Tacoma Falls: Home and Heart

Past issues

Payton

I brought Sandy back to the corral after taking her out for a run. She enjoyed the exercise and grazing away from the stables. I didn't mind because it gave me a chance to bond with her. Ember knew I needed this time with the horses.

I dismounted and led Sandy to her stall when a pickup truck pulled in. After locking her up, I strode out as Waylon Shaw approached me. "Waylon." I gave him a slight nod.

"Payton." Waylon nodded back.

"What can I do for you?" I leaned on the fence with my forearms draped on it.

"I spoke to Cass when she checked on the cattle. She mentioned Pa and Gene Gilroy having issues."

I cocked my head because I knew what was coming.

"I only got Pa's side of the story."

"Do you doubt what Rhett told you?"

"Part of me does while the other doesn't."

"I won't lie and say people welcomed your pa with open arms. Rhett had a way of rubbing people the wrong way. But he had a right to send the livestock agents to Gene Gilroy's ranch. I heard rumblings about Gene giving his cattle enhancements and claiming he only grass-fed them. Cattle need nutrients when they graze, or it drops their magnesium."

"Pa kept the cattle on a strict diet of what they ate. He never deviated once."

"Because Rhett's family taught him how to raise cattle. It was the same with my family when they taught me how to break horses. People accuse us of animal cruelty. Most people don't understand the concept of breaking horses. You break them so they don't buck you and stomp you to death."

"It's the same with people messing with cows and bulls. They think it's a game. A bull can spear you quickly with its horns. A stampede can get you killed."

"Your pa taught you well."

"It was the only thing my pa taught me. It sure in the hell wasn't people skills."

I scoffed because Waylon was right about that.

"Pa said Gene Gilroy had him blocked from the county fair after Pa had Gene investigated. I don't believe Gene has enough pull to get someone blocked from a competition."

"They do if they make deals."

Waylon narrowed his eyes.

"Give me a few days to get you an answer."

Waylon nodded before heading to his truck and leaving.

Ember came out of the house and walked toward me. "Did I just see Waylon Shaw here?"

I pushed my hat up and rubbed my forehead with my gloved hand. "Yep."

"What did Waylon want?"

"He had questions about Gene Gilroy. Rhett mentioned Gene got him blocked at the county fair after Rhett accused Gene of feeding his cattle more than grass."

"Rhett made a lot of enemies with his attitude. Remember when he tried to get Cass's attention?"

"Darlin, Rhett didn't stand a chance with Cass. He made the mistake of believing he did."

Ember nodded in agreement. "So, what are you going to do about Waylon?"

"I'm going to give Waylon a fair shake and find out why the county blocklisted Rhett Shaw from the fair. I don't trust Gene Gilroy ever since his family accused my family of mistreating horses."

"Your family would never mistreat a horse."

"Nope, but people like to cause trouble where there is none."