Curse of Cormac by  Sasquaw

Love Field Airport, Dallas, Texas  ( mid 50's)

His eyes search the skies, waiting patiently to see the big silver bird descend. Finally, a sigh of relief as the clouds part and the bird breaks through. He moves forward with the rest of the small crowd that has gathered to meet loved ones. The crowd is pushing forward and he is pressed against the metal fence, he strains to look out over the tarmac in search of her.

He feels someone pushing him and a loud voice that barks, "Out of the way 'injun, you don't belong here!”
           He stares back at the man in his fancy suit, his eyes bore into him. "I have as much right to be here as you" he replies softly.
           The man laughs as he observes the man before him, eyeing the long, dark hair that is being held back by braids. He snickers as his eyes fall upon the ragged jeans and plaid shirt, the beads that circle the dark skin of the man.
           "Who could you possibly be waiting for at an airport?” The man's voice rises so that others might hear him. "I thought all of your people traveled by horseback!”
           The rest of the crowd laughs as they look back to the tall man, he starts to reply and then thinks twice about it. He backs up against the fence and lets the others go before him.
           She is one of the last passengers to emerge, and his heart is in his throat until he sees her. At long last, he sees the flaming red hair and his heart skips a beat. He moves forward to her, she smiles and then greets him with a kiss, the scene being noticed by the earlier irate passenger.
           The man sneers as he taps the shoulders of his friends and they make their way towards the couple.
           The tall man smiles softly as he takes her luggage, "I was so afraid that----you might---change your mind---and not come back.”
           The woman is unaware of the three men approaching them, she has eyes only for the man in braids. " I said I was coming back, you doubted me?”
           He tries to smile, "But----you were due back nearly 2 weeks ago----I was afraid, my heart was in my mouth every time the phone rang at the shelter----I was so afraid that they----had talked you into staying!.
           She takes his hand and they start walking towards a beat up old truck,  "They tried to make me stay----but my heart would not listen---my heart was here----with you.”
           "Were they not happy that you were coming back, are they still angry with you?”
           The woman's greenish/blue eyes look into the dark eyes of the man before her, "I don't care that they are upset with me, I have made my choice---and that is . . . . “
          "Hey----you dirty filthy redskin----get your hands off that white woman!”!!
          The couple turn to see the three men circling them slowly and making gestures.
          The woman shakes her head, "You're making a mistake---now leave us alone!”
          The three men all laugh, "Would you listen to what she is saying----she wants to be with-----this  'savage?”
          The tall man puts his hands up slowly, "Please---we don't want any trouble----we're leaving!”
"The hell you are!” Shouts the first man, “You'll leave---but the woman stays here!”!!
        The woman begins trying to explain, the men refuse to listen and they rush the tall man. The man sidesteps the first attacker and he goes headfirst into the side of the old truck. The second man gets a forearm across his neck and he goes down in front of the red haired woman. The third man picks up a broken tree limb and swings it at the tall man, he ducks and hits the man in the stomach.
        The man goes down on one knee, grabbing his stomach and trying to catch his breath. The tall man mumbles something that the men can't understand and he brings his right leg back and ready to kick.
        "JOHN---no!”
        The man stops and looks back at the red-haired woman, her eyes plead with him not to kick the man. She walks up to him and nudges him towards the truck.
        "Let's just go---please John----let's get out of here.”
        John walks hurriedly to the drivers' side and the woman starts to enter the passenger side. She feels the hand of the man on the ground grab her ankle, she screams for him to let go, he refuses.
        The woman bites her bottom lip, "Then may the saints have pity on your soul"---and with that she kicks out with her other foot and lands a solid blow to the man's chin. He screams as he hits the ground, then has to scramble to get of the way of the truck's wheels. He stands up and curses the couple as only clouds of dust can be seen flying down the dirt road.
         The couple look back and then the man begins to shake his head, looking to the woman beside him.
         "Elizabeth Kathleen Tralee---you have some fire in that temper of yours!”
          Elizabeth laughs, her eyes turn to the man---"I guess I have been known to throw a punch or two in my heyday---after all---being raised with six brothers---I have had to scrape for what is mine!”
        "I pity your brothers if they ever crossed you---or any man that ever tries to hurt you. I would die for you, Elizabeth---you know that!”
        The woman nods her head slowly as she takes his right hand, "And, I would die for you, John---we are like swans---we are soulmates!”
       John smiles back at her, squeezing her hand, "I love you so much, Elizabeth---I was so afraid---you wouldn't come back to me.”
       "My parents begged me to stay, I kept refusing. I begged them to meet with you, just to meet with you---to give you a chance----they refused.”
       "I know-----I have talked with my people--they are all angry, even my Mother will not listen. She says to marry a white woman is a disgrace to the Cherokee people----And then, I brought up our ancestors ways of taking white women and keeping them prisoners back in the days when the buffalo tread these very plains.”
       Elizabeth swallows as she knows what the next reply will be, "Did he hit you again?”
       His answer is silence and then a nod. "I told him that would be the last time he raised his hand to me-----and I left our village..”
       The woman starts to cry, "Why can't our families accept us for the way we accept each other, not the color of our skin?”
"I have lived in the white man's world for as long as I can remember, and yet trying to be a good Cherokee too. Elizabeth, are you sure about-----our decision?   You know how the white man feels about racial marriages mixing---back there with those three men---has happened before---and will happen again---over and over!”

"I have made my decision, and I want to marry you---have you changed your mind about marrying me?”

The truck comes to a screeching halt at the side of the road, he turns to face her---"Never!!! I want to marry you, Elizabeth---more than anything else in the world---I love you.”

A soft smile crosses the woman' lips as she touches her stomach, "You better not have changed your mind about marrying me, John Firewalker---especially----now.”

His brows arch as he watches Elizabeth’s hand caress her stomach gently, her eyes look back to him tenderly.

"Elizabeth------are you saying------you're with----child?   A baby?”

Her voice begins to breaks, "Yes---we are with child----you're going to be a Daddy --- John Firewalker.”

John stares back at her and then he grabs her, kissing her over and over---"Are you sure---are you sure----a baby?”

She nods her head, "Yes!!!  I am sure!”!

John throws open the drivers' door and runs around to the other side of his truck, he reaches in and kisses her stomach. "When?---Please say it will be soon!”

She touches his face with her hand and smiles, "In the spring---is that soon enough for you?”

John starts to laugh as he begins pacing in a circle, "It could be right now---right at this very moment----and I would be so happy!”

"John, don't you think we should take care of other matters first---like----making it legal?”

"Yes, yes----we will get married tonight----as soon as we can find someone-----that---will marry us.”

Elizabeth's smile fades, "Do you think there will be a problem?”

John takes her hand, "I don't care what I have to do to get someone to marry us---I will cut my hair and pretend to be of Mexican descent---or I will darken my skin even more to that of the negro brother---but---our marriage will come about, Elizabeth----and it will be legal---if only in our eyes.!

"I believe you, John Firewalker----and our son believes in you!”

John's eyes stare back in disbelief, "A son? I'm----going to have a son---how do you know?”

"Well---I don't know for sure---but I say it's going to be a boy----and you know how stubborn I can be!”

"Yes, Elizabeth Tralee---I know how stubborn that Irish blood can be---as stubborn as my Cherokee blood.---Together, any child that we may have will be the devil to partake in this white man's world---he will have the Cherokee strength and make a fine warrior that his ancestors will be proud of----but he will have your tenderness, your compassion for his fellow man.”

The man gets back into his truck and they head north, looking for a justice of the peace. It's early in the morning as they stumble onto the small little church just outside Wichita Falls, just a few miles short of the red river that is the border between Texas and Oklahoma. The sign below it reads:

"Wichita Falls----" and there is a picture of a Indian on horseback, looking weary and forlorn.  A further inscription saying: the long ride home.

John studies the picture and it's inscription for the longest, he turns to the woman beside him and then nods to the young preacher.

"It is a good sign---the spirits shine down on us-----we have found our home----if only for a short while.”

The months pass and Elizabeth's belly swells with the life growing inside her. It's getting more difficult for her to follow John while he is riding the rodeo, he begins taking more jobs in the cotton and oil fields so he can be closer to his wife and their unborn child. They are living in a small town outside of Eagle Nest, Oklahoma when a telegram has reached them. Two of her brothers have been killed in the war against the Irish republic, her parents are in poor health, they are asking for her to return.

John has watched in silence as his wife reads the telegram, he asks softly, "Do you wish to go, Elizabeth?”

"We do not have the money for such a trip-----"

"But, the telegram said that they would send you the airfare----if it is what you want, Elizabeth-----"

Elizabeth tears up the telegram and answers quietly, "No-----when I left Ireland almost seven months ago, they both said that if I returned to you, that I could never return to them. They have turned me away, John, and for that I will not forgive them.”

John shakes his head slowly, "No---there's something else in that telegram that you are not telling me, what is it?”

She lowers her head, "The telegram----says-----to come-----alone.”

"Alone?---You mean without me, or our son?”

Elizabeth takes a deep breath, "They don't know about my being pregnant----I never told them!”

John's eyes take on a sad look, he begins pacing---"I see---then it is true---you're ashamed of me, aren't you?”

Elizabeth grabs her husband's arm and spins him around, shaking her fist at him. "Ashamed? How dare you say that I'm ashamed of you---I love you John Firewalker and I am proud to call you my husband and even more proud to be carrying your baby----our child!”!

"But, why didn't you tell them----maybe they would change their feelings if---they knew?”

"Your family hasn't changed their feelings about me----and you told them months ago!”

"The only one I told was my brother Ray, he said it would be better if he told the rest of the family------and "him.”

Elizabeth starts to cry, "And, they haven't changed their opinion of me-----or the fact that I'm carrying your child---have they?”

"It doesn't matter what my family thinks---the only thing that matters to me is you---and our child----but I know with a woman that feelings sometimes are different. Elizabeth, call them---tell them they are about to become grandparents---call them!”

Elizabeth falls into the arms of her husband, "I will----I will call them this weekend.”

"Very well" John answers, "I have to go now, I promised Mr. Wilson at the feed store that I would help him for a couple of hours, we could use the extra money.”

She waits until her husband is out of sight, then she retrieves the torn telegram and reads the rest.

"Sister, beware--Cormac knows your secret."

On the night of March 9th, John Firewalker is rushing his wife to the little hospital outside of Lawton, Oklahoma----and within the first hour of the new day a new Firewalker makes his way into the world, screaming and kicking. The couple stare down at the life before them.

John picks his son up and hold him close, "He's beautiful Elizabeth, he has your hair---it shines like copper when the light hits it.----And, his eyes will be like yours.”

Elizabeth smiles proudly as the nurse observes the couple gleaming over their first born.  She walks towards John and holds out her hands for the baby.

"I have to take him now---he has to have records of his birth, and prints have to be taken.”

John looks back to his wife, puzzled---"Can't you do that here?”

Elizabeth laughs, "Honey---let the nurse take him, he's only going to the nursery then they will bring him right back.”

The nurse takes the baby and turns to the nurse walking beside her, saying quietly. "That's unusual.”

"What is unusual?”

The nurse nods back to the couple, staring at the man in buckskins and braided hair. "I've seen a lot of Indian babies, I ain't never seen one with red hair!”

The younger nurses argues, "But, the Mother has red hair---what is unusual about the baby having the same color of hair?”

The older nurse scoffs, "All of the Indian babies I have seen come into the world have the dark hair and eyes, the Indian blood dominates---don't you know that?”

The two nurses walk towards the nursery and John is watching them suspiciously. He feels a tug on his hand and he looks down to see Elizabeth smiling back at him.

"John, are you happy with the name I picked out?”

The man smiles, "Cordell-----yes, I like the name, what does it mean?”

"It means someone is strong---like a warrior-----and our son is very strong---he has powerful lungs---does he not?”

He sits down on the bed beside his wife, taking her hand.” Yes, Cordell is a strong warrior.  What did your parents say when you told them?”

Elizabeth becomes quiet and then replies softly, "haven't told them yet---I will send one of those announcements---as soon as I am feeling up to it.”

The man watches his wife's eyes as they turn away from him, there is something troubling her. "Elizabeth, what is it, why are you so hesitant about telling your parents?”

"Telling them will not make any difference on how they feel, but I will tell them---just don't rush me----o.k?”

They hear a faint tap at the hospital door and another man in buckskins enters slowly.

"Ray!----Elizabeth---it is my brother---Ray Firewalker!”

Elizabeth watches as the two men embrace and then Ray walks over to Elizabeth. "I hope you don't mind that I am here.”

"Of course not---welcome Ray---you are always welcome in our home----always---John talks about you all the time!”

John smiles and slaps his brother on the shoulder, "She's right!---I have missed you, little brother. ------ Are you alone?”

The man nods his head slowly, then reaches inside his shirt and brings forth a small rag, unwrapping it to reveal a small arrowhead, shaped crudely to that of a bird.

"I found the arrowhead down on the Red River, I thought it was a unusual shape--like that of an bird---so I tried shaping it, and this is how it looks.”

John takes the stone and then he smiles, "It looks like an eagle, ready to strike, his talons extended. Look Elizabeth---does it not look like a eagle to you?”

"Yes, it is beautiful----thank you, Ray.”

"I wanted to give my nephew a gift----will it be o.k. to give him this?”

John smiles and embraces his brother, "Of course, it will be o.k.---do you wish to see your nephew now?”

The two men wheel Elizabeth down to the nursery and Ray is straining to see which of the new babies is his nephew. He points to a dark haired one that is screaming to be fed, "I'll bet that's him---the one with the quick temper like yours John---the one with the head full of dark hair!”

"You would be wrong, brother---Cordell is the one in front of us---with red hair----like his Mother's!”

Ray stares back at his nephew in confusion, looking to Elizabeth and then to his nephew. He nods his head slowly, "Of course-----he has the Irish blood running through his veins too.”

John begins motioning for the nurse to bring his son out, "Do you want to hold him, Ray?"

The nurse brings the baby out and stares back at the two native Indians and then to Elizabeth. Elizabeth stares at the woman, her lips become tightly set.

Ray takes the baby and looks down at him, trying very hard to see the Cherokee, he then looks to his brother who is smiling down at the baby proudly.

"Isn't he a handsome warrior, brother? Look at the way he holds his fist up----who does he remind you of?”

Ray smiles back at the baby, "I hope you are not referring to "him"-- he looks nothing like White Eagle!”

Elizabeth can feel the tension in Ray's voice, and John is stammering for an explanation. "I know you are angry with our tribal chief."

"And---you're not----for the way he has treated you?”

"I hold no grudges, brother----I'm willing to forgive and forget.”

Ray's voice is stern, "You forgive too easily, you have become soft---like a squaw!”

"Well, that's what happens when you fall in love with a woman that is going to be beside you for eternity---and when you hold your first child---you will understand even more how easy it is to forgive and forget those that have tread against you.”

Ray takes a deep breath staring back at the infant, his tears swell---"I hope someday that you are right in my finding that special someone----and I hope to have many fine sons. What is his name?”

Elizabeth smiles, "His name is Cordell---I named him after one of my brothers.”

John nods his head, "That is his Irish name----but his Cherokee name will be "Washo'---and  whether you want to admit it or not, my brother---you were thinking of White Eagle when you pounded that arrowhead out. White Eagle is always within us, so it only be fitting that he be called "Washo.”

"What does that name mean, John---"WASHO?”

Both the brothers speak at once, "It means Lone Eagle---" and Ray says softly, "Happy birthday to you, nephew.”

                                   *********************************************************

March 10, 2004----Walker ranch:

The bearded man has heard the muffled whispers as he pretends to lay sleeping. He opens one eye as he looks across the room to the full length mirror that is showing the reflection of a little blonde headed girl walking very slowly, carrying something in her small hand. He smiles to himself as he fluffs his pillow and waits.

The small voice shouts, "Happy Birthday Daddy!”

Walker pretends to be completely surprised as he sits up in bed and pretends to rub the sleep from his eyes.

"Wh-- at?----What's going on here?”

The little girl is squealing and slapping her hands together, "It's your birthday, Daddy---get up!”

"My birthday?" He looks over at the woman that has walked slowly behind the little girl, encouraging her at what to say. He winks back at her and then to the little girl he replies.

"Is it really my birthday, are you sure?”

The little girl is now handing him a cup cake, with chocolate icing dripping over the side. "Yes, Daddy----it's your birthday-----Mama said so!”

The Ranger laughs as does the woman also. "Well, if Mommie says so---then I guess it's true.”

Alex walks over to the bed, reaching down to kiss her husband, "Happy birthday, honey----were you surprised?" She asks, winking and nodding towards their daughter.

Walker nods his head, "I sure was----what a nice surprise---come here, Angela!”

The little girl goes scrambling upon the bed and to her daddy, throwing her arms around him. "Happy birthday, Daddy---how old are you?”

Alex laughs as she then hands her husband a cup of coffee, "Yes Daddy----how old are you?” She teases.

Walker kisses his daughter and then sips the coffee, "I forgot----I've had so many---can't keep up with them.”

"But Daddy---you got to know---I'm almost 3 now----how old are you?”

Both Alex and Angela are staring back at him, he sighs------"Let's just say that I'm old enough not to answer that question---ask Mommie how old she is!”

"But, it's not Mommie's birthday----it's yours!”

Alex smiles, "Honey, you might as well tell her---what's the big secret?”

Walker hesitates, "Well----my baby----your daddy is old in years----but young at heart-----and every time I look into your eyes and see your love for me, I get younger.----And----if Mommie doesn't stop looking at me that way, then I'm going to tell her age!”

Alex clears her throat, "O.k. that's it---no more talk about ages!---Now honey---Angela has fixed you bunny pancakes for breakfast, do you want to eat first---or open your presents?”

Walker makes his eyes go wide and stares back at his daughter, "I got presents too?”

"Yes, Daddy---it's no birthday less you get presents.”

Both Walker and Alex laugh, and then Alex nods to their daughter. "Aren't you gonna sing happy birthday to Daddy now?”
        The little girl nods and then she sings very softly as Walker smiles back at her.
"Thank you, baby----that was so pretty---Daddy loves you.”

"I love you too Daddy---now---let's open your presents!”!!!

The rest of the morning is spent opening Walker's presents and eating bunny pancakes.

"Did you like my present, Daddy?”

Walker touches the drawing that Angela has drawn of him, a stickman with a dark blotch on his face  and a huge star. "I sure do, baby---I'm going to put it on my desk at work---so everyone can see it!”

Angela continues to squeal and clap her little hands, nodding her head up and down. Alex is laying on the bed beside him leaning over onto Walker's shoulder, she smiles as she caresses her protruding stomach.

"What about my gift, did you enjoy it?” She teases.

"Ooooooh yes------I would be willing to have a birthday every morning in order to be woke up that way.”

She kisses him softly, "And since when do you have to have a special occasion in order to be awakened that way?”

He returns her kiss, "All I know is---that this morning was insatiable for both of us---being pregnant sure puts your hormones in overdrive---double overdrive----and I love every second of it!!!”

She laughs, "Being pregnant with twins has it's rewards, doesn't it, honey?”
        "Yep" the Ranger answers slowly, "but wait until we start getting up every two hours to tend them, we won't think it's rewarding then.”

She hits him softly in the chest, "Oh---stop it---you never complained too much with Angela.”

Walker smiles at his daughter as she is finishing the last of the bunny pancakes, "Well---she was a perfect baby---and there was only one of her!”

Alex nods her head in agreement, "You're right, I have a feeling that we are going to be doing double duty---big time!”

"Daddy----come on, get up--we got to go.”

"Go where, baby?”

"Daddy, did you forget?  You said we would go to the carney-val and you would buy me cotton candy.”

Alex smiles, "But, Angela--today is Daddy's special day, we want to do what Daddy wants to do, remember?”

The little girl looks back to her Daddy and replies softly, "Oh.-----What do you want to do, Daddy?”

Walker remains silent as he pretends to ponder the thought, his wife is looking at him suspiciously.

"Walker, you are not thinking---what I think---you're thinking----are you?”

He stammers as looks back at her like a little boy, "Well----it is my birthday and you said I could do anything on my day---didn't you?”

"Not that, Walker----you promised. Tell me you're not thinking about wanting to ride the bulls again----are you?”

"Alex, I promise---I will get a nice bull and ….."

Alex starts laughing, "A nice bull?----Honey, a nice bull can hurt the same as a bad one.”

Angela is staring back at her parents, "Daddy, are we going to the rodeo again---are you going to ride that big cow again?”

Walker begins shaking his head at his daughter but Alex has already picked up the deception, she takes a deep breath.

"Walker----have you been going down to the rodeo grounds---and taking Angela?----You had her there around those bulls, Walker, how could you?”

Alex is sliding out of bed and staring back at her husband in disbelief, Walker sighs and starts reaching for his jeans.

"Hon, what's the big deal, we've taken Angela to the rodeos before?”

"That's just it, Walker---we took her, I was always there to watch out for her."

"She was fine, Alex---I watched her!”

"And, who was keeping an eye on her while you were riding?----Which is another thing---you promised me that you wouldn't ride the bulls anymore after you got hurt last year in Mesquite!”

"I didn't get hurt all that bad, Alex---just a few bruises.”

Part 2

"Just bruises?----Walker, you knocked your shoulder out of joint, that was more than just a bruise!”

The Ranger sighs, "Alex, how many times have I knocked a shoulder out----I just pop it back in---you have even helped me to do it, remember?”

Alex shakes her head back and forth, "Honey----that is not the point. I worry every time that you ride those disgusting beasts, I'm worried that you're really going to hurt yourself or get yourself killed!”

They stand there looking at each other as Angela's eyes go from one parent to the other, she looks to her Mother.

"Are you mad at Daddy, Mommie?”

"No sweetheart, I'm not mad.”

"But, Daddy says that gampa John got to ride the big cows with horns, is that true, Mommie?”

"Yes" Alex answers slowly, "yes, your grandfather John and your great Uncle Ray both rode the big cows and their wives worried about them too.'

"Will daddy get hurt if he rides the big cows?”

Walker looks quickly to his wife, pleading with her on how to answer that question.

Alex sees the look in her husband's eyes, she crosses to the bed and sits down beside Angela.

"Sweetheart---I worry about your Daddy the same way I worry about you."

"But, Mommie, I wasn't riding the big cows---only the little ones.”

"The little ones?----Oh my God, Walker----what have you been doing, are you putting Angela on those baby bulls?”

"Alex, would you calm down?---Do you think for one moment that I would risk getting our daughter hurt---Angela is referring to the mechanical bull.”

"Good grief, Walker---they can be dangerous too!”

"Not if they're not turned on---Alex---I just sat her on them, so she could get the feel----and Zeb----might have----turned the machine-----for just a second-----or two----that's all!”

Alex's bottom lip is quivering, "Cordell John Walker----I am too upset with you right now to discuss this in a civilized manner and I'm going to skin Zeb alive if he ever does anything like this again!!---I am taking a shower----would you please get your daughter dressed?”

Alex stomps off to the bathroom and Angela looks back to her daddy, "Mommie's mad at you, daddy---did you make a 'boo-boo?”

The Ranger shakes his head, "I sure did, my baby-----a big boo-boo.”

"WALKER!”

"What now, Alex? Now ----what did I do?”

She stands there staring back at her husband, "Nothing" she says softly, "I know that riding the bulls is in your blood, and sometimes I get really angry at you and fearful that you will get hurt----but I have to keep reminding myself that  that is one of the things that made me fall in love with you. That----and your stubbornness!! I can't and won't take that away from you----just please remember to be careful!”

"Alex, hon--------

Alex turns and goes into the bathroom, slamming the door and the Ranger is left with another confused look. He sighs as he looks to his daughter, "Guess that's about all to hope for right now----'cause I know your Mother well enough not to push it any further. Your grandmother Elizabeth had the same temper---but she was a red head and redheads are noted to lose their tempers-I wonder what your Mother's excuse is?”

                    ****************************************************************

Mesquite, Texas  (early 50's)

Elizabeth Firewalker watches as her son is taking his first ride on the young bulls, his Father standing nearby.

"You can do it, Cordell---just remember to let him know that you are in control--not him. Keep your knees in tight, but keep the rest of your body relaxed---remember son--ride with the wind---not against it!”

The chute is open and the young bull charges out among the hoots and hollers of the spectators. The boy feels like every bone in his young body will surely break, but the boy is not afraid and he stays on the back of the bull till the buzzer is blown.

John is running to his son as the boy is dismounting---he looks up to his Father through freckles and rustic colored hair---"I did it, Father---it was fun, when can I ride again?”

John is laughing and holding his son close to him as they begin walking to the side of the arena, Elizabeth is there waiting for them.

"I did it, Mother, did you see me ride?”

"I sure did, Cordell---your very first ride---you were amazing!”

Cordell nods his head up and down, "Yep, that's because Father has been bringing me down here and letting me practice. I wasn't afraid, Mother---truly I wasn't!!”

Both John and Elizabeth are gleaming as John goes down on one knee in front of his son, "You were a great warrior my son and I am so very proud of you---the spirits were with you----now go----and get your prize money!”

Cordell is all smiles as he looks to his Mother and winks, "I'm going buy Mother a green scarf to hold her hair back, what would you like, Father?”

John shakes his head and stands up, "You don't spend your prize money on me---you buy something for yourself!”

"There is something I would like, but I hear they are very expensive.”

"What's that?”

"Riding chaps, father----I would like to have riding chaps, do you know how   much they cost?”

Elizabeth watches her husband as he shakes his head slowly, "Riding chaps, huh? Son, they cost a lot more than your prize money, you're only getting $10.00."

The boy stammers, "But, Father---I want to ride more often, and if I do I could save up the money---how much would you say they cost?”

John is embarrassed as he tries to think, "I'm really not sure, Cordell, I don't have any of my own, I borrow from one of the other riders--so I have no idea how much they cost" John then clears his throat, "Go get your prize money and maybe we can stop at the circus on the way home."

The boy lets out a war hoop, and then starts running to  the judge's table to claim his prize.

A tall muscular man in dark clothes has been watching the boy with his parents, and observed the boy's victory over the young bull. He walks slowly to the judge's table and listens as the boy tries to tell the judges that he is there to pick up his money. The four judges laugh and one of them throws a belt buckle to young Cordell.

The boy stares at it, "But, where is my money?---I won first place---I won $10.00!!!

The men continue to laugh as John Firewalker walks up to the table, he puts his hand on his son's shoulder and asks. "What's wrong, Cordell?”

The boy stares back at the four men and then very timidly he replies, "They just gave me this buckle---they won't give me any money!”

John stares back at the four men, "Is this true? My boy won that money fair and square----he stayed on his bull for the full 8 seconds, now where is his money?”

The one judge stands up stares back at John, "Now, you listen here you filthy injun, the boy did not stay on for the required time---he gets only a belt buckle!”

Elizabeth has heard the arguing as she walks quickly up to the four men, "You are wrong, I was timing my son's ride---he stayed on for the required time---give him his money!”

The other three men stand up and move slowly towards John as he pushes Cordell safely behind him. The tall dark stranger moves slowly towards the four men.

