Noah Stone 5: Moving to Mexico

By Patrick M. Browning

In "Returning to Mexico," the fifth book in the Noah Stone series, we follow our hero as he goes back to the Rancho Estrella. This move back to the ranch is not trouble-free, as life seldom is for our Hero. Noah's actions will again be seen as violent and sometimes even illegal, and some of our more sensitive readers may find his tendency toward

• Language: English
• Publisher: Westwood Books Publishing
• Release date: Feb 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9798888872307

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 © 2023 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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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 1

Noah made arrangements to ship the 510 heads of bred Angus Heifers he had just purchased in Wyoming, which were now being held at the P/W in Rio Rico, to the Rancho Estrella near Mexico City. He also spoke with Mr. Bales and made a deal for him to purchase the P/W and give the money to Norma Pennyworth.

Since Ralph Pennyworth had passed away, his wife Norma was taking their two young, adopted daughters, Anna and Sophia, and moving to Green Valley to live with her sister. They would be taking the two little girls’ Cane Corso puppies with them, but Norma was giving Noah back the puppies mother, Sissy, as three huge dogs would simply be too much for Green Valley place.

Norma’s sister had a large enough property to accommodate two of these large dogs but felt it would be too much to have all three of them. Noah could really use Sissy on the Mexican ranch, so he agreed to take care of her for Norma.

Noah was taking his wife Helena and their friends Sabrina and Alexa to Mexico. They were bringing the Braille Embosser they had purchased for Helena so she would be able to assist Deloris Rivera, the Ranch Office manager, in the Rancho Estrella office, and Sabrina will be working on the ranch with Noah. Their other girlfriend, Alexa, will work at the Cananea Pharmaceutical plant.

Noah and Helena will live in the apartment over the barn, and Sabrina has the option of using one of the four bedrooms in Noah’s old house or staying with them in the apartment. Without hesitation, Sabrina chose to stay in the apartment with Noah and Helena.

That was best, as Noah had already moved Guadalupe, Star, and their children, Angel, Cheryl, Roberto, and Israel, into his old house, and even though they would have welcomed Sabrina with open arms, it was more comfortable for her to stay with Noah and Helena. She had lived with them for the better part of two years already, anyway.

The deal was made with Mr. Bales to purchase the P/W and the down payment, and monthly installments were to be put in the bank for Norma Pennyworth. These were set up as a trust that would earn interest and give Norma and her two daughters a steady income for life.

Mr. Bales retained all the P/W Vaqueros and had Jason Cummings, the Manager of the XW, take over the new ranch management, and Jason was assured Noah would always be available to consult whenever he was needed. Jason was as familiar with the P/W as anyone, and the transition of ownership would not affect the day-to-day operation to any great degree.

Noah had the P/W vaqueros gather the new Angus Heifers and had Dr. Escalada write all the requisite health papers and have a fleet of ten Mexican Cattle trucks come across the border and load the 510 head of Heifers in preparation for the 24-hour trip to the Rancho Estrella. Cattle can be on a truck for as much as 28 hours without experiencing significant stress if the drivers use good practices while traveling. Avoiding sudden stops and wild turns or quick start-offs, but it still can be extremely hard on them. However, it can be even harder on them to load and unload them at a halfway point, so a decision must be made.

(All conversations from here on were once again held in Spanish but will be translated into English for your reading convenience.)

Noah shipped his heifers without incident because he had inspected the trucks and ensured that the trailers were clean and safe. He also gave strict orders to each of the truck drivers, informed them who the new owner of these Heifers was, and warned them to make sure to handle the trip with common sense and be sure they all arrived in a good condition as possible. He also insisted they travel together and that none of them take off ahead of the other trucks. Noah would fly down and be there to receive the Heifers and make sure to have clean water and feed waiting for them.

