Noah Stone 4: Starting Over

By Patrick M. Browning

In Noah Stone 4, 'Starting Over' we follow our hero through a more domestically complicated period in his life. Some may argue that this isn't as packed with "cowboy action" as most of Noah's adventures, but it is a pivotal and life-changing period that must be documented in order for this series to be a complete and accurate account of a life l

• Language: English
• Publisher: Westwood Books Publishing
• Release date: Feb 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9798888872284

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.

Printed in the United States of America.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023932743

Westwood Books Publishing LLC

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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

It was a restless evening and a sleepless night for all the girls. The next morning, Angel tried to call Noah one more time, but there was still no answer. She had no way of knowing that the Doctor had the Estrella Ranch Manager, Deloris Rivera, take Noah to her home so she could tend to his fever. None of them had Deloris’s private number, and since she had no real news to share and was expecting them there that morning anyway, no contact was made.

The Ladies had to change plans at the last minute and take one of the larger planes from the compound in Cananea to the Ranch near Mexico City, as there were now too many for the smaller Cessna. There were Angel, Adriana, Raquel, Bianca, Agustina, and the huge Cane Corso dog, Samson, beside the Pilot, Emanuel Estevez. The larger plane was a bit crowded, but the huge dog, Samson, was well behaved, and he laid behind the furthest rear seats and everyone had adequate room.

About halfway to Mexico City, Raquel heard Emanuel say, ‘Damn her! I told her this might happen.’ Then he radioed, ‘This is a Cessna 206 Beech Bonanza, we have lost an engine and are having trouble maintaining altitude, I need instructions for where to make an emergency landing.’ He repeated this call several times, then he said, ‘Ladies, put your seatbelts back on and prepare for a rough landing.’

Emanuel was calm and professional. He was an experienced Pilot and had performed emergency landings before and had faith in his skill to handle another one now.

As they say far too often in old Western movies, ‘Meanwhile, back at the ranch,’ Noah’s fever had broken, and he had gone back to his own house after thanking Deloris and apologizing for all the inconvenience. The phone was ringing when he walked in!

This is where we left our Hero, Noah Stone, last time! He had recovered from sepsis and was at the Rancho Estrella near Mexico City. He was overseeing the ranching operations there for the ‘Jefe,’ Francisco Alverez, the kingpin of an oftentimes notorious Drug and Human Trafficking Cartel.

They had recently discovered ‘Oil’ on the ranch, and Noah, whom everyone called Patron, was there to meet with the ‘American Oil’ Executives who were going to handle the drilling of the petroleum wells.

(As an FYI, all conversations while in Mexico were in Spanish. They are being translated and written in English here for your reading convenience.)

He had been convalescing at the ranch manager’s home until today, when he returned to his house on the ranch. He had just walked in, and the phone was ringing. He answered it and said, Hello? Yes, I am Noah Stone. What? Are you sure? Yes, yes! When did it go down? Were there any survivors? He asked, trying to stay calm.

You need to come to Durango, Mr. Stone. We found your name and number in the wreckage. That was what all the lady from the DGAC. (Direccion General de Aeronautica), would tell him.

I will be there first thing in the morning! It is an 11-hour drive, and there is no flight going from Mexico City to Durango until the morning! I can drive and get there before a flight does if I will leave right now! Noah responded.

He threw a few things in the little Rodeo Gear bag he used for overnight trips, got in the Estrella Ranch station wagon, and headed north. He tried not to think about what was waiting for him in Durango, but there was no way he could not.

All he knew was that the plane had gone down and that his name and the Estrella Ranch phone number, were found in the ‘wreckage!’ That one word sent a wave of foreboding and worried anticipation through him. He took 57 D out of town to 55, avoiding tolls strictly by habit. Then got on 45 to 57 all the way to Guadalajara, then 49, turning back onto 45 and on into Durango.

