Seekers/Trials

Chapter 1
 By: SASQUAW


            The man watches the tiny rodent scamper across his jail cell,  and out the door. The man sighs, going back to his dinner tray. He stares at the tray, the dry sandwich and stale, cold, coffee stare back at him. He feels emptiness inside him, not from hunger, but the loneliness. It burns inside of him, burning his stomach till he doesn't think he can take another day, another hour, another minute. He reaches for the tray and slings it across his 5x10 confinement, cursing and grabbing the bars that keep him a prisoner.
            He hears voices yelling back to keep the noise down, that they are trying to sleep. The man takes a deep breath and walks back to his cot, shaking his head back and forth. He rests his face in his hands; he can feel his beard has grown to a disgusting length. He looks around the cell; he must know every inch of "his new home", every brick, every crack. He kicks out at the old table, sending it flying across the room, the one lone object falls to the floor as the table falls apart. The man rushes to retrieve it, before any of the guards see it. He shoves it down inside his dirty shirt, looking around to make sure no one has seen him.
            He waits a few minutes to make sure that the guards make their last check, before the lights are turned out. The one light across the hallway will be the only source of light for the rest of the night, How many nights had he crouched as close to his door cell that he could, savoring that one bit of light?. He couldn't remember, he just knew that he lived only for this moment that he could hold the object, caress it, and then the tears threaten to invade his last ounce of dignity.
            He sits with his back to the cell, the tiny light with its small ray shining through the bars. He takes out the object and touches it .The photo is getting wrinkled, from the many times he would move it from the bottom of the old table, to his shoe, under the thin mattress, to the loose brick in the wall. He had to keep moving it, he was allowed no personal belongings, if the guards found it----they would take it away from him. They tried to take his wedding ring, he fought them unmercifully till they stopped trying, giving him 10 days in isolation instead!! He didn't care how long they gave him; he would continue to fight with every ounce to keep that band of gold around his finger.
            The ring's value did not matter; it was the value of love behind that ring and for the woman that put it on his finger some 17 yrs before.  He looks at the picture and the five faces staring back at him. He holds his head up, and says softly.
            "Lord-----I know you've lost patience with me---I've taken lives in anger and I know that your good book says that vengeance is yours, not mine-------but it also teaches an "eye for an eye"------my family was being hurt----did I not have the right to protect them?"
            The man continues to look at the picture, his finger caressing each face. He remembers very clearly the day the picture was taken by his son. He smiles slowly remembering that evening aboard The Ice Princess, going the outside passage to Anchorage, Alaska. He and his family were taking a much needed vacation, to try and piece their lives back together from the hands of Kiwi, and his murdering father, Sarge.
            It was evening and the sun was casting a beautiful shadow over the glaciers of Chillcat. The wind was starting to pick up and everyone was starting to move inside to their cabins, as his son was running around and trying to get his tripod set up. He was the families' official photographer, he would personally do the Christmas pictures every year, and Christmas was upon them. The young man was just as picky with his camera as he was his musical instruments, trusting no one to take the pictures but himself. The result was always breathtaking, he would pose each family member in just the right way, set the timer and then take his position in the family portrait.
            The picture was crystal clear, the deep ice blue of the glaziers in the background, and each member decked out in holiday colors. The blonde lady is standing to his right, her head slightly turned upward looking at him, with that 'look’.
            He's looking back at her, a younger woman is standing sideways to his left, with both of her arms around his neck, her beautiful long, auburn hair dancing in the wind. A young man stands to the right of the woman, he has his arm around her, squeezing her close. A young boy stands in front of the woman, a toothless grin gleaming back at the camera. The timer starts to beep, and the young man goes and kneels down in front of the bearded man, putting his arm around the smaller boy. The result he holds in his hands; a picture of his family and another life that seems so long ago. He rubs his hand across his face, kisses each face in the picture, saving his last two kisses for the blonde, one for her and one for the life she carried inside her belly. He then kisses his ring, "Goodnight Alex------I love you----please don't forget me". He lays back in bed, the sleep comes quickly, his body is weak-----and only in dreams is he able to touch her, and the faces of his four children.


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


Vancouver, British Columbia


            The Walkers are getting ready to board their cruise ship, The Ice Princess. The twins are running back and forth, looking at all the big cruisers, that are departing ahead of them. The little boy is running behind them and trying to stand on the toes of his boots, straining his neck to see what the older boys are so excited about. They both reach down, picking him up and placing him on their shoulders.
            "Look, little brother----we're going to be on one of those big ships too----it's going to be so much fun----just like your first airplane ride was!"
            The boy nods his head slowly, turning to his brother on his left, "Ooper----will big boat 'ink?"
            Cooper laughs, "No, Little Ray----the boat won't sink-----and it's not a boat-----it's a ship!"
            "Hip?” The boy replies, the speech impairment very noticeable on the "C’s” and "S’s”.
            Cordell reaches up with his right hand and steadies the boy on his and his brother's shoulders, "That's okay, little bro'----if you want to call it a boat-----you can call it a boat."
            The three laugh as the auburn haired girl walks up to them, shivering---pulling her coat around her. "I don't know why I ever agreed to this----it's so darn cold----I'm freezing to death!"
            "We took a vote, Angela----it was 5-1 that we go to Alaska----you lost!"
            Angela blows into her hands, "Next time---we're going to Hawaii or Jamaica, or the Virgin Islands-----anywhere that it's warm!"
            Cooper shakes his head, "We could have stayed in Texas-----it's always warm there---it was almost in the 90's when we left Dallas----and you're always complaining about how the hot weather is bad for your complexion."
            "So?---And, like all of this freezing cold is good for it----I hope I brought plenty of cold cream, and lip balm----look at my hands---they're already turning blue!"
            "Come on, Sis-----quit over acting-----we took a vote----even Little Ray picked Alaska over Hawaii."
            Angela smirks, "That's only because you and Cooper scared him with talks about ‘New island visitors get thrown into live volcanoes’, and then you started talking about 'big pigs' with apples in their mouth for dinner.  You know how scared he is of 'big pigs' ever since that run in with Mr. Ferguson's hogs!"
            The twins become silent, remembering their neighbor and all the events that happened in the past few months.
            "If it's all the same with you---could we just talk about something else? I don't really care to remember Mr. Ferguson----and the way-----he died----trying to save mine and Little Ray's life."
            Cooper stares at his big sister, "Yeah, Angela----could we just drop this subject?"
            Angela nods her head slowly, "I'm sorry-----I didn't mean----to sound ---so cold." She throws her long hair back, "Hey----we better get back to the loading dock----Mom and Dad are signaling to us."
            As they turn and start to walk back to their parents, a young man's voice calls out.
            "Hi Angela---how's it going?"
            Angela stops and looks back at the young man, he's the young man that was on the same flight from Dallas, and he too, is heading for Alaska.
            "Hi, Adlen, what are you doing here, I thought you and your friends were going to fly all the way into Anchorage?"
            The young man smiles.  He's very attractive, dark hair and blue-gray eyes. "I told my friends to go ahead of me---I thought maybe I would book passage on The Ice Princess, and sort of sight see along the way."
            The two stand there, looking at each other, Angela is very attracted to the young man, and the feeling is mutual.
            "So, Angela---do you think we could get together later this evening after everyone has settled down and maybe have a drink?"
            Angela laughs, "I hope you're meaning a soft drink, remember---I'm under the drinking age----and besides I don't care much for beer or any of those hard drinks."
            Adlen grins, looking at Angela's body, "Yeah, I remember----you're not quite 16 yet----but---" he stops himself from saying anything more as his eyes go up and down her sleek body. He says to himself, "You might only be 16, but you got the body of an 18 yr old----everything is in just the right places.”
            Angela catches his eyes going up and down her, she smiles nervously, "I got to go----my parents are calling me."
            Adlen calls out to her as Angela walks away, "I'll see you later, Angela." He watches her as she joins her family, that long hair swinging back and forth. He wishes that she wasn't wearing that damn coat, because it hid the back view of that luscious body that he was admiring at DFW airport.
            They had talked the whole way before landing in Vancouver, then the Walkers had to make a hasty retreat to the docks in Vancouver Bay, and Adlen was heading to the boarding gate on into Anchorage. He changed his mind about continuing his flight, because he had to see the auburn haired girl, just one more time. His friends teased him.
            "Adlen----she's underage---she's jailbait and in case you've forgotten---that Daddy of hers is a Texas Ranger."
            The young man smiles, thinking of Angela's gorgeous smile that makes her whole face light up. She was wearing a denim jacket over a blue sweater that hugged her curvaceous body.
            "I haven't forgotten about her Daddy---I haven't forgotten him----at all."
            One of his buddies nudge him, "Come on Adlen---the girls are going to be waiting for us---and you know how upset Estelle gets when you start messing with someone else."
            "Estelle doesn't own me----I'll see whoever I please and you can tell her that---Maybe she should start paying more attention to that husband of hers----I'm getting tired of her, anyways---I want to find someone younger----more my age."
            "That Walker girl is too young for you, and that daddy of hers has been giving you the look over---you read those stories about what happened to that family---you don't want to mess with him-----or those brothers!"
                    Adlen throws his boarding pass into the trash, "Just don't worry about me---I can take care of myself--I've been doing so for almost 21 years!"
            The one man looks back at Adlen, "Yeah, and having Daddy's millions haven't hurt in that department!"
            Adlen smiles, "And, they say that money can't buy everything----it will buy anything I want----and that includes, Angela Walker---see you later guys---I got to ‘try’ and get a ticket on The Ice Princess."
            Adlen walks away laughing, his friends shake their heads, "Did he say that he had to "try and get a ticket?"
            The other two young men laugh, "Yeah---right---his Daddy owns half the cruise lines----he'll end up in the executive suite!"


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


            The Walkers are trying to find their way to their cabins, the twins take off running as they read the numbers on the cabin doors.
            "Cabin 218---come on Cordell---I see it."
            Alex turns to Angela, "What's your number, sweetheart?"
            Angela frowns, "216, right next to the chattering magpies."
            Walker keeps looking at his ticket, "There's got to be some mistake, this says our cabin is the King's stateroom---and it's clear to the other end?"
            Walker and Alex continue down the long hall, Little Ray runs into Angela's cabin and starts jumping up and down on the bed. The twins are running around their cabin, examining everything.
            "Hey----we got a porthole, Coop---maybe we can see some whales?"
            His twin runs over to take a peep, "Whales---my ass---I want to see some  mermaids-----naked ones!"
            Cordell shakes his head, "There is no such thing as mermaids, that's an old nautical tale----like some of the stories that Grandpa Gordon tells us."
            "Yeah, I know---but it doesn't hurt to dream----does it?  Come on---let's go see what Mom and Dad's cabin looks like."
            Walker and Alex are running out of hallway, a small set of stairs lead upward to the next deck. Walker looks at his ticket again, "I don't get it, it says cabin 230---but there is no 230---it just ends--right here!"
            A young steward walks up to them, "Is there a problem sir?"
            Walker shows him the ticket, the young man smiles, "This way sir---just follow me."
            The steward opens up a double door, leading to a spacious room with a full view of the Pacific ocean. The Walkers do a double take, as Alex's mouth drops open as she looks to her husband.
            "W -W W Walker---there's got to be a mistake---we can't afford----something---like this."
            Walker nods, "You're damn right about that---steward---there's a mistake on this ticket!!---I asked for just a double room with a king' size bed----not the king stateroom"!!!!
            The young man smiles and hands him a note, "There is no mistake, sir---enjoy," the steward leaves.
            Walker and Alex stare at each other, and then to the note. Alex recognizes the handwriting immediately and grins timidly. Walker reads the note and then lets out a curse word, "GORDON---I should have known---that your Father would have something to do with this!"
            Alex takes the note from her husband and reads it. "By now I know my son-in-law is swearing at me, and my 'pumpkin' is at a loss for words, but this is my present to both of you---love, Dad."
            Walker is glaring back at Alex, "We are not accepting this, Alex---this stateroom must cost a fortune!"
            Alex is walking towards her husband slowly, "But, honey----Dad is just trying to make things nice for us!”
            Walker paces around the spacious room, a huge king size bed with satin pillows stare back at him. An oversized chest of drawers with fresh flowers don one side of the cabin, a computer and desk beside it. A huge entertainment center is on the other side, with a personal whiskey cabinet and wine glasses next to it. A huge centerpiece of fresh fruit sits in the middle of the room, with a card attached to it. Walker snatches it up, and then he throws it up in the air.
            "Who sent the fruit?"
            "Your Dad----who else?"
                    "Walker, come on---what's the harm in letting my Dad do these little things for us?"
            Walker stares back at his wife, "Little things? Alex-----he insisted on paying for this whole trip----it started out that he just wanted to pay for the airfare, then he started in on us to stay at his friend's condo once we get to Anchorage. Of course----his friend insists that it's all free----I can't wait to see what that condo is going to look like----and now---he's put us in a stateroom that must costs up in the thousands of dollars!"
            Alex is grimacing, she knows how much her husband insists on paying for their expenses, he and her Dad went around and around on who was going to pay for this airfare.
               "Honey---please calm down----and try to see this from my Dad's point of view."
            "There is no other point of view, Alex---I gave in on the airfare---then he insisted that we all fly first class!. I got us reservations at a nice hotel in Anchorage---oh no---that wasn't good enough---your Dad calls his friend and PRESTO---we are staying at a condo that overlooks the Skagway mountains!"
            Alex sits down on the bed and gently pulls her husband down beside her. She massages his shoulders, "Honey----you know why he's doing this----he's trying to make up for all those years that he and I were estranged."
            "I know that Alex---but I'm the head of this family----I would like to pay for our own expenses."
            "Yes, I know that---and I've always been very proud that you have refused my Dad's help in the past, I've always admired you for that---but honey---my Dad is not going to be with us too much longer---he wants to help us now----not after he's gone!"
            Walker sighs, looking around at the stateroom, "This is too expensive, Alex------"
            "I agree, it's a little extravagant----but honey---he wants us to have something nice ----before----before---it's his time to go----what's wrong with making him happy----in his final-------time?"
            "Ever since your Dad moved back to Texas, he has been trying to make things nice---and I appreciate the gestures, but Alex----he goes overboard at times. Look how he spoils the kids, especially Little Ray? We have to constantly bring him down about that, every time Little Ray mentions he wants something---your Dad buys it for him!"
            Alex nods, "Yes----and I end up taking the things back."
            "And ----what about when Cordell was in the hospital after Sarge almost killed him? Your Dad went out and bought Cordell that guitar that Cordell has been saving up for, and that guitar alone costs nearly $2,000!"
            Alex sighs, "Try $2,500---but we stopped Dad from giving it to Cordell, didn't we?"
            "Just barely!! He had it wrapped and was heading for Cordell's hospital room with it---luckily Cordell didn't see it!"
            "I know that, honey---but…"
            "Every year at Christmas, we have to remind your Dad to put a limit on gifts, oh then there's the birthdays---he goes hog wild on the birthdays! For one of Angela's birthdays, he bought her a diamond ring----come on Alex---the man is throwing money around like it grows on trees----I can't compete with that!"
            "And, who is asking you to? Not the kids----and certainly----not me!"
            "Well, how do you think I feel when your Dad buys one of the kids something really expensive----and all I can buy them is something frivolous---like a fishing pole, a bicycle--- inexpensive jewelry---etc?"
                  "Walker----you are underestimating our kids if you think that for minute the gifts that you buy them don't mean as much or more to them that something expensive that my Dad might give them. All of the kids know, including Little Ray that these things come from the heart, and not just the pocket book. Remember how excited the twins were when you took them up to the reservation to look for arrowheads, when they were barely 6 years old? They found two perfect ones that you put holes through them and leather straps so they could wear them around their necks. They wore those necklaces for years------they still have them!"
            "They do?"
            "Yes, Cooper has put his on a key chain, now that he has that truck that Hank 'willed' him----and Cordell keeps his inside his wallet---I know---I've seen it."
            Walker smiles remembering how excited the twins were finding those arrowheads. He and Sam Coyote polished them down and drilled holes so they could wear them around their necks. They were both laughing and looking at the arrowheads then they both ran off in search for another one, for Angela!
            "Yeah---I remember that day like it was yesterday-----I didn't realize they still had them, what did Angela do with the one they found for her?"
            "She lost it, remember----on that ride at 6 Flags the following summer?"
            Walker groans, "6 Flags----how I hate that place---I'll never forget the day the kids talked us into riding that huge roller coaster and I ended up throwing up my lunch."
            Alex laughs, "Serves you right honey----I told you not to eat enchiladas and chili at a amusement park."
            They sit for a few minutes reflecting on that day, Walker moans, "Oh good grief----does this mean that Little Ray is going to insist on another birthday party at that place?"
            Alex laughs, "I'm afraid so, he's already talking about it---remember last year his birthday was rained out and everything was ruined, including his birthday cake?"
            “Yeah, I remember----we ended up moving the party to Chuck E Cheese, he ate too much pizza and threw up all over me and the Ram on the way home!"
            "Like Father---like son," Alex whispers.
            "Why can't we just have a nice small party for him at the ranch, he's always limited on the rides at 6 Flags, He's not tall enough for the rides that he wants to ride."
                   "Honey---we always let the kids choose where they want to have their parties, and Little Ray just happens to like his at 6 Flags---the twins had a couple of theirs there when they were younger---but this year they say they want it at the ranch.  And, of course---with Angela's 16th coming up, it's got to be some place extra special."
            Walker smiles back at his wife, putting his arm around her, "Is that what she says?"
            Alex grins, "I think she's wanting to have it at the country club."
            Walker exhales, "Country club----oh, great. Another gift from you father, memberships to the country club! Do you realize that the month of May is just around the corner---and we have three birthday parties to plan in less than 25 days?"
            "Yes, sweetheart---I realize that---and also a wedding anniversary."
            Walker teases her, "Oh yeah---I forgot all about that."
            She jabs him in the ribs, "You better not have---that's why we had all the kids in May so you wouldn't forget the dates."
            Walker smiles and kisses his wife's cheek, laying her back gently on the king sized bed, "Oh, I thought it was just because you only become fertile in the months of October."
            She returns his kiss, "Isn't that weird---I wonder what the statistics are for someone having all their kids in the month of May?"
            "Don't know about that, I just know that with all these birthdays and anniversary in the same month----it sure puts a drain on the pocketbook, not to mention the nerves."
            Alex giggles, pulling her husband down to her and kissing him long and tender. They hear a tap on their door, and then a small figure is running into the room, "Mommy," he shouts as he takes a running dive to the bed.
            Walker and Alex have only seconds to move out of the way as Little Ray dives head first into the satin pillows, giggling. Walker falls down on the bed, grabbing him and rolling back and forth, tickling him. Alex is all smiles as she watches her other three kids walk slowly into the room, their mouths are wide open, taking in the majestic view.
                       "WOW," exclaims Cooper----"this is some cabin!"
            Angela nudges him, "It's not a cabin---it's a suite."
            Cordell corrects her, "You're both wrong--this is called a stateroom---right, Mom?"
            Alex nods her head, "Yes---you're right---but I think we will be moving to something a little smaller----right honey?"
            Walker stops rolling around on the bed with his son as he looks back at the four faces, "Well-----since your Dad went to so much trouble---I guess we can stay here."
            Alex squeals and falls down in the bed with her husband and son, "Thank you, honey."
            The twins look back and forth at each other and Angela replies, "Well---hey---if you guys don't want this room, we'll switch----and you can take mine----I'll take this one!"
            Walker glares back at her, "Not hardly, baby----I've seen your cabins---I think we'll just stay right here, and force ourselves to enjoy-----all of this."
            The twins laugh, "Yeah, right-------this is some punishment----hey---look Cordell---a whiskey cabinet----Dad---you got the key?"
                      Walker's eyes narrow, "No, I don't have the key---yet. And, what's more, I doubt that I will have any use for it or that cabinet. Your Mother can't have any alcohol in her condition, and needless to say----NO ONE ELSE IN THIS ROOM WILL GET ANY USE OUT OF IT---RIGHT?"
            Cordell slaps his brothers' back, "Right, Dad---come on guys---let's go do some investigating---I want to find the Captain's deck."
            "Never mind that, let's find the heated swimming pools and check out the girls" chimes his twin., ‘AFTER’ we get something to eat---I'm starving---Mom, when do we eat?"
            Angela smirks, "Eat, eat, eat, that's all you guys do, you're going to hit 200 lbs by the time you reach 16."
            Little Ray has heard the magic words, "Me hungry, too", he shouts.
            Alex finds the brochure and scans it, "Well it says here that there is no set time for meals, the galley is open 24 hrs---so we can eat anytime."
            Walker raises himself up off the bed, "But, I doubt if they will be serving food till they are a certain distance out into the water----so in the meantime---you kids can find a vending machine----or help yourself to some of that fruit that your grandpa sent."
            The kids make a dive for the fruit, Little Ray has a banana in one hand, an orange in the other. Angela is grabbing the grapes and a Kiwi, but she drops it back into the basket, wiping her hands.
            "On second thought----I'll pass on the fruit---maybe I'll just have a diet cola. Want me to bring one back for you, Mom?"
            Alex reaches into the basket and takes the Kiwi fruits out and dumps them into the little trash can, "No, thanks, honey----do you kids have plenty of money?"
            "We never have 'plenty', Mom---so if you want to slip us a extra $20---that will be okay." jokes Cooper.
            Cordell turns his brother around and they head for the door, "We have enough, Mom-----we're going sight seeing-----coming Sis?"
            Little Ray is scrambling off the bed, Walker is reaching for him, "Not you, buckaroo---you're staying here with me and Mommy----in a few minutes we'll go watch the big boat pull away from shore---okay, buckaroo?"
            Angela goes to catch up with her brothers.

