American Patriots For Freedom

By Trudy Bryant

Al and Jeremiah are called to help old friends on the Wilkinson ranch. They no sooner arrive when they are engaged in a fight for their lives. Ranch after ranch is attacked and many innocent people are murdered at the hands of the blood thirsty General. A risky rescue mission takes the extraction unit deep inside Mexico were they soon realize that the General has sided with a Communist Nation and plans to attack the United States. The American Patriots For Freedom call on patriots across America to come to the aid and protection of their nation, take down their treasonous government and bring to justice the men and women involved. With well laid plans the United States Military and the American Patriots for Freedom close the borders of their nation and engage in a bloody battle to save their Country, restore their Constitution and bring to justice the traitors from within.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trudy Bryant
• Release date: May 14, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310769481

Trudy Bryant

Trudy was a story teller from the time her mother started reading to her as a child. She would memorize every book as she listened with wide eyes and then she would retell the stories to entertain her two older brothers. She loved books and when she learned to read she learned to love them even more. Books could transport her anywhere her imagination could take her. She had an English teacher who encouraged her to pursue her writing talents and promised it would help her sort out life's challenges. She continued writing and the love for expressing herself bloomed magically. When she began to have children of her own she decided it was time to start writing again. She wrote a Children's Sequel about fairies that will come out in print in 2014 and just finished the sequel to Traffickers that came out in May 2014. She has written poetry since the 70's and was presented the Editor Choice Award in 2006 for poetry. Trudy is happily married to her best friend and they have two children and twelve grandchildren. She tries to follow her motto, "Life is a gift, really live it, don't sit on the side lines, enjoy it wisely." You man contact her at [e-mail]

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

*****

Al and Jeremiah were almost to Buster and Geneva’s Ranch north-east of Tucson. Buster had called Al about five a.m. for help because trespassers had cut his fence and his cows were scattering out across the desert.

Cattle thieves were pretty common along the Arizona Border. Most ranchers dealt with this at least two or three times a year. Buster would need some serious help mending the fences and rounding up the cattle and driving them back to the property.

Buster and Al had relied on one another as all the ranchers across the Arizona Border do in times of need. It was the best way to get work done in as quick a way as possible and not break the bank. This created close knit friendships that could pass the tests of time.

Every rancher needs help now and again. And there were no exceptions to this rule. There were cows to move at least three or four times a year and hay to get in, fences to mend and of course, keeping the rustlers on their side of the fence.

The drizzling rain had caused the temperature to fall and the moisture in the spring air made it feel cooler that it really was. When Al drove up with his long horse trailer and drove around the large circular drive way at Busters place everything seemed eerie quiet, the silence that makes your skin crawl down your back bone into a cold shiver and your hair stand on end right at the base of your skull.

Jeremiah could sense it too. He knew they were being watched. He slowly pulled his long range buffalo gun from its holster that rested on the floor board as he scanned the low lying brushy areas for the hidden attackers.

Cautiously he got out of the truck and walked to the other side where Al was still surveying the landscape. He could smell the smold- ering pine and mesquite wood smoke that curled out of the fireplace and rolled across the tin roof of the small ranch house.

Jeremiah was Al’s right hand man. He could out run, out shoot and out lye any man around. He could track a mountain lion across the rocks for ten miles and knew where every paw had landed. Al trusted him with his life and had learned to always respect his skills; they had saved his life more than a time or two.

Jeremiah’s dark weathered skin made him look like an old Apache Scout straight out of a western movie. He had long gray hair that he kept twisted into a knot behind his head. He wore an old black felt hat that had lost its shape but still kept the sun out of his eyes when he took long shots at things no one could see but him.

The barn was quiet; Al could not see any of Buster’s livestock for that matter. And to make things worse Buster and Geneva had not come outside to greet them as they usually did. Something was very wrong and Al knew it as he started toward the house. Jeremiah covered him as they moved back to back toward the east wall of the ranch house.

Al called out, Buster, Geneva, is anyone home? He tried to look through the window but the curtains were drawn. He moved on down to the front porch and quietly slid across the front of the house examining every step he took.

Al looked like an old ranch hand; well weathered from the desert sun and wearing a long sleeved western cut shirt and jeans and cowboy boots. His straw hat had a sweat ring around the band that showed off the many hours of hot work that had been done. No one would ever figure that he was a retired CIA agent of twenty years.

One day after an extremely dangerous assignment with the CIA, Al told Millie it was time for them to move on to better things. They had been planning to leave the CIA for five years and that day seemed to be the best day to start the rest of their lives.

