Wolf Stoddard moved slowly through the throngs that lined the New Orleans’ street on this particular June afternoon. He was on his way back to Arizona where he grew up on his uncle's ranch. He had just paid a visit to his father in Boston, and as usual they had ended up arguing. Wesley Stoddard taught law at Harvard. It had been his dream to see his son follow in his footsteps as a lawyer, senator or congressman. However, when Wolf's mother died, he insisted on spending a year with his uncle, John Cutler, on his ranch just north of Williams. It was there that Cloud Walker, an Apache, befriended Wolf. Now at twenty-three, Wolf was looking for some kind of reconciliation with his father, but the same old arguments had a way of widening the wedge between them. So Wolf had cut his stay short and decided to take the southern route home and see some new sites.
New Orleans was a bustling town. It didn't quite have the old dignity of Boston, but it had a grace and charm all its own. Wolf found himself entranced by the sights and sounds. As he was passing a back alley not far from the rumbling Mississippi he heard the sounds of fists upon flesh and the suppressed cries of someone being beaten. He put his valise down nearby and walked upon the scene occurring just around the corner of the Old French style building. Three young thugs were jostling around an old man and his servant.
"How about we even up the odds," Wolf said as he approached the group, quickly noting the knife in the hands of one of the thugs.
"Dis no concern yours," the heavy Cajun accent said.
"I choose for it to be my concern."
Then all three turned to Wolf and approached. He backhanded the first youth who approached and kicked out with his leg getting the second one right in the groin. The one with the knife came at him from the left. Wolf spun, grabbed the hand and jerked down hard over his upraised knee. He could hear the bones cracking. The two on the ground now stumbled up and ran. The other one lay holding his hand in the alley moaning.
"Sir, I owe you my life," the old man said as he helped his servant up off the ground. The servant had taken the brunt of the attack protecting the old man.
"Just needed the odds evened up," Wolf said as he grabbed his valise and stood looking down at the injured thief.
"What do you want to do with this one?"
"Leave him be. He is just a boy. Maybe he'll learn something from this lesson you have taught him, monsieur."
"Come, you must come with me to my home. You are not from these parts."
"No, I'm passing through on my way to Arizona."
"Have you a place to stay?" the old man asked him.
"No, I was on my way to the hotel."
"I will not have that, monsieur. Come, we have a wedding tomorrow. My granddaughter, Michelle, you must attend the festivities. We must repay your kindness."
Wolf sat in the huge kitchen on Esplanade Avenue. Servants bustled around him in preparation for the event that was scheduled for tomorrow.
A large black woman was in charge of this sunny room. She stood no taller than five feet five inches, but she ruled her territory with a firm hand. She directed one young girl in her early teens to pluck the chickens, another one was polishing silver, and another one tied small bows around all the silverware. Mr. Etienne Bordage had made it known to his staff that this was a guest and he should be taken care of. Wolf sat at the table with a huge slice of meat pie before him.
A lovely young woman of perhaps nineteen came down the back staircase.
"Tuny, have you seen Falcon? That boy had better be here. He is so unreliable, I am tired of his rodee," the young woman worried before her eyes met Wolf's. They were the blackest eyes he had ever seen---deep pools of bottomless depth.
"Ma petit, calm down. Falcon knows you are to be wed. He will be here. That boy just don't like being told what to do. He loves you, petit, he will come," Tuny consoled the girl as she continued her ministrations.
"Sir, my grandfather said you would be a guest at my wedding," the young woman said extending her hand to Wolf who quickly dropped his fork, wiped his hands on his pants and rose to take the hand.
"I am Michelle Landry, welcome."
"Thank you, ma’am, Wolf Stoddard." Then he flashed his smile and the young woman stared in awe. Wolf was making an impression upon the household without even trying.
Then Michelle Landry fled up the back staircase.
Wolf busied himself eating the meat pie and watching the activities taking place around him. When he looked up at the window over the kitchen sink where Tuny worked, he saw a pair of black eyes and unruly brown hair peeking just over the sill. Then he saw a lizard being placed on the wood frame.