 

 

 

 

 

The Seekers  -Trial – Chapter 2
 By SASQUAW

Day 2:
              

            The Walkers enjoy a day of sightseeing, watching the glaciers and occasionally catching a glimpse of a whale. Cordell has his camera out with the extended lenses, while Cooper is using a camcorder. Cooper is yelling back that he can't see the whale clear enough with the camcorder and Cordell hands him his camera.
            "Don't drop it----be careful---hold it steady."
            "Would you shut up----you're making me nervous!"
            "You're going to think 'nervous' ---if you drop my camera, I'll throwing you overboard to get it!"
            Walker and Alex are standing off to the side, laughing. Angela has Little Ray up on her back and pointing out to where the whale has been sighted. "Do you see it, Little Ray----do you see the big fish?"
            Cooper hears his sister's comment, "Big fish?  Angela---a whale is not a fish---it's a mammal!"
            Angela sneers back at him, "It's a fish---it lives in the water and it swims----so therefore---it's a fish---So there!"   
            Cordell is shaking his head and watching his brother's every move with his camera. He holds his hands up and tries to stop Cooper from moving around so much, "Would you two stop arguing---Coop-----be careful with my camera---I'm not telling you again!"
            Cooper shoves the camera back to him, "Here! Take your stupid camera---the whale is gone---or rather I should say--"the big fish" is gone", as he makes a face at his sister. She gives it right back to him.
            Walker sighs, "Alright---all of you---stop your arguing. Your Mother is tired, so we're going back to our "cabin-" so she can lie down for a while. Do you think you three can keep an eye on Little Ray for a couple of hours?"
            Cordell is inspecting his camera, "Yeah, sure Dad, we'll watch him."
            As Walker and Alex head back to their cabin, Cooper replies, "YOU can watch Little Ray---I'm going to watch the girls---I don't need a little brother messing up my style---you understand?"
            Angela smiles, "What style?  You think you are such a 'ladies' man--- a real 'ladies' man doesn't need a style---it comes natural."
            "Oh---blow it out your ears, Angela---what do you know?  You don't even have a boyfriend, so what makes you an authority on the subject?"
            Angela becomes silent as she quickly looks away. Cordell has seen the sad look on his sister's face. He motions for Cooper to go away. He walks up to her and puts his arm around her shoulder.
            "He didn't mean anything, Sis---you know Coop---he's always spouting off, before thinking---pay him no mind!"
            Angela glances around and stares at Cooper, he shrugs his shoulders and continues to walk towards the swimming pool. Angela crosses her arms across her chest,  "He's right---I can't even keep a boyfriend---if I could, then J.W. wouldn't have turned to that other girl, in Chicago."
            Cordell shakes his head as he pulls his sister and little brother over to a bench to sit down. "Sis---you didn't do anything wrong------J.W. would have probably still have been with that girl, regardless---if you had been 'putting out' or not!"
            Angela wipes her tears away, "What makes you say that? Is that what J.W. said?"
            Cordell sighs and then turns to little Ray, "Hey, little brother---go over there to that refreshment stand and buy us all a coke, here's some money, and buy you some candy---okay? But not too much, we got to eat supper soon."
            The boy takes off to the concession stand, and Cordell  keeps a watchful eye on him. He turns to Angela, "Angela----- I just feel that J.W. would have cheated on you either way---it's a 'male thing'----he was seeing this girl, and from what he told us---she was 'pretty wild'----so he says. Anyways---if he had any intentions of staying true to you---he wouldn't have gone out with her. He knew what was going to happen, the signs were all there."
            Angela sniffles, "I just feel like---like sometimes I'm weird."
            "Why? Why do you feel that way----because you're still a virgin and all of your friends have already lost their virginity"?
            "Not all of my friends---Dana is still a virgin."
            Cordell stammers, "Yeah---well, I didn't mean to include Dana in that comment---I always said----she had more common sense----than most of your friends."
            Angela smiles softly, "You sort of like Dana---don't you, Cordell?"
            Again, Cordell stammers, trying to clear his throat---"Dana is nice----yeah----she's okay, she's not all giggly like most girls her age----she's okay."
            "Well, you know that she's had a crush on you for several years, don't you?"
            Cordell is now blushing, "A crush? On me? You're not serious?"
            "I am serious, and you know it! She came to see you several times while you were in the hospital----she likes you, Cordell----even though you are two years younger than her."
            Cordell shakes his head, "No-----no way---she's just a friend---I got no time for girls----I got my music and all----I can't be thinking -----of girls."
            Angela smiles, putting her arm through her brother's, "Well---whether you want to admit it or not, you're attracted to Dana---but that's our little secret, I won't blab it, and I certainly wouldn't tell Cooper----he would blast it all over school."
            Cordell looks over to see his baby brother coming back, trying to balance three cokes. He walks over to help him, handing one of the cokes to his sister. "You know, Sis---sometimes---you're a little hard on Coop----he's not all that bad."
            "Are we talking about the same brother---your twin, Cooper James Walker?"
            "I'm serious, Angela---Coop just has a hard time relating to you, because you two are always arguing, and he knows how to get under your skin.  But you know, deep down that he loves you, and there's nothing he wouldn't do for you."
            Angela nods her head, remembering how Cooper came to her aide in the lab when Kiwi was trying to kidnap her. Cooper fought with every ounce in him, trying to get her away from Kiwi, and then he was struck in the head with a gun butte. She looks to her brother.
            "I know he loves me and I love him, I love all of you guys, you know I do. It's just that Cooper makes it so hard for me to relate to him, why does he do that?"
            "I don't know Sis---that's just him, that's just his way----he tries to act so 'macho'----just don't argue with him when he teases you."
            "You 'tease' me, Cordell, but I always know when you mean no harm by it---but with Cooper----he just rubs me the wrong way, and I feel that I have to retaliate."
            "I know he's a pain in the butt sometimes, but I've learned to ignore a lot of his comments and just patronize him. This doesn't fuel any of his ammunition, and so therefore, he doesn't have a comeback."
            Little Ray is watching and listening to the conversation, he nods his head. "Ooper mean, sometimes."
            "No little brother, Cooper is not mean, it's just that sometimes he says and does things---before he thinks about them. Don't ever believe that Coop is mean--- he's your brother and he loves you---What does Dad always say about 'family'?”
            Little Ray smiles, showing that toothless grin, "Me---Firewalker---Way Gordon Firewalker---me part 'herokee."
            Angela starts laughing and pulls her brother to her, "That's right---you're part Cherokee, and you're Ray Gordon Firewalker----no one can ever take that away from you---a Firewalker stays family---till the very end, right, Cordell?"
            "You got that right, Sis---we may argue and even throw punches at each other, but we're still family and I pity anyone that ever tries to take that away from us."
            "Let's go see what Cooper is up to," Angela grabs her baby brother's hand and the three go in search for their sibling.


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


                  Morning has come, and the man can hear the guards coming down the hallway, banging on the cell doors. The man jumps up immediately and places the picture behind the loose brick. The guards will come for him and make him go outside, he will be frisked and then thrown into a cold shower, with his clothes still on. Sometimes they throw a bar of soap into him, and then he's hustled out to the courtyard and forced to walk in circles for hours on end.
            He's been in the yard for almost an hour with the other prisoners. There are only six other prisoners beside him, four are of Mexican decent, the other two, he can't quite make out their nationality. They are all beaten on a regular basis, their faces are unrecognizable. The man is shackled to an old Mexican that has a leg infected from a rat bite. The leg is starting to swell, and gangrene has set in, the smell is getting to the bearded man.
               "Amigo----your leg needs medical attention----ask the guards to get you a doctor."
            The old man looks back at him, "It would do no good----if I complained---they would only beat me more----and pour salt into the open wound----I say nothing---I wait for the Lord to take me-----I pray it will be soon."
            The man nods his head slowly, his head is splitting from a headache. The guards find the weak spots and work on them, they have beat him repeatedly in the head, he has trouble remembering some things. He tries to think of pleasant things, but the pain in his head won't allow him to think too long. He looks down at his left hand and to the ring.  The finger is bent where the guards took vice grips and tried to cut his finger off to get the ring. The man went berserk, kicking with all of his might, then just as suddenly, the guards stopped trying to take the ring and threw him into the little 4x6 box. The man had to stay stooped over for almost ten days. He tried to stay alert by doing exercises on his back, endless pushups to clear his mind of all the pain and fifth around him.
            "I will not give up," he repeated to himself over and over, "I know that you're looking for me, Alex---and Trivette will never stop till he finds me. I have been in tougher spots than this----months in those bamboo prisons in Nam----this is nothing!!---If I could survive that hellhole, this is a walk in the park----I will not give up----my stubbornness will not allow me to give up. I am a Firewalker----a Firewalker never gives up---never!"
            The prisoners are now being returned to their cells, the bearded man takes his place in line, waiting for his meal. This time it's a soup, complete with bugs floating around in the greasy broth. The other prisoners groan as they throw their heads back and drink the liquid. The bearded man just looks at the bugs and smiles, his thoughts going back to the time he and his then "girlfriend" had gone camping. He taught her how to look for grub worms, snails, and even lizard. She just stared at him as he ate them, she refused to eat them, saying he was crazy. Before their trip was over, she was eating them---but she wasn't happy about it.
            He finishes his soup and is herded onto his cell. He watches the old Mexican limping to his cell across from his. He watches as the other prisoners are walked past his cell, one of the prisoners is old, walking with a cane, feeling the floor with the wooden stick. The man is obviously blind. The bearded man watches the old man, and for just a second, there is something familiar about the old man.


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


            Alex is laying across the huge bed, rubbing her backside, Walker has called room service to bring her some hot tea. He sits down beside the bed and picks up her feet, gently rubbing them.
            "Feel better, hon---do you want something to eat?"
            She smiles back at him, "No, sweetheart----the tea is plenty. But, there is something I would like to ask you to do----if you would?"
            “What's that?"
            She lowers her head and looks back at him, "Would you call my Dad----and invite him to join us in Anchorage in time for the New Year?"
            Walker rubs his beard, "Why don't you call him?"
                 "Because---it would mean more---coming from you, please, honey?"
            "Okay, I'll call him---later----Right now I just want to spend some quality time alone with you----before the kids come back and start banging on the door, saying that one of them has been thrown overboard."
            Alex giggles and crooks her little finger, "Come here, Cowboy---I've got a pain that only you can doctor."
            Walker grins, climbing up on the bed and taking his wife into his arms, "Okay, Mrs. Walker----show me where the pain is---I've got the perfect prescription for you---lots of tender loving care."


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


            Angela is watching her brothers on the high dive, Little Ray is getting very good on his diving. Cordell and Cooper could swim like fish, and their baby brother was following in their footsteps. Angela could swim, but she wasn't all that intrigued with it.  She passed all the swimming tests that were mandatory now in all the schools, she just didn't like the chlorine, saying it was bad for her hair. She's watching her brothers play 'tag' in the water, using their baby brother for the tag. Little Ray is laughing and trying to keep from being pulled under by Cooper. She doesn't see the young man walk up beside her.
            "Hi Angela."
            "Hi Adlen---was wondering where you were, didn't see you at dinner last night."
            Adlen flashes that smile, "So?----You were looking for me, huh?"
            Angela blushes, "I just thought you would be in the dining room---that's all---I wasn't really looking for you."
            He sits down beside her, "It's okay, Angela---didn't mean to embarrass you----I was having trouble getting a room---at the last minute and all. Finally, one of the stewards felt sorry for me and let me share his cabin---it's small but it's better than sleeping in the life boat."
            "The life boat---are you serious------that's dangerous!"
            The young man smiles, "I live for danger, when I'm trying to capture the heart of a lovely damsel."
            Again Angela blushes, "Stop it!----you didn't  really sleep in one of the lifeboats----did you?"
            "Well, I thought about finding your cabin and maybe you would take pity on me and let me share yours."
            Angela shakes her head, "Look------don't try to lay those sugar coated words on me----it won't work----if you had tried to come into my cabin, I would kick you into next week---and don't think I'm not capable of it!"
            Adlen throws his hands up in defense, "Whoa!!!! Hold on---I didn't mean anything---I was just teasing you---don't be so defensive!"
            Angela tries to smile, "Well, I got a right to be defensive---after all that happened."
            "Yeah, I know all about that problem with that creep that was "stalking" you and trying to hurt your family."
            "How do you know about that?"
                    "Angela---it was in the news---all over the Dallas times, and I heard that it made the headlines in Europe."
                    "Europe?  That's clear across the ocean---it made the newspapers there?"
            "Yep----and on television, radio----you name it. They did it up good talking about the way you kicked the hell out of that Kiwi fellow. You really beat the crap out of him! So believe me---I wouldn't dare try to get out of line with you---I'm rather fond of my teeth and the rest of my body."
            Angela laughs, and tries to tease him back, "Well----just don't ever make me mad---okay?"
            The two continue to talk and laugh. The twins have been watching them, Cooper is gritting his teeth.
              "There's that clown again, Cordell---the one that was 'bird dogging' Angela on the plane."
            Cordell nods his head, "Yeah, I know-----I thought Angela said he was flying into Anchorage---what's he doing here?"
            Cooper starts to say something when Little Ray jumps up on his back and the two go under the water. Cooper comes up sputtering, and holds his brother's head under the water. Cordell reaches out and pulls his twin away.
            "Take it easy, Coop---he was only playing."
            Little Ray scrambles back on top of Cooper's back, holding him around the neck as his brother spins around, making him laugh. "Go faster 'ooper---go faster."
            Cooper is laughing, "I'm getting dizzy---that's enough for right now---give me five---little bro'."
            "Okay, me go dive again, you catch me, 'ooper?"
            "Yeah, yeah---go do a triple."
            Cordell watches as his brother 'dog paddles' over to the diving board, "We better get closer---you shouldn't have told him to do a triple---you know he's just learning to dive.”
            "He's got to start somewhere---the little guy is a natural---he's learning fast---why shouldn't he? He learned from the best----me!"
            Cordell turns to see his sister walking away with Adlen. "Coop----they're leaving."
            Cooper shakes his head, "That clown better watch it---he better not try anything with our sister---or he'll be talking through his ass."
            Cordell hears his brother yell, he turns around just in time to see Little Ray hit the water. He and Cooper swim over to him quickly, pulling him up, the boy is laughing and spitting up water.
            "Me do good, 'ooper?"
            "Yeah, little brother----you're ready for the Olympics."
            "What that---'ordell?"
            Cordell reaches out and slaps his twin, "Don't tell him that---it's nothing, Little Ray-----not anything you should be concerned with, Cooper is just talking to hear himself---come on---let's go back to our cabin and get ready for supper."
            Cordell has his brother on his back, heading for the side of the pool. Cooper stares at them, "What's wrong----what did I say?"
            Cooper pulls himself up out of the pool, he sees two young girls around 16 or so, staring back at him. He grins, "Hi girls---how's it going?"
            The girls giggle and start walking away, Cooper stands there looking at them, grabs a towel and starts drying off, then he knows why the girls were giggling, the fly is open on his swim trunks! He looks to his 'manhood' that is coming to attention, an older couple is laughing. Cooper just smiles and tries to discreetly "tuck" it back in. He looks at the couple and says, "Hey, it's difficult trying to keep this thing under control---it's got a mind of it's own."
                                              The couple bursts out laughing, Cooper throws the towel over his should and walks away, whistling.


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

 

Dallas, Texas December 23rd
                                     

            A tired and worried Gordon Cahill is returning to the Walker ranch. He watches as the workers finish laying the new carpet, he walks around slowly, inspecting every room. He stops and runs his hand across the dinner table in a pre-occupied manner. He doesn't hear the worker speak, the man touches Gordon's shoulder, he jumps.
            "What?  What's wrong?"
            "We're through Mr. Cahill---the carpet is all laid and the walls have been repainted---is there anything else?"
            "No," replies Gordon, "everything looks fine---here's your pay---thank you---you did a good job."  The workers leave and Gordon sits down at the long table. He looks around, picturing the many meals that have been served at this table. He sighs.
            "It's so damn lonely around here---God---how I miss those kids."
            The phone rings and Gordon jumps to answer it, "Alexandra----is that you, pumpkin?"
            "No, Gordon---it's me, Walker----are you okay? You sound out of breath."
            Gordon takes a deep breath, "I'm fine, son---I'm fine---how's the cruise----are you upset with me?"
            Walker smiles, "I was at first---but no---I'm not upset with you, even though when we get back home---you and I are going to have another long talk about all these expenses, and I'm going to work something out to pay for my half of this vacation."
                      "Walker---son----you don't have to do that---this vacation is my treat to all of you---why do you have to be so damn stubborn about accepting things from me?"
            "I'm not getting into this with you over the phone, I just called to say "thank you" and ask if you would meet us in Anchorage for the new year?"
            Gordon smiles, "Are you sure? YES----I would love to meet you in Anchorage----it's so damn lonely here, without all of you---yes---I will meet you there---I'll make reservations right now!"
            Gordon hangs up the phone and starts dancing around, the phone rings again and he answers, his face turning to disbelief.
                      "What?----What in the hell are you saying---there's no way that'll stand up in court---that's absurd! I won't listen to such crap----don't call this number again---do you hear me?"
            The old man has to sit down, he's shaking so bad. He rubs his chin, and keeps looking back at the phone, "No----no way it will never happen----Jimmy----I got to call Jimmy----now where's that number where he can be reached in Baltimore?"
            Gordon finds the number and dials as quickly as he can, J.W. answering the phone.
            "J.W. this is grandpa Gordon---let me talk to your Dad---hurry, son!"
            "He's not here, grandpa----he and my Aunt Bessie went out for dinner----I'll tell him you called. Are you alright, grandpa?"
            Gordon is trying to remain calm, his hands are shaking---what he wouldn't give for a drink right at that moment. "Just tell your Dad that all hell is breaking loose----and I need to talk to him as soon as possible!"
                                           **************************************


            Walker and Alex are getting ready for dinner,  Alex walks up to him and puts her arms around her husband's waist.
            "Thank you sweetheart---for calling my Dad---is he excited about joining us?"
            "Yep----he was practically crawling through the telephone wires, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that he's already left Dallas and will be in Anchorage long before we get there."
            "Great----- I can't wait to see him---will you go make sure the kids are dressed and ready to go?"
            "I know the boys are--but with Angela----you know how long it takes her to get dressed---maybe you should go and hurry her along?"
            "I'm here---I'm ready---how do I look?"
            Walker turns around to see his daughter dressed in a long dress, with heels. She's wearing entirely too much makeup and Walker is doing a slow burn. He glances to Alex, and she in turn looks back at her husband and then to their daughter.
                  "Angela---what is going on? Why are you dressed like that---and what's with all the makeup?"
            Angela smiles weakly, "I was just trying to dress up---for a change---I was getting tired of the jeans 'look’.”
            "It's okay to dress up----but Angela----you got too much makeup on," Alex crosses over to her daughter and hands her a Kleenex, "Get that lipstick off, now, young lady!"
            "But, Mom----"
            "You heard what your Mother said---get that lipstick off---right now---it's entirely on too thick----and that color is----it makes---you look----just get it off---now!"
            Angela runs into her parents' bathroom, Alex follows her. They soon come out, and Angela is applying a lighter shade of makeup, with her Mother's help. She keeps stealing a look at her father.
            "I'm sorry-----I was just trying ----to look nice."
            Walker walks over to his daughter and brushes her long hair back over her ears, "Baby---you don't need all of that makeup---you have the natural look, just a little blush here and there and light shade of lipstick----that's all you need. All that makeup made you look----like a clown---baby---you don't need it."
            Angela smiles, "Okay, Daddy---I didn't mean to make you mad."
            Walker takes her in his arms, "I'm not mad, baby----I just don't like you or your Mother to wear a lot of makeup."
            "But, Mom is wearing makeup right now----and you're not angry at her?"
                    "Angela---I have a few more wrinkles than you---in fact---I have a lot more than you---and I need a little extra help in covering those wrinkles---just thank your lucky stars that you don't need the makeup."
            "Hey---are we going to eat or not," a voice bellows out.
            Walker releases his daughter and turns towards the voice, "Yes!---We're going to eat,  right now---everybody ready?"
            Angela hurries to join her brothers, and Alex goes to retrieve her purse, Walker grabs her arm and pulls her back.
            "What was that little comment about having too many wrinkles, Mrs. Walker?"
            "It's a fact, honey---- I need help in covering these-----laugh lines---after all I'm not a spring chicken anymore."
            "Well, Mrs. Walker---you've earned those---laugh lines as you call them----and they look beautiful on you. How many women look half as good as you at your age?"
            "Well, I don't know if I like the sound of "at your age'---is that a compliment?"
            Walker kisses her, "Yes---it's a compliment---you look damn good to have had four kids and another one on the way--- and your body is still in tight form----it's still driving me crazy after all these years."
            Alex smiles, "Thank you sir----and I might say that your body is still looking good---especially in those tight fitting jeans. I've seen some women 'eyeballing' you since we got on this ship, I'm going to have to keep my eyes on you, Cowboy."
            Walker smiles, taking her hand and putting it though his arm, kissing her cheek, "You do that Mrs. Walker---keep me out of trouble---I'm so bad."

