The Return of the Horseman: Book 2

By Fred Valdez

The Return of the Horseman continues the saga of Francisco Cordova, known to his friends as Cisco. Army buddies gave him this nickname because his prowess with firearms was reminiscent of the legendary Mexican cowboy of the old west—the Cisco Kid, made famous in the writings of O’Henry. It is not my intention to bore the reader with a lengthy introduction as found in some books. I do feel it necessary for the reader to know about this extraordinary young man. He is not arrogant, proud, or egotistical. He has characteristics that set him apart from most men. He inherited the abilities of a horse whisperer from both sides of his family. His mother was Esperansa Garcia Cordova. His uncle was Felix Garcia. Felix is the head horse trainer on the large Judge John Trully horse ranch, just as his father and grandfather were before him. Francisco’s father died when he was five years old from the effects of mustard gas in the Great War of 1918. The Garcia and Cordova families have worked on the Trully family ranch and large farm for three generations. In nineteenth and twentieth century Texas, Mexican Americans were considered second-class citizens. They were referred to as Tejanos (Texas-born Mexicans). However, this was not true with Judge John Trully. He was a devout Christian who accepted the two families as beloved employees. He considered them members of his household. Esperansa was known as Mamacita by her son, Francisco, and by Rose, who was Judge Trully’s daughter. She raised Rose from infancy. Rose’s mother had died in childbirth with her stillborn second child. Because he was two years older than Rose, it was Francisco’s job to look after and be responsible for her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 11, 2019
• ISBN: 9781796046168

Fred Valdez

This is fred's fi rst venture into writing and his very fi rst novel. He is not your typical young, aspiring writer, but is in fact a grandfather and great grandfather doing what many people may have felt inspired to do but never took the fi rst step. Fred is an avid reader of non-fi ction war stories and is a us army veteran whose duties included serving 16 months in korea after hostilities had ceased. Having never attended college, after his service in the army was completed he attended rankin trade school in st. Louis, missouri.(Now rankin college) he served 4 years as a journeyman machinist apprentice at mcdonnell douglas aircraft (now boeing, st. Louis) after 40 years as a journeyman machinist, fred retired and started a successful tax preparation business. Spending so much time at a desk in front of a computer, he began putting his spare time to use writing a war romance novel, incorporating into his characters his faith in god and christian experience

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

January 1946

The morning sky above Plainview, Texas, was a beautiful pale blue with not a cloud to be seen for miles. The Cessna T-50 four-seater army surplus plane dived, climbed, looped and barrel rolled through the crisp blue sky.

Sobrino, (Nephew) four weeks of training and you handle this bird as expertly as you sit the saddle on a bucking Bronco. It took me three months’ training by an experienced instructor before I could handle this plane only half as well as you do.

The young man smiled. Tio Felix, you taught me everything I know about horsemanship, and you taught me well. I must confess that flying this Cessna is not like my flying days in the war. I spent all my time flying backwards as tail gunner in a B-17 bomber with my hands controlling twin .50 caliber machine guns. Francisco paused and was no longer smiling. It was as if the last twenty- four years of his life flashed through his mind like a bolt of lightning. It was as though he was two different people. He thought of the years before he lost his memory before bailing out of his stricken bomber, the two and a half years he spent on the ground fighting alongside the French Résistance and the French army and the short time in London under the care of the beautiful red-head Dr. Alice Waterhouse. She came with him to Plainview just three weeks ago to help complete his memory recovery before she returned to London. He quickly changed the subject.

I never realized how big the Trully ranch, farm and food processing plant are until looking down on it from 2,000 feet.

The older man turned in his seat, facing his young nephew. He had a slight frown on his ruggedly handsome face. Francisco, we have all talked of this after your memory returned. It is no longer just the Trully Ranch. It is the Trully Garcia Cordova Enterprise, or TGCE. John, or Judge as you always call him, made us joint partners even before he and your mother married in 1941 just before you left for overseas duty. With an investment from my wife’s inheritance, we have created a very successful enterprise. You helped make it so during all your young years of training and working with horses. This ranch is just as much yours as it is all the rest of us. That includes Rose, even though she is going to live in Boston and marry that uppity lawyer she works with. John continues adding to the original ranch house to create an estate we can all live in as one big family with the Enterprise generating wealth for all.

