Noah Stone 3: Life and Death in Mexico

By Patrick M. Browning

Noah Stone is a man! The kind all men would like to be! He is like the famous 'Pardner' in that he too is the epitome of the 'Lover, Fighter and Wild Horse rider! We are going to follow him through his life. It is not always the typical 'Hero Fluff' most authors try to present. Noah's story is a more realistic tale of a bold and fearless man who

• Language: English
• Publisher: Westwood Books Publishing
• Release date: Sep 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685368289

Patrick M. Browning

Patrick M Browning has spent his life Cowboying all over the west and deep into Old Mexico, managing some of the largest cattle and horse ranches in both countries. These many years in the saddle have given him the advantage of a perspective and knowledge of his subject matter, few writers of our generation have the benefit of drawing from. His works on Contemporary Cowboy life have a true to life feeling and flavor that only comes with actual experience. PMB, 'Lives the life he writes, and Writes the life he lives!"

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Copyright © 2022 by Patrick M. Browning.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

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El Rancho Estrella is one of the largest and most famous cattle operation in all of Mexico. It is being run by Deloris Rivera and overseen by our protagonist, Noah Stone. Those of you who know Noah understand he is not the typical Western hero we so often read about or see depicted in movies.

Noah Stone is a cattleman in the first sense of the word and does what he feels is right and necessary at all times. He has killed bandits, drug runners, human traffickers, and cattle thieves. Most of these killings were in the defense of his own life and more often, while saving someone else’s.

Please accept him for who and what he is! For he is the epitome of the lover, fighter, and wild horse rider! I hope you will enjoy the ride!

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

CHAPTER 1

Noah and his wife, Angel, had become associated with the most powerful and dangerous organization (cartel) in Mexico and were walking the thin line between operating their legal enterprises and doing all possible to avoid getting involved in the illegal parts of this conglomerate.

Noah had become very fond of the jefe and his wife. Francisco Alverez and Raquel were truly wonderful people that happened to run a collection of enterprises so varied and illegal as to make it perilous simply to be connected to them.

In truth, that was the enticement for Noah! The thrill of proving he would willingly lay his life on the line for something he believed in was what drove him! This character trait was proving to be advantageous in his current environment.

Noah and Angel had been staying a few days a month at the El Rancho Estrella, making any necessary changes in grazing rotations and supplementations. They also developed a vaccination and weaning schedule for the six-thousand-head herd.

Mexican cattlemen have habitually left their bulls out year-round, which leads to a very uneven calf crop and makes marketing your cattle much more difficult. Noah was now developing a breeding program for the cattle with Andre, Deloris’s second in charge, to put out the bulls on a schedule and take them off no more than ninety days later creating a more uniform calf crop.

Patron, we have always left our bulls out with the cattle! Andre noted.

Yes, and there was no electricity or phone, and wages were a tenth of what they are now, and you drove wagons to town. My point, Andre, is that just because you have always done things a certain way does not mean we are obligated or doomed to do them the same way forever, especially when a better method is available, Noah explained.

We will do as you recommend, patron!

Please keep in mind, my friend, this will assist in generating more income for the ranch and increase the profitability enough that we might be able to give all the vaqueros a raise in salary, as we have done for you, Noah said, making a point that Andre fully understood.

Yes, patron! Andre replied.

Once Andre was fully on board with Noah’s plan, Noah was impressed with the knowledge this old-world charro had gained through a life working with cattle. He made practical suggestions and intelligent solutions to even complicated problems. Together they created a management plan for the ranch that would exponentially increase the potential productivity and so the profitability of the operation.

Before their stay was over, Noah received a very urgent call from the jefe in Cananea requesting he return ASAP. Noah went over some final instructions with Deloris and Andre, gathered up Angel, and headed back to the jefe’s compound.

