; now I remember. Pete was always pestering ma' boy for treats so he named him Pistol Pester Pete, three P, and Race ran everywhere he went. Your abilities never cease to amaze me, Son. By the way, so you won’t be surprised, I made a small adjustment in my decision in your case. You have to trust me on this. It’s for your own good,” he didn’t say more.

“You said you'd trust me. I trust you, Judge,” Shane replied.

The men swam, and they were more relaxed and considerably less self-conscious around each other. There was an comfortable easiness settled between them. Shane grabbed the old man and held him tightly against his body several times and hugged him. He would gently take the Judge's head in his huge ham of a hand and hold him to his upper chest and shoulder and petted him in a gesture of tenderness and compassion. Potter seemed to enjoy the tactile expression of Shane’s affection. Potter could swear he felt an energy coming from Shane's massive body almost like an electrical charge but milder and filled with the goodness of the man holding him. It felt healing to him. Was this part of Shane’s plan to make him feel younger? If so, he thought it just might be working.

They finally rested from their play sitting in shallow water on a sand bar talking. The old man was sitting in front of Shane leaning back against the younger man's hugely developed chest. Shane had his arms around him and would gently massage his back and shoulders, rub his body, and play with his cock. They decided to get out and move to the blanket they brought along and spread in the same spot as before. Before the men left the water for the last time, Shane grabbed Potter once more and moved to deeper water until it was almost to their shoulders. He held him in his arms and whispered. “J'ever kissed a man before, Master Potter?” Shane asked.

“No, but I’d like to kiss you,” he replied.

“Let’s seal our bond of trust and faith in each other, Judge,” Shane said. He brushed his lips gently against the old man’s white mustache as an invitation. Potter was ready and they kissed a sweet gentle kiss that became more serious until it bloomed into full passion. Shane broke it off. “It’s time to git chore' fine dessert machine running, Master. I want me my dessert you promised,” he said, then grinned real big.

“I don’t think you’ll have a problem with it this time, Son. I think there’s a big batch in there with yore' name on it. It’s been building up for several days now, and I promise I ain’t touched it,” Potter said.

“Good, it would make me very sad to know you cheated me out of my dessert,” Shane replied, and they laughed at their nonsense, “By the way, do I have your permission to share our secret about your dessert machine with my brother tomorrow night. Knowing his sense of humor like I do, he will split right down the seams,” Shane said. They laughed again.

“Of course. Maybe it might loosen that tight ass old son-of-a-bitch up a bit,” Potter roared with laughter. Shane knew the old man wouldn’t have said it if he didn’t love Angus with all his heart. The old man was right. His dessert machine was working overtime. After Shane sucked the last of his hearty dessert from Potter’s hard-as-a-rock penis he told the old Judge he could swear the damn thing was ‘smoke’n.’ Potter rolled on the blanket laughing. He held Shane again and they jawed some more, but this time the Judge was lavish with his kisses. “Servicing me ain’t neither a prerequisite for, nor part of our gentleman's agreement, Son,” the old Judge said.

“Damnation! I guess as a freeman it would be against the law for us to do, but remember our conversation about circumnavigation?” Shane asked.

“Vividly,” Potter replied.

“I considered Masters Austin and Daniels like you suggested. What two cowboys do on their time is their own damn business. Ain't nobody else's. Besides, I got me a better way to circumnavigate the situation. One I just know you’re gonna’ love. Think back to your dream. Did you feel loved by me and ma’ pa?” Shane asked.

“Oh, God, yes! We were like close family. Like you promised in your pledge earlier, we would become a strong family,” Potter said.

“Then trust me, Master, it will come to be, and you will not be left out. After all, ain’t family the most important thing about life?” Shane put to him.

“I forgot, Son. I been so down for so long I lost my vision for life and family. I threw myself into my work when ma' wife passed away fifteen years ago and never looked up. When I did bother to look up, I discovered I’d become an old man. It happens. Look at your pa. He’s still a relatively young man, but he lost his family. It’s hard to go on without one. I understand your fears of leaving the security of being your brother’s slave, but I think you finally realize it’s some’um you gotta’ do. There’s more at stake than just you. A number of folks are counting on you. I know you won’t let them down,” Potter said.

