Journey to Hope

By J.P. Bowie

An ex-con finds a new life and love in a place called Hope.

The boys from Ride 'em Cowboy are back! This time Royce and Parker are worried that their friend Brett Taylor has made a big, big mistake in hiring a new man to help run Hope Ranch. Joel Harper, the local sheriff, is especially concerned as he's been notified by the authorities that the man has only recently been released from Wyoming State Penitentiary.

Josh Kenyon has spent eight years behind bars for a crime he says he didn't commit, and that he was framed for. Brett believes him, and when the feelings they have for one another become much more than mere attraction, he is determined to find someone who can prove Josh's innocence.

But his good intentions cause unforeseen chaos when a man from Josh's past arrives with only one thing in mind—silencing Josh forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pride Publishing
• Release date: Oct 4, 2013
• ISBN: 9781781844731

J.P. Bowie

J.P. Bowie: I was born and raised in Scotland. Moved to London and worked in several West End shows before immigrating to the United States. First port of call was Las Vegas where I worked backstage with the Siegfried and Roy Show at the Mirage Hotel as Head of Wardrobe for the legendary stars. Another move more recently took me and my husband Phil to San Diego where we intend to stay! Love sunny San Diego.

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A Total-E-Bound Publication

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Journey to Hope

ISBN # 978-1-78184-473-1

©Copyright J.P. Bowie 2013

Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright September 2013

Edited by Sue Meadows

Total-E-Bound Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2013 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, United Kingdom.

Warning:

This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Total-e-burning and a sexometer of 2.

This story contains 84 pages, additionally there is also a free excerpt at the end of the book containing 7 pages.

JOURNEY TO HOPE

J.P. Bowie

An ex-con finds a new life and love in a place called Hope.

Brett Langley’s friends are worried that he’s made a big, big mistake in hiring a new man to help run Hope Ranch. Joel Harper, the local sheriff, is especially concerned as he’s been notified by the authorities that the man has only recently been released from Wyoming State Penitentiary.

Josh Kenyon has spent eight years behind bars for a crime he says he didn’t commit, and that he was framed for. Brett believes him, and when the feelings they have for one another become much more than mere attraction, he is determined to find someone who can prove Josh’s innocence.

But his good intentions cause unforeseen chaos when a man from Josh’s past arrives with only one thing in mind—silencing Josh forever.

Dedication

For my loyal readers, the owners and staff at Total-E-Bound, for all those who love a story of redemption—and for Phil for his understanding and patience

Trademarks Acknowledgement

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

Bonanza: CBS Television Distribution

Johnnie Walker: Diageo

Chevy: General Motors Company

Chapter One

Josh Kenyon pulled his truck off the road and stepped out of the cab to look at the small spread in the valley below him. He hoped to find some kind of job there. It had been a long haul from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Sacramento, California. He was tired, a mite cranky and his neck was stiff from sleeping in his truck for three nights.

He’d stopped in the small town of Denton, outside Sacramento. In the general store there he’d got himself a soda and a burger, and just by chance had noticed the small postcard pinned to a bulletin board.

General help needed on small horse ranch. Experience good, but will train if necessary. Housing provided. Call Brett at 916-555-2525.

He’d written down the number and called as soon as he’d finished scarfing down his burger. The guy, Brett, had answered, sounding friendly and, if Josh wasn’t mistaken, kind of anxious to find some help fast. After getting directions to the ranch from Denton, Josh had told the rancher he could be there in about twenty minutes.

He wondered if the friendliness in Brett’s voice would fade when Josh informed him of his past. He’d come this far in the hope of escaping his tainted reputation that had branded him as undesirable—and unhireable. Well, this would be the first test of whether he’d made the right decision to come all the way to California.

Looking down on the ranch, Josh could see one man, followed by a tail-wagging dog, walking towards a large outbuilding. Looks so peaceful, Josh thought, scanning the perimeter to see where the other men were working. Surely he can’t be alone down there? Josh didn’t know a whole lot about ranching, but he was willing to learn. He could ride a horse, back in the day, and the ad had said ‘will train if necessary’.

