Ranger

By Colby Van Wagoner

In this coming of age story, Zeke Slade’s mother and father are killed just at the start of the Civil War. Shattered by the tragic loss, the military seizes his land in order to prepare for the coming war between the North and the South. Zeke leaves for Texas with his father’s family friend, Texas Ranger Captain Donovan Walton. In Texas, Zeke Slade grows into a deadly, and notorious, Texas Ranger! There, he meets the love of his life Evelyn McAllister and the two are married. Struggle and strife are constant factors Zeke and the other Texas Rangers face as law keepers in Texas. Twists and turns make Ranger a must read, followed up with its sequel, Fever, in the Life of Zeke Slade series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Colby Van Wagoner
• Release date: Feb 22, 2021
• ISBN: 9781499743142

Colby Van Wagoner

Colby Van Wagoner is a versatile and descriptive American author. Offering a variety of genres, the vision is to create unique plots and exciting twists in storytelling. His first book release, Massacre Cave, was written as part of a trilogy called "The Crow Mountain Series". The Crow Mountain books evolve around the Navajo shape shifter, commonly referred to as the Skinwalker, blending between combinations of horror and classic authentic late 1800s western authenticity.H.H. Holmes: The Devil In Me, is Colby's fourth full length release and best seller. The book is based on the true events of America's first captured, tried, and sentenced, "termed" and documented serial killer. Chicago's twisted killer H.H. Holmes. The book presents a unique and controversial twist, which delves deep inside the mind and from the serial killer's point of view.A 5th book release, Earth Mongers, combines historical events in an unexpected science fiction twisting finale, which explores a thrilling new approach to natural disasters, and global disasters. On the brink of global catastrophe, populations are forced to look at their choices, leaders of countries are forced to make tough decisions, or face extinction.Dead in Love is Colby Van Wagoner's 6th, and first, release in "The Dead" Zombie double release. In a small town, local residents rumor of the military's basic operations and chemical experiments taking place inside. In their complicit living is the facility's development of two separate and top secret compounds, tested on lab animals and soon local humans mysteriously removed from nearby hospitals and the local surrounding. Baxter a local resident, is soon caught up in a secretive fight to save himself and the love of his life, Laylianna, during the impending outbreak.Volume One is a collection of eight horror novellas that stretch between the paranormal and supernatural. Released in 2013. As a young child, Aurora discovers, "Baby Doll Head" a vessel possessing mysterious mind control powers. Stories include a family of inbreds who terrorize and seek to control families inside the Cult House. A Love Not Lost, explores an aging embalmer who has lost touch with reality after the loss of his wife. Alex in Horrorland takes a young boy on a journey through an imaginary world of horror. A group of travelers board a train and fall victim to a family of rail workers in Blood, Flesh, and Bone. The Shadows of Kayakoy come to life as a group of travelers make a terrible choice to remain overnight in the ghost town. Bleak, the end of all existence? Finally, Aurora's all grown up in Parallel, where her realities unite and realities occur in real time as she mentally deteriorates. She is committed to an asylum, influenced by nightmares and the supernatural, Volume One takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of suspense and horror.Compound is about a group of diverse travelers making their way through a Brazilian quarantine zone. Fleeing from town to town, the travelers attempt to survive and seek refuge from a viral outbreak.Fever is about a Texas Ranger witnessing the murders of his family. Texas Ranger Zeke Slade takes matters into his own hands. Instead of bringing his family's killers to justice, to stand trial, he makes the decision to serve his own justice, avenging the murders of his family on his own terms, breaking his oath as a Texas Ranger. The Adjutant General offers Zeke Slade the choice of facing prison time, or accepting a marshal position in an Alaskan mining town, Fever.The Jack and Jillian Book Series are Colby Van Wagoner's children's books. Jack and Jillian write about learning and creating new things. They write about the sports they are learning, how to play safely, and learning the rules to play fair. Jack and Jillian also learn about art and how to create different forms of art. The series is aimed at encouraging, challenging young minds, and motivating them to remain active, both physically and mentally.Massacre Cave, Crow Mountain, Return to Crow Mountain, H.H. Holmes: The Devil In Me, Earth Mongers, Dead in Love, Volume One, the Jack and Jillian Children's Book Series, Compound, and Fever are available online at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, and other U.S. and international book retailers. In its first month out Colby Van Wagoner's books have reached the top 50 on the Amazon bestsellers rank!After experiencing a traumatic brain injury in 2014, which required a craniotomy and recovery, Colby Van Wagoner completed a bachelor's and master's degree in psychology. After 4 years of recovery and adjustment to the physical and mental challenges, he was able to complete a new title called, A Time for Heroes: 2017 Las Vegas Shooting. The book was completed in 2018 and covers the tragic Las Vegas mass shooting through first hand witness accounts, local law enforcement's and the FBI's official case files. Working with factual combined evidence, and a thorough historical background on the shooter, the detailed research and work includes a full psychological and behavioral profile assessment of mass shooter, Stephen Paddock. The book also accounts harrowing and gripping stories of survival and honors, in remembrance, those who were lost in the Las Vegas, Nevada public attack.Colby continues to challenge his writing style and plots, improve his craft through learning different writing and editing techniques, through distinct and unique story progression, while combining historical events and exciting fictional exploration and original ideas.