“If you only knew how many, Master, but you will after Friday, I promise,” Shane replied.

The sun was setting in the West as Potter walked Shane to the old farrier truck. Shane looked at the old man’s heavy buckaroo work boots and his mouth began to water. Potter saw him admiring them. “Please, Master, one last time. I may never get me another chance, as a slave, to pay homage to your handsome boots. I know'd you ain't real comfortable with the ritual, sir, but please, this one time, humor the slave what's come to care about you. It would mean a lot to me, Master Potter,” Shane pleaded.

“I never considered a ritual might come to mean so much to a slave. I’ve learned something important from you. From now on, I won’t deny any slave his right to perform his duty. Of course, I would be honored, Slave,” Potter said.

Shane fell to his knees in the dust of the yard, and with much love, kissed and cleaned the dust from the old man’s boots. He found his hand waiting, lovingly kissed the back, and placed it against his forehead. “Rise, humble slave, and show your master your love,” the old man’s voice cracked as he said the words. Shane rose, took Potter into his big arms and gently kissed him goodbye. They both wiped away tears when they broke apart, then laughed at each other. “I’ll see you in court on Friday, Son.”

“I think I’m ready, Master,” Shane replied with strength.

“Of course you are! I know you are! Ain't no doubt in my mind you're ready! Walk tall and proud, Son. You made it,” were Potter’s last words to him.

Shane drove home with a full heart. Through Potter, he had a glimpse of the future and saw that it was good. Now he had to navigate his brother, but even Angus didn’t daunt him anymore. There were other eyes, other hearts watching over him. Within reason, with a humbled heart, he knew he could have anything he wanted; anything his heart desired. The trick was not to be greedy, only to ask for so much, and the rest would be provided for him beyond his wildest dreams.

* * * * * * *
The sun was still setting when he arrived back at the Goodnight ranch. He parked and saw Cole headed for the truck to greet him. He couldn’t believe his good fortune to have the man of his dreams for ten years within his grasp. If he could swing it, he would own this honest, hard working, faithful, attractive man. His heart leaped to his throat and settled there making it hard for him to swallow. Cole wore a frown on his face. Because he was so stoic, he always seemed to have a slight frown on his face, so Shane didn’t think anything of it. Cole held the door for him as he got down from the truck. “Have a good day at the Potter ranch, Son?” he greeted Shane.

“It was a great day, Pa,” Shane was about to say more when he stopped. The look in Cole’s eyes told him all was not right. “What’s wrong, Cole?” Shane asked.

“Nobody’s here right now, only the slaves. Master Angus asked me to tell you, Master Bill tried to commit suicide a day or so ago; they didn’t find him until it was almost too late, but they managed to save him. He drove to El Paso and ended up drunk in a cheap motel and took an overdose of sleeping pills.”

Shane stood there stunned not knowing how to react. A flood of mixed feelings rushed through him at once. It was almost like a niacin high. His skin was burning all over his body. The man he spent ten years taking care of his every need tried to commit suicide? Why? Because he was losing Shane? It didn’t make sense. He didn’t want anything to do with Shane for the last three months. He made life a living Hell for Shane for the last month and a half. Shane didn’t know how to react, but he knew he didn’t need this drama right now. Why didn’t he feel sorry for Master Bill? Where was his compassion? He didn’t even feel pity for Birdsall. What did he feel? He didn’t think he felt anything. No, wait, he did feel something. ‘How strange,’ he thought. He felt shame and he felt guilt, but most of all he felt empty.

