BOOGER RED & COWBOY CHAPTER 24
By Waddie Greywolf

Four years after Dan and I were together we got a phone call from Big
Beryl and Blaine. Wes had been killed in a plane crash. Dan and I were
both devastated. Master Earl and Wes had been guest at the ranch
many times.

Of our family, they were two Dan came to really love and he cherished
the time we spent with them.  They were so much in love everyone
who was around them felt better having them around. Master Earl
realized, he too, fell in love with Wes. 

Once they came together and bonded, there was no other for
them. Wes began to gain a new, healthy self image as a valuable
human being and he became a fine slave for his Master.

Master Earl was never jealous of my love for Wes. He understood Wes
and I loved each other as brothers. He encouraged our friendship and
was proud Wes had me for a close friend. Wes and I only grew closer
over the years.

He could tell me anything and he became my confidant. He was a
unique man. One of the best, strongest, devoted loving hearts I ever
ran across. His cowboy never deserted him and he always had room in
his heart for me.

Master Earl was exactly the Master I thought he might be. He trained
Wes so well he didn't have to give him many orders. Wes knew his
place and worshiped Master Earl. He continued to develop his body
until he was massive.

Master Earl never allowed slaves to wear clothes in his house;
most Masters didn't, especially in the desert. Hell, if you didn't know
you couldn't tell a Master from a slave. Everyone was nude. I didn't
mind a bit. I got to look at that gorgeous little body of Wes's. I'd leave
trails of pre-come all through the house.

My Master became so fond of Wes, he and Master Earl would swap
slaves every now and then. It was all right with Wes and I. Wes loved
my Master and Master Earl was the most handsome man I've ever been
with in my life. He has the most beautiful violet eyes. They're startling
to look at when you first meet him.  He's the only man I've ever known
with violet eyes.

Master Earl was a vegetable after Wes was killed. We drove to Los
Angeles to be with him for Wes's funeral. We stayed with him several
days. We had him out to the ranch for his vacation to make sure he
wasn't alone.

We made several trips into Los Angeles to stay with him a week or two
at a time. Our family made sure he was never alone for months and
shared spending time with him.

Master Earl seemed to appreciate it. He slowly got better and
continued to ride to Tucson with his brothers over the years. Then, by
chance, (some say it wasn't chance, the spirit of Wes had a hand in it)
he stopped some young man speeding to Master Jeb and Jim's to enter
slave training and ultimately bought him. He was the same man who
rescued Blaine and Wes from a temporary VC POW holding camp.

His name is Beau James. A right handsome man. We look enough alike
folks think we're brothers. When he gets dressed up in his western
duds folks have a hard time telling us apart. I'm a little older than
Beau.  He's a little bigger than me but we've become fast friends and
remain so to this day.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Dan and I settled into a wonderful life together. We found we were very
much alike in our moods, temperament and humor; however, when it
came to the bedroom we fit together like a hand in a glove.  I was the
perfect yin to his yang.

Dan amazed me.  He listened, learned and gained knowledge in the
care and training of a male slave from some of our more enduring
family members. They also happened to be family members who had
the knowledge to impart.

By the time I came to live with him he was ready for a slave.  The idea,
concept and strength of purpose created in him a new and wonderful
man.  He became my Master almost over night and had the papers to
prove he owned me.

Red, Buck, and my Uncle Bud were right.  He helped me grieve for Red.
He never tried to keep me from grieving,  he just wouldn't let me
wallow in my grief and sink into depression.  For one thing, on a ranch,
you're too damn busy.

It took me some time to give up the freedom of the road to a
work day of fourteen to sixteen hours but I quickly became use to it
and found myself thinking about and grieving for Red when I had time. 

Red has never left my heart.  I hope he never does but I know he's
in a better place and happy.  I know he wants me to be as happy.  So I
remember the good times and hold on to those memories. I've shared a
few with my Master but my life is with him now and I am quickly
becoming an extension of him.

Dan and I started rodeoing again and won everything we entered. The
national standings came out and we were rated number four team in
the nation. We were surprised. We decided to get some help around
the ranch and go on the circuit.

I bought a huge GMC motor coach and a four horse trailer. The coach
was so large and luxurious compared to the small cab over camper on
my uncle's truck.  We always had room for a hand full of other cowboys
needing a ride to the next rodeo.  We had great times those years and
made many life long friends that we still get visits from today.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Dan and I toured the rodeo circuit four years and won the national
finals three years in a row. We lost the fourth year but were still
number two in the nation. Who did we lose to? Them two old farts from
Mason, Billy Gunn Jr. and Joe Potter. I didn't dare show my face in
Mason for a year.

My dad and Uncle Joe followed their dream of one day going on the
rodeo circuit and damned if they didn't win the whole pie. I was so
proud of them I could of popped a button. I told my dad it didn't make
me no never mind who won that day, I won either way."

Dan and I retired from rodeoing for about three years. Then we got an
itch and made one more circuit and won the National Finals again.
That was the last year I roped with Madison. He was getting old and so
was Dolly.

Dad and Uncle Joe hung up their spurs by that time. They still did the
local Rodeos but didn't venture far from home. Of course, they'd come
out to Tucson to Rodeo with us.

I gave Dolly to Ben on the way to Tucson. You'd have thought I bought
the Taj Mahal and gave it to him. He loved Dolly and she love him. One
time, she got sick and wasn't doing well. We feared the worst. Ben
cancelled every meeting and he and Tim flew directly to Tucson in his
private jet to be with her. She was so glad to see Ben she rallied and
lived another five years.

Dolly knew when Ben was coming to visit.  She was clairvoyant. She
would run up to the fence and stamp her feet in frustration, 

'Why isn't he here, I know he's coming!' Ben could never surprise Dan
and I. We'd pick up the phone and ask him when he'd be here. Ben
would laugh and ask how we knew he was coming.

"Dolly told us, she's out there having a fit. She knows you're on your
way." I don't think he believed us. Mrs. Russell backed us up.

"It's true Ben, for the longest time we couldn't figure out why, all of a
sudden, she'd get a bur under her blanket but it was always before you
were
suppose to arrive. We put two and two together and it happens every
time."

Ben just shook his head as he fed her a second apple or carrot.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Dan and I were together about six years when Booger's brother
became quite ill and was getting worst. Griz was beside himself with
worry. The big man was exhausted from trying to take care of Bro. Red
by himself. His Master told him to call my dad and Uncle Joe. They
became great friends with Bro. Red and Griz over the years.

"Master, may I call Master Billy first. He made me promise I'd call him
first if I needed help and I do."

"I remember, Son. Cowboy told me about it. Of course, call him first
and then call Big Gunn and Joe."

"Thank you, Master." Griz left to call. Our phone rang and Master Dan
answered.

"Hi, Griz. Good to hear from you, Son. How are you?" My Master
listened for a minute, looked at me sadly and shook his head. 

"I'm real sorry to hear that, Griz. Of course he is, just a minute." Dan
whispered to me Red was in a bad way.

"Hey, Big Man. It's good to hear your voice. You remembered...?"

"Master Billy, you told me to call you first if I was in trouble."

"Sure did, Big Man, and I meant it. I'm glad you did. How can we help?"

"Master Billy, I'm so frightened. I'm afraid 'cause my Master's powerful
sick and I don't know what to do. I'm trying to take care of him and I'm
afraid I'm bothering him more than helping. He wants me to call your
dad and uncle after I talk to you.

Master Billy, could you and Master Dan come to Houston. I'm so
afraid." Griz started crying and I tried my best to console him.

"Hold on just a minute, Big Guy." I talked softly to my Master,

"He's scared to death. Sounds like his Master's pretty bad. He's asking
if we can come to Houston?"

"Of course we can. We can leave tonight, take Boots and Sonny with
us, and take turns driving. We could be there tomorrow afternoon late.
Tell him we'll be there and we're bringing Boots and Sonny." 

They were at the ranch, staying in their trailer at the time.

"Griz, calm down, Big Bear, I'm here. My Master said to tell you we'll
be there tomorrow afternoon. We're bringing Boots and Sonny with us
so we can drive straight through. They'll be happy to help."

"I love you, Master Billy."

"I know you do, Big Bear, and I love you, too. Looking forward to
holding you in my arms again, Big Bear. See you tomorrow."

Griz had no one and he was so frightened for his Master. Master Dan,
Master Boots, Sonny and I piled into the GMC motor coach. For an
elephant it could travel pretty fast on straight, flat roads. It wasn't too
great climbing hills but between Tucson and Houston it's mostly flat
country for miles.

Master Boots and Sonny went to bed in the back so they could get up
later and relieve us. My dad called before we left and he and Uncle Joe
were going to drive their new truck. They said they'd be there about
the same time; maybe early afternoon.

We'd seen Red and Griz only a handful of times in the last six years
since Booger's funeral. He and Griz came and stayed a couple of times
for a week or more at the ranch. Every year we Rodeoed in Houston we
stayed several days with them.

Red looked bad. He was dying. None of his kids were there. They
parted ways years ago and didn't give a shit about their dad anymore.
Red amassed a fair amount of money. If there's money involved
relatives who haven't sent you a Christmas card in thirty years
suddenly come from nowhere demanding their share.

We were surprised. None did. Red's eldest son came to the funeral but
made it a point to ignore Griz altogether.  The story Griz told me later
was Red's kids couldn't accept the fact he jumped the fence. He was
alone with only Griz to care for him.

Boots, Sonny and I gave Griz a hand and relieved him to get some
much needed rest. Hell, we all pitched in to help. Griz was so glad to
see us and especially my dad and Uncle Joe. He had become big
friends with them.

Dad thought Griz was a wonderful oddity. He admired the big man and
also was drawn to him like a protective father. Griz was thrilled my
dad came. Other than his Master, my dad became the dad he never had
and Griz loved him dearly.

He cried and cried in my dad's arms. My dad, God love him, did his best
to comfort the big man. Red asked if he could speak to me alone.
Everyone left and I sat in a chair next to his bed holding his hand.

"How is it, Master Red, we seem to share too many bad times with
each other?  Granted we've shared a few good ones but it seems like
we share a lot of sorrow together. I don't like to see you like this,
Master." He laughed with me.

"Seems that way, don't it, Son? I need your help, Son. I need you and
Dan to do something for me."

"Anything, Master, you know that." I had an idea what was coming
next.

"I'm leaving you everything I own, Cowboy. No, hush,  let me explain.
I've taken care of everything all these years and Griz has no idea how
to handle money or even buy for himself.  He's so good hearted he's
give it all away.

I'd like to leave Griz as a slave to you and Dan. Before you bolt for the
door listen to me. Consider,  he'll work his ass off for you. You just
have to feed him and appreciate him. Much like you would a good pet
or a prized piece of livestock.

Besides, he truly loves only one person on this Earth, other than me,
and that's 'the Cowboy.'  Your dad runs a close second but I think a lot
of that is because he's your dad. Don't get me wrong we both think the
world of your dad and Uncle Joe.  That's why I had Griz call them.

Cowboy, he can't talk about anyone but you. He fell in love with you
that time you and Booger stayed here and he's never given up hope of
being with you. Over the years he's jumped at the chance to see you
and Dan. It's all he can talk about for weeks.

He's so sure he'll be owned by you and Dan he's convinced me. I've
worried for months whom I might leave him to who would appreciate
him, takecare of him and not mistreat him.