He could have unloaded them at a point halfway to the Estrella, but the chance of problems would be exasperated exponentially by unloading and reloading the cattle. Overnighting the heifers in an unfamiliar set of corrals increased their risk of exposure to a variety of diseases as well as their risk of injury. He had shipped cattle that were on the trucks for longer than the 24 hours required on this trip successfully before, and so he made the decision to ship them straight through. He insisted that each truck had two drivers, so no layovers would be necessary and, other than for fueling stops, the cattle could travel non-stop to the Estrella.

He called Deloris at the Ranch and had her make sure that Andre had everything ready to hold these new heifers for a couple of days to get them reacclimated before they drove them to the new pastures. He had checked and rechecked everything possible to insure a safe arrival at the Estrella. He shipped his personal horses, Ritter, Casey, Flash, and Lightning, whom Noah had purchased from the P/W, and the four Aztecas, with a horse hauler going with a van to Mexico City to pick up a load of racehorses earlier in the week, along with all his tack.

Noah had the advantage of some powerful friends in Mexico and had no quarantine mandates on either his heifers or his horses when moving them across the border. This is normally a very expensive and time-consuming problem whenever anyone is transporting livestock across international borders.

(In the years since our story took place in 1978, it has become even more complicated to import livestock into Mexico. The new rules and regulations have benefited the Country’s Agricultural standing in the world markets considerably and have proven to be well worth the additional effort on the part of the livestock importers.)

Noah acquired all the necessary health paperwork and inspection certificates and was prepared for any problems which may have developed at the border, but as soon as the Mexican Livestock officials saw the destination Ranch, all further delays were ceased, and the 10 semi-trucks loaded with bred Angus Heifers were allowed to pass without further ado.

Noah said goodbye to the P/W crew and drove, Helena, Sabrina, Alexa, and the big dog, Sissy, to Cananea and the Alverez compound. He left Alexa there with Lucile and flew the two girls to the Estrella Rancho to receive the Heifers. The Jefe Alverez asked if he could keep Sissy and breed her to either Uno or Dos for a litter of pups, and Noah said that would be perfect, as he wanted a couple of these fine dogs for the Estrella. So, Sissy the Cane Corso stayed with Hector, who was in charge of the dog kennel on the Alverez compound, to get pregnant and raise the puppies she was going to have until they were old enough to leave home. 

Once again, Noah was ‘dogless.’ He was not thrilled with that fact, but he was looking forward to having a couple of Sissy’s sons to work with. They stayed the night and let the girls get to know the Jefe, then flew out first thing the next morning, which would get them to the ranch well before the trucks arrived with the Heifers. The flight was uneventful, and upon arrival, they were met by Deloris, who was driving a brand-new Chrysler Town and Country station wagon.

I see the ranch is doing better than I thought! Noah teased Deloris, his GM.

I gave the old station wagon to Guadalupe to use to run to town for supplies. Star has that new 1978 Pontiac Trans AM that Raven bought her, but there is not enough room in it for all of Guadalupe’s weekly shopping supplies. Besides, Patron, you have increased the ranch’s productivity and stopped Joaquin’s stealing. We can damn sure afford a good automobile for you to drive! Deloris stated adamantly.

Damn, Girl! I love the car. You need to relax a bit and realize when I am kidding you! Noah said, realizing he had hit a nerve.

You make me crazy, Patron! I wanted you to be proud of me! Deloris said almost in tears.

I am, sweetheart! You did wonderfully, Deloris. Sorry, sometimes I don’t know when to be silly and when to be serious. Noah apologized.

Excuse me, Deloris. I am Helena, and this is Sabrina. It doesn’t appear that we will ever be introduced if we don’t introduce ourselves. Helena said so, smiling kindly at Deloris.

I have been looking forward to meeting you both! It is a real honor to meet you two! I cannot imagine how two such magnificently beautiful and seemingly intelligent women could possibly live with this pain in the butt! Deloris said giggling.

You know that I can hear you, don’t you? Noah said, smiling.