Ten years of serving Master Bill, but when it came time for Shane’s life to continue as a freeman, all he had to show for it was an embittered little man who wanted to punish him for something Shane had no control over. He saw things more clearly now. It was a last ditch effort to create guilt in Shane. Maybe Shane would be ashamed he caused poor Master Bill such grief he tried to take his own life. Maybe Shane would wake up and realize Master Bill needed him to remain a slave for another five years. Shane knew in his heart five more years wouldn’t be enough. Birdsall would find some way to have Shane’s slavery extended for life. He never liked Shane becoming involved with the Grange and Admiral Long. For all his schooling and knowledge about slaves and their care, Bill Birdsall was proving himself to be a small man with limited vision.

“Are you all right, Odd-job?” Cole asked in a concerned voice.

“Yes and no. Damn, just when things seem to be going my way, bamm! Shit!” he exclaimed and walked a little way from Cole and turned his back to him.

“Master Angus told me to tell you not to worry. This ain’t chore’ fault, Son. He’ll be back in the morning, and he said he will definitely keep your date for tomorrow afternoon and night. He told me to tell you there ain’t no way in Hell he won’t keep his word to you. It’s important to him,” Cole said.

“I hope he don’t back out on me,” Shane said.

“I don’t think he will. From the way he sounded he fully intends to keep his word. He made me repeat his message three times. I take it he wants one last night with you as his slave.”

“Yes, and to be honest, I was looking forward to it. It seems like the only time I can talk with him and get him to listen is after I’ve satisfied him.”

“Come on, let’s git you back to the bunkhouse where we can relax. You need your brother's love around you right now.”

“You’re right, Pa, but first I gotta’ make a phone call. Come with me to Master Angus’ office.”

They walked over to Angus’ office. Shane found Judge Potter’s number and dialed. The old man answered the phone.

“Master Potter, this is Shane calling, sir,” Shane said.

“Yes, Shane, why are you calling me so soon? What’s wrong, Son? Something’s happened, ain’t it?” Shane heard concern mixed with panic in the old man’s voice.

“Yes, sir, Master Bill tried to commit suicide yesterday, but they found him in time, and he’s gonna’ be okay. I just got home, and Cole told me. Ain’t nobody here but us slaves. Master Angus and his family have gone to El Paso to be with Master Birdsall. I thought you might want to know because of everything we talked about today.”

“Listen to me, Son, this ain’t your fault. How do you feel?” Potter asked.

“I feel shame and some guilt. Mostly, I just feel empty,” Shane replied.

“Empty is good. You can be filled. Guilt and shame, not so much. Is Cole there with you?” Potter asked.

“Yes, sir, Master.”

“Put him on the phone,” Potter ordered.

“He wants to speak with you,” Shane explained to Cole and handed him the phone.

“Hello? Judge Potter? Yes, sir," (pause) "Yes, sir," (long pause) “No, sir. Yes, sir, I do. Okay, Master. Are you sure, sir?" (pause) Oh, no, sir, I didn’t mean no disrespect, Master. Yes, sir, if I can talk him into it, I will. Okay, if you say so, sir. I promise, sir. Good to talk with you again, sir.” Cole handed the phone back to Shane with a blank look on his face.

“Listen, Son, I want you to stay close to your slave brothers this evening. Lean on Cole. I want you to do what Cole tells you. Don’t do nothing without discussing it with him first, understand?” Potter asked.

“I will, sir. That’s good advice. I’m still scheduled to be with Master Angus tomorrow. Just wanted to thank you again for a wonderful day,” Shane said.

“It was a wonderful day for me, too. Them damn ponies are still at the back gate looking for you. I been out three times to tell 'em you left, you done gone home, but I get the feeling they don’t believe me. I think they think I's lying to 'em. I even gave 'em extra oats this evening,” Potter laughed, “I appreciate you calling, Son. It’s important information I need to know. Hang in there, Boy. This will all work out, you'll see. I feel pity for Mr. Birdsall, but this may work out for the best in the long run. My love and prayers are with you,” Potter said.

“Thank you, sir. Same to you. Dream more a’ them sweet dreams for me, Master,” Shane encouraged him.

“I’ll do my best, Son,” he replied.

Shane said his ‘goodbyes’ and hung up.

