Values
Values
Elin Jackson
August 2025
Chapter One:
Scott was fuming, as he stared into an empty box that he had hidden in the wardrobe. There had been over two hundred dollars in the tin; he had saved it for a special purpose. A purpose that he was definitely not ready to share with his family.
Shaking his head he tried to remember who knew… Johnny had barged in his room and saw the box… Scott stormed down the stairs ready to confront his brother about the missing money.
Murdoch and Johnny were in the great room discussing the repairs needed for the bridge in the North pasture when they heard Scott stomping down the stairs. An angered Scott approached them waving an empty box.
“What in the world…” Murdoch reached for Scott’s arm. The angry man dodged his father’s grip and faced his confused younger brother.
“This,” he held out the box and waved it in front of Johnny. “I had over two hundred dollars in this tin and now it is missing.” Scott leaned toward his brother, “Care to enlighten me as to what happened to the money?”
Johnny backed up and raised his hands, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh really, you saw the tin when you barged into my room the other day, AND, now the money is gone.” Scott glared at Johnny, “Well?”
“I saw the tin but I didn’t know what was in it. I wouldn’t steal from you.” Johnny shook his head.
Murdoch intervened to calm Scott down, “Just why do you think Johnny would take your money?” Disappointed that Scott would accuse without proof.
“Johnny was the only one who knew about the box, who else could have taken the money?” Scott again waved the tin toward Johnny. He was getting angrier by the minute that Johnny was denying the theft. “I want the money back.”
“I told ya I didn’t take the money, I didn’t even know there was money in the box.” Johnny turned to leave the room, he wasn’t going to stand there and be accused of something he didn’t do.
Next thing he knew he was forcibly spun around by his brother, and socked so hard he ended up on the floor. Looking up he rubbed his chin, Madrid slowly rose, “Don’t ever hit me again.”
Murdoch grabbed Scott. “Stop it, now.”
Scott pulled away, “Don’t worry, I don’t want to dirty my hands on him.”
“Enough, I won’t have you attacking your brother.” Murdoch shoved Scott onto the sofa. “Now we will discuss this sensibly.
Scott crossed his arms and leaned back, “What’s to discuss? Our resident half-breed killer is also a thief. I wish you had never brought him to Lancer.”
Shocked, Murdoch never expected to hear something so foul from his older son. “You don’t mean this, just calm down.”
“Oh he means it alright. Just took him longer to tell the truth about how he feels about. me.” Madrid’s voice chilled the room, “Guess it’s time I moved on, Pardee’s threat is gone and y’all sure don’t need a gunfighter.” Madrid turned and headed for his room.
Murdoch stared at Scott, “How could you say that?”
Scott rose from the sofa, “It’s the truth, just ask some of your neighbors.”
He left a stunned Murdoch alone in the great room. ,Murdoch turned when he heard Johnny coming down the stairs. “Im sorry son I don’t know why Scott acted like that…”
“Not your fault Murdoch, but it’s time to move on.” He sighed, “I didn’t expect it to last as long as it has, just took time for Scott to be truthful about how, he felt about Madrid.” He looked into his father’s eyes, “I appreciate ya saving me from the firing squad but I’ve got to move on.”
”Please Johnny don’t go, we’ll work it out somehow.” Desperate he couldn’t lose Johnny.
Holding up his hand, “Murdoch, it’s for the best, I can’t stay.” At Murdoch’s expression he tried to reassure his father, “Don’t worry I’m not going back to gunfighting if I can avoid it.”
He dodged Murdoch’s hand and rushed out the french doors.
Chapter Two:
Taking the back road to Green River, Johnny wasn’t in the mood to have people greeting him and asking how everything was at Lancer. Hopefully Sam wouldn’t be up and about, or if he was really lucky, Sam had spent the night at one of the ranches.
Teresa had gone into town with Jose picking up supplies, so if he kept away from the window she wouldn’t likely see him at the jail.So far so good; he was able to slip in the back door of the jail. Val had his feet on his desk and a cup of pan-fried coffee under his nose, savoring the strong brew.