Jeremiah kept his back to Al as they moved across the porch to the door. There was blood on the porch and it was fairly fresh. They could see where someone or something had been dragged up onto the porch and through the doorway.

Al stood on one side of the door and Jeremiah on the other. They both survey the scene and looked wide eyed at one another wondering what kind of struggle had taken place this morning. From the signs, someone was obviously wounded.

On Al’s signal they burst through the door and quickly surveyed the large open living room and kitchen. The logs were smoldering in the fireplace and pancakes and coffee were untouched on the table. The doors that lead to the other rooms in the house were all closed. One by one they slowly turned the door knob and pushed it open. Examin-ing every detail that lay inside but the first two rooms were empty.

When Jeremiah opened the door to the last room a bullet shot past

them barely missed his head as he dodged back then slid down the wall a few feet away just incase. Al quickly slid down the wall and took his position on the other side of the door way.

Buster, are you in there? He called out. His eyes were wide and now fixed on Jeremiah. The two men were now starring at one another wondering who was on the other side of the door.

Is that you, Al? a faint voice called. Al looked around the doorway to see Buster sitting on the floor leaning up against the wall cradling his wife Geneva in his arms. Al rushed in and knelt down next to the two of them while Jeremiah covered their backs.

What on earth happened? Al asked Buster as he checked Geneva’s pulse. He could see the despair on Busters face as he brushed at Geneva’s long gray hair. She lay still and quiet; tears flowed freely down Buster’s face.

"They came back, the sorry bounders, they jumped us as we went outside to do the chores. There was a scuffle in the yard and they shot Geneva. I shot back and they ran off. Then I dragged her into the house. She bled out before I could even tell her goodbye. Buster hung his weary head and sobbed.

Jeremiah went outside to survey the scene for every detail that would tell him who the attackers were and where they were going. He figured there was still a scout or two watching the house. He went back into the house and slipped out the back door. Making his way quietly to a four foot ditch that Buster had dug on the west side of the house to turn the water when it rained hard.

Jeremiah crawled carefully to the edge of the bushes and listened for any sound that was out of the ordinary. He was about 400 yard from the house lying as flat as a lizard in the ditch when he heard someone light a match. He peered slowly over the edge of the ditch. Not more than ten feet from him, he could see two of the trespassers kneeling behind the brush with their guns resting across their legs. They were having a smoke.

Jeremiah carefully pulled his knife out of his pant leg and rose up on his knees, throwing the knife it struck the man with the cigarette in the chest and he crumpled to the earth. The other man jumped up, gun drawn and shot two rounds in Jeremiah’s direction.

Jeremiah lay still listening for every move the man made. He could hear him moving again toward the ditch where he lay. Suddenly he sensed the man was standing over him and quickly rolled over and fired his pistol two times. One round caught the man in the leg and he dropped his gun and crawled over a small hump of earth and disappeared from Jeremiahs view.

Jeremiah didn’t want to kill him because he needed to get some information out of him. He wanted to find out who the two men were working for and why they had attacked Buster and his wife and why they were standing guard on the house instead of finishing Buster off.

Jeremiah crawled on up the ditch and crept out behind some brush above the injured man. He could now see him wrapping a bandana around his wound to stop the bleeding.

Jeremiah spoke to the man softly,

What are you doing here and why have you murdered my friends? he asked in Spanish.

The man quickly rolled over shooting at where he though Jeremiah was positioned. His eyes were filled with fear as he searched the thick underbrush for his assailant.

I did not attack your friends, but I have been left here to watch them. The man responded as he grunted from the pain of his gun shot wound.

You have murdered an innocent civilian, the woman is dead. Jeremiah responded in Spanish. You are going to hang high for this, you know that. He spoke confidently to the man as he crept closer to his position.

I have murdered no one, the man responded. I did not shoot the woman, he shouted, It was the General, he made the orders to shoot the man and his wife. the man continued, the nervous tone in his voice made him shutter.

Suddenly Al was standing right over the man with his gun drawn.

The man gasped and tried to crawl away.

Why did they do this? Al knelt down and pointed his revolver in the wounded mans chest as he took his gun then waved Jeremiah over.

He wants the cows, to feed his men. The man responded. His eyes were now wide with fear.

Are you one of the General’s blood thirsty gun slingers? Al asked him.

No, I am only a tracker. He responded, now squirming with the pain in his leg.

Were you sent here to finish off the couple? Al asked him.

I was sent to watch the old man and make sure he didn’t leave. He said as he gritted his teeth with pain. The sweat was now beading on his forehead.

How many men are with you? Jeremiah asked.