What he said next was to see if there would be an emotional response from the nephew he loved as if he were his own son. Francisco, it was always John’s dream that you and Rose would someday marry and make this ranch your home. Her going away to that big prestigious Harvard Law School and being influenced by those big shot easterners, and you missing in action close to three years changed everything. One thing that hasn’t changed is you will always be Francisco to me and the rest of the family and not ‘Cisco’ as that pretty red-haired doctor and lovely Lola call you.

Cisco shrugged his shoulders. He knew his uncle was only trying to get a handle on his feelings, and he owed him more than a shrug. As he leisurely circled the plane high above TGCE, Cisco turned to face his uncle. The black eye patch covering his left eye in no way took away from his very handsome face. He had black wavy hair, a well-formed nose, mouth and jaw. His pencil-thin mustache gave him a swashbuckling look as if he had just stepped off a Hollywood movie set. It wasn’t only his looks, but his charisma that drew people to him as well. "Tio, the Judge, Mamacita and you served as a moral compass for me as I was growing up. You and only you knew Rose and I were in love from our early teens, if not before. I honestly believe I have loved Rose all my life. Then I learned Rose loved someone else, and her whole future could be determined by my actions after my memory returned. I played the role of a loving stepbrother even though my mother and her father didn’t marry until after we had grown up. I congratulated Tom for choosing Rose to be his wife. Tio, neither you nor anyone in the family knew how deeply our relationship had grown before I went to war.

The war changed my life completely. The two and a half years I existed as another man pursuing my life as best I could is known only to myself, God, the others who were part of my life then, and the beautiful Dr. Alice. She got inside my head and knows me and my past life better than I know myself. We could have had a romance and almost did. With her superb analytical reasoning, she knew she could never be a Texas rancher’s wife and continue to pursue her dream of psychiatry and medicine. There’s also the fact that Rose Trully is her very best friend. You are probably wondering about me and Lola. I promised Charley as he lay dying in my arms that I would help look after Little Charley and Lola. I know she loved Charley very much. I love their son, Little Charley. I have a hard time having a romantic love for Lola, and I suspect it’s hard for her too, even though we see each other often. I have held her in my arms as any man would love to do, but the memory of Charley is always present. My memory returned just three weeks ago. What has been three years to the rest of you, has been like yesterday to me. Tio, I’m still trying to piece together the two parts of my life."

I understand, Sobrino. I understand as much as I’m able to.

Cisco circled the Farm Service Airfield, land donated to the town of Plainview by TGCE. He brought the company-owned plane in for a smooth landing. After turning the plane over to the ground crew, both men mounted their horses for the one-mile ride back to the ranch.

Tio, the town has doubled in size since I left in late December, 1941.

Indeed, it has. Who would have thought the city limits of Plainview would end at the gate to the Trully Ranch, or should I say our ranch? Of course, it can be attributed to the Trully, Garcia, and Cordova families. Not only the present, but the past generations have made the Trully Ranch what it is today. My wife’s wealth has made the food processing plant successful.

The two horsemen could have circumvented the town, but it was not uncommon for horses, buggies and automobiles to share the same streets. Much of the old town, including the Mexican side, resembled the old west with boardwalks and hitching racks in front of many of the businesses. There was also angle parking and a few stop signs that reflected more modern times. While passing the little white church, Cisco remembered Christmas day in 1941 when his mother and the Judge as well as his best friend Charley and Lola were married. His Uncle Felix and Aunt Maria repeated their wedding vows in the same church, because they had originally gotten married in a civil ceremony in New York four months before. Aunt Maria was originally from a wealthy family in Spain. Many of the folks they passed knew Felix and Francisco. Most had picked up on his nickname and called out greetings to Cisco and waved as they rode by.