Wolf braced himself for the scream he knew was coming. However, Petunia Babin merely picked up the lizard and quietly walked around to the back door. Moments later she brought a smiling, laughing youth in the kitchen by his ear.
"Little Egret, your papere is going to skin you alive. Your sister is in tears, worrying about you. When you going to stay put, mon ami?"
The youth stooped down to avoid the pull on his ear, but he was not taking the threats or anger seriously. Wolf placed him to be about seventeen, five feet six inches of lithe body frame, topped with a head of unruly brown hair. The eyes, however, were his most arresting feature. They sparkled, pooled, and glistened with a warm liquid fire. The eyes were captivating within the thick black lashes that feathered around them. He was laughing all the while, until his eyes met the pale blue ones seated at the kitchen table.
"Tuny, let go. Please, Tuny, we have a guest."
Tuny released the contrite young man and swatted him firmly on his behind. "This is Monsieur Stoddard a guest of your papere. Your papere told me he wanted to see you as soon as you got home. You had better wash up, bebette, he is waiting."
The wild haired youth gave one curious look at Wolf and raced up the same stairs his sister had taken a short while ago. The Wolf had met the Falcon.
Darby stretched and yawned, he was snuggled beneath a warm blanket and the fire was still going. He didn't wake up to the normal chill of the cave. He turned slightly and let out a gasp as his tender backside contacted the earth. He quickly rolled back on his stomach and the events of the previous night came storming back into his conscience. He quickly raised himself up and saw the man who called himself Wolf sitting across from him preparing breakfast.
"Did you sleep well?" He asked him in a casual, friendly voice.
"I usually like to sleep on my back," Darby lied trying to gain some footing with this man.
"Then you'd best obey me."
Wolf was re-heating what was left of the beans from last night and he added more bacon to the pot. The smells made Darby's stomach rumble. The truth be told he had slept deeply and soundly with the first full belly in months. He hated to admit it, but there was something reassuring about the man who sat across from him. It was nice for Darby, a boy who could only depend upon himself for his basic needs, to have someone else, albeit this stranger with a very heavy hand, to rely upon.
Best get that thought out of your head, Darby thought to himself. I ain't staying with him. First chance I get I'm off and he can just stick those...
"Time to get up, boy. Take care of your needs right outside there and wash up. Breakfast'll be ready in 10 minutes."
Darby got up slowly, stiffly, and sorely. He could barely walk. He still rubbed his backside and gave Wolf a reproachful look. Wolf paid him no notice and continued making a pot of coffee.
When Darby came back in he stood by the fire and asked, "Can I put my pants on? It's cold."
"Sure. When we're through eating, I want you to pack up everything you stole and wrap what's valuable in that blanket. I'll have to tell Sheriff Banks where to find the rest of the stuff. They'll need to send someone out with a buckboard. Pack up your personal belongings, too. We're going back to town."
"I never stole nothing. Most of this stuff is castoff by people who never appreciated what they had in the first place," Darby said harshly. He was not going to admit to being a petty thief.
Wolf stopped fixing breakfast, he looked up at Darby and quietly said, "Watch that tone with me, son."
Darby was angry. He wanted to stamp his foot and came pretty near doing just that, but at that point, Wolf just stood up to his full six foot height and placed his hands on his hips. The look he gave Darby said volumes. It promised pain and misery. Darby tried once again to stare Wolf down, but ended up lowering his gaze and kicking the dirt with his stockinged foot. He jutted his lower lip out and said in an unsure voice, "I'm sorry."
"Get dressed," was all Wolf said and resumed his preparations for their morning meal.
Darby refused to say anything after that. He pouted. He didn't like this situation one bit. Maybe when he got to town he'd tell Judge Green and Sheriff Banks he'd rather go to Laramie prison. Then again, he didn't really think prison was all that great a place to be. Darby was caught between a rock and a hard place, the rock being one Wolf Stoddard.
After breakfast, Darby lovingly took his mother's picture and the doily and carefully wrapped them in cloth and placed it in the beat-up old knapsack, along with the three, leather-bound books.