They both laugh as they head for the dining room and to their table.
            They all do a double take as they see the young man sitting at the table, he quickly stands up and holds Alex's chair, and then Angela's. He nods towards Walker and then they all sit down. Angela touches her Dad's hand.
                 "Daddy----I hope you don't mind---I asked Adlen to join us for dinner."
            Adlen stands up again and offers his hand to Walker, "It's nice to meet you sir, and you, Mrs. Walker----I hope I'm not intruding."
            Both Walker and Alex greet the young man and dinner is being served. The conversation is light as the twins look to Adlen and then back to their Dad.
            "So? Adlen---are you a college student?" Alex asks.

 


 

The Seekers –Trial – Chapter 3
 By: SASQUAW


            Adlen clears his throat, "Ahh---yes ma'am---I'm in my second year at the University of Texas.

Alex smiles back at the young man, "That's nice, what's your major?"
            "Mom----why so many questions?"
            "It's okay, Angela, I don't mind---I'm studying criminal law---maybe I'll be a lawyer some day.”
            "That's what Mom is," replies Cooper.
            "Yep, and one of the best in Texas---or THE BEST," adds Cordell.
            Alex smiles, looking at the twins "My mutual admiration society."
            Adlen keeps looking at Walker, finally he asks, "What about you, sir----I hear you used to ride the rodeo circuit? Did you ever ride in Santa Fe?"
            Walker nods his head slowly, "Yeah----a long, long time ago."
            "I see, what about Las Cruces?"
            Walker stares back at the young man and then to Angela, "Why all of the questions about where I've ridden, are you interested in the rodeo, do you ride?"
            "No----not me----I'm scared to death of those bulls---I hear you were a bull rider----one of the best."
            "Yes, I've ridden the bulls, broncos, and some steer wrestling. Gave up the steer wrestling---I was getting one too many horns, in the wrong places---if you get my meaning."
            The twins laugh and Angela gives her Daddy a raised eyebrow. Alex reaches over and touches her husband's hand, "He gave up the bull riding too, after one too many broken bones, didn't you dear?"
            The rest of the evening is spent mostly talking about the rodeo circuit, the young man is full of questions and Walker is getting a little uncomfortable trying to answer all of them. The conversation will veer away from the rodeo, and then the young man always seems to bring it back in, asking a lot of questions about New Mexico, mainly Las Cruces.
            Dinner is over and Adlen and Angela head for the dance floor, Walker watches them.
                    "Walker, what's wrong?"
            "I don't know, hon---he sure has asked a lot of questions pertaining to my previous career."
            Alex nods her head, "Yes---he did seem to be overly interested."
            Walker takes a deep breath, "Yeah---maybe too interested, why so many questions about Las Cruces?"
            Alex looks at him, "What was so special about that rodeo, you've ridden in hundreds of rodeos, all over Texas and as far as Wyoming."
            Walker shakes his head, "Beats me---after awhile, they all look the same, same savage beasts that are out to break a rider in half, or make him sing soprano."
            The twins are still laughing, "Did you ever get gored---really bad---down there----Dad?"
            "Yes Coop---I had some pretty close calls but that's why you wear not one cup----but two---three---if you get it over the other two without looking deformed, and still able to walk."
            "Guess that's why you and I never took up bull riding, huh Coop?"
            Alex sighs, "Thank God you didn't, I worried enough about your Father when he was riding, I didn't need the two of you giving me headaches too."
            "Don't need to worry about me busting my nuts , Mom----I don't want to end up sterile, I plan to give you lots of grandchildren."
            Cordell shakes his head, "What girl is going to be fool enough to marry you?"
            "I didn't say anything about giving Mom a daughter-in -law---I just said---kids!"
               "Cooper James, what a male chauvinist thing to say and very callous!"
            Walker stares at his son, Cooper coughs, "Sorry, Mom----I didn't mean it---that way."
            Alex stares back at him, "What other way did you mean that remark, young man?"
            Walker interrupts, "Never mind----how about we change the subject?"
            "Come on Mom-----dance with me,” Cordell stands up and puts his hand on the back of his Mother's chair. Alex gives Cooper one last glare and then she heads to the dance floor.
            Walker takes a deep breath, "You did it again son, not paying any attention to what you're saying or how you're saying it. When are you going to learn to think---before you speak?"
            "I'm sorry----I just meant that I don't intend to ever get married---I want to have kids----someday---I just don't want to be tied down to one woman---what is wrong with that?"
            "You'll change your mind---when that certain "someone" comes along. I do admire your honesty about it, I just don't agree with bringing babies into the world, the way you are insinuating. Babies are a gift from God, to be shared between a man and woman's love for each other, not to be treated like a puppy that when you get tired of it, just toss it aside and move on to another sex partner. I thought your Mother and I taught you better values than that."
                      "Accidents happen, what would you have done if Mom had gotten pregnant while you two were just dating?"
            "In the first place---we both took precautions not to allow that to happen, we both knew our relationship and our careers weren't t ready to bring a baby into it. When you enter into a relationship, find out what your partner expects of you and what you expect of them---I doubt very seriously that you are going to get far in a relationship if you tell that girl you have no intentions of marrying her if she gets 'knocked up’."
            "But---if she uses protection---"
            "Coop---it takes two to make a baby---you have just as much responsibility in protecting yourself from a unwanted pregnancy as the girl does, even more so. Because, you are the man and you are responsible for taking care of that life. Not only do you have an unwanted pregnancy, but there are sexual transmitted diseases out there, you can't take life so lightly, and for God's sake---use protection."
            Alex and Cordell are looking back from the dance floor, "Wow!!! Dad is really coming down on Cooper for that remark he made---I can see the veins popping out on his forehead from here."
            Alex shakes her head, "Sometimes , your brother can get himself into some mighty hot water---I just hope that he's---that he's not practicing what he's spouting off about."
            Cordell blushes, "Relax mom----Cooper is all talk----as far as I know---"  Cordell stops and clears his throat, "he's just that-----all talk."
            Alex smiles back at her oldest son, "We just want the best for all of you kids, and if there is anything you or your brothers and Angela need to talk about----please---talk to us-----haven't we always listened?"
            Cordell nods, "Yes, Mom, we know that you and Dad will listen---and will talk things out with us----but sometimes-----there are things that are difficult to talk about---with parents."
            Alex puts both her hands on her son's face, "You listen to me, Cordell John and listen good! We may not know all the right answers to the questions that come up, but we are always there for all of you and we deserve the right to try and answer those questions. Do you hear me, son?"
            Cordell shakes his head, "I hear you, Mom----I hear you."
            Alex grabs her son and hugs him, right in the middle of the dance floor, "GOOD!!! ---And don't you ever forget it.”


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


                   "Amigo, are you asleep?"
            The bearded man pulls himself up to the call, "No----I'm not asleep---who can sleep, it's so damn hot, must be over a 110 in here today."
            The old Mexican scoots up closer to his jail call, dragging his infected leg, the flies swarm over him.
            "It is rather warm, yes----but it will get hotter, trust me."
            "How long have you been in here?"
            The old man laughs, "I lost count of the years---I know it is many!"
            "Years?  You've been here for years?  What did you do?"
            The old man hesitates, "Murder----my friend."
            The bearded man smirks, "Please say it was one of these damn guards you're guilty of killing."
            "No, amigo----my wife----I found her with one of the guards and they were spilling the fruits of their loins----I killed her---but the guard got away. Is that not sweet justice?"
                     "Sounds like you got the 'shaft'---either way, Amigo---what is this place---where am I?"
            The old man scratches his chin, "You do not---where you are?"
            "I don't know where I am---and what's more I don't know "WHY" I am here, what can you tell me?"
            They hear the guards coming down the hallway, it is feeding time and they will be searched again. The bearded man jumps up and runs to the loose brick, taking the picture and putting it under the mattress. He changes his mind and takes it back out, looking around for a safe place to hide it. He hears the old man whispering to him.
            "Here----amigo give it to me--I will hide it for you."
            The man holds it to his chest, "No---I can't take that chance---if they should find it, they'll take it away from me."
                    "Amigo----you are running out of places to hide it---give the picture to me---I have a place for it, that the guards will not look," the old Mexican points down at his infected leg and pulls back a flap of dead skin. "They refuse to tend my smelly leg---they will not look here."
            The voices are getting closer as the old man stretches his hand out as far as he can, the bearded one gets down on the floor and stretches his hand out and gives his most treasured item to a stranger.
            The old man lifts up the dead skin and places the picture inside, he grimaces in pain, but he manages to get the picture out of sight He pulls his tattered pant leg over it, scoots back up against the wall and waits. Across the hall, the man sighs, "Oh God----please don't let them

The guards come into the cells and throw the bearded man against the bars, and three men hold him while the other searches him, every nook and cranny. The man is humiliated as they touch his private parts, and laugh. The man grits his teeth, and forces himself to think about other things. He wonders why they do the 'search' thing every day, what do they think they will find from one day to the next .The prisoners are watched constantly, how could they possibly manage to hide anything. His temper flares, they just enjoy the humiliation. They stand back and look at the bearded one, and the bigger guard takes his hand to his own crotch and rubs it. The others laugh and egg him on, getting closer to the prisoner.
            The blue/ gray eyes of the prisoner bore into him, his mouth sets and his fists close up into a tight ball.  The two stare at each other, the bearded man will not look away, daring the guard to come closer.
            A voice is heard across the hallway as the old Mexican starts throwing what few belongings he has, up into the air and shouting. The guards turn their attention to him and laugh.
            "El Loco," they gesture with a circular motion to the head. They continue laughing as they go across the hallway and push the old man back. They look down at his leg and start 'fanning the air'----they hustle out of the cell----laughing and hobbling around, imitating a man with one leg.
            The old man breathes a sigh of relief, "That was a close one, amigo."
            The bearded man unfolds his fists and he too, takes a deep breath, thinking about what almost unfolded. They reach for the tray of food that the guards have left them, stale tortilla shells and a couple of tamales. The water is warm and with compliments of the chef---bugs!
            The old man takes the picture from the folded skin, and tries to wipe the blood and dead skin off of it.
            "I'm sorry, my friend----I can't get it all off---but it is still in one piece."
            The man retrieves it, looking at the faces, smiling back at him. "It's okay, my friend----I appreciate what you've done----what's your name?"
            The old man laughs, "It has been so long since I have said my name-----all of these years I have been just a number---9237----I have had no use for a name."
            "Well, I don't want to continue calling you just 'amigo' and I refuse to call you a number----my name is Walker----and yours?"
            The old man starts to cry, and he crosses his chest, "My name is Hector---Hector Jose  Authuro Adolfe Guirrero---Hernandez."
            Walker smiles, "Whoa there----I think I'll just call you Heck---How’s that?"
            The old man laughs, "That will be fine, amigo-----I mean---Walker."
            Walker eats his meal, taking the bugs out of the water and drinking it down fast. He spits up most of it. Heck is watching him.
            "You have to keep the water down, Walker----you will learn to leave the bugs in----for nourishment."
            "I don't mind eating insects, Heck---I've eaten my fair share of them---but I draw the line at cockroaches. If I ever catch that mouse that has been sharing my cell, he's going to taste---mighty good."
            Hector makes a face---"I take it that you have seen your share of jail cells---that is good---because you would not last very long in here--under any other conditions."
                  "WHERE is here, Heck? What is this place?"      

"You are in hell, my friend----‘Casa sieta El Diablo’.”
            Walker repeats the name, "’House of seven devils"?---I've never heard of it----where are we, what part of the country are we in?"      
                    "Believe it or not my friend, you are still on the planet, earth, though under these conditions, it may be hard to believe.  We are about 200 miles south of Mexico City, Morales is the nearest little town."
                  "Mexico City?" Walker repeats the name, "I don't understand---why am I here-----who is in charge, all I've seen are just guards, there's got to be a higher authority."
            The old man shakes his head, "Just pray that you do not see El Diablo himself, because if you do, his will be the last face you will see. He kills for the pleasure of it."
            "I'm afraid of no man, Heck----devil or no devil--as long as I can see who I am fighting and not some "ghost" or a figure of someone's imagination. ---I got to get out of here, Heck---my family must be worried sick about me."
            "You have a beautiful 'familia' my friend, but soon you will forget their faces, the beatings that you have endured will soon take on the loss of your memory, and your 'familia' will forget you and go on with their lives."
            Walker gets a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach, "Is that what happened to you, did your family desert you?"
            The old man nods his head and drops his head against the bars, "I do not blame them----I was never a good father or husband---I am getting just what I deserve."
            Walker shakes his head, "No-----no man deserves to be treated this way---and you're wrong, my family will never give up looking for me. My wife----will never stop searching----and I have a friend, a good friend----he will never stop till he finds me-----or my body."
            "I pray you are right Walker----but you do not how long you've been here--- time is your enemy----and time will play tricks on your memory."
            Walker takes a deep breath, rubbing his beard. "Well, I do know one thing---I haven't been here too long, judging from the length my beard has grown----I would say no more than a couple of months------but why is it so difficult to remember what has happened to me?"
            "What do you remember-------think----my friend."
            Walker starts rubbing his head, he feels the bumps and the gash. He closes his eyes, trying to make his mind go back as far as he can. "Every time I try to think----my head hurts more and I see flashing lights, I smell putrid, urine, and excrement-----oh God---what does it mean?"
            The old man sighs and lays down on the floor of his cell, "The 'devil' is already inside you, pushing your good thoughts away and bringing evil instead!  Tell me about your 'familia' Walker----you have beautiful kids."
            Walker looks at the picture and smiles. "My son took this picture----we were on a cruise going to Alaska and he was taking the traditional Christmas picture that he's taken every year for about the last 6 yrs. In the beginning when he was first learning that contraption, heads would be cut off, out of focus, and a lot of them couldn't be developed. But, he soon learned how to work it and was developing his own pictures, and we have pictures galore of the family on different occasions.  I think this picture is one of his best, we were all so happy in this picture. As soon as we got back from that trip, I took this picture and cut it down to fit in my wallet."
                  Walker's voice trails off, "My wallet?  How did I get the picture out of my wallet without----them seeing me? Surely---they've searched me----why didn't they take the picture, like they tried to take my ring?"
            "I do not know my friend, maybe these are not the same people that took you?"
            "What do you mean?"
            "More than likely, you were at another prison----before coming here---and it's a sure thing----you will be moved again."
            Walker turns around and faces the old Mexican, "Anther prison----how many are there?"
            "Seven, senor, and they will move you again----so the Federales can't find you---that is how they avoid the American consulate from finding their American prisoners."
                      Walker's eyes narrow, "Your English is getting better, Hector---a hell of a lot better than it was, just earlier today.  What games are you playing?"
            "I play no games----I'm just as cautious of you as you have been of me---I have watched you---and how you fight the guards----I believe I can trust you.  Do you trust me?"
            Walker slams his fist against his cell, "What choice do I have? I can't believe I've been so stupid-------so what's next AMIGO----do you turn me in? What's in it for you-----they won't even treat your leg?"
            The old man moves away from the cell door, "I talk no more tonight----you are angry and you have a right to be----but I will not betray you or your trust. I have no reason to---I will die here---- I have nothing to gain."
            Walker starts hitting the cell, "Wait!!!----I'm sorry----please-----"
            The old man remains silent, Walker slowly lowers himself down to the floor, cursing his  anger.
                                            **********************************

 

December 24th
                        

Angela and Adlen are playing the video games in the arcade. Finally the young man throws his hands up in the air in defeat, "Enough!!!! I give up----10 straight games----you've killed me!"
            They sit down to enjoy a light lunch. Angela is looking at Adlen in confusion.
            "Why were you asking my Daddy so many questions last night?"
            Adlen laughs, "I figured it would be a nice change---it's usually the old man that is questioning the young suitor that has come calling on the young lady."
            "You didn't come calling----I asked you to join us for dinner last night---but I didn't think you were going to come at my Daddy with all sorts of questions about his past."
            "I didn't mean anything----I was just curious---your Dad is a very interesting person, a Viet Nam vet, rodeo rider, Texas ranger---"
            "How do you know all that?"
            Adlen shrugs, "Angela----it was in the paper----why are you so suspicious?"
            "Well, I got a right to be---after all that's happened---so if I sound a little suspicious when someone starts asking questions about my family---oh well----live with it!"
            "Come on Angela---I'm not asking anything out of the ordinary--- nothing that reporters haven't already asked----I was just curious----that's all."
            A young waiter comes over to take their order, and Adlen orders them a salad and some iced tea. Adlen frowns.
            "I'm sorry I don't have much money----would you rather have hot tea, it's rather chilly out here on this open deck?"
            Angela shakes her head, "I don't like hot tea------maybe some hot chocolate?"
            They eat in silence, Angela sighs. "What about your family, Adlen----why are you traveling without them?"
            "My parents have their own lives to live. I'm 18, Angela----I don't need my parents around to baby-sit me anymore."
            "I'll probably still be living at home when I'm thirty----or even forty."
                 "Haven't you ever thought about just throwing all caution to the wind and just let it happen?"
            Angela stares back, "Let what happen?"
            Adlen shakes his head, "If I have to tell you, Angela----then you're not as mature as I've thought you to be?"
            "If you're referring to sex----you can get that thought out of your head--right now."
            "If I didn't make a play for you, Angela you would think I was queer----you're a beautiful girl, I see all the guys making eyes at you, I'm just being ---'normal'.”
            Angela laughs, "Somehow-----I just can't take you seriously----are you teasing me?"
                "Angela----I would jump in the sack with you so quick I'd get a nose bleed and----''
            Angela bursts out laughing and soon Adlen can't stop himself from laughing too, the young waiter just looks at them and shakes his head.
            "Come on Adlen----tell me about your family---I'm really interested----do you have any brothers or sisters?"
            Adlen stops laughing, his face goes blank----"Yeah---I’ve got a brother, a younger brother."
            "So, tell me about him---is he back in Texas?"
            Adlen stammers, then sighs, "Yeah----he's back in Texas-----in jail!"
            "Oh, I'm sorry-----is it anything serious?"
            "What do you care, Angela----you don't even know him?"
            "Dah? It was just an expression."
            "He deserves what he's getting---he's always getting into trouble---he'll probably rot in there."
            "Adlen!  That's a terrible thing to say----about your own brother."
            "Sweet, sweet little Angela----you're such a compassionate person---I'll bet you even feel sorry for that creep that was 'stalking' you---what was his name, --- KIWI?"
            Angela stares back at the young man, her bottom lip is quivering, "Well---you would be dead wrong----that s.o.b. gets none of my sympathy---I wish they still hung convicted killers------- I would pull the rope!"
                "WHOA!!!! Angela, calm down---don't get yourself all worked up."
            "That s.o.b. tried to kidnap me, and he might have succeeded if my brother hadn't come to my rescue----he killed my best friend---I think I have a right to be 'all worked up’ as you put it!".
            "Okay, okay, I'm sorry----could we just talk about something else?"
            Angela glances at her watch, "No, I can't---I got to get back so I can watch my baby brother, my Daddy wants to take my Mom shopping for her Christmas present.----Will you be at the Christmas party and dance tonight?"
            Adlen smiles back at her, "Wouldn't miss it---I hear your brothers are playing in the band and I hear they're good."
            "MY brothers are DAMN Good, just wait till you hear them---gotta go---bye."
            Adlen watches as Angela walks away, the young waiter looks at him. "Adlen----what are you up to now?"
                   "Woody---my man---isn't it obvious?"
            "But, I don't get it---what if that information comes back positive---then what?"
            "What will it hurt?"
            "You can't be serious!  You mean it's not going to make any difference?"
            Adlen stands up, reaches into his pocket and takes out a $20, "I would like my change back---I'm on a very limited budget."
            Woody digs through his pockets and counts out the $2.04-------Here---Here's your damn change-----and tonight after you drop that Walker girl off at her cabin---don't be bringing another one back to mine---I hardly got any sleep at all last night. You and that banker's wife was going at it all night long."
            "Relax, Woody---I told you could have her after I got though with her---only trouble is----she didn't want you!"
            Adlen smirks and walks off. Woody is doing a slow burn as he whispers, "You think you know all the answers smart guy---just wait till that report comes back and we'll see who laughs last."
                                              *****************************


 The Walkers' stateroom:


            Alex is showing Angela the Christmas present that Walker has bought her, a diamond wristwatch.
                  "Oooohhh Mom----it's beautiful, oh wow-----it's to die for!"
            Alex smiles and looks over at her husband who is getting into his tuxedo for the Christmas party.
            "Thank you, Angela-------your Father has nice taste---don't you, honey?"
            Walker nods back to her, "I don't know about nice taste---we might be eating baloney sandwiches when we get home., and I may have to take out a second mortgage on the ranch to pay for that."
            Angela stares back at her Daddy, "It costs that much----how much did it cost?"
                   "ANGELA!"
            "Sorry Mom-----I know a woman is never suppose to ask that question----but when do I get to wear it? Can I wear it to the New Years' party?"
            Alex smiles back at her, "Well---we'll see and by the way----did you put that turquoise bracelet back in my jewelry box?"
            "Yes Mom----I put it back, don't I always?"
            Alex looks to her husband real quick who has now stepped into the bathroom, she looks back to her daughter, "No---you don't always put it back, your Father will have a 'hissy fit' if anything happens to that bracelet---that bracelet belonged to your great Aunt--------"
            "I know, I know---my great Aunt Ruth----you tell me that every time I borrow it."
            "Lose the attitude, Angela-----not only would your Father be upset with you, I would be too."
            Walker comes back out and is now looking for his shoes, he sits down on the hassock and starts to put them on. Angela starts clicking her teeth and smiling real big as she walks over to her father.
            "OH, Daddy," she sings out in a falsetto sounding voice, as she leans over putting both arms around his neck and kissing him on the cheek. "Daddy-----I got a birthday coming up soon, and my wristwatch doesn't keep good time---hint----hint."