The man looked at Jeremiah and said a swear word in Spanish. Why did you shoot me? He quickly asked, avoiding the questions.

You were going to kill all of us and you know it. Jeremiah re-sponded, So I had to shoot you first. he smiled at the man, almost challenging him to make a move for his gun.

It is kill or be killed. The man responded. If I go back to the General and tell him that I let the gringos escape, he will have me killed. he quickly replied, You might as well kill me now, because if you don’t, he will. He continued.

How many men are with the General? Al asked, as he quickly jerked the wounded man to his feet and tied his hands behind his back with a piece of twine from hay bails.

I will tell you no more. the man responded. He looked at Al with sadness in his eyes. I can tell you no more. he repeated.

Al pushed the man forward and they started toward the house. Jeremiah was still crouched in the bushes, waiting to see if there were any more men with this one.

Suddenly a shot rang out and Al and his prisoner fell to the earth. Jeremiah came up shooting and headed to assist Al. He ran zigging and zagging this way and that through the brush like a jack rabbit to avoid getting shot.

Their prisoner lay dead on the damp sandy earth when Jeremiah reached their position. Al had narrowly escaped being shot in the head as he took off his hat and examined the hole through the brim.

Do you think they were aiming at me or him? Al asked Jeremiah letting out a sigh of relief.

Jeremiah took off his hat and brushed back his sweaty hair.

That was a close one. he said, looked wide eyed. He crawled over and examined the bullet entry and the exit of the dead man.

The way the bullet exploded on the exit appears to me that it was a long shot, with a gun like Betsy. he told Al shaking his head.

They have a sharp shooter over on the hill just waiting to take us out. Al said.

They are sharp shooters and they could have already taken us out so what are they waiting for? Jeremiah asked as he looked around.

Let’s get to the ditch and crawl back to the house. Al said as he dove quickly toward the ditch and rolled over the bank, disappearing out of sight.

Jeremiah nodded and covered Al as he scampered to safety. Next Al covered Jeremiah as he made his way to the safety of the ditch. There were no more shots fired as they crawled toward the ranch house.

When they reached the house they waited for a moment to catch their breath.

Al spoke softly, They shot Geneva; she is dead, he said. His sad eyes expressed his sorrow for Buster. I don’t know what the heck is going on here but we have got to get back to the house and help Buster try to make some since out of all this.

You don’t make since out of murder. Jeremiah responded. There isn’t going to be anything you can say to console that man right now. Jeremiah pointed toward the house.

Al knew he was right. Grief has several stages that every soul must pass through in order to release their loved one and let them go. Al also knew that raging anger could be next on the list of emotions and they needed to be there for Buster as he faced this devastating blow.

Buster and Geneva had been high school sweet hearts. They had dated through the fifties and married in the early 1961. They had bought this desert ranch and raised four rough boys out here, good boys who were going to be heart broke that their mother was dead.

The worst part was going to be the anger and probably the revenge the boys would want to inflict upon the attackers.

When Al and Jeremiah reached the house they quickly ran in through the back door and closed it.

Al called to Buster, We are back, don’t shoot. he said.

Buster didn’t say anything, but he had got up and put his wife on the bed. He covered her lifeless body with a beautiful hand quilted throw and then he walked to the door way.

Did you get um’? he asked looking solemnly at Al and Jeremiah.

Yes, they are both dead. Al responded.

Jeremiah was at the window with his binoculars trying to locate any other shooters. He carefully scoped every bush and rock that dotted the landscape. If anyone could find another shooter, Jeremiah would. His tracking abilities were amazing; he could find a needle in a haystack at 800 yards.

Al took a deep breath and put his hand on Busters shoulder. I can’t tell you how sorry I am about all of this. He said trying to console him. Buster nodded and turned and walked back into the bedroom and closed the door.

Al quickly put the coffee back on the stove to warm it up. If he could get Buster to drink a cup he might feel a little better. However, he looked pretty numb right now, and with good reason.

As the reality of the murder started sinking in, Al decided he needed to get in touch with Millie as quickly as possible. He called her cell phone and it went to voice mail.

Hey, Mil, there has been a tragic shooting up here at Busters place. Geneva has been shot and she did not make it. Al paused, I’m so sorry, I know how much she meant to you. He paused again to get his emotion in check, "I need you to call Richard and let him know I need his help a. s. a. p. down here. Have him bring a big crew, and I will call James and Linden over at the Buckley place.

Al quietly closed his phone and poured a cup of coffee for Buster. He knocked on the door, but there was no answer.