He arrived at the Civil Aviation Authority at 6:30 a.m. and had to wait until 8:00 a.m. before anyone got there. Once he saw activity inside the building, he went in and told the lady at the front desk who he was and that he had been called.

Please wait here, Senor, and I will get someone for you. The lady said it politely.

In a few moments, several men came out and thanked him for coming. They asked him several questions but gave him very little information. Noah had finally reached his dumb question limit and very frustratedly asked if anyone survived the crash and was told, No, there were no survivors. The fellow said in a cold tone.

Do you need me to identify the bodies and make arrangements? Noah asked.

Yes, Senor, there was no fire, and although the damage was quite severe, the remains should be identifiable. We called you here to ascertain who the passengers were and what the purpose of this flight was. This fellow asked.

My wife and friends were coming to the ranch to help me work the cattle! What concern is that of yours? Noah asked sharply.

No concern, Senor! Our concern are the 500 kilos of pharmaceutical grade ‘Narcotics’, the plane was hauling in the cargo bay. The best we can tell, the weight overage is what caused the engines to strain to failure, and subsequently crash. Now, we would like to know, why were they bringing you the Narcotics? This fellow said accusingly.

Mr. I don’t know a damn thing about any Narcotics! All I know is that someone called and told me there had been a crash! Maybe it’s the wrong plane? Noah said hoping there had been a mistake.

Who all were the passengers? The fellow asked.

My wife Angelina, our friends Adriana, Raquel, Bianca, and a dog. Noah said.

There was another passenger as well! The man stated.

The pilot? Noah asked.

Besides the pilot, there was another woman, Senor. The man said.

What is your name, Senor? Noah finally asked, calming himself slightly.

I am Colonel Molina. I apologize for not introducing myself earlier, Mr. Stone. The Colonel said.

What do we do now, Colonel? Noah asked calmly.

I am not exactly sure! Won’t you please come in and identify the remains, for us? The Colonel said solemnly. I don’t have any grounds to arrest you, only suspicions. Can you stay in Durango for a few days, without my holding you in jail?

Yes, I need to wait to claim the remains, anyway. May I go ahead and make the arrangements? Noah asked.

Certainly, Mr. Stone. We will finish our investigation, then release the bodies to you. I am terribly sorry for your loss. For what it is worth, I do not believe you knew anything about the cargo. The Colonel said it sincerely.

Thank you, Senor, and you are correct. I have no knowledge of anything being on that plane except for my wife and friends. Noah said truthfully. If you give me a number, I will call and tell you where I will be staying, so you can reach me anytime you need to. Noah added.

That will work, Senor. I will call you when we are through with our investigation. I must accompany you to identify the bodies. I apologize, and I will not interfere, with your goodbye. Colonel Molina said.

It is too late for goodbyes! I will simply tell you who they are and then go make the necessary cremation arrangements. Noah said, trying to control his emotions.

Very well, then, Mr. Stone. Is this your wife? The Colonel asked as he pulled back a sheet, uncovering a body.

Yes! Noah said as he walked down the line, identifying each woman, including Agustina, whom he had no idea would be on the flight. Where is the dog? Noah asked.

We do not bring animals into the morgue, Senor. The Colonel stated.

I didn’t think you did. I just want to know where his body is. Noah explained.

I will have to call and ask someone from the recovery team, Senor. The Colonel said.

Please do! I want his body as well. Noah said. He then left and drove a very short distance to the Hostal de la Monja, where he checked in. He got a room and called the Colonel’s number and gave the desk Sargent the hotel name and room number, but did not go to the room right then. Instead, he went to a funeral home and made all the necessary arrangements to have the Pilot, Raquel, Bianca, and Augustina’s bodies transported back to the Alverez Compound.

He had Angelina and Adriana cremated, and he would take their ashes with him to the P/W and burry their ashes next to Sandra, Anna, and Rosa’s in the Pennyworth private graveyard. Samson’s body, he had sent to a Pet Crematory, and he would bury him next to his little Queensland Heeler, Samantha, by his horse barn at the P/W.