 


 

The Seekers –Trial – Chapter 4
By SASQUAW



            Walker nods his head slowly at his daughter's comment that her wristwatch doesn't keep good time.
            "Is that so?" He teases her, looking over to his wife.
            Angela continues to lay on the charm, "Yes, Daddy, and if I don't have a good watch to keep time, then I won't be able to get home from my date on time tonight."
            Walker smiles, reaching up to pat his daughter's hands, "Well---in the first place, there is nothing wrong with that watch that you got for your birthday last year---and secondly--- YOU are not going on any date tonight---you're not 16 yet."
            Angela stands up straight and pushes out her bottom lip, "Oh, Daddy-----what difference does four and half months make---why be so technical?"
            Walker stands up and looks at his daughter, fighting to hold back the smile. "Technical, huh?  Well how about this, you're not going to date for exactly 4 months, 27 days, and------" he looks at his own watch,  "Alex----what time of the day was she born?"
            "She was born at 7:08------pm."
            Walker looks back to his watch and does some figuring, "Four months, 27 days, 23 hours and ----13 seconds----how does that grab you?"
                     Angela's mouth drops open, "Daddy!!!---You're not serious?"
            Walker shakes his head, "I'm very serious---and if you continue to doubt me---I'll put you back another 2 years and you won't be able to date till you're 18----wanna push for that?"
            Angela smiles at her father and sticks her tongue out at him, "Nope----I get the message---loud and clear!  I'd better get of here before you say I can't date till I'm 25."
            Walker reaches out and pinches her nose, "Good try, baby----now go and check to see if Little Ray needs any help getting dressed."
            A light tap is heard on their door and the Walker boys walk in, all dressed to the 'tee'. Little Ray is sporting his first tuxedo and all of the boys are wearing red cummerbunds, their rustic colored hair all brushed back.
            Alex stops doing her nails and stares back at them, "Oh my---look at my three handsome guys."
            Walker clears his throat and Alex quickly corrects herself, "Excuse me--my FOUR handsome guys."
            Angela looks them up and down, "Wow---you guys look neat---even you, Cooper."
            Cooper shrugs, "What? Did you think I was going to be dressed like a country bumpkin on Christmas Eve?  Look at you, Angela---don't tell me that's how you're going to the party---in your housecoat?"
            Angela tilts her head and prisses to the door, "No, brother dear----I'm going to make a grand entrance, that will make your eyes pop out."
            Walker again clears his throat and Alex asks, " Angela---I hope that 'grand entrance' you're referring to is not a repeat of last night?"
            "Relax Mother---everything is cool---under control."
            Walker nods his head, "It better be young lady---or you won't be dating till you're 50!"
            Angela sighs and then heads back to her cabin to finish getting dressed.  Walker and Alex stare at their baby son. Walker breaks out in a wide grin, "Come here, buckaroo and let me look you over------this is a perfect fit, you sure look ‘spiffy’!"
                        Little Ray shakes his head, "No, Daddy---me handsome, me------what that word 'ooper?"
            "RAD, little brother-- you are super rad!"
            "Yeah----me rad--me 'ool'." The boy grins, nodding his head up and down.
            "You sure look pretty, Mom," replies Cordell.
            Alex smiles, "Thank you sweet heart." and then she looks to Cooper, who is avoiding her look.
            Walker sees the tension between them, "Come on Cordell, Little Ray---let's go see how the ballroom is shaping up---we'll see you down there, hon."
            Cooper shifts nervously back and forth, shoving his hands down into his pants, and then taking them out to straighten his jacket.
            Alex looks at him, "Is there something you want to talk to me about, Coop?"
            "You know I didn't mean to hurt you," he mumbles.
            "Well---you did---that comment you made about being so careless with life hurt me, but more than that, I was very disappointed in you for saying it," Alex replies softly.
            Cooper shakes his head and bites his bottom lip, " I didn't mean it the way---it sounded---I just meant----"
                  "Cooper----your intentions were clear. You made it sound like that women were just put here on this earth to bear children and they are 'merely' sex objects that you go from one to the another, and that lives won't be affected by it."
            "I'm sorry, Mom---I really am."
            "Are you?   Or is it just because you've been called up on the carpet for it?  Cooper, you can't keep saying things like this and not expect someone to be hurt by it."
            "I know, I know---Dad's already chewed my butt about it---I'm sorry---what more can I say?"
            Alex goes to sit down on her bed, she pulls her son over to her. "Sit down, sweetheart. Would you do me a favor, would you please stop and think about what you're going to say before you say it?  Let me ask you this---turn it around and you be a young lady for just a second and some young man has made that comment to you about 'fathering' a lot of babies, but no marriages---how would that make you feel----seriously?"
            Cooper thinks about it, and then he wipes the tears away, "Like a piece of meat---that someone has discarded."
                    "Exactly----over the years, the female has been made to feel just like that, but now we have rights, we are equal to the male, and that's how it should have always been. Women have rights and feelings too, we are not just sex objects---am I getting through to you at all, son?"
            Slowly Cooper nods his head, "Yes----but there are women out there that don't care that they are being used, and sometimes they do the 'using'----so that a man will have to support them and the babies they make."
            "And---that is not right either----Cooper, you have been raised better than this, where is all this talk coming from, this is not like you."
            "I just hear the other guys talking, and some of what they are saying is true----you and Dad have always said that we kids should speak up for what we believe, if we got something to say---say it. I did say it---and now I'm in trouble."
                 "Cooper James Walker, I know you better than this and I know that you do not believe any of that crap that you just said----now, where is all this really coming from?"
            "Mom----I said I was sorry, I never intended to hurt you---it was just a stupid comment and I'm sorry---okay?"
            Alex is biting her bottom lip and trying to speak, "Alright---if you say you're sorry, then we will just forget about this and ----try to go on to some other subject and I will forget about the comment-----and------"
            "Mom, please stop crying-----I'm sorry---I'll never say anything like that again----I promise----Mom stop crying---please?"
            Cooper reaches for his Mother and Alex falls into his arms crying, "Okay, honey---  I believe you---now would you do me another favor?"
            Cooper is crying too, "What, Mom?"
            "Would you please get out of here so I can finish getting dressed and get the puffiness out of my eyes?"
            "Yeah, sure Mom---I got to join Cordell and----get our music set up---okay, Mom---I'll see you later."
            Alex is wiping her tears, "OH!!!  Wait a minute----what did your grandpa say when you talked to him earlier?"
            Cooper takes the sleeve of his jacket and wipes his eyes, he shakes his head, "We didn't get a hold of him---guess he was out."
            "Out?  What time did you call?"
            "We've tried all evening, Cordell said he let the phone ring at least a dozen times----the answering machine never picked up."
            "This doesn't sound right----sweetheart, hand me my little phone number book."
            "Mom---what's wrong---you know our home phone number."
            Alex is picking up the phone and asking for the ship to shore operator, "I'm not calling home---I'm calling his club to see if he's there---and if I can't get a hold of him there I'm calling Sue Winchester."
            "Dana's Mom--why her?"
            "Sue said that she would keep an eye on the place while we were gone----and I sort of asked her to keep an eye on your grandpa too."
            The retirement club has not heard or seen Gordon Cahill in almost a week, Alex calls the Winchester home, there is no answer there either.


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


            Adlen has watched the Walkers as they have arrived at the ballroom. He watches as one of the twins and the youngest boy are walking around and looking at all the decorations. The little boy spots the huge Christmas tree and he runs towards it, the twin follows him.
            Adlen looks towards the bearded man, he studies him, saying to himself, "He sure looks different when he's all dressed up in a tuxedo, hardly looks like the same man, ----- without his rodeo gear."
            The young man walks towards him, "Good evening Mr. Walker----how are you?" He reaches out to shake his hand.
            Walker extends his hand to the young man, "Hello, Adlen," eyeing him suspiciously.
            Adlen sees the look in those eyes, and clears his throat and reaches for a cigarette, offering one to the ranger.
            Walker shakes his head, "No thanks."
            They stand there looking at each other, Adlen takes a long puff and then blows it out, he tries to joke, "I'll bet you're a pipe man, huh Mr. Walker?"
            Walker continues to stare at Adlen, "Nope-----I used to enjoy a cigar now and then---but I gave 'em up."
            Adlen takes another draw, and laughs. “What? Don't tell me, they cause cancer, right? I would think that a man in your line of business would be more afraid of stopping a bullet, than getting cancer."
                    Walker's eyes narrow, something about the young man is familiar. He answers slowly, "No----I gave up the cigars because they are a disgusting habit---but more so--because one of my sons was picking up that disgusting habit--I made a deal with him that I would stop---if he would."
            Adlen puts his hands up, "Wait a minute----let me get this straight---you stop riding the bulls because your wife tells you to, and then stop smoking because of one of your kids is getting the habit----I figured you to be your own man, guess I was wrong."
                     Walker's temper is starting to rise, he looks back at the young man hard, "First of all---there comes a time in your life when you have to measure what is more important, your own selfish vices or the happiness of those around you. Secondly, my wife has never 'told' me to do anything---so I would suggest that you re-think your questions."
            Adlen backs up as Walker walks up closer to him, he swallows and throws the cigarette butte over the side. "I get the message, Mr. Walker----stupid me---I don't know when to keep my mouth shut."
            "And, that's another thing---why all the questions about my days in the rodeo and what is so damn important about Las Cruces?"
                "Nothing!---I was just curious about being a bull rider----my---my Uncle used to ride---I was just curious, that's all."
            "What's your Uncle's name?"
            "Ahhh---you wouldn't know him-----he didn't ride---very long."
            "Why don't you let me be the judge of that? His name."
            Adlen is hesitating, Walker stares at him.
            "His name-----was----was Carson----Will Carson."
            Walker says the name to himself, "Carson?---I knew a Will Carson---he did ride the rodeo---he got gored in El Paso, didn't make the rest of the circuit into New Mexico, had to turn back----he was your Uncle?"
            Adlen shakes his head slowly, "Yeah----my Uncle Will----that's him."
            "So---how is your Uncle---how's he doing, I heard he lost his spleen?"
            "My Uncle is dead, Mr. Walker---and 'no' he didn't lose his spleen, he lost a kidney."
            Walker continues to stare at Adlen, "Dead, huh? What happened?"
            "Car wreck---he was killed about nine years ago, pulling a tractor/trailer from Brownsville. Are there anymore questions---Mr. Walker?"
            Walker nods his head, "Yeah---just what intentions do you have towards my daughter?"
            "Your daughter? Angela?"
            "I only have the one---and I don't like all this dancing around so I will make it very clear!  My daughter is underage, if you have any crazy ideas about trying to talk her into something---you better think how you would look with your nose stuck up your ass----cause if you ever lay a hand on her---that's just where you will be-looking up your asshole! Do I make myself clear enough?"
            Adlen is breathing hard, "Yes sir---I mean no sir---I would never try to get out of line with your daughter----I know your reputation---all too well---I would never be crazy enough to try---No sir!-----Besides that---your daughter has already informed me that she would kick me into next week---if I so much as even thought such things."
            Walker taps Adlen's shoulder, "Listen kid---I'm not joking---I do not joke around where my daughter is concerned------there are other young ladies on this ship--I would suggest you divert your attention in their direction."
            "Mr. Walker---I assure you---I'm well aware that Angela is underage and what the consequences would be-----after all I am a lawyer---or at least I hope to be----someday."
            "I could care less about your impending career, do you think you're the first yahoo that has tried to 'bird dog' my daughter? I've run into your kind before, and no law book will be able to save your hide---- if you ever try to hurt her in any way!  I don't always go by that damn rule book---stay away from Angela."
            Walker walks away and Adlen is still shaking. The young waiter has watched the scenario, and walks up to his friend cautiously.
                 "Whew!!!!---Adlen---you are messing with fire---I thought that man was going to throw you overboard---Adlen---back off---what is all of this going to prove?"
            Adlen smiles and lights up another cigarette " He does have a temper---doesn't he?"
            "That's pretty obvious---you were almost shark bait."
            Adlen continues to watch as Walker goes to the Christmas tree and reaches down to pick up his son. Adlen watches as Walker is pointing out the pretty lights, the little boy is giggling and hugging his Daddy's neck. Adlen throws the butte down and curses.
            His friend reaches out for him, "Come on Adlen---let's go get a beer before I go on duty."
            "Did you get those reports back yet?"
            "No---they're having a hard time finding that one guy---Dallas is a big place."
            "You jerk, I told you the guy was living near Springtown now-- get on it."
            The young men keep staring at Walker as the rest of the Walker family has arrived. Walker puts his baby son down and walks towards his wife, steps back and admires her evening dress, then he kisses her tenderly.
            Woody stares at his friend, "The guy is obviously very much in love with his wife."
            Adlen grins, "Yeah----pretty much the loving family man----and very protective ----and very much capable of ----murder!"

                                                 

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


            The quietness of the jail cell surrounds him, he can hear the old Mexican snoring and the he hears the man groaning from the pain of his infected leg. Walker takes the picture out and again he touches each face, always lingering on the face of his wife.
            "Alex," he whispers, I miss you so much---please don't stop thinking of me---you always said that we were always on the same wave link, our thoughts and our emotions for each other---always as one. Why can't you feel my thoughts now?"
                Walker's thoughts of his wife are interrupted as he hears noises down the hall. He stretches to see if he can see what the ruckus is all about, the old Mexican is awake and pulling himself up to his jail cell.
            "Heck--can you see what's happening?"
            Hector nods his head, "Yes---I see all too clear----they are beating a prisoner----oh sweet Jesus---it is the old man with the cane."
            Hector backs away and motions for Walker to do the same, "They come, senor---get back----pretend you are asleep."
            Walker backs up to his cot and lays down, the guards are dragging the old man, another one is kicking him. Walker keeps one eye open as the guards stop outside his cell and look in. They are satisfied that he hasn't seen anything, and motion for the old man to be dragged away. Blood is gushing from the old man's head, as one of the guards takes his already broken glasses and smash them up against the old man's head. The old man is trying to stand and he's swinging at the guard, they laugh and continue to drag him out. Walker listens as he hears the guards cursing and then there's silence.
             The ranger slowly gets up off his cot and walks to the cell door. Hector is crossing his chest and praying.

"Hector----what happened-----why were they beating him, what did he do?"
            Hector looks in the direction the guards took ----he spits, looking back at Walker. "Because he was breathing senor---they need no other reason, but that."
            Walker rolls his fist up into a ball, ------"I thought I had seen the worse when I was in Nam----but I was wrong----you were indeed right my friend----this is HELL."
            "If the old man is lucky---he will die------and he will be out of this nightmare forever, I will pray for his soul."
            Walker sighs, "The old man was fighting them with every ounce----he's a tough old goat and stubborn---just like someone I use to know----a long, long time ago."
            "Why do you allow yourself to remember such memories----they will be your weakness, my friend. It is best to just accept what it is happening----tear up that picture, amigo, erase those people from your mind, before your weakness destroys you."
            Walker shakes his head in defiance, "No---I will never be able to forget my family, they are the reason that I'm alive---I have the will to live, to get back to them, without that will, I may just as well be like that old man, the "walking dead."
            The old man curses, "Suit yourself, amigo---I admire your courage, but it is in vain----After you have been here for awhile longer---you will lose all of what you believe in---starting with your family. It happened to all of us----even that old man. At first he was just as stubborn as you----believing his family would come for him---but they never did. They let him rot here---just like your family will do to you."
            "How long----how long has he been here?" asks Walker.
            The old Mexican curses, "How the hell should I know? He comes and goes."
            Walker raises his head, "What do you mean, he comes and goes?"
            The old man lowers his voice and motions for Walker to do the same, "Senor----do you not remember me telling you about the other prisons-----if you think that this one is hell----you have not seen nothing yet," the old man starts blessing himself.
            "You've seen these other prisons----where are they?"
            "All over---and believe me senor you do not want to go there, but it is just a matter of time---till they will move you-----just like the old man."
            "Are you saying that's what they're doing now, moving him to another prison----why?"
            "You ask a lot of questions------maybe they will move him to another prison----or maybe they will turn him loose in the village----I don't know---I just know that he will be back----he always comes back."
            Walker is shaking his head in disbelief, "If they turn him loose in the village----why doesn't he go to the American consulate and tell that what's happening?"
            "Tell them what, senor?. He is just an old man---do you think they would believe him, they did not believe him before. The old man has been beaten so much that they have almost blinded him. His faith has long deserted him, he does not care what is going on, there is nothing or anyone left that he cares for. He's a 'forgotten' people, as soon we will all be."
            "Heck-----when will they move him?"
            "At daybreak---if he is still alive."
            "Is there anyway I can get a message to him?"
            "Are you loco? The heat has not fried your brain, there is no way the guards will let you near him!"
            "What about you, Hector---will they let you near him? I've seen you take water to some of the other prisoners----can you get to him?"
            "And, if I could, ---what?"
            Walker hits his cell, "He can take a message out of here----my family is not wealthy----but I can make it easy for both you and him---if he can get a message to the American consulate."
            The old man starts to laugh, "What use is money to me----I'm going to die, because of this damn leg----the old man does not have any use for your greenbacks either.-----If he's released into the village, he will live off the garbage in the streets, and sleep with rats that are the size of small dogs. Soon he will tire of that, he will break another law, which is not hard to do----and he will be back here. And why, you ask gringo?  Because it is the only life he has known for some 18 yrs."  
            Walker repeats the number of years to himself, "I thought you didn't know how long he's been here, and I thought you didn't care about something as careless as 'time'?  You have not given up Hector, or you could not remember such un-important matters.-----You still have dreams of getting out of here, admit it."
            The old man becomes silent for a long time, Walker hears him sniffling. "Don't be ashamed to admit that you still have faith, Hector----it's all we have left----and don't think just because you are a man---that you can't cry."
            "Tears----are our weakness senor Walker--- I have cried more tears than you will ever have."
            Walker nods his head, "When I was in Nam, I saw many young solders breaking down and crying like babies, calling for their Mamas. I swore up and down that I would never humble myself. My special training and my beliefs in what White Eagle taught me, helped to get me through that nightmare. The only family that I had back home was my Uncle Ray and his wife, and a very good friend, C.D. Parker. When I would come home on R&R, they were always there for me, but yet giving me space to fight my demons that were still in the jungles of Viet Nam. I saw so many of my buddies killed right before my eyes, but I wouldn't allow myself to cry, to show any emotion.
            When the war was over I came back to the states and went straight to the Cherokee badlands, and stayed by myself for a long, long time. My Uncle found me, he never had to say a word about the pain and the feeling of helplessness that I was going through. Being a full-blooded Cherokee, he knew all about the scars of war, plus he had been in Africa during WW2-----so he knew---all too well.  White Eagle and C.D. came later and they too gave me my space. Finally, White Eagle took me aside and made me go into the sweat lodge with him, just him and me. We sat for hours, not saying anything. White Eagle said something to me, that I have never forgotten and I've told each of my children this.
                                    "Tears will set you free,
                                   if we did not use them, we could not see.
                                   Our eyes do not see only happiness
                                    but pain and loneliness as well---
                                    to keep our eyes open---the tears will swell.            
                                    For every tear that falls, heartache or pleasure will follow
                                    but knowing that the pain will soon part,
                                    gives us more  time--to grieve in our hearts.