"The only thing that this boy, this half breed is going to get, is my boot up his ass---now you---John Firewalker----take your squaw and your bastard son and . . . ."

The man does not finish his sentence as John's fist goes into the man's face, and the other three men rush at John. Elizabeth is pulling Cordell out of the way as she watches the men knock her husband to the ground. She starts looking around for a weapon, and for just a second she sees the dark stranger staring back at her. She spots her weapon, a cattle prod! She grabs it and starts swinging at the three men who have her husband pinned down.

One of the men swears and rushes at Elizabeth, only to be met with a right fist going to the side of his face. The dark stranger has made his entrance and now he is grabbing the other two men and throwing them around like they are weightless.  John has managed to get up and he is going after the first man, hitting him, over and over. A gun shot is heard and everyone stops and looks to the where the shot came from.

The sheriff  is standing there, his gun in the air, he glares back at them.

"What the hell is going on here?”

The four judges are all trying to talk at the same time and pointing towards John. The sheriff walks gruffly up to John, "You’re under arrest for starting a riot!”

Elizabeth and Cordell are yelling back at the sheriff, but he is refusing to listen as he drags John away.

"Hold on sheriff, you're not taking that man anywhere" the stranger speaks.

The sheriff stares back at him, "You better watch it mister, you're interfering with the law---and I can arrest you for that!”

The man is tall, well over 6ft and very muscular with wide shoulders, he's dressed completely in black, he sports a huge handlebar moustache, his voice is deep.

"I know the law" he answers as he pulls back his long rider jacket, revealing a badge in the shape of a star. "I saw the whole thing, the boy was claiming his prize money, these idiots were refusing to give it to him---now let that man go-----or you will be the one gong to jail!”

The sheriff stares at the man and his badge, he shakes his head and starts releasing the cuffs on John, "I ain't messing with no Texas Ranger----no sir!”

The four men are mumbling between themselves, the sheriff barks at them to disperse and they all start to walk away.

"Wait a minute"  the stranger yells at them, "You're forgetting something, aren't you----like the boy's prize money?”

One of the judges grumble as he stomps back to the table and throws two $5  bills down, and then he holds his hand out for the buckle.

The stranger glares back and answers in a low, gruff voice---"The boy keeps the buckle----any problems with that?”

The men all walk away, and John holds his hand out to the stranger, "Thank you for speaking up.”

The men shake hands and the man tips his hat to Elizabeth. He looks down at young Cordell.

"I saw you ride, you're very good.”

Cordell stares back at the man and to his badge, he whispers, "Wow------is that a real Texas Ranger's badge?”

The man manages a smile," It sure is, would you like to have a closer look at it?”
           The stranger takes the badge off of his vest and hands it to Cordell, the boy's eyes are huge as he keeps whispering to himself "WOW.”

The stranger laughs, "I've heard of you, John Firewalker, your reputation for riding the bulls is known all over Texas and Oklahoma, I watch you ride every chance I get.”

John stares back at the man, "I'm just one man, trying to do what I can for my family---I didn't know that my name was so well known in the rodeo circuit!”

The stranger nods "Not only in the rodeo circuit----but in the logs of internal Indian affairs of Lawton----I've heard that you and your brother are pressing for more land to be released to the Cherokee people.”

Elizabeth reaches out and takes the badge from her son and hands it back to the man, "We are not saying anything more----here take your badge----and go!”

John moves around nervously on the heels of his boot, "So, this is how you approach us---by pretending to help us?”

The stranger's eyes narrow, "I don't know what you think I am trying to do---but my helping you out was just a friendly gesture of evening the odds, so to speak!”

"I can fight my own battles, and protecting my family is my responsibility---not yours!”

"I understand that, and I have great respect for a man that does also, --- I assure you and your wife that I am not befriending you for any other reason. ------ I'm sorry if I have caused concern to be suspicious of me, I meant no harm."

Elizabeth eyes the man, "Wait a minute, you said that you knew John's brother---Ray?”

"Yes ma'am, I know Ray Firewalker----or at least I am beginning to know him---through his letters.”

"Letters?---My brother is far away, in another place called Africa---he's writing to you, who are you?”

"I work for the Internal Affairs of the native Indian, I am looking into his request to check out the land rights to your Great Grandfather, Grey Wolf.”

"But,---you wear a badge?"

The stranger nods, "I'm also a Texas Ranger, Company A out of Austin---but right now I'm more interested in talking to you, John Firewalker---to get all of your paperwork together on the land that has been taken from you.”

Elizabeth shakes her head and pulls on her husband's arm, "Don't listen to him, John, it's another trick."

The stranger looks back to Elizabeth, "A trick? I'm sure I haven't the slightest clue to what you are referring to.”

Young Cordell is watching his parents and the stranger, he studies the man and the way he is dressed. He's intrigued with the handlebar moustache and the rugged attire that he is wearing, the dark, mysterious look. He's also intrigued with the way the man talks, he sounds very educated.

"We've run into your kind before! You try to befriend us, get all of the information, turn it over to your government and then we are told that we are not entitled to anything. My forefathers fought for this land, their blood seeps the soil, their spirits moan---- I do not wish to talk about this anymore, I will fight for my people alone---without the white man's help!

The stranger is silent for the longest, his fingers caress the badge as he turns it over and over, "I understand how you feel."

"You know nothing!” John's temper is rising, "You are a white man, you know nothing about what my people have gone through---come on Elizabeth, Cordell---we are leaving!”

"Wait" the stranger pleads, "just hear me out---I'm not trying to trick you. Don't you trust your brother? He's the one that has started writing the letters to The Department of Human Rights, and pressing the Oklahoma legislature to start finding the deeds and to find out what you are entitled to!”

John's voice is still anger, "You are not going to trick me into telling you what kind of proof I have------when Ray gets back from his military duties, then together we will take our proof to the governor of Oklahoma---or whoever we have to take it to."

"You have a lot of red tape to go through, John Firewalker, and you and your brother Ray need someone on the inside to help get these cases seen to. Not only are you entitled to land in Oklahoma, but you have a big chunk of it, right here in Texas. Right here, in this very area! We just have to find out where your rights start, and how much land was claimed by your forefathers!"

John shakes his head as he glares at the man, "Are you saying I'm stupid? My forefathers were all over Texas, they had homes, they raised families----they were cheated out of everything they ever owned!. I may not be school smart, like you----but I am not stupid----my forefathers told the stories, I listened, I remember.”

"John, let's go" Elizabeth pulls on his arm, "we do not have to talk to him.”

The couple turns, and Elizabeth takes young Cordell's hand, they begin to walk away. The stranger speaks Cordell's name, and as the boy turns, the badge is flipped to him. Cordell catches the badge and then looks quickly to his Father.

"Let the boy keep it, if he wants it" the man says sternly.

Cordell looks to each parent, they slowly nod their heads. He looks back to the stranger, "Thank you sir.”

The stranger smiles, "Maybe someday when you grow up, you might want to be a lawman, maybe a  Texas Ranger!”

Cordell looks at the badge and then the belt buckle, he weighs them back and forth and then says proudly, "No sir---I want to be a bull rider----like my Father!”

The stranger tips his hat, "There's nothing wrong in that, Cordell Firewalker, but who says---you can't  be both?”

The stranger walks away.

                                    ****************************************************

Mesquite, Texas (the present)

Alex and Angela are watching Walker as he gets ready to ride, the Ranger is putting on his riding chaps.

"What are them things, Daddy?”

Walker smiles, "They're called riding chaps, Angela, they help me to stay on the bull better.”

"Ohhh" Angela looks to her Mother,” maybe I can have some too?”

"No way, Angela---and there will be no further discussions on your riding any kind of bull, big or small---real or mechanical----so no more talking about it, o.k?”

Walker reaches over and pinches his daughter's nose, "Don't get Mommie upset---she just got over one mad spell, o.k., baby?”

Alex starts to reply when Zeb, the mechanical bull operator, calls out the Ranger's name.

"Hey, Walker---you're up next----" and then he sees Alex, he forces a smile, "oops----hi Alex----hi Angela.”

Alex nods to the man and Angela shouts, "Hi Zeb---Mommie is mad at you, she says she is going to skin you live!”

Alex is shushing her daughter as the man mutters a excuse, "I'm sure sorry, Alex---but it was all Walker's doings----he was the one that said to turn the machine on.”

"Thanks a lot, Zeb" mutters Walker.

Alex smiles back at the man, "It's o.k. Zeb---Walker and I have talked it over and he will not be putting Angela back on any kind of bull---real or otherwise-----right honey?”

The Ranger sighs and answers slowly, "Right----no more bulls.”

Zeb is still nervous, "Oh by the way, Walker---there was a man here asking questions about you for the last couple of days!”

"Who was he?”

"Don't know, didn't give his name---but he sure was weird acting----mean looking dude!"

Walker's brow arches, "What did he look like?”

Zeb takes a deep sigh, "Like I said, real mean looking, red hair, long and shaggy, had a beard------talked kind of funny---with a accent.”

"What kind of accent?”

Zeb scratches his chin, "I'm not sure--maybe Scotch or Irish, I can't tell them apart---sorry!”

Walker shakes his head, "The description doesn't ring a bell, did he say what he wanted?”

"That was the weird part, he was asking questions about you, but he kept saying "Firewalker"---now I know that not too many people around here know that you shortened your name some years back---around here we all know you as just  "Walker.”

Alex is staring back at her husband and then to Zeb, "Honey, maybe the man knew your Father, he was well known in the rodeo circuit?”

"Yeah, most likely" answers Walker, "how old of a man was he?”

Again Zeb scratches his chin, "I would say---around his late 60's, early 70's."

Walker nods his head and reaches for his gloves, "Then, he was asking about my Father, not me."

"No, Walker----he was asking about a Cordell Firewalker------and he was being very arrogant about it----he kept saying "that"-- Zeb stops and looks to Angela and then clears his voice, "he was saying "that darn red savage!”

Walker's face becomes rigid, "My Father had his share of enemies---just exactly, what was the man asking?”

"Like I said the man was very arrogant, I told him that you were suppose to ride today, and if he wanted to ask anymore questions to come back and talk to you----I got to go----I'll talk to you later----bye Angela, bye Alex."

Walker sighs, "I got to be going too, I'm up-----Angela---wish daddy good luck" and he reaches over to kiss her cheek. He then kisses Alex, she is staring back at him, her eyes are wide.

"Honey, what do you suppose that was all about?”

Walker forces a smile, "Hon, don't worry about it, we'll talk after my ride---o.k.?----Angela, you ready to go to the carny val?”

The girl squeals, "Yes daddy, and you buy me cotton candy?”

The Ranger winks, "You got it, baby---anything you want---Daddy will do his damnest to get it for you---for you and your Mommie----I'll lasso the moon!”

As he starts to walk away, Alex grabs his arm and asks , "What bull did you get?”

Walker stammers, "Uuuhhh, Widow Maker."

"Widow Maker? The same one that you rode over three years ago and broke your hand and wrist?”

"No, hon, this is his off spring.”

"Oh great" sighs Alex, "a younger and even meaner bull---Walker you are going to get bucked so high, you won't need a lasso to rope the moon----you'll be able to reach out and grab it!”

Walker shakes his finger back at his wife and then he turns to his daughter, "Angela, tell your Mommie to stop trying to be funny.”

Angela turns to her Mother, "Mommie---Daddy says…''

"Never mind, Angela" she answers between clinched teeth, and then to her husband she hisses "Walker!”

The Ranger laughs and then walks toward his chute, in the shadows a figure is watching. He watches the man in his rodeo gear climb upon the back of the bull and then his eyes go towards the waiting area and spots the blonde headed woman and small girl. He wipes the spittle away and curses, the pain between his eyes increases as he rubs the back of his neck.

"You will pay for your deception, Elizabeth---the years have been many, but I have not forgotten. Ye have carried the secret for too long---I am here to claim what is mine."

                                             ***************************************

Laredo, Texas

It is now the 8th summer of young Cordell's life, he and his family have traveled the rodeo circuit non-stop and Elizabeth is having yearnings for her son to attend public school.

"You know what will happen, Elizabeth---it will be just like the last time that we enrolled our son in a public school, he will be taunted and teased---just like the other times, when his little friends find out that he is half Cherokee!”

"He has to learn to deal with it, John---my teachings have been limited and the government says that he has to attend.”

Cordell is listening to his parents argue, he remains silent as his memory goes back to the last school he attended. His new friends thought he was o.k., his mistake was inviting a friend to his home. Everything was fine till his Father came home and the boy saw the tall man in buckskins, dark skin, and his hair in braids. The boy was terrified of John, no matter what Cordell or his Mother would say, the boy went home crying and told his parents. Again, the cruel tests of prejudice.

John sees his son standing in the doorway, "Come here, Cordell---this is your decision too. Do you want to go to public school?”

"Yes, Father" he answers softly, "Mother is right----I have to deal with it, I promise I will not complain.”

The following week, and Cordell is enrolled in the second grade. The other kids have watched him closely, noting the worn jeans, but how nicely they have been ironed. The boy has only three shirts, and he tries extra hard to keep the shirts clean, and therefore avoiding many of the games that the other boys play. Instead, he chooses to read more and stays to himself.

Another boy is watching young Cordell as he sits under a tree reading a book, he approaches him slowly.

"My name is Billy, what's yours?”

"Cordell----my name is Cordell.”

The boy repeats the name, "What kind of name is that, I ain't never heard that name before?”

Cordell's defense is rising, "It's Irish----so what?”

"Irish?---Oh, o.k.---didn't mean nothing by asking---it's just different--alright?”

Cordell goes back to reading his book and the boy points towards the football field, "Wanna play some ball?”

"No----no thank you.”

"What's the matter, you afraid of getting your clothes dirty--we been watching you----are you some kind of sissy?”

Cordell stands up and walks to the boy, "How would you like a fist to your mouth---don't you call me no sissy!”

"Then, why won't you play with us?”

"Cause I don't want to---that's why" Cordell snaps back.

"Maybe its cause you don't know how to play football---is that it?”

Cordell is getting angrier, "I do too know how to play, I just don't want to---it's a silly game!”

The boy starts to walk away and then turns back to Cordell,  "I could teach you how to play, if you want me to?”

"I don't need your help---I told you---I know how to play that silly game!”

Billy walks back up to him, "O.k.----then prove it--- football is made up of how many guys?"

"NINE!" Answers Cordell---"Everybody knows that!”

Billy starts to laugh, "That's baseball, stupid!!! Football has eleven---I knew it---you don't know anything about the game!”

Cordell is doubling up his fists, "Don't call me stupid, or so help me, I'll punch you!”

Billy looks back to the field and sees his friends waving to him, he shakes his head, "Look, if you change your mind and want to play, we could use a running back and I've seen you run track---you're very fast.”

"What's a running back?”

Billy smirks, Boy---are you stu------I mean---look I can teach you how to play--and you will make more friends than sitting here under this tree---reading!”

Part 3

Billy starts to walk away, Cordell calls him back. "Wait------I will play your silly game---if you want me to?”

"Good----come on---you can meet the rest of the guys, we don't bite!”

Young Cordell has made a new friend, but still he avoids saying too much about himself. He's all smiles as he goes running home to the old trailer that sits at the outskirts of town.   He hits the door running, calling to his Mother.

He sees her sitting at the old kitchen table and writing in the same book that he has seen her write in before. She quickly closes the book and looks to her son.

"Cordell, what's wrong? You're all out of breath!”

"Mother, I made some new friends---and guess what----they are learning me to play football!”

Elizabeth smiles, "My son, no one can 'learn' you---you mean 'teaching' you---football?”

"Yes ma'am---I mean teaching me---I have a new friend, his name is Billy, and he's teaching me all about the game."

"That is great, Cordell----but----this game of football will not interfere with your chores down at the stockyards, will they?”

"No, Mother---I won't stop helping Father---because I am still saving to buy those chaps for him."

She smiles back at him, "Oh sweetheart---you know your Father will not accept your spending money to buy him riding chaps, he's already told you to spend your prize money on yourself!”

The boy sighs, "I know what he said, but I've been talking to some of the other riders and they told me of a place that I could buy them, what they called---second hand---like the clothes---we wear!”

"Cordell Firewalker, you do not question what we have and have not---your Father works very hard to support us--you do not forget that---do you hear me?”

"Yes Mother, I mean no disrespect---but if Father sees that I can buy him his own chaps, he won't have to borrow anymore, and so far I've got almost $50.00 saved!”

Elizabeth nods her head, "We will see---but right now--you need to take some sandwiches down for your Father, he said he would be working late.”

"Does this mean the new broncos are coming in? Father will be breaking them, can I stay to watch?”

She laughs, "Is your homework done---if so---then you can stay and come home with your Father.”

The boy  gives out a war cry, "YES!" He then sees the book laying on the table and recalls how quickly his Mother closed it, when he came in.

"What was you writing in that book, Mother?”

"It's not just a book, my son, it's called a journal---and I was writing about----personal things that have happened in our lives.”

"Can I read it?”

"May? The  word is 'may' I read it?----and NO---you may not, this is like a diary, and diaries are very personal!---Now--go----your Father will be getting hungry!”

She waits until she can no longer see him running down the gravel road towards the stockyards and then to the rodeo grounds. She turns back to her possession, and starts reading slowly:

"My heart was heavy, I did not know what to do---my mind was

racing. How can someone's world be turned upside down in such a short length of time?  I fought him with every ounce of me, but he kept tugging at my clothes---I do not wish to remember the rest of the night but my mind has a mind of it's own. He must never know, I shall carry the secret to my grave, for to tell him would surely be his demise. May the saints forgive me--keep me strong in this web of deception.”

                                     **********************************************

Shriner's Carnival, Dallas (present time)

The Walkers are watching as their daughter is being painted up as a clown by one of the carnival workers. They have her dressed as a Raggedy Ann clown, the girl is giggling and pointing at her red nose.

"See my nose, Mommie!”

"Yes sweetheart, I see your shiny, red nose----you are so pretty.”

Walker is gleaming as he reaches out and pulls her fake hair, "Come on Angela, let's go ride the rides.”

The Walkers are moving slowly towards the kiddie rides and Alex sits down at one of the tables urging Walker to put her in one of the little cars.

"Go ahead, honey---I'm going to sit here for a few minutes, rest my feet.”

"You feel o.k., hon?”

Alex sighs, "Just a little 'winded', your sons are kicking double time-----I just want to sit here and catch my breath---you two----go ahead and ride the rides---I'll wait here!”

As Alex is watching her husband and daughter, the figure from the rodeo has followed them and  is watching her. He keeps staring at her and shaking his head, the pain is going towards the back of his head now. He squints his eyes and looks back to Alex's hair.

"What have ye done to your hair, lassie----it is not the color of fire any longer?  Me guesses that it has changed too over the years------but it has not been that long----has it?”

The man continues to watch Alex as his memories go flashing back to another time, another place:

He's staring back into the face of Duggan Talley, an old drinking buddy.

The face is blurry as the man keeps rubbing his eyes, and the pain increases.

"Ye better not be lying to me, Duggan---me will cut your heart out if ye are!”

”What me tell you is the truth---she is back----I saw her---just as beautiful as the day she left.”

The man downs his Irish whiskey and orders more, he downs that too.

"Was she alone?”

His friend nods, "Aye, she came alone---me heard the brother say.”

"Which brother?”

"The youngest one, Kordell.”

The man downs more whiskey, "He is trouble---he won't be so easy to approach----"

"Certainly not by you----he hates you!”

"Tell me everything, where does she stay---her parents have disowned her!”

Duggan downs another drink and shakes his head, "I hear Kordell say that she will stay with him.”

The man hits the bar in anger, "Curses!!!! She is at the church?”

"Aye----they are probably there by now----she will not talk to you-----and Kordell will never allow you into his house.”

"He cannot keep me away---his house is suppose to be open for all, even us sinners---right Duggan?”

"What do you plan to do?”

The man hesitates, " Me has to think of how to approach her---she will talk to me---ye will see!”

The figure is brought back to the present as he hears a young voice giggling and running to the blonde headed woman. The man shakes his head as he watches the little girl climb upon the chair near the woman.

"Mommy, Daddy said we could ride the 'erris wheel, want to ride with us?”

The woman shakes her head, "No way, sweetheart---Mommie can't ride any of the rides, they would make Mommy and the babies sick.---But, you go ahead and ride with Daddy, I know he is so anxious to ride the ferris wheel, aren't you honey?”

The Ranger sighs and takes a quick sip of his wife's diet drink, "Oooooh yes---I'm just counting the moments till I can go around and around and around."

"Walker, stop it---I'm getting nauseous just listening to you" the woman laughs.

"O.k., we'll ride the ferris wheel and then if I'm not too dizzy, I'll let Angela ride the 'tilt a whirl'---we'll be back in a few minutes!”

The man watches as Walker and the little girl walk away, he  grabs the back of his head, he stumbles towards an old tree and sits down underneath it.

"Me head feels like it is coming apart----things are so----confusing----who is the little girl?-----Is that Firewalker?---She called him "Walker", who is he? He does not look like the picture that I saw in her purse---the other man was----dark and had long, dark hair---who is this man, he looks like you, Elizabeth. Can this man be the one called Kordell?----The years could be right, there have been many---no---no it has only been a few years-----the pain makes it hard for me to think straight."

The man continues to wrestle with his memory and the pain that is shooting through his head, he looks back to the blonde headed woman.

"Everything changed that night, Elizabeth----ye were in me arms, and then-----the pain was driving through me body like no pain me have ever known. Ye were crying, me knows not why---these things are confusing me------but everything will be set right again---when our child is born, the child ye conceived that night."

The man is still observing Alex as his eyes linger on her protruding stomach, he smiles.

"Ye carry me son, Elizabeth---everything will be good again----So, this is America----you will all know me wrath, the wrath of CORMAC!”!

************************************************

Laredo, Texas (1962)

The latter part of the year and young Cordell will learn valuable lessons in a turbulent time of civil rights, his own prejudice, and the value of losing a friend.

Cordell and his young friend, Billy have been fishing and returning home with quite a catch. Billy has proved to be a very true friend. When he met John Firewalker, he didn't run home crying like Cordell's other 'so called' friends.  Instead young Billy is impressed with having a friend that is half Indian.

"Wow, Cordell--your Father is really brave when he rides those bulls-----and so are you! Could you teach me how to ride too?”

"Sure, the next time that I go down to the rodeo grounds I will ask my Father to teach you how to get started---but you have to listen very closely----and you have to have your  parents' permission, 'cause it can get dangerous!”

"I've watched you, Cordell, how dangerous can it be?---If you can learn to throw a football and run from one end of the field to the other, I can certainly ride one of those little bulls!”

Cordell laughs, "You will see that riding those little ones are not so easy, you will shake your insides up so bad, you will think that you have been run over by a train.”

The boys continue laughing, they do not see the other boys following behind them. The taunting begins.

"Hey Sambo" the tallest boy shouts, "want some watermelon?”

Cordell stops and looks back at the other boys, Billy grabs his arm, "Pay them no mind, Cordell---come on.”

"Who are they calling Sambo, and what's that suppose to mean?”

Billy continues to pull on his friend's arm, the other boys have caught up to them, and now trying to take the fish away from them.

"Leave us alone, we're not bothering you, " replies Cordell.

The second boy pushes Cordell, "We'll get to you later, "half breed!”

The other boys are circling Billy, and the first boy sneers as he pushes Billy to the ground, "Get up, Sambo---so I can knock your black ass down again.”

Cordell is staring back at the boys, "What are you saying?---Billy's not black---leave him alone!”

The second boy hits Cordell in the head, "When we want your opinion injun,--- we'll beat it out of you---now step back and watch the fun---because you're next."

The other boys are chanting, "Yeah, we don't want no niggers or any Indians going to our school!”

Billy shouts back at them, "We don't go to your school---you're older than us!”

"Exactly---" chimes the first boy" and we intend to make sure that you don't want to attend any of the schools in our neighborhood---got that---Sambo?”

The fight is on as the four boys start hitting Billy and kicking him, Cordell is screaming at them to stop, they won't listen. Cordell picks up a stick and starts swinging at the older boys, one of the boys takes it from him and starts hitting Cordell with it. Both of the boys lay bleeding on the ground as the older boys laugh and walk away.

Billy is hurt the worst as Cordell drags himself over to his friend. Billy is crying, "I'm sorry Cordell---I should have told you.”

"Tell me what? What were those boys  meaning----you're not black---what did they mean?”

Billy sobs, "Yes, I am----my grandmother was black----I've tried to hide it----I don't know how they found out!”

Cordell is trying to stand and to hold his friend up, "It don't matter, I got to get you home---my Mother will tend your cuts.”

Billy pulls away from Cordell, "NO----I'm going home!”

Cordell pleads with his friend to come to his house, Billy continues to walk away. Young Cordell goes running home as fast as his legs will carry him.

He runs into the trailer screaming for his Mother, she runs to him. He tells her the story about the other boys and how they beat Billy.

Elizabeth goes with her son to Billy's home and tells the parents what has happened. The Mother is frantic, wanting to know where her son is. The police have been notified and the search is on for young Billy.

Three days later they find Billy's body washed up on the banks of the Blanco River, Cordell is there when his friend's body is dragged ashore. The boy breaks down and sobs, his parents try desperately to console him.

Cordell's life will change, he becomes irritable and depressed, his grades starts failing, and he loses his position on the football team. He no longer wants to help his Father at the rodeo grounds and shows no interest in riding the bulls. He begins spending more time alone and rarely speaking to anyone. He finally approaches his parents to ask that they leave Laredo.

They travel now back to the Ft. Worth area and again, John Firewalker is following the circuit and doing as many odd jobs as he can to support his family. Elizabeth continues to do her share by taking in laundry and sewing.

Cordell is now attending school in Ft.Worth, he says little to anyone, he begins to read more. Some of the other kids try to approach him, he walks away from them.

He's now standing in front of an appliance store and watching the story on the TV unfold about racial unrest. He hears the snickers behind him as he hears the crowds cheering for the police that are beating up some blacks. His heart becomes heavy as he thinks about his dear friend, Billy.

He screams back at the spectators, "You're all a bunch of hypocrites, going to church on Sundays and then criticizing someone for the color of their skin!”

The crowd turns away from the TV and stare at the boy, "You're too young to know what is happening son, we can't let the blacks take over..”

"Take over what, they're just trying to be equal."

The crowd laughs, "Equal? The niggers will never be equal to us-----and neither will the Mexicans----or those damn Indians!”!!!

Cordell kicks the man in the knee for the statement he has just made and now the other men are pulling Cordell away and pushing him to the street, "Go home kid, you don't know what kind of trouble you can get into by taking up for the likes of them kind---now go home before we beat you silly!”

The walk home is slow as neither his body or his mind want to go there. He knows his attitude is changing, he has begun speaking back to his parents and being disrespectful to others around him. His Father's temper is starting to show and the threat of getting a belt taken to him is imminent.

As he walks into the little two room house that his parents have rented, his Mother comes running to him.

"Cordell, where have you been?---He waited for as long as he could----he wanted to see you!”

"Who?---Who wanted to see me?”

His Father walks into the room, his lunch box under his arm, "Your Uncle Ray was here----he wanted to see you!”!!