He went to the hotel without eating and sat in a big easy chair, thinking about all the women he had lost. He also thought of all the lives he had taken! It had become a number so great that he had trouble recounting all of them. The one guarantee in life is death! He said out loud.

He stretched out on the bed and fell asleep, as he had been going for 24 hours again! The phone woke him up. It was the Colonel asking which funeral home they should take the bodies to. Noah told him, Funerales Hernandez, and send the dog to Cordiel Torres Jose. The Colonel never mentioned the Narcotics and neither did Noah.

After the bodies were transported to the funeral home, Noah went to the Colonel’s office and asked if there were any papers he needed to sign and if there were any personal effects found with the bodies. I will get them for you, Senor Stone. There are two wedding rings and a few miscellaneous items, but nothing of much value. A lot of ladies clothing, that was what it was all The Colonel stated.

I will keep the rings. Please give all the clothes to the Church for me. Noah said. Anything else of any value, keep, give away or sell, as you see fit! Noah said and smiled a knowing smile.

I can assure that we already have Senor Stone! The Colonel was also smiling. I am sure we will hear from whoever the cargo was intended for, and do not worry, my new friend, we will handle that too!

Good! I want nothing to do with any of it! Noah said. I would like to know if you found out who sent it! They caused the wreck and murdered my family, just as sure as if they had shot them!

If this information becomes available, where can I reach you? The Colonel asked.

I will be going to Rio Rico to bury my wives at the P/W! Here is the number there. Then, I will return and be at, the number your people called me to have me come here, Colonel! I will be there Brucellosis Vaccinating cows for several more weeks. He answered.

Two days later, he flew to the little airport in Nogales and had Norma Pennyworth come pick him and the cremated bodies of Angel, Adriana, and Samson, up and take them back to the ranch. He held a little service and buried the ashes of the two women in the Pennyworth cemetery and buried Samson’s ashes next to the grave of his Queensland Heeler, Samantha by the horse barn.

Helena Romero, the daughter of Capitan Romero, of the Nogales Federales had learned to speak beautiful English and been running the Angelina Mendoza Educational Fund, and her 18-year-old assistant, Sabrina, along with Ralph and Norma Pennyworth attended the little backyard ceremony. Pardner and Deion, friends of Noah’s, were in Prescott, but came down when Noah called to tell them about the wreck, and they also attended.

Damn, Patron, are you going to be alright? Pardner asked.

Yep. Just like the Native Americans say, ‘Only the rocks, live forever!’ I’ve learned to accept death as a natural part of life and to focus on the time I had with them rather than letting my grief over their passing ruin the rest of my life. I loved them, now they are gone! That is all there is to it! Noah answered.

Pardner! Do you really think he feels that way? Deion asked where only Pardner could hear her.

I believe he must, to keep going. Sweetheart! It is all part of being the toughest SOB who ever lived! Pardner explained.

If something ever happened to me, you would miss me, wouldn’t you Pardner? Deion asked wanting assurance that he would.

My love, I would be brokenhearted, just as the Patron is. I may show it differently, but don’t you ever doubt that man loved those women and is hurting inside right now. He is simply too strong to let it show, like the rest of us would. Pardner explained.

Ok then! I just want to be sure that you would be miserable if something happened, and you were left without me! Deion said.

That is nice of you, Babe! Pardner said smiling at this woman he loved and knowing full well she did not mean for that to sound like it did.

What now, Patron? Pardner asked Noah.

I need to settle with whoever loaded that plane with 500kilos of Narcotics! The excessive weight caused the crash. Noah explained.

Want some company? Pardner asked boldly.

Not this time, my dear friend! I must take care of this myself. Noah said almost sadly.

You are planning on surviving this. Aren’t you Patron? Pardner asked Noah.