“You ready, Odd-job?" Cole asked.

“Let’s go, Pa,” Shane replied softly.

They walked in silence back to the slave quarters. It was dark by the time they left Master Angus’ office. The moon had not yet risen in the sky. Cole casually slipped his hand into Shane’s and they walked close together so no one could see they were holding hands. It was unusually quiet on the property. It was like a pall hung over the place. There was no sound from the big house and minimal lights were left on. As they passed Master Bill’s house it was dark except for one small night light he kept in the kitchen in case he wanted to get up during the night for water or a snack. They could hear crickets singing, whippoorwills calling, and an occasional prairie chicken fussing about. They got to the bunkhouse and walked into the main room where the men were gathered talking in low tones. They saw Shane and Cole walk in and stood. No one said a word. They got up and came to him. Each man gave him a hug and a kiss.

A few told him ‘H'it t'weren’t his fault.’ Most didn’t say anything. Even the three new baby slaves came to him in their diapers and shook his hand. Shane was on the verge of tears, but he didn’t cry. Shane thanked everyone and told them he appreciated their support. He told the baby slaves to learn to love and trust their fellow cowboy slaves, because when the going got tough you couldn’t depend on nobody but them. He and Cole excused themselves. When they got to their room and closed the door, Cole took Shane into his arms and held him. He found Shane’s mouth and brushed his full, bushy, coal-black cowboy mustache against Shane’s lip as an invitation. It reminded Shane of his same action in the water with the Judge. Shane didn’t need a second invite. Cole spoke more words to him in that kiss than ever came out of his cowboy pie hole in ten years of working together.

“What did Judge Potter tell you, Cole?” Shane asked casually. Cole smiled, shook his head, and got a silly grin on his face.

“He didn’t tell me nothing. That old man ordered me!” Cole exclaimed, “He said since you was feel'n empty and a bit lost, what you needed was a good, old fashioned, leather slap'n, ball bust'n, long-dick'n, hard ridin,' cowboy butt fucking. Them's his exact words. Swear to God! That old man ordered me to fill you up tonight with some cowboy love'n.” Shane fell out laughing and started Cole laughing, “He done told me to fuck yore’ ass until the bunkhouse was haunted or the chicken’s come home to roost, whichever happens first.” They fell together on Cole’s bunk laughing.

“I know you ain’t lying. Sounds jes’ like something that dirty old man would say. God, I love him,” Shane laughed, “Sounds to me like a plan I can live with, Cowboy. I told you this morning, Pa, it was yours if’n you wanted it. For me, the sooner the better. You up for it?”

“Are you kidding? I ain’t got me no choice. That old man meant business. He was serious, and I shore’ as Hell ain’t gonna’ lie to him when he asks me if I done what he told me.” Cole could barely get it out he was laughing so much. “I don’t care if you lie there, do yore' nails, read a newspaper or whistle ‘Dixie’ yore’ gonna’ git fucked tonight and git fucked good.” They were rolling together on Cole’s bunk laughing.

“You don’t know how good that sounds, Pa. Let me git my ass to the shower to clean myself. I don’t want my pa git’n his'self no dirty dick,” Shane said in his best cowboy lingo.

Shane gathered his hygiene kit and walked nude to the community shower. He showered to clean his body then filled his clean-out bag and hung in on the shower head for maximum gravity flow. Soon he was joined by several other cowboys doing the same because their bunk mate wanted a piece of ass for the evening. They were joined by the three baby slaves who were always on call every evening for fucking. You’d think several men cleaning their bowels in a shower room would be disgusting, but the area was big enough, the shower-heads spaced far enough apart, and so well ventilated they soon got used to ambient odors. Just like cowboys become used to cow and horse shit, it just became an accepted part of the life of a slave. One of the better looking baby slaves was complaining to Shane he didn’t like to get fucked. Shane assured him he would once he was broken. He was sure they would never break him. Shane told him every slave says that including himself. “But you know what?” Shane asked him.

“What?” he asked.