Noah and Angel had been given the use of a five-passenger Cessna 340A, which had a range of 1,618 miles and could carry cargo totaling, right at 2,000 lb. and travel 281 mph. It had two Continental TSIO-520-EB engines of 300 hp each! It was more than enough to handle the 1,271.4 miles to the Estrella, located east of Mexico City. The jefe also provided them a pilot to take them back and forth to the rancho.

This made the trip from the Cananea Compound to El Rancho Estrella, near Mexico City, just over four and a half, hours including takeoff and landing. There were private airstrips at both the compound and the rancho. Eventually Noah learned to fly the Cessna, himself, eliminating the need for the pilot. This made the trip much more enjoyable and not that it was a factor, more cost effective as well.

Noah didn’t like burdening a pilot by having them either fly back to the compound and then return to get them or wait at the ranch for them to finish. With Noah flying the plane, they did not feel the pressure of needing to rush through a visit to the ranch. Today, however, rushing was exactly what was mandated.

As soon as they landed and drove the SUV to the compound, they were met by the jefe, who said, "My brother, we have had an attempt to kidnap Raquel! I had Hector take one of your magnificent cane corsos, Tres, and accompany her to town, and several men pulled alongside them and stopped, jumped out, and grabbed Raquel. They struck Hector with an iron bar, knocking him down, but Tres tore the weapon out of the assailant’s hand and took a large piece of his arm off as he did. He then grabbed one of the men holding Raquel and took him down.

Instead of just staying with this one already disabled villain, Tres took the third man down as well. The van sped off, and Hector took the bar and beat the three assailants, holding them until the policia arrived and took them into custody. My dear brother, your gift saved my wife, and I will always be grateful. As will she, the jefe finished.

Is Raquel all right? Noah asked.

Yes! Thanks exclusively to Tres! He is now her constant companion! Martin is his handler and Raquel’s body man, the jefe informed.

What can I do, Francis? I will not stand by and have Raquel afraid to go to Cananea! Noah stated.

Excellent! I would like you to go to town and interrogate these three villains and learn who sent them. You will have free access to them and will not be limited to your methods. Will you do this for me, my brother? the jefe asked.

I will do this and deal with the men who sent them. I am not only doing this for you, my brother, but for Raquel as well! No one will be able to implicate you or any of your people in this retribution for this violation of our dear Raquel! Please watch Angel while I am away! he said to the jefe. He then turned to Angel, You cannot go with me this time, my love! You stay with the jefe and Raquel and do whatever he asks of you! Noah instructed.

Yes, patron! Please be careful, my brave and impulsive husband! Angel asked sweetly.

Noah went into the Comisaria de Policia in Cananea and asked where these three bad men were. He was shown a cell where the three men who had all been brutally mauled by Tres were all located. The policia shut the door going into the cells, and Noah went in and proceeded to extract the required information.

The procedure he employed to accomplish this lends itself to unfavorable opinion and so will be omitted and simply say here that he was given all the necessary names and locations he desired. He left them with the knowledge that if any part of their declaration was not absolutely accurate, he would come back with Tres and his two cane corso associates and put them all three in the cell with them. He was assured that every word they uttered was gospel.

Noah asked that these men be held until he returned, regardless of how long it was.

That will be done! the policia guaranteed.

He took a car from in front of the Comisaria de Policia and drove the twenty-four hours to the Perez Compound west of Mexico City, where he was told the opposition, Perez Cartel Compound, was located. He stashed the car where it wouldn’t be towed or stolen, in case he needed it quickly when he was through.

He hung around all the rest of that day near enough the compound he could see any vehicles coming or going. There were a few that entered the compound and left again later, but none originating from inside.

Later in the evening, two cars pulled out and came toward town. He said to himself, Surely, I can’t be this lucky! I thought I was going to have to storm the castle! Instead they are coming to me!

The two SUVs did not stop at the galleria where Noah was waiting, but just down the road a ways. He walked that direction and watched as four heavily armed men got out and walked around the SUVs and opened the door and a twenty-something woman got out, and then right behind her was a cute little boy about five or six, possibly seven.