Hadn’t thought much about it, Pardner. I don’t suppose. It makes all that much difference one way or the other, to me really! Noah said.

It makes a big difference to me, my friend! You get your head right before you do this. Please consider it a special favor to me! I like life much better with you in it! Pardner stated honestly.

I appreciate you saying that Pardner, but you and I both know that everyone I have known in the past five years would have been much better off had they never met me! Noah said sadly. Then, he walked away and Pardner let him go. There was nothing more that he could think to say to help!

Pardner and Deion went back to their ranch in Prescott. Ralph and Norma went back into the house, leaving Noah, Helena, and Sabrina at the graves to think about life and death in Mexico and starting over!

Let’s go to the house, Patron, and have something to eat. When do you have to go back? Helena asked.

I guess it doesn’t matter when or even if I go back at all, Sweetheart. Noah said very sadly. I believe I will stay a couple of days and see if I hear anything from the Colonel about who loaded the plane so heavily.

Please stay with us, Patron. We love you too! Sabrina said.

Thank you, Babe, but don’t! No good could come from it and I don’t know if I could take losing another woman I love! Noah said very heartfelt.

You love me, Patron? Sabrina asked surprised.

Of course, I do, Sweetheart! You are a remarkable young woman and I love you very much! Haven’t I told you that before? Noah asked not being able to imagine that he had not.

Yes, but I always thought it was just ‘lip service.’ I didn’t think you really meant it! Sabrina stated.

Yes, I meant it and still mean it Baby Girl! Noah assured her and added, Helena, have you been riding any?" Noah asked mostly to change the subject.

Yes, Patron! Several times a week. Sabrina and I have ridden over most of the ranch now! She knows every inch of it and is a wonderful guide. We lope going down the sandy wash and that is the best part. She says we shouldn’t lope coming back to the barn, because it will teach the horses bad habits! Helena answered.

She is right, babe. Horses will develop bad habits easily. Knowing how to return to the barn is a good thing, but obsessively craving running back to it can become a quick problem. You give good sound advice, Sabrina! That is one of the many reasons I love you! Noah said.

I love you too, Patron! I don’t care if you think that nothing good can come from it! I believe only good things will come from me loving you, and you loving me! Sabrina said.

She is right, Patron! Look at what my loving you has done for me! I am a woman in love. I have a wonderful job and a dear friend to live and work with. I am living a free life and not that of a handicapped child with no hope of any real escape from the prison of darkness I was placed and kept in, all of course, ‘For my own good’ not out of malice, but still imprisoned just the same. Helena said warmly.

I am glad you both think the same way. Just keep on thinking that while I am away. I will be gone in a while, but I will be coming back to you two as soon as I can. Noah said in a sad voice.

We will be here whenever that is Patron, and we will still be in love with you, regardless of what you have to do! Helena said.

The girls went to bed late and Noah left as soon as he was sure they were asleep. He drove back to Cananea and directly to the Alverez compound. We received the bodies, Patron! I am so sorry for your loss. The Jefe said sincerely, and added, We buried them in the Alverez Cemetery. Their headstones are being made.

Francis, who shipped the Narcotics and who received it? Noah asked suddenly.

What are you talking about, Patron? The Jefe said sincerely not having any idea what Noah was referring to!

I thought as much! Noah said then turned to Margarita, Who helped you? I know you could not have loaded over a thousand pounds of drugs by yourself. Noah asked harshly.

Who are you to question me!? Margarita shouted obviously having always talked to people who cared who she thought she was. Are you going to let this hired hand speak to me like that Francis?

Yes, Margarita! I believe I will! Who helped you ship the Narcotics? The Jefe now asked also very harshly.

The same person who has been helping me ship it for years. What is it to you?! Margarita said sharply.

Consuela? She is the only one with access to the pharmaceutical grade product! She could cover up the shortage even one as large as 500 kilos! The Jefe stated.