I got to thinking, hell, if'n he's that sure it can't do no harm asking you
and Dan. Hand me that scrap book right there, Son." I handed Red a
book of clippings about four or five inches thick. He opened it and
each newspaper, PRCA clipping, rodeo News clippings, were neatly
dated and pasted in this huge book.

They were all of me and Dan and our rodeo winnings over the four
years we rode the circuit. I couldn't believe it. Griz did this? There was
another one of smaller size of dad and Uncle Joe's wins from their year
on the circuit.

"He knows he can't be your Master so he's more than willing to
become your and Dan's slave. I'm leaving you over a million and a half
in cash and properties. That should feed him for sometime. If you can
wean him from you two and he wants to go out on his own then I know
you'll be fair with him and give him money to go on.

Please do this for me, Cowboy. Talk it over with Dan and get back to
me but he can't be out there by himself. He don't know how to live
alone. He'd get confused, angry and kill a man with one blow and end
up spending the rest of his life in prison. I can't die and rest thinking
he'll be out there without control.

You and Dan will give him the control he needs, and I know you'll be
good to him. He'll obey you and Dan. He loves and respects you both.
He loves that dad of your's so much, one word from him will have Griz
shaped up in no time.

He worships the ground your dad walks on as gold. Can't say's I blame
him, I'm pretty damn fond of your old man and Uncle Joe myself.
They've been damn good friends to me an Griz all these years."

"Do you remember a conversation we had in my dad's kitchen at your
brother's wake. It was about Griz's friend." I asked Master Red.

"Yes, I remember it well. You told me someday you could tell me how
you knew Griz was telling the truth. I trusted you and Griz from then
on. Life was a lot easier for me after that. I wanted to thank you for
shooting straight with me and telling me the truth."

I proceeded to tell Bro. Red what transpired between Red and myself,
Vietnam, about my uncle and Buck telling me who I had to live for, God
kicking my butt and calling me 'twit' for holding out on Red, all the way
to the Old Man coming to me after Red passed and confirming Griz
was, indeed, the giant man he wanted me to live for.

"That's what I couldn't tell you then, Master Red, 'cause it might've
influenced your freedom of choice. That's how I knew Griz was telling
the truth. I think you knew all along Dan and I would take Griz. 

My Master and I've talked about it many times.  He knows we've been
chosen by the Old Man to love and care for his buddy.  Ain't many
people you get asked to do a personal favor for the Big Guy.  Dan
knows we have to take care of Griz, so he's accepted the idea;
however, Dan is my Master, Sir, he owns me.

Your brother left me to him. He makes all decisions for our life. In fact,
he should be in here, right now, hearing this. I can't make that decision
for us. If I get him will you ask him pretending that it was the first time
you asked either of us."

"I see where you're coming from, Son. Yes, certainly. I should have
considered him. It's just I've felt so close to you I wasn't thinking
right. He's your Master, of course, and should be treated with
consideration, dignity and respect he deserves.

You and me, well,---- we talked about other things and now it's time to
call him in and ask the two of you to accept Griz. Will you get him,
Son?" I went to the door and called Dan into the
room.

Red was skillful in his approach to the subject to give Dan the idea 
this was the first time either of us heard about it. Dan saw it coming
and I knew from our discussion he would accept Griz into our family as
his second slave.

He made the decision but he knew it had been planned long before he
and I got together by a higher power. He'd seen too many things
happen to consider going against his wishes. Besides, he too, had
grown fond of Griz. Griz always seemed at home and to enjoy the ranch
when he and his Master visited.

"Shit, Red! We've always been fond of Griz but I can understand your
frustration. He does seem a bit childlike from time to time. We'd be
happy to accept Griz into our family. If he wants to go out on his own
later, we have plenty to share with him to get him set up some place,
especially with the money you leave Cowboy.

We can always use an extra hand around the ranch. I've seen him eat
but we have Mrs. Russell who will adopt him as a second son. Besides
Red, he has friends in high places who picked us to take care of him a
long time ago."

"Cowboy told me. I've placated Griz all this time not knowing
whether he was sincere or not. I trust Griz, I never doubted he was
telling me the truth. I just didn't know if Griz realized what the truth
was. All this time, he really was talking to God. I hope I've been good
enough to His friend."

"I know you have, Red, he told me so. He's proud of you for loving Griz
all these years. Even when your family deserted you 'cause they
wouldn't try to understand, you stayed by his side."

Red cried and hugged each of us in thanks. Once he was satisfied Griz
had a home and people who would love and take care of him he
allowed himself to slip away.

We were all there in the room when my beloved Master came for his
brother. He hugged me and kissed me, then hugged Griz and kissed
him, too. Everyone could see Red and I introduced him to Dan. Red
grabbed him and hugged him. Dan was crying thanking Red for his gift.
Red thanked him for taking me and becoming my Master.

My dad couldn't believe what he was seeing. He and Uncle Joe came
and stood directly behind me. Dan was next to me on my right and
Sonny and Boots on my left. Sonny was afraid but his joy at seeing our
Master over came any fear.

Leave it to my old man to say the damnedest thing.

"Shit, Red, you left us looking like that.  The least the Old Man could've
done was purttied you up a bit."  Everyone broke out laughing.

"Believe it or not, Old Friend, they gave me a choice; however, I lived
with this ugly old face all them years.  Didn't harm me none.  On this
side of the fence, this ugly old face won me two of the prettiest slaves
a Master could ever own.  'Sides, if I gave up this ugly old kisser I
wouldn't be a magnificent beast no more. My beloved slave gave me
that title and I wear it with pride."

Dad had a come back but thank the Lord he bit his tongue because
about that time the most wonderful thing happened.  Red turned to my
Master, smiled real big and gave a big 'c'mon' motion to the far wall.

"Got a surprise for you, Dan! Okay, Son, come on. The Old Man said
it'ud be okay."  Red barked at no one.

Buck appeared out of nowhere with a biggest damn smile on his
face. He walked slowly to his Dad, took him in his arms, hugged and
kissed him passionately. Dan fell apart. I was right behind him. There
wasn't a dry eye in the room.

"They'd only let two of us come for Red's brother, Dad. Red was kind
enough to ask me to come along. If'n we'd brought more we couldn't 
appear in material form, just spirit form. Red was a fuck'n bull dog.  He
badgered the Old Man into letting me come to you this way. I had to
hold you in my arms again. It feels so good to hold you again, Dad." 

Dan Yates couldn't talk to his son, he was so shocked and emotional.
He choked back his tears but managed to get out,

"Buck, my beautiful Son, my darlin' boy, I love you so much. It's so
good to feel you in my arms again. I'm sorry I wasn't a better dad,
Buck.  I didn't understand what you were going through. I was so dumb
and stupid. I was a big fool to miss out on so much of your love. Can
you ever forgive me?"

"Shhuuuu..." Buck quieted and comforted his dad. He spoke to him
slowly making each word important.

"You were the best dad any son ever had. I know so and so does the
Big Man. I told him so.  He allowed me to come to you to tell you, you
were the best of dad's. The Old Man loves you, Dad. He loves you and
he's proud of you.  I love you, too, Dad. Look what the Old Man and
Booger gave you."

Buck motioned with his hand to me, "He ain't no consolation prize,
Dad. You didn't have to settle for second place this time. You won first
prize. You got the pick of the litter; prime, grade-A, cowboy beef on the
hoof.


The Old Man's proud of this handsome cowboy by your side. He knows
you'll both be good to Griz. He wouldn't have picked just anyone to
take care of his beloved friend and companion." Buck said to his dad.

"You did right, Son, when you picked this one to love." Dan motioned
to me. Buck grabbed, hugged and kissed me.

"Thanks for taking care of my old man, Darlin.' Makes me love you all
the more. Take good care of Griz. The Old Man thinks Griz is about as
good as he's ever made. If'n we can't find the Old Man, we check to
see if he's taking his afternoon walk with Griz. You done good,
Buckaroo. The Old Man glows the colors of love when your name
comes up."

Red was talking to Sonny, Boots, and my dad. He hugged and kissed
Uncle Joe. Sonny was beside himself thanking Red for everything
including his strict, demanding, jack-boot disciplinarian Master; he
couldn't be happier with Boots. Sonny remembered to thank him for
leaving him the pen knife and his bike.

"You all ready thanked me, Son. The day you and your Master rode by
the cemetery in Mason. I heard you and I was touched. I figured you
may not believe Cowboy but you were gonna' cover the bases to make
sure. See, the kid knows what he's talking about.

I can see you and he are thicker'n thieves. I predicted this. It's good to
see. Look, we been here long as we can." Red came back over to me,
kissed and hugged me again.

"You'll always be number one in my heart, Cowboy. Ain't never loved a
man the way I do you, Son. You made it all worth while.  Thank you for
your love.  He never made a better one than you, Cowboy. Serve this
good and honorable man well, Son. Give him your all. He deserves it. 

He's well thought of on our side, too, Son. I didn't mean to make you
cry that day at the cemetery in Tucson. I just wanted to tell you to
lean on your new Master; he's a good man. Love you, Son."

"I'll always keep your love in my heart, Master, and I love you, too."

"Hell, we love you all but we gotta go. Come on brother. Get up out of
that old, tired, worn out, body. We got a brand new model a' waiting for
you. It ain't a' gonna' hurt you none.  Don't be afraid.  We come to get
you. That's it, you can do it, Bro. See, wasn't that easy?

Come on, take my hand. That's right. We're gonna' take you home.
Leave these good people be, they'll be fine. They're gonna' take care of
your slave for you. Dan and Cowboy will love him and take good care of
him. Take my hand, Brother. You remember Buck Yates, Dan Yates'
boy, take his hand we gotta' go."

Griz watched his Master leave his body and go with his brother and
Buck. They waved, turned and were gone. We all stood there in silence
for a moment. Dan turned into my arms and started weeping. Sonny
held his dad in his arms. 

This time it was Boots that broke down and had to have his son be
strong for him. I could see Sonny was proud to have his Master turn to
him for support.

I didn't know but Bro. Red wanted to be buried close to his brother.
With Dad's help some years ago he bought a plot in our cemetery. We
had the funeral in Houston in one of the largest churches in town. It
was packed to the rafters.  Bro. Red knew everyone from kings,
sheiks, sultans, heads of state, congressmen, senators, all came
through a line and shook Grizs's hand.

Ben and his dad attended and sat with us during the funeral. Ben's dad
told Griz if he needed anything to let my dad know, he would notify Ben
immediately and it would be done. He hugged and kissed Gris. Many of
our family made the trip to Houston to support Griz.

I knew it was all a blur to Griz and I thought he missed his walks with
his Friend. He didn't tell me he was angry with his Friend for taking his
Master and wasn't talking to him.

Dad, Uncle Joe, Dan, Boots and Sonny left the next day to go to Mason
to be there when Master Red was interred. Griz didn't want to see his
Master put into the ground so we stayed behind in Houston.

Griz almost went crazy with grief. Someone had to be with him 'round
the clock; he went into deep depression. He refused to walk with his
Friend.

Griz confided in me he begged him not to take his Master; Griz begged
him to let him have one more year with his Master. Griz thought his
Friend didn't love him anymore to take his Master away. I assured Griz
he still loved him and for Griz to forgive him in his heart or he never
would heal.

The Old Man came to me several times concerned about Griz. I told
him to let me handle it. I would take care of it. He wanted me to trust
him, now it was his turn to trust me. You don't want to hear God laugh.

