Tacoma Falls: Home and Heart

Burying the hatchet

Waylon

I've never been the one to face a woman's daddy after doing them wrong. I've spent more time on the ranch with cattle than dealing with a woman's family. I made the exception for Patsy.

"So, Waylon, what are your intentions with my daughter?" Wyatt asked me.

Nothing like getting to the point. "I'm going to work on earning Patsy's forgiveness and trust after the mess with Pa gets straightened out," I said.

"Yeah, Patsy filled us in."

"We're also working to free Amber from the rat."

Wyatt gave me an understanding nod. A nod is an understanding between us in Tacoma Falls. Southern people have many ways about them. If we say bless your heart, we're telling you fuck off.

"Your pa and I didn't exactly get along. But I wouldn't wish any harm on him," Wyatt said.

"Pa had a habit of rubbing people the wrong way. But he prided himself on producing good quality of cattle."

Wyatt nodded while he ate.

Flashback

I brought the cattle in from grazing in the pasture.

Pa stood by the gate as the cattle walked past him. "That's it, Waylon! Keep them moving!"

I steered the cattle toward the pen on horseback until the last one was inside. Pa closed the gate and latched it. I dismounted the horse and held its reins while walking toward Pa.

"Good job, Waylon. Keep a rein on the cattle. If you leave them out to graze for too long, they'll miss their feed mix. Cattle must get a magnesium supplement in their diet."

Pa and I walked to the barn with the horse.

"There are people who will try to sabotage you. Don't let them. The Shaw ranch produces quality cattle."

"How long has our family been cattle ranchers, Pa?"

"Ever since our family helped to found Tacoma Falls. Our family taught me everything I know about raising cattle. I'm passing that knowledge on to you. But your brothers need help."

"Shepherd and Beauregard aren't interested in the ranch like I am."

"That's the problem. Your brothers don't understand the importance of our cattle. But they will. I won't have my boys running amuck in this town with frivolous ideas. Shepherd and Beauregard need to get it through their thick heads. Not everyone looks out for their best interest. I'm putting you in charge of your brothers."

I nodded in understanding.

"Your ma and I have an appointment tomorrow. I need you to get the cattle out so they can graze."

"What's the appointment for?"

"Nothing you need to worry about. If everything works out, our family will get its justice." Pa didn't say more on the subject when he walked away.

I didn't realize it would be our last conversation.

The following morning, I roused Shep and Beau to help me get the cattle out. Shep and I mounted horses while Beau opened the gate. We took the cattle out to pasture so they could graze for the day.

"Why do we have to take the cattle out?" Shep asked.

"Pa and Ma had an appointment today and left early morn," I said.