Headstall

You are so kind to say this, Kris. Not going to lie. It's damn nice to be someone's favorite writer... I don't need to be the favorite... just to be one of the favorites is something I strive for, and connecting with people is why I write. I want readers to be able to 'live' my stories. Take care of yourself, my friend.

Sorry to hear that, Kris. I've heard rheumatoid arthritis is just horrendous. I have some arthritis, but not like that. You're right... they are all feeling the stress. My heart breaks for Willy James. He shouldn't need to fear his father, or make excuses for him either. We all know you can't help who you love. Poor Runyan. We haven't met him yet, but I'm sure he's just as worried for Willy James as Willy James is for him. And August... he has to be so damn careful of everything he does and says. it's understandable he envies the relationship Roland and Fletcher has. All we can do is hope for a light at the end of the tunnel for everyone concerned... except Albert. Hanging on... how many times have gay men and women had to do that throughout time. We learn early to hold our breath and keep our heads down. So pleased you felt the tension of this one, my friend. Cheers and thank you.

You're right that I've been cryptic about geographical locations in my westerns, and that is on purpose. My town names are mostly made up too... Warrensville is named for a cousin we lost when he was in his late teens. I wanted to give him a tribute just for me. Enniskillen is also a town in Canada... and many many towns names came from the towns and cities people left behind when they immigrated. I understand a lot of readers are focused on where stories take place, but I don't want to be penned in if I get distances or topography wrong, if I write about a real place. These places become real for me, though, and I put a lot of thought and effort into describing them for the reader. Honestly, it takes me forever to get everything worked out in my head. I hope that doesn't ruin it for you, buddy.

It's all clear here, except for the pouring rain and thunderstorms.

I have a ton of stories in my head, too many to ever be written. I should have started writing when I was a lot youunger. I appreciate your kind words. I can't speak for other internet writers, but sometimes I find it a frustrating and lonely profession. There is so much excitement and work that goes into it on my part, so I guess a letdown can come with the territory. I've probably said too much. I'm fortunate I still have some faithful readers... and I don't take that for granted.

That's really uplifting to hear, Patrick. Thank you. I've been feeling somewhat discouraged lately... my own insecurities I guess.

Like most things.

Lol. yes it is getting complicateder, Neal. The thing about Runyan and Willy James is that the safest thing for them is to disappear before any word gets out or Runyan gets attacked by some drunken mob. They can't be seen together, so leaving together is a no no, and August can't take the chance of his father finding out about those boys or that they might come out to the homestead. Of course that depends on who might talk about Runyan and Willy James... it would appear Willy James' father is a drinker, and shoots his mouth off. Runyan can't be taking the train either. then it would be known he is heading west. Nor can Willy James. As far as waiting a month for the sheep to be sent, that is after their arrival at the homestead. It might take a month for fencing and the like to be done... there is so much to do to get ready for winter. And no, Ryder won't be going alone. At least two brothers will accompany the sheep and one milk cow... and a dog. Once they are ready, they will wire Fletcher's family and they will sort it out. The geographical situation is that Warrensville is pretty much straight west of Enniskillen, and is roughly a month distance by team. Hope this helps answer some questions, and I hope you are still enjoying the story, my friend. Cheers! G

Hello, rapscallions.

Nope. Only one for the Prevnar. And it's a one time shot. No booster needed.

Of course you're not impatient, Doc. I'll see what I can do to move this journey along. It has become even more complicated. We saw again how easily Albert got suspicious of Roland's offer to buy Fletcher's cattle. It tells us that while he may be onboard with August leaving, he could change his mind on a whim. August needs to think long and hard about where they go from here. Two Mondays in one week? Pray tell, is such a thing not possible? Are you saying I should go against the calendar, one that has been around for thousands of years. Surely not, my friend. Thanks, Doc. See you................................................................... whenever............

Cliffhanger? What ever do you mean, fair lady? You are right though, that if Willy James and Runyan came to the homestead, they would come in handy for getting ready for winter. Would it draw too much attention to them right off? I guess that would depend on how smart they are. The have no real idea what Warrensville is like. Lol. Couldn't agree more about Preacher Brown. He not only put his foot in it, he might have put Runyan's neck in it too. I suspect it was hard for 'colored' folk to coexist with white neighbors at that time, but jeez! How could he trust that kind of information to someone else? Thank you, my dear friend. I'm pleased you liked this one.

Yup. Had a good appointment with my doctor... had a check up and went through some stuff and got another pneumonia shot... Prevnar one... he said I might be susceptible to pneumonia now.

Ah, yes, I remember. That was a fun, interesting thread... glad my little bit of input could help.

The fact is, there had to be safe havens everywhere, out of necessity. Hi, Patrick. LGBTQ+++ have survived despite persecution from the beginning of time, building lives and coexisting. We just have to be smarter than the rest. I believe, if there is a way that doesn't endanger them, August and Fletcher will do what they can for Willy James and Runyan. Thanks, buddy. Hope you are enjoying this. Cheers! G.

I don't know what I did to deserve a mention, but thanks. I enjoyed this very much. I find your world intriguing and your writing adept, so I'll try to keep reading. Good luck with this. Cheers! Gary

Thanks, buddy! It's always fun to introduce new characters.