You were supposed to hear! Now, do you like the car or not? Deloris teased.

Yes, Ma’am. It is the perfect ranch office vehicle! Thank you for getting it for us! Noah smiled at this woman, who had come out of her shell considerably due to the pressures of running this rapidly expanding ranch and oil production enterprise! How are you holding up, Babe? Noah asked her.

Just barely, Patron! I truly believe that had you not returned just when you did, I would have run screaming down the road! Deloris stated truthfully.

I am sorry about that, sweetheart, but if you don’t mind, Helena is going to help you with the paperwork! Can you live with that? Noah stated more than what was asked.

That would be more than wonderful, Patron! Deloris said, then added, Helena, you will be very welcome! I have become overwhelmed and need help desperately. Deloris said truthfully.

I will do all I can to assist you, Deloris. I have my Braille Embosser and will be able to help you with all your paperwork and take any of the phone calls you would like me to handle for you. Helena offered.

That would be like a dream come true! Deloris said sincerely.

Helena is the most efficient accountant I have ever worked with, Deloris. She will have everything organized for us in no time. I will take over dealing with the Oil company folks, and Andre and I will get the ranch back under control. All you will need to do is forge my name on the payroll checks and swap stories about how wonderful I am with Helena! Noah teased.

That will kill about 5 minutes. What will I do all the rest of the time? Deloris shot back, showing she could be a bit sassy when the occasion called for her to be!

Maybe you could do what we pay you for and ‘Manage’ something, smartass! Noah said trying to act stern, but his smile ruined the effect!

I suppose I could do that. Deloris smiled back at him sweetly.

Damn! I am going to love it here! Sabrina said.

Are you going to help us in the office too, Sabrina? Deloris asked.

No, Ma’am. I will be helping the Patron out on the ranch. I am not much good in an office. Sabrina said.

That is not quite true, Deloris. Sabrina covered for me many times, and she ran the AMEF very competently every time. She just likes working outside better! She is wonderful at anything she is asked to do! Helena brags on her friend.

What a sweet thing to say, Sis! Sabrina responded.

Ok, now that we have that all settled, we should have you drive us to the house, and we will get settled in. The Heifers will be here in a little while, and we will want to get settled in before they get here. Noah suggested.

Why would I drive you? Deloris asked.

So, you can bring the car back up here to the office! Noah said a bit confused.

I still have my Company Buick, Patron. The ‘Town and Country’ wagon is yours to use. It and the 4-door Dodge truck you have always used before when you were here. Since this is a permanent stay, Andre got one of the good Stock Trailers ready for you, and it is hooked up to the Dodge. Your horses arrived two days ago, and Andre put them in the barn under your apartment, and he put your tack in the tack room at the end of the barn for you as well. The feed rooms are both full of hay and grain. Deloris informed. We are all very happy you are going to be living here, Patron! She added sincerely.

Thank you, Deloris. We are all glad we are here! Noah answered.

Noah took Helena and Sabrina, along with all their luggage, to the barn apartment. They had more bags than on one of Noah’s normal visits, as this one was to be permanent. As they drove up past the house, What a beautiful home, Patron! Whose house is that? Sabrina asked.

That was my house, Babe. I gave it to a wonderful lady and her children. She lives there now with her partner and their children. We will live in the Barn! He spoke.

How exciting! Helena said.

Have I told you yet today just how much I love you? Noah asked Helena.

Yep! But go ahead and tell me again, anyway. Helena teased.

Neither girl questioned them living in the barn while a maid lived in the big house. They all carried their bags upstairs to the apartment, and when they walked in, Oh, Patron! This is wonderful! Come with me, Helena, I will walk you around and tell you all about this fantastic apartment. Sabrina offered.

The girls started putting things away where they wanted them, and Helena eventually said, Patron, you may need to use the closet in the front room? We don’t have any room for your pants or shirts. We put your underwear in the chest of drawers in the bedroom but have no closet space for your pants and shirts. Helena said nervously.

