Comeback Trail

by Carolina Mac

“Harper’s here,” she whispered to Clay.

  “Time for us to go,” I said, believing it was a wise move.

  “I’ll be back in a minute,” said Bonnie Sue.

  “Don’t,” said Clay and tried to grab Bonnie Sue’s arm as she slid out of the booth. “Don’t go near Harper.”

  That didn’t stop Bonnie Sue. She pushed through the crowd heading directly for Harper Gabriel.

  “Go with her, Logan,” said Clay. “I can’t help her.”

  “I’ll watch her.” I got to my feet and followed wishing I could catch Jack’s eye.

  When I caught up, Bonnie Sue had taken a stance in front of Harper and was challenging her.

  “Let’s go outside,” said Bonnie Sue.

  “I’m not going anywhere with you,” said Harper. “Go away and leave us alone.” She smiled and flicked her red hair. “We’re having a celebration. The jury knew what they were doing and I’m as free as a bird.”

  That taunt was too much for Bonnie Sue and she couldn’t hold back. Bonnie Sue smashed Harper in the mouth so hard Harper’s head bounced off the back of the booth with a loud thwack. Harper screamed and spit out one of her teeth onto the table top along with a lot of blood.

  I grabbed hold of Bonnie Sue and held her back while I hollered for Jack. He came running across the dance floor with Rocky right behind him.

  “Outside, girls.” Rocky took charge and moved Bonnie Sue away from Harper. “Let’s go. No fighting inside the Spur. Boss’s orders.” None too gently, he escorted Harper and Bonnie Sue—one in each strong arm—to the door and shoved them outside into the parking lot.

  I collected Clay, paid our bill and we left too.

  “Where did Bonnie Sue go?” asked Clay.

  I glanced around the parking lot and didn’t see her. Neither one of the girls were there and there was no dust-up. I helped Clay to the truck and opened the door for him. “I hope Bonnie Sue went home. That’s where we’re going.”

  Clay slumped down in the passenger seat of the truck. “I need to get home and sleep, Logy. I’m wrecked.”

  I was turning onto the county road when I got a text from Jack.

  “Waiting at the Spur to follow Carson. Be home later.”

  JACK slouched down behind the wheel of his truck and waited. He turned the radio to a country station and wondered if he’d ever hear Clay singing on the radio. Clay was as good or better than a lot of guys who were making it big in country. All Clay needed was a good demo CD and a chance.

  It was almost midnight when Carson Wagoner walked to her beat up VW Golf and unlocked it. Before she got behind the wheel, she glanced around the parking lot, figured she was alone and took off.

  Jack started his truck and followed her with no lights on until they got as far as the highway. When he eased into traffic, he switched the headlights on, dropped back and kept her in sight.

  Carson drove east on route three eighty from Broken Spur and when she got to the intersection of old highway twelve, she went south. A few hundred yards down the road, she turned into a small motel. No more than ten units.

  Jack doused his headlights, turned in off the road and watched her park at the far end of the motel beside a dark blue Ram. She hopped out of her car and went inside.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Saturday, May 30th.

  McKenna Ranch.

  AFTER chores I sat at the kitchen table wishing I hadn’t ordered that last pitcher of beer at the Spur the night before. My head wasn’t as clear as it needed to be if this was going to be a winning—or close to winning—day for me.

  I’d need a gallon or two of coffee before my event. I checked my watch and forced myself to get up off my chair and make breakfast.

  Clay was up before Jack and eased down onto one of the kitchen chairs. “You okay?” His face was deathly pale and he was walking bent over, shuffling along like a zombie. My brother had looked better.

  “Every time I roll over I wake up. When I’m sleeping I guess I forget that my side is sewed up.”

  “Yeah, you would. Do you still have pain killers left?”

  Clay nodded. “They work when I remember to take them.”

  I poured him a mug of coffee and set it in front of him. “I’ll make you some breakfast. How do you want your eggs?”

  “Any way, Logy. I appreciate you cooking for us. We’d starve without you.”

  I chuckled. “You wouldn’t starve. You can spread peanut butter on bread. I’ve seen you do it.”

