This following is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely a coincidence. No resemblance (s) of any actual person or character or act is intended. While there is no sexual contact in this story, please be aware of the rules in your community for reading this or other stories on Nifty. If reading such is illegal where you reside of you are not of legal age, please go no further.
This work of fiction is the property of the author, Sonny Malone and should not be reposted or reproduced without his permission. Email always welcome and should be addressed to rhyolite221@outlook.com
Copyright (c) 2017
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Uncle Rick's Rhyolite Ranch
Chapter 4
The next morning, after breakfast, Daniel drove Jason and Cody in the ranch's old Dodge pickup into Chaparral, to pick up groceries and supplies. Chaparral was a typical small Southwest American town with a rugged past. During the Second World War the army constructed a gunnery-training base, Fort Carlton, two miles west of town. For the next four decades Chaparral prospered. Ten years ago federal budget cuts forced the closure of nonessential military bases including Fort Carlton. When the military personnel were transferred around the world to other bases many the nearby businesses closed. Chaparral rapidly became a shadow of it's former self. Only a market, two small motels, a handful of small shops, four cafes and two gas stations remained in business. As a reminder of once flourishing times, numerous boarded up vacant buildings lined the main street.
Daniel pulled the pickup truck into the parking lot of the only surviving grocery store. He, Cody, and Jason went into the market to pick up groceries for the next week.
Across the street Robert Bunch, sat in an older brown Ford Maverick, intently watching the market parking lot. He got out of his car, walked to a nearby phone booth and dialed.
"Hey, I found him. Yeah, He went into a market in a little town called Chaparral. No, he's with two other kids. What? What are you talking about? I don't care if he looks happy. Your little queer-boy can go to hell as far as I care. We just need him to sign that check from your old man. Yeah, I'll get him soon as I can." He hung up the phone, went back to his car and continued to watch the parking lot.
After they finished shopping and paid for their groceries Daniel, Jason, and Cody walked out of the market carrying bags of groceries to the truck. Across the street Robert Bunch got out of his car, crossed the street and quickly ran up to their truck as they climbed in. Daniel started the engine and was about to back out of the parking space. When he looked to the side for traffic he found himself staring at the barrel of a pistol.
"You make one move and I'll blow your little faggot head off, you hear me, Son?"
Daniel froze, not daring to move.
"What do you want? You're not my father anymore."
"Shut off the engine, queer-boy, now!"
"What, you want to have me sent away to an asylum and then you come finding me to shoot me?"
"You'll find out just what God's plan is if you don't shut off that damned truck, now!"
Daniel looked at Jason and Cody. They were stiff with horrified looks on their faces. As Robert Bunch glanced to his side see who in the parking lot may be watching him, Daniel glimpsed directly into Cody's eyes. Cody looked up at Daniel and nodded.
"I'm not messing around with you. Shut off the engine now."
"Okay, okay."
Daniel shut off the ignition.
"Good, queer-boy. Now move over." He looked at Jason and Cody. "You two, get out or I'll blow his head off, got it? Move!"
Jason opened the passenger door. Both boys got out, leaving Daniel to deal with his crazed father. They ran behind a tall motor home out of sight. "Jason, Daniel told me to call the police."
"What? When did he do that?"
"He just did, okay? Believe me. Hurry."
Jason and Cody ran into the grocery store and up to the manager, telling him what was happening in the parking lot. The manager picked up the nearest phone and called the police.
Daniel's father poked his pistol at his son directing him to move over. Daniel did as he was told. His father then opened the driver's door and stepped in, still aiming the gun at Daniel. Daniel shook uncontrollably. Horror filled Daniels mind as his father reached in his pocket and pulled out an envelope and pen.
"Take that envelope and pull the check out, now."
Daniel did as his father asked.
"Now turn the check over and sign your name on the line."
Daniel gave a confused look at his father who became furious.
"Do it or so help me I'll blow your sinner faggot head out the window, boy."
Daniel turned the check over and signed his name on the endorsement line and looked at his father. "What's this all about?
"Your grandfather died and left all his money to you. But I don't think no faggot sinner boy deserves that kind of money so now you just signed it over to me. Now that you did, you worthless piece of shit, you can just die."
