by Sable Hunter
Chapter 4
As any cowboy knows, the only time you drive cattle is when you first start moving them from the current territory they’re occupying. The rest of the time the herd is trailed – especially if you’re blessed with a reliable bell steer. Nathan spent more time with the cattle, so he was the one who flanked Spot to keep him motivated and moving in the right direction. Plodding along with his head swinging back and forth like a steady pendulum, the old steer didn’t need much prodding. This was a journey he’d made many times in his life.
As they made their way south, Nathan’s mind wandered to days gone by. He could recall coming on a cattle drive like this several times with their father. Sebastian McCoy was a hands-on type of rancher. He didn’t believe in turning over the running of the ranch to a foreman. Nathan could still remember riding alongside his hero, mirroring every move he made and listening to every word he spoke.
Ranching isn’t like what you see in the movies, son. I’m not sure where they get their information. He’d pointed to the moving herd. On a drive, the cattle move in pairs or single file. I took your mother to a moving picture and in one scene they showed the cows traveling at a gallop and all bunched up together. Shows how much they know. Huh?
Nathan remembered laughing with his dad, thinking things between them would never change. Little did he know their days together were numbered. How blessed he was to be oblivious to what was coming. Losing their parents in the flashflood changed everything. Not that he wasn’t cared for – not at all. His three oldest brothers stepped up and made sure the younger ones were all well cared for, especially Aron.
Looking over his shoulder, he spotted his older brother riding point on the left side of the herd where he could look back over the slow-moving stream of longhorns and Beefmasters. Even at this distance, he could pick up on the cloud of despair overshadowing him. Unbidden, another moment with his father rose in Nathan’s memory.
There’s one thing about it, bud – you’ll never be alone. You have brothers who’ll stick by you through thick or thin. I wasn’t so lucky. I didn’t have that. Don’t ever take family for granted, do whatever it takes to stay together.
At that time, they didn’t know the tragic story of how their father’s family was torn apart when his sister was kidnapped and their parents divorced, each taking one of the remaining children with them. Sebastian lived most of his life thinking he was an only child. When he did learn the truth, he hadn’t lived long enough to share the news with his sons. Now, however, the family was reunited and there was more McCoys than you could shake a stick at.
Feeling warmer, Nathan shed his coat. Suddenly, the atmosphere seemed dense and muffled. What little breeze there was felt heavy. An odd smell of sulfur permeated the air. In the distance, thunder began to rumble, and a hush fell over them as if the very land was holding its breath. Looking around, Nathan could feel a growing urgency. The sky was growing even darker and over their heads two huge fronts were merging into one gigantic mass. The air thickened and taking a breath became more difficult as the clouds rolled and mounted up into a huge black column.
Boom!
The loud cracking noise of a lightning bolt finding its target scattered Nathan’s thoughts.
“Hold ‘em together. Hold them!”
Aron’s warning cry rang out over the roar of approaching rain. The storm was upon them. As another neon blue knotted rope of lightning was hurled to the ground, Nathan broke left and dropped back to contain the herd. Without being told, he knew a stampede would be the worst-case scenario.
The cattle were still moving, but they were restless. Lowing. Bellowing. Their breathing harsh with a nervous energy that could easily deteriorate into panic.
“Keep them moving. Ride tight.” Aron called again, giving the brothers instruction.
Nathan did his part, praying the severe weather would abate.
His prayer went unanswered as a true electrical storm descended on top of them. Lightning crashed and thunder rolled. Broad daylight turned dark as black clouds rolled on top of them.
“The cattle’s running!” Joseph cried from the rear as the herd began to move, veering from behind the bell steer to scatter in an easterly direction.
“Stampede!” Isaac shouted as they lost control of the cattle. None of the brothers had to be told how dangerous this could be – not only to the animals but also to the men who tried to contain them.
“Turn them left! Left! Don’t let them get to the river!” Aron yelled a warning and Nathan pivoted to head them off. The way they were headed was fraught with obstacles that could prove deadly like washouts and ravines. Not to mention the bluff overlooking the Guadalupe.