"Uncle Ray? He was here, where is he?”

His Mother's smile fades, "He waited for as long as he could and then he had to leave to catch the bus----he's going back overseas.”

Cordell becomes sad, he would have liked to see the Uncle that he has heard so much about. "Back overseas? To Africa---again?”

"No" replies his Father, "to a place called Korea.”

"Cordell, why have you taken so long to get home, Ray wanted to see you so very bad, he hasn't seen you since--you were barely walking?”

The boy shrugs and walks to the kitchen, "No big deal, I just wasn't in any hurry to get home---I got busy doing some other things.”

John takes a deep breath as he starts to walk towards his son, Elizabeth pulls him back, "Go to work, I will have a talk with our son.”

Elizabeth waits till after her husband is gone and young Cordell fixes a baloney sandwich. She tells him to sit down at the old table, she studies his face. His hair is getting darker now, and his eyes take on a dark hue, making them look almost black. The freckles are abundant as they sprinkle over his nose and cheeks.

"Things are changing my son, and you are changing----I don't like what I am seeing in your attitude! Talk to me, son, tell me what it is that bothers you so deeply!”

"It should be obvious as to what is bothering me, everything around me---look at the way we live, Mother!”

"I know we don't have as much as a lot of people, but we have more than some, and we should be grateful for what we have. That was one of the reasons your Uncle stopped by, he was telling your father that the government has accepted to look into the land rights belonging to your great, grandfather.”

"Oh please---not that again---Mother---the government has been saying that for how many years? There is nothing on paper to prove the land rights, only the scribbling of some whisky drinking redskin that just happened to squat on land that didn't belong to him!”

Elizabeth's temper is rising, "Watch your language, Cordell Firewalker---or I will take a belt to ye---do you understand me, lad?”

Cordell sighs, he knows his Mother is angry when she talks talking in the Irish brogue, he shakes his head.

"I'm sorry Mother---I just get so angry that Father even tries to fight for his people, when they treat him so badly. The last time that we went to the reservation, his own Father avoided him, his Mother said very little----and they still have nothing to do with me!   Why do they hate me so?”

Elizabeth becomes sad, "I don't know why your father's people ignore you except for the fact that you are not a full Cherokee---and for that---that is their loss."

"What about my grandparents on your side, they don't like me either, and they haven't even met me? How can someone hate someone so much when they haven't met that person?"

"I wish I knew the reason why people are so afraid of things they know nothing about, and I am sorry for my parents' distance to you, but you have a Uncle on both sides that have tried to be there for you. Your Uncle Ray is fighting in a war thousands of miles away and he's also fighting to get the rights for the land that is due your Father's people. And, your Uncle Kordell---he fights another war, but in a different way, he fights for the souls of the people that are losing blood in my country too. He has never seen you, but in his letters---he says how much he would love to meet you someday.”

Cordell downs the last of his baloney sandwich and stale bread, he clears his throat, "My----my Uncle Kordell---he's a priest?---Isn't he?”

A smile crosses Elizabeth's face, "Yes, he is a soldier of God, and you would like your Uncle---I wish so much that you could meet him.”

"Ireland is a long ways off, isn't it, Mother?”

"Yes-----maybe someday you can go there.”

"I would like that, I've seen pictures and I've heard you describe the place, the green rolling meadows, the mountains of the Tralee valley---that's where you were born, right, Mother?”

Elizabeth's blue/green eyes begin to sparkle, "Yes---and the valley is so beautiful, you would love it there.”

"Do you think that someday you, Father, and I could go there?”

"I wish it so---and there is nothing wrong in wishing and having dreams---but to go there would take a lot of money---money, that we don't have!”

Cordell looks to the brown leather case that sits upon his Mother's sewing kit, he rushes over to it and brings it back to her.

"But, Mother----Uncle Kordell said he would send us a plane ticket if we wanted to come---write to him---tell him to send it----please?”

Elizabeth touches her son's face lovingly, "I will talk it over with your Father, but Cordell---you have some adjusting to do. Your Father misses you and needs you to help him more at the rodeo grounds. He has been trying to do his part in helping to regain his people's right to the land taken from them, he is so very tired---he needs your help!”

The boy sighs, "O.k. Mother, I will try to work harder to help him. It's just that I feel----so confused, the world is crashing down around us, everyone is hating----and I miss----Billy ---so much.”

Cordell wipes a tear from his eyes, "You know what one of the last things was that Billy and I talked about?”

"What, my son?”

"I was telling him how much I wished that I had a brother or a sister---so I wouldn't feel so lonely. He told me that since he was older than me, that I could pretend he was my big brother. We laughed and we said that we would always be the best of friends, and I was so happy----I finally had someone that was wanting to share my life---as my 'make believe brother'. Was that wrong?”

"No" replies Elizabeth, "I think that was a very nice gesture on both your parts.---Cordell----I'm sorry that I was never able to have anymore children. Your Father and I wanted to have more, but I had a lot of trouble birthing you and the Doctors advised us to not have anymore. I'm so sorry for your loss in never knowing a sibling and I'm deeply sorry for the loss of your friend."

Cordell rises from the table and reaches out to hug his Mother, "I'll be going now---to help Father with the chores.”

The time passes and Elizabeth returns to her journal:

" I know I wasn't completely honest with my explanation to Cordell on why he didn't have brothers or sisters and for this, my heart breaks. His birth was hard on me, but the Doctors said in a few years it would be safe to get pregnant again, but seeing the way that our son has been treated by both sides of the family was even more heartbreaking, and both John and I decided we would not bring another life into such a world that carries so much hate for the color of someone's skin.
My son is so lonely and so unhappy, maybe it is time that I make one last effort in taking him to see his grandparents in Ireland. My brother, Kordell, has expressed his desire to see his nephew, and he could very well be my son's only tie to my side of the family. I am afraid of what awaits me there, sometimes I believe that he truly knows my secret as Kordell mentioned many years ago.  I know his anger, I will have to be very discreet in arriving there, I hope my son will understand it all. May the saints protect us and my decision in taking Cordell to Ireland."

The months pass and finally Elizabeth has gotten the money for her and Cordell's plane ride. Cordell begs his father to go with them, but the man refuses, saying he has to stay behind to continue working and take the endless trips back and forth to Lawton, Oklahoma and his fight for land rights.

It's a tearful goodbye at DFW airport as Cordell and his Mother kiss John goodbye.  Cordell watches as his parents embrace and the stares they are getting from the other passengers. Soon, their flight number is called out and young Cordell is taking his very first plane ride. He's both sad and happy as he waves goodbye to his father, he could see the tears swelling in his Father's eyes, but Cordell knew the man would not cry.

The silver bird is making it's departure and Cordell's heart is in his mouth as he feels the plane rise----he whispers to himself:

"Billy---I will never forget you----the clouds are so close that I feel as though I can reach out and touch them, and you. I know you are watching me----I'm going to Ireland-----wish me luck---huh, big brother!”!

                                                  *************************************

Walker Ranch:

The Walkers have returned from the carnival and putting a very exhausted daughter to bed.

Alex pulls the blanket up around her daughter and then kisses her goodnight. She looks over to her husband who is staring out of the window of the nursery. She walks slowly up behind him, trying to put her arms around his waist, but her belly prevents the closeness.

"Honey, what's wrong? You've been so quiet ever since we left the carnival!”

"I don't know hon, I just get the feeling that there is something in the air, an uneasy feeling that I just can't put my finger on.”

"Uh oh" laughs Alex, "there's that Cherokee intuition kicking in again-----I wonder if our kids will inherit these traits?”

Walker smiles, "I'm sure the twins will inherit a small part. Look at Angela---she's already showing her Cherokee prowess, and she's got her Mother's stubborn streak and the gift of arguing.”

"What was she arguing with you about?”

Walker turns around and encircles his wife's stomach, "She was wanting to ride the ferris wheel again, I told her "no" and that bottom lip began to pout.”

"What's the matter, honey, why didn't you want to ride it again?”

"I hate the ferris wheel---it was all I could do to just ride it once---I've always hated them, even when I was a little kid. I hated going around in circles in a backward motion!”

Part 4

Alex laughs as she gently pulls away from her husband and walks towards the two little bassinets that sit side by side. She turns back to him.

"Poor baby" she teases, "did you get dizzy? Honey, you have jumped out of airplanes and rode those rails on the side of a helicopter---how can you get dizzy riding a ferris wheel?”

Walker shrugs, "Beats the hell out of me, but I do.. I've always hated them!”

Alex begins folding and unfolding the tiny little clothes inside the dresser, she pulls out matching blue infant attire. "I think I will have one dressed in blue and the other in maybe a light green, what do you think, honey?”

He walks up behind her and kisses her neck, "I think that you are going to change your mind about what to dress the twins in at least another hundred times---honey---just play it by ear and---- dress them in whatever---they're not going to know the difference!”

"You're a lot of help" she scoffs---"honey---let's move the bassinets over there to the other side of the room and sit them at a diagonal slant. That way I can be between them---o.k?”

The Ranger sighs, " Alex, that's the way we had them in one of the earlier moves and we are not going to be moving them, I will do it---go sit down!”

She starts to argue and then sees the determination in his eyes, "O.k.------ I'll sit. Oh Walker, are you getting excited?”

Walker is picking up the first bassinet and moving it, he shakes his head, "No, I'm damn right petrified!!!! I was a nervous wreck waiting for Angela's arrival and now----we got two of them coming at the same time.!!! And, by the way---have you made arrangements to hire someone to come out and help you after you bring the twins home?”

"No---not yet" she answers softly.

Walker sits the first bassinet down, "is this where you want it, hon---at this angle?”

Alex nods her head, "A little more to the left---that's it----just like that.”

"And, why haven't you hired someone to help you---honey--you will have three to take care of, you need help. I will help you as much as possible when I'm home, but you need someone here-24/7!”

"I will sweetheart, I'll take care of it---I promise!”

Walker takes a deep breath and reaches for the other bassinet, "I don't know why you don't let Martha Ferguson help you, she has offered to help a dozen times----even more!”

Alex is pointing to how she wants the other bassinet, "Martha gets a little 'bossy' at times.”

"She's from the old school, hon---and she's just trying to be helpful. Her ways of doing things might sound 'bossy' to you, but she means well..”

Alex goes to sit back down, she looks at her husband sadly, "It's times like this that---I miss---my Mother---Walker, do you realize that our kids will never have a grandmother? And, they will only have one grandfather----kids need that stability of having grandparents around. I know my Mother would have spoiled Angela rotten, not that you haven't already done that----and---it's just not fair!”

"I know hon, I think about my parents a lot especially when we got married and even more so when we learned 'we'  were pregnant. Walkers smiles. "My parents would have spoiled Angela too---and the twins-----I can sometimes see the expression on my Father's face if he could have lived to share these moments with us."

Alex wipes a tear away, "Honey----have you decided on what the names will be?”

"All I'm asking is that one of the boys be named for my Father----and we can name the other one after your Father.”

"But, John and Gordon don't rhyme---and twins usually have names that are similar, or at least the same initials."

"Hon, there is no law stating that twins have to have similar sounding names-----and we have plenty of time to discuss names.”

"Well, I know that you don't want a Jr. but I insist that one of the boys be named Cordell-----no arguments!

Walker shakes his head, "I can hear it now---John Cordell---that attention getter again!”

Alex ponders the thought, "Well---how about Cordell John?-----And remember you said that you wanted to name one after Jimmy?”

"Yeah, I do---I think it's only right since he named J.W. after me---and because Trivette has been the closest to a brother----" Walker's voice trails off.

Alex knows that her husband is thinking of his childhood friend, Billy. "Then---we will name the second one James, and we could name him William after your friend, Billy, if you like?”

"Maybe" Walker replies----but you said you wanted them to have the same initials----I have another name to consider----Cooper!”

Alex smiles, "Cooper---Hayes Cooper---your hero!!! I like that---Cooper James or James Cooper?”

Walker scratches his chin, "How about Cordell John and Cooper James---same initials---C. J .W?”

"I like it!” Alex is beaming. "For someone that doesn't believe in naming a child till after their arrival---you make good choices, sweetheart!-----After all, you picked out the name, "Angela.”

Walker is smiling as he walks over to his wife and kisses her, "You know what this means, don't you? Somewhere down the line we're going to have to have a little "Alexandra?”

She puts her arms around his neck and snuggles in close to his chest, "I love making babies with you, Cowboy-----and, not that I wouldn't love to have another daughter---but Angela has a part of my middle name----and that's good enough for me.”

He kisses her tenderly, "O.k.---then it's settled---or at least till the next time and you change your mind again!----Now, come on Mrs. Walker---let's go to bed.”

They walk slowly back to Angela's room and Walker checks the window again to make sure it's locked. He then reaches to turn the night light on and winds up the little carousel horse. The tinkling of the old player piano begins and Alex sings softly.

Outside a soft March wind is blowing and a figure crouches down beside the mesquite trees and looks towards the ranch house and to the window that the bearded man was standing at earlier. He shakes his head in confusement.

"Why do me have trouble remembering certain things? Some things are clear, others are not. I can still see your face,  Elizabeth, ye were like a angel---why did ye fight me so?---It was inevitable that we be together--not him! Me have come to take ye both back to the homeland and to the valley of Tralee where all things were young,  we were young , promising our lives to each other for eternity.  I watch as your belly swells, and the life inside you grows----our son grows. It is time, Elizabeth---no more games.”
                                         ***********************************

Dublin, Ireland (middle of 1962)

Young Cordell and Elizabeth have arrived in his Mother's homeland, and the boy is mesmerized at all of the greenery and rolling hills on their journey to Galway.

"Wow---Mother---it is so pretty---are we near the Tralee valley, where you were born?”

"We'll be there soon, my son---in about two more hours, but first I want to take a trip into  Kilkee---I want to see someone very special.”

"Who, Mother? Uncle Cordell?”

Elizabeth is all smiles, "Yes, you're Uncle Kordell, remember the spelling is different here. I wanted your name to be spelled with a K" but those silly nurses messed up the records and spelled it with a "C!”

Cordell smiles, "It's o.k. Mother, I don't mind. I just wish Father could be here----tell me the truth, were you afraid for Father to come here, because of the way your parents have rejected him?”

"Yes" answers Elizabeth sadly, "I'm hoping that after they meet you, things will be different and maybe the next time your Father can come with us. But, Cordell--we have civil unrest here too---we are still fighting Northern Ireland , and I did not want to put your father through more turmoil here too. It's bad enough that his people are not even accepted in the country they settled!”

"Yes ma'am, I know Father was worried about us coming here, but I know that he wanted me to have one last chance on seeing my grandparents. I promise to be on good behavior, Mother---I will not get angry should they turn me away.”

"Thank you son, but there is something else I must ask of you, and I will explain it all at a later date..”

Cordell nods his head, "I think I know what it is, you want me to stay with my Uncle until you can talk to your parents-----about me?”

Elizabeth reaches out and hugs her son, "It would be better this way, please try and understand.”

Cordell hesitates, "Are you sure that my Uncle Kordell wants to see me, he won't be ashamed of me?”

"Sweetheart, you read his letter, he is asking to see you---he's not ashamed of you.---There's nothing to be ashamed of.”

"But, he lives in a church---how will I act? What do I say, what do I do?”

"You just be yourself, be polite, and remember to talk in a soft voice when you are inside the church. God has very tender ears and this church is not like the ones we have attended in Texas, where the revivals can sometimes get very hectic!”

"But, you like those revivals, Mother---there's always lots of singing and dancing!”

"True---and I have to admit that the Irish jigs here can get very wild, and in some places they dance in the streets--even on table tops! Those are called Octoberfests and they are so much fun!”

Elizabeth and Cordell arrive in Kilkee, and they are directed to the church of St. Thomas. They have chosen to walk the two miles as their carriage has gone on ahead of them to the church. Elizabeth is pointing out all the points of interest to her son, when they see a man in a black, flowing, robe running towards them.

"Elizabeth,---Elizabeth!”

She puts her hand to her mouth to stifle the tears and then she starts running to the man.

They fall into each other's arms and Elizabeth is crying uncontrollably. "Kordell----I have missed you so very much.”

The man is crying too as he brushes his sister's flaming red hair back out of her eyes, "My baby sister---thank you Lord for bringing her home.”

Cordell approaches them slowly and looks at the man that has a red beard and very stoutly built. The man pulls away from his sister and looks at Cordell.

"And, this is my nephew---this is Cordell?”

Elizabeth motions for her son to come nearer, "Yes---this is my son---Cordell---this is your Uncle Kordell.”

The boy continues to stare at the man's red beard, he then rubs his hands on his jeans and extends his right hand, "It's nice to meet----you----sir.”

Kordell grabs the boy and starts hugging him, "Me have waited so long for this moment----let me look at you, boy---you are the spitting image of your Mother.”

"Thank you, sir" and young Cordell is struggling to get out of the bear hug that his Uncle has him in.

Kordell is laughing and messing up Cordell's rustic colored hair, "Ye are a little thin, my lad---but we will fatten ye up---come---come----to my house of the Lord.”

The rest of the evening is spent exploring the huge church and young Cordell stares at the huge pillars and stained glass.  He approaches the altar as his Mother and Uncle watch him. Kordell turns to his sister.

"Has my nephew been baptized, what religion is he?”

Elizabeth shakes her head, "John and I have not baptized him into any religion, he is free to worship any way he chooses. You know I was never much into our religion brother, and that is another reason why our parents have shut me out---that and the lies that he has spread”

"Sister, our parents are very ill---are you sure you want to tell them-----about what happened that night?"

"Yes, it's time they learned the truth and if it means they will never accept my son---then so be it! But, I refuse to continue living in the shadows of deceit, they have to know how the man has spread the lies. I will leave for the valley in the morning.”

"Aye, and me will be going with you.” Replies her brother, "Ye can not face this by yourself and for me am guilty too of letting the lies spread. Together we will face them, and may the saints forgive me for not speaking up on your behalf!”

Elizabeth hugs her brother, "I asked you not to say anything and you kept your word----the saints do not blame you.”

She turns and motions for her son, "Cordell---come my son, it has been a long trip and you must be tired.”

"I am tired, Mother, but there is so much to see----Uncle Kordell, can we go fishing tomorrow", he whispers.

The man laughs, "We have plenty of time to fish, my nephew, but me has decided to go with your Mother----and you can explore all you want."

The three walk out of the church and to a small cottage that sits in the back, and soon Cordell is fast asleep.

                                                   ****************************************

 Dallas, Texas: April  3rd 2004

The Walkers are attending the wedding of their dear friends, Gage and Sydney. Walker is Gage's best man and Trivette stands proudly by him. Alex is Syd's maid of honor, Angela is flower girl and young J.W. is ring bearer. Everyone is on pins and needles as the young boy is bouncing down the aisle, and the pillow on which the rings rest, is bouncing up and down too. Erica is trying to get her son settled down, as Walker and Trivette can't stifle their laughs.

Gage is all smiles as the music starts and the flower girls come down the aisle, spreading pink rose petals. Finally, the bride appears in her long, satin gown, pink flowers hold Syd's raven colored hair back softly over one shoulder.

As soon as the wedding song starts, Angela runs to J.W. and hugs him childishly. The parents smile and soon everyone is dancing. Trivette dances with Alex, Walker dances with Erica.

"Whoa, Alex---you look as though you're going to burst at any moment" jokes Trivette.

"I better not, I have at least another four weeks to go---and Walker is already a nervous wreck!”

"Don't I know it! Remember I have to ride shotgun with that man? ----He's constantly on the phone calling you.”

Alex smiles, "Isn't that ironic? I can remember a time when Walker hated using a phone, especially a cell!”

"Guess that's what married life does to you, I've never seen a man change so much since you two got married, and more especially after Angela was born! He talks non-stop about that little goddaughter of mine and I can't say I blame him----she sure is pretty!”

Alex looks over to her husband as he and Erica are laughing about something, "Yes, she is definitely a "daddy's girl", I just hope that he pays equal attention to the boys when they get here."

"Are you kidding, Alex?---The man has already bought season tickets for them to all the Dallas Cowboy and Texas Rangers games!”

Alex laughs, "What about you, Jimmy---when are you and Erica going to have another baby? J.W. will be soon be three, don't you want to have another baby?”

Trivette's face becomes sad, "I would love to have another, but Erica is not in any hurry. I keep telling her that we shouldn't wait too long, and have the kids close together like you and Walker have chosen to do, but she says she wants to wait till J.W. is in school.” 

"Well, Walker and I didn't exactly plan on having another baby so soon---or in this case-two babies!---But, we are both happy at how things turned out. And, I think that after I have the twins, I would like to wait awhile too before we start planning for a fourth one.”

"Uh oh, does this mean that my partner will have to go back to taking cold showers again?”

Alex lowers her eyes and smiles, "Nooooo----it does not! I’ll have you know that my husband hasn't had to take cold showers during any of my pregnancies!----Why?---Are you speaking from experience?”

Trivette takes a deep sigh, "I'm taking more cold showers now than I ever did while I was single-----Erica is----well to put it bluntly----she doesn't----like sex----that much!”

"Oh" Alex stammers, "sometimes that happens after a baby is born---the hormones get all messed up, she is getting help for that, isn't she?”

"Yeah, she takes the hormone pills and all of that stuff---but the truth is---after she got pregnant with J.W. she didn't want to have sex hardly at all. At first she said it hurt and then she was saying---she didn't feel right. Is that normal, Alex?”

Alex starts to reply and then she sees her husband tapping Trivette on the shoulder, "Can I have my wife back now?”

The two friends laugh as Walker reaches out and takes Alex in as close he can  without squashing her tummy.

"What were you two talking about, it looked serious?”

"Now, don't tell me that you're jealous of your best friend" she teases.

He kisses her cheek, "I'm jealous of any man that even looks in your direction----and I know what kind of Romeo Trivette can be---he's still giving the ladies the 'eye'.

"Oh really?” Replies Alex, "I hope it's not rubbing off on you, Cowboy!”

"I got all I can handle" he kisses her softly, "and when a man is happy at home, his body doesn't roam.”

She returns his kiss, "Does that go for the eyes too? I've seen the new women Rangers, they are very attractive and so shapely in those uniforms.”

"Yes, they are---they are very attractive and I've noticed them---I'm not blind!   But, I see only you, Alexandra----you're the love of my life, and I happen to think that with each new pregnancy ---you get even more beautiful." He then whispers in her ear, adding "And, so damn sexy!”

The Walkers continue to dance, and Trivette is standing by the punch bowl, eyeing one of the bridesmaids. She looks back in his direction and smiles, Erica has watched the scene unfold. She walks slowly up beside her husband and whispers.

"Is she the one you're 'banging?”

Trivette sighs, "Don't start anything, Erica---not  now. This is Gage and Syd's big day----don't spoil it! At least my friends are happy in their marriages, wish I could say the same!”

Erica stares back at the bridesmaid, the woman turns away quickly. She hisses back at Trivette, "I hope you're taking precautions, I'm not raising any of your bastard kids!”

Trivette stares back at her and whispers," Erica, what is wrong with you? You 'dish’ me for looking at pretty women and accuse me of sleeping around---maybe if I was getting it from my wife, I wouldn't be looking at other women! And, that's all I've been doing, Erica---is just looking-----so far!”

The cake is being cut and everyone is toasting the happy couple. Alex starts rubbing her stomach, and then pulls gently on her husband's arm.

"Honey, I got to go to the little girls' room----again--would you keep an eye on our daughter?”

"Sure hon, I got my eye on her. She and J.W. are over there playing with the other little guests, she'll be fine. Oh, by the way Trivette and I want to go to a Rangers game tonight, do you feel like going?” 

"No honey I think I will go home and soak my feet---you two go ahead---I know how much you've been wanting to see this game. Against Anaheim, right?”

Walker puts his arm around her, "Yep, our arch enemy----thanks hon, I'll take you and Angela home and then meet Trivette at the main gate. "

Trivette grins as he looks over at the groom,  " Walker, watch this!-----Hey Gage---Walker and I are going to the Rangers' game, want to come?”

Gage quickly looks to his new bride and then asks, "Who they playing?”

Everyone laughs as Syd hits Gage in the shoulder, "What difference does it make who they are playing----we have a honeymoon to go on----remember?”

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot" replies Gage as he reaches out and spins his bride around, and then he grins back at his friends, "Guess I'll just have to listen to it on the radio-----sorry guys!”

Alex shakes her head and hits Walker playfully, "Would you guys stop teasing  the new groom?”  And then she goes in search for the ladies' room. She does not notice that she is being followed by a man in coveralls, that is pretending to be emptying the trash cans.

The man looks back at the wedding and to the spectators, no one has seen him following the blonde. He begins walking faster up behind her and then suddenly another woman's voice shouts.

"Hey Alex, hold up---I'm making a 'pee' trip too!"

The man stops abruptly and pretends to reach down for some paper, he notices another woman walking up to Alex, holding her stomach.

"Hi Wendy, how's it going?”

The woman stops to catch her breath and leans up against the wall, "I don't know how you do it, Alex------you're further along than I am, and I am exhausted carrying this extra weight!  All I seem to do is 'pee' constantly-----Jack is threatening to make me sleep in the bathroom!”

The women laugh and Alex rubs her stomach, "And, you're only carrying one!”
           The women turn to go into the ladies' room and then the man sees more women coming down the hallway.

"Curses!!!! Does everyone go to the loo at the same time here in America?”

***********************************************

           Elizabeth's parents have listened to her story and about the night in question. Her brother stands beside her, nodding his head.

"It is true. Elizabeth is telling you the truth. Why don't ye believe her?”

Her Father is a huge man, built like Kordell and he too has the red beard, his face is red as he stares back at his daughter. The Mother is very frail and in her last days as she looks pleadingly back to her husband.

"Please Angus----what would it hurt? Me wants to see my grandson---no matter who the Father be---he is still a part of our daughter!”

Elizabeth shakes her head, "It does matter who my son's Father is----the Father is my husband----John Firewalker---why can't ye accept that?”        

Angus spits back at her, "Maybe it would have been better if the boy's Father is Cormac---he would be better accepted!”

"Better for who? You, Father?”

"Do not raise your voice to me, Elizabeth Kathleen Tralee----or I will raise the stick to ye backside!”

Elizabeth lowers her voice, and then very sternly she replies---"Ye will not raise your stick to me---ever again!   I am a woman now-----and my name is Elizabeth  Kathleen Firewalker----I am John's wife, and Cordell is our son!!!! Do ye understand that---Father?”

Her Mother is now crying and shaking her head, "Please do not make ye father angry!”

"I do not care if he is angry, Mother----I have told you the truth about my son, but you and Father would prefer that he be the son of the monster that raped me!”

Angus is stomping around the room, "Ye say Cormac raped you----what about this John Firewalker---did he rape ye also?”

Kordell takes a deep breath, "Father, why do ye insist that?  Elizabeth has told ye that she loves this man, she told ye that years ago when she was here last time and you turned her away, telling her that if she returned to America and to John Firewalker that she would not be welcome in your home.  It is time to stop the hate, have we not seen more than enough, and the bloodshed that it causes?   Ye have lost two sons to the war in Northern Ireland and may lose two more if the fighting does not stop!”