Suddenly three Sheriff cruisers sped into the parking lot and surrounded the vehicle.
"God damn bastards ain't gonna' shit with me."
He lowered his window. "Come on, you sinners, I'll kill every last one of you. Don't fuck with me."
Three sheriff cars, driver's doors open faced the Truck. The patrolmen got out crouching behind their car doors for protection and aimed their pistols at the vehicle.
Deputy Harris, the lead patrolman got on his P.A. "Put your hands up and out the window, now."
"Go to hell. This is my son and I got every right to be here."
"One more time, put your hands up and out of the window. You're not going anywhere."
Robert Bunch kept his gun aimed at Daniel. "You make one move, boy, and you're dead. You hear me?"
Daniel, with tears running down his cheeks, froze in terror.
A Sherriff's Ford Bronco pulled up in the next row behind the truck. Deputy Owens stepped out, carrying a high-powered rifle with a scope and laser sight. Running up to the nearest cruiser, he crouched and used the open door as a brace, aiming the rifle at Robert Bunch. Through his scope he could see the red dot of the laser sight on the back of Robert Bunch's head.
Deputy Harris raised his microphone again. "This is the last time. Put down the gun and put your hands out of the window.
Robert Bunch raised the gun, aiming it at Daniel's head. "Don't fuck with me or the sinner boy is dead."
Seeing the pistol aimed at Daniel, Officer Owens instinctively fired one round through the back window of the Truck. The shot jerked Robert Bunch's head forward just as he fired a round from his pistol. Robert Bunch slumped forward, lifeless, against the steering wheel and dropped the pistol. Daniel felt intense pain as the world around him darkened. He fell over in the seat, unconscious.
The officers wanted to be sure it was safe to approach the vehicle. Two approached the vehicle cautiously and looked inside. The officers indicated to the others the car clear, Code-4 and called for an ambulance.
Jason and Cody watched in horror from behind the motor home as the patrolmen surrounded the truck. Cody gasped. "NOOOOOOOOOOO!"
When they saw the drama before them had ended Cody and Jason ran to the truck.
Jason yelled in shock "Daniel, my Daniel!"
One of the Sheriff deputies approached Jason and Cody. "Stay, clear, boys. The ambulance is on the way."
Tears formed in Cody's eyes. "Daniel, please don't die. I don't want you to die, Daniel. You're not supposed to."
Just then the paramedic ambulance pulled up to the scene. The paramedics worked on Daniel to stabilize him and put him on a stretcher to take to the ambulance.
Uncle Rick arrived as the ambulance whisked Daniel off to the hospital. Jason and Cody climbed into Uncle Rick's truck and they followed the ambulance.
The paramedics wheeled Daniel into the hospital just as Uncle Rick and Jason walked up. Uncle Rick put his arm around Cody's shoulder and they walked into the hospital following Daniel and the paramedics. Daniel was taken into the emergency room while Uncle Rick dealt with the admissions nurse. Once finished he joined Cody and Jason in the waiting room.
"They say it looks like the bullet entered his head and is lodged in his skull. They are taking x-rays to determine if it's safe to remove it. It may be a while.
"We don't care, we want to wait and making sure Daniel is going to be alright, Uncle Rick."
"Thank you, Jason. Are you sure you want to stay? You can take my truck back to the ranch if you want."
The tears formed in Jason's eyes. "Yes, Uncle Rick. I want to stay, please. I, I don't know what I'd do if..."
Jason broke down sobbing. Uncle Rick put his arm around Jason's shoulder and pulled him close, comforting him.
"Jason, It will be ok, Daniel will be fine. You and Daniel have become really close, haven't you?
Jason nodded his head. "I had no idea we would. It just happened. Now if Daniel... I mean if something happens to him I don't know what I'll do."
Uncle Rick squeezed Jason tighter. "Daniel is in good hands. He will be fine. Don't you boys worry a bit."
Cody cried, "It's not supposed to be this way, Uncle Rick."
Uncle Rick pulled Cody to his side. "I know, sweet boy. I know. Everything will be all right soon."