Book preview

Ranger

The Life of Zeke Slade

(Book One)

By

Colby Van Wagoner

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, businesses and incidents are, either products of the author’s imagination or, used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

eBook Edition

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PUBLISHED BY:

Colby Van Wagoner

© 2014 by Colby Van Wagoner

License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only and may not be re-sold. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please purchase a copy of your own. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

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Other titles available from the author:

See Through Myself: A Memoir

A Time for Heroes: 2017 Las Vegas Shooting

H.H. Holmes: The Devil in Me

Crow Mountain Series

Massacre Cave - Book one

Crow Mountain - Book two

Return to Crow Mountain - Book three

Life of Zeke Slade Series

Ranger - Book one

Fever – Book two

Compound

Dead in Love

Volume One – (The Volumes)

Earth Mongers

Jack and Jillian Children’s Book Series

‘New Arrival’

Breathe, Jane, breathe, and push.

‘Whoo, whoo, whoo . . .’ Jane Slade’s first birthing process was underway, I am breathing, Carl. Robed in a modest nightgown both hands grasping at the sheets.

You have a ways to go, yet, ma’am. Mildred Jordan, Slade’s house servant added. Wearing traditional house worker's clothes, she arranged the lanterns on the wall racks, Missus, you just focus on controlling those birthin’ pains by breathing. Each lantern supplying a faint orange radiance, illuminating the ambiance of the Slade’s quaint cabin home.

How much longer . . . Jane winced, do you think? Her reply was forced, with a layer of sweat over her face from the excruciating pains.

I can’t spot the head, yet. Maybe another half of an hour, or so.

Mildred raised Jane’s back, pulling the linens from beneath her, Let me change out those bloody sheets, suh. Sheets partially covering up Jane’s body to her knees and down to her distended belly. Legs raised slightly bent at the knees.

Thank you, Mildred. The two exchanged the linens with a clean set of sheets.

Two days prior, Carl moved their bed into the main room to make the birthing more comfortable. It was a convenience to have the bed near the stove. The linens and materials could become easily sterilized and prepared for the child’s birth.

Them linens is clean and sterile. A knock came at the door. Mildred placed the dirty linens in a pail of hot water and opened the door, Samuel Jordan, are you crazy? You don’ know better than to come up on the Slade huh-ohm like this.

He stood at the door, I'm a-goin’, but was worryin’ about the missus. I’ll get back to our boy. Wilkinson be lookin’ over him right now. Mildred’s husband was dressed in his grubby work clothes and hard to make out, due to the dark color of his skin.

It’s quite all right, Mildred, Carl reassured each of them. Samuel’s eyes lit up, and his white teeth bare a large smile.

Go on now, Samuel, I’ll be ‘round when thangs is done here. She pushed him back and closed the door, amid Jane Slade’s labor sounds, ‘pologize ‘bout Samuel, sir, I’m afeard he don’t know no better. Mildred continued to move about the small cabin, arranging the birthing items and wiping a wet piece of cloth over Jane’s forehead.