Damn! I am not going to scare a child. I will have to wait, he said to himself. He boldly walked into the Palacio de Hierro like he was a shopper. He walked to the other side of a rack of children’s clothing the young woman was looking through, obviously for this little boy. He listened carefully to their conversation.

Two of the guards had walked into the store and were flirting with a cashier and not paying any attention to the woman or the child. He walked back out, and neither of the two outside guards had stayed with the SUVs.

Do you think this is a setup? he asked himself. He figured, what the hell, and reached into the open driver’s window of the second SUV and popped the hood. He jerked the distributer and wires out and quietly closed the hood. He dropped the distributor and wires into a trash can not too far away and went back in the store.

The two inside guards were still playing with the cashier, and Noah started a conversation with the young girl.

Is what I think is going to happen, about to, senor? she asked nervously, but not too scared.

Possibly, senorita. Will you be okay? I will not scare the boy. You have my word, Noah said.

I will come with him, or I will scream! she said calmly.

That is fair enough. Step outside and into the front SUV, please. I will be right there. Stay down once you get in the SUV. I do not know where the two outside guards have gone but will not allow this fine young man to be in any needless danger.

We will do this, senor. You are very different from what we have been told, the nanny said.

Do you know your people tried to kidnap a women in Cananea? he asked.

No! I had not been told. I am very sorry! Is she all right? the nanny asked.

Yes, Noah replied. Please go now and get into the first car, he repeated.

She took the boy’s hand and went out and got into the first SUV. The guards had still not returned, as they were expecting the shopping to take much longer than it had because of Noah’s interruption.

Apparently the two inside guards weren’t expecting an early exit either as they had walked to the back of the store with the cashier. Noah simply walked out and got in the SUV and found the keys were still in it!

I can’t believe this! he said out loud.

Senor, they are not expecting anyone to be bold enough to steal one of the capo’s automobiles—or his son, for that matter! the nanny said.

Noah started the SUV and quietly drove away. He started to calmly visit with the nanny. He figured since he hadn’t had to kill anyone, and he was going to take her to the jefe, she might as well know who he was and what he was doing. He said, My name is Noah Stone, and I am very pleased to meet a brave and pretty young woman like you!

My name is Augustina, and this handsome young man is Julio Perez.

It is nice to meet you, Senor Noah Stone! Julio said.

Why thank you, young man. It is very nice to meet you as well, Noah said.

Where are you taking us, Senor Stone? Julio asked.

I am Augustina’s boyfriend, and I am taking her to meet my parents! We wanted them to meet you as well! Is that okay with you, my friend? Noah asked politely.

Yes, I would very much like to meet your parents. You seem very nice, Mr. Stone. I will bet they are nice too, young Julio said, smiling.

Very well done, Mr. Stone, Augustina complimented.

Noah drove straight north, like he was going to Nogales, but at Imuris, he turned off to Cananea. In just under twenty-four hours from the time Augustina and Julio got into the car, Noah pulled through the gates of the jefe’s compound.

This is a very beautiful place, Senor Noah! Wake up, Julio! We are here! Augustina said to the young man, and he too thought the compound was beautiful.

The jefe and Hector, accompanied by Dos, walked to them. Noah got down and called the huge dog to him.

Ven aqui! Noah said, and Hector released Dos. The huge dog came to Noah and sat in front of Julio, and because there was no threat, Dos licked the boy’s face, and Julio wrestled with the huge dog.

Miss, I am Senor Alverez, and I apologize for any inconvenience we may have caused you. Welcome to our home, the jefe said elegantly.

See, Augustina! I told you that Noah’s parents would be nice! Julio said.

Yes, you did Julio, and you were right! Augustina said.

My primo, Rafael will show you to your room, and we will have a welcome-to-our-home dinner ready in a short time, the jefe said.