Uncle Rick, Cody, and Jason waited patiently together in the waiting room. After an hour a doctor, wearing surgical scrubs, came into the waiting room.
"Rick Hansen?"
Uncle Rick, Cody, and Jason stood and walked over to the doctor. "I'm Rick Hansen."
"Mr. Hansen, I'm Doctor Hinton. I just came from surgery. Daniel is a lucky boy. The bullet lodged into the left rear of his skull. It is a small caliber bullet and hopefully there won't be lasting consequences. We are going to extract the bullet clean the wound, perform a couple tests and then we'll know more about his condition."
Uncle Rick nodded, understanding Doctor Hinton.
"After we extract the bullet we'll monitor him to be sure there are no complications. He'll have to stay with us for a few days to recover."
Doctor Hinton looked down at Cody. "What's your name?"
"I'm Cody."
He shook Cody's hand. "Hi Cody, I'm Doctor Hinton. Are you Daniel's brother?"
Cody blushed. "Well, he's like a brother to me."
Doctor Hinton Smiled. "Cody, would you do a very important job for me?"
"I'll do anything to help Daniel, Doctor Hinton."
"Cody, I need you to keep believing Daniel will be fine. Also, would you make sure when he goes home Daniel will rest, eat right, and stay relaxed?"
"I'll do my best, Doctor Hinton."
"I know you will, Cody. I'm counting on you. I'll come out after we extract the bullet and run the tests, okay? Thanks. Hang tight."
Two hours later Doctor Hinton stepped into the waiting room and went over to Uncle Rick.
Uncle Rick and Cody stood as the doctor approached. "How is he, Doctor?"
"Daniel is in recovery now. The bullet was lodged in his skull, as I mentioned before. We managed to extract it with minimal damage. He was lucky. If the bullet had intruded any farther it would have resulted in severe brain damage. He's going to be in pain for a couple weeks but he'll fully recover. We'll keep him for a few days to make sure he recovers without any problems."
Cody was still worried about Daniel. "Doctor Hinton, is he okay?
"Cody, Daniel is better and resting right now.
Jason was anxious to check on Daniel. "When can we see him?"
We're going to keep monitoring him but he shouldn't have any visitors tonight. If you like, you guys can go home and if anything comes up we'll call you.
Uncle Rick shook Doctor Hinton's hand. "Thank you, Doctor. We'll head home and wait for any updates."
Cody and Jason were quiet on the drive back to the ranch. When they arrived Henry, Wes, and Brandon came out to meet them, anxiously awaiting the news. Uncle Rick shared the information about Daniel's condition with them.
The next morning the entire household was on alert, waiting for the call from the hospital. At 10 o'clock the phone rang. Uncle Rick listened carefully as Doctor Hinton told him Daniel had been given a room and was recovering nicely. He was awake although a bit groggy from the pain medication. He could receive visitors anytime after noon.
After their morning chores Uncle Rick drove Cody and Jason into Chaparral to visit Daniel at the hospital. Daniel sat awake and alert in his bed as the three entered his room.
Daniel smiled. "Hi guys. Boy, am I glad to see you!
Jason walked over to Daniel's bedside and gave him a soft kiss on his cheek. "You sure had us worried. Are you feeling alright?"
"I have a headache but otherwise I'm okay. I think they have me on some kind of pain medication."
Cody held Daniel's hand.
"Hey little bro!"
After Cody looked intently into Daniel's eyes he smiled. "Oh good, you're going to be fine."
Uncle Rick laughed. "Let me guess. Cody knows all."
Cody giggled. "Of course I do. You'll see.
Uncle Rick nodded. "That's pretty much what Doctor Hinton said. They'll keep you a couple days for observation and then let you go home."
"Good. If the meals around here are anything like breakfast I'm going to die of starvation. "
The guys at the ranch took turns visiting Daniel over the next two days. On the morning of the third day after the shooting a cute young male nurse wheeled Daniel out the hospital entrance. Uncle Rick pulled his truck to the entrance where Cody and Jason helped Daniel climb inside. When they arrived home they helped Daniel into the family room of the ranch house where he eased was on to the couch.