"Is that all your possessions, boy?" Wolf asked after seeing the ritual near the grotto.
"All that's worth anything?"
Wolf looked the boy over in his oversized boots, tattered denims, and baggy shirt. The thin, worn jacket surely didn't offer much protection against the cold winds that had started to whip the land. He made a mental note to himself to completely outfit the boy before leaving Happenstance. Then, too, the boy needed a good haircut and a bath.
When Wolf had the horse saddled he told Darby to mount up in front of him. The bag with Darby's treasures and the stolen booty were attached to the saddle horn.
"I'll ride behind you." Darby said. He wasn't a little child to be held in front like he couldn't hang on.
"You'll do what I tell you." Wolf just pointed to the saddle indicating Darby should mount. He had no intention of letting the boy grab for his gun from behind him. Besides, he knew Darby's rump was going to pain him sorely on the short ride to town, and Wolf’s hard thighs could ease some of the pressure. However, he wasn't about to admit this to the boy.
Darby carefully mounted and Wolf swung up easily behind him. Darby was raised out of the saddle, cautious of lowering his seat. Wolf wrapped his arms around Darby's waist, grabbed the reins, and gently pulled the thin figure down to perch practically on his lap. Darby winced upon contact, but it wasn't as hard as the horse’s rump or the saddle would have been.
"Oh, one other thing," Wolf whispered closely in Darby's ear. "If you forget our agreement or fail to do as I tell you, you'd better be prepared to have your butt bared in front of Miss Cassie and the good townsfolk of Happenstance. Do I make myself clear?"
Darby blushed, then squirmed uncomfortably on Wolf's lap. He nodded his head vigorously, not trusting his voice.
"You've forgotten so soon?" Wolf whispered almost endearingly, then sighed as though forced to perform a task he found distasteful.
"Yes sir." Darby quickly amended.
Plan Number One just rode over the mountain and Darby Cole remained behind trapped in the arms of the Wolf.
Wolf watched the bobbing head before him as he rode the horse gently for the boy's sake. Wolf wanted to bring the youth in obedient and respectful, not broken and beaten down. He was tempted to reach out and stroke the wild locks back into place; Wolf had yet to see the boy's hair combed or tamed. A wild crown to his own uncontrollable nature, the hair reminded Wolf of a child's mop, thick and golden in the sun.
As they entered town, Wolf could feel his young charge stiffen and lower his head. He could see a blush creeping up the back of the exposed neck. The fugitive had been caught and he was ashamed that he was being brought back to face the music. Wolf quickly brought the horse to a stop outside Sheriff Banks' office and dismounted. Darby quickly followed suit. Wolf put a protective arm around the boy, although Darby thought it was the arm of imprisonment.
They entered Sheriff Banks' office.
The tall black man rose instantly, anger straining the veins at his temples. Darby instinctively stepped back to protect himself from the assault he was sure would come.
Wolf immediately intercepted the approaching lawman by stepping between him and Darby. "Simon it's okay. The boy has something to say to you. Just give him a chance."
Simon Banks, man and father, wanted nothing more than to thrash the young man before him. However, Simon Banks, the sheriff and lawman, wanted to deal fairly with the youth. Seeing the glint of steel in the pale blue eyes, Simon calmed down.
"Well, Darby, what do you have to say for yourself, before I decide if I should push to have your sorry butt serve two years instead of one in Laramie Prison."
"I'm sorry, sir," Darby said, then shifted from one leg to the other. He looked beseechingly at Wolf, but the stern gaze told him to expect no support from that end. "I apologize for hitting you on the head. I'm truly sorry, Sheriff Banks." Darby then lowered his head, waiting for the ax to fall.
"Darby, any man ever did to me what you did and escaped my jail, I'd be personally walking you to Laramie, but because Wolf here is an ex-marshal," at this news Darby jerked his head up and stared with his mouth agape at the tall man beside him. Wolf grinned at him. Simon noticed the exchange, then continued, "like I was saying, an ex-marshal believes maybe all you need is a firm hand and I'm apt to listen. You can consider yourself very lucky Mr. Stoddard was in town when you made your daring break. I would suggest young man that you listen to him and obey him. If you try to escape, be forewarned Wolf is one of the best trackers in the whole of Montana territory. Do you understand what I'm saying to you, son?"