            "What does all that mean, amigo---just a lot of fancy words?"
            "It meant that until I could forgive myself for coming home alive and being able to shed a tear, that I would never be free. I had to admit to myself and in my heart---that there was a reason I didn't die in those jungles, but many of my friends had. Until I could shed a tear, I would still be fighting the war. I cried for the very first time that night, I cried like a baby. My friends left me there, and I returned a few days later. They never asked me any more questions about what went on over there, and I never volunteered any information. -----In other words, Hector----let it all out----you'll feel better. It's been so many years for you---- that you've forgotten how to have feelings, and there is no shame in that."
            Walker hears the old man crying and his own eyes mist up. Hector scoots back up to the cell door------"Tell me about your 'familia' my friend, I need to hear good thoughts for a change."
            Walker sits down in the floor, taking his picture out and looking at it. He stretches his arm out and hands the picture to his friend, Hector takes it and runs his finger over each face, starting with Alex's.
            "Your wife is very beautiful and she looks at you with much love."
            Walker smiles, "She's my rock----she's my whole life, with each passing day, I love her more. The last memory I have is very cloudy----but I remember being at the hospital-------for the birth of our fifth child-----a little girl. I remember a big party, somewhere else---- and a birthday cake.  Everyone is singing 'happy birthday' and then I'm at the hospital. My wife has gone into early labor and I'm holding this bundle of pink and a little voice is screaming out at the top of her lungs. I remember the baby having a lot of dark, black hair---she's so pretty. My other kids are all laughing and wanting to hold her, even my baby boy. He's climbing up into a chair, and reaching out for her."
            "You have some fine looking boys, senor---they favor you a lot----even with the beard, I can see the resemblance, They too, look at you with lots of love-----their ages, amigo?"
            "The twins are--14 now, going on 21, my wife says. They try to act so mature, and I guess I'm to blame for that. My wife says I've tried to put too much responsibility on their shoulders, and I suppose that's true."

 

Seekers -Trials – Chapter 5
By: SASQUAW


            The old Mexican studies the faces of the twins, looking back to Walker. "They look like they could handle anything that is thrown at them, senor. They have that look in their eyes.  I see your stubbornness there, but I see compassion too--- their Mother's.

Walker smiles to himself, "Yeah---they're stubborn alright and hot tempered just like their old man, and their Mother has been noted to lose her temper a time or two. My boys are good boys----but their Mother and I have had our hands full with them. The younger one, he's the one standing next to his Mother---loses his temper a lot quicker than the other one. He's seen so many trips to the barn and a hickory switch that you would think he had a switch growing out of his butt! He likes to jump in first then ask questions later. Alex says he takes after me in my younger days. Cordell, he's the oldest by almost 5 minutes----he's rather quiet----he likes to think things out first----then act."
            Walker stops for a minute and thinks, "Maybe that's why he was so hesitant about being born----Alex was in labor with him for a long time, before he decided to come out. Cooper----he came out so fast---I almost dropped him! My daughter still likes to believe because of Cooper's hard headedness---that he fell on his head. Cordell is more like me in my passive day, he loves to read----especially Russian novels. He's always talked about wanting to go there someday---I suspect someday he will. Both the boys love music, they were dancing before they were walking, I swear! ---And they like all kinds, not just the hard rock and that rap music that is so popular----but all kinds. They're active in the church too, all of my kids are---they love going to church---even my baby boy."
            Heck smiles as he looks down at the little boy with a toothless smile. "What about the little bambino----he looks like he could give the devil himself 'fits'---but at the same time----charm Mother Teresa."
        Walker laughs, "Yeah---he's a Texas twister---always moving---and he loves to eat! My wife makes sure that he gets his share of veggies and fruits---every time that boy's elbow bends, his mouth opens! He's my 'buckaroo'---he came into Alex's and my life when we were going through a rough time in our marriage. We'd had a stupid argument----and for the sake of me I don't even remember what it was about----we made up---and almost nine months later---he was born!"
            "And your daughter, amigo----I bet you beat the boys away with a stick---she is so beautiful----she has such beautiful long hair. She looks like an angel."
                    Walker's eyes become misty as he thinks about his kids, "She is an angel---she's my angel from heaven. Her name is Angela, and she's every bit as beautiful in person as she is in that picture. Not only is she beautiful but she's a very compassionate person, although her brother Cooper, would argue that point. Those two fight like cats and dogs, but when the chips are down----they'll fight for each other---and they proved their loyalty to each other last year when my daughter was being stalked. My boy risked his life for his sister, trying to get her away from that son of a bitch."
            "Senor----maybe this person is the reason you are here--maybe-----"
            "No---I've thought of that---he was still in the Tarrant county jail, waiting to be transferred to Huntsville---at the time of my daughter's birth.---My wife was taking the case till she had to turn it over to another attorney because she was having too many pains.---He was up for countless murder attempts, including the two against my kids, Cooper and Angela. They both had to testify against him.   The nail in the coffin was the video tape in the lab room---it showed the whole attack against my daughter----and it showed her getting the best of him and beating the hell out of him!  He got the death penalty!"
            "Your daughter----fought him-----she looks so fragile---like she wouldn't hurt a fly."
            Walker smiles, "Don't let her innocent look fool you----my daughter has several black belts in the martial arts---and she knows how to kick ass----I taught her! I taught all of my kids how to fight---even my wife has a black belt and she knows how to use it."
            Heck stares back at Walker, "Holy Mother----your familia is not to mess with----so---you still do not know "why' you are here?"
            Walker shakes his head, "No, I don't know why I'm here, but I do know I can't waste anymore time, I have to make my escape.--I'm not getting any stronger, you have to tell me what is on the other side of that fence. Think- Heck---tell me what is on the other side."


                                   **************************************
 Christmas eve:


            The ballroom has filled up and Santa Claus has made his appearance. Little Ray is sitting under the huge Christmas tree, singing carols with the rest of the kids while Santa gives out his 'goodies'.
            The Walkers are sitting at their table, watching their baby son. A giant buffet is beckoning everyone to come and fill their plates. The twins are scampering to be the first, Angela just shakes her head and mumbles "brothers".
            After everyone has eaten, the dance starts and several young men hurry to ask Angela for a dance. Adlen is standing quietly off to the side, a small gift in his hand. Finally he approaches Angela and asks her to dance, then they both walk slowly back to their parent's table. Walker glares at the young man.  Alex puts her hand over her husband's and whispers. "Honey----it's Christmas---don't start anything---please?"
            Adlen clears his throat and extends his hand to Walker, "Merry Christmas Mr. and Mrs. Walker----Angela has asked me to join her---I hope I'm not intruding."
            "Of course not, Adlen----please---please join us----and Merry Christmas to you, too."
            Adlen steers clear of asking Walker anymore questions  pertaining to the rodeo, instead he tries to direct most of his attention to the youngest Walker, who is showing off his presents that Santa has presented him.
            "Hey, Little Ray---do you like video games?"
                  "Yeah," the boy shouts back.
            Adlen looks to Angela smiling, "Well, I know your sister likes them, she beat me 10 games straight---would you like for me to take you to play the arcade tomorrow?"
            The boy quickly looks to his parents, and Alex replies slowly, "I think my husband was planning on taking him skeet shooting tomorrow, right honey?"
                   Walker stares back at Adlen, "That's right---the whole family will be busy tomorrow."
                    Angela looks to Adlen and then nods toward her Mother, Adlen takes the hint and asks Alex to dance. Alex hesitates, and then she agrees. Angela moves over into her Alex's seat, next to her father. She takes both her hands and lays them over Walker's.
                   "Daddy----what's wrong, what has Adlen done now?"
            "I just don't like him, Angela---how old is he anyways?"
                    "Eighteen, why Daddy?"
                Walker stares at the dance floor as Adlen puts his arm around Alex's waist. Walker's face becomes rigid, "He looks older than any eighteen---baby--there are other young boys on this ship that are dying to get to know you----maybe you shouldn't spend so much time with that Adlen."
                       Angela smiles softly, "Because if I started getting interested in a another boy---you would find something wrong with him too. Daddy---I know you are still suspicious after all that's happened, and you got a right to be---but I can't live the rest of the life---not trusting anyone!"
                       Walker looks at his daughter and smiles, "I know-----but there is something about that young man, he's so sure of himself---and cocky."
                      Angela kisses her father's wedding band, "But, Daddy---you've always said that was a great attribution in someone's character. You know who he reminds of----you."
            "Me?  Why do you say that, he's nothing like me, he's arrogant, mule headed, and he's got a bad habit of spouting off."
                     "Exactly---Daddy---the very same words I've heard Mom use to describe you when you two first started dating."
                   Walker's eyes narrow as he reaches over and touches his daughter's cheek, "Is that so," he asks.
                   Angela meets her daddy's smile, "Yes Daddy----and that's another thing----I'm not interested in Adlen in a romantic way---he's just fun to be with. He makes me laugh, and for a few minutes I can forget about what happened back in Texas."
                    Walker sighs, "I die a thousand deaths every time I have to watch that video and that son of a bitch trying to hurt you and your brother. At the same time I want to jump up and holler every time I saw you beating the crap out of him.----Baby----I am so sorry I couldn't be there to help----"
                  Daddy please----we've been over all of that---you couldn't help me and Cooper and be there with Cordell and Little Ray at the same time----you're not superman-----I've never blamed you for not being there, not for one second."
                   Walker's eyes get misty, "You and your brothers proved that you didn't need your old man's help."
               "Daddy----we were able to defend ourselves because of what you have taught us over the years. We have to learn to fight our own battles, isn't that what you taught us?"
            "Yes, baby-----but as a Father---I have to protect all of you and I failed."
            "You did not fail, Daddy----and I don't want to talk about this anymore. Daddy, I have to say this, but please don't take it the wrong way---I love you and I wouldn't hurt you for the world----but Daddy----you have to let us grow up-----especially me!"
                       Walker stares back at Angela, he can feel his chest tightening up, "What do you mean?"
                  Angela 'toys' with the band of gold around her Father's finger, "I mean Daddy that one of these days-----you're not going to be around---and we have to stand on our own two feet. We're going to make mistakes-----but----Daddy I'm not going to be your ‘baby' forever----you need to stop referring to me as a 'baby'----I'm almost 16 now."
                     Walker's temper is starting to rise as he jerks his hand away from his daughter's grasp, "You listen to me, Angela Elizabeth----I don't care how old you get to be or how grown up you think you are----you will always be a 'baby' to me---got that?"
                    Walker's raised voice has caused the other guests to turn and look in his direction, Alex and Adlen have heard him too. Angela just sighs and takes her father's hand again, she whispers, "Okay, Daddy----you win------no more talk----okay?"
                    Walker continues to do a slow burn, then he reaches over and kisses his daughter's cheek---"Okay, baby----we'll call a truce----will you dance with your old man-----and maybe we can change partners after awhile?"
                  Angela is all smiles as her father and she walk to the dance floor. Adlen looks over at them and breathes a sigh of relief, "Whew---that husband of yours has quite a temper."
            Alex smiles weakly, "Where our kids are concerned, my husband has a short fuse---and so do I."
                  "Believe me, Mrs. Walker---I would never hurt Angela."
            Alex nods her head, "All I know is---you would be a fool to try after what happened back in Texas. My husband still blames himself for not being there to help Angela---that's a very sore subject for him."
            Adlen starts to reply when he feels someone tap his shoulder, "May I cut in?"
            Adlen stops and looks back at Angela and then to Walker, who is still glaring at him. Alex smiles and goes into her husband's arms.
            "I was wondering when you were going to dance with me, Cowboy."
                 Walker swings Alex gently away to another part of the dance floor, and Adlen and Angela dance. Adlen keeps looking over his shoulder, Angela teases him.
            "Don't worry---my Daddy isn't going to 'sucker punch' you."
            "Are you sure about that, his temper was getting rather hot a few minutes ago."
            "Don't worry---if my Daddy was going to hit you---you would see it coming---believe me."
            Adlen frowns, "Angela----can I ask you a question?"
                     "About what?"
                  "About what happened with that Kiwi creep and that other guy, Danny?"
                   "Adlen, I can't talk about that, my brother and I have to testify---my Mother said not to talk about it."
            "But, Angela---I just need to ask you one question."
            "Will it shut you up?"
            Adlen smiles, "Yes---I just need to know if that "Danny" character really meant to hurt you and your family---or was it just 'hearsay?"
                Angela's bottom lip starts to quiver, "Well, how does this grab you? Danny was a guest in our home, compliments of my brother, Cooper. We all went out of our way to make him feel welcome, and how does he repay us, by helping Sarge go after my other brothers and putting a hypodermic needle into Cordell. Danny was holding Cordell while that son of a bitch went after my brother---then Danny went after my baby brother!!!  Do you know what affects that can have on a 4 year old----he's already a victim of nightmares from his own imagination and then this!!! Danny also stalked me for Kiwi----Kiwi killed my best friend and he tried to kill Cooper----does that sound like it was just "hearsay?"
            Adlen tries to quiet Angela as other dancers are staring at them. Thank God, the Walkers are on the other side of the dance floor and haven't heard Angela's outburst.
                "Okay, Angela----I'm sorry---I won't say anything more about it---okay?"
                  Angela nods her head and the two go back to dancing.
              Walker and Alex are dancing cheek to cheek, Alex sighs, "Thank goodness---you have finally decided that dancing is not so bad---I can remember practically having to drag you to the dance floor."
                Walker kisses his wife's cheek, "That's because I finally stopped stepping on your toes."
            Alex kisses him softly, "By the way, I haven't given you your Christmas present yet."
                   Walker's eyelids dance up and down as he lets his right hand fall gently to his wife's buttocks. "Oooooh---my Christmas gift, huh? Right here in the middle of the dance floor---go ahead---lay it on me---I can take it."
            Alex giggles as she pulls her husband's hand back up, "Would you get serious?"
            "Alex----I am serious---I tell you it sure has been difficult trying to get some time alone with you---every time we try and start something, we get interrupted."
            "I know, sweetheart---and I'm sorry about that---here---maybe this will ease the hurt."
                 Walker looks down at a little box, trimmed in a blue ribbon. "What's this?"
            "Well, open it and see, silly.  I hope you like it, the kids and I had it designed at the Galleria."
                  Walker opens the box and lifts out a key chain with the initial ‘W’on it.  The letter has 6 stars embedded in diamonds, and within each star, there are five names."
                   Walker looks at it, rubbing his finger over each star, the sixth start remaining blank. "Wow--it's beautiful hon----I love it."
            Alex smiles back at him, "Turn it over, honey---and read the inscription."
                 Walker turns the key chain over and reads softly, "You are the heaven---that holds these stars."
            He reaches down and kisses his wife long and tender, "Thank you---and when we get back to our stateroom---I will show you just how thankful---I really am----Little Ray "is" spending the night in Angela's cabin-----right?"
            Alex giggles softly, "Oh yes---if not there---then he will sleep in the twins' cabin."
                     Angela feels her Mother's hand gently on her shoulder. "Sweetheart--we're going out on the observation deck---would you keep an eye on Little Ray----and what about the twins---where are they?"
            "Yes Mom, I'll watch Little Ray---don't know where the twins are, they finished their sets and then they left with some other kids."
                      Walker takes his wife's hand and they walk out towards the deck, Walker glares back at Adlen, the boy takes a deep breath.
            The Walkers walk around the huge ship, staring up at the sky. They walk towards the stern of the ship, and Alex leans back against her husband.
            "Oh Walker, isn't the night beautiful?"
            "It sure is," he answers kissing her cheek and wrapping his arms tighter around her. "Are you warm enough?"
            "It is getting a little nippy out here---but let's stay here a little longer---okay?"
                      Walker takes his jacket off and wraps it around her, "Okay, but only for a little while, I don't want you catching cold."
            Alex looks at her husband's face, and sees a far away look in his eyes. "Honey----what's wrong?"
                   Walker shakes his head as though he's suddenly brought back out of his dream. “Nothing hon----I was just thinking of that scene in which the families were separated and the women and children were put into the lifeboats first."
            Alex nuzzles against her husband's chest, "All I know is---that if I were in that situation--I would not leave you----they would have to tie me down on that lifeboat---I would never leave you."
                    Walker kisses his wife long and sensuous, "That goes for me too, Mrs. Walker----we would go down together.  But right now, you need to get off your feet. There are some chaise lounges over there and I see some blankets----let's go sit down."

 

Seekers – Trial – Chapter 6
By SASQUAW


            Walker and Alex walk over to the chairs and Walker puts the chair into a reclining position. He unfolds the one blanket and sits down, motioning for his wife to sit in his lap. Alex cuddles up against him and as the temperature continues to drop Walker wraps the blanket around her, pulling her snug against him.
            "Are you warm enough?"
            "Oh yes," she purrs, "I'm always warm when I'm in your arms."
            They sit for a few moments, not having to say anything, Alex rubs his chest, "Want to talk about it----honey, why are you letting Adlen get under your skin?"
            "I don't know, hon----there's just something about him that I don't trust. ----Something about him, I can't put my finger on it."
                "Honey---you have more than enough reason to be suspicious---we all do. We're still reeling from that nightmare with Kiwi-----but I believe Adlen when he says he's not out to hurt our daughter."
            "Alex----you're too trusting--------and besides there's something else not sitting too good with me."
            Alex raises up and stares at her husband with concern, "What?  What's bothering you?"
            Walker hesitates, "Something our daughter said-----and what you just said earlier about all of those people losing their lives on that doomed ship."
            "The movie?   Walker, it was just a movie and you know how things get blown out of proportion?"
            "I know, but that really did happen,. Maybe not quite the way Hollywood showed us, but the fact is, a lot of men, 'fathers', lost their lives that night. Can you imagine what was going through the minds of those men when they knew they would never see their families again?"
                  "Walker----what did Angela say to you?"
            Now Walker is trying to make light of the subject, he shrugs. "She just said----that someday I wouldn't be around, and that she and the other kids would have to learn----to take care-----of themselves----that's all."
                 "Honey--we are not  immortal-----and yes---someday we are not going to be around----but I'm sure that Angela didn't mean it the way ---you are taking this.---We are here for a only a short time, we're just "on loan"---how many times have I heard you say that?"
            Walker takes a deep breath and pulls his wife back down onto his chest, "I know----I didn't mean to sound morbid, especially tonight of all nights. We should be talking about pleasant things, and I've got a very pleasant thought running through my mind right now---and it's all starting with that new negligee I saw earlier."
            Alex giggles, running her hands over his chest then putting her right hand behind Walker's head and drawing him down to her, "Ooooooh---you noticed that, did you?"
            Their lips meet and Alex opens her mouth slowly, taking his lips inside hers. She feels the tickle of his beard against her lips, and sighs. They deepen their kiss and Walker slides deeper into the chair, tightening his arms around her. Their breathing becomes faster, as Walker is kissing her neck and going down to her shoulders, his right hand reaching for the front of her evening gown----.
            They hear someone trying to clear their voice and they sit up quickly. They see the young waiter, looking very embarrassed.
            "Uh----I'm sorry---to interrupt----but Mr. and Mrs. Walker---your boys are ----in the ship's infirmary."
            "Oh my God,” Alex grabs her husband's arm---"are they hurt----how bad are they hurt?"
            Walker is trying to support his wife while staring back at the waiter. The young man doesn't seem upset about delivering his message, on the contraire; the young man is trying to keep from laughing.
            "Your boys aren't hurt, Mrs. Walker----they just had a little too much to drink."
            "Drink?  What the hell are you talking about---they're not old enough to be served any alcohol," shouts Walker.
            The young waiter is getting nervous, "Sir----if you and your wife could just follow me to the infirmary----and things will be explained to you there?"