  Clay smiled. “Once or twice.”

  Jack was slow moving when he came into the kitchen but he wasn’t injured like Clay, just wiped. He slumped down at the table and never spoke a word.

  “What time did you get home?”

  “Late. But it was worth it. I know where Micky Swain is.”

  “Where is he?”

  “Holed up in a motel on route twelve.”

  “Did you tell Tucker?” asked Clay.

  “Sent him a text. Hope he don’t make me work today. I want to go to the rodeo. I promised Dakota we’d go.”

  “How’s that little romance going with Dakota?” I asked. “You haven’t seen her much.”

  Jack grinned. “I’m a cop now. No time for dates.”

  I set coffee in front of him and he brightened. “I kind of like her, but I think she might be a bit loose.”

  “Since when have you been critical of loose women, Jacky?”

  He chuckled. “Never, until lately. I must be growing up or something gross like that.”

  “I’ve got to get you guys fed and get going.”

  “I’ll help you load Bowie right after breakfast,” said Jack. “Did you check your rope and all your gear?”

  “Yep, I think I’m ready.”

  “I should be there by noon,” said Jack. “I want to get a decent seat.”

  “Don’t expect me to win,” I said. “I’m not expecting it. This is a trial run to see how close I am on the times.”

  “I’m only going to watch,” said Jack. “After a year away, it’s going to be harder for you.”

  “Is Miss Linda ready?” asked Clay.

  “Says she is. She’s meeting me there.”

  “I’m not missing the next rodeo,” said Clay. “I’m going even if I’m on a stretcher.”

  Jack gave him a fist bump.

  Grover County Rodeo.

  COWBOYS and cowgirls were unloading their horses from their trailers when I found a spot and parked. I didn’t see Linda’s truck and trailer right off and didn’t want to. I needed to settle down and spend some time with my horse.

  I’d barely got him out of the trailer when a couple of guys I knew came over to talk to me.

  “Hey, Logan, heard you were going to compete today and could hardly believe it. How long’s it been?”

  “Over a year,” I said. “I’m not ready. This is a trial run.”

  “Wish you luck, buddy. I mean that. Good to have you back.”

  “Thanks.”

  Seeing old friends made me feel good. A big part of what I missed was the community aspect of rodeo. We mostly all knew each other and any of the top performers could win on any given day. Just the way it was.

  I sat beside Bowie and lit up a smoke a little more relaxed than I’d been when I first arrived. I hadn’t bothered looking for Linda and didn’t feel bad about it. The glow had worn off that magical dream somehow.

  Maybe Jacky is right. We’re growing up.

  “Oh, there you are.” Linda’s voice woke me up and I didn’t realize I had dozed off sitting in the sun.

  She stood in front of me in her riding gear, her hat tipped forward over her sunglasses and her hands fisted on her hips. “I was worried when you didn’t come find me.”

  I smiled. “I was waiting for you to find me. Figured it would be easier.”

  “You’re acting weird, Logan. Is it nerves? Are you worried about competing today?”

  I shook my head and lit up another smoke. “Nope. Not worried. This is
a time trial and nothing more. I’m not trying to break any records on my first time out of the chute.”

  “Well, I’ll be cheering for you,” said Linda. “You’re the best there ever was.”

  “Thanks.”

  She leaned down and kissed me, then turned and walked away.

  McKenna Ranch.

  BEFORE leaving to pick up Dakota for the rodeo Jack called Sheriff Tucker to make sure he got the message about Swain’s whereabouts.

  “Yep, fantastic work, Jacky boy. Already contacted Sheriff Billings out in Hook County and he’s waiting for me. We’ll go together with a couple of his deputies and take Swain in.”

  “Hope you get him, Sheriff.”

  “I’ll get him, Jack. You enjoy your day off. You’ve put in a good week, boy. Proud of you.”

  “Thanks, Sheriff.”

  Grover County Rodeo.

  JACK parked and took Dakota’s hand as they walked through the crowd to the arena. The Texas sun was beating down and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.