"Yes sir." Darby said.
"Wolf, I suggest you take Darby over to see Judge Green. He wants to make sure Darby understands the rules and regulations attached with his probation into your custody," Simon said.
"We're on our way there now. Thanks, Simon," Wolf said as he extended his hand to his tall friend.
"Darby, you have something to say," Wolf turned to the contrite youth.
"Yes sir. Thank you, Sheriff," and Darby extended his hand to shake the black one. Simon grabbed the hand and shook it while his left hand patted the boy's right shoulder.
"Take care, Darby, and heed my warning. It's for your own good. Miss Cassie will be happy to hear you're not going to prison, and I think I'll have a lot happier life," Simon grinned.
After Judge Green read Darby the riot act and he was convinced Darby understood the seriousness of his crime and the incarceration that still hung over his head, he gave Darby and Wolf his judicial blessing and sent the new partners off with his good wishes.
Wolf immediately took them shopping. Darby was speechless by all the purchases made on his behalf. Underwear, long johns, a winter coat, a spring coat, a hat, muffler, gloves, britches, and a shiny new pair of leather boots. Darby felt like a rich man. When they were through, Darby was so busy looking down at his new boots that he walked smack dab into Jeremy Cassidy.
"What are you doing out of jail? Aren't you supposed to be on your way to Laramie?" Jeremy asked as he shoved the young man up against the storefront wall.
"Take your hands off of him," a gentle, quiet voice said not more than 3 feet from Jeremy's ear.
He turned to see the large man next to him.
"Hey, mister, I got no fight with you. This man's a criminal. He must have broke out of jail." His hands still pinned Darby to the wall.
"One." The tall man said the word with a quiet clarity that brought a brief hint of fear to Cassidy's face.
"Look, I'm taking him back to Sheriff Banks' office."
"Two." This was said more softly, and even Darby blanched at the threat beneath the numeric surface.
Jeremy Cassidy, never being one to stick his neck out in any situation, released his captive. Let Sheriff Banks handle this that’s what he got paid for. He quickly rushed past Wolf and headed for the lawman's office.
Wolf grabbed Darby by the arm and pulled him along to the barbershop. The haircut was followed by a long soak in hot bubbly water. Darby even forgot his predicament for a moment and as Wolf sat outside the bathroom, he could hear the boy softly singing and splashing, totally immersed in the pleasure of the relaxing water.
They were so busy with the preparations for the trip home, lunch was never even missed. Wolf had decided this morning not to start the trip home until tomorrow. However at sunset, Wolf decided they should both settle down for a good meal. He took Darby over to the hotel and got a room. Then he took Darby to dinner in the hotel dining room.
Darby was excited by now. The kid was all eyes and ears. If he had felt more relaxed with Wolf, he would have been talking up a storm and asking questions every which way. He had not dined in a restaurant since his mom and he...Darby pushed the sad memory from his mind.
Wolf told him he could order anything on the menu. Darby asked the waitress for her recommendations and following her selections he ordered the Chicken Pot Pie. He had never tasted anything so delicious, well, except for Miss Cassie's cooking. Then Wolf ordered him a large slice of apple pie with ice cream on top. Wolf decided one way to this boy's heart, or better yet, one way to get this boy's undivided attention was through his stomach. Darby had even stopped squirming uncomfortably. He apparently didn't mind a sore bottom when he had such marvelous distractions.
Wolf enjoyed his steak and entertained himself by watching Darby. The kid was charming as all get up with the waitress who tended their table, flirting with her without even realizing that was what he was doing. Darby seemed shocked when Wolf paid the bill. The boy apparently had very little experience even though he came from a large city like San Francisco. Wolf was beginning to suspect Darby's life wasn't all that easy even with his mother.