“Glad to see ya ain’t too busy.” Johnny leaned against the door frame.
Val had heard the back door open and had lowered his right hand to his gun belt. When he heard the spurs, he relaxed. “What you doing in town this time of the day?”
The smile immediately left his face when he saw Johnny’s expression. “What’s wrong?”
Johnny sighed and slid down the wall to sit against the door frame.
Turning in the chair, Val asked the obvious question, “Who don’t you want seeing you here?” He got up and locked the door and nodded his head toward the cells.
Johnny slouched on the cot in the cell. As he told his friend about the theft of the money and Scott’s reaction, Val became very angry.
“Scott accused you of stealing!” Val was not just shocked, he was furious. Johnny was not a thief and he wasn’t a liar either. “What ya going to do?” he asked, but sure he knew the answer already.
“I’m sure not staying at Lancer. Murdoch tried to calm it down but Scott was too angry. It won’t work, I should have known better than to try to be a rancher.” Johnny shook his head in defeat. “I’m just a gunfighter and always will be.”
“Where you heading?”
“Going to some old friends in Arizona. It’s far away from Lancer and Mexico.” Johnny smiled, knowing Val knew who he meant.
“Then I’m going with you.” Val started to rise.
Johnny reached out, “No, Val. I want you to stay and watch out for Murdoch. I don’t want him taking off after me and get himself hurt.
Val nodded his head, “Okay, but you better keep in touch and if something comes up and you need me. . .” Val stared at his friend to make sure he understood, “ . . . send word.”
Smiling, Johnny rose and grasped Val’s shoulder, “You know I will, amigo.”
Then Johnny slipped out the rear door and headed away from the latest hurts.
**********
Teresa fidgeted on the ride back to Lancer; what was she going to do? She believed Caroline when she’d said she only needed the money for a few days and would pay it back. Now Caroline said she doesn’t have the money.
This mess all started when Teresa was cleaning Scott’s room and putting away clothes. She saw the box and, curious, she opened it and saw the money. Well, figuring Scott was hiding it away and not checking it often . . . maybe she could just borrow it to help Caroline and return the money before Scott missed it.
Now she realized it was a terrible plan and how was she going to explain to Scott?
Jose pulled up outside the kitchen, helped Teresa down and they started unloading the supplies. Teresa was setting a box on the table when she heard Scott and Murdoch arguing. This was strange - it was usually Johnny and Murdoch going at it. She slipped into the great room to see if she could . . .
Throwing her hand to her mouth, she gasped at Scott’s harsh words.
Both men turned in her direction and Murdoch immediately went to her side. “It’s okay.”
Scott stood, arms crossed. “No, Teresa, it is not okay. Johnny left Lancer and as far as I’m concerned, it is for the better. Lancer doesn’t need a resident thief.”
Tears running down her cheeks, Teresa said, “What are you talking about, Johnny isn’t a . . .” With a sudden realization, she leaned in harder against Murdoch’s chest.
Murdoch led her to the sofa and sat beside her. “What’s wrong?”
She looked at the man she loved as a father, then at Scott. “Johnny didn’t take the money.” She bowed her head with tears dropping to her folded hands. “I stole the money.”
Both men stared in shock, unable to believe what they were hearing. “Why?” asked Murdoch. “If you needed money, why didn't you come to me?”
Taking a deep breath and brushing the tears away, she straightened up. “I found the money while putting away your clothes, Scott. I saw the box, was curious and opened it. Since it was hidden I was sure you didn’t get into it often and that I could replace the money before you checked it again.”
“Why did you need it?” Murdoch asked softly, stroking her hand.
“To help a friend who is going to pay it back in a few days, but now says she can’t repay the loan.”
Scott stood scowling at the girl he was supposed to treat like a sister. “You could have asked for the money. Then none of this would have happened.”
Murdoch looked toward Scott, “We need to find Johnny.”