I began to nurse Griz back to health by not letting him sit home and
feel sorry for himself. I got him up and out of the house. I didn't care
where we went but we went. We went to movies. We went to wrestling
matches. We went to the circus. We went to baseball games. We went
to rodeos. We went to football games. We went to ice shows. We went
to high school musicals. More stuff than Griz had ever been to in his
life.

Everywhere we went people would stare at the giant hairy man with
the ring through his nose who was with a cowboy. I invented things for
us to go and do just to keep his mind busy and away from thinking
about his dead Master and grieving his big heart out.

All the while I was slowly getting Red's affairs in order but I never left
Griz alone. I told him he could go voluntary or I would hook his nose
leash back and make him go. He knew I meant it. He was like any
large animal in pain. He knew when someone was trying to help him. 

He was angry but loved me for doing it. It finally made sense to him
what I was doing and he gave in, willingly. Our Master, Boots and
Sonny returned to the ranch in Tucson. I stayed with Griz to wrap
things up. We put all four properties on the market and listed with a
realtor. I told them to sell them fast at the best price they could
get, just move them. I offered an extra five thousand dollars to the
salesperson who was the first to actually close the deal on any of the
properties. I had to remain there for over a month.

Dan flew into Houston from Tucson one weekend to be with us. When
he saw what I was up against with property and Griz he went back
knowing all was well.  He trusted his cowboy slave to do the right
thing.   I was handling it and we'd come as soon as I got things
settled.

Red's attorney was slick and had Red make a living trust before he
passed. All I had to do was sign my name on bank accounts and
properties and they were essentially mine. Well, mine and Griz's. Every
account I put in both names, either or. I wasn't gonna' take from the
man what was rightfully his, whether his Master left it directly to him
or not. If something happened to me, the money was there in Griz's
name. All he had to do was write a check.

The little lady at the bank wouldn't believe his name was really Grizzly
Gunn. Since Bro. Red took his name away I asked dad if we could give
Griz our last name.  Dad laughed and hooted, He thought it was a
wonderful idea. He always had room in his big heart for another son;
especially one he loved as much as G iz. He went to his buddy in
Mason he grew up with, a notery, and swore Grizzly Gunn was his son.  

Griz was moved and thrilled we gave him our last name. That made my
dad his dad and Sonny, Boots, Master Ben and I became his brothers.
He could handle that and did with a big pleased smile on his ugly face.

We called a moving company and took what personal property Griz
wanted, a couple of things I wanted and shipped it to Tucson. We
spent the last night in the Pueblo style home in Houston.

Griz wanted to know if he could pleasure me. It was the first time
since his Master died  he even expressed the slightest interest. I saw
it as a good sign. I can remember when I first gave myself to my tall
cowboy in Glen Rose and he gave my heart a jump-start.  One loving
understanding cowboy gave me my life back.

"Griz, I'll be honest with you, I haven't been with another man since
I've been with Master Dan. Well, maybe once in a while when he swaps
slaves with another Master. However, since you're his slave as well as
mine now, and he's our Master, I don't think it would be inappropriate
if we called and ask his permission.  If he says no, then I can't; neither
can you. We might jack off together but we can't be together. You
know what I mean."

"Yes, Cowboy, will you call him?"

"Sure, Griz!" I dialed our number at the ranch and Dan picked up
immediately. It was good to hear his voice; made me old dick hard.

"Good evening, Master Dan, this is your number one slave calling from
Houston." We both laughed. I rarely called Dan 'Master' but he knew
when I did I meant it and was thrilled when I did. It was our signal that
now was a time I needed him to be my Master.

"And, how is my number one slave?"

"Your two slaves are fine and leaving tomorrow for Tucson to be with
you. We've wrapped everything up here. Sent most of the personal and
household items on. We left one bed for us tonight and anyone who
wants it. The rest is on the truck. What we don't want we can sell or
give away.

Anyway, we're leaving early in the morning and should be in Tucson by
day after tomorrow sometime. We kept Red's motor home to drive. It
may be a bit slower than a truck but if we're gonna' be late we'll call.
We also might get talked into staying a night in Mason. Either way,
we'll call so's you won't worry."

"I'd appreciate that, Son, but why do I get the feeling that isn't the only
reason you called?" He chuckled on the other end.

"Yes, Sir, you're right but for that your other slave would like to talk to
you."

"No, you ask him, Billy." whispered Griz.

"No, Griz, you have to learn how to ask our Master for what you want." 
I handed him the phone.

"Uuhh, Master Dan, Sir?" the big man asked hesitantly.

"Yes, Griz? What'd j'u have on your mind, Son?"

"Would it be all right, Master, if your second slave pleasures your first
slave." I heard Dan Yates' laughter on the phone from three feet away.

"Will you pleasure him well, slave?" I heard a big smile in Dan's voice.

"Oh, yes, Sir. I love Cowboy, Sir. I'll be real good to him, Master Dan."

"You promise not to hurt him?" Dan was still chuckling having a good
time with Griz's naivete'.

"Oh, no, Sir, Master Dan, I wouldn't never hurt my bear-cub Master. I
love him too much for that. I just want to give him some love, Master
Dan, and to be honest, Sir, I think I need a little, too." I heard Dan roar
with laughter. I think he was pleased and somewhat relieved Griz was
coming around from the terrible depression he'd been in.

"Then it's all right with me, Big Bear, if it's all right with him but only
if it's all right with Cowboy, understand?"

"Oh, yes, Sir. I understand, Sir! Thank you! Oh, thank you, Master
Dan. Here's Cowboy." Dan was still laughing his ass off.

"You know it would've been all right with me but I appreciate you
calling for my permission. Makes me feel like a real Master and it's
thoughtful to consider my feelings, makes me feel needed."

"You are a real Master, Dad, and you know it. How many men have two
devoted slaves? If'n anyone deserves to be called Master, it's you. As
far as needing someone, these two slaves need you more than flowers
need rain."

"Well, we're gonna' have to see to some of his needs and I guess that's
one of 'em. Poor thing probably hasn't had much lovin' since Red got
sick. Hell, even a pet needs some lovin' every now and then. Is it all
right with you, Son?"

"Yeah, Dad. Griz treats me fine. He's always been good to me. I love
him, too, Master. We're looking forward to seeing you in a couple of
days. We love you, Dad. "

"Love you, too, Son." I hung up the phone, smiled at Griz and winked.
He was happy.

"Now, Big Man, there's one other thing that has to be settled between
us before I'll agree to let you pleasure me."

"What's that, Master Billy?"

"If'n I agree to let you pleasure me tonight you have to make me a
promise you'll go for a walk tomorrow afternoon with your Friend.
Apologize to him for cutting him off like you did. Ask his forgiveness
for being angry with him. Be honest with him. Tell him it was hard for
you to understand. 

Tell him you love him and will never do that to him again. Don't tell him
I made you do it. You know you want to do it anyway. You miss him.
Griz he could've been helping you get through this and you shut him
out. I've felt really bad. He's come to me four of five times wanting to
know how you are."

"He did? You saw him?"

"No, Griz. He only talks to me. I can hear him, I can't see him but he
did come to me. You know I wouldn't lie about something as serious as
that. Ask him yourself tomorrow afternoon. We'll be in Mason tomorrow
and I know just the pasture for you to take a walk in. I know he misses
you Griz. He's been a good Friend. What you did to him, cut him off like
that, would you do that to me?"

"Oh, no, Master Billy,but then, you wouldn't never take my Master
away from me neither."

"That's not the point, Big Man, and you know it." I shut up and let him
think about it. He looked at me frustrated. He sighed real deep.

"I really miss him, Master Billy." I kept silent."He only did what he had
to do and maybe I can't see the whole picture. Maybe he needs my
Master to out out oil rig fires over there. It couldn't have been easy for
my Friend to take my Master when he knew how much it was gonna'
hurt his friend. I guess I have been pretty mean to him."

The big man broke down and let it all out; sobbed his heart out. I was
soaking wet by the time I got him calmed down.

"I promise, Master Billy, I'll go for a walk with him tomorrow afternoon,
but it won't be because you made me promise. I ain't never lied to him
and I ain't a' gonna' start now. You helped me see I shouldn't hold it
against him 'cause he didn't do what I ask him to. Hell, my Master
rarely did what I asked him to and I never cut him off. I don't know
what I was thinking. I've been a big fool."

"No, no, Big Man, don't go there. If you feel that way, tell him. He'll
understand."

"I love you, Master Billy."

"Oh, God, Griz, I love you, too. C'omn let your Bear-cub take care of his
Master Bear."

I became the monster's slave that night. Another magnificent beast
took me to his heart. A powerful beast who had the innocence of a
child; a very loving and trusting child; however, when he made the
transformation to Master Mode, he became a Master in the truest
sense. There was no doubt in my mind or his that I was his slave-cub.
Sounds weird, I know, but it worked for us. I loved it and so did he.

I remembered that first night we spent together and the love he gave
me knowing I was hurting because of my Master's impending demise. I
was determined his slave was going to give back to him that evening
as much love as he shared with me before.

He deserved it. He came to a realization on his own he needed his
Friend and would once again walk and talk with him. That evening he
opened up and let me in.  I never had such sweet love made to me by
any man nor beast before or since. 

It doubled the intensity of our love for each other and Griz began to
see I was offering to be his rock.  I had come full circle in my forgiving
God for what I preceived as the unfairness of life. I was primed and
ready for the position of being Griz's rock.

Griz let the flood waters of his life flow into me.  What Leon did for
me so many years ago, I was giving back to Griz. He started wanting to
live again for me and Dan. He wanted to become a good slave for Dan
and I.

While I was there I became Griz's Master and he never questioned an
order from me no matter how his big heart was aching. I made a pact
with Griz. When we played by ourselves and I gave him permission he
could be my Master. When I snapped my fingers and pointed to
my boots, he must understand I was once again his Master.

He would pay homage to them, no questions asked. We've never had a
problem; however, sometimes when he's down or worried about
something or someone teases him about being a slave because he's so
big, I'll lean over and whisper in his ear,

"We know who the real Master is, don't we Big Man?"

He'll turn to me with a big warm smile. The same smile I use to give
my old man as a kid. We'd be driving in his old pickemup truck and he'd
turn to me,

"Wanna' climb in daddy's lap and drive for a while?"

I'd let that big monster of a man sit in my lap and drive my damn truck
anytime he wants.

"I love you, Master Billy."

"Not no more'n I love you, Big Man."

We made it to Mason around noon. Dad, Uncle Joe and Lester were so
glad to see us. They wouldn't hear of us leaving right away.  Dad called
our Master and ask his permission to detain us for an evening. He
didn't have to he just wanted an excuse to talk with Dan.  He loved is
son-in-law.

Of course, Dan agreed. Dan told dad to keep us a couple of nights if he
wanted. Just call and him when we got under way so he'd know
approximately when to expect us.  Dad agreed he would.

"Dad, would you, Uncle Joe and Lester drive Griz and me out to Phil
and Wilma Jo's. Phil has a big pasture behind his place. Griz needs to
take a walk and be alone for a while."

"Sure, Son, give 'em a call and asked 'em if we can visit for a spell." I
called and got Phil.

"Hey, Phil. It's your roping partner, Cowboy. How ya'll doing, Brother?"

"Well,  I'll be damned!  Wilma Jo,... Honey, it's the Cowboy. You just
get into town?"