  Jack wiped the back of his hand across his forehead. His hat was making him sweat but he needed it on. “Wow, it’s going to be hot.”

  “I’m wearing sunscreen.”

  Jack noticed how much exposed skin Dakota was showing and it was a lot. Bare legs, bare arms and not much covering the rest of her—short shorts and a top with tiny straps.

  “I want to get our seats before we go look for Logan.”

  “Sure, Jack. Anything you want.”

  They lined up for tickets and once they had seats in the center section Jack relaxed a little. He wanted to see Logan right in front of him when it was his turn.

  With the tickets in his shirt pocket, Jack led the way to find Logan. They worked their way through the rows of horse trailers until Jack spied Bowie’s trailer. “Over there.”

  Heading for Logan’s spot, they passed lots of other cowboys getting ready for their events.

  Dakota squeezed Jack’s hand and asked in a whisper, “Is that Rowdy Butler over there?”

  Jack turned his head and nodded. “Yep, that’s him.”

  “Wow, he’s like a rodeo god or something.”

  “Yep, he’s something all right,” said Jack and kept on walking.

  Logan’s face lit up when he saw Jack and Dakota. “Hey, you two. You made it. Did you get decent seats?”

  “Front and center a few rows up,” said Jack. “Should be perfect.”

  “Almost time for me to get to the arena,” said Logan. “A lot of guys came around and welcomed me back.”

  Jack grinned. “This is where you belong, Logan.”

  “Maybe. We’ll see. Rip and Chuck are here. They came to watch me.”

  “Maybe I’ll run into them and they can buy me a beer.”

  AS he waited for his turn, Logan was a little nervous like he always was, but it felt good. He’d competed thousands of times and he knew in his heart he’d do his best and the outcome would be whatever it was.

  He heard the announcer say his name and then every movement, every action was automatic. He’d done it a million times at least.

  Bowie was the key and his horse never let him down. Ever. If mistakes were made, they were all on him.

  He flew out into the arena. The crowd was roaring and screaming and just that fast, it was over. He raised his hands in the air and the announcer hollered out the time.

  “That time will put Logan into the next round, folks. Looks like the former champion, Logan McKenna, is back in a big way.”

  Jack was waiting for me as I led Bowie through the alleyway and back to the corral. He hugged me.

  “That was a fantastic time, Logy. You’re all set for tonight. I’m so happy at this moment I might piss myself.”

  “Don’t piss yourself until you go get us a couple of beers.”

  He laughed. “You got it. I’ll find you.”

  JACKY and I had a beer while we cooled Bowie out and stowed him in the corral. Next up was Linda’s event and we made our way back to the arena to watch her. Dakota had stayed in her seat not wanting to miss anything.

  The barrel racing had already started and we watched three or four girls compete before Linda was up. She’d been practicing hard and it showed in her time. Her first run was great and she was leading in the round. Only one competitor left and that was Lightning Lizzie Rideout.

  “Here comes Lizzie,” said Jack. “Think she can crack Linda’s time?”

  I shook my head. “She has before. Lizzie is Linda’s worst nightmare.”

  Jack chuckled. “It’s always the two of them in the finals.”

  The crowd yelled and screamed for Lizzie and she shaved three seconds off Linda’s time. “The final tonight will be an exciting one,” said the announcer. “Both these girls have near record breaking times.”

  “Let’s go find Linda and congratulate her on her good run.”

  “Sure,” said Jack. “I’ll get Dakota and catch up with you.”

  Linda was taking the saddle off Duchess when I found her. “Great time, Linda. You’ll get her tonight.”

  She turned towards me with a nasty snarl on her face. “No, I won’t Logan. We both know she’s going to beat my ass off tonight and I’ll look like a loser in front of thousands of people.”

  “You won’t look like a loser. Only the best get into the final round and you have an even chance to win—same as Lizzie does.”

  “I might just go home and skip tonight. That’s what I feel like doing right at this moment.”

  “You wouldn’t do that, Linda. You’re a competitor, and a strong one. Let’s go have a beer and relax a little.”