Chapter Three:
A sigh of relief came as Johnny finally crossed over the border into Arizona. Another day maybe two at the most and he would be at the
D Bar D Ranch. Owned by Ned and Lilly Dove; the ranch was nearly the size of Lancer. Where Murdoch was only interested in cattle, Ned ran both cattle and horses. D Bar D Ranch made a good profit with horses, and it proved a buffer for when cattle prices were low.
Johnny chuckled at the memory of Lilly telling him how they decided on the ranch name. Lilly wanted the Two Doves but Ned loudly protested that it was hardly a name for a ranch. Finally they both agreed on D Bar D Ranch.
He still smarted over Scott’s accusation that he would steal the $200, but acknowledged there would be no going back. “Guess we will have a new home. Sorry you lost your stable buddy.” Johnny leaned forward to pat his horse’s golden neck. Barranca nodded his head and continued down the trail.
After hitting some blocks on the trail, they were forced to camp out two more nights. Finally Johnny stopped on a ridge and stared down on the
D Bar D Ranch. He smiled at the sight of a corral full of horses; hopefully he would be the one gentling them.
Nudging Barranca forward, Johnny entered the front yard of the house and dismounted. He barely had both feet on the ground before a woman came running down the steps and threw her arms around him.
“Johnny, I can't believe it’s you, we heard you had been killed in Mexico.” Lilly released him and dabbed at the tears running down her cheeks. She pulled Johnny into another tight hug while managing to soak his shoulder. “My prayers were answered that it wasn’t true, and you were safe somewhere.” Finally releasing him, she stepped back, “Are you going to stay?” Her eyes gave evidence that he was wanted and she was going to make sure he stayed.
With the typical Johnny grin, he brushed the tears from her cheeks, “Yeah, think Ned will hire me to work the horses?”
Putting her arm on his and turning him toward the barn, she said, “Why don’t you ask him, he’s headed our way.”
Once again Johnny found himself in a hug. “Damn, boy, it sure is good to see you. Where the hell have you been?”
Johnny laughed as he pulled away, “It’s a long story.”
Grabbing both men and pushing them toward the house, Lilly announced, “Lunch is ready and Johnny can tell the story while he gets something to eat.”
Laughing, both men followed Lilly knowing it’s not a good idea to buck the lady’s orders.
When lunch was over, the three settled in the living room to hear Johnny’s story. Lilly was intermittent tears, smiles, and anger, while Ned just nodded but neither commented till Johnny finished.
“You know you have a home here. Lilly and I never wanted you to leave, but we understood your need to help your friends in Mexico.” Patting Johnny’s knee, “We still want you to stay.”
“I’m . . .” Johnny bowed his head and hugged his chest. “When I was here before . . .” He raised his head and stared at the Doves. “I want to stay but I don’t want to bring any trouble.” After a deep breath, “I’m not using the Lancer name, it’s Madrid. Do you still want me?”
“Johnny, you’re like a son to us, yes we want you to stay, we don’t care what name you use.” Lilly faced Ned, “That’s right isn't it?”
“It sure is, and I have a corral full of horses just waiting for the Madrid touch. So let's get you settled, your room off the barn needs some cleaning before you move back in, unless this time you will accept the offer of the extra room in the house”
“No, I like being close to the horses, and Barranca will need to get used to his new home.” Johnny grinned, “He right particular.”
After getting settled in his old room, Johnny headed to the corral to check out the horses. Ned had the reputation of always having prime horseflesh.
************
Murdoch finally decided it was time to face Val; it hadn’t been a cordial relationship since Johnny left. He was desperate to know where his son was and if he was safe.
Hearing the office door open, Val headed to the front. “What do you want?” Lancer was not someone he wanted to see.
“Val, I need your help. Do you know where Johnny is?” Taking a chair without an invitation, Murdoch tried not to make it a demand.
“Why?” Val slouched into his chair.