Before she and Julio followed Rafael, Augustina turned to Noah and said, Thank you for handling this with honor and respect, Senor Stone. If we had just one man like you in the Perez Cartel, this would have gone much differently!

Senorita Augustina, there is no other man like Senor Stone! the jefe complimented.

I truly believe that is very true, Senor Alverez! Augustina said sweetly.

Rafael showed Augustina and Julio to a beautiful very well-guarded room down a long hall.

Please make yourself comfortable, miss. I will come get you both for dinner, Rafael said respectfully.

Noah Stone, you are an absolute wonder! Raquel stated as she rushed to him, kissing him tenderly. Raquel, accompanied by Martin and Tres and Angel, had all come out after Rafael had taken Augustina and Julio away. How in the world did you pull this off, sweetheart? Raquel asked amazed.

I stole a car, drove it to Mexico City, met Augustina and Julio in a clothing store, and asked them to come with me. That was pretty much it, he said, downplaying his part considerably.

Angel, if this knucklehead ever tells you all the details of this miracle, please share it with me! It is just one more reason to think our guards are correct and Noah is actually a ghost, as no live man could go alone into any cartel’s compound and come home with the capo’s son. No man, that is, except for our Noah Stone. Raquel bragged.

Ladies, it is oftentimes better to be lucky than it is to be good! he said humbly.

Come on, patron, let’s get you cleaned up and dressed for dinner, Angel suggested.

As they headed toward their room, Raquel said, Thank you for Tres! He is like you and can’t count! He took on that gang of kidnappers without stopping to see how many there were, just like you do! He saved my ass! she said a bit coarsely.

If I remember correctly, it is an ass worth saving! Noah said, being naughty!

Is this going to be that kind of a visit? the jefe asked eagerly.

Jefe, behave yourself! We have a five-year-old guest! Raquel scolded.

All right, I suppose I should make a call, anyway! the jefe said.

It would be more effective if you wait until morning or possibly even the next day or simply wait until he calls you! They certainly suspect you have him, but there is not a person on earth that knows that for a fact other than us here in the compound, Noah suggested.

Patron, you are a cruel man! Just imagine how that fool is suffering right this minute, the jefe said. I will, how you say, ‘let him soak,’ patron!

Noah and Angel walked to their room, where he cleaned up and got dressed. He saw Angel hang back up an outfit she had laid out on the bed and get a different one out.

Weren’t expecting me home so soon, babe? he asked.

I didn’t even think it was possible, my love! As Raquel said, no one man could accomplish what you did as quickly as you did! she said proudly.

Why did you change the clothes you were going to wear, babe? he asked, a bit suspiciously.

Patron! I was going to dress to have dinner with the jefe and Raquel originally, not a five-year-old- boy! You need to get more rest! she teased.

Okay, that makes sense! Sorry! he said.

Look, my love, I know that Rosa cheated on you and lied to you and broke your heart! I am not Rosa! I am Angel Stone, your wife, and I will never, lie to you, and I will never cheat on you, and I will never hide or even try to keep anything from you! Is that clear! she asked sternly.

Yes! I am sorry, sweetheart! I should have known better! You wouldn’t fool around on me! Now that we have killed the giant, anyway! he said, being a smart-ass!

Angel smiled at him and shook her head at the big goof, then after a moment as they were just walking out, If you say it is all right first, it’s not cheating, right? And she skipped out of the room!

Damn! he said and was certainly smiling.

They walked into the dining room, and Raquel was sitting talking to Julio, and he was smiling and enjoying the conversation. The jefe was talking to Augustina, and they too were having a pleasant conversation.

Dinner was just being set on the table, and Raquel sat on one side of Julio, and Angel sat on his other side. Augustina sat in between the jefe and the patron!

Senor Noah, your momma looks younger than you! How is that possible? Julio asked seriously.

I’m adopted, Julio! Noah explained.

Oh! That makes sense.