  “I don’t want beer and I’m not going to relax.”

  She turned away and wouldn’t look at me and I took it as my cue to leave.

  When did Linda get that miserable streak?

  On my way back to find Jacky and Dakota, I got a surprise and not a happy one. Fiona was pushing through the crowd towards me with a big smile on her face.

  “I just wanted to congratulate you, Logan. You were wonderful in the arena. Truly amazing.”

  “Thanks,” I said. “What are you doing here in Grover County?”

  “I came to watch you compete, Logan. You’re the most important person in my life and what kind of a friend would I be if I wasn’t here for you?”

  “I hope you enjoy the rodeo, Fiona.” A familiar face in the crowd caught my eye and it was Ace, watching Fiona. I nodded my head as I went in search of Jack and found him standing in line at one of the food trucks.

  “Hey, Logy. I saw Fiona, but I wasn’t gonna tell you and ruin your day.”

  “She saw me already and talked to me.”

  “How are you gonna shake her?”

  “With your help. As soon as she crosses the line I’m going to file a police report. Ace says it’s the only way to get a restraining order.”

  Jack grinned. “I’m all over it.”

  “I hope you are. What are we eating?”

  “Greasy burgers with fried onions.”

  “I’m not having onions on mine,” said Dakota, “but I’m ordering fries.”

  THE evening competition was a sellout. No empty seats in the arena. The barrel racing was first and I watched the event with Jack and Dakota. Linda was third from last to compete and there were good times already posted. She gave it a good ride, not the best she’d ever done, and I didn’t think it was good enough to win.

  Lightning Lizzie was last and she blew it away and set a record. The crowd went crazy and the noise was deafening.

  When my event came up, my nervousness from earlier in the day had worn off and I was ready for a good time. I loved competing and I didn’t realize how much it was a part of me and how much I had missed the rodeo and everything that went with it.

  Jack walked with me and Bowie as far as he could go, wished me luck, then went to sit with Dakota in the stands. Rowdy Butler was next up after me and he was behind me as I waited for my turn.

&n
bsp; “Good ride this afternoon, Logan. Happy to have you back.”

  “Thanks,” I mumbled, wondering if he had forgotten all the names I’d called him a year ago. Maybe he was used to irate boyfriends coming after him. With all the notches on his belt, I guess he’d have to be.

  My turn came up and I gave it my best shot. My time was off by a couple of seconds and I blamed it on seeing Rowdy right before my ride, but there was nobody to blame but myself.

  Rowdy blew me away with his time and won the event. I came third and won some money and it was a good start on the comeback trail. Now I knew the truth. I was still close to the top and I could do a lot better.

  I said goodbye to Jack after we had one beer to celebrate.

  “You did great, Logan. You haven’t competed in over a year and you’re still in the top three. You’re gonna kill it.”

  I smiled at Jack’s enthusiasm. “Thanks.”

  Jack walked away and I was startled when two girls came up to me and asked for my autograph. I never considered myself a rodeo star and I never got over being embarrassed finding out I had fans.

  “Will you sign my program, Logan?” The girl looking me in the eye was a gorgeous brunette with long hair and dark eyes.

  I took the pen she was handing me and smiled at her. “What’s your name?”

  “Darla.”

  I scrawled, ‘best of luck, Darla,’ on her program and then signed my name. “Nice to meet you, Darla.”

  “You too, Logan. I’ve been waiting for a year for you to come out of retirement. I used to follow you on the circuit.”

  “You did?”

  “Just a crazy fan,” she said.

  “Fans are important,” I said. “We’d be nowhere without them.”

  She smiled. “When are you competing again?”

  “Umm… next weekend I’m entered in Lubbock County rodeo.”

  “Ooh, that will be a big one.”

  “Not sure that I’m ready,” I said. “It will be a good test.”

  “Maybe I’ll see you there,” said Darla. She gave me a little wave as she walked away and I couldn’t help but notice her back side was as gorgeous as the front.

  BOWIE was waiting in the trailer. He was tired and so was I. I wanted to get both of us home and I needed to check on Clay.