by Kim Redford
Shane stepped up beside her. “Didn’t you hear? We’re the Ranch Radio Rowdies and we like to pound heads into cow patties.”
“Is he for real?” Graham leaned in close to her. “If I’d known you had all that stuff squirreled away in this trash of a building, I’d have burned it to the ground before I let you make a dime off it.”
She stood up straighter and leaned right back in his face. “Wise up. You lost. And you lost big time. You got Sugar Talk, and you trashed it. You got my home and savings, and you blew it.” She gestured behind her. “I have to wonder if you might have been a little bit nicer to me if you’d known I was sitting on a treasure worth more than all you took from me.”
He appeared offended at her words. “I was plenty nice to you.”
“In the beginning, yes. After you got the big head, no.” She noticed from the corner of her eye the cowgirls and cowboys protectively sidling in closer to her.
Graham glanced at them, then up at Hedy on her horse. For the first time, he appeared concerned about his safety, but he still focused back on Eden. “Tell me one thing. Did you always know about your personal, little gold mine crouching here looking like nothing?”
She smiled as she reached behind her back and patted the door to the hut. “You’ll never know, will you?”
“I damn well will know, and you’ll tell me right now.” He grabbed her wrist and jerked her toward him, snarling in fury.
Shane stepped into the fray, shoving Graham away from Eden and twisting both of his hands behind his back. “Hedy, throw me a rope. Tanner needs to learn some manners.”
Graham tried to break free, but pretty quick, he had his hands tied behind his back. He glared at Eden.
“We don’t cotton to strangers coming into our county thinking they can take whatever they want,” Shane said. “Your next interview will be with Sheriff Calhoun.”
“I’ll be happy to load him in my truck and take him to the sheriff,” Craig said, rubbing his hands together with gusto.
“Eden, do you want to press charges?” Shane asked, keeping a firm grip on Tanner.
She looked Graham over, wondering what she’d ever seen in him and shaking her head at all the trouble he’d caused so many people. “If the sheriff wants to escort him to the county line and if he goes quietly and never comes back to Wildcat Bluff County, I won’t press charges. But I’m going to put this attempted assault into the record, so if he ever dares come back, I’ll have a restraining order on him in a heartbeat.”
“You heard her,” Shane said, jerking the rope binding Tanner’s hands. “You’re getting off easy, so keep it in mind if you ever think you’d like to tangle with Eden or Wildcat Bluff again.”
“Don’t worry.” Graham gave the group around him a look of pure disgust. “You’re a bunch of Wild West throwbacks. I can’t wait to leave here and go back to the real world.”
“Craig, get him out of here.” Shane pushed Tanner forward. “He’s stinking up the place.”
“My pleasure.” Craig led Tanner to a nearby pickup, hoisted him into the shotgun seat, then leaped inside and quickly drove away.
“I can hardly believe Graham’s harassment is over.” Eden watched the truck disappear in a cloud of dust onto Wildcat Road.
“Believe it,” Shane said, putting an arm around her shoulders. “Tanner is done.”
“I’m so relieved and thankful to you all.” Eden smiled at her loyal group of friends as she felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. She’d almost forgotten in all the excitement that Cynthia was supposed to call with a report about their live streaming. She slipped out her cell and set it on speakerphone.
“Eden!” Cynthia screamed loud enough for everyone to hear. “That was fabulous! I couldn’t have scripted it better myself. KWCB has gone viral! Everybody’s talking about your show. Groupies are setting up social sites for each of the Rowdies. They’re speculating on personalities, likes and dislikes, clothes, homes, the works. You better get prepared for a media onslaught. How did you come up with such terrific monikers? Queenie? I love it! And the Vault! You didn’t just dig out a gold mine. You’re swimming in diamonds.”
“Thanks, Cynthia.” Eden glanced around at the shocked looks on the newly minted Rowdies. “We’re just glad to be rid of Graham, so we can go forward with KWCB.”