Don’t worry, sweetheart. The big closet here by the front door will work just fine for my things. Noah advised.

That is great! I was worried that you might have to put your clothes in the tack room! Helena teased.

Patron, there is much more room if we don’t fold out the ‘hide-a-bed’ in the front room. I suppose we could fold and unfold it every night and morning. Sabrina said not being too subtle.

Babe, why don’t you just sleep with Helena and I, like you do most of the time back home? Noah asked.

Damn! You really know him well, Sis! Sabrina said as she handed Helena a dollar!

What are you two nuts doing? Noah asked.

I bet Little Sister that you would suggest she sleep with us! Helena said, smiling.

You two should have better things to bet on than that! Noah scolded, but he was still smiling.

We have several other bets going as well, Patron! Sabrina said it sensually.

Damn! Noah gasped.

I hope so! Helena giggled.

You two freshen up a little, and we will walk next door and meet Guadalupe, Star, and the kids and have lunch before the Heifers arrive. Noah suggested.

Star? Sabrina asked.

Yes. She is Guadalupe’s partner and Cheryl’s mother. She was a stripper, but now she is our Office Manager at the Pharmaceutical plant. Noah explained.

Ok! Why are they going to feed us, Patron, when there is a fully stocked kitchen here in our apartment? Sabrina asked.

"It is part of their rent for living in my house! Now that you two are here with me, we won’t eat with them all the time if you would rather not. However, I believe you two are going to love both Guadalupe and Star and their cooking!

Angel is Guadalupe’s daughter, and her sons are Roberto and Israel. Star’s daughter is Cheryl. She and Angel are schoolmates and best friends. Everyone is excited about getting to meet you two!" Noah exclaimed with glee.

We are looking forward to meeting them too, Patron! Helena said sweetly.

They showered, changed from their travel outfits into relaxed but proper rancher’s wife attire, and went downstairs. Babe, is the stair railing the right height for you? Noah asked.

Yes, Patron. It is all perfect. I am glad it is not as steep as the one to the announcer’s stand in Sheridan. That would have really taken some getting used to. This one is perfect. After we eat and receive the Heifers, will you walk me up to the office so I can get used to the route? Helena asked sweetly.

Certainly, my love! Deloris could drive down and pick you up. Noah offered.

I am here to help, not cause her more inconvenience, Patron. In bad weather, I may have her drive me, but it is so peaceful here that I will enjoy the walk up the lane. Helena said it bravely.

Ok, Sweetheart. You won’t start until Monday, so we have a couple of days to get the route down. It is a pleasant walk and not too far. Noah said.

They went to Guadalupe’s house, and the smells coming from the kitchen were amazing! My oh my, Patron! I am really going to love it here! Helena said as they stood by the door after Noah knocked.

Come in, Patron! Don’t you ever knock again! This is your home, never knock again! Helena, Sabrina, I am Guadalupe, and I am honored to meet you both. Please let me introduce you to everyone. Guadalupe requested.

Let me introduce myself to them, please? Helena asked.

Ok, everyone line up! Guadalupe instructed.

Helena walked toward the sound of the group and came to Star first. Star, I am Helena, and I have heard so many wonderful things about you. I am looking forward to spending time with you and us getting to be friends. She then pulled Star’s hand toward her, and when Star moved forward, Helena kissed her cheek.

Next, she went to Angel and took her hand and held it while she talked. Angel, the Patron has told me what a wonderful and beautiful young woman you are, and I hope we also become very close friends. I need you to know that I am happy about his loving you, and I hope you are ok with his loving me as well. Helena said sweetly. Then Helena also kissed her on the cheek.

Next came Cheryl, Cheryl, I want you to know that the Patron loves you too. He has told me a man would go crazy trying to decide which one of you two young ladies was the most spectacular at any given moment! I hope we will also be great friends. She then kissed her on the cheek as well.