Raquel was smiling and hugged Julio. Noah smiled at her, and the jefe asked, Julio, do I look old enough to be Senor Noah’s father? fishing for compliments.

Oh, yes, sir! Absolutely! Julio said honestly.

The jefe looked shocked, and no one made a sound, until Raquel started giggling, then Angel joined her, and even Augustina smiled a little.

Out of the mouth of babes, I suppose! the jefe said and laughed out loud!

Dinner was served, and everyone was impressed at how well-mannered Julio was.

Augustina, you are truly a treasure, my dear! Julio is a real gentleman! Raquel said.

Thank you! He is a pleasure to care for. He is very polite at all times, Augustina stated.

They ate and then moved to the library, and all had drinks.

Augustina, would it be all right if we offered Julio a soda? the jefe asked.

Yes, he does enjoy a pop from time to time. Coca-Cola is his favorite, Augustina said.

In a glass with ice or in a chilled bottle? Raquel asked.

I like to hold the bottle while I drink it, ma’am, Julio said.

They all had their drinks, and Raquel spoke to one of the maids in a whisper.

The maid said, Yes, ma’am, and left the room.

They sat and talked, and Julio spoke when asked a question, but spent most of his time admiring both Tres and Una, as Hector had a third handler, Alex, exchange Dos for Una.

Martin, please bring Tres here so Julio may play with him, Raquel said.

Martin did, and the huge dog sat in front of Julio and laid his huge head in the boy’s lap! Julio petted and rubbed on the massive head and kissed his nose several times and smiled and giggled as only a young boy playing with a gigantic dog can!

Shortly, the maid Raquel had spoken to earlier returned, and Raquel said, Augustina, you may be here a few days, and I realize the patron didn’t bring any extra clothes with you, so I took the liberty of sending one of our gals out for a few outfits for you. I hope you like them.

Thank you very much, but if I may say so, I truly believe the patron would have taken me right into the middle of the compound and help me pick out a complete wardrobe had I just asked him to! He is a very amazing man! Augustina said, obviously quite taken with Noah.

Ma’am, I didn’t bring any clothes either, Julio said cutely.

I will bet there are some things in these bags for you too! Raquel said to this fine young man.

I hope they are cowboy clothes like the patron’s! Julio said shyly. He too was very impressed with Noah!

I am glad to hear that! We bought you exactly what the patron wears. Right down to the black redtop boots! Raquel said, smiling at this little man who was smiling back at her as happy as a boy can be!

Is this an example of the Stockholm Syndrome? the jefe asked.

No, jefe, it is a case of well-deserved admiration! Augustina said sweetly.

Well, it appears you have made two new friends, patron! Angel teased.

Miss, have you ever seen how the patron moves through a dangerous situation calmly without fear or hesitation? It is very stimulating! Augustina asked Angel breathlessly.

Yes, my dear! He lives his life that way and has provided us all many opportunities to observe his willingness to give his life, to save someone else, or simply because he gave his word! You are quite correct. It is extremely stimulating and terrifying at the same time! Angel stated.

I want to be just like the patron when I grow up! Julio said boldly.

Julio, there are many better men to pattern your life after. Like the jefe here! He is a great man, as I am sure your own father is. I’m just a horseman trying to do the best he can and attempting to get better every day! Noah said humbly.

No, patron, you are brave and kind and nice. I do not know the jefe here yet, and he is probably good too. My papa is very hard and not very nice to people. He makes me watch him hurt people that have been…Augustina, what is that word? Julio asked his nanny.

"Disloyal is the word you are looking for, Julio," Augustina answered.

Yes, disloyal! I hate watching it. They are so scared and cry and beg, but I must watch! If I look away or cry, then I get punished. I feel very sad watching them, Julio said with little-boy tears in his eyes.