Leave her alone! She has been helping me ever since I sent her here to work for you, all those years ago! Margarita snaped arrogantly.

You have been stealing from me all these years? Why did you even bother coming here? The Jefe asked, brokenhearted.

I was tired of Perez and his assumed arrogance, then when this white trash Cowboy showed up, I saw the way out! I knew I could manipulate him and you, and have both fortunes, so why not?" She stated.

Because I loved you, and have always loved you? Isn’t that a good enough reason? The Jefe said sadly.

Yeah, that is really sweet! She said sarcastically. Then added, Just because those sluts needed a ride to the Ranch, and there were too damn many of them for the regular Ranch plane, doesn’t mean business had to come to a standstill! Margarita said sharply, but it was the last thing she ever said, as Noah pulled his .380cal. pocket pistol and shot her 6 times in the face, blowing her head near off.

You had every right to do that Noah, but you should leave my house now, and never come back again. I will take care of Consuela, just as you have Margarita. Our friendship will be forever, but our professional association has just ended, now please leave! Goodbye my brother! The Jefe said, very confused and unsure just how he felt about what just happened. He knelt by the remains of his onetime true love.

Noah walked out with the intention of never returning to the Alverez Compound. He drove the Estrella station wagon, all the way to the Estrella Ranch and spoke with Deloris. He was told that the Jefe had called and said he was no longer welcome there. I know Deloris. I am just going to gather my things and then leave. Noah said to this nice Lady who had cared for him during his recent sepsis recovery.

He gathered all his personal tack and clothing he had and asked how much Deloris would take for the station wagon? He needed to use it to get back to Nogales again.

"Take it! You can leave it at the border, and I will have someone bring it back! ‘Via con Dios’ mi Amigo!’ she said. (Just a reminder all the conversations between Noah and the Mexicans were in Spanish!)

Noah droves straight through to Nogales and called Norma Pennyworth (Momma) to come get him at the border public parking lot. Hello, Momma! How are Papa and the girls? He asked just like he had been on vacation not gone to murder an evil, crippled woman. After he transferred all his belongings from the Estrella station wagon into Norma’s truck, he left the station wagon there, for his friend Deloris.

Come home, Patron and rest a while. You have been through too much lately and need to rest, relax, and try to get well. We all love you and want you to slow down for a while. Okay? Momma asked.

I am finished for a while! You are correct as always. I could use some rest. Noah responded, sounding exhausted.

He drove the P/W ranch truck, and Momma sat next to him, patting his leg all the way home. I will be alright, Sweetheart! Noah assured her. Like it says in 2 Corinthians, 4: 17-18, ‘This too shall pass!’ life goes on, and so must we! Noah said.

Momma giggled and said, The girls are right! There is nothing you have ever read that you haven’t memorized!

Yes, Momma, they ‘were’ right! Noah said sadly.

Yes, dear. Momma said diminutively. I would rather think of them as still being here with us. I am sorry. Momma explained.

I know, Momma. I wish they were still here too! Noah said understandingly, but then added, But they are gone, and they are not coming back, ever!

They are here in our hearts and minds, Son! Don’t let anyone take that away from you! Momma said.

Yes, Momma. No one can take their memories from me. They are constantly on my mind. Noah said, and added, No matter how much I wish I could free myself from them!

This confused and concerned Norma considerably. Just try to remember the good things Sweetheart, push any of the unpleasant times, out of your mind! Norma advised.

Wouldn’t that be wonderful? Noah sighed. He realized that this wonderful woman was trying to bring him comfort and he was being an ass! I will do that Norma. I will just remember all the good times we all had together and clear out the rest!

That is the first time you have called me Norma in a very long time. Noah, is something going on I should know about? She asked invitingly and smiled.

Yep! I was just thinking about one of the very best times, with you, me and Pardner, there by the pool, Darling! Noah said sweetly.