Angus continues to swear underneath his breath and glares back at his daughter.  The Mother continues to cry.

"Me days are numbered---and so are yours, my husband. Me wants to see my grandson----please let Elizabeth bring him here!”

"Never!" Screams Angus, "I will not let a redskin inside me home---have ye lost your mind, Kathleen Tralee?”

Elizabeth starts to cry softly as she bites her lips, she turns to her brother----"It's no use, he will not change!----And, as for your question as whether or not I was raped by John---the answer is "NO----I gave myself to him willingly, I made love with the man I have loved since the day I met him!”

Angus's face is getting redder, his blood pressure is taking it's toll. "Slut!!!!----Is this the way ye were raised, spreading your legs for the likes of a stinking, redman that is also scorned by the Americans? Ye shame me, ye shame this family---go---get out of me house!”

Elizabeth turns to leave and then her Mother screams out, "No----this is me house too, Angus Tralee and me will have me say! Elizabeth, ye bring me grandson to me-----please!”

"Me will not allow that boy to be brought here!”  Screams back Angus.

Kordell puts his arms around his Mother, "Fine----then me will take Mother to the church---to see her grandson---ye can come too, Father---if ye wish---if not---then do not try to stop us. Do ye hear me?”

"I hear ye!  Ye Mother is too sick to go all the way to Kilkee."

"Me will risk death to see him, Angus----we have shunned him for too many years, it stops now. We don't have much time to be with him, let him come----please my husband, it is me last request.”

The room is silent as Angus reaches for a small bag, "Very well, bring the boy here---but me will not be here---me will return when he is gone!”

Elizabeth and her brother return to Kilkee and the story is relayed to young Cordell. The boy is sad, but happy.

"Does she really want to see me, Mother?   What about----my-----grandfather?”

Part 5

Elizabeth holds her son tightly, "My son, please do not worry about your grandfather's acceptance anymore. He is from the 'old times' in a time where people stayed within their racial boundaries. I have wandered, and maybe God will punish me, that is my cross to bear.”

"It's wrong, Mother---the bible does not hate because of the color of someone's skin. I will be content in seeing my grandmother, do I call her that---or something else?”
           "Why don't you ask her what she prefers---and Cordell---you will have to listen very careful. My Mother's  brogue is very thick and she is in poor health.”

The boy nods his head slowly and the two begin the journey back to the Tralee Valley.
            At the church, the local fruit and vegetables have been delivered, the vender is looking back to the church very curiously. Kordell is watching him, he shakes his head in distrust.

"What ye have this time, Duggan O'Malley?  Me hopes the vegetables are in better shape than the last time---- and when ye leave this time---clean your mess!”

The man sneers---"Me are not in your house, Kordell Tralee, ye cannot tell me what to do.”

“Ye will never change, Duggan, do you not bathe?”

"Listen, "Father" and me stomach turns when me mentions your title----me still remembers you as a snot nose kid from the valley--- just because ye wear the frock---me can still kick ye religious butte!”

Kordell takes out the pouch that holds the church's mere spending, "Here----take ye money and go---me will not listen to your remarks!”

Duggan grabs the money, counts it quickly and turns back to Kordell, "This is not enough!”

"It is all the church could afford from the donations, it's always been enough before! What's the matter, Duggan, have ye been hitting the pubs again?”

Duggan wipes his spittle away, "Ye have always thought ye better than me. Cormac has beaten ye several times, do ye forget his wrath----Kordell?”

"Do not mention the man's name in the presence of the church--- he is the lowest of the sinners----being  a man of the cloth, me are not suppose to think evil thoughts, but me wishes that the man had died---years ago!”

"He almost did----thanks to that sister of yours---ye did nothing to help him and ye call yourself a priest?”

"Sometimes the Lord has a deaf ear and blinded by truth."

"What rubbish ye spill-----ye will pay for your deception!  Cormac will bring ye to your knees-----and ye won't be praying, Father!”

Kordell's temper is rising, his fists close and open, "Go from my house----do not come back-----me will take the church's business elsewhere!”

Duggan stomps back to his horse drawn wagon, and leaves in a huff. Kordell and the other church members take the food inside.

Duggan stops halfway down the dirt road and looks back, scratching his scraggly beard.

"Something is different, Kordell's anger was quick. Someone else is staying in the church, probably his stinking brothers are hiding out again. He gave them shelter the last time they were in hiding, maybe it is time to gain another reward by telling the Army where they are----the stinking  deserters!”!!

                       *********************************************************

Easter Sunday: Walker Ranch

           Walker is getting Angela dressed in her little bunny costume while a very pregnant Alex is wobbling back and forth to the bathroom. She rubs her backside and sits down on the edge of their bed, looking for her shoes.

The Ranger smiles as he pulls gently on the whiskers of his daughters' costume.

"O.k., "bunny nose"----you're all ready----now hop out of here!”

Angela starts hopping to her parent's bedroom, carrying a Easter basket. "Look, Mommie---see me hop!”

Alex laughs, "Yes, I see you hopping---you make a very good little bunny!”

"I'm going downstairs, will Grandpa be here soon?”

Walker nods his head, "Your Grandpa's plane should have landed about an hour ago---he'll be here any moment." He watches as his daughter gets safely down the stairs.

He turns back to Alex as she is trying to slip her foot into a sandal, he shakes his head.

"Hon, are you sure you're up to this? Angela would understand if you couldn't make the play!”

"I am not missing my daughter's very first play----Walker, would you just help me please---to get the sandal fastened?”

Walker squats down on the floor, eyeing the sandals, "Alex---please don't wear these sandals---wear something more comfortable. How about those Danskins I bought you last week?”

"They're the wrong color, honey!---My dress is a pale blue---the shoes are black!”

"What's wrong with black shoes?”

Alex sighs, "Sweetheart, it is spring----I want to wear spring colors.”

The Ranger swears underneath his breath, "What's more important? Color----or being comfortable?”

Before she can reply, Walker takes the sandals away----"Never mind, I know how you are on coordinating your colors! As soon as Gordon gets here, I'm going out to buy you another pair---what color do you want?”

"Walker, you don't have time to shop-----and this is Easter---everything is closed!”

"You’re not wearing those sandals, Alex---they give your ankles no support and you will be complaining before the evening is half over.-----What about these shoes?”

Alex looks at the shoes in question and then back to her husband, "Walker---those are tennis shoes!!---I can't wear them things to church!”

"Honey, you are almost ready to deliver---all of our friends will understand why you are wearing them---they are not going to be looking at your feet!”!!

Alex takes a deep breath, "Could we compromise?---Can I just wear the sandals into the church, and then once Angela's play starts, -----I'll put the tennis shoes on, o.k?”

Walker sighs, "I would much rather you not go to this play at all---but I know it's Angela's first play----and I can't talk you out of it!----O.k.---a compromise---as soon as the play starts, those sandals come off!”

"Oooooohhhhhh, Cowboy, I like the authority in your voice---what else do you want me to take off?”

He reaches out and pinches her nose, then kisses it---"Behave yourself, woman---we don't have time for this."

She smiles back at him, "I can remember a time when you would never have said that---we always 'made' time.----Guess, I'm getting just too big and-----a little---disgusting?”

"Alexandra Cahill-Walker---don't ever let me hear you talk like that again. You know what the Doctors said, we're past the safe period of having sex---and the last time we did, you were in a lot of pain!”

She says nothing as she continues to rub her stomach, "I know-----and I'm sorry.”

"Sorry for what, Alex?  I don't expect you to be wanting sex at this stage of your pregnancy, I know it's uncomfortable for you---I understand that!”

"Do you really, you're not just saying that? I'm as big as a house, Walker!  I must look hideous to you.!

"Alex, we went through this very same thing when you were carrying Angela, of course you're going to gain weight, that goes with the territory!”

"I don't know what gets into me, I don't want to say these things or have these doubts."

"What doubts, Alex-----who have you been talking to---Erica?”

"Yes" replies Alex slowly, "yes, I talk to her, she's Jimmy's wife and my friend---why shouldn't I talk to her?”

Walker takes a deep sigh as he remembers back to Gage and Syd's wedding and when he was dancing with his friend's wife. Erica was taking their conversation into a direction he didn't feel comfortable with, asking personal questions about his marriage. He soon went in search for his wife.

"Alex, honey---sometimes Erica can say things all wrong-----and you know as well as I do that she doesn't have the same views on marriage as you do. What I'm trying to say is, is that she's changed---she and Trivette aren't getting along too well right now and she's bitter.”

"Yeah, I know---Jimmy has expressed that he would like to have another baby, but Erica doesn't. Do you know what the problem is, did Erica say something to you about it?”

"Well",------ Walker hesitates, "at the wedding she was starting to ask some personal questions, at least I thought they were too personal---and I walked away from her.”

"What kind of questions?”

Walker walks over to their bed and sits down beside his wife, "She was asking------things------like----you know---how far along were you with Angela----did we continue---to be intimate?"

Alex stares back at her husband, "And, how did you answer her?”

"I said that----that,---- that was something she should ask you and I walked away!”

Alex shakes her head,  "I can't believe that Erica would ask you a question like that-----but come to think of it----Jimmy was getting a little personal too."

"How personal?” Walker's voice is stern.

“Grandpa----Grandpa's here!”

Alex dabs at her eyes with a Kleenex, "Oh no, I can't let my Dad see me like this, honey---go down and talk to him----I've got to put fresh makeup on----and damn it----I got to 'pee' again!”

Walker just shakes his head and heads downstairs, he sees Alex's Dad picking Angela up and spinning around with her.

Angela's squeezing his neck, "Do you see my bunny suit, grandpa?”

Gordon sits his granddaughter down and gently pulls the bunny whiskers, "What are you suppose to be, a turtle?”

"No Grandpa---a rabbit---a Easter bunny! Turtles don't have whiskers----and look," Angela turns around and points back to her bunny tail-----see, Grandpa---see my bunny tail!”

Gordon winks back at Walker and then pretends to be so embarrassed, "Oh, that's right----you are a bunny rabbit! I should have known----but where are your ears?”

Walker laughs as he reaches out to embrace his father-in-law, "Her ears are at the church, they had to be reshaped.”

Gordon slaps Walker on the back, "Aaah, I see----for a moment there I thought Angela was going to be the only rabbit in the world----with no ears!”

"You're silly, Grandpa----are you going to church with us?”

"I sure am, where is that Mother of yours---the real rabbit?---And, believe me, son, the way you and Alexandra are popping these babies out---you're putting me in mind of rabbits!” Gordon teases.

Walker laughs, "And, who was saying just last Christmas that he was wanting another grandchild?”

"Guilty, guilty as charged---and speaking of babies, how is Alex and the twins?”

"She and the babies are fine, Gordon. She just had a checkup on Friday---everything is fine---the babies are due May 3rd!”

"Ooooh, that's great----uuuhhhh Walker, will it be alright if I gave you and Alexandra a little early 'congratulations' present?”

Walker sighs, "You don't have to give us anything, Gordon."

"I know that! Why do you have to be so stubborn?---I just want to give you both a nice present----actually---something that you will all enjoy.”

Walker shakes his head, "What are you up to now, Gordon?”

Alex is slowly coming down the stairs, "Hi Dad---Happy Easter!”

Gordon is all smiles as he walks up to the stairs and stares back at Alex's condition-----"Are you having twins, daughter----or triplet’s?”

Alex laughs as she hugs her father---"No, Dad --I'm having Quads----can't you tell?”

"Good" Exclaims Gordon, ---'my present will come in very handy.”

Walker walks over to the picture window and looks out, he shakes his head, "There is no way that we are accepting 'that'!!!!

Alex is walking slowly to the window as Walker is pulling the blinds up and Alex sees a  motor home sitting in the driveway.

"Oh my God, Dad---you didn't!”!!!!!

Angela is jumping up and down, "It's a big car!”

Both Alex and Walker stare back at Gordon, he just smiles---"It's all yours--- bought and paid for----and it sleeps up to eight people, I think the salesperson said. I had him drop it off at the airport and I drove it here---that's why I was so late, trying to fight that DFW traffic!”

Walker picks his daughter up, "Gordon---there is no way---we will accept that---it's too expensive----not to mention too big!”

Alex smiles nervously, "Dad, there's no way we can afford that---it would drink our paychecks every time we drove it.”

"What about vacations? You can use it to go on vacations---not to drive everyday---what do you say, pumpkin-----don't you like it?”

"I like it, grandpa----can I go play in it?”

"No, Angela---it's not to play in----Dad---we can't discuss this right now---we have to get Angela to the church for an early rehearsal---we're running late!”

“Fine----let's take the motor home---here Walker----you can drive!”!!!

"Dad, we are not taking the motor home, it's less than 10 miles to our church, we will take the SUV---now please---we got to go." She looks quickly to her husband who is doing a slow burn---"Honey---let's not get into this---we have to go!”

The drive to the church is quiet except for the Ranger, mumbling under his breath, "A motor home?   Of all things---that motor home is as big as our house!”

                                              *****************************************

Ireland:

Elizabeth and her brother wait in the living room while young Cordell has his first and last visit with his grandmother. His Mother was right, Cordell is having a difficult time in understanding her strong Irish accent. His visit is short as Kathleen has started to cough and the nurse has insisted on taking her to the hospital.

Three days later and Kathleen has died of a heart attack, Cordell is standing by his Mother and Uncle as she draws her last breath. Her last words are to Cordell as she whispers,  "Please forgive me, lad.”

Angus has come down out of the mountains long enough to attend his wife's wake, he looks quickly at his grandson and then he leaves again. Elizabeth will never see her Father again, she and Cordell are now making final arrangements to fly back to the states.

Cordell is sitting on the river bank, his Uncle walks up to him slowly.

"Me will miss you lad, me regrets there has not been more time for us to be together.”

"I will miss you too, Uncle Kordell---but Mother says she wants you to come to America someday to visit us---will you?”

The man smiles, "Me promises that someday soon me will do that, me would like very much to meet ye father---ye miss him, lad?”

"Yes, very much so. A lot has been happening since we've been gone, the government has started looking into the land grants and my father says that some of the land that his forefathers  lived on is now being turned back to the Cherokee people.”

"That is good, Cordell---maybe your father's people can finally receive what was taken from them ---so many years ago by the white government.”

Cordell nods, "The good thing would be that my father doesn't have to continue working 2 & 3 jobs to support us----Uncle Kordell, who were those men at the church earlier asking questions?”

"They were from the Irish liberation---asking for the whereabouts about me brothers, Michael and Damien.”

"Oh" replies Cordell slowly, "Mother says they deserted, is that true?”

"Afraid so, me lad. But, that is a long story and ye not be concerned about that---me brothers are far away now---they will not be caught.”

"They kept staring at me and then Sister Marie made me go to the kitchen and stay till they left. Why were they asking questions about me?”

Kordell starts to reply when he hears Elizabeth's voice, "So, here you two are! I've been looking all over the grounds for you two" exclaims Elizabeth as she walks down to the river bed.

Kordell sighs, "We are here sister, just watching the waters and making plans to see each other again---real soon---right, nephew?”

The boy smiles and Elizabeth turns to him and nods towards the church, "We have to be going soon, my son---are you ready to head to the airport?”

"Yes, Mother---I'm ready---I'll go take the bags to the carriage.”

Elizabeth waits till her son is out of hearing, "What's wrong Kordell, you look worried?”

"They were here again, sister---asking about Michael and Damien-----and then they asked about Cordell.”

"What were they asking about, you didn't tell them anything, did you?”

"No, Elizabeth---me told them nothing, me lets them think that Cordell was one of Michael's sons. Me don't think they suspected anything else!”

Elizabeth takes a deep breath, "In another hour it won't make any difference, Cordell and I will be on our way to the airport, if Cormac had suspected that I was here, he would have made an appearance by now.”

Kordell grunts, "Me never knows how that man will react to anything anymore, he has not been right in the head for almost ten years now."

"If I could turn the clock back to that horrible night, I would have bashed his head to a pulp----and I should have!”

Kordell shakes his head, "If only had me gone with you to see the Doctor -----maybe nothing would have happened----me blames myself!”

"Stop blaming yourself, brother, the only one to blame is Cormac-----I told him to stop, I begged him to stop-----he raped me----even after I told him that I was pregnant with John's baby."

Kordell shakes his head, "The man should have been whipped and rode out of town---and that's exactly what me should have done when ye told me what happened!

Elizabeth begins to sob quietly, "As much as I have tried to put that night out of memory---for John's sake---I can still remember it as though it was yesterday. Cormac was waiting for me when I came out of Dr. Kenny's office, he refused to listen to anything I had to say, he kept saying that I belonged to him and things would be right again.”

"Cormac has always been in love with ye, sister. The man is possessed by ye and has been since ye both were kids.”

"The feeling was never mutual, Kordell---I couldn't stand the man---that is why I begged my parents to go to America with cousin Margaret. I felt so free when I arrived in New Mexico and then Margaret wanted to show me a rodeo---and there my whole life changed---after I saw him.”

"Aye" Kordell sighs, "and that is when the parents became furious when they found out that you were seeing a redskin. Me thinks that the old man lost all logic when he got that news---ye disappointed him, Elizabeth. He expected ye to marry Cormac, your own people.”

"What about you, Kordell, do you understand now why I married John, and how much I love that man?”

"Over the years, me has been angry with ye too---but when me took the vows of the church, me started to change me views. Ye letters were filled with so much happiness, me could read the happiness when ye talked about this John----and more so after me nephew was born. Me heart was busting when ye said he carried me name, no greater tribute could a man receive and even more so when me vows prevent me from having me own child. He is a good boy, Elizabeth---ye have raised him well.”

"Cordell is my life and John is to be congratulated too, in spite of how his family has rejected us also, John is a great Father. He loves that boy more than life, we both do----and yes, Cordell is a good son!”

"Me prays that Cormac has not learned of ye being here---there is no telling what he would try to do----especially after what ye did to him--that night.”

"I have no regrets for what I did---I should have killed him!! All I could do was to keep hitting him with that rock, finally he drug himself off and all I could do was try to figure out how I would tell John that I had been raped. I agonized over what to do for weeks and finally I said that I would never allow John to know what happened. That was the hardest thing I've ever had to do, pretend that everything was alright when I returned to Texas. I was bound and determined that he didn't have to know what happened, I was already pregnant with his child."

"Aye, me knows that is true, but Cormac's mind has stopped, he believes the child ye was carrying was his---he is crazy, Elizabeth!”

"What do you mean, his mind has stopped?”

“He was in and of jail countless times---and in the insane asylum as well, he told everyone that would listen that ye were carrying his child!”

"Lies, nothing but lies------I told him I was pregnant, I begged him not to----to----have his way with me---he wouldn't listen!”

"The only other person that knew that ye were already with child was Doc Kenny---he tried to tell Cormac that he was crazy---Cormac beat him to a pulp--- and then he was back in the crazy ward again!”

"What happened to the Doctor?”

"He died a few weeks later of his injuries-----Cormac was sentenced to 20 years----the man did hardly no time at all---and he was out, he fled to France and hid out for several years!”

"Good, I hope he rots there!”

Kordell takes a deep breath, "Don't count on it sister, Duggan "O Malley has been hanging around me church, you can bet that Cormac will not stay in hiding for long.”

"But----Duggan doesn't know that I am here, even at our Mothers' wake---I stayed in the distance and kept a veil over my face---I didn't see him there, did you?”

"Nay, but that does not mean that he was not there---he is like a snake---he hides---but he can still be in plain sight."

"It's been almost 10 years, why is he still saying that I was carrying his child---I don't understand how someone's mind can shut out the truth, what does he expect to gain?”

Kordell doesn't answer, he just looks back at his sister in silence.

Elizabeth's face drains, her expression is  total shock, she asks slowly, "My son?  Does he expect to take my son, I would never allow that to happen---John----John would kill him----or anyone that tried to take Cordell from us!”

"I told you, sister, the man's mind has stopped---it stopped 10 years ago when he raped ye---he erased everything up to the minute that---he raped---ye! When he was told that ye were with child, his mind refused to listen that it could be anyone else's, but his! And, through the years he has convinced himself that ye were carrying his child. The Doctors that treated him at the insane asylum said he had brain damage, that it was deteriorating and he suffers from blackouts. Sometimes he remembers what happened that night, and then other times, his mind goes blank!”

Elizabeth shakes her head, "Kordell, I can't take the chance that he should find out about Cordell.  Brother, will you do something for me?”

"Anything for you, sister, all ye have to do is ask---ye know that!”

"Could you please arrange for someone else to take Cordell to the airport---someone that will not draw attention to himself or to my son? If Duggan has become suspicious and if Cormac is back-----Kordell----please---I can't take the chance, is there someone that you can trust?”

Kordell nods his head, "Me believes young Peter and his wife can do this. They are good people and Peter takes frequent trips into Dublin to treat his ailing Mother, do not worry sister---me will take care of everything---but what about the lad---he will ask questions?"

"I will tell him that something has come up, involving some last minute paper work in his grandmother's funeral plans and I have to take care of it. Please just get him to the airport ahead of me and please have Peter and his wife wait with him.”

"It is done, me will make the arrangements---try not to worry, my sister." Kordell walks over to his sister and embraces her, he whispers softly, "Me baby sister, me wishes me could take all of this pain from you, ye cannot imagine how much me has thought of ye through the years.---Maybe it would be better if Cordell knows what it is going on."

"No---I can't tell him---to tell him would mean I would have to tell John what happened---and I can't do that!   John-----is very hot tempered, he would kill to protect me and his son---and it wouldn't matter that there is a ocean between America and here---he would find a way to get here----and he wouldn't stop till he confronted Cormac.---I can't tell him, I have accepted what happened that night and I have tried very hard to forget it and go on with my life-----I can't hurt John or my son by telling them---please---try and understand!”

Kordell puts his arms around his sister and they walk back to the church and tell Cordell about the change in plans. Within the hour, Cordell is going to the airport with Peter and his wife. Elizabeth breathes a sigh of relief and she makes her own arrangements to follow soon after.

                                       *************************************************

Springtown:

The man has watched the ranch house for several days.  He has watched as the blonde headed woman leaves in the morning and follows her to the other side of town and to a day care center where she leaves the little girl. She then leaves to drive into Dallas and to a courthouse, he has not had the nerve to follow her inside as he observes many law officers entering and exiting the building. He has observed the bearded man, with his rustic colored hair, and he too wears a firearm and a badge.

The man has watched from a safe distance and sometimes he sees the bearded man pull his truck up to the front of the building and then walks up the stairs to support the blonde as she comes down the stairs. He watches and follows as the grey pickup goes easily in and out of traffic, the man fights desperately to keep up with it. Sometimes they stop at a restaurant, other times he is taking her to St. Mathews' hospital.

.
Part 6

St . Mathews Hospital

The man has waited for what seems an eternity, finally he slips the old baseball cap over his stringy red hair and checks his American attire again. He takes a deep breath and then exits his rental car and starts for the entrance of the hospital.

He sees the directions to different departments, he doesn't know which one to take. A nurse is coming towards him, he stops her.

"Excuse me----but where do me go for baby appointments?”

The nurse stares back at him, "Excuse me, I don't know what you mean---are you here to visit someone that is having a baby?”

He glares back at her, "What is wrong with ye lassie, me said 'appointments'!

The nurse is taken back by the man's rudeness, she points to the elevator, "Then you'll be wanting the oby/gyn department----I'm sure someone on that floor can help you.” She walks away quickly and goes in search of a security officer.

The man has found the floor in question and just as the elevator door opens he sees the blonde walking out of an office and walking slowly towards the elevator. He steps back and then a voice calls out to the woman.

"Hon, wait up.”

The blonde stops as the bearded man walks quickly up to her, handing her a plastic cup, "I couldn't find any tea on this floor, had to go down to the cafeteria.”

"Thank you, sweetheart" she takes the cup and then they both go to some chairs to sit down.

The man looks around him and then approaches the couple, he grabs a discarded newspaper and pretends to read, getting closer to them.

"So, what did the Doctor say, you and the boys o.k.?”

She nods, smiling back at him, "One of them was turned slightly, but Dr. Bates said everything was o.k.---and I had to do more lab work."

"More lab work? What's wrong?”

"Stop worrying, honey----this is just typical, routine stuff. ---Are you going back to the office today?”

"Yes, and before you say anything more---you are not going back to your office-----if you got anything to check up on, you can do it from home---that's what the telephones and that fax machine is for----right?”

"I wasn't planning on going into my office----I just wanted to ask you if you had cases today---remember since I'm on maternity leave I'm not up to date on all of your cases---so clue me in----please?”

"All I'm going to do is run down to Burleson with Trivette to check on a case about cattle rustling----I won't  be down there long and if I get back in time, I'll take you to Ernesto's for dinner tonight. Think we can get Trivette and Erica to babysit Angela?”

"I'm sure we can, she's been wanting to play with J.W., I'll call Erica and check with her" Alex smiles and then looks back to her husband, "Cattle rustling?---Are you serious?”

"Yep, despite all the modern technology, stolen cattle is still very much in the headlines---you ready to go, hon?”

The man watches as the couple walk very slowly back to the elevator, he sees the nurse and a security guard getting off one of the other elevators, he turns and goes in the opposite direction and then down the stairs.

He gets to the bottom of the stairs, and then hurriedly looks for the exit and then to the parking lot. He sees the gray pickup in the emergency lane and the bearded man is helping his wife to climb inside the truck.

The pain shoots through his head, he shakes his head back and forth, rubbing his eyes. He pops more pills into his mouth, throwing his head back and swallowing them, without any water!

"Curses------see what ye have done to me, Elizabeth---me head pounds like hammers going together-----why did ye hurt me? The Doctors say me brain is dead, that there is a cancer eating away at it---but me will not give up till the three of us are together----ye, my son, and me. Ye belly swells with our son growing inside ye---the time is almost here, my love. Ye will soon be giving birth---everything will be right again!”

                                       **********************************************

Kilkee, Ireland:

Father Kordell has breathed a sigh of relief as he has bid farewell to Elizabeth. He walks slowly back into the church and sits down at one of the pews, he crosses himself and kisses the crucifix that he wears.

" Thanks be to ye Lord, and keep my sister and nephew safe on their journey home. Within the hour their plane will be in your heavens, guide them home Father---and keep them safe, forever in your debt me will be and….

A voice screams out---Father Kordell is in prayer, "NO----ye can not go in there"

Kordell turns to see the three men pushing their way into the church, they push the nun out of their way, and then Kordell sees him---the devil, himself----CORMAC!

"Get out of me Lord's house---how dare ye come in here!”

"Where is she, Kordell---where is Elizabeth?”

"Me knows nothing about what you are spouting off about---my sister is not here---she is in America!”

One of the men pushes Kordell backwards and then turns to Cormac---"He lies----Elizabeth was here----me has spies, she was seen here.”

"Aye" agrees the second man, "Duggan can verify that she was here----he told  ye she was here---at her brother's church.”

Kordell spits at the feet of Cormac, "Duggan O'Malley does not know what he is talking about----see for ye self, there is no one here, but Sister Marie and meself!”