Buster I made you a cup of coffee, may I bring it in? he quietly asked. He could hear Buster shuffling to the door. He was getting up there in age; he was twelve years older than Al. They had met years ago when he and Millie were on one of their rescues. The nicest people Al thought he had ever met.

Buster opened the door and took the coffee, Thank you, he muttered, then he closed the door and Al could hear him shuffle back across the floor.

Al went to the window to see if Jeremiah was having any luck.

Jeremiah pointed to the rocks about a half mile out. I’ve seen two different boys up there; I’m guessing there’s probably a whole crew just over the ridge. He said, as he filled Al in.

I am going to call the Border Patrol and see if we can get them over here to assist us. Al responded as he took out his phone and started punching numbers. Jericho’s little brother Anson works with them and he usually fly’s the choppers.

Al handed Jeremiah a cup of hot coffee. Here you go, take five and I will take over. He told him.

Jeremiah took the cup and slid down the wall. He didn’t feel comfortable anywhere in the room where he might be a target. He sipped on his coffee almost mechanically as he thought about Buster and Geneva.

What on earth is he going to do, now that she is gone. he said.

Al didn’t look at him, he only shook his head. They both knew that Buster and Geneva were inseparable and always had been. They drove cows, and gardened and bucked hay. You name it they did it together.

Al didn’t want to think of it, any of it.

The patrol will be here in half a hour. he told Jeremiah as he closed his phone. He suddenly caught a glimpse of something shiny near the rocks that Jeremiah had pointed out.

We have trouble, straight ahead, eight hundred yards. Al told Jeremiah.

Jeremiah put his cup on the floor and stood up. He slid down the wall toward the nearest window.

There are six men spreading out and coming at us. Al said. He pointed across the south as he looked at Jeremiah.

Ok, Jeremiah said, as he loaded the long bullets into Betsy his trusted long range sniper riffle. He quickly picked up the first target and took the gun off safety, then gently pulled the trigger. Al was watching through his scope.

One down and five to go! Jeremiah exclaimed without looking away from his target. He pulled the trigger again, "Two down, he said, taking aim at a third advancing trespasser.

Al knew he would be wasting his ammo at this range; he would let the expert take care of business.

Jeremiah pulled the trigger again. That’s three, Al said with excitement. Three down and three to go. he continued.

All of a sudden the door flew open and Buster shuffled quickly toward the door with his gun. Al stepped between him and the door. Don’t go out there or they will cut you down like spring hay. he told the old man.

The old man looked through Al, I’m not going to let one of those sorry suckers go, that are responsible for Geneva. He said, looking at Al blankly. They shot Geneva for no reason at all. He pointed toward the bedroom. I can’t let them get away with this. He continued as raised his hands over head and shook his gun.

Al set him down in a nearby chair, Jeremiah is an excellent marksman, and he is taking them one by one as we speak. Al tried to convince the old man that they needed to stay inside until the Border Patrol arrived.

Buster thumped Al on the chest, we can’t let them get away with this. He said looking at the door.

Jeremiah took another shot, as the bullet raced across the air you could almost feel the impact as it stuck the target. That’s four he said coolly, but who is counting. He knew that Al was keeping track to.

Al moved over to the other window to see how close the tress-passers were getting to the house. Just as he looked up over the window sill a bullet sliced through the glass. He ducked quickly and then looked around the room.

Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion as they watched the bullet strike Buster in the neck. He fell out of his chair onto the floor.

Al crawled across the floor to help him. Buster was dead, and there wasn’t one thing Al could do about it.

Al and Jeremiah couldn’t believe this was happening. Al was angry and he ran to the window and shot back with his automatic weapon like a lunatic.

You are wasting ammo. Jeremiah shouted at him. I will get them, just get down and be patient. It was to late, anther round crashed through the window; it struck Al in the shoulder and threw him onto his back. He skidded a few feet then tried to get up.

Jeremiah was at his side in an instant. I got him. He told Al. I shot his sorry no good trespassing ass.

Al rose up then fell back to the floor he was loosing a lot of blood. Jeremiah grabbed him by the heels and drug him into the bedroom and quickly returned for Buster. It looked like he was on his own. He would have to keep the last man at bay until help arrived.

Did you get them? Al asked as he tried to be tough.

I think so, only time will tell. Jeremiah said as he carefully packed Al’s wound with a couple of wash clothes from the bathroom and synched them tight with a belt that was flung over the rocking chair. The pressure would get the bleeding under control he thought as he went back out to the front window to survey the situation.