Oh my! Norma said breathlessly, and added, I have spent a great deal of time thinking about that as well. Noah! Maybe that is something we should consider doing again?

I am counting on it, Norma! Noah stated as fact.

How wonderful! Norma said sensually.

Will we need to call Pardner? He teased.

That would be fine, but certainly not necessary, Noah! I would like to keep Papa and Pardner out of it! I believe that you and I can do just fine! Would that be alright with you, Noah? She asked invitingly, but then added, We can invite Pardner once in a while if you really want to!" She giggled.

If ‘I’ really want to? Noah teased. You are a very naughty girl, Sweetheart!

Yep! Norma said smiling seductively.

Perfect! Before we get back to the house, there is something I would like to look here at the Silo Corrals. Would that be alright with you Darling? Noah asked.

Absolutely, Sweetheart! Anything you want! Norma offered.

A little over an hour later, when they drove into the houses, Helena and Sabrina were sitting out front excitingly awaiting Noah’s return home. Thank you, Momma, for going to get him!

It was my pleasure! Norma said and smiled at Noah very satisfied.

We made some dinner, would you like to join us, Momma? Helena asked sweetly.

No, Babe. I will go get Papa and the little girls something. Good night to you all. Take care of our Patron! He has been through quite a lot and is going to need some special attention for a while. Momma said.

We will see that he gets it, Momma! Sabrina said giggling.

I will do my best to help, girls! Momma said very sweetly. Just call and I will come running! She too giggled.

Why? Momma?! The drive home really got you fired up! How wonderful! Helena teased.

"Yes! Wonderful describes it exactly, Sweetheart!" Norma responded and trotted off to get dinner for Ralph, Anna, and Sophia.

Well, it would appear that you have worked up an appetite, big fellow! Helena said knowingly.

Or satisfied one! Sabrina added giggling!

Yep! You are both correct! He said.

They went in and had a wonderful meal. Then, the three of them spent some very special time together! The next morning, Noah was standing at the coffee boiler trying to decide what he wanted to do now. Just then, Helena came out wearing nothing but her robe, and he thought he might stay here a while longer!

CHAPTER 2

My love, I know you are going to leave us again, but please stay a little while, okay? Helena asked so invitingly. He would have agreed to cut off a toe!

Certainly, I will stay a while, Sweetheart. There is nowhere I would rather be and no one I would rather be with right now, than here with you! Noah said truthfully. Let’s go riding today! I want to take you to the top of a little mountain so you can feel the breeze blowing on your face.

That sounds wonderful! Sabrina and I have been riding a lot but have done like you told us and have not gone anywhere too risky! Helena said.

Just you two? Or can I come too? Sabrina asked sweetly.

I thought that last night would have proven that the three of us are all in this together, Baby Girl! Of course, you can come! Noah said adamantly.

They went out and saddled their horses. Noah was extremely impressed with how well Helena did it all almost entirely by herself. Once saddled, they rode down the lane and along the wash for a while and eventually, Noah asked Helena, Do you know where we are now Babe?

Yes, Sweetheart! We are at the spot where you sent the girls running for their lives and you dismounted facing 12 armed Bandits and willing sacrificed yourself to save them! Helena replied proudly.

I was expecting more of a ‘Yes, Patron, we are in the bend of the big wash!’ He teased.

Be careful what you ask for Mister! You are apt to get much more than you expected! Sabrina replied invitingly.

Damn! Noah said smiling.

Yep, I would expect so Patron! Helena added.

As they rode, Helena would say things like, To our left is the Wash where you were chased down and shot at by the rustlers. And another time, she pointed out, On our right, is the trail you rode to confront the thieves all alone and make them stop stealing our cattle!

How are you doing this Babe? Noah asked.

"I can tell which direction we are heading from the sun on my face and by the sounds the horses’ hoofs make, echoing off the bluffs, and I know how far we have traveled down this wash, by how long we have been riding and at what