Murdoch leaned forward in the chair, but not touching the desk. “Please Val, I need to know.” Desperation was obvious in his voice.
“Murdoch, Johnny hasn’t had much happy in his life, and he deserves some happy. So, I'm not telling you where he is, but I know he will be happy there.”
Realizing he wasn’t going to get anything from Val, he rose and left the office.
Shaking his head, Val knew the old man was suffering but he couldn’t betray his friend. Johnny didn’t want Murdoch and Scott to know where he was going, so Val wasn’t going to tell.
*******
Murdoch sat at his desk, even more discouraged after his visit with Val. Shaking his head, he said “Why?”
“Señor, do you need something?” Maria wrung her hands. Things were not good without her Juanito.
“No thank you Maria, I’m fine.” Murdoch shook his head, Johnny always said he was fine. Suddenly he remembered something, it was in one of the Pinkerton reports. Shaking his head, why didn’t I think about the reports, maybe the answer is in one for them. He took out the key hidden behind Maria’s picture. He unlocked the bottom drawer of his desk.
Chapter Four:
Murdoch pulled the Pinkerton reports from the bottom drawer, and spread them on his desk. Where to start he wondered, then remembered there was a place Johnny worked in Arizona. If he remembered correctly the report said he was training horses. Murdoch smiled, horses, of course he would go there. Now he needed to find the name of the ranch, and for the next hour he sorted through the reports. “Eureka.”
Murdoch returned the reports to the drawer and locked it. Scott didn’t need to know what he was up to. At least until he knew for sure he was on the right track.
Murdoch sat with pen in hand for half an hour, still not sure what to say as evidenced by the waste basket full of crumpled paper. Would Johnny even read the letter or just throw it away unopened? Then a thought came to him. Why not write to Mrs. Dove?
An hour later he was satisfied by what he had written. Since Scott would be home soon, he sealed the envelope and tucked it into his pocket. Tomorrow he would post it, and hope the lady would take pity on him.
***********
Lilly stared at the postmark on the letter. The only person she could think of in California was Johnny’s father. It was addressed to her - but should she open it? If it was his father what was her duty to Johnny? After staring at the letter for a few seconds she decided to call Ned and together they would read what Murdoch Lancer had to say.
Johnny was out with the hands rounding up some new horses to meet an Army contract. Since he was gone, she called Ned to come into the house.
“What ya need, Lilly?” He brushed the dust from his clothes before entering the house.
“This came in the mail, I think we need to read it and then make a decision.”
Ned knew something was up by her tone, so he took the letter, noticed the post mark, and sat at the kitchen table. “Johnny’s o’man?”
“I think so, at least we should read it, and then decide what to do.” Lilly didn’t want to make the decision alone.
After reading it and then re-reading it; they decided Johnny needed to know what happened at Lancer that had so drastically changed his life.
It was late afternoon when Johnny and the hands drove ten wild horses in the waiting corral. Ned watched the horses pace the enclosure, “Nice looking bunch. Might want to breed the palomino mare to Barranca.” Ned grinned at Johnny.
Johnny slapped his hat against his leg, “Think you might be right, they sure would make pretty babies.”
Lilly called from the kitchen porch, “Get cleaned up, supper is ready.” Then she turned and waited for the men to show up.
“Sure smells good.” Ned kissed her cheek.
Johnny rubbed his hands together, “Yep, and boy I sure am hungry.”
It was the usual small talk at the table but Johnny sensed something was bothering the Doves.
After supper they usually went to the living room to discuss the day’s activities, but Johnny wanted answers.
“What’s wrong? And don’t say nothing because something is up.” Johnny leaned forward in his chair and locked eyes with Lilly.
Lilly knew she couldn’t keep anything from Johnny, so, taking a deep breath she pulled a letter from her apron pocket. “This came today, I think you need to read it.”
Johnny leaned forward and saw the postmark, “Not interested.” He leaned back in his chair.