That's a great question, Cane. Can they ever be free of Albert? I guess that might depend to some degree on Virginia. But yeah, so far August and Fletcher are playing it smart. I think Willy James really needed to hear what August said to him about being smarter than his parents. At this point he seems a little too emotional for his and Runyan's good. One thing is clear, if he runs off, he needs for his parents to not want to look for him. As far as Runyan, no one but his own community pays any attention to him. That is in his favor at least. Thanks for being so engaged in this story, my friend. I really need more engagement form readers, but there is only so much I can do. Cheers! G.

Absolutely. Caution is of the utmost importance for the boys. They can't take any risks that might alert Albert. Is there a way around it like you mention? We shall see, but danger is around every corner for August and Fletcher. Albert showed his suspicion again in this chapter. Fingers crossed, my friend. Cheers! Gary

I know, right? Albert is a real piece of work. Seems like he is more worried what his bride will think than what is best for his son. Let's face it, he's an asshole. I think he enjoys being difficult. Not my idea of a father at all. Fortunately of unfortunately, we don't know Virginia. She sounds controlling, but is she? We already talked about the 'wee' girl, but I do understand your anger/frustration with her. The thing is, even though kids had to grow up fast in these times, they're still kids. I don't believe Preacher Brown is naive, but in this case he sure acted like it. WTF was he thinking?! Did he really think revealing this to Willy James' pa would stand him in good stead? Of course, maybe he'd never met that racist before this. Thank you for being so honest about how this affected you. There is a sensitivity I strive for, but maybe I missed the mark. I've had to live on 'red alert' much of my life, but not anywhere near close to the way black and brown people have had to... and still have to. Lol. We need to free Willy. Come to think of it, I've been freeing Willy my whole life. You're right that the boys owe him... he proved an integral part of the puzzle that made Fletcher and August possible. He deserves to be happy too, and while we haven't actually met him, so does Runyan. Thanks again, my friend. I hope you enjoyed some of this chapter. I found it a little tricky to write, and have been thinking about whether I should have done it differently.

Hi, Albert. I never know what to say to these comments, but I appreciate you leaving them. To be honest I am missing the ones about 'Gary magic' and the like. There is a lot of vulnerability in the scene between August and Willy James. In a way it is heartbreaking... it was for me as I wrote it. He's just a sweet man who has fallen in love and he's terrified. It's so unfair. August needs to do what's best for him and Fletcher, but it is hard for him to see what his friend is going through. As always, my stories are character driven. Not sure I understand about the pacing being 'long', and transitions, but it has made me think, and that's always a good thing. Thank you, my friend. Cheers! Gary.

The racial divide runs deep even now. I've never understood it... never understood how one man can think he owns another. I think Runyan's father has had that driven home when he met Jonas Collier. He expected they'd have a common purpose... instead he found a dangerous bigoted man. People fall in love with people, and I believe Runyan and Willy James are not alone in facing a difficult time. Two white men can be friends, but mixed ones likely stir talk. Unfortunately, they might always be looking over their shoulders. August is quick on his feet when it comes to his pa, and we see in this chapter that Albert is a difficult man to fool. He wonders at Roland's offer to buy Fletcher's cows... and it makes him suspicious. Maybe on some level he suspects this story isn't quite right. He needs to be convinced. And yeah, Maureen was a special woman for sure. August was fortunate to have been nurtured by such a good person. It's allowed him to not fall into the trap his brother has. Thanks, buddy. Cheers! G

Thank you so much, Bill. This one was very personal to write. Happy to hear you could relate. It's what I wish for with my poetry. Cheers!

I have heard/read that same thing about Native American parents, and I can't argue with you about the dangers of drawing attention to yourself as a people. It sounds like this community is well aware of their vulnerability. It's possible Preacher Brown stressed the wrong things in his practices and sermons... I don't know, but running to Jonas Collier was incredibly stupid. He showed no caution, and found out the hard way that Enniskillen was no better than anywhere else, and being righteous is wasted on the hateful, racist, bigots of the world. Loving your fellow man doesn't apply to them. The wee girl told her pa... not one of the white folk. She may have been taught the ways of right and wrong, but also not to keep things from her father. Just saying. I absolve her of her actions--consider her an innocent here--but, like you, not her father. I really don't think she has anything to feel guilty for no matter what happens, though I know saying that doesn't mean she wouldn't blame herself. She shouldn't be made to feel that way, though. The way I see it, the father thought he would have an ally in the other father, one who would help him ensure his son's safety by preventing any further contact, but he was wrong. I believe he knows that now, and is fearful for his son. "if she's allowed one" really hit me hard. I appreciate this kind of thoughtful input and perspective. It helps me 'see' a little better.

I'm right in the midst of something, and I'll do my replies when I can, but I just had to address this little part of your post, dearest friend. I don't say her age, but Willy James refers to her as the wee girl, so I think we can assume she is about five or six, so she likely had no idea that what she saw was something her father would consider bad. She probably thought it was amusing... like tee heeing. The preacher pa however, made a huge mistake. There are times to take a righteous path, and there are times to STFU!