So, let’s go, he said aloud, climbing back into his truck. Let’s see if Josh Kenyon’s luck can ever change for the better. With a determined set to his jaw, he started the engine and pulled back onto the narrow road that led to the ranch gates—and maybe, just maybe, if he could fit in here, something to live for.

His heart lifted as he read the name inscribed over the arch he passed under—Hope Ranch.

Brett Langley straightened his aching back, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and took a break from mucking out the stables. The horses would be bedded down shortly and they needed fresh straw. He glanced at his watch. That Josh guy had called about ten minutes ago, so if he hadn’t got lost he should be here any time now. He hoped the man was someone who would work out this time.

He had owned Hope Ranch since his dad died a year ago—a year that had seen its heartaches, headaches and was still on the ‘iffy’ side financially. Two of his hands had left him recently. One he’d been glad to see the back of, but the other, Al, he’d had high hopes for as foreman. Al had worked the ranch for two years then left to go to college. Brett couldn’t blame him for that, but suddenly he was without a young and willing worker, saddled instead with a string of guys who just couldn’t hack the long hours and less than competitive pay. Not that he could blame them either, but he really needed someone to help pick up the slack—slack that’s getting bigger and harder to deal with every day.

Chuckling at that last thought, he couldn’t deny he liked big and hard, just not the kind he’d been faced with for months now. He wondered what Josh would be like. Nice voice, kinda deep and mellow. Older maybe? He glanced at his watch again. Better get on with it… He raked the combination of old straw and manure to a pile outside the stables, then began pushing it all towards the compost heap he’d built well away from the house.

That should do it, he said, turning to look at Jaz, his border collie, as if for approval. Jaz’s tail was working even harder than usual at wagging as the dog stared past Brett at something in the yard behind him.

Hi, there. The deep voice startled him. He hadn’t heard the guy drive up. Can I help you with that?

Oh, hi… Brett threw the pitchfork to one side and walked towards the man. Josh?

Right.

I’d offer to shake hands, Brett said, but I’m kinda dirty right now. He grinned at Josh, at the same time taking in his rugged good looks, the broad-shouldered physique and the blue eyes gazing at him steadily from under dark, feathered brows. The voice definitely matched the man. I just have to lay down the fresh straw and I’ll be right with you.

Well, like I said… Josh tipped his hat back, revealing dark curly hair. Can I help you with that?

Sure. If you’d just grab those bales off the back of my pickup, we’ll get it done in no time, then we can talk.

Sounds good.

Oh, this is Jaz, by the way, Brett said, grinning. Don’t let his over-friendliness fool you. He’s really a killer watchdog.

Josh chuckled. I can see that. He bent to fondle the collie’s ears. A real killer, he added as Jaz pushed his head into Josh’s fingers for more.

Brett watched Josh stride over to the pickup and lift the first bale with ease. Brett admired the man’s tapered back that led to a narrow waist. The close-fitting jeans he wore accentuated his muscular butt and thighs.

Nice. A tight knot of heat centred itself under his balls. Uh, just throw them down here, and if you want to help you can grab that pitchfork by the door and lay out some in each stall. He was aware that Josh was watching him tackle the first stall then he dug the pitchfork into the bale and threw the straw into the second stall.

Done this before? he asked.

No, to be honest I haven’t, Josh replied, raking the straw over with the tines on the pitchfork. The only experience I have was when my dad would take me to my uncle’s farm and we’d bring in the cows and stuff. It was just like playtime for me, but I learned to ride. He added quickly, I’m a fast study, and I don’t mind hard work.

Good assets, Brett said, grinning. They worked mostly in silence until all ten stalls had been done then Brett said, Let’s go up to the house. I need to clean up a bit, then we can talk.

They walked side by side to the house, Jaz—tail still wagging—following close behind them. Brett stopped on the porch and sat down to take his boots