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


            Gordon Cahill is very pleased at the way the evening has turned out. The evening has been very pleasing indeed as he keeps staring at the dark haired woman. They had dinner at one of the nicest restaurants in Dallas, they danced under the shimmering Christmas lights in the ballroom, the woman laughed at his corny jokes.
            They are now enjoying a drink---coffee!
            Gordon keeps staring at the woman, he starts to say something, then for fear she will take it the wrong way, he hesitates.
            The woman is in her mid forties, dark hair and eyes, she's not the typical kind of date that the elderly and retired lawyer is accustomed to dating, but here lately---his dates have been nothing to write home to Mama about. At least she seems to be enjoying his company and hasn't said anything about wanting to leave the fancy restaurant. She's tried to look around at its classy surroundings without being too obvious. Gordon gets the feeling that the woman has never been to anything as fancy as The Cattlebaron's Club for the elite. The reservations alone would probably eat her paycheck.
            "Are you having a good time?" he asks.
            The woman sighs, her dark eyes glowing, "Oh yes---thank you so much for an enjoyable evening."
            Gordon feels his stomach getting queasy "Oh no---here it comes---she will say she has to get home---or some sob story."
            "Are you sure?"
            "Yes," the woman answers.
            Gordon sighs, "Very well---I'll get the waiter's attention--and the check."
            The woman looks at him in confusion, "Are we leaving?"
            Gordon does a double take, "I thought you meant---you wanted to leave?"
            The woman shakes her head slowly, "Not unless----you do---I'm sorry---a guess a man like you has other things to do--we can leave."
            Gordon waves the waiter away----"NO! I don't want to leave---do you?"
            The woman answers softly, "No."
            They order more coffee, and Gordon continues talking about his days as a lawyer, and sneaks in a joke now and then, the woman is laughing.
            Again, Gordon is searching for words and just the right way to say them. Finally, he just blurts it out, "What are you doing New Year's?"
            The woman smiles, "I don't have any plans---that I know of---and you?"
            Gordon is all smiles, "I would be honored if you would spend New Year's Eve---with me-----in Alaska."
                    "Alaska?  Are you serious?"
            "I have never been more serious---please say ‘yes’.”
            The woman is stunned, "But----what about my daughter, I can't go all the way to Alaska---without her?"
            "You can bring her with us------the place we'll be staying at has lots of rooms------and you and your daughter can have a bedroom to yourself----if you like?"
            The woman raises her brow and looks at Gordon shyly. He lays his napkin down on the table and shakes his head, "I'm sorry---I didn't mean to put you on the spot or to embarrass you---I have a bad habit---of saying what's on my mind."
                    "Really?" The woman teases, "I would have never guessed."
            The couple laugh, "I have really enjoyed this evening------it's been a long time since I have totally enjoyed an evening out---and I will be completely honest with you by saying---that most of my evenings have been, very embarrassing--to say the least."
            The woman smiles, "Gordon----if you are referring to your 'problem’, remember I know all about it. I do work in Dr Thomas' office and I was there when he told you about your cancer."
            Gordon nods his head slowly and whispers "Prostate----I guess I've been long overdue for it.  A man tries to brace himself for the day that that he's told that he will no longer be able to perform---but it's still---hard to accept."
            "It's difficult for a woman to accept that she can no longer have children---we have our problems too, Gordon."
            "Is that what happened to you, the reason you only have the one child?"
            "Partly----I lost my Ben when my daughter was just a baby---he was my life, I loved him so much. It was nearly 5 yrs before I even thought about dating, I felt guilty---I thought I was betraying his memory. Finally after several attempts I was able to start dating again---and I fell in love again.  But, I found out he was married and had several kids, so again I was sent into a tailspin. I was very depressed for several years, and if it hadn't been for my daughter, I would have probably ended my life. About 10 yrs ago, I found out I had cancer. There was no choice to make, it had to be cut out or I would surely die. The result was a complete hysterectomy. I was only 30, I wanted more children, but it just wasn't meant to be. I also lost a lot of my sexual desires, and what man is going to want to spend time with someone that doesn't even desire to make love?"
            Gordon swallows, "I'm sorry----I wasn't aware of your -----of your-------"
                "Inadequacy?  You can say the word, I've certainly heard worse descriptions of it---but I'm beyond that now. I have my daughter and so far I have had total remission from the terrible "C" word, and that's a hell of a lot to be thankful for, wouldn't you say?"
            Gordon continues to stare at the woman, her eyes are soft and truthful. He reaches out and takes her hand, "I would be so very happy if you and your daughter would accompany me to Anchorage, to bring in the new year with my daughter and her family.  Would you please think about it?"
                                         *******************************


            The Walkers have made their way to the infirmary, and Alex rushes in ahead of her husband and she sees the twins all doubled over. Three more young boys and a young girl are in various stages of intoxication. The ship's medic approaches the Walkers.
            "Your boys will be fine after a good night's sleep---they consumed quite a bit of champagne."
            Walker stares back at him, "Where did they get it, who served them champagne?"
            "As we understand, the kids were swiping the almost empty glasses that the adults were leaving behind on their tables, followed by some half empty wine glasses and an occasional beer or two."
            Alex is wiping the twins' brows, when one of them starts heaving and has to run to the bathroom. Soon, it's like a chain reaction and the other kids are all running to the same commode. Walker takes a deep breath and waits for his sons to come back out. Angela and Adlen have heard the news and they are standing outside. Angela keeps asking if they're okay.
            Adlen peeks inside and then fans the air, "They're okay, Angela----just snockered."
            The twins come out first, stumbling and hitting the floor, Alex rushes to them and Walker pulls her back. He looks to the medic, "Can we take our sons back to their cabin now?"
            The medic nods, "Yes----but I'm sure the Captain is going to want to talk to all the parents in the morning---after all, these are all minors and proper supervision was not administered."
            Walker nods, "I will meet with your Captain and believe me----this will not happen again."
            Walker reaches down and pulls up one of the twins and puts him over his shoulder. Alex tries to help the other one up, he's mumbling, "The ship----is ----sinking----I'm going to drown."
            Walker is reaching down and trying to get the other boy to stand up, but he keeps falling down. Adlen steps into the cabin and takes the twin out of Walker's grip.
            "It's okay, Mr. Walker---I got him," Adlen throws the twin over his shoulder, "upsy daisy Cooper---I got you."
            The boy's eyes are glassy, "I'm not Cooper---I'm Cordell" he mumbles.
                "Whichever," replies Adlen, "right now---your name is mud---you're going to have a hell of a headache come morning!" He looks back to Walker, "Right behind you, Mr. Walker---lead the way."
            The Walkers have barely reached the twins' cabin when they are both running to the commode again. Walker closes the bathroom door and motions for Angela to take Little Ray out.
            "Are they going to be alright, Daddy?"
            "They'll be fine, baby----now go get your brother ready for bed."
            Alex keeps going to the bathroom door, "I'm going to wet some towels to take into them."  When she opens the door, both boys are groaning and more projectile is being ejected, Alex has to back up to keep from being sprayed. Walker gently pulls her back.
            "Alex---you take care of measles, mumps, and menstrual periods---I'll take care of this."
            Adlen is grinning as he sneaks a look at Angela who blushes at the mention of "menstrual periods." She glares back at him then nudges her baby brother out of the cabin.
            Alex is still wanting to go to her sons, "But, Walker---“
                   "Honey---just go and call room service for lots of black coffee and tell them to make it extra strong---right now these two are going into the shower."
            Adlen is laughing and then he stops as Walker's eyes bore into him, "Relax Mr. Walker-----I'm not laughing 'at' them, just 'with' them-----I've been down this road a couple of times myself.  I'll help you get them into the shower."
            "I don't need your help---I can take care of my own boys," and Walker reaches in to turn the shower on. He starts to the nearest twin who is trying to stand up, but Walker starts slipping and sliding in the vomit on the floor. He grabs the first twin and they both go down.
            Adlen is fighting to keep from laughing, he grabs the other twin and stands him up, slapping his face lightly. "Come on boy----snap out of it---we're going for a swim."
            Adlen pushes the twin into the shower with all of his clothes on; the twin starts yelling as the cold water hits him. Walker now has the other boy up and he too, is thrown into the shower. The twins are both screaming that the ship is going down.
            Walker and Adlen walk out into the hallway as Alex comes running back, "Are they okay?"
            Walker starts to answer when Adlen speaks up, "They're fine Mrs. Walker---but come morning---they're going to have headaches the size of Texas."
            Walker glares at the young man and then to his wife, "They'll be fine, hon---is the coffee coming?"
            "It's on it's way," Alex answers, looking at Adlen and then to her husband. "We want to thank you for helping to get the boys back to their cabin."
            Adlen smiles, "Nothing to it, Mrs. Walker----glad I could help---goodnight."  The young man walks off and he turns to see Walker staring back at him, he smirks and continues on. He whispers to himself, "I've got you right where I want you, Walker---you are so confused right now----you don't know which way is up-----and after I get through with you---you're going to wish you never heard the' name---Adlen Belle"


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

 

Walker ranch; Christmas Day
                                    

The phone is ringing constantly, and Gordon finally answers it.
                  "Gordon!!!! It's me, Jimmy---J.W. said you called and said it was urgent---what's wrong?"
            "Well, you took your good sweet time about calling," Gordon yells back at the black ranger.
            "I'm sorry---I've been busy---what's wrong, what are you so upset about?"
            Gordon is trying to pour himself a cup of coffee, "I just got word that creep, Danny, is trying to plea bargain for a lesser sentence."
            "That's not surprising---we expected that! They all try to cop a plea when they're going down---is that what has you all upset?"
            "That's only part of it, Jimmy---that son-of-a-bitch is wanting to turn state witness---against Walker for what he claims was cold bloodied murder of that Sarge."
            "It won't stand up in court, Gordon, and you know it! It would be Danny's word against all of us and those two highway patrolmen. They were good friends of troopers Mike and Eric, that was fed to the hogs by that monster! They will not testify against Walker! The only other witnesses were me and Cooper---and I know that I would rot in hell before I would testify against him, and I know Cooper feels the same way!"
            "If you are both served with papers, you won't have any choice but to testify, and in failing to do so will result in perjury and possible jail time for withholding evidence."
            "Never happen, Gordon---it's our word against his, and mine and Cooper's sudden bout with amnesia."
            "Look Jimmy---I know how devoted you are to Walker----"
            "He's my brother, Gordon---maybe not by blood---but he's still my brother in every sense of the word---I would do anything for Walker and I know he would do anything for me."
            Gordon smiles, "I admire such devotion---but we have to be logical about this. This Danny kid is unstable, the psychiatrists are already drilling him, and he's got a fancy new attorney that says he will bring charges against Walker as soon as Danny is said to be 'sane enough to testify'!”
            "That's a bunch of crock and you know it, Gordon. Walker had every reason to defend himself and his kid. Sarge was going after him with a hypodermic needle with lethal injection   with every intent to kill both him and Cooper,. Danny was an accomplice---you know it and I know it!"
            "Yes---I know that and if I could have taken that son-of-a-bitch out myself for hurting my family, I wouldn't have hesitated to do so----but Jimmy---the fact that Danny is bargaining on, was that Walker did nothing to get Sarge out of that hog pen, before they killed him."
            "Like I said, Gordon---it's our word against Danny's---and there are four of us that will say that Walker did try to help Sarge---but it was too late, the hogs already had him."
            "Son---what about guns? The lawyers will ask why you didn't shoot those beasts?"
            There's a long silence and then Trivette answers, "Umm---if I remember right---Walker did take my gun and had every intention of shooting them, and then he dropped his gun in all the slop and excrement---accidentally."
            "What about the troopers---what was wrong with their weapons, did they drop theirs too?"
            "Well, actually---the troopers got there 'after' it was too late, and as for Cooper---Walker doesn't allow him to carry a gun."
            Gordon shakes his head, "You think you got it all worked out don't you, son?----When you get on that stand, that lawyer of Danny's will try to tear your testimony to pieces---he will come after you with everything he's got."
                     "Gordon----it will not be the first time that I've had "run in’s" with stinking lawyers, present company excluded of course, and it won't be the last. I'm prepared to do and say whatever I have to do. As for those troopers, I can't say what they will do at the last moment---but between you and me and the lamppost, I'm putting my badge on the line by saying that they won't testify against Walker!  They know how their fellow officers died, Sarge got just what he deserved!"
                  "Jimmy---I don't know if I should tell Alexandra about this---I'm leaving tonight to join them in Anchorage---what do you think?"
                  "Gordon---don't tell them anything---let them enjoy this vacation---when they get back home will be soon enough to say anything about this."
            "Yeah---you're right---they certainly have the right to some enjoyment in their lives---I just hope my daughter doesn't see the worry in my eyes."
            "Wear sunglasses." Trivette jokes.
            "You're certainly in a jovial mood---I take it that your vacation has been----enjoyable?"
            Trivette sighs, "You can't imagine what an enjoyable time I've been having---I met a couple of old girlfriends--we've been catching up on lost time."
                      "Really?  Are you talking both at the same time?"
            Trivette laughs, "So far it's just been one on one, but I won't rule out a threesome, if they should bring it up. What about you---what happened with that marine biologist that you were hot and heavy for?"
            Gordon smiles, "She was something else----her body was to die for---and believe me I was doing my best to make something happen----but like the last two ----she went home in a taxi after I spent a fortune on an expensive dinner and rented a room at the Emperor---king size bed, mirrors on the ceiling---the whole nine yards. And then "poof" I was flatter than a pancake and nothing I could do could make it rise again."
            Trivette is laughing hysterically, as he looks back to see his son coming in. "Hold on, Gordon---I think J.W. wants to talk to you."
            "Hi, Grandpa, Merry Christmas to you."
            "Merry Christmas to you son, did you get the gift I sent?"
            "I sure did, Grandpa and thanks---but that was a lot of money that you sent."
            Gordon smiles, "Well, you just spend that money anyway you please, enjoy."
                     "Grandpa---have you talked to Angela?"
            "Not yet---I'm getting ready to call them to say I'll meet them in Anchorage---I'd better do that now and finish my packing---I'll talk to you after the first--bye son."
            "Bye Grandpa---love ya."


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


            It is now Christmas morning on The Ice Princess, as Adlen turns to the long haired girl laying naked next to him. He reaches out and touches her long auburn hair, she sighs and turns to him. He kisses her long and tender, then goes to her breasts, he stops and whispers.
            "You better get dressed and get out of here----your old man is going to start looking for you."
            The girl purrs and reaches for him again, he pushes her back gently, "Did you hear what I said---now get dressed?"
            "Just ten more minutes---you got me so hot."
            Adlen reaches for a cigarette, "I like to keep 'em coming back for me---go back and screw your old man---if he can get it up."
            The girl curses and slides out of bed, "You are so cruel some times, you weren't like this last night---you couldn't wait to get me under the sheets."
            Adlen takes a long draw, looking at the girl's body. Her long auburn hair cascading down over her shapely hips, her breasts are to die for, and he thought he would never get his fill of them just hours earlier. He smirks, "Well, that was last night---today is another day, and tonight will be different---meaning you know the rules----don't come looking for me. I will be with someone else."
            The girl says nothing as Adlen continues to watch her, "Did you take care of that little thing I asked you to do?"
            "Yes," the girl answers, "I did what you asked, I watched him while he was working out in the gym------for a man his age----he's got a nice body. He keeps it in shape."
            "Did he see you watching him?"
            The girl stops dressing and runs her hands over her body, "Just because the man is married does not mean he's blind---he noticed ---I made sure of that."
            Adlen nods his head, "I'll bet you did---did he make an attempt to talk to you?"
            "Nope----he was just looking---besides he's always got one or two kids with him, ---are all of those kids his---how many does he have?"
            Adlen says nothing as he drops the butt into a half empty glass of wine, "You just concentrate on what you're suppose to do."
            The girl is now dressed as she turns to Adlen, "How much longer is this going to continue, Martin says the time is getting too close---we have to make our move before Lars gets back into the states, and that will be any day now."
            "I know what I'm doing---and I know how to take care of ‘Daddy dearest’.”
            The girls huffs and walks out, passing Woody on the way.
            Woody sees his friend still lying on his pull down "Murphy" bed. He curses, "Hey---do you think maybe I could have my bed now---you and Miss Centerfold have had it all night, and I got to get some sleep before my next shift starts?"
            "Yeah, yeah-----I'm out of here," replies Adlen as he starts reaching for his pants, "I got to get something to eat---I'm starving."
            Woody shakes his head, "I wonder why---even 'superman' can't go that hot and heavy all night without getting some nourishment."
            Adlen is taking his time putting his socks and shoes on, he looks to Woody, "Hey---can I ask you a question?"
            Woody is exhausted as he plops down on his bed, "What?"
            "Do you think Mrs. Walker is attractive?"
            Woody raises up on one elbow, looking at his friend in confusion, "Yeah," he answers slowly, "for a woman her age---yeah---she's attractive---why?"
            Adlen stands up and reaches for his shirt, "Well---I think she's just damn right sexy----for an older woman."
            Woody sighs and lays back down, "You are crazy----you got all of these babes falling all over you, some of them have bodies that would drive a man insane---and you're thinking of a woman--that could be old enough to be your Mother-----you do know that she's pregnant---don't you?"
            "Yeah, I know----Angela mentioned it. Guess that's what gives her that "look", she's got a glow about her."
            Woody rolls off his bed and grabs a cigarette, "Adlen---stop it!  You can't go trying to mess with that woman---her husband will kill you---he doesn't like you as it is."
            Adlen smiles, "It's too bad that this is not happening a few months further down the line you know, and then her old man would be more apt to look around at the shapelier bodies that are running around this ship.  And, like Megan just said, the old man is in pretty good shape for his age."
            "The man is into the martial arts and all of that kung fu stuff, of course he's going to keep his body in shape. You read what he did to that Sarge----and what about the other stories on him, he's like a 'one man army'---and that's another thing, Adlen----that Angela knows how to kick ass, too!  That Kiwi guy can testify to that---he's walking around the Tarrant county jail---with half his face missing."
            Adlen laughs, "Well, from what I hear----it's  an improvement--------I hear he likes to swing both ways-----the inmates at Huntsville aren't going to care what his face looks like---they're going to be more interested in his ass hole!"

To be continued....

Seekers – Trial – Chapter 7
By: SASQUAW

            It's morning and Walker and Heck have been moved to the yard. Walker looks around as inconspicuously as he can. A chain link fence encloses the yard, about 15 ft in height, with barbed wire across the top. He guesses the perimeter to be 500 ft. The one gate is at the far end, there are never less than four guards, there are several small buildings where he guesses the guards sleep, and then the long building that he just exited from.  He tries to count the guards, aside from the four on the gate, he counts at least 10. There are only 6 prisoners, beside himself, and just like him, they have all been beaten where they pose no threat of escape.
            Heck has limped off towards the other prisoners, taking them water. He saves some back for his friend, he hands Walker the ladle.
            "Here my friend, this water is fresh, I swiped it from one of the guard's buckets when he was not looking."
            Walker drinks half of it down and saves the rest for Heck, "You take the rest----you're right----it's good. I had forgotten how good water can taste----thank you."
            The two friends sit down on the hard ground, Walker is still trying to take everything in and memorize it. He whispers to Heck, "Did you see the old man----is he still alive?"
            "Just barely-----they took him out in the early hours---they took him outside the gate and told him to leave."
            Walker stares back at Heck, "Were you able to talk to him---did you give him my message?"
            Heck shakes his head, "He would not listen----or could not hear what I was telling him. He just stood there outside the gate, he can barely see----he was so mixed up about what direction to go in, he kept hitting the side of the fence----the guards laughed. He finally stumbled away-----he will find the nearest village with his nose----the smell of the rotting garbage will beckon him."
            Walker sighs, "I've got to start clearing my head---I know there is a way out of here, but I've got to get my energy up and that means eating everything I can get my hands on. Do you see those plants just outside the gate?"
            Heck looks in the direction that Walker is pointing, "Yes----I see them----they are Semillas de Herbas---they are related to the loco weed."
            "Yes, I know-----but they are not poisonous if they are soaked in hot water."
            "Where do you plan to get hot water, senor------and even so ---they can't be that nutritious."
            Walker puts his arm around the old man, "They can't be anymore harmful than what the guards have been feeding us-----they have many uses, Heck----they can also be used as an antibiotic."
            "How do you know all this, my friend----are you a doctor?"
            Walker answers quietly, "No, I'm not a doctor, but when I was in Nam we relied on a lot of plants and wild berries to keep us alive in the jungles---some made us sick and some drove us almost to insanity-----it was those we learned to stay away from. The others were a thin line from starvation, there are plants like these all over the world, just different names for them."
            "How do we get the plants inside to our cells--the guards will not let us have them."
            "The same way that you hid my family's picture----can you do it, Heck?  It will be painful trying to walk with the plants under your dead skin----it's up to you my friend."
.           The old Mexican nods his head slowly and leans on Walker, "Just get me over there---I will create a diversion so that you reach under the fence----let's go."
            The two men walk slowly towards the fence, one of the guards is eyeing them. As they get closer, Heck goes down on the ground, screaming in Spanish and holding his head. The guard laughs at him and starts yelling back at him and calling him ‘El Loco’, the other guards start laughing and surrounding the old man, Walker walks up to the fence and reaches out for a handful of the weed, then shoves it down inside his shirt. He walks away quickly. He walks away from the old man, the old man stops screaming, the guards walk away from him.
            Walker is standing at the entrance to their building, when Heck hobbles up to him. "Did you get it, senor?"
            Walker nods, taking a clump of the weed and shoving it up under the steps, he keeps only a small wad. "This is about all that you can put under the dead skin---are you ready---my friend?"
            The old man sits down on the ground, and Walker sits beside him, keeping an eye out for the guards. Heck pulls his pants' leg back, revealing the dead and rotting skin. The smell reaches their nostrils, causing them to catch their breath. Walker stares at the gap in the old man's leg, it's grown to the size of about 3 inches in diameter, the skin is hanging by a flap. The old man holds the flap up as Walker lays the weed inside the cavity as gently as he can. He packs it down as tightly as he can, without hurting the old man. The old man is trying hard not to show his pain, his eyes water.
            Walker helps him to stand, and they wait till the guards tell them to re-enter.