Jane grimaced as the pain surged, I cannot take much more of this. She raised her head and looked at her husband.

Oh, come on, darlin’. You were workin’ the farm for the duration of the past winter, up to your eighth month of pregnancy. Not many women endure all the work you accomplished. He gave her a comforting look, stood, and rubbed her on the stomach, It will be over soon.

Here comes another contraction, Woo, woo, woo . . . Jane inhaled and exhaled, as she began pushing, This is taking too long."

Mildred reassured her kind owner, This is my second birthing, ma’am, and the first was like this.

You’ve been very helpful, Mildred. Thank you for helping me with my first birth.

Carl watched the baby’s head become visible, I’m seein’ the head! He exclaimed with his hands stretched out below the birthing area. The anticipation grew with intensity as Carl and Mildred waited patiently.

Are the linens sterile enough? Jane looked down at the end of the bed.

Carl reassured her, Mildred made sure to boil the linens. I know they’re sterile. Now, push Jane, push!

Suh, don’t be a pullin’ on the baby. Let Jane’s contractions do dat work for ya’. Mildred’s unease grew. It was the moment of truth whether the baby would survive and endure the birthing.

After crying out, the small body of a newborn baby slid into Carl’s hands, You have a boy, Jane! Our son! Carl, a proud new father, reached for some cloth, blankets and cleaned off the excess fluid and blood. Their son began crying.

Mildred assisted Carl by cleaning some additional blood and fluid from the baby, Jane’s legs and crotch area, and exclaimed, I say, he’s a big’un, ma’am. The newborn’s legs were kicking, as the tiny arms and hands whirled around, attempting to grip anything close by.

Carl clamped the umbilical cord and cut it with a sterilized knife. He returned the knife to a small table and stood, Here’s our newborn son.

Placing the baby in his wife’s arms, he stepped back and admired the sight. Jane and Mildred’s eyes were wide open at the miracle of the occasion that had occurred.

Here’s our son, Zeke Slade. She cradled her son in her arms, cooing and kissing his cheeks, Look at him. You are right, Mildred, he is a big boy! She looked down, Would you take a look at those eyes? He has my blue eyes and your nose, Carl. Jane and Mildred collectively laughed. Zeke continued crying and flailing his arms.

Mildred, should he be crying this much? It was evident Carl was going to be a protective parent.

Yes, suh, when muh boy Jim was born, oh, he cried like nutin’ I evah heard before. He’s bound to calm in a bit. Mildred rubbed her hand down Carl’s shoulder, in a comforting and kind manner.

Five thirty-eight in the mornin’. March first, eighteen-fifty. Carl returned his pocket watch to his shirt pocket.

Mildred began gathering the linens used during the birth, I’m ‘bout to get this mess cleaned up. Missus, you best take it easy now. She patted Jane on the shoulder, Congratulations missus.

Oh, Mildred, you know better. Call me Jane. She smiled.

Mildred responded quietly, All right, ma’am, Jane, it is.

Carl used some warm water to clean Jane’s legs and stomach, You need a hot bath, dear.

I will be fine, until my aunt and uncle arrive. Mildred can help me bathe, in the meantime. Jane continued cooing little Zeke and rubbing him on the cheeks, I’m not going anywhere. Look at all this dark hair. Carl retrieved the linens and placed them into a large wash bin.

He’s going to be a Virginian farm boy. He replied. Mildred left the cabin, tending to the bloodied linens, Are you . . . Carl paused, discovering his wife, Jane, was already asleep, Come here, Zeke. His son, let out one last cry and instantly became calm in his father’s arm, Shush, there we go.

Cautiously lifting Zeke from his mother’s arms, Jane sighed and lay back on her pillow, Let’s get you in your new crib. Carl lowered his son into the hand carved crib he had crafted months earlier, There you go now. Their newborn son was sniffling and wiping his face, smiled, and closed his eyes.

Carl stayed up the entire night, watching Jane and his son, Zeke, as each of them slept, I could go for some coffee. The kettle was placed over the pot belly stove. Wood was arranged inside and the fire’s heat intensified.