In the distance Jeremiah could hear a chopper approaching. Thank God! he exclaimed as he heard them land next to the barn but continued to watch for the trespassers.

He took Al’s cell phone out of his pocket and called James.

I have two dead and Al has been shot. You are going to have to fly him out quick or he isn’t going to make it. He is bleeding like a stuck hog. Jeremiah paused, Come through the back door and I will cover you. He told James.

James and Jason the EMT quickly headed for the back door. They burst into the room and surveyed their surroundings as shots pelted the wall near them.

Stay down below the windows or they will pick you off like ducks at the county fair! Jeremiah shouted.

Jeremiah led them to the bedroom crawling on his hands and knees. The two EMT’s quickly rechecked Buster and Geneva’s dead bodies for any signs of life pronouncing them dead. Then they quickly checked Al’s vitals and condition, securing his shoulder with tape that would hold the pack Jeremiah put on it.

‘Great work,’ James commented on the first aid skills Jeremiah had used as he took off the belt and put it on the floor next to Buster.

You are coming with us. James ordered Jeremiah, If you stay behind they are going to kill you." He said insistent.

Jeremiah didn’t argue he knew there was absolutely nothing he could accomplish here without backup.

I’ve got your back, head for the chopper. Jeremiah told him.

They headed for the chopper with Al sitting on their cradled arms barely conscious and Jeremiah covering them every step of the way. The EMT’s quickly loaded Al then they all jumped on board and closed the large door.

Head for Tucson Medical, Jason shouted to Anson the pilot. He nodded and the chopper lifted off.

Jeremiah sat in a seat by the door so he could continue to shoot at their attackers who where still trying to pick him off from the front yard. He dropped three more men as the chopper flew quickly out of firing range.

I must stand with anybody that stands right; stand with him while he stands right, and part company with him when he goes wrong. (Abraham Lincoln)

CHAPTER TWO

*****

The sun had just peeked over the horizon as Millie stepped outside and walked across the porch. She took a deep breath as the moisture in the air clung to her nostrils and filled her senses giving her a cold shiver.

The rain drizzled down the porch posts and cascaded onto the thirsty dessert landscape that lay in full bloom with the faint sweet smell of spring flowers and the strong smell of wet rabbit brush and other dessert vegetation.

She drew another deep breath as she watched a small lizard run across the porch and disappear into a crack near the end of the steps that lead toward the bunk house and barn.

Millie silently thanked God again and was so grateful that Jeremiah had been able to get Al out of harms way and to the hospital before he bled to death at Buster and Geneva’s Ranch house only days before.

Millie watched the lizard emerge again with a large black cricket in its mouth. It scurried quickly on its way, probably going to feed hungry babies that lay in the rock garden beyond the porch she thought, as it disappeared once again.

She took a drink of her hot steaming tea and held it in her mouth for a moment so she could enjoy the warmth and flavor surround her taste buds. The tea seemed to call out to her tired body, it’s time to wake up and embrace the day. She shivered and then swallowed quickly.

Millie thought back twenty years ago, how her and Al had worked for the CIA and had hopes of some day raising a family and doing the things they knew they would enjoy. Her long gray hair draped over her shoulder and she closed her eyes and drew in another breath. She never thought their lives would be so violent out here on the desert just trying to raise a few head of cattle to survive.

Their life with the CIA seemed to follow them everywhere they went. Or maybe they could just read people and their special training helped them know when there was going to be trouble.

She stretched her well worn and tired hands, wiggling each finger, hoping to find relief from the sore muscles that she had over worked putting in her garden a few days before.

Turning toward the garden, she admired the nice strait rows that covered the fresh turned earth. She drew another breath of the morning moisture and thanked God silently for the rain that fed her new seeds hiding beneath the rich brown furrows. Soon the young seedlings would spring from the ground like green soldiers on a mission standing at attention, calling for rain and nutrition.

Al came slowly out the door and across the porch to where Millie stood.

You just can’t wait for those seeds to pop out of the ground, so you have one more thing around here to tend. he said, as he put his arm around her slender waist and gave her a gentle squeeze.

Honestly, I love to watch the earth as it renews itself. she said, turning to face him.

What are you doing out here in the damp air? She asked as she gazed into his deep blue eyes.

Jeremiah and I are going to load up a few horses and head over to Buster and Geneva’s place. We have to take care of the situation with the trespassers and need to help their boys put things back in order. I’m guessing they have about three hundred head of cattle running loose this morning. Al told Millie watching the displeasure that crossed her face.

Millie shook her head. That was two days ago, remember, the shoot out? she questioned Al. Her feisty temper flared at her husband and he knew he needed to watch his step or she would have him back in bed watching television.