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


               Breakfast is being served aboard The Ice Princess, Walker is sipping his coffee as the twins walk slowly up to the table in the huge dining room. Alex looks to them and then to her husband. He says nothing as the twins sit down slowly, muttering their ‘good mornings’."
            Angela grins deviously---"What are you guys having for breakfast------want some gooey eggs----and maybe some biscuits to sop up the egg yolk?"
            The twins grimace, and Cooper makes a face at his sister---"Shut up, Angela."
            "That will be enough of that-----Angela quit teasing your brothers," warns Walker.
            Alex takes a deep sigh, reaching out and touching Cooper's head, "Do you need something for your headache?"
            "Yeah," groans Cooper, "another head would help."
            "As soon as you two sober up---we have to meet with the captain and see what kind of discipline he's going to suggest------I am right in saying----this will not happen again---WILL IT?"
            Both the boys shake their heads, "No sir----not in my lifetime," mumbles Cordell.
            Walker and Alex smile at each other and Walker takes out the key chain that Alex presented him with the night before.
            "I also want to thank you for the Christmas gift----your Mother said that you kids picked it out and designed it----it's really nice----thank you."
            Little Ray is shoving his breakfast of cereal into his mouth. He grins real big, staring at Walker, "Me help, too, Daddy."
            "Yeah, I know you did, buckaroo-----come here and show me which star has your name."
            The boy jumps down from his chair and crawls up into his Daddy's lap, he points to the star next to the bottom----"That one, Daddy----that my name, Way Gordon----baby's name---we don't know yet."
            Walker laughs, kissing the top of his son's head--"Yep----you're right---that's your name, Ray Gordon----and the new baby's name will be under yours."
            Alex smiles, "Why don't we let the kids pick out the baby's name, how about it guys-----want to name the baby this time?"
            "I have an idea," suggests Angela, "if it's a boy I get to name it----if it's a girl----the boys name it----If it's a boy---I'm naming him TROUBLE!"
            Walker stands up, "Come on guys---time to face the music!"
            The twins stand up slowly and Cooper rubs his seat, whispering  to himself, "Please don't let there be a barn on this ship."


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


            Adlen is watching the Walkers from the other side of the room. His friend, the waiter walks up to him and hands him a cell phone. Woody's eyes are tense, "Guess who?"
            Without answering him, Adlen takes the phone---"Hello, Father-----where are you?"
            Adlen talked for some ten minutes, then hands the phone back to Woody, "Get my bags packed---I have to meet with Lars."
            "Is your Father upset----he sounded strange?"
            Adlen keeps staring at Walker, "Well----he's not exactly happy with me right now, but what else is new?"
            Woody shakes his head, "That man goes out of his way to make you happy---he gives you everything you ask for-----I don't understand why you treat him so cold?"
            "You couldn't possibly understand why I feel the way I do---Lars is only my stepfather----get that though your head."
            "He's been a Father to you in every sense of the word----just because he's not your biological Father----doesn't give you reason to treat him the way you do."
            "Don't start in on me, Woody----or you will be looking for other employment."
            Woody smirks, "Poor little rich boy----you can buy anything with your millions---but you can't buy----HIS LOVE," as Woody points to Walker.---"Face it, Adlen----he doesn't even know you exist."
            Adlen stares back at his friend, "He will know I exist by the time I get though with him---and he will pay for my Mother's death! When I get through with Cordell Walker---he will know the name of Adlen Belle, his bastard son!"
            Adlen starts stomping back to Woody's cabin, he picks up his suitcase and stats shoving his clothes inside. Woody walks around slowly, trying to decide if he should pursue this conversation. Finally, he walks up to Adlen and jerks him around to face him.
            "Leave this be, Adlen---- you'll be hurting a lot of innocent people if you go through with this."
            "What about me, Woody---I haven't been hurt by all of the lies, the deception---and what about my Mother? Doesn't she deserve justice?"
            Woody shakes his head, "Up until a few years ago, you didn't care about learning the truth--you were too busy bedding anything that had a snatch----all of a sudden you're hell bent on proving that this Walker is your Father---you don't have any proof."
            "I will learn the truth and when I do----Cordell Walker will pay for my Mother's death."
            "That man is not responsible for your Mother's death and you know it! She died in Europe, Walker was nowhere around, he was in Texas, up to his eyeballs involved in a case with that madman---Victor La Rue! On the day you're Mother died, Walker was in the Tarrant county courthouse putting two slugs into that madman. You saw the reports Adlen, it was in the newspapers that I sent you."
            "Yeah, I remember-----he might not have put the gun to my Mother's head and pulled the trigger---but he was still responsible!   All those years-----she 'pined' over him, but he never answered any of her phone calls and the times she was in Texas, he refused to see her!"
            "How do you know that?  Your Mother lied to you so many times----how do you know what the truth was, and what about your brother----look how she lied to you about him?"
            "Leave my brother out of this!"
                     Woody's temper is rising, "I would be glad to leave your brother out of it, if I could!  But, the truth is----he was treated like a leper----and you were the golden child----always getting everything you wanted----while your brother was kicked to the streets."
            Adlen lights up another cigarette, "He had his choices----he made the choice to leave."
            "He was just a kid, Adlen----he was barely six years old when your Mother sent him to live with your grandmother----that old woman was the closest thing to love that kid ever knew! When she died, his whole world fell apart----where was your precious Mother then----she made no attempt to try and help him. Everyone has always been so concerned about you and your 'wants'----no one ever gave a damn about Daniel."
            Adlen's voice softens, "Lars tried to help him----but he refused his help."
            Woody shakes his head, "Lars only 'attempted' to help him, because you asked him to that one time---Lars was only doing it for you."
            "SO?  I tried, didn't I---Daniel didn't want my help----he had his own friends-----those weirdoes that he got involved with!"
            Woody pours himself a drink and stares back at his friend, "Daniel needed help---he was mentally disturbed and all of you knew it and not one of you tried to get him the professional help he needed! That's why he took up with those 'weirdo’s' and then later he became involved with that 'sicko kid killer'-----Sarge!"
            Adlen smiles, "Yeah----and now he's facing the death penalty for what he and Sarge did to those little boys----and guess who's going to be prosecuting his butt?"
            "He's your brother, Adlen----don't you have any feelings for him at all?"
            "He's a fruit---he likes little boys--I got no sympathy for queers!"
            "Maybe he wouldn't be that way, if you and your family had paid attention to him----all of you treated him like dirt----especially your Mother!"
            Adlen slams his fist into Woody's face, "You watch what you say about my Mother----it's HIS fault that she---was so mixed up-----she didn't know what she was doing-----she loved him so much-----it's Walker's fault---and he's going to pay!"
            Adlen grabs his suitcase and he's out the door, he passes Megan on his way out.
            "Where are you going?"
            "I've got to meet with Lars----Woody will explain it all."
            Megan looks at Woody who is reaching for a wet rag to put on his busted lip, "How is he going to get off the ship?"
            Woody slams the rag down, "The same way he always makes his exits----Daddy 'dearest’ will either land a chopper or send another boat for him-----who cares?"
            Megan looks at Woody's busted lip and grimaces, "Wow----he sure did a number on you this time!"
            "Yeah----but this will be the last time----I refuse to let him push me around-----and I refuse to let him hurt the Walkers, Adlen has gone too far this time!"
            "And----what are you planning on doing about it?  If you say anything--your career is right out the window, all of our careers are out the window! Just let it ride, Lars will take care of it."
            "Lars will do whatever Adlen asks him to------ he always does."
            Megan stammers, "I'm not so sure about that----Martin said he was very upset with Adlen----and he's refusing to go along with hiring that attorney that Adlen asked for."
            Woody stares back at Megan, "Your husband said that----that Lars has refused to hire McDivit-----what about the bail money-----is he going to come through with it?"
            Megan looks back at Woody in confusion, "They can't set Daniel's bail---till he goes to court----and even if they do---can you imagine how astronomical it will be?"
            Woody shakes his head, "Just chump change for Lars Kentworth---- he owns half of this cruise line and countless others, he's got businesses all over Europe---hell---the man himself doesn't even know what he's worth!!  It's about time they started doing something for Daniel, he wouldn't be in that Tarrant county jail if they had paid attention to him earlier and got him psychiatric help!"
            "You've always felt sorry for Daniel, haven't you?"
            Woody touches his mouth and winces, "Why shouldn't I?  He's my brother, too!"


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


            Angela is staring at the twins, "So---what happened?  Is the captain going to make you both walk the plank?"
            Cooper is rubbing his head, "Oh, pipe down, Angela---they don't do that anymore---that went out with piracy and Long John Silver-----or whatever the hell his name was."
            Cordell nods, "We just got a severe lecture, and the promise we wouldn't get into anymore trouble----Dad said he would 'GURANTEE IT’ so I guess our lecture from him is due to come and something tells me---it's going to be worse than the lecture we got from the captain."
            Angela grins, "Oh---I'll just bet you're right on that----you do know that Mom and Dad had planned a little romantic evening together after the party last night----after it being Christmas Eve and all---but you two sure threw a monkey wrench into that---didn't you?"
            The twins groan, and Angela continues to taunt them-----"and I'll just bet that romantic evening didn't include taking care of two 13 year old drunks that were up-chucking all over the place!"
            Cooper motions for Angela to be quiet, "Could you please lower your voice----my head is splitting."
            Cordell nods, "Mine too----not to mention my breakfast is trying to come back up."
            Angela backs up, "There's no way I'm cleaning up after you two again."
            "You---Angela?" Asks Cordell---"you cleaned up after us?"
            "Well somebody had to! With all of that vomiting, Mom got sick and then she was up-chucking as well----Daddy and I were up all night cleaning up your mess. No sooner than we would get one of you cleaned up and your bed changed----then the other one would start vomiting all over again!!!  Let me tell you something---you both stunk----big time---and you owe me!"                 
            Cooper shakes his head, "Was Dad mad?"
            Angela stands there with her arms folded, "What do you think? He said he was going to cut your allowances in half---I told him--he should throw both of you overboard and just forget about you altogether. He said he couldn't do that after all the money he put out on the attic, getting it renovated."
            Cordell smiles, "Dad didn't say all of that---but I don't doubt what you said---not one bit."
            Angela smirks, "Actually---he didn't say too much of anything---I think he was more angrier that the alcohol was so easy to get to--but he did say that both of you knew that it was wrong to touch it----but I think he's also blaming himself that you two were left unsupervised."
            "Either way---our goose is cooked----where is he now?"
            "With Mom----they went back to talk to the captain." Angela feels a tug on her pants leg, and looks down to see Little Ray grinning back at her.
            "Come on thissy---me want to go swimming."
            "Okay, I'm coming--but we can't stay in the pool too long."
            The twins watch as Angela and Little Ray walk away. Cordell groans, rubbing his stomach, "Come on Coop-----we got to move around and I got to get my camera equipment upon deck for the Christmas picture."
            Cooper waves him off, "I'm not having my picture taken this year---I'm not up to it."
            "You'll feel better once we start walking around in the fresh air--Mom wants us to wear the sweaters she bought us----so which color do you want to wear---the blue one or the red one?"
            Cooper groans again, "It doesn't matter----whichever."
            "You'll be standing next to Mom, I'm not sure what color she will be wearing, Dad will be wearing his black western outfit and more than likely Angela will be wearing lavender. I think Little Ray is wearing a dark blue sweater---so I better wear the red one."
            "What difference does it make, bro----just take the damn picture quick----it's going to be freezing up there.  Are we getting close to Glazier Bay?"
            "Yeah----if I got it timed right---we should be coming upon it about the middle of the evening. That's going to be something to see, I hope to get some of them breaking away as the picture is being taken. But, to be on the safe side----I'm going to have the camcorder going, too."
            "I don't know how you can think of all these things when our heads feel like they're going to fall off---and when Dad gets through with us---we won't be sitting down anytime soon."
            "We knew what the consequences would be when we swiped those half empty glasses of champagne and wine---so we got no one to blame but ourselves---get over it."
                    "BOYS?"
            The twins jump as they look up to see Walker staring back at them. He crooks his finger at them, "Would you come with me please?"
            The boys look at each other and groan, "Damn it," mutters Cooper---"he must have found a barn!"


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


Newman, Texas - Christmas day


            The man has been watching the two young men ever since they arrived in his hometown. They've been asking a lot of questions, questions the man doesn't feel like answering. He's managed to avoid them, but he knows soon that they will find him, The FBI always finds you---no matter how hard you try to evade them. The man continues to sip his coffee in the small diner, the young men have spotted him and they are moving towards him. The man takes a deep breath, and motions for his cup to be refilled.
            The men are both young, early 30's, very smug and business like, the older one shows his badge to the tall cowboy           

"Dalton Reed?"
            "Yeah----that's me---what can I do you for?" he grins.
            "We would like to ask you some questions, do you have a few minutes?"
            Dalton stares back at the pretty waitress, she smiles back at him. His eyes go up and down her body, the same body he was ravaging just hours earlier in her motel room. He clicks his tongue against his teeth, "I'm not going anywhere---don't you guys ever take a holiday----it's Christmas Day---you know?"
            "We're aware of the holiday, Mr. Reed---just a few questions."
            Dalton stands up and points to a empty booth in the corner---"We can talk over there----Peggy---bring us a pot of coffee---will you sweetheart?"
            The men sit down, Dalton is watching their eyes, "You guys are always so serious----it might help if you didn't wear your shorts so tight---loosen up---it's Christmas----for God's sake."
            "We want to question you about a man, Cordell Walker---you know him?"
            Dalton shakes his head, "You know damn well I know him---now get on with it---what is it you wanna know about Walker?"
            "How well do you know him, Mr. Reed?"
            Dalton laughs, "I was wrong about you two----you've definitely just stepped off the ‘shit for brains' train."
            "What's that suppose to mean?"
            "You obviously haven't done your homework or you would know how well I know Cordell Walker."
            The younger man sneers back at Dalton, "We've done our homework enough to know that you used to be involved with his wife--Alexandra Cahill."
            Dalton stares back at the young man---"You get something straight---you little 'pip squeak'----Cahill and I are history----that was a long time ago---and that is none of your business."
            "We will decide what is our business, Mr. Reed----now answer my partner's question----how long have you known Cordell Walker?"
            "What's this all about----if you want to know about Walker---ask him."
            "We will get to him, right now we're asking you the questions---now do you answer the questions here or do we take you to downtown headquarters?"
            Dalton sighs and leans back, "I've known Walker for about 20 years or so, and before you ask if we're friends----the answer is no. His daughter and my son go to the same high school---over in Springtown---we do not associate, or party----hell---we rarely speak."
            The young one keeps eyeing Dalton, "Your son, Dylan was injured trying to get help for the Walker girl during that little episode at Springtown High, is that correct?"
            "Yeah---that's right----my son took a knife to the stomach for that girl---almost killed him---so?"
            The older man is more compassionate, "How is your son now, Mr. Reed?"
            "He's fine," Dalton answers slowly. "The doctors say he'll be just fine----he's home now."
            "You say that you and this Walker aren't friends---but you were observed in the hospital talking to the man----is this true?"
            Dalton slaps the table, "You stupid little imbecile----the man's son was also in the hospital from taking an injection from those sons-of-bitches that were involved in hurting my son----Walker was there visiting his boy---he came down to my son's room and asked about Dylan----we talked---- what the hell is this all about?"
            The older agent puts his hand up, "Okay, Mr. Reed----we've established the fact that the man was concerned about your son---let's get past that-----do you know a woman---named Liberty Bell?"
                  Dalton's face drains, "Liberty?  What has she got to do with all of this?"
            "How well did you know her, Mr. Reed--did you date her?"
            Dalton stammers, "Every man that rode the rodeo circuit knew Liberty -----she was not the kind of woman you couldn't notice----she was gorgeous!"
                   "Answer the question, Mr. Reed---how well did you know her---did you date her?"
            Dalton sneers back at the young one, "Did you hear what I just said about the woman---EVERY man in the circuit tried to make time with her----and yes, I dated her---if you want to call it that----I call it---having sex--- anymore questions?"
            "What about Cordell Walker, did he date her?"
            Dalton pours himself another cup of coffee, "Oh yeah---his tongue was hanging out just like all of the others------the woman was like a 'bitch in heat'---he was no exception.  The only difference was---she was just as hot for him, too!  They came together like a bee goes to honey---they were hot and heavy for several months.  She was the rodeo queen and of course she followed the circuit, wherever she went----Walker was right behind her."
            "What year was this?"
            Dalton thinks for a minute---"I don't know----somewhere around 94----or 95--- some where in there."
            "Were you jealous of Liberty's attention to Walker, how did that make you feel?"
            Dalton laughs, "Look---I love 'em and leave 'em---I don't get involved with any long term relationships---I had my times with her---she meant nothing to me.  Apparently it was different for Walker----he's got this thing about being involved with only one woman at a time----but he sure chewed off more than he could handle with Liberty---she liked having more than one man at a time----and that was her down fall with Walker. He caught her more than once with someone else---they would argue and then be right back together again.  The woman was a 'knockout'---what man could walk away from her---and stay?"

 

Seekers – Trial- Chapter 8
By SASQUAW

            The agents stare back at Dalton Reed, "So----what led to the breakup between Walker and this Liberty?"
            Dalton shakes his head, "I guess he just got tired of finding her with other men---he warned her too many times---guess he got tired of talking."
            "So, what happened after they broke up?"
            "How the hell should I know---I'm not Walker's keeper? I got my own life to live. As far as I know he couldn't follow the circuit as much as he wanted because of his lawman's job and that ranch of his took up a lot of his time. Liberty continued to follow the circuit--that's the last I heard of her."
            "And---Walker---was he upset about the breakup?"
            Dalton scratches his chin, "I only saw him a couple of times after that. He would show up once in awhile to ride the bulls---but it was mostly for charity benefits---he never hung around for any of the parties afterwards--he didn't seem too upset about any of it. But---Walker doesn't wear his feelings on the outside so everyone can see them---if he was upset---he kept it to himself. After all, the way I heard it, he was the one that did the 'breaking off’."
            One of the agent’s cell phone rings, he answers it and then nods to the other one, "We have another case----we will be getting back to you, Mr. Reed."
                   Dalton watches as the two agents walk out, he reaches for another cup of coffee. His thoughts go back to the day he first laid eyes on Liberty Belle in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
            She was the most gorgeous woman he had ever seen. She was all legs----all 6ft of her, and raven straight hair, going down past her shapely hips. She had a bosom that would make Pamela Anderson envious and she loved squeezing them into western blouses that were entirely too small, gasping for air! Her face was flawless; deep green eyes and lips that every man envisioned, going around his manhood. She knew she was beautiful and she flaunted it, every man was literally tripping over his tongue, and he and Walker were no exceptions!
            While the rest of the men were vying for her attention, Walker stayed pretty much to the side, watching her quietly. Liberty didn't like to be ignored and she approached the bearded cowboy and told him just that in a sultry voice. Walker smiled back at her, letting his eyes do his talking. She liked what she was seeing, they soon left together, and Dalton didn't see either of them for almost three days!  They were all wrapped up with each other, Walker was the envy of every man there, but soon he had to return to Texas and Liberty stayed on. By the end of the night, she was with Dalton----and there were others.
            The word was getting back to Walker and the arguments would start between them. Dalton was back in Mesquite, Texas, riding the wild broncos and seeing Alex, among other women.
            There was always something about Alexandra Cahill; she was beautiful in her own right, and smart. She was the assistant district attorney and he was bound and determined to have her 'bedded' before he moved to the next rodeo. But, there was also Cordell Walker---in the picture again. There was something between them, though Alex had said that she and Walker were only friends. But, every time he saw the two of them talking, there was 'that something' in the eyes. Dalton asked Alex if she knew about Liberty, she just smiled and said "I know he's involved with someone---I told you we're just friends."
            Dalton studied her eyes, "But---you would like for something more than just friendship---wouldn't you?"
            Alex looked at him with piercing blue eyes, "Walker and I have both agreed to keep our friendship just 'platonic'----are we going to spend the whole night talking about Walker?"
            The rest of the evening was rather strained, and that night in Alex's apartment was even more strained. There was something definitely at the back of her mind, their lovemaking was quick, Alex saying she had an early case--so Dalton left. He didn't spend the rest of the night alone, there was the cute little nurse that he had met earlier at the nurses' aide station.
            The next night, Walker was riding the bulls and Dalton approached him, making small talk. Walker barely spoke; he just listened and observed Dalton flirting with the other women.
                  "Soooo----Walker---how's Liberty?"
            "I wouldn't know---haven't seen her."
            Dalton grins----"That's some woman, Walker----too much for one man to handle---guess you found that out?"
            Walker stared back at him, "Yeah----and I know that you were with her---more than once-----and so was half the rodeo circuit."
            "Hey, Walker---there were no ties---she made that clear to you when you two started seeing each other----she wasn't ready to wear any man's brand."
            "Hey, guys," a cheerful voice greets them and  they turn around to see Alex standing there.
            Dalton grabs Alex and lays a kiss on her, and Walker turns away. Alex tries to smile, looking embarrassed, "So?  You're up next, Dalton---I was afraid I wouldn't get here on time.”
            Dalton keeps holding her tight, letting his hands roam, "You're always on time, darling---but I got to get ready for my next ride---see you later---I got to go tame that wild bronco----hey Walker---you keep an eye on MY WOMAN---for me---okay?"
            As Dalton walks away, Walker turns to Alex, "What do you see in that jerk?"
            Alex feels her temper rising, "Maybe the same thing you see in all of those women that you're seeing?"
            Walker sighs and walks away, saying, "Whatever------you're over 21---you can make your own decisions."
            "Thank you---I plan to," Alex snaps back at him.
            Walker stops and walks back to her, "Alex----just be careful----and---if there is ever anything you want to talk about----I'll listen---you can call me anytime."
                  "Walker------I do not need you playing guardian angel to me---I'm a big girl---I'll make my own choices."
            They stand there staring at each other for the longest, Walker stammers, "He better not ever hurt you------there won't be a place he can hide---if he even thinks about hurting you."
            Alex's blue eyes look into his, "I won't let him hurt me-----Walker---why does it bother you so much that I see Dalton Reed---you've seen me with other men---why him?"
            Walker swallows, "I care for you, Alex----I won't let any man hurt you--not Dalton----not any man."
            Alex pushes her hair back, "Can I ask you something----and will you be truthful--with me?"
            Walker nods, "I've never lied to you, Alex---ask me anything."
            She studies his face, "That night out at the convent when you rescued me----and I kissed you---you kissed me back-----didn't you feel anything in that kiss?"
            Walker shifts back and forth, thinking back to the night in question. "How could she ask him that----he couldn't sleep for several nights--thinking about that night.  He took so many cold showers that night he thought Uncle Ray was going to make him go the sweat lodge."
            "Well?  You didn't, did you?"
            Walker starts shifting his hat back and forth, "Of course---I felt something."
            Alex shakes her head, "Then why didn't you do something about it----why didn't you ask me out-----or something?"
            "How could I ask you out----you're seeing Dalton?"
            Alex tilts her head in a cynical gesture, "Oh---and of course you're seeing someone else and that wouldn't be ethical?"
            Walker takes a deep breath, "No---it wouldn't---I don't know about you but I don't like being 'used'----I know how it feels--all too well and besides every time I tried to ask you out, you had previous plans.  I don't like standing around waiting for your dance card to be free."  Walker starts to walk away and Alex grabs his arm.
            "Don't you dare walk away from me, leaving me standing here---feeling like---like---like  a Jezebel."
            "I didn't call you a jezebel, Alex---I would never call you that."
            Dalton has returned to hear the last of the conversation, he looks to Walker, putting his arm around Alex's waist and pulling her close.
            "What are you doing, Walker, trying to move in on my woman?"
            Alex pushes Dalton away from her, "I am not YOUR WOMAN---or anyone else's---no one owns me---got that?"
            Alex stomps off and Dalton stares back at Walker, he shrugs, "She'll get over it---they all do."
            Walker slams Dalton up against the corral, "You listen---and you listen good----you better not ever hurt her---you got that?"
            Dalton jerks Walker's hand away from him, "I hear you, Ranger----why don't you get your business straightened out, and stop butting into mine and Alex's?"
            Walker doubles his fist up, "Alex is my business---- and so help me---if you hurt her---I'll come looking for you."
            Dalton watched as Walker walked away, he knew the bearded man's temper, and he wasn't about to go a round with him. He smiles, "Yep---there's something there for Alexandra---isn't there, Walker?  Well, not this time---I'm not stepping aside----Cahill is mine--and if we have to come to blows over her----then so be it!