Cormac is a big man, well over six feet and stoutly built, he has the long scraggy beard and piercing blue eyes.  In his younger years, many women had found him attractive and did not think twice about spreading their legs for him, but only one woman held his heart---the beautiful Elizabeth.

For as long as he could remember, he was in love with her, and spent many countless years trying to win her heart. The woman not only rejected him, but other suitors as well. Cormac had gone to Angus and begged for her hand, and Angus had agreed that Elizabeth would marry him.

Elizabeth refused and begged her Mother to let her please accompany her cousin back to the states, and in return that Elizabeth promised that she would reconsider Cormac's marriage proposal. Six months had passed and then the news came back to the valley of Tralee that Elizabeth was in love with another man-----and he was a native Indian---a full blood Cherokee! Her parents were devastated and Cormac was furious, vowing that he would stop her, even if it meant going to America to do it.

Her parents begged her to come back for a visit, but they did not want to meet their future son-in-a-law, so Elizabeth flew home, alone!

She had been home only a few days when Cormac had learned that she was at the Doctor's office, he waited for her to come out and then he confronted her. Cormac's mind races back to the last day that he remembers clearly, and to the day his mind stopped.

His mind was like a steel trap that had clamped down onto the moment he wanted to remember the most: how she looked.  She was wearing a pale blue dress with a Victorian collar, her long red hair was cascading over her shoulders and she was humming to herself. He approached her slowly.

"Ye are a vision of an angel, Elizabeth Kathleen Tralee---and me hearts skips a beat just looking at ye beauty.!”

She stood there nervously looking at him and then she tried to walk away, he grabbed her arm gently and turned her towards him.

"It is time now Elizabeth, we have to make wedding plans---ye will make a beautiful bride, the most beautiful in all of Ireland!”!!

She smiled timidly, "I'm sorry---but I have changed my mind, I will not be staying in Ireland, I'm going back to America!”

They argued and all the while she kept touching her stomach, "What is wrong, why were ye seeing Doc Kenny---are ye sick?”

"That is none of your business, Cormac---I have to go now."

"Ye are not going anywhere till we have discussed the wedding plans----and make them soon, Elizabeth---do ye hear me?”

Elizabeth's blue/green eyes stared back at him in anger, "I am not marrying you, Cormac---not now---not ever---now let me go!”

"What is wrong with ye, Elizabeth---ever since ye went to America, me has been hearing all sorts of foolishness? Get your head straight again, woman, forget America and whoever it has been that is trying to turn your head!! Americans lie---they want only to enjoy the fruits between ye legs---are ye so naive that ye have been blinded by their ill  promises?”

Elizabeth's temper is flaring, "And you are a fine one to be talking, Cormac O'Hare---how many women in the valley are carrying your seed? At last count I was hearing that both the Gallon sisters and the widow Mc Gee were in a family way----get out of my way---I do not care to discuss my private life with the likes of you!”

Cormac is getting angrier, "The other women mean nothing to me, it was lonely here without ye, Elizabeth----a man has needs---and a real woman understands that need!”

The woman laughs, "I do not care how many women you are sleeping with, I do not love you, I never have loved you----and never will! You get it straight in your head, I am in love with someone else!”

Cormac reaches out and slaps Elizabeth----"Who?---Who are you spreading ye legs for, lassie?”

"I don't owe you any explanations" Elizabeth screams back---"it's none of your business!”

He grabs her by the arm and drags her to the side of the old building, the trees hide them from the old dirt path that leads back to the Doctor's office. He glares at her as his eyes rake up and down her slim frame.

"It is time me shows ye where ye place is, Elizabeth-----ye have toyed with me long enough---now ye will become mine----all mine!”

She starts to scream, he backhands her. "Be quiet, Elizabeth and it will not hurt.”

He has her down on the ground now and pushing the skirt of her dress up, while he is undoing his pants, she continues to beg.

"No, please don't do this----we will talk, Cormac---please don't do this."

"Enough talk, Elizabeth---after tonight you will be mine and no man will want ye after I have planted my seed within ye."

She screams louder----"Cormac---please don't----I am already with child.

He stops and pulls her up to him, "Ye lie----don't lie to me, Elizabeth!”

"I'm not lying, that's why I was here to get an exam from Doc Kenny,----I am pregnant----please don't hurt me, you might hurt the baby!”

Cormac begins cursing and walking in circles, "The American? The one that ye parents have forbade ye to see---the Indian-----the filthy redskin?”

Elizabeth is crying softly, "Yes, I love him-----and we are going to be married when I get back to America.”

He throws her to the ground again and continues pulling at her clothes, "No------ye are lying----it will do no good, Elizabeth----me will not listen to ye lies.”

She continues to fight him through the whole assault, and then he finally spends his fluids within her. All she can think of is John, and how it would crush him if he ever found out. She sobs harder as her hands are reaching out for some kind of weapon, she feels a rock. She starts striking Cormac at the side of the head and trying to push him off of her.

She continues to hit him as he finally rolls away, the pants down around his knees making it impossible for him to stand up. She is screaming at him as she reaches for a bigger rock, and she continues to hit him repeatedly. She can see the blood ooozing from his temples as she scrambles to get up, and then she runs. She stops to look back and sees that she has forgotten her purse, she runs back to retrieve it.

As she grabs her purse, some pictures fall out and Cormac grabs them, and Elizabeth's ankle. She kicks out with her other foot and he finally releases her. She runs away as fast as her legs will carry her.

Cormac is bleeding profusely from the temples, his eye sockets are turning black as the blood has begun to seep into his eyes. he curses the red haired woman as he slowly crawls away. He stops a few yards away and then looks down at the pictures.

He sees a man with dark hair, pulled back into a ponytail. The man is wearing beads and buckskin and he has a saddle thrown over his shoulder. The other picture is of Elizabeth and with the same man. They are standing in front of a sign that reads: Ft. Worth Stockyards.

He stares at the picture for the longest, he shakes his head, "What was she saying------about a child?" The man nods his head slowly, "Aye, a child----she carries my child, that was what she was trying to tell me---that's it-----me remembers---now----ahhh, me sweet Elizabeth!”

The booming voice brings him back to the present: "Cormac----do ye hear me?”

He turns to the voice and sees the two men and Father Kordell staring back at him. The first man swears under his breath, "He's doing it again----he is retreating back into time.”

Cormac is shaking his head, "What was me saying, where are we?”

The two men go to Cormac and pull him over to the other side of the church, they are all speaking in harsh, but quiet voices. They keep turning and looking back at Kordell. Kordell can see the anger and hear it in their voices, he nods for Sister Marie to come to him.

"Listen to me, sister---go out the back way and over to young Peter's place, stay there till he returns----are ye listening, sister?”

The nun is petrified, "What about ye, Father---come with me----we can make it out together.”

"There is no time---go now----do not look back!”

She makes her retreat out the back way and then she hears the voices shouting once more.

"Tell us where Elizabeth is------or ye dies!" Hisses Cormac.

Kordell goes down on his knees, "Then ye will have to kill me, because me tells you nothing!”

"Very well" replies Cormac, as he brings forth a long, thin knife. "Me will make ye suffer first, by taking one ear at a time and maybe ye can feel the agony that me felt when ye sister was bashing my head----see how ye likes the pain, Father."

The hand goes up in the air and downward, taking Kordell's left ear, he screams out in pain. The other two men are grabbing Cormac and pushing him towards the exit.

"Enough, Cormac----ye cannot kill a priest!" And then the man goes down on his knees and quickly crosses himself.

The other man is shouting for them all to get out of there and they are dragging Cormac out. He is fighting both of them and trying to go back into the church. They throw him into an old beat up car, and soon are heading away.

Kordell grabs the side of his head and applies pressure to the gaping hole, he crawls to the back of the church and there he will wait till help arrives.

                                              ************************************

Dallas, Texas, 1965

Dallas is still reeling from the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Young Cordell and his parents were watching from a distance when the shots rang out, and everyone scattered. Later at home, they listened to the news as millions of others, not only in America, but around the world.

THE PRESIDENT IS DEAD

Cordell cried himself to sleep that night and many other nights to follow as his Mother tried to comfort him. He looked back at her through tears, sobbing quietly. The pain still remained.

"That was a terrible day in history, Mother---not only have we lost the greatest president we will probably ever have, but Father says that the civil rights movement will suffer and be set back another hundred years! What about the negro now, there will be more racial attacks---and now Father says that the government has stopped again about releasing the Cherokee their land rights?”

"I know, Cordell--things have changed---the world will never be the same again. But, you are too young to worry so much----you need to be out playing with your friends, let the adults worry about these issues."

"I have tried not to think of it, but it's all around me. Down at the stockyards, I have seen the way they treat Old Gus, the stable hand. They are constantly pushing him around and calling him 'nigger'. Father has tried to stop them and.."

Elizabeth becomes frightened, "And, what?---- Is your Father getting into fights again?”

Cordell knows he has said too much, he replies softly, "I wasn't suppose to say anything---but yes----both me and Father have had fights. When Father tries to help Gus, they turn on him and start calling him 'a filthy injun----and they say it's not much better than the stinking niggers---they start pushing him around---so I clobbered one of them good with a shovel!”

Elizabeth grabs her son and holds him close, "Oh no----Cordell---please stop fighting.”

He pushes her away, "When they pick on Father, I will fight them, I don't care how many times they knock me down, I will get up---and one of these days I will learn to fight the right way-----and win!!  I'm bigger and older now, and I will stand up for what I believe in----isn't that what you have tried to teach me, Mother?”

Elizabeth's mouth sets firm, "Yes---but fighting will not solve the problem---look what happened to your Uncle Kordell, he lost his ear!”

Cordell looks back to her sadly, "did they ever arrest the men that attacked him in the church and did that to him, Mother? I never understood why they attacked him, he's a priest---and, in a church?”

Elizabeth shakes her head slowly, "No----they never found the men responsible and no one knows why your Uncle was attacked----things like that happened----please do not think about it anymore.”

"I know it makes you sad to talk about it, I wish Uncle Kordell would come to visit us, did you ask him to?”

The woman takes a deep sigh, "I have asked him to come several times, but he can't afford to come right now----and now with Kennedy's assignation, things in Ireland have taken a turn for the worst----they have more fighting breaking out---he is needed in his home land.”

Cordell becomes quiet, "I miss him, he's the only member of your family that ever really liked me. Your Mother said to forgive her for forsaking me all of those years, but Mother---I haven't forgiven her---not entirely. There was no reason for your parents to treat you or me that way----and look at Father's people---they keep doing the same thing!"

Elizabeth nods, "Is that the reason you have stopped wanting to go to the reservation with your Father?”

"It's been years since I was there, and I don't care if I ever go there again!”  Even Father goes only long enough to discuss the land rights with the officials when they bother to show up for the pow wows. It's a disgrace that humans get treated this way----because of the color of their skin!”

"I know, my son and I wish it wasn't so----but I don't look for things to change, not anytime soon-----at least not in my lifetime! But, I hope that by the time you get married and have kids, things will be different.”

"Marriage? Mother I'm only eleven---are you trying to get rid of me" teases Cordell.

Elizabeth laughs, "Never!!----I would love to see the kind of woman you will marry---and your kids-----I want to see you hold your first born.”

Cordell smiles back at his Mother, "The kind of woman I will marry will be like you, Mother----very beautiful, with a smile that will light up a whole room. She will be warm, like you----soft and tender----but she will have also have a temper!”

"CORDELL FIREWALKER---are you saying your Mother has a temper?”

"Yes ma'am, it may take a while for it to get riled but when you do lose your temper---everybody, including Father knows to get out of the way!”

The two laugh and hold each other tight. Elizabeth smiles and looks to her son.

"Hey, that carnival is still in town and I'll bet that together we could talk your Father into taking us, what do you say?”

"The carnival? Are you serious? Father said we would go last week, but you weren't feeling well----can we really go---really?”

"Yes, now crawl into bed---I want to write a letter to your Uncle Kordell and tomorrow we will mail it. I will ask---no I will beg----for him to come for a visit---how's that?”

Cordell is all smiles as he pretends to sleep, he spots the old mason jar at the atop the chest of drawers, he runs to it and starts counting out the change. His eyes become wide as he counts out $76.00 and some loose change. He sighs.

"Father has forbid me again to buy him those chaps---but I've got the money saved for a good second hand pair and I'm buying them tomorrow. And also, I will buy Mother something really nice with what I got left over, another scarf to hold her beautiful red hair back. ----Wow---the carnival, it's the biggest one to come here---in years! Tomorrow will be a fun day----I'll remember it for the rest of my life!”

As Cordell is going over in his mind about the day to come, Elizabeth takes pen and pencil to write her brother a letter---and to write in her journal.:

"It is July 17th, 1965 and tomorrow John and I will take our son to the carnival, he is so excited. Cordell needs diversion to all that has been happening, he was sad over the President's assassination and the news that you had been attacked in your church. We have prayed for your full recovery and thank you so much for not saying anything about Cormac being the one that attacked you. He will perish in hell for what he has done. I am begging you to please come for a visit, Cordell misses you ---so do I---and John has expressed that he wants to meet you. You are his only family aside from us---his Uncle Ray has been so involved in the land rights that he has no time to visit. He hasn't seen Cordell since he was barely walking, and now we hear that he has taken a bride and expecting a family. John is crushed at his brother's distance, I'm sure the elders and White Eagle have had their say about what is happening now.
           A few days ago Cordell and I witnessed another form of prejudice, the hatred and torture of a beautiful swan. The bird was innocently swimming in the pond where Cordell and I visit often. Some kids were playing near by, and they shot the bird with an arrow---it was so sad and my tears have not stopped falling.  The bird eventually died, the mate followed in death shortly. Sometimes I feel like that bird, she could not have survived without her mate and neither could he. I have wondered if the swans had cygnets (babies), I have inquired about them, but the information is scarce, I know not why.

It is time now to fix John his supper, he'll be coming home soon. Tomorrow is a big day, Cordell has talked about nothing other than riding the ferris wheel. He says up there, he can see the world, and the turning of the wheel is like the turning of time, that things have to change for the better----I pray he's right. Goodnight, my brother---you will always have a place in our hearts---come visit us---real soon---Elizabeth

The day of the carnival is a day that young Cordell will not forget and it will live in his mind forever, but for a different reason. It is the day that his parents are murdered, right before his eyes.

He had just bought the chaps and taken them back to the truck and was now buying the scarf for his Mother.  He paid the man for the scarf and was running to catch up to his parents.

"Mother, this for you" Cordell holds the scarf up to her and Elizabeth is in tears as she takes the yellow scarf. She smiles back at her son.

"Cordell, we told you---don't spend your money on us---keep the money that you have won by riding those bulls---and buy something nice for yourself!”

John is all smiles  as he helps his wife hold her long red hair up so that she can tie the scarf. "Elizabeth, the boy is only trying to make you happy.”

Cordell smiles, "I got something for you too, Father---they're in the truck----and please do not try to deny them."

"Not the chaps, son---they're too expensive."

"John"-- replies his wife slowly----"if you don't accept those riding chaps---I'm not accepting this scarf, now you just said that our son was only trying to make us happy----he wants you to have those chaps----please don't refuse him.”

John looks to his son and then breaks out in a smile---"Very well, thank you son----I will wear them with pride---thank you!”

Cordell is all smiles, "Could we ride the ferris wheel---just one more time before going home?”

His parents agree and they go in search of the big wheel, and Cordell sits between them, holding his Mother's hand. The yellow scarf is blowing gently in the wind and Cordell believes he has never seen his Mother looking more beautiful. He turns slowly to his Father and studies his face. His Father is tired, but he is trying so hard to make this a fun day. The man turns to him slowly and whispers something in Cherokee.

"What does that mean, Father?”

The man repeats the phrase, "It means, the heavens are close, the wind and the water are your brothers----always follow your heart and the flight of the eagle.”

The evening has worn down and the family is walking towards the parking lot when suddenly four men rush them. They are wearing army fatigues, shouting Nazi slogans. Their heads have been shaven and Cordell can see the swastikas tattooed on their arms, and even across the foreheads.

Three of the men have knocked John to the ground and the knives come out, going deep in his Father's stomach. Elizabeth screams and runs to help her husband, the forth man grabs her and another man approaches slowly. He stares at her, raising his hand back and Cordell is rushing at him, and jumping on his back. The man whirls and Cordell goes sliding across the grass. The boy is back up and running towards the man, his eyes are filled with tears, his heart full of hate. Another man knocks the boy down and then he holds him as young Cordell watches his Mother being stabbed. The boy is screaming for them to stop, some spectators have heard the screams and running towards the fight. The 'skinheads' run away.

In less than 10 minutes, Cordell's life has been turned upside down as he stares back at the bodies of his parents. He walks slowly over to his Father, the man does not move, there are gaping holes in his stomach.  He falls down on the ground and tries to hold his Father's body, finally some spectators pull him away and someone closes the man's eyes. Cordell is sobbing as he lays over his Mother's body, she is barely breathing as she whispers:

           "Go with peace, my son----not hatred"  and then she is gone.

Part 7

Saint Jo's orphanage:

It has been nearly three months since John and Elizabeth have been killed. Cordell was taken to the home of the sheriff and his wife until they could find a foster home and then onto the orphanage in St. Jo, nearly 80 miles north of Dallas.

The boy has not said one word since his parents' deaths, he stays to himself, and cries. The nuns watch him sadly as he holds onto the yellow scarf that had been around his Mother's hair. He touches it softly and then the tears begin.

It is now late evening as the sun is starting to set, and the stranger is watching Cordell as the boys sits under an old tree. The man turns to the nuns.

"Why hasn't his family been notified?”

"What family?”  Asks the nun, "We weren't aware that he had a family, he hasn't said a word since coming here! We asked him if he had a family, he wouldn't speak.”

The man shakes his head sadly, "The boy has a family, they live on the reservation outside of Lawton, he has an Uncle that I'm sure would be very anxious to take him. Wasn't the parents' funeral listed in the paper, the name of Firewalker is not that common, hasn't anyone tried to contact him?”

The nuns look back and forth to each and shake their heads sadly, one of the nurses replies. "He won't even respond to his name, he just keeps that scarf near him and he looks up at the skies------and cries.”

The stranger is tall and muscular, he looks towards Cordell and says slowly, "What are the Doctors saying?”

"The Doctors say that he has shut everything out and he's very angry!”

The stranger's face becomes rigid, "You would be angry too if you saw your parents stabbed to death right before your eyes---the poor kid is beside himself with grief----may I try to talk to him?”

The nuns give their permission and the man walks towards the young boy, the sun is behind him, emitting a dark shadow,

"Hello Cordell----it's been a long time."

The boy wipes his tears and looks towards the shadow, not being able to identify the man, but the deep voice is familiar. He squints and stares back at the shadow.

"Do I----k---know you" the boy sobs?"

The man steps sideways and Cordell can now make out the figure of the man in dark clothes, a handlebar moustache, and the star is glinting from the sun. The man kneels down beside Cordell and reaches out to touch him, the boy recoils.

"I'm so sorry about the deaths of your parents---I would have come sooner had I known---but I've been down in Old Mexico working on a case.---I knew the sheriff and his wife and when they told me what happened and where you were, I came as soon as I could!”

Cordell stares back at the man, "Why should you care about me or what has happened----it was the white man that murdered my parents?”

The stranger nods his head, "You have a right to be angry, Cordell---and not every man that is white can be blamed for your parents' murder. The men that attacked and killed your parents were Neo-Nazis--skinheads that hate the minority groups.”

"More hatred" mumbles Cordell, "just because my Father's skin was dark.”

"It makes no sense, Cordell, and believe me--those men will be caught and tried for their crimes----I promise you that. But, Cordell why haven't you told the nuns about your Uncle Ray, I'm sure he's worried about you?”

Cordell pulls further away from the stranger, "It doesn't matter anymore, I don't care what happens to me---Uncle Ray doesn't care about me---no one cares about me---cause I'm just a filthy half breed and it's my fault that my parents are dead!”

"Cordell, the only ones to blame are the sons of bitches that stabbed your parents---how can you say that it's your fault?”

The boy starts to cry harder, "Because if I hadn't wanted to ride the ferris wheel again, we would have probably made it home safely and there wouldn't have been a fight----but I wanted to ride the big wheel again----and now my parents are dead---can't you understand?”

The man shakes his head, "It was not your fault, Cordell---you and your parents were enjoying a day of fun at the carnival and you had every right to ride the ferris wheel again as many times as you wanted---no one had the right to attack your parents---for any reason!”!

Cordell rolls himself up in a ball, "I don't want to talk about it anymore----leave me alone---get away from me!”

The stranger stands up, "I'll be going now, Cordell---and I am notifying Ray Firewalker---now whether or not you want to see him, he has the right to know about his brother's death. The two of you can deal with it---but if you ever need to talk to me---about anything---here is a number where I can be reached. Call me, Cordell, and let me know how you are getting along---will you do that---as a favor from one bull rider to another?”

Cordell turns to the man slowly, "You never mentioned that you rode the bulls, is that where you knew my father?”

The man smiles, "I used to watch John Firewalker ride from Santa Fe, Mexico, all the way up into parts of Wyoming----he was one of the best that I have ever seen. And, when I saw you for the first time on that young bull about---5 years ago----I said to myself----this young man will be the bull rider of the future. Yes sir----Cordell Firewalker---champion bull rider!! I saw you ride a few years back down in Mesquite, how many buckles you got now?”

Cordell wipes the tears away, "I don't know---a bunch---they are-----oh no----the chaps---my Father's riding chaps---where are they?”

"I don't know what you're talking about, son---what riding chaps?”

Cordell jumps up and starts running to the front porch of the orphanage, one of the nuns stop him. The stranger follows.

"Where are my Father's riding chaps---what have you done with them?”

The nun is looking back at the stranger and shaking her head, "The only things that were sent here with him were a few old books and---a diary of some sort, there was nothing else---what are chaps?”

"They are riding gear for rodeo riders, sister---are you sure there was nothing else sent here?”

Cordell goes running to his room and going through the boxes, he sees a couple of pictures, his Mother's journal, and a newspaper clipping about the swans being killed.

"They're not here----they were in my Father's truck---please----I got to have those chaps---they belong to my Father!”

The stranger walks across the room and lays his hand on Cordell's shoulder, "I will talk to Sheriff Cates, and I'll find out about the chaps---don't worry Cordell---I will find them. Can you describe them?”

Cordell is speaking through tears, "They were----second hand---but it was all I could afford---they were brown----and they had a Mexican bird on one side----I think the man called it a road runner---please find them"---the boy sobs harder, "he never even got to wear them.”

Cordell falls down onto his bed, his whole body is shaking, he pulls the yellow scarf in closer to him. The stranger walks over to him.

"I have to go now, Cordell---but I promise you---as a law officer and as a friend--I will find the men responsible---and  I will find those chaps---I promise you!”

                                                ********************************************

Springtown: 2004

Alex has made the arrangements for Erica to come and take Angela back to their place so she and Walker can enjoy an evening out.

"Are you sure that it's not an inconvenience, Erica---we can take Angela with us---if it is?”

"It's no problem, Alex. J.W. is all excited about Angela's coming over---I will pick her up around 6 pm, will that be o.k.?”

"That will be perfect, our reservation is for 8 pm and Walker will have plenty of time to shower and change---see you then----bye!”

Angela is looking back at her Mother, "Is J.W. coming over now?”

"No, sweetheart----in about another two hours he will be here----now let's get you bathed, put on some fresh clothes---and get you fed. Want a PBJ sandwich?”

"Yes, please---I don't like Aunt Erica's cooking---it tastes funny. Daddy says it tastes like cardboard. What's cardboard, Mommie?”

Alex shakes her head, "Angela, please stop repeating everything your Daddy says---it's not polite----and you will hurt your Aunt Erica's feelings---you don't want to hurt her feelings, do you?”

"No ma'am" Angela replies, "can I have some milk with my pbj sandwich?”

"You certainly can---lots of milk--makes strong bones" answers Alex as she turns to the kitchen, massaging her stomach in a circular motion. Angela starts to follow her when the doorbell rings, the girl turns and runs to the door. Alex shouts out to her.

"Check the peephole first, Angela---you know the rules!”

Angela is pulling the little step stool over to the door as she stretches to look out the 'special" little peep hole that Walker has installed for her. She turns back to her Mother, "It's a man----with flowers---Mommie!”

Alex looks out the picture window and sees the delivery van with the slogan "Roses on The Run", she looks back to the door and immediately recognizes the errand boy, Randy.

Alex takes the roses and thanks the young man, giving him a nice tip. Angela is trying to help her Mother get the box open and together they pull out a dozen pink roses, and orchids.

Angela is clapping her hands together and breathing the fragrance of the roses, "They smell pretty , Mommie---are they from Daddy?”

"They better be" replies Alex as starts looking for the card, she takes a deep sigh, "yes---they are from Daddy. Want to read the card?”

Angela takes the card and starts trying to mouth the words out that are printed----for her sake. "It says----To-my 2 ----what's this word, Mommie?”

"Special---the word is 'special.”

Angela starts reading again---"To-my--2-special---girls---is that right, Mommie?”

"Yep, that's right---that's what it says!”

Angela looks at the card again, "What else does it say, Mommie---there's writing stuff---on here too!”

Alex reads the message and smiles to herself, "Well---sweetheart----it's something special---for only Mommie to read---but the important thing is----it's from Daddy---and he'll be home soon. Now---let's get these beautiful flowers into some water---o.k., sweetheart?”

The man has watched from the safety of the barn, he has observed the delivery van going up to the front door to deliver the flowers. He watches as the young man goes around to the back of the van to arrange his next delivery. The figure walks up quickly behind him, taking him by the neck and pulling him to the other side of the van, pushing him in.

He hisses back at the young man, "Drive away quickly----over there to the safety behind the barn---do it now or me will slit your throat!”

Randy pulls the van behind the barn and stares back at the man, "What do you want mister, I don't have much cash on me---just the $20 the lady just gave me as a tip!”

"Be quiet and me lives ye live---who is in the house with the woman?”

Randy stutters, the man hits him, "Just----her-----and her daughter---that's all!”

The man begins rubbing his head and then his eyes as he swallows more pills. Randy pleads with the man not to hurt him, his answer is the man's fist to the side of his head.

"Me says to be quiet----me can't think straight with all this chatter-----me head is splitting---but soon it will be over----and the pain will stop!”                             
                               .
                                             ***********************************************

Saint Jo:  1965

Cordell has received another visitor, the man is tall and wearing buckskins, his hair pulled back. The man's face is soft against the skin that shows many hard years. Cordell looks back at him timidly.

"Are you---my----Uncle Ray?”

The man kneels down beside the boy and studies his face, the Irish blood is very noticeable with the rustic colored hair and the freckles. Ray tries to hide his disappointment that Cherokee blood has not surfaced, he clears his throat.

"Yes, I am your Uncle Ray---and the deaths of your parents have saddened us all----I'm here to take you back to your p-----I mean to the reservation!”

Cordell shakes his head, "No----I don't want to go there---my Father's people do not like me.”

"Things are different now, nephew---there is nowhere else you can go---we are your family. You will stay with me and your Aunt Ruth.”

