Headstall

Well, I guess I'd rather be master of the universe, but master of the westerns is pretty cool too. I'll take it!

Yeah, I've known a few of those old girls. Sounds like you have too. Fortunately my grandmother only used a fly swatter, but that twisted wire handle could leave a welt. I can confirm Albert isn't well liked, but we'll learn more about the family dynamic soon. I can also say Gran is one heck of a character.

Woot!

Me too. Sidewinder takes me back. My first multi chapter western, and it felt Like I'd come home. Is Albert as bad as Will Diamond? Hard to believe, but time will tell. Whatever might complicate Albert, I can say his younger son is nothing like him. It would seem to me Albert isn't afraid of anyone.

Yep, it really does sound like that.

They are? Where? Oh... yeah, I see them, a whole sting of Mondays reaching well into the future. Hello, my dear friend. Lovely to see you again. Can I tell you a secret? I was soooo tempted to name this chapter "Heated Rivalry? I mean, come on! It would have been perfect! So yeah, I see the Hatfield/McCoy thing for sure. Romeo and Romeo. Yep. I can see that too. You are spot on about Albert Cooley. He's a privileged prick, but we have to wonder if August knows just how bad he is. The bill for the hand who helped the Crawleys, and what happened to those sheep seemed to surprise... no... shock him... though he could see the man doing such things. I don't think any kid wants to see only bad in their parent, but when something stinks like crap, you can't pretend it's a rose. August got some education today. I can tell you Gran plays a role, but that's all I can say. Fuck or fight? Yes! Love how clearly you see things I write... and what's in my head. There is way too much tension between these two for it to be only about sheep and river territory. Love, love, love your poetic offering! Cheers... Gary

Thanks, friend! Do I have you hooked?

Albert is a man clearly used to getting his own way. He thinks there are no rules for a man of his wealth... sound familiar? Sorry for the tears, but I think we needed to see a hint of what this man is capable of. As you probably know, I tend to dole out information slowly, but this story might be different for me in that things will come fast and furious over the first few chapters. August breaks my heart. I've seen cruelty, witnessed it way too close and too often, and perhaps that is why I write side characters who practice it. I certainly understand his turmoil. At a certain point in life, if you don't take control, your misery can become your only friend. Thanks, Kris. We'll meet Albert soon. Cheers! G

Mondays are back to being my favorite day too, spyke. Happy to hear you liked this start. I kinda like to throw us into deep water right off. There are a lot of chapters to come so settle in, my friend. Cheers! Gary

Thanks, bro. I'm out of my paddock and back on the wide open range. Yee Haw! Got my spurs on and my rope ready. Cheers!

Thanks, Mark! great to 'see' you again. I'm looking forward to seeing how readers react to this one. Hopefully, it won't disappoint. See you Monday, friend. Cheers... Gary

Thanks, buddy. It's good to be back, though I never really left. I'm excited for another journey too. There is always trepidation for each new story I post, but you folks usually make me feel pretty darn good about my choices. Fletcher and August definitely have a history, one of adversity from the sounds of it. Is that about to change? I can say without giving anything away that Albert Cooley is a nasty man. Was he always this way? Time will tell, but I do feel sorry for August, a man who wouldn't twist Fletcher's arm that extra inch, that had remorse for his sheep, and that wouldn't lie when faced with what might have been one of the worst moments of his life. There is character there, good character. One more thing, my friend. Is it the sheep that is the problem for Albert, or is it the man who owns them? Yes, this story can go so many ways, which is what makes writing such a delicious endeavor... a challenge to find a path through the possibilities. Thanks again, kind sir. See you next Monday. Cheers! Gary

Howdy, folks!

Well, that's as clear as Drewth.

This is an Old West Tale, but no, it is not a part of the Sidewinder books. I hope you can check it out.

Thank you, Albert. I'm not as quick as I used to be, but I got it done.

Thanks, my friend. There is certainly some attraction on August's part, but yeah, he's messed up. We hear the story from his point of view, but Fletcher's actions and words indicate he is searching for something, a sign at least, from August. We don't know what Fletcher's father is like yet, but without a doubt, August's father is mean AF. Maybe we'll find out why. Glad you are coming along for the ride... I hope you find it a satisfying one. Cheers! Gary

Hi, Albert. This is quite the comment. Thank you. There's a lot to consider in this chapter, I believe. Yeah, the spat over the river was only the tip of the iceberg for these two men, and it only builds higher from there. As much as there is animosity, there appears to be some hints of a mutual respect. Without honesty though, it remains to be seen whether this is just another tussle between them. Cheers! G

I finally got it done. "Roping the Moon"

My bear brother, I weep too, for you and your mum. I remember some of the anguish we must go through as we face the future. I often felt powerless, dealing with my brothers and sister those times. The stress was very real. Be kind to yourself, dugh. You are a great son. We all see that. It won't be easy, but I have no doubt you will always do the right thing. God bless your wonderful mother. She's brought joy to my life, just hearing her mentioned from time to time. I thank you for lending her to us... to me, and I hope she rallies.

"You can never trust a Crawley." Those were Albert Cooley's words to his sons, spoken every chance he got, and August did his best to do what was expected of him after his ma passed. The Crawleys and the Cooleys were ranching families, and they didn't mix, not ever, but more and more, August had a problem with letting his father decide everything for him. Was Fletcher really his enemy? Could he trust the man he'd butted heads with over and over, one he'd known pretty much his whole life? All he knew for certain was he was tired of all the conflict, and needed his life to change before he exploded. That's where his Gran came in.

Enemies? This overhead sun could blister skin if’n a man weren’t paying mind to it, even such what be tanned from years of chasing ornery cattle what always took the wrong way given a choice. Sometimes seemed their whole purpose on this land was to flatten as many fences as they could, causing August Cooley nothing but trouble. And lately he’d been the one relegated to handyman, the ranch fixer toiling away while his older brother rode the range and bossed the hired hands.

Hey, all!

You'll always be the one, spikey... in Drew's heart.