Julio, you will be a great leader one day. Your father is simply doing what he thinks is necessary to make you strong and to earn and retain the loyalty of his people. I think there are better ways to do that. I believe that a man can earn respect through his actions. A man who is fair, just, and kind, while still being firm, resolute, and adamant in his purpose is what makes a true leader! Noah explained.

Damn! I want to be just like the patron when I grow up as well! the jefe said seriously. I pledge here at this table, before God and these witnesses, to try to achieve that lofty goal, the jefe said!

Hear, hear! both Raquel and Martin said.

The jefe shot a stern look at Martin and then smiled and shook his finger at his wife’s dog handler. Go easy, dog boy! I have not converted just yet! the jefe said and then laughed.

Martin exhaled and said softly, Sorry, jefe.

That is all right, Martin. It just exemplifies the need for me to be more like the patron! the jefe said. However, I would not make a habit of further outburst, though!

Angel, would you help me get Augustina and Julio settled into their room for the night, please? Raquel asked.

Certainly, Raquel! I will be happy to. Let me carry some of these packages for you, Julio, she said sweetly.

Okay. But I am going to wear my boots! Julio said, very young boyish.

Of course, and we will set them right next to your bed so you can put them back on first thing in the morning! Angel said, mainly to make sure that Julio did not plan on wearing them to bed!

Well done, Angel, well done indeed! Raquel said.

They got to the room and took everything out of the bags the maid had brought home. There were baby dolls for Augustina and pj’s for Julio.

Will these work, Augustina? Raquel asked while the nanny looked through all that was purchased for them.

Everything is perfect. I have always wanted sexy underwear, but never have owned any! Never really had a good reason to, she said a bit sadly and excitedly at the same time.

We can get you some that are more practical, if you would rather, Augustine? Raquel stated.

No! These are wonderful! I love them, and the outfits are perfect. I have always been made to dress plainly at the compound. The capo’s wife insisted, Augustina said.

That is a shame, Augustina! You are quite pretty and should be allowed to dress as you wish, Angel said.

Angel, things down here in Mexico are very different than they are north of the border. Augustina is under the rules of her employers and must follow them exactly. It is just the way life is here in Mexico, Raquel explained.

CHAPTER 2

The next morning, the patron had the nanny called her capo.

Julio is fine. In fact, we are both better than fine. We are in the care and custody of a very nice Americano named Noah Stone, and he is a gentleman and is treating us well, the nanny said.

An Americano? What does an Americano want with the son of a capo and his nanny? the capo said.

My capo, he simply wishes to speak with you, is all, Augustina swore.

Is he there with you now, Augustina? the capo asked.

Yes, capo, he is right here. Would you care to speak with him? Augustina asked.

Yes, Augustina, I would most certainly like to talk with him! the capo said angrily.

Augustina passed Noah the phone. (Remember this is also all in Spanish).

What have you done with my son? If you have hurt one hair on his head, I will watch you die long and slow! the capo said nervously, obviously very scared.

Capo, I am Noah Stone, and first of all, don’t you ever threaten me again, or I will come and cut your rude tongue out of your head! Do you understand me, capo? He received no response. I asked if you understood what I said, capo, Noah repeated.

Yes, I understand. Where is my son? the capo asked politely.

He is right here playing with this big dog. Julio, run over here and speak to your papa! Yes, you can bring Tres, Noah said.

Hola, Papa! You should come play with us! Noah is the bravest man in the world, and Angelina and Raquel are the two most beautiful women alive, and Papa Stone is old. Most important is Tres. He is a gentle giant, and I love him very much! When are you coming to meet this fine family? Julio asked.

He sounds happy, Mr. Stone. What is going on here? the capo asked far less rudely.

Sir, I am trying to get you and the jefe of the Perez Cartel together and work something out so we can all stop acting like beasts and work as partners. I have your son and the jefe’s wife! Noah said.

"How did you get her? I sent five men, and they were foiled by a single man and a dog! Are you that man? And is the big dog my son plays with now the