Sobrino (Felix often called him by his relationship as a sign of affection, Sobrino meaning nephew in Spanish. Likewise, Cisco called him Tio, uncle.) I have been watching as you practiced the rodeo events. You have broken every record set last year at the Waco rodeo. You are sure to win every event you enter this April in Waco. Those young cowboys who have come home from service are going to have real competition going up against you.

Cisco had a slight frown on his face. Then he broke into a grin. I’m not going to enter into the events this year. God has blessed me with a talent for horsemanship and with a wonderful trainer when I was growing up that most men will never acquire. I would like to give the boys coming home a head start. I will place the rodeo circuit on hold this year. I know the family has been very generous making me a partner in the Enterprise, and I value the love and trust all of you have given me. All my life my one goal has been to buy my own horse ranch with money I have earned.

Felix made no reply to that assertion. He knew it would be useless.

Francisco, I have been training four white quarter horse stallions for over a year to run in unison for a Roman Chariot demonstration to be performed as the opening exhibition at this year’s first Texas Rodeo in Waco this April.

That shouldn’t be a problem for two experienced riders.

I’m not talking about two riders, Sobrino. I envision one rider in control of all four horses using them as a galloping platform to perform riding tricks, such as standing upright with the state flag of Texas in one hand and the stars and stripes in the other while circling the arena at full gallop and jumping a three- foot hurdle. After that, you can make up your own tricks for the next twenty minutes.

Cisco laughed, You said, You! Does that mean I’m supposed to be that rider?

Felix smiled, Well, I was kind of thinking of you. I’ve taught you about every trick conceivable that can be done on the back of a horse since you were five years old.

As they rode through town, they skirted the city park and war memorial without speaking. The street that led to the Trully ranch was once a county road that Cisco had walked to school every day with Rose Trully until she was fifteen and went away to a girls’ college prep school. Riding through the large ornate gate that proclaimed in bold letters - Trully Garcia Cordova Enterprise, Cisco couldn’t help but be amazed after being home only three weeks. The once modest old ranch house was now a three-story dwelling. It was a cross between a Texas ranch house and a Spanish hacienda. A smile came to his face as he looked across the yard at the old carriage house that years ago had been converted into a small cottage where he grew up. He now called that small cottage his home. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to live in the big house with the rest of the family, but he had to have something of the past to hold on to. He would always join the family at meal time. That was something Mamacita insisted upon.

As they rode around back and tied their horses to the hitching rail, little Robby, Felix’s four-year old son, came running and jumped into his daddy’s arms. Following with squeals and laughter, little Evie jumped into Cisco’s arms.

Broder Cisco, when are you going to let me fly wid you?

Mamacita says you can’t go up in the airplane until you are older, and you can’t have a pony until you are five years old.

She held up three little fingers. I this old. Brother, will you teach me to ride a horsey like you?

I will someday, honey.

You won’t go off and leave me like Sissy Rose always does, will you?

Evie, Sissy Rose always has to go back to school which is very far away. She loves you as much as I do, and I will always try to stay close to you. The ranch was a very busy place during the day with a suite of offices that served as headquarters for the Enterprise. Mamacita, Aunt Maria and Aunt Maria’s daughter, Elaina, ran the Enterprise with a staff of three secretaries and a receptionist. Elaina’s husband was killed a month before the war in the Pacific ended leaving her with a new born son. Felix and Cisco were always with the ranch hands caring for the large herd of Mustangs and training the stock quarter horses. The horses were much sought after by rodeos, circuses and the Hollywood western movie industry. The household was managed by their cook Lupe Lopez, her husband Raphael and their unmarried daughter, Abelena. Abelena looked after the children and served as a maid. Judge Trully spent most of his day in his court chambers in Plainview.

Just as little Robby followed Felix down to the corral to watch him train horses, little Evie was there jumping up and down clapping her hands as Cisco practiced tricks on the backs of the four big chariot trained stallions. Cisco filled a place in Evie’s life that a busy mother and father could not do. She also filled a void in Cisco’s life he badly needed. The bond between the two brought cheer to the entire family.