"Yeah, we just drove in about an hour ago. Reason I'm calling we
wanted to know if we can come out to your place and visit for a spell."

"Come on, you're always welcome. Hell, Cowboy, you're family, you
don't never have to call. Ya'll come on out and plan on having dinner
with us. Who all's coming?"

"Me, dad, Uncle Joe, Lester, and Griz."

"Ah, hell, yes!  Griz's been out here with Booger's brother and your
family many times.  Sorry to hear about his partner.  We attended his
funeral here.  Sure, bring him on out. He's all my damn kids can talk
about. They think he's better'n a six flags ride."

"Okay, Phil. See ya'll in about an hour or so."

"Good, love to see ya'll."

We climbed in Dad's brand new top of the line Ford SUV. I wasn't going
to ask but my buddy, Lester, came through for me.
 
"Like this here buggy, Child?" Lester asked with a wink.

"Sure do. This is nice. Glad to see my old man's getting some class."

"Well, you would, too, if'n you had a Sultan for a son." Lester fell out
laughing.

"Yeah, it was a gift from Ben for my birthday. I thought I told you about
it?"

"Must a' slipped your rememberer, Dad." Lester winked at me again
and even Griz laughed.

"All right, let's be fair, Lester, tell our boy what Ben gave you for
you're birthday."

"Lause, Child, that beautiful man done went out and bought old Lester
a brand new Ford Ranger Pickemup truck. Now I's don't have to call's
the Potter-Gunn taxi service to get's me into town no more. He sure
been good to old Lester. Makes me feel like he's much my boy as he is
them two yahoo's." we all laughed. It was good to hear Griz laugh
again.

We got to Phil and Wilma Jo's and Phil's kids went bananas when they
saw Griz.  With outstretched arms waving about, they ran to him as
fast as their stubby little legs would carry them, yelling his name over
and over. I thought they might scare him. Not Griz!

One jumped in one arm, one jumped in the other and they were all over
him hugging and kissing him like he was a long lost playmate. He
carried them into the house. We socialized for a while and I asked Phil
if he had any livestock in the field behind the house. He said no, he'd
been boarding a couple of horses for a guy but he picked 'em up this
morning.

"Would you mind if Griz takes a walk back there. He's been all cooped
up and hasn't gotten enough exercise. He's use to walking a while in
the afternoon."

"Sure, Griz, go on. You're welcome to walk in the pasture. Just be
careful where you step." Everyone laughed, "You going with him,
Cowboy?"

"Naw, he needs to walk by himself; calms his nerves. He'll be a
different bear-man when he returns, you'll see. Come on, Griz, I'll see
you though the gate."

Wilma Jo shook her head as she watched Griz stoop almost a foot and
turn sideways to get out the door. They had an old farm house with ten
foot ceilings and Griz loved visiting. He could stand up straight. I took
Griz to the gate to Phil's back pasture and let Griz though. I stayed on
the other side.

"Come with me, Master Billy. Hold my hand, please."  Griz pleaded with
me.

"You know I can't, Big Man. You have to do your apologizing like the
big man you are. He ain't gonna' be mean to you, Darlin.' Hell, he loves
you, Griz. You're his buddy, his best friend. Ain't a whole hell of a lot of
men in this world can claim the Almighty on their A-list of best friends. 

Now,  get your ass out there and tell him how much you missed him,
how sorry you are. Ask his forgiveness and tell him how much you love
him."

"I love you, Master Billy."

"I wouldn't be doing this if'n I didn't love you, too, Big Man. Do me a
favor, Bear-man?"

"Anything, Master Billy."

"Tell him I love him. Thank him for letting Master Red and Buck visit
me and Buck's dad when they came to get your Master. Tell him I'm
sorry I was such a smart ass with him. Ask him if he still trusts me?"

"I will, Master Billy, and thanks, Cowboy."

"Aww, go on with ya.' Walk out there, he'll be along in a minute."

Griz lumbered out into the pasture. It was a warm mid-summer's night
in Texas and the stars were just beginning to show as the sun was
setting. I looked up and spoke.

"Lord, I've done my part. He's a' hurt'n real bad and he's ashamed of
himself. Come to him, Sir. He needs his Friend right now. Forgive him,
Lord. It took him a while to understand.  Help my friend, Griz, like you
did me, Father."

It was the most beautiful sunset I can remember seeing in my life. I
even called to the house for them to come out and see. Wilma Jo saw
a couple of tears on my cheek and put her arm around me. No one
could remember a prettier sunset. The sky was a blaze of reds,
oranges, yellows, blue, white, purple. 

It was better'n a fourth of July fireworks display. Even the kids were
silent and watched. It was a spiritual experience for all of us. Wilma Jo
looked at me and looked at Griz way out in the pasture as Griz knelt in
the field and bowed his head.  We all watched as a giant ball of purest
light came out of the sky from nowhere and surrounded Griz as he
was kneeling.

It was all around him pouring into and out from his body. It was
lighting up a third of the lower pasture.  I knew his Friend had come to
him.  I knew his Friend was with him, loving him, forgiving him.

We watched as Griz looked up and placed his hand up and forward like
an invisible person took his hand.  You could see it pulling Griz
towards the very heart of the intense light.  It was an indescribly
beautiful light that filled your heart with joy, gladness, and love just to
look upon it.

It pulled Griz up off his knees and enfolded him with the light until you
almost couldn't see Griz's huge form through it.  It grew in size and
surrounded every inch of Griz's body.

Griz was aglow with the light surrounding his big body like St. Elmo's
fire except it was a brilliant white to yellowish-orange.  Drops and
sparkles of light would drop from his body and flow through the air as
he slowly moved.

The volume of light increased until fountains of light were pouring from
Griz's body everywhere.  It was like the light was embracing Griz. Gris
raised his big arms upward toward heaven and then he looked like he
was enclosing some huge creature of light in his arms.

It looked like his head was laying against the heart of the light and the
light modulated from orange white to deep azures, reds, yellows and
purples. Everyone watched stunned as we heard the big man crying his
heart out leaning against the light. It was caressing him like it was
offering him comfort.

We all gasp as we watched Griz rise from the ground as if some huge
man picked him up him his arms.  It looked like a father gently picking
up his beloved child to cradle and hold him in his arms. Griz's legs
were draped where an arm should have been and his massive body
was being supported by the other.

Griz turned his face into the light and we could see his big body
heaving in sobs.  The light sang to him and modulated in all colors. 
There was no doubt in anyone's mind,--- you could tell,--- you just knew,
the light was kissing and caressing his beloved child, his son, his
friend.

We watched as a halo of light surrounded Griz's head. It was of the
purest white and seemed to radiate outward from his body. He could
move his hand slowly and the light would fly from his fingers. The light
finally sat him down on his feet and Griz and the light began to walk as
one.

"Billy," Wilma Jo managed to speak softly, "you and me, we grew up
together, we've been friends all our lives,---close friends. We could tell
each other anything. I ain't never seen nothing like that in my life. You
wanna' tell me what that light is around Griz and who he's talking to
out there?"

"Wilma Jo, Darlin,' you wouldn't believe me if'n I told ya'" I said quietly
without emotion. Phil sent the kids in the house to watch television.
They weren't about to mind their dad, they were as awestruck as we
were. Phil told them they could stay if they sat quietly on the back
porch steps.

The porch wasn't far from where we were standing and they
begrudgingly lumbered over and sat down. Phil moved closer to us to
hear the conversation.

"Well, you may as well tell 'em, Cowboy, whether they believe you or
not." spoke my dad, "Phil,...Wilma Jo,....my boy don't lie. You both
know that. What he's gonna' tell you is the gospel truth. Go ahead,
Cowboy, tell 'em."

"Who do you think he's talking to, Wilma Jo?" I asked her gently.

"You ain't a' gonna' tell me he's talking to...?" I smiled and gently
nodded my head 'yes' to Wilma Jo and Phil.

"Look at him, Phil. J'ever see anything like that before?" she asked her
big cowboy husband.

"It's a first for me, Honey. Is he really talking to God, Cowboy?"

"I know it sounds strange, and it took us some gettin' use to, believe
me, but yes, he's talking to the Almighty. Griz is a good friend of the
Old Man's. He talks to him several times a day. He takes long walks
with him every afternoon about this time.

If you look closely you can see someone or something is walking along
side him with their arm around his shoulder pulling him up close to
them. See how he's scrunched together in the shoulders."

"Well, I'll be damned. I see it, Billy. See it, Honey?" Wilma Jo had a tear
in her eye.

"Yes, Sweetheart, I can. That light around him is unbelievable. It's
pure..."

"Love, Darlin.' It's pure love." I finished for her.

The next thing we knew the kids went through the other gate and were
running as fast as they could towards Griz. Phil yelled for them to
come back but they paid their dad no never mind. They were laughing,
giggling and frustrated 'cause they couldn't get their short little bodies
to move any faster. The were drawn toward the light and their friend,
Griz, like a magnet.

Griz squatted down and held his big arms out to them.  Once again
they ran to him, jumped into his arms almost knocking him over. The
light around him didn't go away. It merely surrounded the kids as well. 

Griz picked them up in his arms, stood, and started slowly back
towards us. The kids were squeeling, laughing and giggling at the
light, talking to it and playing with it. They were hugging and kissing
Griz. The light only glowed brighter in colors of the most beautiful
ambers, deep purples, blues and violets; all to be followed by the
purest white imaginable.

The kids could make the light fly from their finger tips. They loved it,
hugged it, kissed it and the colors modulated again from deep azures
to purple-violet. Gris wore a huge, relieved smile on his beautifully,
ugly, tear stained face. He truly radiated joy and happiness from every
pore in his huge body.

The light was dripping from his arms and body. I knew our Master
forgave him and He was happy to have his friend back. The glow of the
light didn't stop the closer they got and now there were halos around
each of the kids heads.

Wilma Jo was leaning against Phil who enfolded her from behind in his
big arms and watched over her shoulder. Tears were running down her
face and her husband, the big cowboy, was moved beyond words. My
dad knew about Griz but never witnessed anything like this.

I looked around for Lester. He had his hat in his hands and was on his
knees. Uncle Joe joined him. Griz got about twenty feet in front of
us, part of the light flew off Griz and the kids and drifted over to
surround me.

"You did it, Son. You told me you would, and you did. You'll be
rewarded big time for this, Billy three; and yes, I trust you. You got
more mettle than I gave you credit for, Son, but chu' know who you got
that from don't chu'? That big cowboy standing there with his hat in
his hand, your dad. He's done right by you, Cowboy, and you're doing
right by him. I'm proud of you both. I'll trust you from now on, Son.
Don't chu go let'n me down, now, ya' hear?"

"I won't, Sir. I promise."

"Tell them all standing there I love each one of them. Every one of 'em
are good, decent folks. Tell Wilma Jo she's pregnant as of two nights
ago. They'll name the boy William Gunn Roamer. He'll be a special
child with special abilities and talents I'm giving him and you, Dan,
Griz, your dad, uncle and your black dad are to be his God parents. 

He'll accomplish great things. I'll walk with him like I do Griz. Tell
them I talked with their kids and they're raising them right. Take `em
to Sunday school a little more often. They're doing fine."

"You sure about the name, Sir?"

"Cowboy,---?"

"Yes Sir, I'm sorry, Sir. I will, you're right. I apologize. Please, don't
smite me with your terrible swift sword."