Cordell still refuses to go, he thinks about the stranger with the badge---"No---I don't want to go----my friend will come back to visit me---I'll ask him if I can live with him.”

"I know who you speak of, nephew----the man travels all over the state, he can't make a home for you.''

"Then I will travel with him----I don't want to go with you---you have never paid me any attention-----I hate you!”

Ray Firewalker stands up straight and looks back to the boy, "I have thought of you often and have wanted to be a part of your life----but things were happening-----things I could not change----- all I can say now is that I am willing to take you to my home. There you will be raised as 'my son'----and-------

Cordell's anger is rising, he clenches his fist and yells back at his Uncle---"I am not your son----you are not my father---you will never be my Father----you could never fill his boots!

Ray is looking at the boy hard, he studies the eyes and the way the boy sets his mouth----he sees his brother! Ray smiles faintly, "I am not trying to take my brother's place, I would never do that to him-----or you!   Please come with me, nephew---I will treat you good, your Aunt Ruth is anxious to meet you.”

Cordell starts shaking his head, "No---I will wait for my friend to come back---he said he would.”

Weeks pass and the stranger has not come back to visit with Cordell, but his Uncle Ray has come to visit him often. Cordell is mellowing to his Uncle and asking questions about where he will live.

"I have a small place on the reservation, and I live there with my wife.  I have many cousins and second cousins all over the reservation, I have talked with them about you. My brother, Blue Elk has a older boy, he's called Sam Coyote---he's about your age.”

"What about Blue Elk, does he want me to come live there too?”

"Blue Elk has passed over the rivers."

"Passed over the rivers? What does that mean?”

"It means that he is dead, nephew---he died several years ago.”

Cordell becomes sad, "Oh-------like my parents---they passed over the rivers too?”

"Yes nephew, but my brother's spirit will never die----he lives through you---and the children you will have someday!”

Cordell kicks out at the ground, "I will never have children---I would never bring a child into a world that has so much hate!”

Ray becomes silent and very sad, "To deny bringing forth a life is denying your parents their future-----yes---the world has hatred from so many sides----but to stop producing life is unforgivable. If the spirits choose to let you go forth and multiply, then that is your greatest treasure----some are not so lucky!”

"What about you, do you have kids?”

"No nephew---I do not---the spirits have chosen not to give your Aunt Ruth the gift of life----but we do not give up hope.”

"I wish I could have have had more brothers and sisters---like the other kids I knew. I had a good friend----his name was Billy---he said I could call him my big brother----he's dead too" and the boy starts to cry again.  "Everybody----that I love----is dead.”

Ray puts his arm around the boy's shoulder, Cordell pulls away--"I'm here nephew----I care about you. Won't you please come and stay with your Aunt Ruth and me----just for awhile? If you are not happy, then I will bring you back here!”

Cordell agrees to go to the reservation to live and now a whole new world is awakened.  Now he is learning the way of his Father's people and it doesn't come easy as the other boys his age tease him about his red tinted hair.

His Uncle Ray teaches him how to hunt and make his own weapons, the riding has become natural as young Cordell is riding like the wind---even bareback! Eventually the other boys have come to accept him and now he is being prepared for his 13th season---the year he will become a man.

Cordell is sitting beside his uncle and stretching the intestines of the elk to make his bow string. Older boys are watching him and snickering. Cordell's body has gotten more muscular, his hair has started to turn darker, the freckles are fading. Cordell has heard the other boys snickering, he turns to his uncle.

"Uncle Ray, why are they laughing at me---they know I can hold my own against either of them---I whipped Running Bear's butt last week, does he want more?”

Ray smiles, "To show your outer strength is not what the boys are laughing about---nephew, you do know what it means to go into manhood---don't you?”

"I've passed all of the tests, Uncle----you said so yourself that I was becoming a great warrior, I killed my first game---even though I did use more than one arrow and my teacher was not happy with me.”

Ray stops working on his bow and looks to young Cordell. "That is not what I'm talking about, nephew----this is your 13th summer---you become a man---in every sense of the word---you will lose your virginity.”

Cordell swallows, "No!----I've heard some of my cousins talk about that---they say the woman is old and wrinkled---like a old squaw---or a witch.---They say the woman is mean---and that----it-----hurts."

Ray smiles, "Sometimes--the woman is old and wrinkled, but she has to be---in order to teach you about how to become a man---to perform."

"But why, Uncle---there are many pretty young girls here---why can't they take us into manhood?”

Ray looks quickly to his wife who is sitting nearby, she just smiles warmly. "Well, because nephew---they will not lose their virginity till they are wed--to do so would disgrace the Cherokee.”

"That is not fair, Uncle----why do they have to wait and the young boys don't?”

Again Ray looks to his wife and smiles, "It is not for you to question the ways of your ancestors, this is how it is and this is the way that it will always be.”

"And, what if I refuse?”

His Aunt Ruth moves closer to him and says very softly, "You can not refuse, "Washo," to do so would embarrass not only you---but your Uncle as well. The older boys would tease you even more, it's part of your life and the way of our people."

Cordell shakes his head, "I will not embarrass you, Uncle---I will do it, but I won't like it. I have watched the older boys down on the river with the older girls whose husbands are away. They make strange noises and the girls sometimes scream out. I have also heard Sam Coyote say that sometimes it hurts him to walk, and he puts his hands on his private parts, and he makes noises------then he says he feels good!”

Ray is trying hard not to laugh, "It is a sign of your body changing, "Washo", and new demands will be asked of it. Go softly, but quickly into your change, my nephew----and I know something that might make you feel better.”

Ruth looks at her husband suspiciously and Cordell's eyes grow wide, "What do you know, Uncle Ray?”

"I know who the woman is that will take you into manhood, and she is not old---she is rather young-----and pretty!”

Ruth throws the basket down that she is working on, stands up and walks away in a huff. Cordell's eyes follow her.

"Is Aunt Ruth upset about something?”

Ray takes a deep breath, "She will get over her mad spell---"Washo", the woman's name I cannot tell you, and after your encounter with her, you are never to approach her---do you understand? You are never to even try and talk to her---it is forbidden, and to do so would heap a strong discipline on her-----she could be driven from the village!---Her husband would beat her!”

"Husband? She is married?”

Ray nods his head slowly, "Yes nephew, that is why you can never approach her----not ever!”

Cordell swallows hard, "Now I know I'm not going to like it, I'm scared to death!”

"Everything will be fine, nephew, you will see, and now I have to make mends with your Aunt before she bars me from our humble little home!”

Ray goes in search of his wife and young Cordell is having all sorts of thoughts going through his head. He keeps mumbling to himself, "Maybe I should have stayed at the orphanage, maybe I should just run away---oh man---I am so scared-----and confused. I don't like this, not one bit!”  

Ray approaches his home very carefully as his wife is throwing things around inside. He walks in slowly.

"Ruth----you have made our nephew very confused with your behavior!”

"My behavior? You were not suppose to tell "Washo" about who would be taking his innocence, you have betrayed our laws.”

"You are not upset because I told "Washo" about that----you are upset because of the woman in question-----aren't you?”

Ruth starts mumbling and throwing the deer meat down on the table, "Do not speak her name, Ray Firewalker-----or you can sleep with the animals!”

Ray starts to laugh, then thinks better of it, "She is no threat to you, my wife----I do not seek her!”

Ruth starts to cry, "She is young and she is pretty, why don't you seek her?----She could give you what I can't-----a son?”

"She is fertile and she has given her husband several fine sons---but you are the one that I want to carry my sons----not her!”

"She would only be too glad to service you, I have seen the way she looks at you---the way she 'pines' for you.”

"We were lovers a long time ago, I do not desire her any longer, it is you that I have pledged my love to----only you. I have not desired to be with any other woman---only you Ruth."

Ruth sits down at the old table, fighting her tears. Ray sits down beside her and looks outside at his nephew, who is still talking to himself and walking in circles. He takes his wife's hand.

"I forbid you to ever talk like this again---to show jealousy is weakness. I will not accept it---not from you, Ruth you are too strong a person to humble yourself to the ways of the weak. It is you that I have chosen to be my wife---and it is you that will bear me children."

"But when, husband? We are going into our 4th year and still I am barren----I have failed you!”

"Do not question what the spirits hold for us! Maybe it is their way of making our lives complete by bringing us young "Washo'. He is becoming a fine young man, is he not?”

Ruth smiles and looks out at her husband's nephew, "Yes, I see your brother more and more in his face----the Cherokee blood is coming through."

Ray sighs, "Yes, but  I just wish that he was more anxious to lose his virginity---if he hesitates at the ceremony next week, White Eagle will be very upset!”

Her smile turns to a frown, "Let him be upset----has he lost his virginity yet, he's a grown man?"

"Ruth!!! Do not talk about our tribal chief that way,  to question him in any way could be bad medicine.”

"I'm sorry--- I have spoken out of line, will you punish me, my husband?”

Ray tries not to laugh, "And, risk sleeping with the animals again---I think not!---Your only punishment will be is to make me a blueberry pie and make two, because young Washo's appetite is increasing.”

Ruth smiles back at her husband, "I will look for the blueberries now----and maybe I can talk "Washo" into helping me'’.

"You can't do that, Ruth---Washo will be watched extra close in the next week, he is not to be helping with any woman's work.”

The woman picks up her basket and places it in her husband's hand, "Fine---then you will help me to gather the berries---you are not  being watched----at least not by the ceremonial committee!”

Ray shakes his head and follows Ruth to the fields in search for the berries.

The week has come and passed and Cordell has passed his final test of 'manhood'. He could see his Uncle becoming very nervous as White Eagle watched from a distance. Cordell decided to be the first one to volunteer as the other boys started to become nervous and not quite so brave as the moment approached.

It is now three days later and his Uncle Ray is watching him curiously. Cordell has avoided his Uncle's look and concentrates more on the new set of arrows that they have been making. Ray clears his throat and sits down beside his nephew. 

"Do you want to talk about it nephew, do you feel different now?”

"Yes, Uncle---I do feel different and I was so scared, but the woman was nice. I couldn't see her face too clearly, it was dark inside the tent-----but she smelled nice---like wild flowers!”

"I was proud of you, nephew and your father looks down on you with the same pride. You are a man now, "Washo" and now you must be very careful with your new found discovery!”

"Discovery, Uncle? What do you mean?”

"Your body has awakened and it will start making many demands on you---- there will be ways to satisfy the new demands and soon you will be looking at the young girls in a entirely different way----you will be desiring their bodies. Remember what I said about the young girls, "Washo"---they will be a temptation to you and you must be very careful in releasing your fluids. Do you understand what I am saying, nephew?”

"Yes, Uncle---I'm not stupid---I know how babies are made, but if the young girls are not permitted to be with us, then what is there to worry about?”

Part 8

Ray takes a deep sigh. "Nephew, just because the laws of our people say that the young girls cannot have sex, does not stop them all---there will be some that do not care about our laws. Their bodies are awakened too and they have urges----and will act on those urges.”

"What about the ones that are married and their husbands are away----are we allowed to approach them?”

Ray ponders the thought and looks at his nephew curiously, "You have changed, nephew----is it safe to say now that you enjoyed your trip into manhood?”

Cordell remains quiet, "I was really scared, Uncle---but after the first time---it was not so bad. I felt really stupid because I didn't know what to do, but she was patient with me and we talked about ----a lot----of things.”

"Were the talks helpful to you nephew, did you learn how to control yourself?”

Cordell blushes, "Yes sir-----you mean-----about releasing the fluids-----at the wrong time?”

"Yes, nephew----you have to be very careful now---you do not want to be a Father, before you are ready for the responsibility. And-----there are ways that you can still be with a woman and enjoy the treasures, without bringing an unwanted child into the world. Also---in answer to your other question----about the women whose husbands are away. You reap what you sow, nephew and if you choose to go after another man's wife---be prepared for the fight that will certainly ensue and if you choose this way----the husband could kill you and be vindicated!”

"Vindi----what does that mean, Uncle?”

"It mean that if he kills you, our laws will not do nothing to him, that he has that right to save face.-----Just remember one thing, nephew and ask yourself this:---How would you feel if some other man was moving in on your territory, be prepared for whatever is thrown at you nephew!”

Cordell thinks about it for a long time, "I guess I wouldn't like it very much---but in answer to your question if I have changed my views on being a man----Yes Uncle---I have---and, you know what?"  Cordell looks at his Uncle and smiles devishly, "I kinda of like it!”

Ray tries to hide his smile, but he remembers how he felt in his 13th summer, he slaps his nephew on the shoulder---"Just be careful nephew----the temptations will be there, you are a man now----and you must act like a man----in more ways than one!”

"WASHO----Washo----come quick!”!!

Cordell and his Uncle look up to see Ruth waving a letter to them. Cordell is on his feet quickly----"I got a letter, Uncle Ray---it must be from my Uncle Kordell" and the boy is off and running.

"Thank you, Aunt Ruth" the boy grabs the letter and starts reading, the smile on his face turns sad.

"What is it nephew----is it bad news?”

Cordell nods his head, "It's not from my Uncle, but one of the sisters from the church, she says my Uncle Kordell is very sick, the infection from the knife attack has spread through his body, he is very weak.”

Ray becomes silent as he reaches out and lays his hand on his nephews' shoulder, "I am sorry, nephew-----I wish I had the money for you to fly back and visit with him----but our money is scarce.”

"I understand, Uncle Ray-----maybe if I could call him?  How much would that cost?”

"I don't know---but we can drive into Lawton and ask someone there---is that what you want, nephew?”

"Yes" Cordell's tears start to surface and then he wipes them away quickly, "I can't cry like a little kid anymore---I'm a man now and I will face this like a man would.---It's just that my Uncle's last letters were filled with so much sadness over learning of my Mother's death. Sister Marie says that he has lost the will to live----I need to call him---please!”

Ruth is standing nearby, she takes off a turquoise and silver bracelet and hands it to Cordell, "Maybe, this will bring you enough money to pay for the call, "Washo.”

Ray shakes his head, "No, Ruth---not your bracelet---I will get the money for my nephews' phone call---no matter what I have to sell---I will get it for him!”

Cordell and his Uncle make the trip to Lawton and inquire about the long distance call to Ireland. When the operator at the information desk of the phone company tells him of the costs, Cordell's face drops in disbelief and hurt, he knows that his Uncle doesn't have that kind of money. Ray approaches the young lady and hands her a piece or paper, she looks back at him, shaking her head.

"I'm sorry, I can't accept this. It's a deed to some property near Ft. Worth---even if I could accept it, how do I know that it's legit. You people are still fighting for the rights, the government hasn't legalized any of these transactions yet.”

"It's got to be worth something" replies Ray---"sooner or later that land will be released to us---but now---my nephew needs to make that call. It's very important to him----isn't there someone you can talk to---to help us?”

The woman sighs and looks to Cordell, "Maybe there's something that I can do, I know what your people are going through, I'm a quarter Kiowa and I know what it feels like to be fighting for your land that was taken away. I will keep this deed, until you can pay me the money." She turns to Cordell and smiles, "We'll make that call now, young man, what part of Ireland are we calling?”

"KILKEE" replies Cordell---it's near Dublin---that's all I know. And, my Uncle is a priest----his name is Kordell----spelled with a "K"---the last name is-----Tralee.”

The woman smiles, "It may take awhile to get the call through---you might want to sit down and wait.”

                                           *********************************************

Walker Ranch:

Cormac is holding the young delivery man hostage, and watching the Walker home. The young man is shaking the cobwebs from his head.

"Me has to get into the house, is there a back way?”

"I don't know, this was my first time here" Randy lies.

"Ye will take me up to the door, when she answers---me can get in.”

Randy stutters, "You're not going to be able to get in, she keeps a safety lock on the door, she won't open up if she sees a stranger with me.”

Cormac strikes the young man again with his fist. "Ye lying to me, lad---ye said this was ye first time to come here---now what other lies are ye telling me?”

"Please---don't hit me again---- I'm sorry I lied---I'm so scared!”

Cormac sneers and throws the young man back against the bales of hay, and then he continues to watch the house------and thinks.

A half hour has passed and Alex is helping her daughter to get her little bag packed. Angela is very quietly getting her little doll's things packed away too. The phone rings, it's Erica.

"Alex----I am so sorry, but I'm going to have to run out to the university and pick up some papers---I'm running late!”

"It's o.k. Walker said he was running late too, where are you?”

"I'm just pulling out of my driveway.”

Alex smiles as she can hear her godson shouting that he wants to see his Aunt Alex, "Erica, you're just down the road, drop J.W. off and I will watch him and Angela till you get back, o.k.?”

"Are you sure, Alex?”

"I'm positive----that's what neighbors are for, right?”

Alex hangs up the phone, shaking her head. "O.k. Erica, what are you up to? Every time I ask you to look after Angela, something is always coming up in some sort  shape or form.”

"Did you say something, Mommie?”

"No sweetheart, things have changed and J.W. is coming over now---his Mommie has to go over to the university. They're leaving their house now, they'll be here in a few minutes.”

Cormac has averted his thoughts back to the van, and to Randy. "Ye will make another delivery, and when she answers the door------who is that?”

Randy looks toward the gravel road and the little sports car, a dark skinned woman and little boy are inside the auto. He shakes his head, "I don't know who they are---visitors, I guess.”

"Curses-----ye find ways to make me angry, Elizabeth!”

Randy stares back at him, "Who is Elizabeth?”

Cormac's eye bore into him and Randy decides to not anything more. He watches as the woman and little boy go up the steps, soon the door opens and the little boy goes inside. The women are talking and then the dark haired one walks quickly to her automobile and drives away.

The man continues to swear and Randy pulls himself as far away from him as possible, the wait begins.

                                              ****************************************

Lawton, Oklahoma 1967

The call to Ireland took many hours to get through. It was difficult in finding Kordell, and messengers had to be sent to the little village. Finally the priest and a friend made the 20 mile trek to the nearest phone.

The priest has tears in his eyes as he listens to his young nephews' voice, finally they say their goodbyes and the priest is left alone in his sadness. The sisters beg him to eat, he keeps turning them away.

"Arrangements have to be made to secure me nephew's safety" the priest mumbles, almost to himself.

"The boy is a ocean away---he is safe, Father---Cormac can't get to him!”

Kordell shakes his head as he walks hurriedly to his desk and writes into his journal, "Cormac is the devil----he will find a way to get to America."

"But, Father he is back in the asylum again, don't you remember? The police caught him over a year ago, trying to steal a passport.”

Kordell rubs the left side of his head and feels the socket where his ear once was. "He will get out again, and he will try again to get to America---he has to be stopped! Me nephew has had too much pain and hurt in his young life---he does not deserve this!”

"Maybe-----the boy should be told what is happening---ye say he is living with his Father's people now----they will protect him. They-----they are savages----remember Father---they have terrible fights and----they kill to protect----remember the westerns on TV, Father?”

Kordell tries to smile, "Do not believe what ye see on the loony tube, sister---Cordell was not a savage----he has his Mother's blood running through him---he is not a savage! And, me forbids ye to ever talk like that in me presence again, do ye hear me sister?”

The nun apologizes, "What are ye going to do, Father---how can ye protect ye nephew when he is thousands of miles away from us?”

Kordell sighs and goes back to his writing, "The only thing me can do and that is to put everything down in writing-----and maybe someday me nephew will forgive me for me secret of not telling him. I need to talk to Peter---will you get him please?”

The nuns go in search for the young apprentice, and Kordell feverishly writes in his journal, he stops and looks around him. He is talking to himself.

"I remember Elizabeth mentioning something about a diary that she was writing---or journal.  Oh, my Lord----has she left evidence of what has happened to her?---The boy never said anything about a diary---was there one?----It does not matter now, the truth has to be told and Peter will help me. In the meantime me has to keep writing, me knows there is not much time left---the infection has turned cancerous---me life is limited.”

                                            *********************************************

           The next 4 years will be again a learning period for young Cordell. His skin is turning darker and the boys do not tease him anymore, but just the opposite, they are now looking up to him. The girls have also noticed him and he is not ignoring their flirtations as he becomes involved with many, but always remembering  the cautions of his Uncle.

He's now in high school and quite the jock. On weekends he rides the rodeo circuit with his Uncle, and he always carries his Mother's yellow scarf, tucked inside his denim shirt, near his heart. Every time he rides, he is reminded of that fatal day that his parents were killed and as he watches the other riders don their riding chaps, the sadness returns and he remembers the chaps he bought for his Father. His father never got to wear them.

He has become closer to White Eagle and now spends many hours in the sweat lodge with the tribal chief. The old man studies Cordell and once in awhile they talk. Most of the time is spent in silence and Cordell can't help but wonder what the old man is thinking when he is studying him.

It is the beginning of Cordell's senior year in high school and he is now learning the sorrow of losing his first real sweetheart. Her name is Shauna and he has been dating her for over a year, they made plans to go to their senior prom, and then she tells him she will go with someone else.

Sam Coyote and Johnny 2 Bears have found him down by the river, throwing pebbles across the water.

"Hey "Washo', Sam and I are going down to the strip to race some cars and pick up some chicks, come go with us. We may even go to that strip joint over in Lone Grove, we can get in now---we're 18!”

Sam slaps his cousin on the shoulder, "Yeah, come on cuz----forget that stupid prom----we'll have more fun spreading ourselves out. Remember that little waitress that you've been screwing----she's probably waiting for you again---what do you say?”

Cordell sighs and walks over to the edge of the water, reaches down and picks up a gym bag. He stands there for the longest and looks out at the water and then he turns to his friends.

"I'm leaving.”

"What do you mean you’re leaving, you're going home this early---the night is young.”

Sam Coyote stares back at his cousin and sees the look on his face and then to the gym bag. "What's going on, cousin, what's with the bag?”

Cordell looks to his watch, "My Uncle will be here soon to take me to the bus stop, I was just waiting to tell you goodbye.”

"What you talking about, "Washo"---where you going?”

Sam takes a deep breath, "I think I know where he's going----Cordell---you didn't sign the papers, did you?”

Cordell's silence is all that Sam needs to hear, the man lets out a string of curse words. "Damn it, Cordell----you joined the Army?”

"No" replies Cordell, "I joined the Marines!”

"The Marines?---"Washo" you joined the service?----Sam-----is he telling us the truth?”

"I'm afraid so, we both took the physical several months ago----I didn't pass it because of my busted ear drum----but Cordell----they said you didn't have to sign the papers right away, that you could wait.”

"There's no point in waiting----there's nothing here for me anymore----I've

outgrown this place---I got to see other parts of the world!”

Sam's face becomes sad, "But, cousin---the Marines are the first to go when a war breaks out and things are really getting bad over there in that place---Viet Nam. Just last month two of our high school buddies came back in body bags, cause they were so anxious to get over there. They begged their parents to sign the papers.---Hell---Cordell,  Bobby Briscall hadn't been over there but hours till his whole platoon was wiped out!”

"Yeah-----I remember--we were pall bearers at his funeral.  We carried what was left-----of him.”

A deeper voice speaks out and Cordell looks to see his Uncle Ray staring back at him, "Are you ready to go, nephew?”

Cordell looks to his cousin and his best friend, "Goodbye----I'll write when I can---in the meantime----tell Shauna that she can keep all of my high school stuff, the ring, jacket---whatever-----they don't mean anything to me anymore.  I hope she finds happiness and I don't hold any bad feelings towards her.”

The three young men embrace and soon Cordell is on his way to Camp Pendleton, California:

                                                *******************************************

It's a happy time for Ray Firewalker as he gets the long awaited letter from his nephew.:

Hello Uncle,
It's been over a year now since I left the reservation, this place is hell---I miss you and Aunt Ruth so much it hurts. The fighting is all around us, they took out Nu Quan, wiped it out, many villagers were killed, innocent people killed.

The light is not too good for me to see to write, forgive me if I repeat myself. I got your letter about the land being released down near Ft. Worth, and the way you described the land---it holds promise. But, I  am most excited about yours and Aunt Ruth's news of expecting your first child. Words can not express how happy I am for you and can't wait to see my new cousin.  I have made arrangements for you to receive my government checks, please use the money to buy whatever you need for your land. I have no use for it here, I'm developing a bad taste for tobacco, I've tried cigarettes, but do not like their taste, so I'm chewing the tobacco juice instead. It helps when we are in the rice patties and have to be absolutely still for hours on time.

The records department notified me that my name would be shortened soon. Please do not be upset with me for shortening it, I mean no disrespect for my Father's name, I hope there is no problem in cashing my government checks.  Tell White Eagle that I am practicing to listen with my mind's eye, he will know what I'm talking about. When I get home, all of us will have to go fishing.

Yes, I got the news about my Uncle Kordell---he hung on for a long time---Peter said they still had no news about his attackers--I find that hard to believe.  I also read the article on my parents' murderers, and each time I have Charlie in my gun's sights--I pretend it is Clint Murdoch---the murdering son of a bitch that helped to murder them. I will have my revenge someday---but for now--I have to fight another battle-----so far from home. Love, Cordell

Ray has read the letter at least a dozen times as he looks out over the land that the government has given back to him. He smiles at his wife and touches her protruding stomach.

"Things are good, my wife. We have our land, the spirits have given us a new life to welcome in the spring----and my nephew's checks will go into a special account for him-----the money will not be touched---"Washo" will need the money for when he comes home. I'm afraid that our nephew will be deeply changed from the affects of this war---the American people are treating their soldiers bad and calling them names.”

"Yes, my husband----I feel it too. In your next letter please tell "Washo" that his Fathers' riding chaps have been found, that will make him feel better.”

Ray smiles, "Yes, Jake Mc Call has kept his word on finding them, he was also the one that brought John and Elizabeth's murderer to trial---at least one of them. Another cross that our nephew will have to burden when he returns---vengeance!”

The years pass and it has seemed forever that word comes from Cordell. He has been listed as a MIA and then he is found and treated, and sent back to the battlefields. Ray and his wife are writing letters to bring the MIA's home, his good friend, Jake McCall has been trying to get them home too. The retired Texas Ranger lays his hand on Ray's shoulder.

"Ray, you know as well as I do that Cordell is staying over there on his own accord, he's re-upped his enlistment for another tour. He doesn't want to come home---he feels it his duty to stay over there.”

"He's done his time, Jake----my nephew has been a MIA and a POW---how long does he have to keep paying? "

"Only Cordell can make that decision---him and the 'man upstairs’.”

Ray and his old friend are looking out over the land and the government has given him more land further north. He watches the sunset and sees the old two room house that he has built with the help of his friend Jake.

"I will sell the land up north and put that money into the land here, raise more cattle---and Ruth wants some goats---for what reason I don't know---but it's what she wants.”

Jake has started to cough harder and Ray is noticing the blood around his nose. "What do the Doctors say my friend?”

The man wipes his nose and smoothes out the handlebar moustache, "TB---the Drs say  it's tuberculosis, so don't stand too close to me, my friend---I hear it's contagious!”

Ray snorts, "I keep my distance only because of Ruth and the possibility that she will get pregnant again.”

Ray's eyes linger toward the river and then his shoulders began to shake, "I have not let myself grieve for the loss of my baby sons----but sometimes----my heart is so heavy.”

"I was so sorry to hear about the twins dying----how old were they?”