Riding low over Buck’s back, he tried to see through the sheets of falling rain. “Hiya! Hiya!” Nathan waved his arms, attempting to veer the cattle away from the dangerous path. He wasn’t alone in his efforts, all five McCoys moved in place to create a wall of protection. As they worked together, another bolt of lightning flashed, and their eyes were met with the most eerie sight.
“Foxfire!” Jacob shouted as they watched a blue phosphorous light begin to play on the horns of the stampeding cattle. The balls of fire dancing over the heads of the nervous cattle only increased their fear. This was something Nathan had never seen before. He’d heard his father speak of it and their cousin Philip told of foxfire rising from the swamps of the Louisiana bayou. But hearing about it and witnessing the ghostly phenomena was two different things.
As if the reality of the turmoil wasn’t enough, visions of what lay ahead flashed into Nathan’s head. He could see calamity rising as high as the winds.
If he didn’t do something quick, one of them would die. He could see the horse and rider going over the side into the river as clear as if it were happening in front of his eyes.
“No way. No how.”
Veering into the path of the cattle, Nathan made every effort to gain ground alongside the beasts leading the charge. Forcing his horse into the fray wasn’t easy, but Buck obeyed. Once in position, he yelled and slung his rope – anything to get the animals to swing in a different direction. If he could do this, the ones following would turn along with them. Riding neck and neck with the cattle, Nathan pushed Buck as close as he dared. He could feel their hot breath on his leg and smell their panic rise like a fog. Taking his rope, he slung it repeatedly in front of their faces – yelling and cussing at them to turn. As he worked, Nathan wasn’t alone – his brothers came alongside to lend him aid. Gradually, he sensed a yielding – a slowing. The leaders were beginning to turn.
At last, they slowed to a stop. As if in response, the lightning died down and only a heavy rain remained.
“Let’s get them back on track,” Aron shouted, waving his arm to indicate the direction they should take. With a sigh of relief, Nathan sought out Spot and urged him back into position. In a matter of minutes, the brothers managed to get the herd on the move.
“Wow, that was close.”
Nathan looked over his shoulder to find Noah riding close behind.
“Yea, it was. Too close.”
“I saw what you did. We all saw it. That took guts, brother.”
Nathan smiled. “Could’ve been worse, that’s for sure.”
“You saw something, didn’t you?”
“Maybe.” Nathan didn’t want to elaborate.
“Who was it?”
“I don’t know. I couldn’t tell.” This was the truth.
“Promise me something?” Noah asked.
“What?”
“If you ever see anything I need to know. Tell me.”
Nathan met his gaze with surprise. “All right. I will.”
“Good deal.” Noah fell back to take his place and they continued on their way.
Once the storm passed, they made it to the hunting cabin in record time. With no casualties, thank God. To give the herd a sense of well-being, they made themselves comfortable around the firepit. Joseph even serenaded them with a tune
on the guitar. Isaac pulled a dozen or so big bales of hay from the barn just to give the cattle something to do with their time. Once they were settled for the evening, Noah and Joseph made a bee line for the trout stream while the others made themselves useful with a few chores that needed to be done before darkness fell – taking care of the horses, chopping wood, and readying some side dishes in anticipation of the fish the optimistic duo might catch.
As luck would have it, the fishermen brought home a big mess of trout and soon the smell of fried fish, French fries, and hushpuppies filled the air.
“Now, dis is a fweast,” Aron muttered with his mouth full.
“What did you say?” Isaac laughed at his older brother’s exuberance. “Don’t get choked.”
Aron didn’t try to repeat himself.
In no time at all, they were cleaning their plates.
“That was a fine meal, fellas.” Jacob rubbed his belly. “Now who wants dessert?”
“Smores?” Nathan asked with a hopeful smile.
“How did you know?” Jacob narrowed his gaze. “You always have an unfair advantage in the guessing department.”