Carl waited for the water to come to a boil. Preparations, before winter had arrived, provided enough cords of wood, food, water and supplies, allowing Carl, his wife, and the workers to stay warm and fed. It was a high priority for Carl, as Jane was eating for two, and for the farm animals to survive the harsh winter conditions.

To date, the pressure was escalating between the Northern and the Southern states, regarding the recent actions and laws passing in the U.S. Congress, Senate, and House of Representatives.

Four years prior, Carl had lost his father to the U. S.-Mexican War who, in turn, left his son the sizable fifty acre farm, with a diverse population of animals, and crops, to tend each season. The farm land provided enough provisions to trade and sell for added food and supplies, even much needed improvements, which was vital for the equipment, sheds, barn, and living quarters spread across the land.

The closest town was, Ewing, three miles distance from the Slade’s farm. To the north were the Cumberland Mountains and the Cumberland gap, a popular route for travelers making their way through the west end of Virginia. Carl met Jane when he, his father, and mother left America for London, England.

His father was in quest of a prominent teaching position, in hopes of leaving behind the complex life of a farmer and a mountain man. However, with his inadequate credentials in the collegiate world of academics, and after his mother passed away from an unknown illness, his father’s inspiration and fervor to work in London had soured.

Carl and his father returned to America, in the meager conditions of a Packet Ship, sailing for the U.S. continent and the city of Boston, Massachusetts. Jane was traveling with her Uncle Tim and Aunt Nancy. She caught Carl’s eye while the two families were eating a meal on the rough seas.

After she and Carl had spent the better part of seventy five days, together, talking, playing various games, the two had become inseparable. Jane’s Uncle, Tim, disapproved of their strengthening bond. But, in the end, it was his wife Nancy that intervened and settled the matter.

Around eight thirty in the morning, Zeke’s cries interrupted the cabin’s calm, waking Jane as she lay in bed, Come on, now, Zeke. Let’s get you warmed up.

I’ll take him. Jane rose up, propping an extra pillow under her back for support.

Good morning, dear? Carl placed his hand over her forehead, checking her temperature and overall condition, There’s no fever and Zeke appears to be in good spirits. How are you feelin’?

Jane moaned, Like I was kicked by a horse.

Feel like some breakfast? Zeke was positioned in Jane’s arms, crying for his first meal, Looks as though Zeke does. He laughed.

I’ll have a fixin’ of cat-heads and porridge, please, darlin’. Jane was glowing.

I must admit, dear, you look as beautiful as ever. Carl prepared the pots and breakfast ingredients.

Aren’t you always the charmer?

Isn’t that why you fell for me? Zeke stirred the porridge with a wooden spoon. The food began steaming and the aroma of baking biscuits filled the small cabin.

Zeke was already suckling his first meal of mother’s milk, as Jane looked up at Carl preparing the oats and water, Do you remember when we first met? The dawn’s luminosity was shining through the cabin’s windows. She smiled, watching her husband rotate and rest his hand under his chin, sitting next to the stove.

Carl contemplated for a brief instant, appearing to envision the moment in his mind, I do, my darlin’, on the Packet Ship from Liverpool to Boston. He lowered his head and chuckled, I was walkin’ from the meal window, of the ship’s mess hall, with my dinner plate. You and your aunt and uncle were sitting near the table, where my father was sitting.

You were wearing those appalling, stiff, knickers and a fancy little shirt and vest.

Carl raised his head, My grandmother made those clothes, show a little reverence. Both of them burst out in good-humored amusement. He caught his breath, I walked across the mess hall. The ship must have surged over a huge wave . . .

Your rations spilled all over your clothes and you fell on them.

My plate spun on the floor. While everyone was laughing at me . . . Carl proceeded to the bed, with a plate of porridge and cat-heads, you were the one that came to my aid. Carl sat on the edge of the bed, using a spoon to feed Jane, small bites, Careful, it’s still hot.

Jane blew on the spoonful of porridge, It helps warm my stomach. The biscuits smell delectable. Eating the meal, Carl kissed her on the forehead, looking down at his new son, Zeke.