"Good one, Cowboy, you little wiseacer. I can't remember the last time
I heard that line. Take care of yourself, Son. I love you more'n ever. I
owe you one, Son. Keep in touch. Talk to me. I hear you."

"I promise, Sir." the light rose off me and dived toward Phil and went
right through him, then Wilma Jo, Dad, Uncle Joe and finally Lester. It
stopped over Lester for a minute.

"Thank you, Sir. I loves him, too. Yes, Sir, he sure do love me. You
know's I got to love 'em, to take that boy fishin' s'many times I done.
You know's how many times I done toll you how I hate's fishin,' Sir."
we heard the Almighty laugh.

The light flew back to join the rest of the light.  It paid attention to
the kids, surrounded them and they giggled, laughed, and played with
the light. Then each rose in the air one at a time and looked like they
were hugging and kissing a big man we couldn't see. They were
hugging someone and saying goodbye. 

Each was returned gently to Griz's arms. They waved as the light flew
up and out of sight. I looked over at Phil and Wilma Jo and had to
smile. My roping partner had big tears streaming down his face. Funny
thing was, the big cowboy didn't appear to be crying. He had the
warmest smile on his face. The tears were just there. Wilma Jo,
too.

The adults were speechless for a while watching the last of the
beautiful sunset. Suddenly there were five or six meteors streaked
across the sky. They were all colors. It looked like fireworks. We all
went,

"Aaaww..." We knew it was him saying goodbye.

"Did you feel him when he went through you, Honey? I've never had
such a feeling of complete love in my life. It was..."

"Unconditional love, Sweetheart, I felt it, too." Dad and Uncle Joe
agreed. Lester had a hard time talking.

"He told me he loves me, proud of me, told me you love's me a
powerful lot, Billy, and he loves me for loving you so much." I went and
hugged the old black man as he started to cry in my arms. I told him to
be happy not to cry. He just experienced something few people ever
get to. The kids ran up to their parents.

"Who were you talking to in Griz's arms, Kids?"

"God." they both replied at once. "We didn't mean to disobey you, Dad.
Please forgive us, but God was calling to us by name to come and join
him and Gris. Griz told us not to be afraid he wanted us to meet a
Friend of his and he introduced us.

Griz didn't tell us but we knew who he was. He's funny dad. Had us
laughing all the way back. He loves you and Dad, Mom.  He said if we
apologized to you and ask you kindly to forgive us, he thought just this
once you might."

Big Phil broke into laughter at his kids you could've heard a mile away. 
He scooped each one up and gave them a big hug and a kiss.

"He's right!  Your dad forgives you, but just this once, okay?"  he
smiled at them.

"Okay, Dad, and thanks." said the little girl.

Griz grabbed me and held me for a few minutes.

"Thank you." was all he said. Then he broke down in my arms.

"You're welcome, Big Man. Glad to help." I tried to comfort him as best
I could. Phil and Wilma Jo put there arms around the giant man as
well. He couldn't cry too long the kids were clamoring for him to pick
them up. He scooped one up in each arm and they told him not to cry. 

Griz turned and walked slowly with a kid in each arm toward the other
gate to close it.

"By the way, Wilma Jo, he had a message for you. Told me he loves
you and Phil and's proud of you. You're raising the kids just fine but
take 'em to Sunday school a little more often and something else."

"Oh, Lord, I'm afraid to ask..." said Wilma Jo.

"You're pregnant as of two nights ago. It'll be a boy. He's gonna' be a
special child. He'll have special talents and abilities.  He'll accomplish
great things. He said He'd walk by his side and talk to him like Griz. Oh
yes, and Griz, me, Dan Yates, dad, Uncle Joe and my other dad, Lester
are to be his God parents."

"How could the kid lose with a collection of good men like that to be
his Godfather's. You're Godfather to our other two anyway,...may as
well be this one, too." said Phil proudly.

"He told you what to name him, didn't he, Cowboy?" Wilma Jo asked
me.

"What would you name him?" I asked her.

"We talked about it when we,...well, you know...." blushed Phil.

"When he was conceived, Dear?" Wilma Jo helped her husband. We all
laughed.

"Yeah, well, whatever you call it. Tell him what we talked about,
Honey." said Phil trying to get off the subject as quickly as possible.

"We decided if I got pregnant, if it was a boy, we were gonna' name
him Billy Gunn Roamer." Chills ran up my back. Of course, he heard
them talking about what they were going to name the kid. He wasn't
ordering me to tell them to name him that.

"That's the name he told me. Honest. His exact words were: He will be
named, William Gunn Roamer. He wasn't ordering me to tell you to
name him that, he was letting me know that's what you would name
him."

That evening turned out to be one of the best, most loving, happy
evenings I ever spent in my life. Later, poor Phil gave up trying to tell
folks what we experienced. Nobody believed him. The kids didn't care.
They knew their dad was telling the truth. Wilma Jo and I fixed dinner. 

Well, she fixed it. I just diced and chopped and washed pots. She
claimed it was a big help. As we left I saw her slip a couple of fresh
baked brownies into Griz's light jacket pocket. She put her finger to
her lips for him not to say anything and he smiled like a kid at her.

Wilma Jo was in love with Griz and he with her. The big man got to
everyone. The kids cried when we left and wanted us to leave Griz
with them. He hugged them and told them they'd see him again, soon,
he promised. I don't know how he did it but they were laughing when
we pulled away.

I lay back against the giant man and he folded his arms around in
front of me. I winked at Lester and he knew something awful was
about to come out of my mouth.

"How'd you like to fuck a horny buckaroo tonight, Bear-man?" Lester
slapped his knee and roared. Dad damn near wrecked his new SUV.
Uncle Joe giggled.

"I have to..." answered Griz resolutely.

"You have to?" I asked.

"Yeah, he told me to fuck you hard tonight and make you hurt a little
for being such a smart alec with him." I laughed `til I hurt and so did
every one else in the car.

"Well, you know what, Bear-man,... he's right, I deserve it. Ain't much
of a punishment though. Sort of a win-win thing for me. I'll take it like a
man, Big Bear."

"I'm glad, Master Billy, I wouldn't want you to think I was a' hurtin' you
a little to be mean."

"You're too damn honest to do that, Griz. I love a Master that knows
how to make a bear-cub hurt really good." Gris took my hand and put it
on his rock hard dick. I thought it was gonna' rip his pants.

"Okay, Gentlemen, that's enough of that talk. Poor Joe ain't gonna'
have no asshole come morning you keep talking that a'way. All ready
got me the biggest boner I've had in months. Ain't about to waist it
none neither." Dad turned to Uncle Joe,

"Want me to wear me boots tonight, Sweetheart?" Poor Uncle Joe. He
was loosening up though.

"Only if you wear them new spurs I bought you."

"That's do-able. That's a can do, Darlin.'" laughed my dad. I thought
Lester was going to have a stroke he was laughing so hard.

Nine months later Dan, Griz, and I traveled back to Mason for the birth
of our Godchild, William Gunn Roamer. My dad was so proud of that kid
you'd a' thunk Uncle Joe gave birth to it. Dad and Uncle Joe had
become close friends with Phil and Wilma Jo 'cause every time Ben
came home he wanted to go visit Phil, Wilma Jo and the kids. He
always had some gift for Wilma Jo and the kids. Once in a while he'd
bring old Phil something and surprise the shit out of him.

He, Tim and Dr. Keshan had flown in just for the birth of this special
child. They were staying with my dad and Uncle Joe. 

The baby was healthy and Wilma Jo was radiant. She was thrilled we
traveled all the way back for her and the baby. She gave the giant a
kiss on the cheek. She unfolded the small blanket to show him.
Everyone was amazed by the look on Griz's face. He was radiant. A
soft light appeared around Griz's head. One nurse had to leave the
room, I think she pissed her undies.

"Would you like to hold him, Griz?" Wilma Jo asked softly.

"Oh, no, Ms. Wilma, ain't never held a young'un before; wouldn't know
how."  Wilma Jo smiled at him and sat up in the bed.

"Make a cradle of your arm like I'm holding him." The big man did as
she told him and she placed the precious bundle in his arms. The baby
woke and started crying but rather than give it back to Wilma Jo, Griz
started rocking it and we all heard this low frequency vibration coming
from way down inside Griz like a soft hum or buzzing sound.

The baby looked up at Griz trying to focus and quit crying. He started
laughing, giggling and having a ball with Griz. Griz was giggling too like
they shared a secret joke between them. Griz offer the baby his little
finger. The baby grabbed it with both hands and wouldn't let go. He
was having a good time with Griz. He was laughing, cooing, and
blurbbling. You'd swear the kid was talking to Griz.

Then Wilma Joe and Phil were shaken to the bottom of their souls. The
baby reached up, put his little hand to Griz's big face, looked the big
man right in his eyes, and a soft light surrounded his tiny head as well.
I don't think there was a dry eye in the room.

Once again, we were all amazed. Griz gently handed him back to
Wilma Jo and thanked her several times. He told her the baby, Master
Billy four, was disoriented but Griz told him everything was okay
'cause I'm a friend of your momma and daddy. He told me he was glad
to meet me and glad to be here.

He can feel the love coming from all of you especially you Dad Gunn,
Mr. Joe and Lester. He told me to ask Mr. Lester kindly if'n he'd take
him fishing, too." Lester rolled his eyes towards heaven and everyone
giggled,

"He told me he was hungry, Ms. Wilma." Wilma and Phil thought Griz
was kidding, they looked at us and to a man we all nodded our heads,
'yes' he can hear and talk to your baby. Believe what he says.

"Griz?" Wilma Jo took Griz's big hand in hers and looked Griz in the
eyes.

"When he gets a little older and you guys come back for Christmas or
whenever, would you do me a favor?"

"Anything, Ms. Wilma, you know that."

"Would you take him to show your Friend and thank him for us? Tell
him how much we appreciate him." A tear ran down the giants cheek.

"I'd be mighty proud to, Ms. Wilma, He loves kids."

Well, the kid's last name wasn't Gunn but my dad didn't give a shit. 
Billy Gunn Roamer was his grandson, by God. And by God, he was
right. Griz confirmed it. None of us cared. He was a special child and
was raised much like I was, by a community of folks who loved him. 

Dad became his granddad. That kid didn't stand a chance with all the
love he had poured on him from all of us. From the first he was a gifted
child. He could read by the age of three.

Griz would be with him on the back steps and the boy would sit next to
him. They'd have an arm around each other and every now and then
one would make a gesture with his arm or hand like they were pointing
out something to one another. They'd look up together then down like
they were watching a movie and they were sitting on the front row. 

They'd start laughing at the same time and kid would throw both arms
around Griz and hang on. Neither would say a word for a hour or more.
Wilma Jo would get worried, walk over, and ask if everything was
okay. The kid would look up at her and smile sweetly.

"We're just talking, Mom. Griz was showing me the mama grizzly who
took care of him one winter. She's almost as big as Griz." Wilma Jo
came back over to us shaking her head.

"They're sitting there caring on a conversation and neither one is
saying a word." we all laughed with her. We never have fully gotten
use to Griz's abilities. Wilma Jo and Phil are constantly on the phone to
his granddad or Tucson,

"Do you know what he did today?" they'll ask, then fall out laughing.

His brother and sister were never jealous. They didn't have to be, he
took them along with him. He taught them what he knew and they
became almost as adept as him. Their grades skyrocketed in school
until they both graduated top of their high school class.