“They did break me. Once I gave in totally, life got a Hell of a lot easier. Never had me no problems after that,” Shane said.

“You cleaning yourself for that big cowboy they call Cole?” the young slave asked.

“Sure am. I been waiting ten years to bunk it in with that cowboy and tonight’s the night,” Shane replied.

“But I thought you's a short-timer,” he countered.

“I am. Only got me three more days to go, and if the Judge decides I been good enough for probation, Friday afternoon, I’s a free man,” Shane declared.

“Why the Hell you gonna’ let another slave fuck you then? I seen him in the shower, and he’s got a big-old cock on him. He’s hung like a damn stud plow-horse,” the slave said.

“Yeeeaah, I know," Shane said and smiled real big like ain't it grand, "Can’t wait to feel that big horse-cock a' his as far up inside me as he can git it. Why a’ my gonna’ let him fuck me? I ain't jes' gonna' let him fuck me, Boy, I'm gonna' give it to him. I'd serve it up to him on a silver platter if'n I could get me one big enough to fit my butt. I'm gonna' give that big cowboy as much of my ass as he wants or needs and make it as tight for him as I can. I'm gonna' tell him to make his'self to home in my saddle, make his'self comfortable, take his pony for a good long ride, ride 'em down hard, and don't spare them spurs or leather.

“I'm gonna' do my best to work with him, stroke for stroke, and put it up there for him so's he don't never have to hunt for it. It'll be right there for him to enjoy every long, hard, deep stroke into my asshole. Why? Because I love him, and I wanna’ make him feel good. It's what any man should do for someone he loves. One day you’ll look back on what you just asked me and feel foolish. You’ll meet a master or a cowboy-slave what will turn yore' guts inside out and upside down. You’ll fall so hard you'll do anything for him. All you'll be able to think about is the next time you can share his bunk and how best you can please him,” Shane said.

“Awe, you's probably a gay man before you become a slave," the baby slave dismissed Shane's explanation.

“I assure you I weren’t. For ten years I didn’t have to wear no label but slave. Friday, when I’m a freeman, I got me a choice. Right now, sweet cakes, you ain’t got no choice neither. You'll get fucked whether you like it or not. When you git tired of not liking it, you’ll learn to like it. Then, when you git broken, you’ll learn to love it,” Shane said.

“Naw, I won’t. It’ll never happen to me,” he insisted.

“Who’s gonna’ fuck you tonight?” Shane asked.

“Awe, I owe old Phil ‘cause he changed my diaper for me today,” he lamented.

“You be good to old Phil. He’s a damn good cowboy and a better man. Phil Pie done gimme' some a' the best damn fuckings I ever got from a brother slave. Trust me, you give him a chance, when he comes a' knock'n on yore' back door, open up wide for him, invite him in, close yore' door good and tight for him, make him feel at home, offer him a little comfort, and I promise you that cowboy will take you places you ain't never been before. That old man knows how to make a baby slave's asshole whistle 'Dixie.' Hell, he done taught mine to do it in three part harmony," Shane chuckled at his own bullshit, then continued, "I’m proud to call that big cowboy my brother. I’ll give you a little piece of advice, Son. What chu' do with it is up to you. Make sure you clean yourself real good. Don’t chu' never let chore’ partner get no baby slave shit on his dick.

"You put yore' all into servicing old Phil, put chore’ ass up there for him and keep feed’n it to him ‘til he takes all he needs, give him the best fuck you can, moan and groan, urge him on, tell him how good he feels inside you, y'ain't never felt none better, and how much you appreciate him fucking you so good; or give him the best damn blow job you can, tell him how good his cowboy cream tastes, y'ain't never tasted none finer, thank him and tell him how much you appreciate him for let’n you suck him off. You tell him it was an honor and a privilege to get to drink his fine cowboy spunk. You do that and I garan-damn-tee-ya', that old cowboy'll come a’ running the next time you need changing,” Shane said. He finished up and wished the three baby slaves well. One thanked him for his advice and told him he had a beautiful body. He went back to Cole’s room and found Cole naked with his boots on.