“Forget him. He was always a loser. Listen,” Cynthia said, lowering her voice, “if you’re ever in need of my kind of help, don’t hesitate to call. Cowboys, firefighters, rowdies—Wildcat Bluff County has just become a major port of call for hungry women everywhere.”
Eden laughed at the thought. “I’ll keep your offer in mind, but we’re really a kind of quiet, laid-back place.”
“I get it. Nobody’d blame you for downplaying your hot county to keep it all to yourself, but trust me, the cat’s out of the bag.”
“Thanks for the heads-up.”
“Anytime. Later, girlfriend.”
As Eden clicked off and tucked her phone away, she glanced around at the Rowdies. As one, they burst into laughter at the absurdity of her friend’s words—except for Wildcat Jack.
“Queenie,” he said thoughtfully, “I think we better start work on a new show for the Ranch Radio Rowdies.”
Chapter 36
“I’m so glad you could join us here tonight for our May Day Rodeo in Wildcat Bluff, Texas.” Eden smiled warmly at Nathan, who was live streaming from his camera while Ken trailed behind, using his cell phone to monitor viewers’ comments.
“As I mentioned earlier this evening, seventy-five percent of firefighters in Texas are volunteers. That’s why the success of our benefit for Wildcat Bluff Fire-Rescue is so vital to the safety of our county.”
She gestured toward the arena full of spectators. “As you can see, folks really came out in support of our firefighters. Our rodeo may not be big like those in Fort Worth and Mesquite, but we’ve got just as big a heart and drive to win—particularly for our community.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our friends out there who couldn’t be with us at the rodeo but who have donated online to help Wildcat Bluff Fire-Rescue. We appreciate your generosity. No amount is too small. Thank you so much for all your help.”
She took a deep breath and swallowed to moisten her throat, while Nathan scanned and zoomed across all the activity. Like KWCB, Wildcat Bluff’s rodeo arena hadn’t been updated or upgraded in ages, so it was basically unpainted wooden bleachers for seating and you had to be careful not to get a splinter. She glanced up at Wildcat Jack and Slade Steele, who looked particularly handsome in their fancy western wear. They sat in folding chairs on a raised platform, where they were making official announcements and colorful commentary over an antiquated PA system. They were obviously having a great time making jokes, telling tall tales, and reliving past rodeo wins and losses for the audience.
Ken stepped up and bumped her elbow, pointing at his phone. Hearts blossomed across the screen, indicating that folks were watching and loving KWCB’s content, as well as making donations. He was keeping up with the responses, answering questions, and letting her know what viewers were asking to see at the rodeo. She could still hardly believe how quickly and how well they’d put together KWCB global communication.
She gave him a warm smile, feeling relieved they weren’t falling short in this new-to-KWCB medium. She was quickly realizing that live streaming wasn’t all that different from talk radio. She just needed to remember that folks were watching her in person, as well as listening to her voice. With that in mind, she’d worn her crimson pearl-snap shirt, blue western jacket, jeans, boots, and hat. At this rate, she was going to need to visit a western wear store soon, so she’d have an assortment of clothes to put on for standing in front of a camera.
When Nathan panned back to her, she smiled and glanced behind the stands. “A viewer has asked if we could go ba
ckstage, so to speak, and get a glimpse of what’s going on there. Why don’t we do that right now, while we’re waiting for the next event to start?”
She walked easily and casually, smiling as she passed folks she knew and didn’t know, and she received friendly responses from everyone. She moved into the staging area, where pickups with attached horse trailers and fancier horse trailers with living quarters were parked one after another under overhead lights. Here and there, cowgirls walked their horses to keep them warmed up, while cowboys held the reins of several mounts and talked with other riders.
“As you can see, animals—and that includes rough stock—are of supreme importance in a rodeo and receive the best of care.” She chuckled, smiling warmly at the camera. “I can tell you right now that, like your cat or dog companion, these animals quickly learn how much they’re loved and needed, as well as the importance of their jobs, so they are in it to win just as much as the people.”
As she looked around, she saw Jones strutting her stuff in a rhinestone-crusted lapis-colored shirt, a wide leather belt laden with sparkling crystals, and a hand-painted cowgirl hat emblazoned with her name. She was definitely dressed to wow under the arena lights.
