Headstall

Woot!

Well said, my friend! That about sums it up so far. We'll see if there's something in the cards for Virgil and his new friend. Cheers!

Hell, yessss!

Exactly! Being under siege, the people of Matador Hill have almost given up. A stranger was able get them engaged again. They are beginning to take back some control, thanks to Virgil pushing a drunk and jealous Lucas. Plain as day. Thanks and cheers!

Satisfying is good! I know you'll understand when I say this chapter had to work. I think writers have to be part choreographer... not that I am at all a dancer. I think what happened will help clarify some stuff for Virgil, because he was damn scared for his new friend. In their conversation on the way to the livery, we can see Virgil's care and respect... and how he is forever trying to build Wyatt's self esteem up. That's what you do for someone you.... Thanks, Mrsgnomie. I truly appreciate hearing from you. Cheers!

Your speculation is interesting, but . I will say Lottie is a fixture in that place, and probably has not had a lot of respect given to her. I see her as sympathetic. There were not many ways for a woman to earn money in those towns, especially if you were alone with no family. Cheers and thanks for your engagement in this, Doha.

It is a universal thing. Long standing persecution puts a look in our eyes that others recognize. Evolution has its purpose. Cheers!

No, I agree. Wyatt isn't innocent. He's seen the worst in people, but he is naive about matters of the heart. He has been a victim, but he hasn't folded up. He proves that by being so open to Virgil. He wants to believe there is a place for him in such a harsh world, and he needed to hear that love between men should be good... pleasure shared, and care given. There is definitely chemistry there, but Wyatt does seem a man entrenched. Thanks for the kind support, Mrsgnomie. Cheers!

You really did, Adi. I had already written two poems and a story for the anthology, and had no intention of writing anything else... until I saw your comment. I have to thank you, because "Boundaries" grew into something special for me. Happy you are curious, my friend. Cheers!

Thank you! They are very special to me. I never thought I would one day be a writer, never mind writing genres that included shifters and westerns. I, like so many others, have been very fortunate to have found GA.

Thanks so much for the kind and encouraging words, Doha. As far as Virgil and Wyatt, there is a connection that happened in the saloon with just a few looks. I have no doubt Wyatt has never heard anyone stick up for Mexicans before Virgil did. That has to have meant a lot to him. Perhaps they will be a good fit, but they've only just met. Thanks again, my friend. Cheers!

Finally got my internet back. Thank you, Mrsgnomie! A lot happens after Virgil rides into Matador Hill, but it is the first scene with Virgil and Wyatt that gives the story its feel. A bond was formed before they even met. We can see Wyatt's vulnerability, and Virgil's protective nature in that first conversation. It's what made me keep writing this story. Appreciate hearing I can make you run. Binge worthy? I sure as heck hope so. Cheers! Gary....

Lost my internet... Repairman is coming. I'm using my phone and service is sketchy. Hope you all are having a good day!

Thanks, Dan. Lost my internet so using my phone which is weird for me. Glad you liked the lovemaking scene. I don't write sex scenes... If there isn't love/feelings present I have no interest in writing it. I agree... I think these men are beautiful together. Thanks for the wonderful comment, buddy. Cheers! G.

Thanks, Carlos. I'm glad you found it so. I love westerns but they aren't very popular as a rule. Cheers!

Me three.

Lol... it was a big cliffhanger, wasn't it? Thanks for the support, Terry. Those two books are quite special to me.

Yes... Larkspur... a place I miss terribly. Thanks for reading, bro. I appreciate it.

Lol. Thanks, Bill! I wasn't sure what the reception for this story would be, but I've become quite proud of it. Wyatt became very real for me, very quickly. I love his strength, but yeah, he is definitely naive about the world... and sweet. He has a good and kind heart. Pride was important to him, and his mother's legacy allows him to hold onto that as they start their life together. I'm really happy for Virgil. I think we all know he would have been miserable if he left Matador Hill without Wyatt. My first western was an anthology piece I did years ago, and I hankered to write another one. It took a while, but one day I started writing "Sidewinder" which turned into two very popular books. With his one added, I guess I'm kind of hooked on writing them. I hope you do read more westerns now. I would consider that a badge of honor. Cheers and thanks again!

It turns out, Virgil can be pretty convincing. All he had to do was be honest about what he was feeling, and that spurred Wyatt to do the same. I'm sure they will find great new friends in Larkspur. It was really nice to connect this story to that special town. Glad you liked the story, and I thank you for your support, my friend. Cheers! Gary....

This well written thrill ride is heavy reading, but it is not without positives. The author shows us a dystopian near future than I believe will look frightening familiar to new readers. But there are deft touches showing the hope that exists within it. There are still places of refuge, and good people who fight for decency and change. You will see the earth cry in this story, but I believe it sheds tears already as we drain her resources and waste her gifts. A reckoning is coming, and Mawgrim shows us what that may well look like. I suggest everyone read this, and weigh the costs of doing nothing. Cheers!

Wow! This feels so close to the reality I see in my nightmares. I don't understand the world, but I understand people, and we have proven again and again we can be convinced of anything, no matter how ridiculous and untrue. You did an incredible job with this well written story, buddy. It truly was a (rather stomach-sickening) thrill ride. Seriously, my heart was racing from the time they picked up Anna and Max. Democracy is endangered, and authoritarianism is on the rise. People need to wake up... we are destroying the world and ourselves, for what? Life is way too short to spend it hating and dividing and blaming other races. We let power hungry nationalists commit atrocities as they rule us, and we sit by as our earth suffers... because someone can make money from coal... or sell timber from the rainforest... or use copious amounts of water for mining... not for our benefit, but for expanding personal wealth. Kudos for picking such relevant subject matter and spinning it into this disturbing but fascinating glimpse of the near future. Cheers! Gary....

Amen to that! These men have loved each other for a long time, Harlan notwithstanding. Things are finally being set right, and neither man wants to separate from the other. It all probably seems too good to be true right now. And yeah, the heat is in full! Thanks, Dan. So happy you are reading this, one of my favorite stories, and sharing your thoughts with me. Cheers! Gary....

I am so tired... I feel completely drained, but I have work to do. Hope you all are doing well.

Lol. I just responded to a comment that a story about these guys started forming in my head as I was doing my chores. We'll see if that goes anywhere, but it sure is nice to hear you're wanting more. I've never topped myself, but I guess that could be interesting. I wanted a longer story too, Doc, but I also wanted to support out special 20th anniversary anthology, so I reined my desire in. That is a real challenge for me, though. Isn't it cool that they are headed to Larkspur? It's what I wanted from the beginning, and I knew readers of the "Sidewinder" series would like it. Thanks for all your support, buddy, and thank you very much for the affirming review. It is greatly appreciated. Cheers... Gary....