“Yea, that’s why he’s not allowed to play poker with us,” Isaac said as he lounged by the fire.
“I’ll help you.” Nathan rose to follow Jacob into the cabin to gather the makings of the graham cracker and marshmallow confection.
“Thanks, bud. That was a pretty harrowing experience today. You did well.”
“Oh, I’m just glad we’re all here in one piece.”
“Yea, me too.” Jacob moved to the door and Nathan opened it for him to walk through. “Now, this is going to be fun.”
“I’m sure it will be.” He smiled at his older brother who’s heart was as big as Texas. A kinder soul didn’t exist.
When they returned to the fire, Isaac presented them with sticks he’d cut to hold the marshmallows for roasting. “Later, we can have a sword fight like we used to do when we were little.”
“I think I’ll pass,” Aron said. “Besides, we have something important to discuss.”
Nathan picked up on that familiar buzz. He would be the topic of discussion – of that he was certain.
After handing out the crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars – the brothers gathered close to make their treats. “I feel like a kid again,” Joseph admitted.
“It’s a good feeling, isn’t it?” Jacob asked, his voice light with happiness.
“Yea. I think part of our good mood is euphoria from surviving a harrowing experience,” Noah noted as he licked marshmallow goo from his fingers.
“Isn’t that the truth,” Isaac muttered. “You all sit tight, I’m going to meander through the cows and make sure everyone is bedded down for the night.”
“Good idea.” Aron nodded at his biker brother as he passed near. “Anybody up for a nightcap?”
“What did you have in mind?” Noah asked with interest.
“I do believe I know where there’s a bottle of Daddy’s prize whiskey.” Aron rose to retrieve the prize. “Do we have any shot glasses up here, Jacob?”
“Yea, I believe we do. I’ll tag along and help you carry everything.”
Once they were gone, Nathan stared into the fire. Noah and Joseph were discussing their fishing expedition and the possibility of stocking the stream. He let out a long breath, anticipation riding uneasy in his gut. From what he could remember from his childhood, family meetings never did turn out well for him.
A few minutes later everyone returned. As Jacob passed out glasses, Aron filled them. When he came to Nathan, he didn’t hesitate. “You’re about to have a birthday. Right?”
“Yea. In a few days,” Nathan murmured as he held the shot glass.
“Twenty-one is a milestone.”
“I guess.” He watched the amber liquid flow into the glass. This wasn’t his first drink, for sure. Still, Aron’s action felt momentous.
“Let’s call this an early start on the celebration,” Jacob interjected, holding up his glass.
“Agreed.” Isaac raised his glass.
“I can tell we’re making Nathan nervous.” Noah looked amused by the situation.
“I’d say what we’re about to do is a celebration all on its own.” Joseph moved close enough to clink his glass with the others.
“What’s this all about?” Nathan asked, the vibes he was getting from the others were confusing him. The images he picked up on didn’t seem strange – they were just normal everyday scenes of his life on the ranch. “What are you getting at?”
Aron beckoned everyone close as he raised his glass. “Nathan, this outing was meant to serve more than one purpose. We needed to bring the herd home, we wanted to have a family outing, and…” He drew the thought out to build anticipation. “We have an announcement to make.”
“What kind of announcement?” Nathan felt a sinking feeling in the middle of his stomach. Obviously, everyone thought this was good news. So, why did he feel like there was a gun to his head?
Jacob spoke up, seeming too excited to keep quiet. “We’ve made a decision. Considering what you already do for the family, we want to make it official.”
“What’s that?” Nathan grappled with the knowledge he was picking up from the excited minds of his siblings.
Aron smiled with indulgence. “It’s with immense pleasure that I announce the new executive manager of Tebow Ranch. Nathan McCoy.”
Isaac laughed. “You’re using your minister voice, Reverend.”
“Don’t kill my buzz, boy.” Aron frowned at Isaac, then looked to Nathan – fully expecting to see joy and surprise on his face. Instead…he saw confusion. “What’s wrong? Didn’t you hear me? You are Tebow’s new General Manager.”