Next in line was Roberto, Roberto, you are quite the young man, dealing with all this estrogen must be exceptionally difficult. Helena teased.

The estrogen isn’t a problem, Ma’am, it is all these women that make life difficult! Roberto stated.

I will try hard not to make your life any harder than it already is, then! Helena said and kissed his cheek as she had the others.

Now this young man must be Israel! I hear you are a very intelligent and willing student. I am honored to meet you, Israel! Helena said, but before she could kiss his cheek, Israel reached up and kissed her!

You are sure, pretty Ma’am! Israel said so boldly.

Why, thank you, Israel. What a lovely thing to say. Helena replied.

Hello, everyone! I am Sabrina, and I am very happy to meet you all, too! Sabrina said.

Before anyone could say anything more, Roberto walked over to Noah and said, Patron, I am sorry I hurt your feelings. I have just never seen anything like that before, and I sure didn’t mean anything bad. I believe you are the most wonderful man who ever lived, and I was terrified that you would not return to us! I don’t believe I could have ever forgiven myself if you hadn’t. I know you must hate me, but I am very happy you came back for the girls’ sake! Roberto said it with eyes full of tears.

Son, I could never hate you! I love you, Roberto, just as much as I do all the rest of our family. It is I who should be apologizing for acting like a baby! I am very sensitive about my scars, and when I forget about them and someone sees how shot up I am, it embarrasses me, and I handle it poorly. Noah said and hugged the young man tenderly.

Angel was crying, but hers were proud tears. Proud of both Roberto and the Patron as well. Roberto for apologizing for being an idiot, and the Patron for being so forgiving and magnanimous in his acceptance of Roberto’s apology.

Come here, sweetheart! Noah said to Angel. You didn’t really think that I would allow my hurt feelings to keep me from being with you, did you?

I was afraid it had, Patron! I was so afraid I would never see you again. Momma said that you would come back to us, but I could not help worrying that you wouldn’t! Angel said still crying.

Do you think we should eat now? Guadalupe asked.

I am sure ready! Noah said.

Both Sabrina and Helena were given loaded plates and iced tea, and then the conversation began for real! Everyone asked and answered questions, and several times Helena would ask one of the boys something to make sure they weren’t left out of the conversation.

I have little brothers and sisters the same age as all 4 of you, and I have been missing them a great deal. I feel more at home here now, than I have since the Patron asked me to come live with him! Thank you all for allowing us to come into your home. Helena said humbly.

Patron, she is everything and more than you said she was. Helena, I am honored to be allowed to be part of your extended family. Guadalupe stated.

Helena, would it be inappropriate for me to tell the Patron just how much I appreciate all he has done for Cheryl and me? Star asked.

Of course not, Sweetheart! His generosity is one of the many things I love about him, please go ahead. Helena replied.

Patron, I need you to know that every day when I am getting ready for work, I thank you in a prayer, hoping that someday I will be able to find a way to show you just how very grateful I am for all you have done to make our lives a better place to be! Star said very warmly.

Damn, Lady! I just knew we needed an Office Manager! Noah said humbly.

Isn’t he something? Guadalupe asked rhetorically.

Yes, he is Guadalupe! He is certainly something! Helena responded tenderly.

Now if we could just figure out what that is! Sabrina teased!

Everyone started laughing then especially Cheryl, who said, Sabrina, I love you already! Smartasses like us have to stick together!

That was too much for Angel, who snorted iced tea out of her nose! Well, Darling, that was very Ladylike! Guadalupe teased her daughter.

It got dead quiet, for a moment! Ok, I can see that there aren’t going to be any rules here, which is fine by me! Sabrina said, smiling at Cheryl, who was nervously awaiting reprimand.

Whew! I thought I had really stepped in it that time! Cheryl said relieved.

We will talk later, little lady! Star said embarrassed.