When they went upstairs to their room, Darby was exhausted. Wolf told him to get ready for bed. The boy took off his clothes and put on his new nightshirt, he put his clothes on a chair, but took the boots to his bedside. Wolf watched the proceedings, but said nothing. The boy loved those boots.
Before Wolf could strip and get into bed, Darby was snoring lightly. The boy had probably not slept in a real bed in quite some time. Wolf took a few moments to study the unsuspecting youth. The hair was now cut in a more manageable style, long on top and short around the sides and back. Wolf was going to have to learn how to cut it to get them through the long winter ahead of them. They would probably make one more trip into town to pick up their livestock and then they would be snowed in for the winter.
Getting beneath the covers he drifted off to sleep with thoughts of dark, laughing eyes, lace doilies, and the scent of magnolias on the bayou, and memories of the Falcon.
The water lapped softly, lazily against the pirogue. The magnolias hung low over the water as Falcon pushed his pole through the swamps. Wolf lay back easily watching the young man's movements, the ease and grace with which he handled the chore. The last week had been a very pleasant experience for Wolf. He was a guest at a very fine Cajun/Acadian wedding. It was also a week filled with surprises. Etienne Bordage had a problem on his hands, one particular problem named Falcon Landry. Since Falcon's father died several years ago, Falcon ran wild through the streets of New Orleans and the swamps of Bayou Metairie. The bayou, in particular, was a favorite haunt of the wild, untamed boy.
Etienne Landry had asked a favor of Wolf Stoddard. Take the boy with him out west and leave him with his other son, Vincent Bordage in Cheyenne, Montana. He pegged Wolf as a man who could handle himself in a fight, who wouldn't back down to a challenge, and who used discretion when using his weapon. Etienne Bordage, a gentlemen through and through, felt these were the traits he would want his grandson exposed to. So Wolf was doing what Etienne had suggested. "Spend some time with the boy, get to know him. He likes you, he will trust you. Then I will explain my wishes to him. He needs to get away from New Orleans. The swamp and the lesser elements here are becoming too great a force upon him."
So Wolf was letting the boy take him to some of his favorite haunts. The black eyes looked down upon Wolf, thoughtful for a moment. "What's got you so worried, podna? You look forlorn. You didn't have eyes for my sister and now you pine that she's an old married woman, eh?" The boy laughed at this with a fondness for the sweet girl who was now on her honeymoon. Wolf had been drafted by Falcon for the Charivari when the newly weds had been bombarded with friends and relatives until the young couple had to offer them food. Wolf never remembered laughing so hard. Falcon had that effect on people, an infectious laugh that included everyone in the festivities.
"Eh, look is not beautiful?" Falcon pulled the pirogue in front of a large forest of magnolias. The sweet smell and the lazy water relaxed Wolf. He could understand how the boy was drawn here. It was a place for being alone, but not lonely.
"My whole life I love the swamp, it is my home. My papere thinks I do not know his plan to send me off to my Uncle Vincent. I will die away from my bayou. Mon Papere does not understand." The boy sat down in the small boat and brought his knees up to his chin and peered over at Wolf. The black eyes sad and distant.
"Your grandfather just wants you to see the rest of the world. He thinks the change of scenery will do you good. I think you'll like Montana. I'm originally from Boston, but I've grown to love Arizona. I think of that as more my home now. Montana is beautiful territory I hear."
Falcon looked up at the Metairie Ridge. He longingly gazed upon the magnificent oaks and magnolias, the cypress, tupelo and palmetto. He looked lovingly upon them like old friends, and Wolf understood that the little Falcon's heart was breaking. He knew that no matter how far this boy traveled, the bayou would always be his home.
"Ah, mon podna, what do you call this?" Falcon left the trees and the silence of the bayou to prove his point.
When Darby awoke, he luxuriated in the warmth, the softness, and the clean crisp sheets. It had been ages since he slept in a bed. He had still found it to his comfort to sleep on his stomach, but he was now able to roll on his side without too much soreness. The pillow next to him was empty. He reached his hand over and from the coolness, Wolf had left it some time ago. Pinned to the pillow was a note.