Jones saw her, waved, and walked over, leading a magnificent horse with flashy tack. She tossed the reins to Eden. “Hold him a minute, will you?” She quickly turned and disappeared into the crowd.
“Good boy.” Eden held the reins with one hand as she looked into the horse’s big brown eyes and the horse looked back, sizing her up as if to decide if she was friend or foe. They quickly came to a mutual understanding, and she stroked down his long nose in friendship.
She glanced back at Nathan, realizing this was the perfect opportunity to fill some time and entertain with a few fun facts. “I guess this just goes to show that nobody stands around empty-handed at a rodeo. If you’re here, you’re going to be part of the action, one way or another. In this case, I’m delighted to help out.”
From the corner of her eye, she saw Ken hold up his phone, with hearts zinging across the screen again. Okay, they appeared to be on a roll. “If you don’t already know it, I’m holding the reins of a palomino. His pure golden coat with ivory mane and tail make him perfect for showing or riding in a rodeo.
“All these horses around us are American quarter horses. You’ll notice they’re primarily a reddish-brown color. That’s because they stem from the base colors of black, bay, brown, and chestnut or the result of modifying those colors.”
She was glancing around for something else to discuss to keep her audience interested when she saw Jones headed her way with a tall cowboy wearing an emerald-colored shirt and pressed Wranglers with russet hat and boots. He also sported a big grin on his handsome face. She felt her heart accelerate at the sight of her one and only.
When they drew close, she tossed the reins back to Jones, and then she gestured toward Nathan and his camera. “If you two have a moment, would you say a few words to our KWCB friends out there?”
When they both nodded in agreement, Eden smiled at the camera. “This is Nocona Jones and Shane Taggart. They’re both volunteer firefighters. Wildcat Bluff County is grateful for all their help.”
She turned to Jones. “I understand you’re competing tonight.”
“Yes, I am. Barrel racing.” Jones looked up at the palomino, smiling, and stroked his wide jaw. “Tosahwi runs like the wind, and he likes to win. I hope not to disappoint him.”
Eden glanced back at the camera. “I’m sure Nocona Jones and Tosahwi will appreciate each and every one of you rooting for them tonight.”
“Thanks,” Jones said. “And, Eden, thank you and thanks to KWCB for supporting our firefighter benefit with your many contributions.”
“We’re happy to help out.” She watched as Jones walked away, then turned her attention to Shane. “I understand you’re also competing tonight.”
“That’s right. Team roping,” he said in his deep, rich voice. “Craig Thorne and I will be on horseback, heading and heeling steers.”
“Is it dangerous?” She knew the answer, but she thought her viewers might like to know more about the event.
He shook his head. “What we need are good horses, strong arms, stout ropes, and exceptional speed. If it all comes together just right, we win. If it doesn’t, the other guys win.”
“You sound like a good sport.”
“I’m here for the enjoyment of rodeo and to support our Wildcat Bluff Fire-Rescue.”
“Thank you,” she said, winding up the segment until she saw Ken motioning to her and pointing at his screen. While the camera was still focused on Shane, she looked at the viewer requests and quickly readjusted her interview.
“My pleasure.” Shane tipped his cowboy hat.
She gave him a warm smile, knowing she had a twinkle in her eyes as she prepared to surprise him. “Would you please give us a moment more of your time?”
He nodded in agreement, even as he stepped back as if ready to return to the rodeo.
“Visitors to KWCB recognize you as one of the Ranch Radio Rowdies from your appearance the other day when we were live streaming at the Rocky T Ranch.”
“That’s right. Smilin’ Shane at your service.”
“Uh, Smilin’ Shane, our friends out there want to know when the Ranch Radio Rowdies show will be up and running.” She couldn’t help but notice that now he had a twinkle in his eyes, too, as if he was still enjoying how they’d surprised her with the Rowdies.