“Pa, if we fuck in here the bed’s gonna’ squeal and ever’body's gonna' know what we’s up to,” Shane said.

“We can put both mattress on the floor,” Cole suggested.

“I had me a wicked idea in the shower,” Shane grinned.

“I don’t think I like that grin,” Cole said.

“We know nobody’s gonna’ be up to the big house or Master Bill’s tonight. Master Bill probably won’t be home for days or at least until after my court hearing. If anybody does come home we can see the headlights from their vehicles in plenty of time. What would you say to fucking me in Master Bill’s bed?” Shane asked.

“I’d say you's as crazy as a street corner evangelist with bullhorn, but after thinking on it a bit, it sounds like the perfect payback and ultimate parting shot. A cowboy slave fucking his ex-cowboy slave-concubine in his own bed? How sweet is that?" Cole laughed, "Even if there was a slim chance of us git’n caught, knowing Master Angus’ sense of humor, he would think it’s funny. Let’s do it,” Cole said.

The men pulled on their clothes and slipped quietly out a side door. It was a beautiful night out. The moon rose and it was like the stars and moon came out to light their way to their nuptial bed. They let themselves into the ramrod's house and removed their clothes by the ambient light of the night. Cole was never in Master Bill’s house before and was taken by his rawhide leather bedspread. Shane told him it was wonderful to have sex on because any fluids cleaned up with a damp cloth. As Cole stood up naked after removing his clothes, he noticed Shane pulling his boots back on.

“You gonna’ wear your boots to git fucked?” he asked quietly.

“Sure. I love to git fucked in ma’ boots. Is it okay with you, Pa?” Shane asked like a kid feeling out his dad.

“Only if I can wear mine, Boy,” Cole replied.

“Sit down,” Shane instructed him and grabbed one of Cole’s big boots. He held it for Cole to slip his foot into, then he held the other. Shane reached under the bed where he kept several old rags to clean Master Bill’s boots. He proceeded to clean Cole’s boots and watched as Cole’s big cowboy cock sprang to life. When he cleaned them with his tongue and lovingly kissed each one.

“A slave shouldn’t be doing that for another slave,” Cole said just to see what Shane would say.

“Hesh up, Pa! You ain’t just a cowboy slave tonight, you’re my pa. A boy what's been good can clean and make love to his pa’s boots if’n he’s a mind to. Especially if he’s about to give his pa’s old horse the best ride it ever done got,” Shane said.

“If you put it that way, I guess a good boy’s pa should be a’ wear’n his boots to git a good ride. Too, bad I ain’t wear’n ma’ spurs,” Cole said.

“That comes later,” Shane chuckled, “with chaps and vest,” he added.

“Damn, I could git into that, Son. You think you’d like yore’ pa to fuck you some night in his outfit?” Cole asked.

“Only if his boy can wear his,” Shane replied.

“Count on it,” Cole grinned.

They moved to the bed and Shane wondered if Cole knew how to fuck a man. He never heard of him having sex with one of the cowboy slaves. Shane had nothing to worry about. Cole knew what he was doing. He immediately took charge. He was really pleased to find Shane prelubed himself before they left the bunkhouse, but Shane got some extra lubricant from under the bed just in case they needed it. Cole was considerably larger than Master Bill. Cole took Shane with strength and compassion. He knew what he was doing and sunk himself into Shane with minimal discomfort. By the time he hit the base of his big cock, Shane was transported to another reality. Cole began to tell him how wonderful he felt. “Have you fucked many cowboy slaves, Cole?” Shane asked.

“A few, mostly baby slaves to break 'em in. I never fucked you for reasons we done already discussed,” he said.

“I never understood. You changed my diaper when I couldn't get nobody else to help me, but you never would let me suck you off nor would you ever fuck me. You were the kindest of all the cowboy slaves to me, and yet you wouldn’t let me service you. It frustrated the Hell out of me,” Shane replied.