"Did he become a cowboy? With all the cowboys he grew up around
and his dad and  granddad a cowboy, the boy was in the saddle before
he could walk. He was better'n any of us at roping by the time he was
twelve. His granddad gave him the name Cowboy Jr. Funny thing was
he looked a hell of a lot like me and Uncle Bud.

The name stuck but being Texas folk everybody shortened it to Junior
Roamer. That's all he's been know as most of his life by close friends
is Junior Roamer. Phil and Wilma Jo couldn't have been prouder of
him.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

During our touring the circuit we always made time for stopping by Ten
Sleep and staying with the Bartletts and Dave and Barn Jarvis.

Talk about killing the fatted calf.  Woah!  It was rodeo time at the
Bartlett's.  Then entire community of Ten Sleep closed down for two or
three days to camp out at the Bartletts.  Word quickly got around the
pro-rodeo crowd that there was a huge private rodeo in Ten Sleep,
Wyoming.

All the top cowboys were there to let their hair down and relax among
their own kind and country folk.  Not a lot of outsiders knew about the
annual to-do at the Bartlett's.  Wade and Thelma Bartlett couldn't have
been more pleased.  They took my Master and my gift and ran it into a
highly profitable venture.

They put all five of the kids through college and always had a newer
car and truck.  Several times Wade and Thelma insisted I take money
from them but I declined.  I told them they more'n repaid me over the
years I'd come there a them put me and my family up.

"Save it for a rainny day.  Help your neighbor, if he's in trouble.  The
good Lord gave me more money'n I know what to do with."

They knew I was foreman, top waddie, on Dan Yates's ranch in Tucson
which is one of the largest most profitable ranches in the Southwest.

"What does a cowboy need with a lot of money?  How many horses can
I ride at once?"  They'd laugh and I'd laugh with them.

I told the same to Bill Langtree and Les Wilson. Come to find out the
feed account was the shot in the arm they both needed to make their
operations build from small time ranchers into the big leagues.  They
wouldn't have anything but Dan and my family spend an afternoon and
evening while visiting to be entertained at their ranches.

They were fine men.  They didn't overdo but we always had a good
time.  They took my words to heart and were the first ones there if any
of their neighbors needed help.  So was Jim Petrie and Tad Evans. 
They witnessed what a small amount of sharing and caring could do
for some folks in a community.

The Bartletts, Dave and Barn loved Dan Yates.  To my surprise they
knew him and Buck separately from me and my Uncle Bud.  They
dropped by many times to stay a day or two on their tour of the circuit. 

Dan and I would always give exhibitions in roping.  My dad and Uncle
Joe came to Ten Sleep several years and got to know the folks well. 
Wade Bartlett thought my dad was a fine man and all around great
cowboy.

My gracious Master gave me up to Dave many evenings we were there
and usually Sonny was along with his Master who knew the almost
mystic relationship he and Barn Jarvis developed.  Boots told me as
time passed he came to understood Red more and more.  How Red
could give me up to Dave in Cheyenne.

There are just some bonds you can't stand in the way of.  Barn Jarvis
and Sonny were one of those bonds. The two of them were inseparable
the whole time we visited.

Dave couldn't believe his dad's love and admiration for Sonny.  He
encouraged it.  It wasn't hard for me to believe.  Barn was very much
like my dad was to Sonny.  He was a big kid inside but outwardly he
was a dad to Sonny.  They both reveled in their roles.  Dave began to
look upon Sonny as his little brother as well as me.

As time went on the Bartlett's oldest son, Ken, during his last couple
of years of high school earned extra money from Dave and Barn by
helping Dave with his physical therapy for his legs so they wouldn't
atrophy.

As a result he got a medical degree and became a doctor in physical
therapy and sports related medicine.  He specialized in rodeo injuries. 
He returned to Ten Sleep and continued to help Dave.  He was
convinced Dave could walk again if he tried.

Being a doctor, he obtained Dave's medical file from VA.  To his
surprise that wasn't anything physically wrong with Dave's legs.  He
had a condition known as hysterical conversion paralysis.  He couldn't
let go of the grief and guilt of watching his buddy blown apart in front
of him and convinced himself he'd never walk again. 

It was true his legs were damaged pretty badly.  The right leg healed
properly and he could lift and move it; however,  even after the
operation to save his left leg was successful he refused to go through 
therapy to get him up and walking.  He simply convinced himself he'd
never walk again.

Thus, mainly from lack of use, his legs became partially paralyzed; but, 
not totally.  He raise his legs by himself,  could move his feet and
wiggle his toes.  He had feeling in all parts of his legs.

Ken Bartlett wouldn't take no for an answer from Dave and insisted he
could walk again.  All he had to do was want to get up off his butt and
learn to walk again.  Dave was convinced otherwise.  Ken continued to
work with Dave but Dave had to want to walk and fought Ken's help
every step of the way.

Unbeknownst to everyone, themselves included, Ken and Dave were
falling very much in love with each other.  They neither had sex nor
discussed it with each other.  The first to recognize it was Wade
Bartlett.

One evening, his son came in for dinner after being with Dave and
trying to help him.  He wouldn't talk about what happened but he was
so angry at Dave he almost couldn't eat his dinner.  His dad saw the
symptoms and knew the disease.

He talked it over with his wife, Thelma, doctor mom, and her
diagnosis was the same.  Their boy, their son, was very much in love
with his patient, Bull Dogger Dave Jarvis.

They were loving country folks who took it in stride.  They wondered
why their boy didn't start a huge lucrative sports medical practice in a
larger town.  Sports medicine was all the rage at that time.  He
could've cleaned up.  Instead he came home to help his dad on the
ranch and did a local M. D. practice out of the front two rooms his dad
and mom converted for his practice.

Funny thing was he got a reputation around the rodeo circuits as being
the Doc to go to if your had a rodeo injury.  If a cowboy got injured the
man to see was Doc. Bartlett.  He could do miracles with rodeo sports
injuries.

Many times a cowboy would be down on his luck and couldn't pay Ken
for his services.  No cowboy was ever turned away.  Once a year the
rodeo cowboys got together and gave a special rodeo where all the
proceeds and cowboy winnings went to a cowboy health care fund
administered by Thelma Bartlett, Ma Bartlett, for all the cowboys,  to
reimburse her for her keep and her son for his medical expenses
caring for their brothers in need.

The Bartletts all the time had two or three pickups with campers
sitting around as hospital rooms for recovering cowboys.  They'd get
someone to drive their truck to Ten Sleep, stay and let Doc.  Bartlett
take care of them and then be on their way.  Ma Bartlett would feed
them and the Doc would take care of them.

It was better in some ways because they'd be with other cowboys and
pass the time together.

Some of the top riders and ropers could afford to pay their own way
and many did.  Doc Bartlett began to make better money but still only
charged the locals minimal rates. He was a full fledged doctor but he
was raised a cowboy and believed like his dad and mom,  home folks
should get a break.

No one bothered to make an appointment.  They called to make sure
the doc was home and came on by.  He treated everyone in the
community for minimal charges.

Now, it was beginning to make sense to his mom and dad. It became
clear.  He developed a crush on Dave while he was still in high
school and it blossomed into a full blown love as he matured.  Dave
wouldn't even admit it to himself but if a day went by he didn't see Ken
or he thought Ken was pissed at him, he damn near drove his old man
crazy.

"Ju' see Ken today, Dad?"

"Yes, Son, I helped him with some cattle over to the ranch."

"He say anything?  He coming over later?  J'u invite him for dinner?
S'he gonna' give me a call?"

"No, Son.  Didn't say a thing.  Don't know if he's coming by.  He didn't
say.  Why don't chu call him; find out what he's doing."

"He's probably busy.  Don't wanna' bother him or nothin'"

The whole time Ken was away at school he and Dave wrote two or
three letters a week to each other.  He could only come home for
vacation and holidays because the school was so far away.  When he
did he spent most of his time at the Jarvis's "treating" big Dave.

Most of the kids were gone by that time and Wade and Thelma invited
Barn and Dave for dinner one evening. They came and had a wonderful
time together.  Ken wanted to show Dave a new pony that was born
the day before and they went out to see before they lost the light.

Barn was having dessert, a wonderful piece of apple pie Thelma
made and coffee.

"What're we gonna' do about our boys, Barn?"  Wade asked quietly. 
Old Barn wasn't dumb.  He knew exactly what he was getting at.

"Don't know but if'n we don't get 'em into a bed, together, soon, I'm
gonna' kill mine and tell God he died."  That wasn't what Wade and
Thelma was expecting and they fell into each other's arms laughing. 
Barn went on,

"He calls me a hard-headed and stubborn old son of a bitch.  I guess
maybe I am, but, Wade, Thelma," Barn said as he chuckled, "how damn
dumb can any man be not to see the love your boy has for him.

I haven't said a word to him but I've watched the two of them and
they're so afraid each is gonna' find out about the other's love and it
blow up in their faces.  Are you two worried about it?"

"'We're 'bout the same as you, old Friend.  We're 'bout ready to sit Ken
down and tell him the parts about the birds and bees he missed.  There
ain't nothing wrong with that part, I just think maybe he was sick that
day or just skipped over it, somehow."  They had another good laugh.

"You thought about sitting down and talking with Dave, Barn?"  Thelma
asked.

"We're close but that's a closed subject.  I think Dave's still so much in
love with the cowboy he won't let himself think about lovin' anyone
else. I'm sure he don't think about his love for Ken but his body sure
does."  Wade and Thelma knew exactly what he was talking about and
roared. 

"I'd venture to say he and Ken have been terminally in love with each
other for nigh onto six years. I notice Ken is missing everytime Dan
Yates and Cowboy come to visit.  Can't say's I blame him none. 
'Course I wouldn't want 'em to stop coming to visit.

They always bring Sonny with them and I ain't gonna' sit here and lie
to you folks.  I've loved that young man for a while now and cherish
any time I get to spend with him.  I think of Sonny as a second son,
and the Cowboy, well, ya'll know I'd nominate that kid for sainthood
if'n I could."

"Yeah, me and Thelma feel the same.  He sure saved our butts.  Hell,
let's face it,  he saved a few butts in this community.  So you think we
ought a' talk to 'em or leave well enough alone?  If'n we talk to 'em
should it be together or separate?"  Wade asked, then continued,

"I just want 'em to know they have our blessing. I don't want them
sneak'n 'round hide'n nothing and feelin' like we're gonna' disown them
or not love them as much.  Thelma and me, well, we decided, if'n our
boy's got a hitch in his get along and has a hanker'n to rodeo with men
we'd rather see him with a good man like Dave than someone we don't
know."

"I feel the same 'bout your boy.  They don't make 'em no finer than that
boy of your's, but I don't think we should talk to them separately.
They'll think we're conspiring behind their backs.  Let 'em come back
in and ya'll follow my lead.  Back me up."  Wade and Thelma agreed.

Dave and Ken returned with Ken pushing Dave in his wheelchair.  They
were arguing about something but not angrily, more in good natured
competitiveness.  They seated themselves at their places at the table
and Thelma went to get them dessert and coffee.  She brought it back
and sat it down in front of them.

"Thanks, Mrs. Bartlett.  Looks and smells great."  said Dave, "That was
a great dinner, Ma'am.  Sure do appreciate it."

"Yeah. Thanks, Mom.  It was a fine dinner and this dessert sure looks
good." said Ken.

