Headstall

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....

Four short chapters that could have been twenty. So glad the story works for readers. I wanted to keep going.... Larkspur is a magical place, and I could see them there from the beginning. I've come to love them too, buddy. God willing, my muse will steer me that way again in the future, fingers crossed. Thanks for you constant support, Albert. I know a review is likely coming from you, so I will wait patiently. Cheers, my dear friend.

Thank you, Parker. I'm glad you liked it. Cheers!

Yes... yes we do. Remember Dr. Jergens? No spoilers, but the one Mitch went to see? Yeah, he's Virgil's mother's kid brother. That might get some speculation happening.

Awww... thank you so much, dutch woman! I do appreciate you think so. I've worked hard and researched endlessly to get the details and dialect right. It's something I do for all my stories, but I have really delved into westerns for some reason. I'm fascinated by those times. Again, thank you... you've made my day. Cheers! Gary....

Thank you, Terry! And thank you for the enthusiastic review you left in the review section. It means a lot to me. It's always nice when I can make a man's day, or anything else. I envy anyone who gets to live in Larkspur, and we know they will find truly great friends there. Thanks again, Terry... you rock, my friend. Cheers! Gary....

It's funny. I was just out in the barn and my mind began to play out a continuation of this story. If that takes hold it could be a future story, so we shall see. The ending is open, but I think we have a pretty good idea that what they've found in each other in Matador Hill is real, and will be lasting. And Larkspur, for those who have read the "Sidewinder" series, really is heaven on earth, and a great place to be heading for. Thank you so much for your support... and especially for the wonderful review you left for the story. Your encouragement is much appreciated, my friend. Cheers! Gary....

Thank you, Dan! I reckon you're right about their future. I imagine finding real love in those times was hard for gay men, so when you do find it, you hold onto it. Thanks for reading, and for your support. Please recommend this to others if you can. Cheers! Gary....

Glad this one held onto you, Ivor. Almost 17,000 words in one sitting is impressive. I don't mind telling you I need breaks now. Larkspur is filling up with like-minded folks. It felt right to have them set out for there, and "Sidewinder" readers know what a special place it is. It's a place I would have liked to live back in those times. Cheers and many thanks, my friend. Please drop in a review if you think the story warrants it. Cheers! Gary....

I feel the same, buddy. My muse was itching to make this a much longer story, but I fought to keep it contained. That doesn't mean I can's someday revisit this story. I feel there was a lot packed into this one, but judging by the reactions, it worked, and that makes me happy. Receiving a wonderful review from you made me happy too, centex. That extra step taken really helps boost readership, and my confidence, so I thank you! Cheers! Gary....

Thank you, Gary! I prefer to leave my readers with hope. Thanks for your support of this little western tale. The reaction to it has been rewarding indeed. Thank you for leaving an excellent review in the review section. Those help attract new readers to our work, and that is appreciated... it's why we do this. Cheers, and thanks again, kind sir.

Lol. You guys are funny. I still like... give a man enough rope, he'll hang himself... literally. I see Virgil as that cowboy who is always watching and weighing situations. As much as he was worried for Wyatt, he stay calm, 'not going off half-cocked' and possibly causing him harm. Once he heard the word 'noisy' he knew for sure who Lucas was, and calling him out created the panic that led to him revealing himself. That was fun to write. I agree that Wyatt was protected only temporarily. Wyatt said himself there was a bunch of men to steer clear of in that town. Appreciate the continued support, Bill. I'm really enjoying the reactions to this one. Cheers!

I'll take 'first rate' any day. Thanks, Doc! Yeah, them damn whiskey googles will surely get a fella in trouble. So will drunken jealousy. Wyatt played it just right in trying to answer Lucas's accusations. He and Virgil were a tag team of sorts, with an observant Virgil letting Lucas hang himself with a few astute comments and questions. I must say that entire scene played out like a movie in my mind, and still does. When that happens I get into a zone. Wyatt is just as smart. As you point out, he has long suspected Lucas of being involved in his house burning down. So no, he has no problem with the man being hung. Thank you, my friend, for this encouragement... it's something I've been needing lately. Cheers!

Perfect chapter? Thanks, Albert. I tried... I spent many days going over this one. Lol... I had to have a shootout in this one, and I must say it was satisfying to have Lucas writhing in pain on the ground. Glad to hear you liked it. Is love in the air? We shall see, I reckon. Cheers!

Short stories require a totally different approach, yet story telling of any length requires that connecting you mention. Everything has to feel logical, and we have to know and understand the characters. That never changes. Appreciate you see the cohesion I strive for, Terry. Lucas was his own worst enemy. Jealousy had him losing all caution, and that opened the door for Virgil to glimpse a truth he'd kept hidden from the town. That awful rotgut helped. People believe what they want to believe, and racism and bigotry are always entrenched. Sure, the men present may be inclined to be nicer to Wyatt for a while, but the rest of the haters will twist the truth to where Virgil was a hero and Wyatt was that 'breed' kid that was always causing trouble. Wyatt is smart enough to see people don't change. It makes me happy to hear this brings you back to those childhood memories of TV westerns. Thanks, buddy. Cheers!

Happy Friday, all! Want to read about cowboys? Here's your chance... please leave a story like and a "REVIEW" if you check my new story out... Story Recommendations also help!

Aloha, Albert.

Thanks, Dan! I'm pleased to have a new reader for this story. Glad you like it. Believe it or not, Carly is based on a real person. I don't think the drama ever really ends with her. Appreciate you taking the time to comment and share your thoughts... that is very rewarding for an author. Cheers!

Duly noted.