You take such good care of me, Al whispered into her ear. I don’t know what I would ever do if you were not around to keep me in line. He commented seriously. He closed his eyes and buried his face in her long hair that dangled over her shoulder and hung nearly to her waist. He kissed her on the neck and then kissed her softly on the lips.

Same here. She told Al as she wrapped her arms around him and gave him a firm squeeze. We have been at this long enough; we should be getting pretty good at it by now. She commented as she pointed out at the rain.

The two were silently grieving for the loss of their two friends, Buster and Geneva. Their boys arrived at the ranch the day Al got shot and were anxious to lay their parents to rest. They had always wanted to be buried down by the cabin where they had spent most of their lives and their sons were determined to keep their wishes.

I have a few things to do before the services. Millie commented as they walked back into the kitchen. The aroma of pork sausage and hot biscuits was beginning to fill the air as Martha and the girls moved about doing their morning chores.

Martha was a little Hispanic woman who Millie and Al had rescued in the desert years ago after first coming to Black Water Ranch. She had given birth to a son and they stayed on the ranch and helped out.

Al grabbed his old straw hat off the coat rack and a long black slicker out of the closet.

We will probably be down at Busters for at least a few days getting all those cows back in and putting the fences back together, so when this rain slacks off, why don’t you come on down and join us. Al told Millie as he poured himself a hot cup of coffee and started for the door.

We will see what happens around here. Millie said, smiling warmly at Al. "You know Martha and I will be there for the funeral

then I’m coming right back to the ranch. I have some sewing this week; we need to get our summer wardrobe lined out before the heat gets to intense." She continued.

Ok, suit yourself. Al teased Millie as he headed toward the door. We are going to load up our gear and horses and be in for breakfast shortly.

Al walked out on the porch. His injured arm rested comfortably in a sling and he was still having some pain from the bullet he took a few days ago, but every day he could feel himself getting stronger.

Millie followed Al out, pulling his slicker up over his sling, and then watched him as he headed toward the bunk house. Jeremiah saw him heading toward the barn and joined him as they ducked into the tack room.

Millie turned and walked back into the house and closed the door. She quickly went to work helping the girls sprinkle flour and seasonings over the ground sausage to make gravy.

What you thinking? Martha asked her quietly as she slid the hot biscuits out of the oven and started putting them onto a platter.

Not much, Millie said, I’m just glad we got the garden in before the rains. She smiled at Martha, And I could not have got it in without you and the girls helping me. She said warmly.

This rain will give those seeds a jump start; we will have plants in no time. Martha said excitedly, as she poured the milk into the large pot and whisked it rapidly.

Yes, it will not be long before we are bottling those fresh vegetables and eating those delicious tomatoes you love so much. Millie said, as she rolled her eyes and licked her lips.

Fresh salsa! Martha said as they both laughed out loud.

They had no sooner got breakfast on the table when the door swung open and in walked two wet cowboys. Millie turned to them and waved her arms in the air, You two get back out on the porch and take off those wet slickers. You are making a mess all over Martha’s clean floor.

Al and Jeremiah went right back out the door to remove their wet slickers. They had loaded their horses in the trailer and all their supplies, but they just couldn’t leave without a hot plate of biscuits and gravy. They hustled back into the house to wash their hands and take their places at the table.

Al asked the blessing on the food and thanked the Lord for the rain. They laughed and chatted as they filled their plates. Martha passed the large platter of biscuits around the table and Millie followed with hot ladles of steaming hot sausage gravy. The girls filled the empty glasses as Jeremiah and Al talked about the weather.

We haven’t had this much spring rain in ten year, have we? Al asked as he filled his mouth with food, holding the fork in his left hand. Gravy dripped down his chin as Millie handed him his napkin.

We haven’t had that much gravy drizzling down your chin neither, since you were a baby, Millie teased and winked at Al. Jeremiah laughed at Millie’s quick humor.

It would probably be best if you stayed home a few days and let your wound heal. Millie tired to convince Al.

We should see some good spring grass this season; we might be able to hold the cows down here on the Black Water Ranch a little longer, with more feed on the dessert. Jeremiah commented before stuffing his face with food.

The two men were fairly quiet after their first mouthful and didn’t stop until their plates were empty. Jeremiah stood up first and patted his belly.

That was the best thing I’ve ate all day. He said, smiling at the girls. Martha waved him off and Millie laughed.

Well, I hear those cows calling us, Al said, as he stood up and headed for the door. Jeremiah followed close behind.