Cody ran to the kitchen and brought out a glass of water, handed it to Daniel and sat next to him. Jason grabbed a throw off the back of the couch and draped it over Daniel then sat on the other side of him. Brandon, Henry, and Wes came into the house from the fields. They all started asking dozens of questions as Uncle Rick walked in.
"Now boys, give Daniel have some peace so he can rest. He'll get around to answer all your questions when he's better. Go on and get something to eat. Jason, why don't you and Cody go make Daniel some lunch, alright?"
"Sure thing, Uncle Rick."
Jason and Cody worked in the kitchen making lunch for Daniel and themselves and brought soup, sandwiches, chips, and glasses of iced tea out to the family room, setting them on T.V. trays in front of the couch. After lunch Cody and Jason took the dishes to the kitchen and cleaned up. When they came out of the kitchen they found Daniel asleep on the couch. They decided to let him rest.
Jason noticed Cody watching Daniel's every move. "Cody, how about we go to the greenhouse and pick some greens for a salad tonight?"
"That's a good idea. We can make a really tasty dinner for Daniel.
They walked to the greenhouse where Cody taught Jason how to tell which fruits and vegetables were ripe. They picked lettuce, tomatoes, celery, radishes, carrots, strawberries, and apples, then carried them back to the house and left them in the kitchen.
Cody and Jason worked well together doing the afternoon chores that Daniel would usually do. Jason noticed Cody, who was usually very talkative, was quiet.
"What's on your mind, Cody Knows All, are you worried about Daniel?"
"Well, yeah, but I know he's going to be alright."
There was a moment of silence before he spoke again.
"Jason, I'm glad you are here and that you're my new big brother."
"Thank you, Cody. That means a lot to me and I'm glad I'm here and you're my new little brother too."
Cody smiled. "I never had a brother before Daniel and now I have two of them. I knew you'd be my brother."
"When did you know that?"
"When we shook hands for the first time."
"That was pretty cool. I knew you were a great kid right away."
Cody walked over to Jason and gave him a big hug. Jason smiled, closed his eyes and hugged his new little brother in return.
Time passed quickly and they didn't realize how late it was until they heard Brandon call out for them to come wash up for dinner. They put away their tools and went into the house to get ready for dinner. Soon they joined the others at the dining room table where they all enjoyed a delicious roast beef dinner including salad a la Cody and Jason. After dinner Brandon came out of the kitchen with an oven warm blackberry pie and home made vanilla ice cream.
After dinner Cody and Jason stepped out to secure the animals for the night. They worked well together and completed their chores quickly. Jason and Cody had become very close quickly and Jason realized how great it was to have a little brother. After returning to the house they found Daniel sitting on the couch, relaxing, cuddling a pillow, and watching a comforting fire burning in the fireplace. After ensuring Daniel was going to be all right, Cody went off to his room to do his homework while Jason went into the kitchen to make hot chocolate. After he handed Daniel's cup of hot chocolate to him he sat next to him on the couch. Daniel smiled and reached over to hold Jason's hand. "How are you feeling, Daniel?"
"My head still hurts but the pain medication helps. It just gets my brain in a fog. I keep thinking this week was just a bad dream."
Jason worried about his new boyfriend and gently squeezed Daniels hand lovingly. "Is there anything I can do?"
Daniel smiled. "You're doing it just being here."
Jason still had a worried look on his face. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"I do but not tonight. I just want to sit here with you a while, if that's okay."
"Of course. I'm not leaving your side."
Daniel rested his head on Jason's shoulder as they watched the flames from the fire dance before them. Soon they both started drifting asleep and decided to go to bed. Jason thought it best that Daniel sleep in his own bed that night. The pain medication kept him sedated enough that he didn't have nightmares.
Cody, Jason, and Daniel's adventure together continues with more chapters to come.
I'm sending many thanks to John, Vern, Rod, Jon, Max, Duke, Ron, Bobby Joe, and Eddie for their kind comments.
I welcome any respectful comments. Your emails are the only reward I receive for writing and posting to Nifty.org. Please send me an email and tell me what you think about the story. Thanks!
rhyolite221@outlook.com