“Tell you what. Let’s don’t live in the past. I promise, I’ll make up for it tonight,” he said as he started to fuck Shane harder with ever longer and deeper strokes. Cole was everything Shane imagined he might be in bed and more. Cole took old man Potter’s words to heart and fucked Shane until he swore he could see apparitions flying in and out of the room. He hadn’t yet heard a chicken coming home to roost, but prayed it wouldn’t until shortly before sunrise. They stopped now and then and talked while remaining hooked together. Shane would roll Cole over on his back, sit up and back on his big cock. He would ride it while they jawed with each other. A couple of times he built Cole up almost to climax. Cole was impressed with Shane’s talent with his ass. Not only was it one of the most beautiful he ever saw, it was fully functional and felt like velvet to fuck.

Cole was sure his vision from the previous evening was a prophecy. The more he fucked Shane’s ass the more Cole knew he had to have. Would he be this young man’s slave and serve him? Hell, yes! He hated to get fucked, but he knew he had to endure it from time to time because he was a slave. He had no choice in the matter, but the prospects of having Shane fuck him didn’t seem so bad at all. He didn’t think Shane would require that of him. Somehow he knew he would become a titular husband or dad to Shane; the power behind the throne. He could live with that. He liked the idea of being a big brother, a mentor, and yes, even a father figure to the young man. He even became fond of Shane referring to him as ‘pa.’ Cole began to fuck him really hard. “Let’s get it, Son. You let chore’ old pa fuck you ‘til you feel you’re gonna’ shoot. Let chore’ dad know just before you do, and he’ll ride us to the barn,” Cole said.

“You been fuck’n me so damn good, Pa. Make your boy shoot,” Shane encouraged him. Cole didn’t waste any time hitting his best fucking stride. He was like a finely trained race horse who was coming down the home stretch. Shane kept working with him, putting his ass up to meet each and every stroke. The more Shane put into it the closer he came to climax until he felt it boiling up within him. He was about to shoot. “Oh, Pa! You’re fuck’n me so good! Your boy can’t hold it no more. I’m there, Dad. Oh, God! Arrrggg! I’m coming,” Shane called out.

Cole could feel the rosebud he fell in love with the night before making a valiant attempt to bite his big horse cock off inside him. It was such a hot feeling Cole felt his big balls begin to churn like a pump that had just been primed. He felt it rushing up his tubes and out through his engorged penis. “I’m coming, Boy. Yore’ pa is dumping his hot cowboy load deep in yore' ass, Son. That’s it! Try'n bite chore' pa’s dick off with that tight little ass. Harder, Son. That’s it! That’s good! Ahhh, shit! You’re git’n all your pa’s good spunk, Boy. Put that fine, sweet cowboy slave ass up there for your old man,” he said.

Cole collapsed on top of Shane still deep inside him. They lay hooked together for a long while complimenting each other and making sweet love. “I love you, Odd-job,” Cole kissed him gently.

“God, I couldn’t love you more, Pa,” Shane said.

They talked for almost two hours with Cole’s big cock up Shane’s butt. He would give Shane a couple of good strokes from time to time or Shane would ride up and down on it to keep him hard. They talked and talked. They were making up for lost time. Shane was impressed how intelligent and thoughtful his new chosen mate could be. “So you had a great time with the Judge?" Cole asked.

“I did some plumbing for him and removed a hand towel from his bathroom line. It works fine now,” Shane said. He told Cole about the dessert machine and got him laughing. He didn’t seem upset Shane serviced the old man. A cowboy slave knows not to cast aspersions or judgments on another slave. Cole knew Shane was still a slave and had to play the game accordingly. Besides, Cole had a different outlook on sex after being a slave for many years. There was sex and then there was making love like Shane and he just shared. It doesn’t come along every day, but when it did, Cole knew to hold onto it, guard it, protect it, and do everything in his power to nurture it.