"Sons, both of you, your parents and me wanna' tell you something we
think you should hear from us.  We love you both very much and we 
think it's time to tell you, well,  it saddens us to see two good men
who love each other as much as you two and y'ain't doing nothing
about it."  Dave and Ken were speechless.  They couldn't move.  This
certainly gave the term coming out new dimensions.

"Yeah," spoke up Wade Bartlett, "you two have been in love with each
other for years now and too damn afraid to tell the other how you feel. 
You're losing precious time you could be lovin' one another."

"Don't look at Mom for an explination."  Thelma Bartlett, giggled, "I'm a
hundred percent behind your dad's on this one.  Why don't you two sit
down and talk this thing out.  Ain't nothing wrong with you lovin' each
other. God knows, we wouldn't be talking to you about it this openly
if'n we had a problem with it.  Like your dads say, we love you both
and just wanna' see you happy."  she finished.

Ken took his napkin and started weeping into it.  Dave shot a look at
his old man like he wanted to cut off his oxygen supply but then
mellowed as he heard his younger brother weeping softly beside him. 
He put his big arm around Ken and pulled him to him.

"That was a hell of a shocker, wudden it, little Brother?  For a minute
there, I didn't know whether to rant and rave or roll for the door. No
matter, I couldn't leave my baby brother here to face this alone.  I'm
convinced their hearts are in the right place. Our loving parents pert'
near nailed us to the barn door, Sweet baby.  Don't cry, little Brother,
truth is,---I should've told you a long time ago how much I admire and
love you.  I love you more'n I can tell."

"You couldn't love me like I love you."  Ken wailed.

"Uuuh, coffee in the living room, old Friend?"  Wade Bartlett barked a
question at Barn as he and Thelma got up to head out of the room.

"Why, I'd love some coffee in the living room, Wade, Ms. Thelma.  Got
any more of that pie left, there, Darlin'?  You got a damn good scauld
on 'nat pie, Hon."  Barn complimented Thelma Bartlett for her cooking.

"I think we can rustle ya' up another piece, Neighbor."  as they faded
into the living room to leave their boys alone.

"What'da you mean I couldn't love you the way you love me?  You
mean like one cowboy loves another cowboy?  If'n so, you better
rethink that one, Buckaroo.  I've wanted to get into your nickers and
rodeo with you ever since I saw you on a horse when you was only a
teenager. 

I never thought you'd look at me. I's quite a bit older'n you.  Are they
right, Sweetbaby? You been in love with old Bulldogger Dave for a
while?"

"Longer than a while, Cowboy.  Since I was a junior in high school."

"Prove it!  Give old Dave a kiss, Darlin'!"  Ken leaned into Dave, they
gently touched lips and the dam broke. That's all it took.  It was all
they could do to keep from throwing clothes in all directions.

"My place,--- now, Buckaroo!"  Dave barked an order to Ken.

"Let me grab a change of,... oh, fuck it!  Let's go!"  Ken said with
obvious anxiety.

"Ken got Dave into his van and Dave drove them to the Jarvis place. 
Barn stayed late talking and giggling with the Bartlets and then Wade
and Thelma drove him home.  They congratulated each other for
having brought their two wonderful sons together.

They felt good about it.  They felt right about it.  So did Ken and Dave
as the lay in each others arms enjoying the afterglow of their love
making.

"Ya' know you lassoed ma' heart, Cowboy?  Won't never be happy with
nobody but my cowboy by my side."  Dave told his new love.

"What about THE Cowboy?"  Ken asked.

"I'll admit I love the cowboy but he always has been just a brother that
I had a good hot time with.  He has his world but there ain't no place
for me in it.  I realized that years ago but he's always been good to me
and my dad.

Look what he done for us and your parents.  When he and Dan Yates
come to visit, his Master is generous, Cowboy's willing and he has
been a comfort to me.  I'll always love him, Darlin' but I love you now
and cowboy and my days of rodeoing together are over.

You don't think for a minute I'd push you aside for him, now, do you?"

"I'm not sure.  I don't know about these things.  What does it mean,
Master?  Is cowboy Dan Yates' slave?"

"Yes, Darlin,' he is."

"Is that what you want from me, Dave, to be your slave?"

"Baby, that's up to you.  We can be anything to each other you want."

"I love you so much, Dave, I'd be your slave if'n you wanted me to be."

"Well, we'll talk about it.  We got plenty of time.  I'll tell you what I
know about it.  We can ask my dad.  He knows a little more than I do
because Sonny becomes his slave when he's here and dad loves it.

Of course, his real dad, Master Boots, owns Sonny and is generous
enough to share him with my dad.  My dad loves his slave-son.  I think
of Sonny as a little brother and now I'm gonna' think of cowboy that
way, too.

When you learn more about Masters and slaves, if it's something you
want for us and we agree then we'll look into it.  Okay, Sweet baby?"

"How did these men learn to be slaves for their Masters?"

"Believe it or not, Babe, Cowboy's family runs a slave training school.
Training last three months and I've heard after a man goes through it
he's ready to become a slave to another man for the rest of his life. 
Cowboy was a salve to his dad, then to Booger Red, and now Dan
Yates.  They've been Master and slave for a number of years now."

"Would I get to call you my Master, Bull Dogger?"

"If'n you became my slave, Darlin', you wouldn't have no choice."

"Do you want to be my Master, Cowboy?"

"Darlin,' I want you anyway I can get you.  If it would make you happy
for me to be your Master, I'd send you to slave training school
tomorrow morning."

"Would that bond us together for life?"

"Tighter'n two ticks on a hound, Darlin.'"

"I don't want to wait, Dave.  I want to become your slave."

"Don't you want to think about it for a while, Sweet heart?"

"No.  If I think about it, I might not do it.  I use to wonder why Dan
Yates and Master Boots didn't feel jealousy when they let Cowboy go
with you and Sonny go with your dad.  Now, I think I see and
understand.  They weren't the least worried or concerned.  Dan Yates
owns Cowboy and Master Boots owns Sonny.  They can afford to be
generous.

In a way, it's like loaning someone your truck to a buddy 'cause you
know you own it and got a spare set of keys."

"Well, yes and no."  Dave said laughing at Ken's oversimplificated
analogy.  There's a bit more to it than that.  Lets wait. Let's talk about
it and if you still feel the same way after talking with some knowing
folks and you dad.  Yes, you must talk it over with your dad. 

I don't want you doing something like that without being upfront with
them.  God knows the three of them laid our lives in our lap for us, we
owe them that courtesy.  I wouldn't become your Master without first
asking your parents permission and my dad's blessing."

Ken decided to take his beloved cowboys advice and found out as
much as he could.  That summer Dan Yates, Cowboy and two of the
leaders of the family came to the two ranches for a week or more.  Big
Beryl Mc Innis and Master Jim sat down with Ken and Dave and
answered all their questions but didn't try to influence them in any
way. 

They did impress upon them it must be their decision.  Ken wanted to
become Dave's slave.  That was his wish.  Dave hadn't voiced an
opinion 'til he was sure that's what his mate wanted.  Then he asked
Wade and Thelma Bartlett.

Dave had Big Beryl and Big Jim answer any of their question.  They
whole heartedly agreed and big Barn beamed with pride at his boy and
Ken Bartlett.

Ken returned with Beryl and Master Jim and entered training.  Dave
went a month later to stay with Master Beryl and Blaine in the desert
so he could spend weekends with his slave to be.  Ken became Dave's
slave and again the family gathered and initiated the two of them into
the family clan.

They were thrilled and pleased.  Everyone partied for almost a week. 
Then Bull Dogger Dave and his new slave returned to Ten Sleep to
resume their lives.

A year later, after a visit from Dan Yates, Cowboy, and a big bear man
named Griz.  Dave Jarvis slowly began to learn to walk again. Within
six months he was walking without crutches.  Within a year and a half
he was bull doggin' steers again.

His doctor and the miracle of meeting Griz's Friend changed Dave's
mind about walking.  The love he received from his new slave was the
key to getting him up to try.  Dave wouldn't give up his love for his won
slave to sleep with his brother, Cowboy, anymore.

The cowboy was happy for his brother and at Dave and Ken's bonding
ceremony, Cowboy gave Dave's new slave the cross he'd worn around
his neck for so many years.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Dan and I sort of adopted Griz as a big son. Hell, our whole family
did. After he lived with us a while, he came out of his shell and is loved
by everyone; kids especially. Griz is like a big, hard working, intelligent
pet who's only purpose in life is to please those who loved and take
care of him.

He was also eager to pleasure us. I sometimes spend an evening with
him. Most times Dan and I both spend an evening. Those are the times
Griz loves best when he's sandwiched between his two Masters. He's
become an integral part of our immediate family and we take him with
us everywhere we go.

We took Griz with us the last year Dan and I rodeoed. We had a few
problems with Griz's size but we overcame that. We had the Motor
Coach remodeled with more space for a bed for him. He enjoyed being
with us but he missed the ranch. He made it through the entire year
but was really glad to get back to his den.

Dan and I laugh and agree we never felt safer than when Griz is with
us. Hell, you can't help but love the big man. There certainly is enough
for Dan and I to love. He bonded with us and we couldn't beat him off
with a stick. Griz is just a part of us.

When Red told me he would work for us, he wasn't kidding. He came to
love ranch work, the animals, being out doors in the fresh air. Within
six months at the ranch, Griz was a changed man. He took on the glow
of a man with an even tempered love of life. Everyone swore he grew a
foot taller.  I think he just began to walk proud and stopped stooping
like big people often do to make themselves less noticeable.

Griz can do the work of three men but he can also eat the food of three
men. As predicted, Mrs. Russell fell in love with him and loves cooking
for the big man. She won't let anybody joke about the amount of food
he puts away. He's big and he needs it; end of conversation.

 He's never gained an ounce of excess weight but then he works his
ass off, too.  When Mrs. Russell cooks for Thanksgiving or Christmas
she has to prepare four turkeys, three hams, and triple the proportions
of all the food. We had to buy a new professional cook stove for her so
she could have enough ovens.  Of course we always have a load of
friends and visitors in for the holidays. You never know who's going to
come.

Griz recreated his den in a loft room in Dan's big barn. He didn't have
enough room in the upstairs room that had been Tim's room. There's
two enormous upstairs storage rooms in the barn with a full bath and
shower. It was to be an apartment for a farm hand or stable master
originally but Dan and Buck never used it. It has operable sky lights
and is really a nice large space that was being wasted. I'd only been in
there once before Griz discovered it. It had bits and pieces of old
furniture and junk stored in it.

We got rid of the junk and Griz picked and chose from the furniture we
brought from his home with Red. It was comforting to him to have the
stuff around him and helped ease his grief. He fixed it up to be his new
den and it's a trip to spend time in there with him. You'd swear a real
bear lived there; and, so he does.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

After Griz was with us a couple of years he asked if I would ask Dan if
he could have his nose ring removed. I told him absolutely not, forget
about asking our Master. I wouldn't allow it. He was as much my slave
as Dan's and as long as he was, he would keep the ring. He just smiled
his boyish smile. I talked to Dan and we did agree to have a smaller
ring, same gage, replace the large one. When we had it done it actually
looked sexier. It's permanently welded into place too; he can't remove
it.

That's the way his Masters demand it to be. Dan surprised me. He was
as firm in his resolve as I was our slave will always wear a ring in his
nose. He told Griz,

"The day the ring comes out is the day you stop being my slave, Bear-
man."