Darby quickly sat up forgetting the soreness in that region. He reached over and grabbed the note. Darby blushed, even though he was alone. Wolf must have left instructions for him. Darby couldn't read. He didn't want this man to know he couldn't ride, but he definitely didn't want him to know he couldn't read one word of this note. Darby quickly stuffed the note under the mattress and got out of bed. He would go look for Wolf. Besides, he wanted to walk around town with his new clothes and his new boots. Maybe Miss Cassie would be out and about.
Wolf had gone to the stable early to pay Darryl for the expense of stabling his horses and storing his supplies. He had left Darby a note telling the boy to wait for him in the hotel room. They would have breakfast and then leave for the two day ride back to the valley. As Wolf was leaving the stables, Simon Banks was coming from his home on his way to his office.
"Wolf, wait up."
"Simon, good morning."
"I just wanted to warn you, Jeremy Cassidy was in to see me yesterday about Darby."
"Yeah, I know. He was none too happy about Darby being out of jail."
"Well, just be aware, the Cassidy brothers are hotheads. They never did like Darby none from day one. Just keep the kid on a tight leash and make sure he don't go off anywhere by himself. I think the Cassidys may be aiming to give the boy some payback."
"No, problem. The boy's been instructed to stay put until I tell him to move. He's a fast learner."
Just then they heard a ruckus coming from one of the alleyways. A woman, out early with her young son, was standing on the street screaming as she looked in the alley. Simon and Wolf rushed to her side. As they rounded the corner, they just caught site of the two Cassidy boys each landing a good solid blow to the youth they had pinned to the wall.
"JEREMY! JOSHUA!" Simon Banks yelled as both lawmen rushed into the alley. The two brothers took off in the opposite direction, leaving their victim to sink to his knees, bloodied and bruised.
Wolf reached Darby first. The boy's cheek was badly bruised and he was bleeding from a cut just above his right eye.
"Darby, are you all right?" Wolf asked concernedly.
"Yes sir. I'm all right. I could've handled them, they just took me by surprise," Darby said petulantly as he realized how pathetic he must look to this man, letting two pampered boys like the Cassidy's get the better of him.
"I noticed," Wolf said with a smile forming at his lips. He pushed the unruly lock of hair off the boy's eye and frowned.
"Let's get you over to the doc's." He pulled the boy against him and looked back at Simon who was returning from the short chase.
"Darn Cassidy brats. I'll talk to their father. They'll be standing for awhile, but Barney Cassidy's a fair man. He protects those boys, but he disciplines them, too, when the need arises."
"He'd better, Simon, if they come near Darby again, I'll take care of their discipline for him," and with that the tall man in black walked his young charge over to the doctor's office.
When the doc stitched Darby's cut and checked him out, Wolf took him roughly by the arm and marched him back to the hotel. Darby looked up surprised, not knowing what he had done now to anger Wolf.
When the door closed on the hotel room. Wolf pushed Darby onto the bed.
"You want to tell me what you were doing disobeying my orders." Wolf stood and looked down at the frightened face with the wide black eyes.
"I was looking for you. When I woke up, you were gone."
"I left you a note. I told you to stay put."
"I didn't see any note," Darby lied, as he bit down on his lower lip. Wolf could tell the boy was lying.
"Stand up." Darby did as he was told. Wolf checked his pockets, then Wolf checked the bed, pillows, and lifted the mattress. There the note stuck under Darby's side, crumpled, telling a different tale.
"Remember lying?" Wolf said angrily. "I believe I told you no lying. Now you disobey me and you lie about it. You almost got yourself beat to a pulp, because you can't do what I tell you."
Darby's lip started quivering. He could feel the tears welling in his eyes. He hated his cowardice. He really didn't want another spanking. He was still sore from the last one.
"I'm sorry. Please don't spank me."
"Why?" Wolf asked him.
"Because it hurts," Darby practically cried.
"No, I mean why did you hide the note and lie to me?" Wolf asked, trying to hide the grin over the boy's one-track mind concerning the spanking.