“Johnny, please read the letter, your father wrote it to me, but it will clear up what happened at Lancer. You have a right to know, then you decide. We will go along with whatever you want.” She held out the letter and waited for Johnny to take it.
Sighing, he took the letter, opened the envelope, and began reading.
Ned and Lilly sat quietly, watching the changing expressions on Johnny’s face.
Finally, he looked up, “So Teresa stole the money, all is forgiven, and I’m to just pick up and go back to Lancer like nothing happened?”
“No, Johnny. You don’t act like nothing happened.” Ned leaned toward Johnny, “Scott hurt you, he didn’t trust you.” Ned paused, “Those hurts will take time to heal, the decision you need to make is . . . do you want to heal the breach and be brothers again?”
“He said he would always be there for me, that he trusted me, and that nothing would break us apart.” Johnny bowed his head and hugged his chest. “He lied to me, how can I trust him again?”
Lilly rose and put her arms around Johnny’s shoulders. “We love you like you’re our own. Whatever you decide we will support you 100 percent. I want you to be happy and safe. What do you want?”
“I don’t know, Murdoch says he wants me back, that Scott feels bad and wants me back, but they don’t say anything about what I want.” He looked into Lilly’s eyes, “Doesn’t it count what I want?” Johnny stood, then left the room.
Lilly started to go after him, but New took her hand. “He needs to ride and clear his mind.”
Around midnight Ned and Lilly retired, both praying Johnny would be here in the morning.
Chapter Five:
Johnny tossed and turned most of the night wrestling with, do I stay at
D Bar D or go back to Lancer? I love it here, the horses, Lilly and Ned, the hands, all taking me as I am?
Finally giving up on getting any sleep, he pulled on his shirt and leather pants, strapped on his gun belt, then headed for the barn.
Sensing his partner’s unrest, Barranca leaned into Johnny’s chest giving him the contact he needed. “Barranca, I don’t know what to do. Murdoch wrote to Lilly asking her to send me to Lancer. The ol’ man said Lancer is where I belong.” Shaking his head. “Not so sure it’s home anymore.”
Exhausted but needing to ride, Johnny saddled Barranca and headed away from the house.
Lilly, unable to sleep worried about Johnny, heard him leave the house. “Ned,” she nudged her husband, “Johnny went out.”
“I know Lilly, I heard him, just leave him be. He’ll ride someplace where he can think without someone bothering him.” He patted her hand, “You know how he is when something is on his mind.”
Lilly sighed, “You’re right Ned, I just wish Val was here.”
“I don’t know about that, Lilly. If Val was here I doubt Johnny would even be considering going back to Lancer. Those two have a special relationship; at one time in Johnny’s life Val’s been best friend, big brother, and father.”
Lilly leaned into Ned, knowing he was right, but sending up a prayer all the same.
********
Johnny pulled up next to the lake, removed Barranca’s tack and settled against a tree. “Well, the old man found me again, not surprised since he has all those Pinkerton reports.”
“What do you think, Barranca?” The horse’s only reply was a head shake.
“Yeah, I know, just wish life would get a little easier. Ya know if Val was here, wouldn’t have to be a choice.” Johnny stared into the sky a moment then walked to Barranca’s side. “What do you think we should do?” After a head shake, the horse went back to eating the sweet grass. Leaving Johnny without an answer.
He spent the rest of the night listening to the night sounds hoping for an answer, but receiving none.
He cared about Murdoch, even grateful for saving his life, but was grateful enough? Their arguments had lessened some, but the ol’ man still refused to let him start a horse business. Sometimes he felt he was no more than a hired hand, and a gunfighter when needed to protect Murdoch’s precious Lancer.
Finally getting the big brother he always wanted, “Guess I should have been more careful what I wished for, Barranca.” The horse nodded and went back to munching grass. “All that big talk about always being there for each other, brothers to the end. That didn’t last long.” He tossed a stone into the lake.
“Then there’s Teresa, she can do no wrong. It’s always, ‘It will be okay’. Well stealing money ain’t okay in my book.”