Griz didn't want that. I never heard Dan be that strong in his opinion
about anything. He told me later in private, his ring through his nose
was one of the things he loves about Griz.  It sets him apart and makes
him the person he is.

Dan loves him that way and in a way, it's a loving endorsement of Griz.
He lives to please his Masters. If they love him the way he is, then he
needn't worry how the rest of the world sees him. He's never asked
again.

We found out there were parts of Griz we had no concept of. Dan and I
have neither had to punish him nor withhold anything from him. He
trys so hard to please we can't fault him for anything. We've tried to
see he gets as much loving as we can. We'd loan him out to someone if
Griz really likes them and they're interested in Griz.

Guess who became one of his favorites. Sonny, of course. Damn, those
two fell in love and when Boots and Sonny were at the ranch, if you
wanted Sonny just look for Griz. They developed a mystical
relationship that transcends anything any of us have ever seen. Sonny
is fiercely protective of Griz and Sonny is Griz's little buddy, his little
brother.  Well, hell, they have the same last name.

Griz was never around horses very much but was fascinated by them.
They were fascinated by him as well. He would walk into a pasture full
of unbroken ponies and they would stampede towards him. The first
time it happened Dan and I just knew he'd be trampled to death.

They came running, full force right up to him. They stop abruptly in
front of him, surrounded him and take turns, each coming to him to be
petted. We couldn't believe what we were seeing. Wild ponies allowing
a huge man to pet them. Maybe one or two but twelve or fifteen; it just
doesn't happen.

I taught him to 'whisper' to horses to win their trust. He got better than
me at it and has developed a natural affinity for them. He loves
horses. He's too big to ride any we have so Ben bought him a
Shophshire for his birthday and surprised him with it.

Sometime better known as a Shire. It's a relative of the Clydesdales or
draft horses. It was a mare. A bay with white socks. A beautiful horse
of the finest breeding. She's huge and he rides bare back everywhere
on that big horse. He loves her and she loves him.

When the horse delivery truck arrived at the ranch it backed into the
corral. Griz was with us but he had no idea there was a present inside
from Ben for his birthday. When the man brought her down the ramp
she caught sight of Griz, broke free from the wrangler, and ran as fast
as she could right up to Griz.

He didn't back off or move an inch. She looked him right in the eye and
then put her head to his chest. Griz started crying as he petted her.

"Oh, Master Ben, how can I thank you? Wilma's the most wonderful
birthday present I've ever gotten. She say's to thank you, too. She's so
happy to be here, she knows she's gonna' love it here. And something
you didn't know,...she's,.... Awww, Wilma, I don't want to tell 'em that.
Okay, I will." Griz motioned for me to come to him. I did and petted
Wilma. He all ready named her after Wilma Jo. The big man whispered
in my ear.

"She's gonna' have a baby horse, Master Billy. It's gonna' be a girl."

"She tell you that, Big Bear?"

"Yes, Sir, Master Billy."

"Have you been able to hear all the rest of the horses on the ranch?"

"Yes, Sir. I've talked with every one of 'em. I know all their names. You
taught me how. When you was teaching me to 'whisper' to them, I
though, 'Gee, this would be a lot faster if'n I could just talk to 'em.'

One of them said they wondered when I was gonna' start cause they'd
been listening to me since I came to the ranch. They figured if'n they
could hear me I ought a' be able to hear them. I been talking to 'em
ever since." I was floored.

No wonder Griz could get a pony to do anything he wanted it to; the
wild ones even. They would follow him all over the pasture. He'd stop
and one would come up to him to be petted and talked to. He's been
talking to them and we didn't know. He's made friends of all of them.
I just shook my head and walked back to the corral fence and leaned
over it as we watched Griz lead Wilma to the water trough. Master Ben
thought Dan and I had divulged his secret.

"Ben, you know us better'n that." I told him, "She told him you bought
her for him."

"She told him...?" asked Ben.

"What...?" asked Dan, "Is he serious?"

"Know how we've been wondering how he can get any damn pony on
the ranch to do what he wants. We can pick out a wild one we need to
check. He'll walk out to the pasture, stand for a minute, the pony'll
come to him and follow him docilely to the barn and let us check it out. 

J'ever wonder how he knows when one of 'em's sick and just what to
do for it? He's been talking to them all this time. He knows them all by
name. They talk to him daily. Wilma just told him she's pregnant. Did
you know that, Ben?"

"Absolutely not! I had no idea. The owners didn't know, I'm sure. I
wonder if it will be full blood."

"Wanna' bet I can find out real fast?"

"That's one bet of your's I won't cover..." laughed Master Ben.

"Griz, ask her if her filly will be full blood Shire." Griz laughed.

"Calm down, Wilma, Honey, he didn't mean nothing by it. She thought
you were implying she'd let any stud mount her; wanted me to asked
you if you would?" I fell out laughing.

"Tell Ms. Wilma,...yes, I probably would but I'm the ignorant tramp
here. She's not. She's a lady of breeding and quality anyone can see
that."

Wilma turned to me, snorted, then put her big head down for me to pet
her. I swear she grinned and winked at me. Griz told me she laughed at
what I said and thinks if you have a sense of humor you're a good man.
Wilma and I bonded.

Griz will ride Wilma and if you watch carefully, she'll step so's not to
throw him off balance on her back. She loves him and doesn't want
him falling off and hurting himself. They've become inseparable. She
follows him all over the ranch with her big head hanging over his
shoulder everywhere he goes. Of course he spoils her, we all do.

Griz named her 'Wilma' 'cause he loves Phil and Wilma Jo so much.
Wilma Jo always has a brownie or a fist full of cookies to sneak him
behind our backs. The least bit of attention won the big, ugly man's
heart. Wilma Jo, Phil and the kids come often to visit at the ranch.

Griz taught the three kids to talk to the animals. He takes them into
the pasture of wild horses. It scares Wilma Jo to death to see fifteen
to twenty good size ponies running full out towards the kids, then stop
abruptly. Each can't wait to get loved and petted by the kids.

Wilma Jo was thrilled Griz named his horse after her. He didn't give
the big horse that name until he got the horse's approval. He flashed a
picture of Wilma Jo to her. She saw Wilma Jo loving her kids and being
a good mother. Yes, that was fine with her. Hope she gets to meet her. 

When Phil, Wilma Jo and the kids first visited the ranch, Wilma ran
right up to Wilma Jo and wouldn't leave her. She knew exactly who she
was from the picture Griz flashed her.

"Well, I can understand why he would name her Wilma, she's the
prettiest horse on the ranch." she giggled as she petted Wilma. Griz
said Wilma thought Wilma Jo was pretty, too.

Of course, Junior Roamer became Griz's devoted pal; still is to this
day. He calls Griz two or three times a month to talk to him for an hour
or more.  He schedules vists to the ranchs for him and his family.  

From the time he could barely toddle he accompanied Griz on his
walks. Phil and Wilma Jo would watch in awe. Griz would kneel down
and JR would toddle away from him laughing and waving his arms
about. He'd giggle and carry on making the light surrounding him go
spinning from his hands like fountains.

Then he'd shake them and make the light would go crazy in all
directions. He'd go several steps away from Griz and the light would
separate and part would stay around JR.   Wilma would get worried
and I'd tell her to calm down.  You could see Junior's hand holding on
to something in the air.

"Just think who's baby sitting for Griz right now. You think he'd let
anything happen to that baby?" She'd smiled at me. Then we'd all
watch in awe as the baby would rise into the air six to eight feet,
laughing like crazy, and gently float over into Griz's big arms and he'd
hug and kiss JR.

"What'd I tell ya'?" I nudged Phil. He just shook his head.  Junior and
his kids take walks with Griz today.  Junior's introduced his five to the
Old Man and JR thanked him for everyone.

JR learned to talk to the animals as well as Griz.  He learned at an
earlier age than his brother and sister. We finally figured out how he
was beating us at roping when he was only twelve. We didn't figure
it out, Griz told us.

He'd talk to the steer and promise it treats if it would cooperate. They
always did. We thought he was taking those treats to the steers he
roped because he was so kind hearted. His granddad took him
aside and gave him a lecture on honesty. Told JR that wasn't fair for
him to use his abilities that way. He listened to his granddad. He
stopped and he still beat us.

Sometimes Phil couldn't get him to do something and he'd call his
granddad. Dad, Joe and Lester would drive out and his granddad would
take him off and talk to him. He'd always come around and tell his dad
he was sorry. He'd mind him and do as he asked.

They never had to punish the kid, they'd just call his granddad. That
kid worships my Dad. He was either at Dad and Uncle Joe's or Dad and
Uncle Joe and Lester were out at their place. Dad took the other two
under his wing as well. They loved and respected him as much as JR
Would you believe, Lester learned to love fishing?

Ben loved Phil and Wilma Jo and would fly them all over the world. He
gave them a tour of Europe one Christmas. They always left the kids
with us. Most times we had Little Sister's kids for the summer, too.

If there ever was a model for the ancient Greek mythological creature
'the Minator' it was Griz. Is he minatory? On the contrary, he's so big
he looks mean and threatening but he has the sweetest disposition of
any man Dan and I ever met.

He took over the stables. All creatures, great and small, come to Griz
when they're hurting. Wild animals that are hurt find their way to Griz
and he heals them. Tortoises, birds, wild horses, coyotes, quatamunde,
cougars (yes a female cougar lived at the ranch with Griz for a couple
of months until he healed her. She thanked him by licking his big hand
then she took off. She returned every spring for several years
afterward to show us her cubs.) Griz was the only one she'd let pick
them up and play with them. Didn't hurt Dan and my feelings a bit. We
still have video tape we show folks and they can't believe it.

He developed a sixth sense about all animals needs and care. He can
nurse the sickest animal back to health even when the vets have done
their best.

"Griz, how do you know what they need and how to take care of `em?"
Dan asked one night over dinner.

"My Friend tells me. He taught me how to pour my life energy into
them. They lean on my force while their body heals." he said matter of
factly. Dan believes him. So do I.

Griz will stay by their sides, talk to them and hum in a low, comforting
voice to soothe and relax them. He even sleeps beside them all night,
night after night, until he thinks they can make it though the night
alone. We've watched him perform healing miracles on sick animals.
He quickly got a reputation and folks from all over bring Griz their
beloved pets or animals to heal.

We have six to ten sick animals in the barn at any given time. Still do
today. Griz's power to heal sick animals is nothing short of
phenomenal.

He won't accept money for his healing anyone's animal. He said his
Friend told him not to or he'd have to take his gift away from him. His
Friend told him it was all right to accept food for the other sick
animals if people felt like donating.

Lord, we had to build a separate food storage building for animal feed
and specialty foods for sick animals. We had donations pouring in from
all over the Southwest from school kids, neighbors, state politicians,
the police and sheriff's departments kept a jar on their counters for the
Grizzly Gunn help the animals fund. Mrs. Russell took over accounting
for the fund. Griz was thrilled folks cared that much. It's run as a
non-profit organization.

His Friend also told him to care for the sick and injured wild ones that
come to him. Griz need not fear, none will ever harm him. Not one
animal in all these years has ever growled at, scratched, stepped on,
or bitten Griz.



End of Chapter 24~ Booger Red & Cowboy
Copyright 2003 Waddie Greywolf
Mail to: <waddiebear@yahoo.com>