"Barely a week, they both had defective lungs---they died within moments of each other. We buried them down close to the river, their names were Wren and Raven.”

Jake sighs, "I guess that's one of the reasons I never chose to have a family----not in my line of work--- I can't afford the luxury of caring for someone else."

"But, you have cared for Cordell---you have been his friend through many years and you are trying to bring him and the MIA and POWs home. I never understood why you took such a liking to him.”

The men sit down on the old tree stumps that are being dynamited. Jake clears his voice.

"Don't exactly know myself why the boy caught my eye at the rodeo so many years ago. I was a admirer of his Father and the way he rode the bulls, and then I see this little guy climbing up on the back of a young bull, his hat pulled down over his eyes, the left arm up----and then he was riding that damn beast for all he could muster. The look on that boy's face when he was told he had won first place---just stayed in my mind. Then when the judges refused to give him his money and both of his parents were fighting the men, I could see that the young man wanted to exchange some swings himself. He had his little fist all balled up, and spit in his eye---I knew he was going to be a fighter, guess he reminds me of me.”

"And, Washo is still fighting---in a land so far away that most people don't even know where it is and the other half can't even pronounce it" replies Ray.

Jake nods his head, "I'm going up to Oklahoma City and check myself in for some more tests. I have left word with my friend in Ft. Worth to give you all the help you need in buying  your farm machinery. He's a good friend, retired Texas Ranger----no---make that 'semi' retired----old C.D. still likes to stay active in the field and he can kick butt with the best of them, and as cranky as the day is long!! Just don't get him started on that damn chili---he'll have you and your bowels moving your bedrolls to the damn outhouse!”

                                            *****************************************

 July 1975---Ft. Worth Stockyards - C.D.'s bar & grill:

The customers are gathered around the small TV watching the embassy in Saigon fall, the choppers landing on the roofs, and people being evacuated. The proprietor is watching the man in the corner, bent over his cup of coffee, he comes from around the bar and approaches him slowly.

"Let me freshen your cup, Uncle Ray.”

"Thank you" the man replies and then looks towards the TV, he shakes his head slowly.

"There hasn't been a word from my nephew in almost 2 years, I'm so afraid.”

"Hey, don't talk like that---Cordell is not dead-----his battalion was being deported back to the states in Hawaii----I'll bet you ten-to one that nephew of yours is kicking up the hula skirts---as we speak.”

Ray tries to smile, "You would be wrong---my nephew can't dance!”

The two men watch the TV from the distance, Ray looks to his new friend. "When my nephew comes home, I want you to meet him.”

"I'll be more than glad to meet him---I got his picture over the bar there with some other young men from the area---he's a Captain now---so you say?”

Ray nods his head, "Yeah----"Washo" says the bars are just another target for the "Charlie' to zoom in on, he didn't sound too impressed with his promotion in the last letter I received. But, my nephew's letters have changed, he sounds so distant in his words----he never says anything about what is going on over there---actually----he says very little. I guess he has heard what the people back here are saying about them and the protestors!”

"Well, I'll tell you one damn thing----those protestors will not come in here---blasting our boys that are trying to give them the very freedom that they take for granted.  No sir---I'll introduce them to the butt of my shotgun---and I will continue to march against them!”

"You’re a good friend, C.D.---Jake has spoken very highly of you---have you heard from him?”

C.D. clears his throat, "He ain't doing too good so I hear. Would you like to go up to Oklahoma City with me and pay him a visit?”

"I would be very glad to accompany you, but first I have to get home and take Ruth her medicine----though I know the medicine can't help---to heal a broken heart. She sits and cries----all the time, I was praying that we could have another child, but it's not to be.”

                                             *************************************

September, 1976. Dallas bus station.

The three men are waiting and watching as the passengers unload, the man in the wheel chair is straining to see over the shoulders of his friends.

"Do you see him yet?”

"No, Jake--I don't see him---most of the passengers have already got off---Uncle Ray----do you see him?”

Finally the last passenger has exited the bus, the three men shake their heads.

"Another delay" swears Ray----- "I guess he didn't make this bus either.”

"I don't understand" C.D. replies, "did you get the arrival date wrong?”

The three men start arguing and are completely unaware of the bearded man watching them from the rear of the bus. The man is dressed in old jeans, denim shirt, and an old cowboy hat. He reeks of alcohol, his beard is unkept, he stares at the men for the longest and then walks away.

The man starts hitchhiking up to the Oklahoma badlands. A sports car stops beside the hitchhiker and the occupants look at the military jacket that the man has put on, to fight the light chill of the Texas night. The driver extends his finger, and speeds off, shouting "baby killer!”

Part 9

The hitchhiker watches the little sports car till it's out of sight, he then pulls a bottle from his jacket and drinks it down quickly. A half hour passes and then a semi stops.

The trucker and the hitchhiker stare at each other for the longest and then the trucker notices the patch on the hiker's jacket. He asks slowly.

"How far you going?”

"Up around Lawton---to the badlands.”

The trucker nods towards the patch, "Special services----what outfit were you with?”

"101 first, out of De Nang--later Quang Nhion, all up and down the Mekong delta. Any more questions? It's starting to rain.”

The trucker laughs, "Climb in son---just had to make sure that you weren't one of those damn hippies that just found the jacket!  Welcome home son----I got home last year----and it hasn't gotten any easier. So just lay back and try to get some sleep, I'll wake you when we get to your destination!”                      

                              ************************************************

Reservation:

Ray Firewalker is staring back at his nephew, it's no wonder that he went unnoticed at the bus station. He extends his hand and pulls him close.

" Welcome home, nephew---how long have you been here? "

"A few days, I've lost count" answers Cordell.

Ray fans the air, "I can understand why, the firewater is strong.---We can talk---when you feel like it.”

"I don't care to talk, Uncle---not about that place! I just want to be left alone!”

The weeks pass and both White Eagle and Ray keep their distance from Cordell. They watch him as he stumbles around in the dark, draining the whiskey bottles and talking to the demons. Ray's heart is heavy as he remembers his own military tours in Africa and later to Korea. And, just like his nephew---he couldn't and wouldn't talk about what happened.

Cordell goes into the city alone on the weekends, drinking till he can no longer stand, the hookers keep him busy at night----often rolling him of his little cash afterwards. He gets into fights and is soon spending more time in jail, than out. Finally, Ray can hold his silence no more and he, Jake, and C.D. go to get Cordell out of jail---one last time!

The four argue and the fighting begins.

"You have to snap out of this, Cordell----we've all been there---we know what you're going through---but you got to put it behind you and get on with your life" argues Jake.

"That's true son---" replies C.D.---"all of the wars come with a price---and God knows you have given every ounce of yourself as a true patriot---you can't keep fighting that war!”

Ray nods his head, "Come back to us, "Washo" before it's too late.”

"It's already too late, I don't want to be here----I'm going back to Nam---I'm going to re-enlist.”

"No, nephew---stay here---make a life for yourself.”

"There is no life, Uncle----I'm called a 'baby killer' I'm being spit on by my own people---they don't want me here----at least in Nam---I know who my enemies are!”

The men continue to argue while Cordell has gone to visit White Eagle. "Maybe it's best he does go back, maybe he can straighten himself out over there. The sheriff in Lawton said that  Cordell took on 6 men in that bar and he whipped the daylights out of all of them. He said Cordell was using a new form of fighting, kicking and breaking boards like they were nothing!”

"Yeah, I've heard of the new basic training---they are bringing in instructors from the Orient to teach it, it's called martial arts" replies C.D.

"Whatever it is, my nephew has taken to it-like a fish to water. He's also gotten into fights at the reservation, he beat the grand nephews of White Eagle---they were literally crawling away from him.!”

"White Eagle's nephews?” Asks C.D,---"What ---started all of that?”

"They were questioning our tribal chief's authority and one of the nephews attempted to strike  White Eagle---big mistake---Cordell heard of it and went after the two---beat them senseless. This new way of fighting is good, but I'm afraid that my nephew is letting it overtake his logic, his temper is getting the best of him. That can't be good!”

"You're right about that, his hands and feet are now lethal weapons and have to be registered as such" replies Jake, "Cordell has got to learn to control that temper before he kills someone----and G.I. hero or not---he would be punished for it.”

"So, what do we do guys?” Asks C.D.

"He's a grown man, nothing we can say is going to change his mind. Maybe White Eagle can reach him” Ray answers sadly.

It is now midnight and Cordell and Jake are sitting around the fire, Cordell is staring into the flames, like he's in a trance.

"Cordell, I'm only going to say this once----and then you have to decide how to take it. I know what it's like to be in a war and see your buddies killed, but I was never taken prisoner so I can't imagine the torture you must have endured. But, you are going to have to choose a path to follow, and  this could be the decision that will control your destiny. If you keep fighting, you're going to end up in prison---because sooner or later---that martial arts is going to end up getting someone killed!”

"I know" answers Cordell, "White Eagle has talked to me and I've made a decision---I'm going back to Nam!”

Jake shakes his head,  "I should have known what your decision would be----and I have to respect it. I just hope that someday you will come home and be free of all the nightmares that are haunting you.”

"You’re right about the fighting, I have been mis-using it for how it is intended. There is a instructor in Hong Kong, I want to study under him and then I will take my learning’s and try to teach the arts to other soldiers----the right way.  I want to be an instructor in special forces again. I have to do this---and then maybe I can think of coming home.”

Jake is very sad, his coughing has gotten worse and the trips back and forth to Oklahoma City are more frequent, but he has postponed his last check in so he could spend more time with Cordell. He lays his hand on Cordell's shoulder, his voice is breaking.

"I hope it's soon, my young friend---I'm wanting to take that fishing trip with you and the guys----maybe we could take White Eagle with us.”

Cordell smiles, "That would be nice, though White Eagle doesn't fish---he just tells you how to do it!”

The two laugh and Jake sees something in Cordell's eyes, "what else is bothering you, Cordell? I see a determination in those eyes, what are you thinking?”

Cordell's eyes are sad as he whispers, "they're still over there, Jake-----and our government is ignoring them.”

Jake starts coughing harder and through his coughs, he answers, "you mean the POW's?”

"And, the MIA's---they have been forgotten by our government----not enough is being done to find them---and I want to do something about that.”

"What can you do, the military has people going over there, trying to find the prisons-----they can't find them!”

"They are looking in the wrong places, Jake---Cambodia is the place to look, and underground----not above!”

Jake studies Cordell's face, "Is that where you were being held, underground?”

Cordell grits his teeth, "Some of the time----until they took us out and beat us---then when they would tire of beating us, they had us beat each other------and they laughed.”

"I know that you have to try and make it right----just be careful, Cordell----and don't come home to us in a body bag. I best be going, the last bus to the City will be leaving soon.”

C.D. and Ray walk up to the campsite and C.D. is carrying a camera--- sits it down on a rock and sets the timer. Then he goes to sit down beside his friends and whispers---"got to make this one good guys---I have a feeling that it will be a long time till we're all together again.”

                                              ******************************************

1980---C.D.’s bar and grill

It has been a long four years and true to C.D.’s comment the four men will never again---be all together.

Jake died six weeks after Cordell went back to Nam, and Ray's wife died the following year.  Then they got the news that Cordell was missing in action again and for almost three years there was no word about his status.

C.D. is helping Ray  build on the ranch house that Ray has decided to build. The man says very little as his eyes linger on the little two room shack that sits near the river.  C.D. was with him the day Ruth died, and this time Ray could not hold back the tears as he and C.D. buried Ruth near where the twins lay in their final resting place.

C.D. takes a deep breath as he observes the new cement mixer that Ray has bought.

"Dad burn it, Uncle Ray, ---what are you building this time? The house is getting bigger each time I come out here!”

"I have to make it big so when "Washo" comes home---he can fill the bedrooms with babies----my grandchildren!”

C.D. is confused, "Grandkids?----Don't you mean grand nephews or nieces?”

"Nope--I mean grandkids!----'Cause "Washo" is my son in every  way, maybe I didn't give him birth----but he's still my son!----And, I like the sound of "grandkids" better.”

The two men become sad, and Ray replies, "I know what you're thinking C.D.---my nephew is not dead.”

"It's been almost three years, Uncle Ray---there has been no word.”

"He's not dead! " Ray turns the mixer on and the cement is pouring into the forms for a new sidewalk. "White Eagle says that my nephew is still alive---that he is walking with the dead and wounded, his face is blackened from the military paint his eyes see so much pain and death----but his eyes----still see!”

"I pray you and White Eagle are right" C.D. answers-----" so----now what do you want me to do now---want me to pour the cement?”

"Why would I want you to pour the cement---the machine is doing it just fine?”

"Look at all those lumps----the machine is not mixing it up smooth enough----get out of the way---you crazy old Indian---I'll show you how to pour cement!”

"Watch it, paleface----or I will scalp what hair you got left" argues Ray.

"Yeah?----And who's going to help you?"

"I need no help, white man------ that will be the day when a white man can outfight a red man!”

"Oh yeah?” Screams back C.D.---"Tell that to Custer!”

Ray's temper is rising and he shakes his hand at C.D.----"Don't dare mention that yellow, livered coward in my presence----or so help me---I'll mop the ground up with you!”

C. D. begins rolling his sleeves back, "Bring it on----I haven't had a good fight since last Saturday night!”

Ray is circling his friend and snorting, "And, was that the night that jealous husband came looking for you?”

"Yeah----and who was the last one standing?”

"Couldn't tell---you were both weaving back and forth like one of those cupie dolls---with hula skirts and. . ."

Ray stops and stares over C.D.’s shoulder, C.D. stops and turns around, they both see the man exiting a taxi. Their mouths drop open and their eyes grow wide, C.D. whispers, "Oh my Lord---can it be?”

Ray is walking and then running towards the man in a Marine uniform. “WASHO"---C.D. it is "Washo!”----He's home!”

                                              ****************************************

1984:  Springtown

It's July and one of the hottest on records, the temperature has already topped 104 and still rising.

Cordell's return to the states hasn't been easy and the horrors of Viet Nam still haunt him. He has gone through another part of adjusting to the cruel ways of the American people and their opinions on the war. He travels around, not wanting to stay in any one place long enough to plant any kind of root. When he finally returns to Texas, his friends are still worried about him and the nightmares of being held captive.   He starts seeing old Marine buddies and the drinking and carousing has started all over again.

It's been an all nighter for Cordell and his buddies as they are now dragging themselves out of bed, and stumbling towards the kitchen for coffee. Ray has watched them, saying nothing. He waits till all the friends have left, except for one. The friend is trying to talk Cordell into going to Old Mexico with him.

"Come on, Walker---there's nothing here---but the women in Mexico are there for the taking---come on, Cap---let's get out of this flea bag!”

Ray's temper is rising as his nephew is saying nothing. Ray turns to the man, "You best be watching how you talk about my home--or I will show the door---and not bother opening it!”

"Oh pipe down, old man---don't get your shorts riding up your ass hole-----or maybe you should loosen those braids---so your brain can think!”

Cordell is sipping his coffee as he listens to the man back talking his Uncle. "Back off, Billings---this is his house."

"It's your house too nephew---and this man is making a mockery out of it---look at this place---it's a pig sty!”

Billings looks around him and smirks, "Hell----we've stayed shacked up with some whores in better places than this, huh Walker?”

Ray glances up the stairs and turns to his nephew----"And, that's another thing-----I will not allow you and your friends to bring whores into this house---now get those women out of here!”

"You just said that this was my house too, Uncle---don't I have any rights?--- Don't tell me who I can and can't have here!”

Ray walks over to his nephew and stares him in the eyes, "For years I have fought for this land to be given back to my people---and for you to have a home. I have put many hours into this house to try and make it a home for you and this is how you repay me?”

Cordell is still fighting the effects of the alcohol, the coffee seems to be making it worse. "I have sent you my government checks, I have paid for part of all of this---have you forgotten that?”

Ray turns abruptly and walks out the front door, Cordell watches as his uncle is heading down to the remains of the old 2 room shack. He swears under his breath and turns to his friend.

"Get your things, we're getting out of here---it was a big mistake coming back here, and tell those girls to get out of here before my Uncle returns!”

"You got it, Captain----we can always find other babes in the land of enchantment---I'll get their buttes up----Mexico--here we come!”

Cordell is throwing some of his clothes together, he looks up to see his Uncle standing there, holding a box. Ray dumps the box at his nephew's feet, then he grabs a handful of un-opened government checks and throws them in his nephew's face.

"Here are  your checks----you better cash them now so that you and your friend will have money when you get to Mexico---the liquor and the whores are cheaper down there---but you will still need money!”

Cordell stares at the checks and goes over the dates that each one was issued, all the way back to the very first one that he sent home. He stares back at his uncle----"You didn't cash  any of them?”

Ray's temper is rising, his fists close and unfold, "Not one check-----I was saving them for you.---Now take your damn money and leave----this is not your home anymore---and take your filthy friends with you!”

"Hey Walker----come on man----Mexico is waiting!”

Cordell stares back at the checks and then he starts walking in circles----"You go ahead, Billings-----I'm not going!”

"What?----What are you saying, Cap---are you going to listen to this old Indian----who the hell is he anyways?”

Ray turns to the man and hits him with his fist, "I'm his Uncle and I will give you five seconds to get out of my house or I will throw you out!”

Billings gets up and charges at Ray, Cordell grabs him and spins him around, "Get out, Billings---take the whores and get out of my Uncle's home.”

Billings stares back at Cordell and then to Ray, "I don't believe it----you're part redskin---how can that be--the name Walker is American!”

"My name is Firewalker, but it was shortened----now take your things and get out---or I will finish what my Uncle started---and you know I can!”

Billings backs away, "Yeah----I've been your sparing partner many times and I know what you can do with that karate stuff---I'm going---I'm out of here!”

Cordell looks to his Uncle and shakes his head, his voice breaks, "I'm sorry Uncle Ray---I didn't know.”

"There was no reason to tell you, the checks were being saved for you---I didn't spend one dime of your government checks!”

Cordell rubs the stubble on his face, "I feel so ashamed----I see what you have done to this place and I have failed to appreciate it---please forgive me!”

Ray takes a deep breath, his voice is breaking too. "I just wanted you to have a home to come back to---I know you have been going through hell with the memories from over there---but nephew---you have to let it go---before it's too late.”

Cordell starts to cry, his Uncle embraces him. "Just let it out, nephew---there is no shame in crying."

"I couldn't cry before, Uncle" (sobbing) " I saw all of my buddies being ripped apart, limbs lying all over the place and I couldn't do a damn thing about it. The nightmares won't go away" Cordell continues to cry, his shoulders heaving.

Ray pulls away from him, "I will leave you now---you have to make a decision "Washo"---you can stay or you can leave. Whichever decision you make, I will never stop loving you---but if you stay---changes will have to  be made---do you understand me, "Washo?”

"Yes sir” sobs Cordell, ----"I just need to be left alone.”

Ray starts to walk away and then he points towards the box, "You have some things in there that belonged to your parents, Jake found the chaps that you bought for your Father---I've kept them oiled for you, so the leather wouldn't crack. You might want to look through the things---I'm going downstairs to start cleaning up.”

Cordell clears his throat, "The box can wait, Uncle Ray I will help you to get things cleaned up and I will start with this room!” Cordell walks over to his bed and strips it, walks over to the window and throws the bedclothes out. He takes a deep sigh and then turns to his Uncle, "I will burn them later---and never again will I ever embarrass you in this manner again.”

Cordell has kept his word, he has started seeing someone to help him to cope with the horrors he left behind in a place that seems so far away. He joined the highway patrol then switched to the Texas Rangers.

Between his career as a law officer and part-time rancher, he has opened up a school for martial arts. The nightmares are fading, as he and his Uncle work side by side branding cattle.

His Uncle is watching him as Cordell seems to be lost in his thoughts.

"Want to talk about it nephew, who is she?”

Cordell smiles,” Her name is Ellen, she works in the records department, I'm dying to ask her out---but every time I start to, my legs get weak and the words won't come out---I can't remember ever being this tongue tied around a woman!----I've never had this problem before!”

Part 10

"Nephew, apparently this young woman is different from the other women---you have been with."

"Yes, she's different Uncle Ray, and she is so sweet, wait till you meet her.”

Ray smiles, "You mean I'm actually going to be introduced to this woman, you've never introduced me to any of the others, but they didn't have names either!”

"Don't start in on me, Uncle, I know I haven't exactly made good choices in the women----I've been with----but Ellen is different. I know she likes me---cause I've heard that she does---but she's so shy."

"Well nephew, one of you is going to have to make the first step and I would suggest that you get up off your hinney and ask this woman out. And, do it soon, maybe one of these days I can see those extra bedrooms put to use-----as nurseries?”

"Come on, Uncle Ray---I haven't even got a date with her and you're already talking about me having a family? And, that's something I would like to ask you about----why do you keep building on? The house is already too big now!”

"You don't listen too good, do you nephew? I said I wanted the extra bedrooms used for nurseries---that means 'children' nephew----you do know  how to make them, don't you?”

"Now, this a twist---for years you have pounded into my head about not releasing the fluids---by the way---the appropriate saying is 'semen'!-- And "YES" I know how to make them Uncle, but I've always heeded your advice about being ready to undertake the responsibility of fatherhood and I have tried to practice that advice.”

"What about this Ellen, does she want to have a family?”

"Uncle Ray---I don't believe what you're asking! How would I know if she wants to have a family? Oh I get it, I ask her out and then I say, "Oh by the way, my Uncle wants to know if you want kids or not.”

"You keep mocking me, nephew and I'll take you to the shed and whop your backside!” warns Ray.

Cordell laughs, "and, I know you're more than capable of whooping my backside----I still carry White Eagle's scar! Tell you what Uncle, I'm going to ask Ellen out and when and if the subject ever comes up about having kids-----you'll be the first to know!”

The months pass and Cordell has had several dates with Ellen and he knows that he is falling in love with her. They are walking along the river and Ellen asks softly.

"Cord, why do you men call each other by your last names, I can't get used to someone calling you Walker?”

"It's just a male thing Ellen, I guess it starts with military training. All of the G.I.'s are called by their last names, if a drill instructor ever called a grunt by his first name---he would probably get clobbered! Besides the last names are on the uniforms, not the first names!”

"But, you don't wear any kind of uniform now" argues Ellen.

Cordell scratches his beard, "I know--- but I'm sort of liking the sound of my last name, does it bother you?”

She smiles back at him, "No---I just like  the name of Cord better--so don't expect me to call you Walker---it's too impersonal!”

"O.k. I won't, but more and more people are calling me by my last name, practically the only that calls me Cordell anymore is C.D.”

Ellen becomes silent, "And, even more so now that you are a Ranger.”

"I suppose even more will call me by last name, are you o.k. with my career as a Ranger?”

"If that's what you want, Cord.”

"Well----yeah----it's what I've wanted for a long time now, but I have to know if you're happy with it, because----you have a stake in this too----you know.”

Ellen's dark eyes look back into Cordell's, "Cord, is there something you want to  tell me?”

"Yeah" Cordell's voice is cracking, "I've been wanting to tell you something for several weeks now."

"And----that is?”

"I've----I've fallen in love with you Ellen" the Ranger stammers, "I just thought you should know.”

Ellen's face breaks out in a huge smile, "Oh Cord, I've been waiting to hear you say it-----I love you too.”

The two embrace and the Ranger is on cloud nine as he and Ellen head back to Ft. Worth and to C.D.’s.

C.D. can hardly refrain himself as he is introduced to Ellen, he keeps smiling and shaking her hand.

"So?---You’re Ellen, the one Cordell has been panting over for the past couple of months----Cordell---she's beautiful, even more than you and Uncle Ray said she was.”

They talk for several hours and then Ellen goes back to work, C.D. is watching the way Cordell kisses Ellen goodbye, smiles.

"How serious is it, Cordell?”

"As serious as it can get, C.D.---I'm going to ask Ellen to marry me---just as soon as this Pike business is over with!”

C.D.'s smile fades, "That Pike is one mean son of a bitch, Cordell---you be careful. I hear he's not too happy with you, that he's made threats against your life!"

The Ranger sighs, "won't be the first time that I've been threatened----and won't be the last!”

"Just the same, you be careful---have the Rangers found him yet?”

"Yeah, we got him---this time he won't get of jail on a technicality that some damn lawyer can dream up---God---how I hate lawyers!”

The weeks pass and Ellen is spending more and more time at the ranch, but always at the end of the day she is going back to her place. Ray has been staying down at the cabin when Ellen is visiting, but each time that she leaves, Cordell is in a tailspin.

C.D.’s bar and grill:

The evenings are still hot and C.D. is staring at Uncle Ray as he drinks the hot tea. He sighs and walks around to the other side of the bar and sits down.

"Tea?---Datburn it, Uncle Ray---how can you drink tea in this kind of weather?”

"I happen to like tea---it's better for you that that stuff you call coffee---it looks more like motor oil!”

"Don't be knocking my coffee, you crazy old Indian---it's the best in the state---Cordell likes it---keeps him awake on those boring stakeouts!”

Ray grunts, "It's not just your coffee that is keeping my nephew awake at nights, it's the cold showers after Ellen leaves!”

C.D. starts laughing, "ironic, isn't it? After all of those women that old Cordell was keeping time with and then someone sweet and innocent like Ellen is the one that steals his heart away---a virgin---no less!”

"A lot you don't know, you old coot---Ellen and Cordell have shared the teepee, so to speak, but she draws the line in the sand about spending the night. So therefore, my nephew has to drive her back to Dallas, and by the time he gets home, he needs a cold shower to stop thinking of her.”

The two men break out laughing, "and, how do you know all of this, you spend more time up at the reservation with White Eagle on those seminars? Or, whatever the hell you call them!”

"I know what I see and hear--- it's in the wind.”

"Don't go laying that Cherokee crap on me, when is he going to propose?”

"Soon, I hope----my water bill is getting higher and higher---thank goodness it's not hot water he's using or the gas bill would be going up too!”

C.D. nods his head, "He's sure changed in the last year, hasn't he? Is he still going to church?”

"As much as he can, and he reads the bible all the time, even takes it with him on those stakeouts!”

"I was sure getting worried about him, but he's turned his life around, and opening up that karate school has helped too. I think he's on the right track, Uncle Ray --- Ellen has been a good influence on him!”

The old Indian nods his head in agreement, "yes, she is soothing and maybe her old fashioned ethics are just what my nephew needs. For awhile there, his ethics and morals were doing a fast downfall and I was very upset with him. I know that the scars of wars affect all men differently, and "Washo" is not any different from any other man that has endured that kind of horror. They sometimes make bad choices and my nephew was making his share---but C.D. he is trying to make things right again. "

"I know that, and you are to be commended for having patience with him and keeping him on the right track. Not too many parents would have endured what you have in keeping Cordell on the straight and narrow. That man loves you, Uncle Ray---he worships the ground you walk on. You and White Eagle have both given him guidance.”

Ray smiles, "He's my brother's son--but I have been the only parent he has known since his parents were murdered. I feel like he is my son, but I don't mind saying that I was starting to be very disappointed in him and his ways. But, I knew that if I looked deep enough, I would see the same boy that I had seen so many years ago when I took him under my wing. He's still the same person underneath all of what he has to face, I just had to wait till the demons and bad spirits let him go.”