“Ya know, Barranca, Scott’s like Murdoch, smart and accepted by the other ranchers and town folks. Then there’s me. Just like Scott said, an uneducated, half-breed gunfighter. Oh yeah, I’m a thief too.”
Johnny tossed another stone in the lake, much to Barranca’s annoyance at the splash. “Sorry, boy.” He stood and walked to his pal and sought solace leaning into the golden neck. “What do you think we should do?
D Bar D or Lancer?”
This was getting him nowhere, he knew how Ned and Lilly felt, how Murdoch said he felt, he definitely knew how Scott felt. Sometimes he wished he was Madrid again, drifting from job to job with no ties to anyplace or anyone.
He needed Val. His amigo was the only person he truly trusted. Maybe it was time to ask Val to come to Arizona.
Chapter Six:
After mailing the letter to Lilly, Murdoch convinced Val to go with him to Arizona. It wasn’t easy talking Val into going with him, but he was smart enough to realize Val could talk to Johnny. Murdoch didn’t give up, and finally wore the sheriff down. He sometimes well, most times, said the wrong thing to his son, and hopefully with Val along Johnny would listen.
Val was grateful Murdoch arranged for train travel most of the way, it saved horseflesh and his backside. When Murdoch asked him to go, Val was hesitant at first, until he witnessed something in the man’s expression that convinced him to go to Arizona. The big question in his mind was how can Murdoch convince Johnny to come back to Lancer?
Patting his pocket, Murdoch confirmed he still had the letters with him. Although he had not read either letter, both Scott and Teresa told him they hoped what they wrote would convince Johnny to return to Lancer. He shared that hope.
**********
“Well, Johnny, how long do you think it will take you to deliver the horses to the army?” Ned patted Barranca’s neck while Johnny saddled his horse.
”Should be back in about ten days if they cooperate.” Johnny grinned, knowing Ned always worried about him when he was away from the ranch. “Don’t worry, Ned, Wiley is going with me this time.”
“Good, watch out for Wiley, he's young and has a serious case of hero worship.” Ned chuckled as he squeezed Johnny’s shoulder
*****
A tired Murdoch and Val dismounted in front of the house, as Lilly rushed down the stairs to greet them. “Val, so good to see you.” She wrapped him in a tight hug. Turning and stepping back, she asked, “Mr. Lancer, what brings you here?”
“We are here to see Johnny, I have some letters from Scott and Teresa.” At her look, Murdoch hastened to add, “I haven’t read them.”
Then Lilly turned to Val with a question in her expression. “I’m here cause Murdoch thinks I can make Johnny listen to him and read those letters.” Val shook his head, “Like anybody can make Johnny do anything.”
As Ned left the barn he noticed a pair of unfamiliar horses, and wondered who might be in the house with Lilly, since she was alone. As he entered the kitchen he recognized one of the voices. Val. Mr. Lancer was probably the other.
“Ned, look who’s here.” Lilly was smiling ear to ear.
Ned went straight to Val and gave his friend a hearty handshake. Then he smiled and nodded toward Murdoch, “He brought you along to convince Johnny of something?”
“Yep, he seems to think Johnny won’t shoot him if I’m around.” Val grinned at Ned.
“Well, he won't be in the house. He knows better than to mess up a clean floor,” Ned joked back. “Don’t listen to Murdoch, Johnny would never shoot you in front of witnesses.” A grin on Lilly’s face.
Murdoch wondered if he would ever be able to tease about Johnny as Johnny’s friends did so easily.
“Well, Johnny is delivering horses to the army and should be back sometime this week.” Ned grinned and shook his head, “He has a young hand going with him and I’m sure Wiley has driven him to the edge with all the hero worship.”
Val’s laugh filled the room, “You may not have a young hand after this trip.”
*****
Two days on the road and Johnny finally had enough of the gunfighter questions. Taking the kid aside, he laid out the truth about gunfighting, and after successfully scaring the kid, the rest of the trip was calm. Especially with the now very subdued Wiley at his side. Johnny sometimes wondered if he was ever that green? Shaking his head no; he never had the chance to be that innocent.