You’re glowing. He brushed back the blonde hair, behind her ears, and you’re stunning.

Stop that. Tears began running down the sides of her cheeks, I love you, Carl.

I love you, Jane. He stood, arranging the suspenders over his white v-cut shirt, and adjusted his trousers, Now, I’ve got to hang the linens and attend to the farm duties.

Oh, come on, Carl. Just take the day off.

Now you know we can’t afford that.

I know. The animals are probably as hungry as Zeke?

I already hear the chickens clucking and the roosters a crowin’. He positioned his hat on his head and walked across the wooden floor planks, I’ll check in on you after the animals are fed.

Around noontime? Jane inquired.

Maybe before then, it depends on the workload. He opened the door, Do you think your aunt and uncle might be arriving in the next few days.

Both were expectin’ to come out, within the week, because Zeke’s birth was supposed to be a week away, according to the doctor.

Well, I’ll keep an eye out for ‘em. See you in a few hours.

Be careful. Take your gun belt.

That’s right. He picked up the belt, wrapped it around his waist and hooked the buckle.

The temperate spring air, and Mildred, entered the cabin, Smells good outside, don’t it?

Can you leave the door open a crack, Mildred?

Sure will, ma’am.

The rifle’s next to the headboard. Carl replied as he departed.

Mildred pushed the door, nearly closed, leaving it open just a crack, We won’t be needin’ no rifle missus. We do need to get you a hot bath.

That will feel nice, Mildred, will you change out the counterpanes as well?

My, my, those bed sheets do need some freshin’ up. Let’s get you in a bath first.

For the extent of the morning, Carl was directing the workers in the fields, and approached the chicken coop, Here you go chickens, come get some.

Scattering seeds across the ground of the coop, the birds were scrambling to eat their share of feed, Take it easy, now, y’all get a share. The roosters and chickens were clucking, madly, to reach as much seed as possible. Carl spread the last contents of the tow sack on the ground.

I guess it’s time to slop the swine. The least desired part of feeding the animals was the pigs. Not only did it mean the untidy procedure, but shoveling out the corral as well, and it stinks, as usual. Arriving at the corral, the pigs were grunting and squealing at Carl’s appearance, knowing what time of the day it was.

Y’all act as though you haven’t eaten for days? He mixed the feed with some water and stirred the bulky wooden pails.

You know what they say about pigs? A man’s voice called out from a distance.

Carl acknowledged the friendly voice and replied, Stay away from the pigsty if you don't want to stink. He turned, Eustace Avery?

A Draft Horse approached. The forty-eight-year-old farmer was clothed in coveralls and toted two hefty cloth packs, attached to his saddle, That’s right, Carl, it’s me. Why don’t you have your slaves taking care of the work? He hollered.

Slaves, Eustace? Now you know, as well as I do, I deem them workers, not property. How’s Ruth?

She’s carrying on, as usual. You and your dad always did hold a bit of a soft side for ‘em. He directed his horse to the shed.

They are human, Eustace, just like you and me. The lot of ‘em have families, feelings, admirable work ethics, and should be treated as such.

Hell, Carl, I may take that advice. I hear the lot of ‘em calling me a short-tempered Peckerwood! He chuckled, pulling out his poke and pinching a good-sized amount of chaw. Mrs. Slade has that baby yet? He tucked the tobacco under his lip, and brushed his hands through his long grey beard, pulling back on the horse’s reins, Whoa, boy.

Zeke was born this morning at five thirty-eight in the AM. Lifting the wooden pails, the pig slop poured into the trough.

Congratulations to ya’. Why don’t you take these bags inside? I brought you and Jane some smoked meats. To the side of his saddle was a rifle scabbard containing Eustace’s black powder rifle.

Carl poured another pail into the trough, filling it to the top, Are you sure?

Eustace climbed from his Draft Horse, and moaned, stretching his arms and legs, I’m gettin’ too old to be gallivanting all over the countryside.

Oh, you still have some spring in your step, old friend.

"I can finish up the horses, cows, and goats. Get indoors with that sweet little wife and boy. Did