They Think I’ll be an Embarrassment.
The Wrong End of the Stick Challenge
They Think I’ll be an Embarrassment.
By Elin Jackson
May 2025
-Lancer-
Johnny was headed for the great room when he heard Scott say his name; so falling back on old ways he stopped out of sight and listened.
“Murdoch, I really think we need to talk to Johnny about what he will experience at the Cattleman’s Banquet and Ball. He has never attended formal occasions and it could result in an embarrassing situation.”
Murdoch sighed, “I hadn’t thought about that but since the wives will be attending I think we better explain how he should behave in front of ladies and not like he does with saloon girls.”
What Johnny didn’t see was Murdoch and Scott smiling at what was a joke and not a serious comment.
Johnny couldn’t believe his old man would think he didn’t know the difference between ladies and saloon girls. Didn’t he treat Teresa, Aggie, and Maria with respect? Before he could be noticed he slipped back to the barn.
“Sorry Barranca, but I need to get away and do some thinking.” A few minutes later horse and man disappeared out the back door of the barn.
“I know Johnny knows how to treat ladies, we both have witnessed his actions on numerous occasions.” Murdoch smiled thinking about Johnny’s behavior the first time he met Aggie. Johnny had addressed her as Señora Conway, made a slight bow and kissed her hand. Murdoch was very proud of his son.
Smiling, Scott was sure he knew what memory was on Murdoch’s mind. “Do you want to tutor him on the art of diplomacy when dealing with some people he will find exceedingly annoying?”
“No son, I think it will go over better coming from you. Speaking of… Johnny should have been back by now.”
“I go check the barn,” Scott called over his shoulder as he left through the french door.
“Jelly, have you seen Johnny? I thought he’d be back by now.” Scott frowned, glancing over the old man’s shoulder to see Barranca’s empty stall.
The old man pulled on his suspenders a frown on the obviously perturbed face. “Sure did, he headed for the hacienda then a few minutes later he stomped back, apologized to that spoiled horse of his and rode out the back door. Did you or ol’ Murdoch get on the boy again?”
Shaking his head at their stupidity, “No Jelly but I’m afraid Johnny misunderstood what we were discussing about the Cattleman’s Banquet and Ball. Do you know which way he was headed?”
“Toward Green River. When he’s upset and doesn’t want to stay at Lancer he heads for Val.” Jelly snorted as Scott ran to the great room, “Some folks plumb forget manners,” he grumbled as he headed back to the tack room.
Scott burst through the french door almost barreling into his father.
“Easy son, what’s wrong? Did you find Johnny?”
“No, I’m afraid he overheard us talking and kidding about treating ladies and saloon girls.”
“Oh no!” Murdoch rubbed his forehead, “He must think we don’t trust him. Where is he?”
“Jelly said he headed toward Green River, probably to talk to Val. Murdoch, I feel like an utter fool.”
“Don’t feel alone son, we need to find Johnny and straighten out this mess. Saddle our horses, I let Maria know we will be late for supper.” Murdoch headed for the kitchen and Scott ran from the great room.
-Green River-
Johnny pulled up in front of the jail and dropped the reins over the rail, “Sorry boy, I’ll make it up to you after I talk to Val.” Barranca snorted his unhappiness at being left in the streets.
“Val, you in here?” Johnny felt the pan coffee and it was still warm.
Val came from the back and glared, “What ya want, can’t a man have a minute’s quiet? Just got rid of that dumb ass mayor and then I have a half-breed gunfighter ruining my evening.” Val dropped into his chair.
Johnny smirked knowing Val wasn’t mad at him but needed a minute to get Higgs off his mind.
“Well, don’t just sit there, what ya want?” Val growled, then leaned forward. Something was wrong with Johnny. “Did your ol’ man do something stupid?”
“No, I did. I thought we were getting along better and was surprised when he wanted me to go with Scott and him to the Cattleman’s Banquet and Ball.” He bowed his head and hugged his chest.
Val recognized the pose and the voice. Yep, either Murdoch or Scott stomped on the boy’s insecurities again. “What happened?” He sat back and waited; he needed to give Johnny time to get the words right.
Finally… “I think Murdoch is sorry he invited me, they are worried I won’t know how to act around the ladies. Wives are invited to the banquet and ball.” Shaking his head, “Val I’d never treat a lady bad but they think I don’t know the difference between a rancher’s wife and a saloon girl.”
Yep, the old man and even Scott did it this time. When are they going to see Johnny for the decent man he really is? “What ya gonna do?”
“I don’t know Val, it doesn’t feel right going to Stockton if they are so sure I’m going to screw it up.” His arms dropped and he stared at Val, “Why?”
“I don’t know Johnny, you would think by now your ol’ man would know you aren’t going to disrespect one of the ladies.” Val could see by Johnny’s expression he was thinking of taking off for a while. Val wondered if this time it would be for good, Johnny was really hurting over Murdoch’s and Scott’s actions. “Why don’t you go to my place tonight and we’ll talk it over fresh in the morning.”
“Thanks Val.” Johnny slowly rose, left the office and led Barranca to Val’s place.
-Green River several hours later.-
As they rode down the street they were surprised that Barranca wasn’t at the livery or the Jail. “Wonder where he would have gone?” Scott was sure Johnny would be with Val.
“I don’t know son, but we will start with Val?
Scott followed Murdoch into the Jail, “Val where is my son? We need to straighten out a misunderstanding.”
Val stared at the big man, “So he’s your son, from what I heard it didn’t sound like you were…”
Murdoch cut him off. “Val, what Johnny heard was kidding, we know he treats all women respectfully, including the saloon girls.”
Scott needed to calm both men down. “Please Val where is Johnny? We just want to explain and assure him we know…”
Murdoch decided to take over. “Val if I had any doubts about how Johnny would behave I never would have invited him to Stockton. He is one third owner of Lancer and meeting the other ranchers is important. I’m sorry, if I had known Johnny heard us I would have corrected it right then and there. I need to talk to Johnny and apologize for the misunderstanding.”
Johnny watched Murdoch and Scott go into the jail so he quietly slipped in the back door and listened. He could hear the honesty in both men’s voices.
Johnny moved into the room, “I didn’t know y’all were kidding and I thought you didn’t trust me going to Stockton. I figured you thought I was a good enough ranch hand but that Scott was the one to meet the other ranchers and go to the meetings. Scott’s the educated son, he doesn’t have Madrid…”
“Johnny.” Murdoch approached his son, “I’m proud of how you have turned your life around. I’m sorry you had to become Madrid to stay alive but I’ll be forever grateful that Madrid kept you alive so you could come home. I know a part of you will always be Madrid and I am okay with that because I know he will protect Johnny Lancer.”
Johnny looked to Val and saw the smile and the nod. Yep, Val believed them too. “Well, I guess I overreacted.”
“It’s all right son, now are you ready to come home? There is a lot I have to tell both of you about what to expect.” Murdoch chuckled, “There is good news and bad news.” He put his arms around both boys and pushed them toward the door. He turned and smiled, “Thanks Val.” and closed the door behind them.
The End
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