"Meant nothing to me," Darby whispered this so quietly, Wolf asked him to repeat it.
"It meant nothing to me. I CAN'T READ!" Darby was so angry for having to make this confession to Wolf, he raced to the door.
"DARBY! STOP RIGHT THERE!" Darby froze when he heard the command in the voice.
He felt Wolf's hands on his shoulders as he was turned around and guided towards the bed. Darby braced himself for the punishment he knew he was going to receive. Instead he was lowered on the bed. Wolf sat next to him.
"It's nothing to be ashamed of, son. I just assumed, seeing those books you put such stock in."
"They belonged to one of my ma's friends. She used to read to me. I know those books by heart. I always wanted to learn."
"Well, that can be fixed," Wolf said with a tired sigh. "It's the lying that bothers me right now."
"I was afraid you'd think I was stupid. I just never had no chance to learn. Sophie always said she'd teach me, but she never did." Darby started playing with the pillow he had pulled onto his lap, a cushion against the force that sat beside him and threatened retaliation.
"I should spank you, Darby. You have to understand when you disobey me or lie to me or try to run away, you will be punished severely. I have to make sure you understand that."
Darby nodded his head and slowly stood up. He began unbuckling his new leather belt as quiet tears came cascading down his cheeks. Wolf reached out and grabbed his hand. "But I'm not. At least not this time, but if you lie to me again, I'll paddle you twice as hard and twice as long, do I make myself clear?" Then Wolf stood and looked down into Darby's black eyes.
Darby's quivering lip now shook even more violently with a stronger emotion, gratitude. He reached out and hugged the larger man. Then embarrassed by the impulsive act, he quickly pulled away. Leaving Wolf standing stunned by the gesture.
"Thank you. I'm really sorry. I won't lie anymore, I promise." Darby said with all the sincerity of one who truly wishes promises such as this could be kept.
Breakfast was the first meal Darby and Wolf enjoyed in camaraderie. Wolf felt like he had made some headway in earning the boy's trust with that simple reprieve. He only hoped he was doing the right thing. He didn't want Darby to think he could always sidestep punishment, but he wanted to treat the boy fairly. The whole affair with the note had been a simple misunderstanding.
Darby was stuffing his face with eggs, bacon and pancakes. Several times, Wolf had to tell him to slow down. Breakfast was a rare meal for Darby who usually ate the leftovers from his dinner.
"So, you originally from San Francisco?" Wolf opened the conversation.
"Yeah, it's a beautiful place. My ma was a real star there."
"Oh, what did she do?"
"Sing, she had a real beautiful voice. She was an entertainer," Darby said with pride.
Wolf continued eating his breakfast, but took everything Darby told him with a grain of salt. He knew he couldn't call the boy for lying, because, in truth, he didn't know too much about Darby's past except what Sheriff Banks had supplied him with, bits and pieces that came out at the trial.
"Where's your pa?" Wolf asked this as nonchalantly as he could. He knew this question could hurt the boy, anger him, or open the door to further lies.
"I don't know. Never knew him." Darby admitted while he stuffed more pancakes topped with an egg yolk into his mouth. "I don reewy care," Darby said around the mouthful.
"Hey, take it easy. You're going to choke you keep taking mouthfuls that size."
"S'good!"
"SLOW DOWN!" Wolf said with authority.
Darby looked up and realized this was a serious directive. He took a big gulp of his coffee and nodded his head.
"What happened to your ma?" Wolf continued to press the boy for some background information.
"She's dead," was Darby's simple reply. He didn't raise his head to look at Wolf and seemed to be totally absorbed in his breakfast plate.
"How'd it happen?"
"What is this? I thought I just have to stay with you and do what I'm told. I didn't think I had to tell you my life story." Darby put his fork down and became angry. He pushed his chair away and stood up.
All Wolf did was jab his finger towards the seat of the chair, indicating Darby had best get his butt back in it.
Darby looked down at him, the fiery rebellion back in his eyes.
Wolf jabbed his finger again, but added a final warning, "While you still can."
