Time Walker........Part V........Kentucky Bluebird

Everton and Andrea rode in to see several ranch hands gathered around while Clem Tyrell..., holding his ground.. An all out verbal confrontation had ensued as he argued with Tobb Walker's Foreman.. Walker's ranch ran along Everton's Western Boundary lines... Since Libby's death, there had been many heated confrontations over this tract of land ..Tonight's battle..., missing livestock.. Bruce was well tired of these arguments., if peace.. a truce could never be reached..., then so be it.. Bruce dismounted.. Walked over to Mike.. '' What's this about, Mike?'' Mike Abernathy., a short stocky man in his early 60's stood toe to toe with Clem Tyrell as they argued the Loss of Walker's Livestock.., Abernathy's face as red as a Fire Engine as he stopped his muttering.., then looked at Everton ..He began spouting a string of oaths.... ''Tobb has 25 head of cattle missing, this evening we found 10 mixed in with The W.E. Brand.'' Abernathy explained.. Cliff walked over and stood beside his dad.. ''Abernathy! we have a lady present!'' Everton warned. Walker's Foreman glanced around.., seeing Andrea for the first time., standing by Pake Dawson..'' I apologise, M'am'' Abernathy sounded embarrsed.. ''We've had several head of cattle missing and Son of Argillitte is missing since this morning.., Everton stated. Every one knew within the Sonora Valley.., Argillitte was Everton's prized stallion and a colt sired from him would bring a very hefty price.. There was silence.. This news seemed to change the atmosphere....Or was it Tobb Walker's appearance? Andrea was the first to see him.. Tall; at least 6'4 he was a little taller then Everton, but not by much.. His hair black as a Raven's wing., with eyes as dark.. He noticed Andrea ...a strange expression flitted across his hard facial features., his mouth in a grimace; seemed set in granite. He did not speak...., instead walked to where Bruce Everton, Cliff, with their foreman and Abernathy stood.. Everton glanced around..,searching the crowd that had gathered, sending Dawson a look when he spotted Andrea standing beside him.. Pake Dawson stood beside Andrea., glancing at her, then touched her arm.. asking her to follow him to where the horses were tied... Walker didn't miss the exchange.. He turned around, glancing back at Andrea.. '' A little Young for you wouldn't ya say, Bruce?'' Tobb Walker asked.. His voice dripping in sarcasm.. Everton was furious., but held his temper. '' Miss Addington is a guest.. and hardly has a thing to do with the cattle being stolen.. Everton stated. Watching these 2 men from a distance., recalling the conversations with Mr. Everton., left Andrea wondering., how could they., who had once been as close as brothers..., now be bitter enemies.., so senseless she thought.. Walker didn't reply.. Instead asked. '' What's this about your colt?'' Everton didn't relax his guard., for one moment.., not around Tobb Walker.. ''Some time during the early hours of the morning, I discovered Argillitte's colt went missing...,stolen is more like it..., we've had at least 10 head of cattle missing within the last three months., you aren't the only one, Tobb whose livestock is being stolen.'' Everton finished.. Jerry Abrams owner of a neighboring ranch joined in the conversation.. '' I say we all put our differences aside.''.., he looked at Tobb and then to Bruce, as he continued talking. '' Call a meeting; All the ranchers together.., and come up with some idea how to stop these pack of thieves!.'' The crowd's muffled replies, were all in agreement, they should set aside any personal differences... Andrea was standing with red- haired Pake Dawson, when she felt something warm and velvety.., touch her arm. She jerked, turning, seeing for the first time, the Silver Stallion, standing close to her.. His bridle reins dragging the ground.. '' Hey boy.'' Andrea said in a soft voice. Touching his face, rubbing the beautiful horse's forelock. '' Where did you come from?'' The horse nudged Andrea, playfully. She continued patting his neck, talking to him.. Pake Dawson was watching her. '' Miss Addington, maybe you shouldn't be doin that.'' He said apologetically. Andrea smiled at him.., his face blushed red. '' Why ever not? He came to me, didn't he?'' '' Well...Uh...well....he's Mr. Walker's horse.., he's......well''. '' High Spirited.'' Andrea said. '' Well...Uh...Yes, M'am.., Pake finished. ''That's alright., isn't it boy?'' Andrea said. Still patting the horse as he nickered.., as if in reply to Andrea's answer.. Tobb Walker and Bruce Everton seemed to make some sort of truce, agreeing to work together, at least until the thieves were apprehended.. The crowd dispersed.., cowboys were discussing the meeting.., Bruce Everton spoke briefly with some of the ranch hands who had came out to offer their help..'' Dad I'm going on ahead.'' Cliff stated. '' Sure, see you back at the house.'' Bruce replied. When he turned around., to walk away., he saw Walker watching someone.... For the first time.., in a long time.. he saw Tobb Walker's face as he had remembered while they were growing up... His attention was distracted, while watching the tender exchange between The Young guest of Everton's and his old stallion. Sirroco had never behaved like that with anyone.., the most ill-tempered cuss you ever saw.., he was like a baby eatin outta that kid's hand.. He didn't act like that for no body.., not even him.., except........Libby... He felt a lump form in his throat.. That was it.., that's what had seemed peculiar to him., something...so familiar.., when he rode up., and she looked back at him......she looked so much like Lib. Tobb walked up to her . Andrea saw Mr. Walker approaching her.. Not certain what to say.. '' Hello., You have a fine horse, here.'' '' Tobb took the reins she handed him. He looked at her, searching her face, stunned from the striking resemblance between this kid and his late sister. '' He can be ill mannered.., you gotta watch him, sometimes.'' Walker replied. Andrea smiled. ''He's a beauty.'' '' Thank Ya.'' Walker replied. Still watching Andrea. Bruce Everton came up behind Andrea and Tobb, while they were talking.., Pake was standing close by, checking the saddle on his horse. He joined the conversation. As Andrea was telling Tobb she was orginally from Tuscon..... '' Have you been giving Sirroco, sugar cubes?'' Everton asked Andrea. Andrea laughed., Secretly., glad Mr. Everton joined the conversation.., hoping he would., thinking perhaps these two rugged men could some how make amends.. Tobb glanced at Everton. Then putting his foot through the stirrup,swung his other leg over in to the saddle.. The Silver stallion began prancing.. Andrea walked to the horse, brushed his forelock.. Tobb glanced down at Andrea.., then Bruce., some.., silent exchange was briefly passed between the two men.. Andrea smiled., then stepped back away from horse and rider.. Tobb Walker once again exchanged silent glances with Bruce Everton.. '' See you at the meeting?'' Everton asked. '' I'll be there.'' Tobb replied. He turned his horse, riding off.. To Be Continued...................

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