The two men  ponder their thoughts, and Ray stands up to leave.

"I got to be going --want to finish that patio thing out in the back yard before "Washo" gets back into town.”

"Patio thing?----What the hell you doing out there now, Uncle Ray?---Every time I come out there, the house is getting bigger?”

"Got nothing else to do during the day, got to keep my mind and my body in working shape-----Ellen planted more flowers---got to be careful not to step on any of them. "

The old Indian turns and  looks at C.D.---"Oh by the way, next time would you please get the water hotter for my tea, tonight's was almost like ice tea!”

C.D.’s face is getting red, "yeah, and the people in Hades would welcome it with open arms!!----Of all of the nerve---always knocking my food and my drinks----why do I ever allow you in my establishment, you crazy Indian!!!  " C.D. continues to sputter as Ray heads for the door, laughing.

C.D. is still muttering, "I have never had anyone complain so much about my food-----and that's another thing" C.D. yells back to Ray---"stop knocking my chili! My chili is the best in Texas-----hell----no one else complains about it--it would be un-patriotic to not like my chili!”

1986:

Cordell has become more used to going by his last name and he is making quite a name for himself with the Rangers. His karate school is succeeding and one of his instructors has come to America to visit him. The instructor has asked his favorite pupil to come back to Hong Kong, Walker has refused.

They are at the airport and the Ranger is saying goodbye to his dear friend.

"Will you not change your mind,?” Mr Kai is asking.

Walker smiles, "I can't, I have a very important reason, I'm going to be getting married soon, that is----if she will have me.---I'm planning to ask her tomorrow.”

The day has come that will again change Cordell Walker's life. He has pondered on the question and how to ask it, he and Ellen are at their favorite place down by the river. They have just finished a picnic lunch in which Walker couldn't eat anything.

"Cord, is there something wrong with the lunch I packed, you haven't touched the potato salad----or the chicken?”

He takes her hand and stares deeply into her dark eyes, they are unaware they are being observed.  The couple is being centered through the cross hairs of a rifle, and other weapons are being centered on them.

"Ellen---I love you---and I want to----ask you something.”

Her heart is skipping so fast she can hardly breathe---"What-----wh---what do you want to ask me, Cord?”

Walker takes a deep breath and then he blurts it out, "Will you marry me?”

The woman starts to cry as she runs into Walker's arms, "Yes----yes----I will marry you."

The words are barely out of her mouth when a shot rings out and strikes her in the back, Walker screams out her name and tries to break her fall. Soon other shots are finding their marks as both Walker and Ellen are hit repeatedly. He tries desperately to cover her body with his, and then everything becomes quiet----so quiet.

Three months later and Walker is being released from the hospital, his friends are there with him as he is driven to the cemetery. He places a small bouquet of flowers on Ellen's grave and  he walks away.

Ray starts to call out to him, but C.D. stops him. "Let him be, Uncle Ray---he's not going to stop until he finds the ones responsible.”

Ray looks back at Ellen's grave, "We know who is responsible------and I know my nephew----he won't come home till he's had his revenge!”

The months have passed and even after Pike and his men have been caught, Walker is still staying away from the ranch and his friends. The Captain of the Rangers has again inquired about him at C.D.’s.

The Captain is a tall man, slender built, and short on patience.

"I'm trying to understand Walker's disappearance, but if he doesn't get back here soon----I'm going to be forced to resign him----does either of you know where he is?”

Ray shakes his head sadly, and so does C.D. "We haven't a clue----we thought he might go up to the badlands---but White Eagle hasn't seen him either!”

The Captain shakes his head and walks out.

"I'm worried about Cordell, Uncle Ray---not a word---in months-----where the hell can he be?”

"The last anyone saw of him was when he brought that murdering son of a bitch into Ranger headquarters, they say "Washo" looked like hell---that he had the look of the devil------and then he just left!”

C.D. curses, "Damn it----how much can one man take? He was just getting his life on track----everything was starting to come together for the man----and then this happens. This might be the end of him, Uncle Ray, Cordell may never be able to recover from this!”

"I'm worried about him too----but what can we do? We don't even know where he is or where to look! White Eagle has taught him well, and "Washo" will not be found until he's ready to be found. If he's in the badlands, he knows places to hide that not even his own shadow can find him! We wait------till he's ready to come home----and that may never be!”

Another month has passed, and Cordell Walker walks into C.D.'s bar and grill, he sits down at the bar.

Both C.D. and Ray are firing questions at the Ranger, and Walker answers

slowly.

"After I brought Pike and his goons into headquarters----I went to the airport and took the first flight to Hong Kong, for the past few months---I've been there-----trying to cope with Ellen's death.”

"We've been so worried about you son, are you alright----how can we help?”

"I'll be o.k., C.D.---Mr Kai has reached deep in my inner soul and has helped to deal with my anger and my hurt. He has taught me how to practice Zen.”

"Zen?  What's that, nephew?”

Walker's voice is quiet but stern, "It's a power within, Uncle---it teaches inner strength and tranquility, and Mr Kai's teaching has helped me to not go back down that road that I just came off of. I am dealing with Ellen's death, the only way I know how, but I will not tarnish her memory by becoming bitter and returning to that life I knew when I came back from Nam.”

"What about your job, Cordell---Captain Malloy has been here, saying he was going to terminate you?”

"I've talked to him, C.D. and I'm going in front of the board, I will ask for my badge back----if the Rangers choose not to take me---then I understand.”

"We'll back you all the way, nephew----whatever decision you make---we'll be behind you.”

Walker has been reinstated with the Rangers and right away he starts taking cases that none of the other Rangers will touch. His reputation of not being a man to mess with has reached the streets, and  the bad guys want no part of him----or his way of fighting. His technique of bringing in the bad guys has raised issues with the authorities, but Captain Malloy backs him, and the bad guys are looking for holes to climb into.

However in another part of the world, another chapter of Walker's life is starting to surface again.

                                                ********************************

Dublin, Ireland 1990

The doctors are examining the man before them, the American doctor shakes his head.

"By all medical standards, this man should be dead---the tumor on his brain is growing so fast, I don't know what is keeping him alive.”

The other doctors agree, "He has been in and out of here for almost 22 years, what time he isn't in prison!”

"Aye" the third doctor nods his head, "and he's been in the insane asylum too.”

"I've gone over his medical records, he had a small contusion at the back of his temporal lobe that has increased over the years. It says here---he was hit in the head several times, does anyone know the history behind that incident?”

The other two doctors shake their head, "I've only been here a short time Dr. Smith" the other Doctor nods his head in agreement.

"Does he have any family, that could shed some light on what we're working with?”

"He doesn't get any visitors, except for a man that dropped in from time to time and his visits were rather odd.”

"How so?”

The American doctor stares at the doctor very puzzled.

"Well, the few times that I have seen the man come to visit, he never went near our patient, he just stood over there and observed him.  The man's face never showed any emotion and that is indeed odd since he is a man of the cloth.”

"The visitor is a priest, who is he?”

"Was"-- the doctor says slowly, "the priest has since died----and for several years a younger man was coming by and asking questions about the patient. Then he too stopped coming by, I heard one of the nurses say that the man had made a comment---"He's not going anywhere----but to hell!”

The doctors continue to examine the man, the patient stares back at them with vacant eyes.

"If ye wants to know about me, then why don't ye ask?”

"Very well, I will, what happened to you, how did you end up here?”

"First---ye answer me question, what's wrong with me, why can me remember some things and not others? Why does me head hurt so bad?”

"You suffered a contusion."

"What's that, speak in words me can understand!”  The man screams back in anger.

Doctor Smith sighs, "I'm sorry, a 'contusion' is a bruising that you have suffered at the temporal lobe of your brain, and this is one of many stems that make up the brain. Different parts of your brain control your movements, speech, and memory. This bruising has caused swelling and bleeding inside this part of your brain, and therefore pressure is causing your brain to press against other stems. This pressure is causing you to have severe pain and it's affecting your eyesight, but, that's the least of your worries, I am afraid.”

The man stares back at the doctor "Ye trying to say me is dying?”

"I'm afraid so, I don't know how you have survived this long, you now have a tumor growing – actually several tumors, and they are inoperable. You must have a strong desire to have lived this long---something or 'someone' is keeping you going. Do you have a family?”

The man looks away and then back to the doctor "Aye, me has a family---she is in America.”

The doctor smiles, "Really? What part of America? That's where I'm from.”

"She lives in a place called Texas, have ye heard of it?”

The doctor laughs, "Of course, I've heard of Texas, it's the largest state in the union so the Texans want to believe then there's Alaska. But, a true Texan will say that state doesn't matter, it's mostly ice!”

The man's eyes become wide, "Have ye ever been to this Texas?”

Again, the doctor smiles "Yes, I've been there, I went to college in Dallas and Houston, they are two of the biggest cities in the state. What part of Texas is your friend living in?”

"Me are not sure" the man starts rubbing his head, "she lives in a place----called Ft. Worth stockyards?”

The doctor repeats the name, "I know where that place is, it's near Dallas---this woman that you are referring to---what relationship is she to you?”

The other doctors are staring back at the patient, he hisses, "She is me wife---she is with child---our child.”

Dr. Smith does a double take "with child? Has she visited you? I see no records of any women visitors, how long ago was she here?”

"Me can't remember, me head hurts.”

The doctor nods his head, "take him back to his room---I want to go over his records again.”

The doctor returns to his office and starts digging out all of the files on one 'Cormac OHare'.

                                                 *********************************************

The next four years is going fast as the name of Walker is fast becoming a 'four letter' word for the bad guys.  His name is synonymous with law and he doesn't make all of his arrests going by the book.

The cons fear him, the other officers fear him too, but in a different way. They know he is short on temper, and paperwork is not in his category. He keeps refusing a partner and his Captain is on his case constantly.

"Walker----you are due in court----and would you please cooperate with the new District Attorney?”

"As long as he doesn't try to lay all of that 'hog wash' on me about failing to read the prisoners their rights."

"It's the law, Walker!” the Captain barks back.

Walker's anger is rising as picks up his hat and walks to the door, he turns and faces his boss, "Yeah, I know it's the law---but where was the rights of that young Mother that was raped and left for dead---where were her rights?”

The Ranger is still fuming as he walks back to his office, he sees some of the other Rangers staring at the blond headed woman that has stopped at the water fountain. The eyes of the Rangers all follow every movement that her body is making as Walker looks in her direction. Even through the two piece suit, he can see that she has one hell of a body. He can't see her face, she turns and walks away.

The other Rangers are speaking low and making snide remarks. Walker watches as the woman continues walking down the hallway, her skirt fitting snug on tight hips, and the legs seem to go on forever. He smiles to himself and whispers "Damn, she sure looks good walking away----I wonder how she looks coming towards me---she's got some nice looking legs!”

The Ranger goes back to his office and picks up his messages, " A message from C.D. wanting me to meet him at the swimming pool of the Athletic Club---now why in the hell does he want me to meet him there? As soon as I testify at this damn trial, guess I'll go and see what he wants. Trial? What a crock!! I wonder what kind of crap this new prosecutor is going to come  up with? God, I hate lawyers!”

                                         ************************************************

Dublin, Ireland  1991 (insane asylum)

           The doctor is staring back at the young man before him,” thank you for coming Mr. Daniels."

"Peter----just call me Peter---what can me do for ye, doctor?”

The doctor has aged over the past couple of years as he too has developed a tumor that is advancing rapidly.

"I called you here because you seem to be the only visitor that this Cormac ever receives, but yet----you never ask any questions about how he is doing. How well do you know the patient?”

Peter's face turns rigid, "Too long----Cormac is the devil----me will be glad when he is dead and gone. Me comes here about twice a year---just to make sure he is still here and to make sure he never gets out.”

The doctor is weak as he looks over the patient's records. "You sound like you despise the man, and yet you bother to show up, why don't you just call and inform about him, why waste time in driving all the way from Kilkee, is it?”

"Me told you why, me wants to make sure that he never escapes from this place again!   The other doctors told me that his tumor is advancing, how long does he have?”

Dr. Smith shakes his head, "Your guess is as good as mine, he is defying all the medical odds, his brain is like mush!”

The young man reaches in his briefcase and hands the doctor a journal, "Me has also been told that ye have a cancer, that is why ye needs to read this, it will explain some things about Cormac, it belonged to a very dear friend, Father Tralee.”

"I've heard of him, I hear he was a good man.”

"He didn't deserve to suffer at the hands of that devil. Why do ye keep Cormac alive? He has killed and hurt a lot of people. He does not deserve to draw another breath.”

"I'm sorry, but I have taken a oath, and as much as I might agree with you, it is not my place to decide when he dies. The tumor will do that!”

"Rubbage!” The man spits on the floor, "Me used to be a God-fearing man, but when the Lord chooses to let a man like Cormac survive and he takes the likes of Father Tralee, me loses my faith."

Part 11

"Thank you for bringing in this journal on Cormac, maybe it will help me to understand more about him and why he is the way he is.”

Peter is getting angry, "Why bother to learn these things, but ye can answer questions that me has. What is exactly wrong with him, does he have amnesia?”

"No----not exactly. When he suffered that attack---many years ago---his attacker hit him many times in the head, causing damage to the temporal lobe of the brain cell."

"First of all, Dr---Cormac deserved the attack on himself."

"How can you say that, no man deserves to be attacked and have his head bashed in?”

Peter slams his fist down on the Dr's desk, "He was raping a young woman, is that reason enough for ye man?”

The doctor stares back and Peter lowers his voice, "And the woman was already with child---she tried to tell him, the man would not listen----he raped her anyways.”

Dr. Smith sits down slowly in his chair, "I wasn't told of this and it's not in any of his records----are you sure about this?”

"Aye---me is sure---it's all there in the journal that Father Tralee was writing---read it!"

"How did Father Tralee find out, did she confess to him?”

Peter takes a deep sigh, "Aye---she confessed to him----she was his sister!”

"A sister from his parish?"

"NO---she was his flesh and blood---his baby sister!”

"Oh my" the doctor's face is white----"and so, Father Tralee was doing the same thing that you are doing now, making sure Cormac didn't escape again?”

"Aye-----and when his sister returned after some 10 years and Cormac found out she was here---he attacked Father Tralee wanting to know where she was. Me wife and I had taken her son to the airport, just in case Cormac found out that she was there at his church!”

The doctor is shaking his head, "This is all so confusing."

"It's in the journal, Dr. Smith---please read it---me has to go now---will you call me again?”

"Oh, you can count on it, Peter----and I will not stop till I have read it all. I will call you in a couple of days.”

                                          *********************************************

Tarrant County Courthouse: 1991

Cordell Walker is in shock as he is staring at the new Assistant District Attorney, she's the blond headed woman that he had seen earlier at the water fountain.

She's all business as she tears into his version of 'single handily' arresting 7 felons.  For a good 20 minutes she grills him on the witness stand, he's not a happy Ranger as he is leaving the courthouse, heading for the athletic club to meet with C.D.

He's still muttering to himself as he is zipping through traffic, "Who the hell does she think she is, questioning me that way? I hope I never see that woman again---of all the confounded nerve--she more less called me a liar!!! She better hope I never become a witness for the prosecution, I'd show her. Oh well---it's over!---what a way to start the day---what else could possibly go wrong?”

He sees his friend walking towards him, checking his watch.

"Cordell, where the hell you been, you're late?”

The Ranger is still thinking about being raked over the coals by the new District Attorney, "Don't start in on me, C.D.---I'm not in the mood!"

"I can see that---you got smoke coming out of your ears!”

"C.D., what was so damn important about wanting me to meet you here?”

"Don't get your shorts all ruffled, I want you to meet someone.”

"Who?---It better not be a woman, C.D. I'm in no mood for blind dates!”

C.D. stares back at his friend, "I sure don't know what has crawled up your backside-furthermore I don't want to know. Captain Malloy has been on your case about getting a partner. I have someone in mind!”

"I don't want a damn partner, C.D.!”

"You don't have any choice in the matter, son---now would you just meet the young man, and reserve your opinions till afterwards?”

Walker takes a deep sigh as he's looking around for someone who might be the man in question. "O.k. C.D.---where is he? I don't have time for games!”

C.D. points toward the pool, "There---he's just surfacing.”

Walker looks to the pool as a young black man is coming up the ladder, grinning---wearing a swim cap---and a pair of SPEEDOS.”

Walker does another double take---"Oh good grief---another Mark Spitz?”

C.D. is smiling, "Cordell, this is James Washington Trivette.”

Walker is shaking his head as he listens to the young man talk about solving cases via computer while drinking a green liquid.

"What the hell is that?”

The young man continues to show his pearly whites, "This here is a health drink---you might want to try it sometime--celery juice, and wheat germ mixed in with all kinds of herbs."

"Save me the details---Tri-vit, I got to get back to headquarters, that is if that dizzy broad hasn't gotten me fired!”

"Trivette---the name is Trivette!”  The man answers quickly as he looks to C.D. and then to Walker. It's actually French."

Walker is walking away, and waving his hand up in the air "whatever.”

The young man looks to C.D.--"I don't think he likes me.”

C.D. slaps the man on his shoulder, "Nonsense---Jimmy---old Cordell would have thrown you back in the pool if he didn't like you!”

"That's comforting to know, big dog!”

                                            ************************************************

Dublin---Christmas 1991

Young Peter has returned to the asylum to talk with Dr. Smith.

The doctor shakes his disbelief, "From what Father Tralee has written into this journal, he is saying that Cormac believed himself to be the Father of Elizabeth's child, but according to Dr. Kenny's exam, Elizabeth was already pregnant.”

"Aye, and he raped her anyways. Then she attacked him, hitting him with the rock---over and over.”

"That explains all of the damage to the front part of the brain and the slow process on getting to the main stem of the brain, which could have killed him, or left him paralyzed. How long has it been since this Elizabeth was here, according to this --she was last here around the early 60's?”

"Aye, the boy was about 10 when she was here.”

Dr. Smith rises from his chair and walks slowly to Peter, "I have never seen a case quite like this before. When Cormac was hit with the rocks, his left side of the brain waves shut down.”

"What does that mean, doctor---is he faking his illness?”

"No, he's not faking and I can show you proof of the x-rays on his head, there is no way he's faking, and why would he fake something for over 40 years? It sounds like to me that he is still believing that Elizabeth is carrying his child and it's still the summer of  1949! When I asked him last month if he had a family, he said he had a wife---living in Texas.”

"Oh no, he has learned of Elizabeth's home."

"But, your brother's last entry is talking about Elizabeth's death---Cormac is not aware of this, or else he has blocked it out, refusing to go forward from that date of the rape.”

"Can someone do that, doctor? Me does not understand how ye can stop ye brain from thinking.”

"Cormac has lost all of his logic where this woman is concerned.  It's like his brain waves are frozen to that date, but there is still enough waves on the right side that puts his memory in the present, but for only short times. That's why he has short term memory! He doesn't know about Elizabeth's son, does he?”

"Nay, Elizabeth and Father Tralee were very cautious in letting anyone know about young Cordell. The boy was kept in the dark about many things, including his Mother's rape. When Elizabeth and Cordell were in Kilkee, it was a last attempt to get their parents to accept him. Ye see Dr. Smith, the man that was the Father of Cordell was a native Indian and Elizabeth's parents were ashamed, they ignored the boy for many years. Finally, Kathleen Tralee agreed to see her grandson, she died about 3 days later.”

The doctor takes a deep breath, "I was afraid of this, if Cormac was told again about the boy not being his, that this boy is a full grown man now, I'm not sure how it would affect him."

"No!” Exclaims Peter, "Ye cannot tell him, it was Father's Tralee's promise to his sister that the boy would never know---what would be the point to tell him now?”

"I wasn't referring to the boy, I was thinking of Cormac."

"The devil needs no consideration. No, me refuses to allow ye to tell him!!! Me will take my friend's journal and go."

"Wait a minute, Peter, don't you see that this could be a medical breakthrough, a complete turnaround in treating patients with this kind of brain damage?”

"Me does not give a damn about your medical breakthroughs or whatever ye are calling them! Me only concern is keeping the disgusting truth from Cordell, this would kill him if he knew!”  Peter starts crossing himself, "The boy loved his Mother more than life, me still remembers the day we got word of Cordell's parents being murdered. The boy was sent to a orphanage until his Father's people came for him, he does not need anymore pain! Me begs you, doctor do not tell Cormac about any of this let him rot in hell for what he has done!”

"I think you're wrong, Peter for wanting to keep the truth from Cordell as well as Cormac. Cordell is a man now, he could handle the truth now, and maybe if Cormac is told then he will get over this vendetta about going to America!”

Peter's eyes grow wide as he hugs the journal to him, "He is still talking about going there, how can his mind think that way? He can't ever be released, trust me Dr. Smith the man is crazy, -there is no telling what he would do once he is aware of Elizabeth's death. What have ye been telling him?”

"I haven't told him anything, Peter."

"How does he know that Elizabeth was living in Texas?”

"I don't know. I swear I don't know!”

"Something is not right, we have been so careful in keeping any of Elizabeth's whereabouts a secret.”

"It's been 40 years, Peter, surely someone has told him by now information is leaked out and for some reason, he has remembered the part about Texas. He believes that she is still alive, and in his mind, still pregnant, and.."

"Me does not understand any of this, how can Cormac remember just certain things?  What has he told ye about that day in question, when he raped Elizabeth?”

"He says he doesn't remember and the tests that we have run on him shows that he doesn't have any reaction to any of the events that unfolded during the assault.”

Peter is shaking his head back and forth and walking in circles, "All the more reason that he is not to be told, as long as his mind is frozen to that date, then he can't go forward. To go forward would only hurt more people, let his brain remain where it is doctor, and maybe soon, he will leave this earth.”

Peter has left the asylum and taken Father Tralee's journal with him, but unknown to him, the doctor has made copies of it.

                                        *****************************************

New years' Eve---C.D.'s bar and grill

The Ranger is stomping back and forth in front of the bar, nursing a long neck and grumbling under his breath.

C.D. is staring back at him and to the half empty bottle of beer.

"Datburn it, Cordell you been nursing that one beer for over an hour now. I can't make any money this way!”

"It's New Years' Eve, C.D. the drinks are free! Walker snaps back at him.

"Not the beer, just the champagne."

"I don't want any damn champagne" Walker starts downing his beer and then slams the empty bottle down on the bar. He turns to Lindy, the waitress, "I'll have another longneck! Are you happy now, C'D?”

"What in Sam Hill are you so upset about, Cordell, you're not still fuming over that incident in the courthouse, are you?”

Walker takes a long drink and then he shakes the bottle in C.D.'s face, "I'll tell you one thing, C.D. if I ever see that woman lawyer again, it will be too soon!”

"She was just doing her job, Cordell, interrogating you."

"She sure has a very unprofessional way of interrogating witnesses, she was rude, obnoxious, muleheaded."

"I've heard all of this before, Cordell.”

"I never said 'muleheaded.”

"No, that's what she said about you." C.D. responds.

Walker grunts and steps backward, and he feels someone bumping into him, he mutters a quick apology and then both he and the person stare at each other, it's her!

Her blue eyes stare at him and her mouth drops open, "You"--- they both say at the same time.

The words are flying between them and the woman's voice screams back at him, "Unprofessional? I'll tell you one thing, Cowboy, if I ever get you on the witness stand again, I will expect you to conduct yourself in a more professional manner!”

Walker can't get a word in edgewise as the young attorney is blasting him, the adjectives are still flying from her lips as the music of 'aulde lang syne' begins to play.

Walker is staring at the woman's lips, he grabs her quickly and lays one huge New Years' kiss on her, she starts to withdraw, then she responds by kissing him back. Finally she pulls away and sees the Ranger smiling back at her in a egotistical manner.

She starts muttering, "Excuse me, what was I saying?”

Walker is fighting the smile on his face and C.D. is staring at both of them and grinning.

The woman continues to sputter and then she excuses herself and heads for the ladies' room.

Walker is watching her as she is walking away and looking back over her shoulder at him. He smiles to himself and takes another drink of his beer, he turns to C.D.

"This is going to be the start of a very good year. C.D., yep, I can feel it in my bones.” He grins as he can still taste the woman's lipstick on his lips.

C.D. nods his head in approval and then he points towards the ladies' room, "I have a feeling that little lady is going to turn you upside down, Cordell, she's going to turn you 'Every which way, but loose----and neither you nor Dirty Harry is going to know what hit you!”

                         ************************************************************** 

Ranger headquarters—1992

The incident at C.D.'s is trying to be treated as nonchalant as possible between the Ranger and the new ADA. Their paths have crossed many times, and they are cordial to one another.

When he wants to get her riled, Walker winks at her, even in court. The woman is trying very hard to keep a straight face, but he knows that it's affecting her.

They are leaving the courthouse to go and interrogate a witness in Burleson. The witness has been un-cooperative and Alexandra Cahill is ticked.

She climbs into the Ranger's truck, pushing over debris to make room. She frowns, looking at the empty Styrofoam cups.

"Walker, have you ever thought about cleaning your truck? They do have car washes, you know!”

The Ranger stares back at her, "Don't be trashing my truck----I happen to like it this way!”

Alex frowns as she starts looking around at the mess,  "I can just imagine what your apartment looks like!”

Walker frowns, "What apartment? I don't live in a apartment.”

Alex lowers her eyes, "Excuse me, I would guess that you live in this truck, judging by the way it looks, goodness, I've never seen such a mess!”

"For your information, Ms Cahill, I do spend many hours in my truck and have spent many hours sleeping in it, while on stakeouts! I eat and sleep in here---so back off!”

The woman is not backing off as she glares back at him, "What about your dates?”

"What dates?---Now what are you yapping about?”

"Where do your dates ride---in the back of the truck? I've also noticed that you have some plywood back there, now that's interesting. ell me, don't your dates find that a little uncomfortable?”

Walker grins back at her and replies, "I haven't had any complaints!”

Alex groans as she is still moving around trying to find a spot that is not cluttered, she starts pulling out trash from between the back of the seat, then she makes a disgusting sound.

"Oh gads, a half eaten apple, there's no telling what else is back there especially knowing that you have your dates in this thing! I would probably find bikini underwear tucked in between the seats somewhere!”

Walker winks at her,  "What's the matter Counselor, are you in the habit of leaving your undies in the autos of the jerks you go out with?”

"Of all of the nerve---how dare you talk to me like that?”

Now Walker is angry, "You started it, Alexandra, don't dish it out if you can't take it. And, for your information my dates don't wear underwear it saves on time.”

Alex's mouth drops open and she starts to sputter "That figures, a cheap date in this truck is probably all of the action that you ever see!”

"Oh, and I'm sure that all of your dates take you to only the most expensive hotels and motels in Dallas!” Walker snaps back at her, "Let me inform you on something, Counselor, just because a man throws his money around and takes you to fancy places does not make him Don Juan in the sack. I've seen some of the men you've been going out with, pure wimps!”

The Attorney is fuming, "Really? And, are you so bored with the women you're seeing that you have to watch my life?”

"Don't flatter yourself my love life is more than filling."

She crosses her arms in front of her and swears under her breath, "I can just imagine the kind of women you date."