Grateful to finally arrive at the fort, he could collect the money and have one night in a bed. He was anxious to head back to the D Bar D and away from Wiley. At the ranch he usually had shorter doses of him. Shaking his head, he now realized why Ned chuckled when it was known Wiley was going on the trip. Thank goodness the trip back would be quicker, and for that he was very grateful. Ned wouldn’t be happy if the ranch was short a hand when he returned without the kid.
Finally the D Bar D Ranch gate was in sight, and he spurred Barranca into the yard and up to the house. Thankful that Wiley headed for the bunkhouse.
“Hello house, anybody home?” Johnny called out from the porch.
An excited Lilly ran down the steps and nearly hugged the stuffing out of him. “So glad you are back and safe.”
Ned, who saw Johnny ride in, had followed him to the house. “I saw Wiley in the barn; I didn’t see any bullet wounds.” Laughing, he patted Johnny’s shoulder.
“Ain’t funny, that kid drove me crazy. I sure set him straight so the trip home was quiet.” Johnny tossed his hat on a chair and stared at his friends. There was something up. “Okay, what's going on?”
Murdoch had been listening from the hallway and was more than a little dismayed to hear Johnny call the D Bar D Ranch home.
Aware Murdoch was waiting in the hall, Ned glanced in that direction. “Johnny, your father is here and wants to talk to you.”
A wary Johnny watched as Murdoch entered the kitchen. “Well, guess all the money you paid the Pinks paid off. I know about the letter you sent, but surprised you came all this way.”
Ned and Lilly quietly moved to the living room where Val waited. All three hoped Johnny would give his father a chance to speak and not just ride off.
“Are you here to talk me into coming back to Lancer?” Johnny stood with his arms crossed over his chest, Madrid firmly in place. He wasn’t mad at his father but still felt hurt by Scott’s betrayal.
“Johnny, I’m here to see you and deliver letters from Scott and Teresa.” Handing them to Johnny, “I hope you will read them.” Murdoch waited, his heartbeat increasing with anticipation. “Please take them, I haven’t read them, but if it helps heal the rift, isn’t it worth knowing what Scott and Teresa say?”
“Okay, but I can’t make any promises.” Johnny took the letter. “I need a ride.”
Murdoch took in a deep breath. “I’ll wait, son.” Their eyes met for a moment before Johnny hurried out.
Chapter Seven
Barranca raced from the ranch, finally stopping at Johnny’s favorite tree on the hill overlooking the D Bar D. Leaning against the tree, Johnny stared down at the letters. “Wonder what the excuses will be?” He waved the letters at Barranca who merely nodded and then began grazing.
*****
Johnny looked out over the ranch he now considered home, the open letters on the ground beside him. “Well, Barranca let’s head back, I need to face Murdoch and get it settled.”
*****
“Will you sit down, pacing ain’t gonna get him back any sooner.” Val groused, voicing what the others felt.
“Murdoch, Johnny needs to get things straight in his mind and riding is his way.” Ned used a more diplomatic approach.
Lilly had escaped to the kitchen. Saying a prayer, she began preparing a meal, more to calm her nerves and give her hands something to do. Otherwise she might strangle a couple men. However she hoped that things would finally settle between Johnny and his family.
*****
Decision made, or at least he hoped so, Johnny and Barranca headed to the D Bar D.
Everything was going on as normal around the ranch - Ned was checking on the workers and Lilly was in the house cooking. Inside the house Murdoch was pacing and worrying if he would say the right things.
On the other hand, Val had escaped from the house and was waiting near the corral. He knew Johnny would be seeking him out. Finally a golden horse rounded the barn and stopped at the corral.
“Need to talk to you.” Madrid dismounted and walked toward his friend.
“Figured as much.” Val rubbed his whiskered cheek. “Where?”