“He offered us a place to live, Cole. He has a big ramrod’s house he wants me to come live in for free for doing handyman work around his place and helping him to get his ranch going again. We could work out of there with our farrier business while we help him start up his ranch. He wants to pay us to run it for him,” Shane said with enthusiasm.

“Gosh, that’s great. What do you think your chances are of git’n me for your slave?" Cole asked.

“I just don’t know, yet. I won’t until tomorrow evening. I know my brother’s got money put away for me. I don’t know how much, but all I’m gonna’ ask for is you and the old truck. I’ll tell him to keep his money. It may be rough going for us at first, but we’ll make it. We both may be eat’n slave chow for a good while, but as long as I got you by my side I ain’t afraid a' nothing. I know we can do anything we set our minds to. I ain’t gonna’ tell Angus nothing about our relationship. Judge Potter done warned me against it, and I trust the old man’s judgment. I don’t think Angus’ got a clue about us, and that’s the way I wanna' keep it until you’re officially mine.

“I want him to think I only want you for a business proposition, with us as a master/slave working arrangement. If I can convince him it’s a good business deal, and I sign a contract to keep up his ponies on the side for a couple of years, he just might go for it. What's he got to lose? He’ll still be getting his ponies done, but he'll have two less cowpokes to feed. I don’t think we should do them for free forever, but I’ll have to think on my feet with ma’ brother. He ain’t got where he is because of lack of business smarts. I ain’t gonna’ offer no more’n I think I can git away with. If I see him balking, I can always sweeten the deal,” Shane said.

Shane didn’t want to tell Cole too much to get his hopes up. Shane felt pretty confident he could pull it off, but the details from Master Potter’s dream were fuzzy. He could handle disappointment for himself. As a slave he learned to live with it, but he didn’t want Cole hurt or disappointed because he got his hopes built up too high. They decided they better get back to the bunkhouse. Shane cleaned them both and helped his pa with his boots. He got a damp cloth and cleaned the leather bedspread. There was very little soiling. They put everything away, locked up, and walked slowly back to the bunkhouse hand in hand. About halfway back they heard the old rooster crow. "You think that counts as the chickens coming home to roost?” Cole asked, then laughed.

“I certainly do. You tell it, and I’ll swear to it,” Shane replied, “Thanks for the good fuck’n, Pa. You done a mighty fine job. You filled me up real good,” Shane said quietly.

“You don’t feel empty no more?” Cole asked as he squeezed Shane’s hand.

“No, not at all. My ass is full of my pa’s sweet cowboy cream, my well-fucked cowboy asshole's got a big-old smile on it, and my heart is filled with his love,” Shane said.

“You let your old man know when your meter says you’re a quart low, and he’ll be happy to fill up yore’ tank again for ya,” Cole said.

“I promise, I will, sir,” Shane replied.

“Good Boy,” Cole said as he leaned over and stole a kiss.

They sneaked back into the bunkhouse without anyone seeing them. They quietly and carefully pushed their bunks together and slept soundly in each others arms. The night came into them like a cat on tiptoes and surrounded them with its softness. They could hear an occasional sound from other slaves during the night; a cough; a door shut; a bunk bed singing as some cowboy woke still horny and decided he wanted seconds from his partner’s ass; moans of ecstasy of fucking and getting fucked; the grunts and calls of climax; a toilet flushing; boots walking down the hallway; but, it would only pull them closer to one another. Cole hadn’t been so at peace in a long time. He was like a kid in a candy store with Shane’s love. Every new day with Shane by his side was one of happiness and adventure. Even the boring drudgery of cowboy work took on new meaning for him. He had no idea the worth of the young man sleeping so peacefully in his arms. He had no way of knowing, because of his small investment, his humanity and compassion for a baby slave ten years ago, just won him the jackpot for a new and fascinating life.

End of Chapter 54 ~ Waco’s Lummox
Copyright ~ © ~ 2006 ~ 2017 ~ Waddie Greywolf ~ All Rights Reserved
E-mail to: Waddie Greywolf <waddiebear@yahoo.com>
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03/01/2009
02/16/2017