He gave the camera a big grin. “Queenie here is in control of programming, while I’m out herding cattle. As far as the Rowdies go, you’ll hear from us when you hear from us. For now, I’ve got a little roping and riding to do.”
“Thank you for your time. And good luck,” she said in a straight voice, even though she was laughing inside at their new monikers.
He glanced down at her left hand where she wasn’t yet wearing his engagement ring, gave a slight shake of his head, and sauntered away.
She hoped he didn’t get upset that she still had a bare ring finger, because she had something special in mind about it. Still, if she waited too long—no, she wouldn’t go there, particularly not with a camera trained on her. She put a smile on her face as she looked at Nathan.
“And there you have a behind-the-scenes look at our May Day Rodeo,” she said. “Why don’t we go back to the arena, so you don’t miss out on any of the fun headed your way tonight?”
She continued to smile at the camera, knowing she needed to give her voice a rest. She was holding up, but she needed a few swigs of MG’s miracle throat tonic to get through the rest of the evening.
“While I take a break to round up even more excitement for y’all, go ahead and enjoy our May Day Rodeo. And remember, any donations you care to send our way will be greatly appreciated and judiciously used by our Wildcat Bluff Fire-Rescue. And don’t forget, you’re always welcome to visit us at KWCB, the Wildcat Den, in Wildcat Bluff, Texas.”
She adjusted the left lapel of her jacket, a signal she’d set up with Nathan, so he’d know when to turn off the directional mic yet keep recording interesting sights.
When he gave her the nod, she sighed in relief. After everything she’d been through of late, she was about ready to drop, not to mention the fact that her throat was getting scratchier the longer she broadcast. She kept going because of the importance of their firefighter benefit and because she knew that, in just a couple more hours, she could finally take the break she’d needed since she’d set foot back in Wildcat Bluff.
“We’re doing great.” Ken moved in close, holding up his cell so she could see the screen. “People like us. They’re donating. And they want more of the Rowdies.”
“Ranch Radio Rowdies.” She sighed. “I guess I’ll have to come up some kind of a show. Maybe on the order of Gene Autry’s Melody Ranch.”
“Cou
nt me in!”
“We can talk about it later.” She read a few positive comments and saw more hearts. “For now, I can’t thank you and Nathan enough for getting us here.”
“As soon as I’m out of school for the summer, I’ve got a part-time job at Thingamajigs. Nathan says it’s the best way to learn.”
“It is. And congratulations.”
“What I mean is—thanks for getting me here. If not for you and the Den, I’d be bored out of my skull and maybe headed back to Dallas.”
“Think you’re putting down roots in Wildcat Bluff?”
“I’ve got too much to do to go. Anyhow, I can’t leave Morning Glory or you or Jack or Nathan or the Rowdies in the lurch. We’ve still got to build out KWCB’s platform and dive into the storage boxes. I mean, if you still want my help.”
She smiled at his enthusiastic expression. “I think it’s about time we put you on salary at KWCB.”
“You mean it?” He gave a pump in the air with his fist. “I’ll make a DJ yet.”
“It won’t pay much, at least not yet. And school always comes first.”
“Once I’m out for the summer, I belong to KWCB and Thingamajigs.”
She couldn’t keep from chuckling at his positive and happy attitude. He’d brightened up her life every step of the way. “I’ll count on it. For now, why don’t you catch up with Nathan? I think it’s about time we did some live streaming of Jack and Slade sharing their tall Texas tales with the world.”
“Right!” Ken pumped his fist in the air again. “Can’t wait to see what folks say about those two firefighting cowboys.”
She watched as he ran to catch up with Nathan, feeling like she should be going with them and pushing longer, harder, faster, but maybe it was time to step back and let others take over the limelight for a while.
As she slowly walked along behind the bleachers, she caught the mingled scents of dust, animals, food, and folks. It was the smell of rodeo. It was the smell of Wildcat Bluff. It was the smell of her new life. Sheriff Calhoun had confirmed Graham Tanner’s flight out of DFW airport, so she was rid of her ex-husband. And that meant she was finally free to step forward into the future with confidence.