Darby's face reddened. He quickly looked around at the three other people in the hotel dining room. He didn't doubt that Wolf would exact punishment right here in front of all these strangers. He quickly sat back down.
"I'm sorry if I'm asking questions that open old wounds. I only want to get to know you. However, I won't tolerate that attitude. You answer me politely when I ask you a question. Do you understand?"
"Yes sir," Darby said looking longingly at his unfinished breakfast.
"Come on, finish your breakfast, we've got a long ride ahead of us. How about you ask me a question? Anything you want to know, I'll try to answer you honestly or I’ll tell you if it's none of your business."
Darby eyed him suspiciously. Then the pull of the half-eaten breakfast was too much, he picked up his fork and once again started shoveling food into his mouth. "Why'd you quit being a marshal?"
"It was time. I wanted to try my hand at ranching. I was tired of the traveling." Wolf said as he sipped his coffee, knowing he too could withhold information, so how could he fault the boy. Everyone had secrets they weren't all that eager to share. This answer however was as good as any, and in part was true, though only a fraction of it.
"I want to be a cowboy," Darby said proudly and determinedly. "I'm going to be one, too. First chance I have to get me a horse," then seeing the stern glare Wolf shot at him, "I mean buy me a horse, I'm joining the cattle drive."
"You know, Darby, you don't need a horse to be a cowboy. Cattle drives supply their own remuda. All you really need is a saddle and outfit."
"I know that," Darby said, but Wolf could tell he didn't really. "I just want my own horse. I've always wanted a horse. I'm going to name him, too."
Darby didn't realize how young and inexperienced he sounded to the ex-lawman. The boy was living in some dream, some idealized fairy tale of what the cowboy life was like. It was going to be hard lesson for him when the bitter realities came to the forefront. Oh, well, part of growing up , Wolf thought. Darby certainly had a lot of that to do.
One hour later they were saying their good-byes to Sheriff Banks who stood outside his office wishing them a good trip and promising to see them in one months time. Judge Green had insisted Darby report to him every visit into town to note his progress. Wolf, too, had to give him some feedback on how the arrangement was working out.
Miss Cassie came running with her skirts high down the boardwalk.
"At least I don't have to run and hide anymore," Simon said as he grinned at Wolf.
"Darby, oh Darby," she cried out as she grabbed the surprised boy and kissed him on the cheek. "I am so glad you're being given a second chance." She raised a sweet smiling face to Wolf who returned a charming one of his own.
Then she wagged her finger Darby's way. "You had better mind your manners and behave yourself. There were a lot of people here in Happenstance who pulled for you. I don't ever want to hear we were wrong. Do you hear me, Darby Cole?"
"Yes ma'm. I thank you for all your help and those delicious meals. I don't think Wolf cooks as good as you do." At this statement Darby smiled and ducked as Wolf turned to him pretending a mock backhand across the face. This was the first time he and Darby experienced playfulness, and Wolf admitted it made him feel good.
"Well, you take care of him, Wolf Stoddard." Miss Cassie extended her hand to the tall man in black. Then she reached up on her toes and planted a warm and tender kiss on his cheek, while whispering in his ear, "Please be good to him." As she pulled back down, Wolf noticed the welling of tears in her green eyes.
He flashed his most re-assuring smile, "Count on it."
Then the two men headed towards their new life. One starting out
in a new endeavor with the hopes and dreams of burying a past best forgotten,
the other starting at a second chance and a totally new life he could never
have even imagined. If hope builds dreams and trust can win friends,
then these two had a pretty good chance at a new and promising life.
THE END
Thank you for reading. I hope that you have been entertained.
It grabs the things we miss the most and knows what holes to fill
To analyze is but a waste for there are no secrets to impart
The place to look is deep within your lonely, silent heart.
Cajun Words compliments of: http://www.oocities.org/Tokyo/Flats/4396/language.html
Papere: Grandfather
Mon Petite: Little one
Podna: Friend/Partner
Rodee: To run the roads/never stay home
Bebette: A little monster; a little critter
Mon Ami: My love
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