You two, Millie waved a fork at the two men, be safe and we will see you in a few days, Millie told them as she stood up and followed them out the door and onto the porch.

We have about one hundred men helping us, Al responded as he gave her a quick peck on the cheek, we are always careful. He added.

Jeremiah tipped his hat, Thanks for the breakfast," he said, as he slipped on his slicker and started toward the truck.

Tell Buster and Geneva hello, for me. Millie told Al as he started off the porch. They looked at one another and tears whaled up in Millie’s eyes. I’m sorry, she said, just a force of habit. she continued putting her hand over her mouth.

I will do that, Al said walking across the porch and taking Millie in his arms giving her a long hug and then a firm kiss.

Millie wiped the tears off her cheeks amazed that she still had tears to shed for her lost friends. She thought she had cried them all out when she first got the news.

I will see you at the grave side services this afternoon. He said quickly.

Enjoy yourself and don’t come running back home to fast on my account. Millie teased Al as she waved goodbye to him. She stood on the porch and watched the truck as Al drove down the long driveway and pulled onto highway eighty seven and headed toward the inter-state. That was something she always did, watch Al leave and wait patiently for his return.

Your breakfast is getting cold, Martha called to Millie, knowing full well that Millie would not come inside until she caught the last tiny glimpse of tail lights driving away into the desert.

Millie didn’t pay her any mind, she watched the truck get smaller and smaller and then it faded into the dessert surroundings. She turned slowly and walked back into the house and closed the door. She had a funny expression on her face.

What is it? Martha asked Millie as she walked over to the table and set down. You look like you seen a ghost. she continued.

I don’t know I just have a funny feeling that things are about to change again, I just hope it is for the good. Millie said, as she looked out the window and muttered something.

How do you mean, change? Martha asked her with big eyes.

I don’t know I just don’t have a good feeling about all this. Millie said as she put a little warm gravy over her cold food to warm it up.

Don’t worry Millie everything will turn out just right. Martha said trying to comfort her friend as they at their breakfast in silence.

The sacred rights of mankind are not to be rummaged for among old parchments or musty records. They are written as with a sunbeam in the whole volume of human nature by the hand of the Divinity itself, and can never be erased or obscured by mortal power. (Alexander Hamilton, 1775)

CHAPTER THREE

******

Al and Jeremiah drove quietly enjoying the cool rain as it continued to fall softly on the windshield. They listened and watched as the rain worked its magic to transform the thirsty desert into a picturesque view spread like a fresh oil painting in their view.

They drove back to Buster’s ranch southeast of Tucson almost dreading the first contact with his three grown boys and knew they

would be waiting at the ranch for them.

The cattle had now been on the open desert for three days and who knows where they would find them. One thing for sure, they had enough help this time, if they crossed paths again with the General and his blood thirsty crew, they would be ready.

The morning sun broke through the storm clouds and for a moment the raindrops glistened on the vegetation like diamonds strewn across the land scape by hand.

Jeremiah pointed out a thirsty rabbit that licked and nibbled at the fresh droplets of rain on the fuchsia colored blossoms of a barrel cactus that lay at the edge of the desert brush.

Look at that little fella! he exclaimed to Al, He is getting himself a drink after the long dry winter.

Al smiled and glanced in the direction of the rabbit as they passed quickly by on the highway.

We need to be on the look out for any of the Generals men. They will be driving Busters cows and horses by night but we might see a few strays this morning. Al commented.

But that don’t mean we won’t get a glimpse of them this morning. I’m thinking they could have traveled this far by now, if they are still on foot, but they could be headed back across the border to Mexico with their stolen goods. Jeremiah told Al.

Jeremiah had amazing eyesight for his age and could pick out anything that didn’t belong on the terrain in an instant. His years and experience tracking made him an expert in his field. the Border Patrol had tried to hire him several times but he didn’t want a full time job on the border, it was a terrible place to visit and he definitely knew he didn’t want to live there 24-7.

Besides, he just enjoyed hanging out with Al and his boys. They never knew what each day would bring but at least he knew they were not going to betray one another for a buck.

Al tuned in the radio of his old truck and listened for the weather forecast as Jeremiah scanned the desert terrain for any movement that was out of the ordinary.

Suddenly Jeremiah pointed ahead and said, Stop right down there where you can get off the road, I think I seen the band of wet backs up that ravine back there.

Al drove on down the road and pulled the long horse trailer off the side of the interstate where the state had put in a gate to make the desert more easily accessible for the Border Patrol and ranchers. He got out and stretched as a few cars sped by in the other lane. Jeremiah had the binoculars up and carefully scanned the desert terrain.