Francisco, for the last two weeks you have been practicing hot and heavy. I would say you have a handle on performing some very unique tricks. However, there is something missing to give the performance a special flare. Let me think on it overnight, and we will talk in the morning.

Cisco looked puzzled, but he trusted his uncle’s expertise.

The next morning over coffee Cisco listened to his uncle’s idea for added flair to his performance. He smiled. Sounds great. This won’t take too much practice on my part.

CHAPTER 2

The family sat around the large oak dining table and the Judge said, Well Felix, are you and Francisco all set to leave for the big rodeo in Waco?

"You bet, John. Francisco and I will drive the truck and trailer hauling the four big stallions. Four other wranglers who are participating in the events will follow with their horses.

Evie cried out, I want to go to the rodeo too. I want to see broder ride.

Robbie was already out of his chair running to Felix. Dad, I want to go too. Please let me and Evie come with you.

Mamacita had a very determined look. Children, both of you have watched Francisco practice. Maria and I cannot take a week away from the business to look after you. A howl of protest went up from the two, big tears began to roll down Evie’s cheeks.

Elaina came to the rescue. I could leave baby Douglas with Abelena. She looks after him most of the time anyway. The two of you could share my responsibilities, and I would love to see Francisco ride.

Mamacita looked at Maria, Maria looked at Felix, and Felix looked at Cisco.

Cisco grinned. Sure, why not? Sounds good to me.

Three nights later Cisco was standing on the veranda of the Waco Inn enjoying the warm spring Texas air. A soft footstep caused him to turn.

Cisco, mind if I join you? Is it alright if I call you Cisco like some of your other friends?

Elaina, it would be my pleasure for you to join me, and I would be delighted for you to call me Cisco. I might add that you look lovely in the moonlight.

Thank you. I have been hoping we would have a chance to talk ever since your memory returned. I had my new born to look after, and with Abelena’s help I was able to return to work with the Enterprise. You were always with the horses. The only time we saw each other was at the dinner table, and pass the salt or pass the pepper was not much of a conversation.

She laughed. Do you remember when we first met?

Indeed, I do. It was the spring of 1940. Felix and I were in Spring River, New York helping the Barrington’s establish a western theme park. He chuckled. Or as Felix called it, a Dude Ranch. You were the prettiest, rudest, most quick-tempered girl I ever met.

That was because I thought Joann Barrington was throwing herself at you, and you were enjoying every bit of it.

Joann and I were very good friends, just as you and I became very good friends.

Cisco, you and I could have been more than friends. If the situation had been different. Your uncle and my mother fell in love and married. Then mother enrolled me in college, and you had to go back to Texas to finish your last year of high school. I have no regrets because I fell in love and married a naval aviator. Doug was a wonderful guy. We had three months of happiness before he was shipped to the Pacific Theater. He was killed in the battle for Okinawa.

Cisco took her hand. I’m sorry for your loss. He knew her pain, but no one would ever know the pain he suffered at losing those he loved.

Cisco, that’s all in the past. We still have the future. Is there a serious romance between you and Lola Fischer?

Yes and no. I feel a personal responsibility to her. You see, her husband Charley was my best friend. Charley and Lola, Rose Trully and I were a foursome as teenagers. I was with Charley when he died. I promised him I would help look after Lola and little Charley.

Yes, I know. Felix told me the story and showed me the war memorial. He also told me of your love for Rose and how you so nobly gave her up after your memory returned so she could marry Tom Blakefield. Even if she doesn’t love him, she will become part of the prestigious Blakefield law firm of Boston. Don’t you think you have a right to love again?

He smiled. Elaina, it’s dangerous for two people like you and me to talk about love in the moonlight.

But why are you afraid to fall in love?

"Elaina, you know nothing about the past four years of my life. I have lost every woman I ever loved and refused the love of others because I didn’t want to hurt them. It seems my whole life is one of responding to situations where the hand of fate has guided me, or perhaps the hand of God. I know I have the appearance of an adventurer and project an image of a dashing cavalier. Much of that is due to the tutoring of a very educated, beautiful women in the