“Executive Manager,” Noah corrected him.
“Same thing.” Aron waved away his comment, still beaming at Nathan. “Well…say something.”
Nathan hesitated, letting the notion sink in. “You want me to be in charge of the decisions made at Tebow.”
“With our…input, of course.” Noah might’ve said the word input, but Nathan heard the word approval. He knew his brothers meant well with this. Hell, they meant it as an honor. Unfortunately, he couldn’t look at it that way. In his mind, he felt a door closing. A gate being barred. The end of something – not a beginning.
“I’m honored,” Nathan spoke softly. “I love this ranch and I love all of you.”
“Don’t mention it.” Jacob looked pleased as punch. “We all knew it was the right thing to do.”
“Damn straight.” Aron stood tall with his chest puffed out in pride.
Nathan hated to finish his thought – but he had to. “I do appreciate the offer, but I have to turn it down.”
A full five seconds passed before what he said seemed to register with his brothers.
“What did you say?” Joseph asked in disbelief.
Nathan slowly and softly voiced his regrets. “I’m sorry, but I can’t accept your generous offer.”
“Why the hell not?” There was irritation in Aron’s voice.
Choosing his words carefully, Nathan tried to explain. “I’m still deciding what I want to do with my life, and I’d rather not be tied down.”
“Tied down? Seriously?” Joseph couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
Neither could Isaac. “You’re still deciding? What’s to decide? Tebow is your future. It’s your heritage. Your legacy!”
“What he said.” Aron pointed at Isaac. “You’re taking the job and that’s all there is to it!”
Nathan could feel things slipping out of control. Standing, he addressed his family. “I have given a great deal of myself to this ranch, and I will never walk away from it completely – but there are things in this world I want to do. Things I want to experience. Learn. Places I want to go and see.”
“Well, la-de-dah.” Aron spat out the words. “Next you’re going to tell me you have to go and find yourself.”
“Well, maybe.” H
is brothers’ disapproval made Nathan feel sick to his stomach. “I don’t know when or if I’ll leave. I haven’t made any plans. I just don’t want to be tied down.”
“Oh, I see. We tie you down?” Jacob spoke with disappointment in his voice.
“That’s not it.” Nathan sought to ease the tenseness of the situation. “Like you said a while ago, I’m about to be twenty-one. Only twenty-one. You all have wives and other jobs.”
“Right. That’s why we need you to step up and take up the slack!” This nugget of honesty was courtesy of Noah.
Nathan shook his head. “Isn’t that what I’ve been doing?”
“Yea, so? This is your home. This is where your damn livelihood comes from.” Aron looked pole-axed by his younger brother’s decision. “You’ve been preparing for this your whole life.”
“No. I haven’t,” Nathan stated flatly. “No, it was your intent to prepare me for this life – not mine. No one has ever asked me what I wanted to do. Where I wanted to be. How I want to live my life. And that’s the key concept. It’s my life. My decision.” He looked from brother to brother. “You all have had my life mapped out from the beginning. Yet…no one asked me what I wanted.”
“All right.” Jacob folded his arms over his massive chest. “Tell us what you want. Enlighten us.”
Nathan’s heart hurt at the realization of how badly he was hurting his family. That wasn’t his intention. “I…don’t know.”
“You don’t know?” Noah asked mockingly. “Well, when will you know?”
Nathan shook his head and held up his hands. “Look. I’m sorry I disappointed you. Forgive me.” Not wanting to see the disdain on their faces, he turned and walked away.
No matter how far Nathan moved from the cabin, he could still hear his brothers’ thoughts. Feel their grave disapproval. He couldn’t help but question his decision. Did he make the right one? Should he have just gone along with their plans for him? There was no question they thought they were doing the right thing – being generous and loving. He understood where they were coming from, and he didn’t want them to ever think he wasn’t grateful for their trust.