Star sweetheart, please don’t be too hard on Cheryl. We are all aware that Sabrina is a smartass! Noah teased to lighten the mood a little.

I am sure she is, Patron, but Cheryl should know better than to point it out! Star said, but she was smiling.

Damn! A girl can’t catch a break here, can she? Sabrina asked, and she too was smiling.

Well, now that we have established that there are no rules at this table and that is behind us, would someone please pass me the platter of enchiladas? Noah said, smiling and shaking his head at Cheryl, who was still a bit nervous about her outburst.

So, Cheryl, what smart thing do you have to say about Helena being blind? Sabrina said, never knowing when enough was too much!

Cheryl just hung her head, but Israel had plenty to say, I think Helena is the most beautiful woman in the whole world! It doesn’t make any difference whether she can see or not. She is still wonderful!

What a sweet thing to say, Israel. Thank you very much! Complements like that are always greatly appreciated. Helena said graciously.

After they were finished with this fantastic meal, Noah took his two Ladies and went to the corrals to receive the Heifers. Everyone came with them to see the new cattle and Andre was already there at the receiving pens waiting for the new heifers.

Noah introduced his Ladies to Andre, and they all visited while they waited. Soon they saw the trucks coming down the drive. Things started jumping for real then, as 12 Vaqueros got busy opening gates and checking that others were closed.

As the trucks pulled up and the first one backed up to the chute, Helena and Sabrina both walked up close to the back of the truck, and Noah could see Andre’s questioning look, so he said, Helena, please count them off. Sabrina, write down the numbers she calls out!

No questions were asked, and as the cattle came out, Helena would state a number to Sabrina, and she wrote it down. After each of the ten trucks were unloaded, Sabrina would tell Helena the total that had come off the truck.

This went smoothly for all ten trucks, and there were 510 head of Bred Angus Heifers all drinking and eating hay in short order. Patron, that was amazing. Please tell Miss Helena that I am very impressed! Andre asked.

Andre, she would be honored more if you told her. Noah assured his Segundo.

Andre walked over to where Helena and Sabrina were still standing and said, Miss, please excuse me, but the Patron said I could address you directly. I would like to say that was the most impressive display I have ever witnessed. It is an honor to be working for you!

In true Mexican custom, Andre did not wait for a comment but simply walked back to Noah after he paid Helena his compliment. Damn Sis! You already made a friend! Sabrina said.

I hope so, little sister. I was afraid I would be an embarrassment to the Patron. Helena said in a serious tone.

Please do not ever say that again, Sis! The Patron is prouder of you than any husband has ever been of his wife, never forget that! Sabrina assured her.

Patron, these are the most magnificent cattle I have ever seen. Andre said it sincerely.

These, when crossed with our good Brangus Bulls, will produce calves that will not only handle the country well but will fit the demands and preferences of the buyers. Are our new pastures ready for cattle, my friend? Noah asked, knowing full well they were.

Yes, Patron! I believe you will be pleased with how both sets of working corrals came out. The Mexican Government has already paved roads and put-up verandas and public restrooms on their side of the lake, and it is a beautiful place for people to go. You did a very good thing there! Andre was pleased with all that had been done so far.

Once the heifers had settled some, Noah left them in the pens overnight and told Andre, We will put new ear tags in all of them and let them out in the shipping trap tomorrow, and in a couple of days we will drive them to the new south pastures.

Yes Patron. We have a large number of tags in the storeroom, is there a particular color you would like? We have several.

Yes, my friend. We will tag 1 through 255 with white ear tags and the other half, 256 through 510, with blue ear tags. Noah answered.

Very well! We can drive them all together to the first set of new working corrals, then sort off the blue-tagged heifers and push them over the top to the second set of new corrals. Andre suggested.

I was thinking we could separate them before we drove them to the new pastures and make two moves, saving them and us from crossing over the mountains after they already made a long drive! Will that work for you, Andre? Noah asked just out of respect, as he had