Johnny led the way to his room; once there, he closed the door. “I don’t know what to do. Those letters had a lot of words but I don’t know if they said enough.” He dropped onto the bed and faced Val who sat on the chair waiting.
“Do you believe what they wrote?
“I’m not sure. Scott used all those fancy words, but I don’t need fancy, I need real. Just plain talk.” Johnny shook his head. “Know what I mean?”
“Yeah, but maybe that’s Scott’s way of saying it and he doesn’t know another way.” Val could understand what Johnny meant. “What about Teresa’s letter?
“Just what I expected, but it doesn't mean it’s okay what she did.”
“So, what you are going to do, your o’man is wearing a rut on the living room floor.”
“Well, “ Johnny stood, “Going to listen then decide, just like always. You back up?”
“Just like always.”
*****
“Ned, you might as well be in on it too.” Johnny called to the man he considered a father figure. As they entered the kitchen, Johnny hugged Lilly, “Come with us.”
Murdoch leaned against the fireplace, but straightened and turned to face the people entering the room. “Will you listen?”
“Yeah, I read the letters.”
“And?
“Rather hear what you have to say before I decide. I think they deserve to hear it too.”
After everyone was seated, Murdoch took a calming breath and began.
“Johnny, do you know the Bible story of King Solomon?” When Johnny shook his head Murdoch continued. “Two women came to the King each claiming the boy child was their own. The one woman had rolled over in her sleep and smothered her son. So she took the dead baby and placed it with the other woman and took the living baby as her own. The next morning the other woman realized the dead baby was not her son. They both appeared before the wise King to settle the matter. The King decreed that the child be cut in half and each woman would be given half a child. The mother of the dead child agreed that was the best solution, however the mother of the living child cried no, do not kill the boy. I would rather he live, give him to the woman. King Solomon knew the true mother would never let the boy be killed and ordered the boy be given to the true mother.”
Johnny sat listening, then looked to his father. “What does this have to do with you wanting me to come back to Lancer?”
Murdoch stood in front of Johnny, his hands on his son’s shoulders. “It means son, I don’t want you torn in half. If you want to stay and D Bar D I won’t force you to return to Lancer. However, I would like to suggest an alternative solution.”
Looking around the room, he said, “I want to include everyone in this proposal.”
With everyone nodding, Murdoch continued. “I propose, if Johnny is willing, that we share.”
“Share what?” a confused Johnny asked.
“You, son. At D Bar D and Lancer. You choose where and when and for how long you want to be at either ranch.” Murdoch squeezed Johnny’s shoulders, “I just want you back in my life. I want you to be happy and if that means sharing you, so be it.”
“Do you mean it?” He looked into his father’s eyes and saw the truth.
“I’ll arrange for train travel back and forth so you can have more time at each ranch and… Barranca won’t have a long trail to cover.” Murdoch grinned at his son’s expression. “Is it a deal?”
Johnny looked around the room, surrounded by smiling faces, “Yep, it’s a deal.”
Murdoch hugged Johnny, “Thank you, son.”
“Well, it’s a quiet time here, why don’t you go to Lancer with Murdoch and Val?” Ned placed his arm around Johnny’s shoulders.
“Can I make arrangements for you and Barranca to return with Val and me?” Hope in Murdoch’s eyes.
“Ya mean we’ll have to put up with him constantly checking on that spoiled horse of his all the way back to Lancer?” Val good-naturedly groused.
“Yes.” Everyone in the room agreed.
*****
Too soon for some and not soon enough for others, the day arrived for the departure. Lilly with tears in her eyes hugged Val, then a hug and a kiss on the cheek for Johnny. “We will miss you, but look forward to your return. Give them all a chance, you may be surprised at the results.”
“I will, you take care and keep Ned in line.” Johnny kissed her cheek, then turned to Ned. “Thanks,” he leaned in and whispered, “When I was little and dreamed of having a father, you are what I wanted.” Then he turned and headed for the train car where Val and Murdoch waited.
The End
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