Garrett slid off the rock, giving up on the idea of having a few minutes of peace with Frank around.
“None of your fucking business.”
Frank launched himself at Garrett as Buddy tackled him from behind. The three men fell to the ground. Garrett let his fists fly blindly, catching one of the Houser boys under the chin. A punch caught his shoulder as he heard the satisfying crunch of a broken nose.
“Shit. I think he’s busted my nose,” Buddy caterwauled.
Frank tried pinning him to the ground, but Garrett’s training kicked in and soon, Frank lay in the grass, not moving.
Garrett leaned over, catching his breath. The thunder rolled above him as the lightning flashed across the sky,lighting up the area. Buddy dropped to his knees, no longer concerned about his nose.
“You killed him, you bastard,” he yelled.
“He’s not dead, only passed out. It’s what happens when you jump a man from behind,” Garrett said, bending and placing his hands on his knees. “Maybe this will teach you assholes to stop fucking with everyone. Consider it your warning to leave me the hell alone,” he growled.
Garrett stomped his way up the path and climbed into the driver’s seat. He drove up to the ranch house and rang the doorbell.
Mr. Baron greeted him. “I heard about some scuffling down at the bunks. My foreman assured me it’s all under control, but seeing you here makes me think he lied.”
“I’m leaving,” he said, getting right to the point.
“You came to give me your two-week notice?” he asked hopefully.
Garrett shook his head. “No. I’m afraid not. I’m leaving today. I want to ask if I can purchase a horse from you. I can give you my month’s pay if you’ll give me Gus.”
Mr. Baron’s eyebrow rose slightly. “You know he’s not a spring chicken. Old Gus turned fourteen a few months back. Why do you want him when you can buy any of the horses in the barn?”
Garrett removed his hat. “I heard about Snow. The Houser brothers took pleasure in torturing the poor animal to make her miserable. With her gone, they’ll make Gus a target for all their jokes. He’s a gentle creature and doesn’t deserve to be mistreated.”
“I agree. Sadly, it says a lot about how I run my ranch. Take him. I’ll write out your paycheck for the month if you give me a minute. May I ask where you’re going in such ahurry?” Mr. Baron asked as he poured two glasses of whiskey and handed one to Garrett.
“Serenity Ranch. When I started here, if you recall, I mentioned I only wanted to work month to month. I hoped to get hired on there.”
The older man waved him away. “They have a nice setup. I didn’t realize how badly things grew out of control on my own land. Tomorrow, I think the Houser brothers will need to find new jobs. Take Gus with my blessing. I hate losing you, Garrett. You’re a fine worker, but I understand.”
“Thank you,” Garret said as he downed the drink, anxious to return to the Serenity Ranch.
“If you change your mind, you’ll always have a job here,” Mr. Baron assured him as he wrote out a check, ripped it from his book, and handed it to him.
“I appreciate it, sir. With the two brothers gone, I’m sure you’ll find your ranch running much smoother. I wish you the best,” Garrett said, shaking his hand.
“Good luck, son,” Mr. Baron said as he led him to the door.
Garrett drove to the barn and hooked up his trailer to the truck. The few cowboys hanging out in the barn waiting for the storm to pass sent curious glances in his direction, but never said anything to him. He reckoned they figured it out on their own.
Opening the horse’s stall, Garrett led Gus to his trailer and secured him. As if the horse knew what he planned, the animal nuzzled his head near his shoulder. Garrett stroked his velvety head, assuring the horse knew he planned to give him a better life, far from here.
Garrett pulled through the barn and stopped to close the doors. He tipped his hat to the remaining cowboys beforeclimbing into the driver’s seat and driving slowly down the driveway.
The storm clashed above him, showing no signs of stopping as he turned onto the highway. He hoped Gus felt safe in the back. The older animal usually stayed calm during inclement weather, but he rarely rode in a tin can as the rain beat down on the metal.
The road’s curves appeared more treacherous as he made his way in the thunderstorm. The sky turned pitch-black. His lights shone on the blacktop, but the rain made visibility even harder.
“Shit,” he muttered as he slowed for the next curve, hoping to keep the trailer close to the edge. Thunder clashed, and in the near distance, he saw the lightning spread across the sky and hit a tree. It burst into flames, illuminating the field.
Garrett relaxed as he made the curve and glanced back in his rear-view mirror, checking on the trailer. A big thud hit the right side of the truck, scaring the daylights out of him. Thinking it most likely an animal trying to reach shelter, Garrett pulled off the side of the road. He refused to allow any creature to suffer from getting hit and then lying in pain in the blasted storm.
Pulling his rain gear over his head, Garrett took his gun from his holster, preparing to put the poor animal out of its misery.