"Let’s take Molly and Homer and ride out a little ways and see if

we can spot them, then we can call it in to James." Al told Jeremiah.

They unloaded the horses and saddled them up, making sure their guns were loaded and ready. They slide them into their scabbards and checked their revolvers. Climbing into the saddle they road through the gate and headed southwest so they could get above and out of sight of the wet backs.

There was a knoll of rocks about a half mile away that they headed for. They put their horses on a slow lope, their hooves sunk about a half inch into the damp topsoil as they lopped effortlessly across the terrain. Jeremiah led the way and continued to scan the desert for anything out of the ordinary while Al covered his back.

Al watched too, as he now had a better view being a little higher in the saddle. He thought he seen something move out of the corner of his eye and drew his horse up and quickly took the binoculars up, scanning for something, anything that caught his attention.

Jeremiah stopped about forty feet from Al and turned around. Al pointed to the brush almost parallel to their position about two hundred yards out. Jeremiah nodded and glassed the location. Al pointed to the left and then to the right. Jeremiah knew what he was suggesting; they would split up and ride in a loop to the brush.

Al went to the right and Jeremiah to the left. Slowly they approached the brush; he was certain Al had seen someone in the brush and that someone was surely watching them.

Suddenly, a young boy who looked like he was about thirteen or fourteen years old, jumped out of the brush and ran southward as fast as his legs would carry him. Al quickly but gently spurred his horse running after the boy.

Jeremiah stayed behind to check out the brush pile. As he closed in on the brush he could hear a small child whimpering. He dis-mounted his horse and drew his revolver carefully approaching the area, he said in Spanish,

Come out where I can see you, I will not hurt you, I am here to help. He spoke softly as looked into the brush.

Suddenly a small girl about nine or ten years old bolted out of the brush and hit Jeremiah at the knees. He stepped sideways and pushed her to the ground. She jumped up and lunged at him again, he again pushed her to the side but continued to scan the brush for adults that might jump him.

Out of the brush waddled a toddler. Tear streaked cheeks were evident that he had been crying and the girl was apparently trying her

best to console him and keep him quiet.

Al caught the boy and pushed him down on the ground with his foot as he rode past. He didn’t want to hurt him but he did want the advantage when he tried to talk to him. I am here to help you, Al spoke quickly and fluently in Spanish.

The boy jumped up and again tried to run away, Al quickly overtook him and again pushed him down to the ground. This time he swung out of his saddle and grabbed the boy before he could get complete to his feet.

I will not hurt you, Al told the boy in Spanish. The boy quickly jerked his arm away from Al.

The boy didn’t say anything he just glared at Al like he was the devil himself.

Is that your sister back there? Al asked the boy, and he pointed to Jeremiah fighting off the girl. The boy didn’t speak but nodded yes.

Let us go help before she gets hurt. Al told him. Trust me? Al asked the boy softly. He shook his head no, but started toward the other children and Jeremiah.

When the girl could see the boy coming back to her she calmed considerably and took the baby in her arms. Jeremiah handed her a handkerchief to wipe the baby’s nose and tears. She snatched it out of his hands and mumbled thank you in Spanish, but giving him a dirty look.

Jeremiah stayed his distance so she didn’t feel threatened as Al walked up with the boy. Where are your parents? Al asked the two kids.

They both looked at him without expression and said nothing. We can help you get to safety if you would like. Al continued.

How can we trust you, what makes you different than any of the men who smuggle the Mexican people for a living? The boy quickly asked.

Al was surprised that he spoke such good English. You can trust me and my family because this is what we do, help people. Al spoke to the kids calmly.

How will you help us? The girl spoke up. We will not be separated. she said sternly. The boy nodded in agreement as they moved together like they were going to stand their ground or die trying.

Jeremiah took a lollypop out of his shirt pocket and handed it to the baby. He tore off the paper and gnawed at the sucker like he was chewing off the leg of a bear.

Jeremiah laughed, He is teething. He told the girl. She shook her head yes and brushed down his wild hair with her small hand still glaring at the two men.

The big boy took the baby from the girl and they stared at the two men waiting for a response. Al put his chin in his hand. I can have my wife come out and bring you food and water and then you can decide what you want to do after you eat and wash your dirty faces. Al told the two kids.

Talking about his wife seemed to put the two kids at ease. Their eyes softened and Al could tell that they liked the idea of getting to eat and some fresh water.

Where is this wife? asked the boy, he was still eyeing the two men with little trust as he caught a whiff of the strawberry sucker.

"My wife is over at our