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


            The rest of the day aboard The Ice Princess is spent taking the holiday pictures and watching the glaziers break away. The whole ship is watching the spectacle, and more whales have been spotted. Cordell is busy going from his stationary camera to the camcorder and explaining to his twin and to Angela the more technical version of how and why the glaziers are breaking away. Cooper is looking at him, half listening and Angela is looking around for Adlen. She spots the waiter, Woody, and walks over to him.
            Walker and Alex have found some chairs with some blankets, as the wind is picking up. A tired and sleepy Little Ray crawls up into his Daddy's lap and is soon fast asleep. Alex reaches over and covers her baby son.
            The 'ohs and ahs’ are coming from the passengers as some of the ice hits close to the ship, spraying them with ice water. Cordell is beside himself, trying to keep both cameras going. Cooper is more interested in the whales and some young girls that are watching him.  He soon makes an exit in their direction.
            Angela walks over to her parents and sits down on the end of her Mom's lounge chair. She pushes her long auburn hair back out of her eyes, the lavender sweater accenting her beauty.
            "What's the matter sweetheart-----you look like you lost your best friend?"
            "Sort of----Woody said that Adlen had to leave the ship."
            Walker is shifting around, trying to make himself more comfortable and keeping his baby son covered from the chill, "What do you mean he had to leave the ship?"
            Angela shrugs, "I don't know, Daddy-----I think he was sick or something----or maybe---"
                     Walker's eyes narrow, "What----baby---what is it you're not telling us?"
            "Adlen was sort of a' cast away' I guess you would call him---he sort of 'sneaked' on board----he couldn't get his own cabin-----so Woody, the waiter, felt sorry for him and let him share his cabin. ----I guess someone found out and turned him in."
            Walker and Alex stare at each other, Alex shakes her head-----" I can't believe they would just make him leave----how did he get off ship?"
            "I don't know, Mom-----Woody said his bag was packed and gone by the time his shift ended last night---he hasn't seen him since."
            "Last night?  That doesn't make any sense--I could have swore I saw him early this morning as the boys and I were going up to the captain's deck."
            "This morning, honey----are you sure?"
            Walker shrugs, "Well, I thought it was him---I guess I could have been wrong."
            "Great," moans Angela---"the rest of this trip is really going to be boring."
            "Oh, honey----don't say that, we'll be docking tomorrow and we'll be on land for the next week. I was talking to some of the other lady passengers and they say that Anchorage now has a huge shopping mall----it's almost as big as the Galleria back home. How about a shopping spree---just you and me?"
            Walker groans, "You mean---you, Angela, and the credit cards?"
            Alex smiles back at him, "You got it cowboy---you and the boys will be checking out the dog sled racing, Angela and I are going SHOPPING---right, sweetheart?"
            Angela forces a smile, "If you say so, Mom----do I get to carry the credit cards?"
            "NO WAY," replies Walker, "you get too careless with the plastic---let your Mother carry the cards---and you have a limit on how much you can spend, young lady."
            "What's my limit?"
            “$1.98 and not a penny more."
                   "DADDY!" Angela squeals and reaches over to hug his neck, "that won't even pay for the plastic that's used to make the card."
            Walker kisses her back, "Well----maybe a few dollars more---but I don't want to hear any arguing with your Mother about any clothes that you should buy. If she says "no" to something---no arguing."
            Angela pushes that bottom lip out and kisses the tip of her Daddy's nose, "Yes, Daddy---no arguing."
            Angela looks over to watch her brother balancing both cameras, "Guess I'll go help him out, he needs another hand."
            Alex reaches over and takes her husband's hand, "Did you get things straightened out with the twins---you weren't too harsh on them, were you?"
            "Alex---I handled it---it hasn't been too many years since I was in a similar situation when I got intoxicated for the first time."
            "Yes----I remember you telling me---you and some of your cousins, including Sam Coyote all got stoned out of your gourds on corn whiskey-----and how your Uncle Ray made you take a 25 mile nature hike and then sent you to the sweat lodge."
            Walker laughs, "I thought I would never stop throwing up, I had a hangover for three days---sure cured me of sneaking the corn whiskey."
            "So----then you had a nice long talk about everything, right?"
            Walker squeezes his wife's hand, "Yes----and I don't think it will be anytime soon that the twins will sneak anymore champagne----now---could we finish this little discussion back in the comfort of our cabin-----and underneath that nice thick quilt?"
            Alex looks over to the kids, Cooper has returned and they are all watching a whale that has become curious of the big ship and getting closer.
            Alex sighs, "Do you think we can trust them to be alone for a couple of hours?"
                  Walker's eyelids dance up and down, "A couple of hours?  Woman, once I get you into our cabin and get this little varmint tucked away----we're not coming out for the rest of the evening."
            Alex teases him, "And, just where do you plan to tuck that little varmint?"
            "The couch---where else---maybe sneak him a couple of sleeping pills in some warm milk?"
            Alex stands up and reaches down to take their son, "I don't think he'll wake up anytime soon----he's exhausted."
                     "Good," Walker replies, standing up and taking the boy back, "I may have to throw him overboard if he interrupts anything."
            Alex giggles as she puts her arm through her husband's and they walk back to their cabin. Angela turns around to see her parents walking away, arm in arm. She smiles, "I wonder if I will ever meet someone that I care about like that.  I thought it would be that way with  J.W.---but I was sure wrong about that."
            She turns back to watch the whale that has ventured up even closer, she reaches over and touches her brothers. "Hey guys------don't be going back to your cabins anytime soon---let Mom and Dad have some time to theirselves---okay?"


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


            Walker has taken the weeds from Heck and pouring some of his drinking water over them. He takes the weeds and chews them, then hands them back to his friend through the bars.
            "Take this, my friend and put it on your wound---it will help to get rid of some of the pain."
            Heck refuses, "No, senor----you keep it, you said it would give you energy."
            “First things first, Heck----you have got to take care of your leg----now take it please."
            The old man stretches to get the weed, "I will wait till night fall and they turn off the lights---then I will put it on."
            Walker leans up against the cell, "I've been trying to memorize our surroundings--the weakest point is the gate--there is no barbed wire across the top-----and once someone is over the top----the woods are closest at that point."
            The old man nods, "Si---but there are always at least four guards-----how do you expect to even get close to the gate?"
            "I'm still working on that part, my friend---my head is getting clearer----and if I can stop them from beating me more around the head----I might can figure out just why the hell I'm here."
            "You remember nothing else about the day you first came here?"
            Walker rubs his head, "Just bits and pieces----I remember being at the hospital----and holding my little girl. No one else was there--it was just my wife, me and our little baby--I remember my wife asking me if I would bring a small overnight case back with me when I came back the next morning. ---The suitcase supposedly held some things for her and the baby. I said I would go home then and get it-----I was also worried about my horse----Old Ranger."
            "Your horse, senor?"
            Walker grins, "Yeah---he's getting old----hasn't been feeling too good---I was worried about him, so I left the hospital to get the overnight case and to check on him------after that----everything starts getting blurry."
            "Take your time, my friend----what happened next?"
            "Well----I was driving home and----and my phone in the truck started ringing, it was one of my kids saying they were on their way home.  I think it was Cordell----he said they were stopping for pizza, but they would be home within the hour.  I'm trying to remember where he was suppose to be and with who-----a movie---that's it! He said something about a movie.  But, the next day was a school day----they're not allowed to go out the night before a school day--no wait-----it's coming to me now.  My wife and I had made a exception because-----my daughter had just turned 16 the day before and she got a car for her birthday."
            The old man smiles, "A car----that's some gift!"
            Walker nods his head, "It wasn't a new car----my friend, Trivette, had found a '97' Chrysler Sebring convertible in the impound. It needed a lot of work done on it, but it was almost identical to one that my wife had many years ago. Anyways, I bought it and took it to the auto body shop at the Jr. High where my boys attend. They stripped it down, put in a new engine and completely restored it. I had them paint it lavender, and they did the upholstery in pink!” 
            Heck is trying to laugh, but the pain is starting in on his swollen leg. "I am trying to picture that car in my mind, senor------lavender and pink?"
            Walker laughs too, "Yeah----I've always loved the color lavender on my daughter, and through the years she learned to love the color too. My wife says it was just to please me----but still, Angela is beautiful in that color. Her dress that she wore to her sweet 16 party was white with lavender flowers----and she had her long beautiful hair pulled back with lilacs on the side. She was a vision to behold, Heck-----my little angel."
            "What happened next, my friend? Was your horse okay, and did you go back to the hospital?"
            Walker starts rubbing his head; the gash at the base of his scull has started to scab over. He shakes his head, "That's when everything became a blur. I remember pulling up to the front of my house, and getting out.  Then all of a sudden I felt something at the back of my head---and then I remember hitting the ground.  I heard voices---but I couldn't make out what was being said.   Then I felt someone kicking me, and I was being pulled on the ground-----I was picked up and thrown into the back of something!  I remember the stench-----maybe a cattle truck?"
            Heck moves closer to the cell door, "Do you remember anything else?"
            Walker shakes his head, "I remember trying to open my eyes and I felt a liquid----probably blood. Every time I tried to stand, they would start hitting me again.  I lost track of time----the bumpy ride seemed to go on forever, next thing I know----I wake up in this place.----I still don't know why, Heck! I know in my line of business I've made many enemies----but I've always known who my enemies were and why."
            The old man's eyes narrow, "Your line of business---senor--what is that--are you a lawman?"
            Walker ponders telling the man about his occupation, he whispers slowly, "I'm a Texas Ranger."
            Heck backs away from the cell and starts blessing himself, "Hot Chihuahua---blessed Mother of all saints------a Texas Ranger?" 
            Walker turns around and looks at the old man through the bars, the old man is literally shaking. "I'm sorry---I've scared you so, amigo----I didn't know my profession was so well hated in your country."
            The old man scoots back up to the door, "Do you think your abductors know who you are?"
            "I don't see how they couldn't know, they were at my ranch, my wallet had my badge in it----they had to have seen it---it's gone------I don't know what happened to it--and I don't know how my families' picture has stayed with me all this time."
            The old man is silent, "Your Texas Rangers are very much hated down here--it is best you don't volunteer any information---in hopes they do not who you are."
            "Don't worry about that!  But, I'm not worried about just myself, whoever these people are---they might try and go after my family. They're the ones I'm worried about----and there's not a damn thing I can do to protect them."
            Heck nods his head, "Think--my friend------is there anyone out there that will be looking for you?"
            "My wife will never stop looking----she's just as stubborn and hard headed as I am---and my friend, Trivette----he won't stop till he finds me or my ----body.  I'm worried about my kids----the twins can be really stubborn and hot tempered----there's no telling what they will do if they are pressured."
            "You have to stop thinking so much about your 'familia' and start concentrating on building your strength up.   Are you sure the loco weed can help you do that?"
            Walker sighs, "I have to be very careful how I use it, and in small quantities. It will help with your infection, my friend, but that too is a 'catch 22'.  If we use the ointment too often, your leg is going to start healing some----and the guards will get suspicious-----and you know what that means?"

"Si, more beatings.  My leg will not ever heel completely---we both know that----eventually----they will have it cut off---or they will let it rot off.  Do not waste anymore on my stinking leg, my friend---------take the weed for yourself----and get out of this hell hole."
            "When the time comes for me to make my escape----you're coming with me, Heck----if I have to carry you---I will not leave you behind!"


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


            The old man's journey back to the only place that he calls  "home' is very tiring and exhausting. The vision is his left eye is completely gone, and now the vision in the right has been diminished more since his glasses have been broken. The old wooden cane is his eyes, now, and that too has been broken, but he still keeps it. He can only see a few feet in front of him, but his hearing has increased.  He listens very closely to the sounds around him, relying on what instincts he has left to keep him alive. He knows that the closer he gets to civilization, the more dangerous it will be getting back to the small wooden hut he calls 'home’."
            He knows "THEY" will be looking for him, and other victims that are vulnerable because of their old age, and being alone. He curses to himself and shuffles on, he has only a few hundred feet to go, to him--it will feel like miles. He feels them watching him, he tries to pick up his pace---they will come in packs. They prey upon the old that have been abandoned for reasons they don't care about. He feels them closing in, he strains to make his weak legs move faster. He can hear them laughing and taunting him, then they are upon him! He kicks out at them with every ounce. The laughter becomes stronger and then they start hitting him, reaching for his pants pockets. Hands go inside, coming out empty and angry. He shouts back at them that they have already taken everything of value; his answer is a fist to his mouth by the taller one.
            They circle him, punching his chest and taunting him. There are about ten of them this time, at different age levels, he can make out the smallest one to be around six or so. They all have sticks and are jabbing at the old man. The oldest one grabs the old man by the collar.
            "Where is your money, old man?"
            "I have no money-----you little thief-----you have taken everything I had----leave me alone."
            The others start laughing and talking in Spanish, the older one hits him again, "You will have some money next time---old man---or we will kill you."
            The old man curses back at them, "You would be doing me a favor----I already have one foot in the grave----kill me now and get it over with."
            "Next time old man----you will die very slowly----" they walk away laughing.
            The old man pulls himself up and tries to get his direction straight again in his mind. He looks back to the pack of young boys who are now going after another victim. The man curses----"piranhas" they call themselves?   They are nothing but cowardly juvenile delinquents that need their butts kicked from one end of Texas to the other!
            He has found his way back to the small wooden hut that has become his shelter for this length of time. He moves around slowly to make sure everything is still there. He runs his hands over the old smelly blankets that lie on the floor and then he lies down to sleep. He puts his hand over his eyes, rubbing his forehead, thinking back to the last couple of months.
            He was caught stealing again, and the Federales sent him back to that hell hole. He wondered why they messed with him, he was no threat, but just like the other times--he was beaten and humiliated. He thinks to himself "What was that old Mexican trying to talk to me about----something about one of the prisoners was wanting to get word to his family----and he would pay good------hell----what will I do with money---those thieving little bastards would only take it from me?  And getting word to the American consulate---that's a laugh -How many times have I tried to talk to them----only to be laughed at."
            The old man turns over on his side, "Sleep---I got to get some sleep---as Scarlet O'Hara would say----I'll think about that tomorrow."


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

 


Seekers – Trial - Chapter 9            

By Sasquaw

 

            Walker has tucked his baby son away on the couch, closing the door that leads to their bedroom. He's looking around for his wife, and then he notices the bathroom door ajar.
            "Alex---everything alright?"
            "Fine, honey----be out in a second."
            "I was going to order some tea for you----anything else you would like to have…?"
            He stops in mid-sentence as his wife walks slowly out of the bathroom, dressed in a red teddy negligee, trimmed in white fur. She's wearing a Santa Claus cap, and sporting black boots, with fishnet stockings. The stockings are held up with garters, ending with one thin strap going over the abdomen. Her stomach is still amazingly flat for a woman that has borne four kids, but Alex has always had extraordinary muscle control and what she could do with those muscles would drive him out of his mind. She smiles teasingly at him, and pulls the little sack off her shoulder.
            "Santa was supposed to come last night----but things sort of "come up"--if you know what I mean."
            Walker grins, letting his eyes go slowly up the skimpy little nightwear, and pausing at the area that drives him insane. He nods his head, not taking his eyes off of her, "Yeah-----a couple of little elves got too much Christmas cheer---kind of put a kink in our celebration--didn't it?"
            Alex pushes her bottom lip out and then slowly licks her top lip, letting her tongue glide extra slow, knowing what it does to her man. She inches closer, "Santa has a few gifts for you----would you like to see what they are?"
            Walker is now grinning, as he reaches out and puts his arms slowly around her waist, "Ooooohhhh-----so does this mean---I've been a good boy?"
            She purrs back at him, "Santa doesn't know yet-----maybe you better start warming Santa up-----it is kind of nippy---in this outfit."
            Walker steps back and smiles, wiping his brow---"I thought it was getting rather warm in here."
            She giggles that little laugh as she goes back into his arms, and snuggles up against him----"Aren't you glad this Santa doesn't have a beard?"
            "Most definitely," he answers, nibbling her neck---"one beard in this family is enough---though Cooper is bound and determined that he wants to start shaving."
            "Well, it's your fault for pointing out that whisker to him---you know how impressionable he is."
            "I know----and I also remember the time that you tried to get carried away with trimming mine----I turned the tables on you, didn't I?"
            Alex hits him playfully in the chest, "Yes----I remember that time at Golden Wells---I itched for a week till it grew back---never again will I be shaved down there except during child birth."
                 Walker's eyelids dance up and down, "Never say never---it was sexy----you liked the feeling-----and so did I."
            "Yes, I did Cowboy---but that was then---and this is now----I want to show you your Christmas gifts----now come over here and lie down."
            "You'll get no argument from me---let the games begin."
            Alex looks around towards the closed door, "First of all, is he still asleep?"
            "Out like a light," Walker smiles, "he's even making snoring noises--the little guy must have worn himself out in the swimming pool."
            "Well----I hope we don't wake him up-----that could be embarrassing!"
            Walker grabs her hand and pulls her down on the bed beside him, "For him----or you?"
            Alex takes his face into her hands, pursing his lips, kissing him tenderly.---"For all of us-maybe we better wait till we're completely alone--Walker--if he should wake up and come looking for us and find us------honey?"
            "I'll lock the door---don't go away," Walker scrambles to get of bed.
            "You can't lock the door----there's no lock."
            Walker is pacing back and forth, he grabs a chair to put under the knob, but the door pulls open from the opposite direction. He swears, shaking his head, "Damn it! Some vacation---we haven't had any time alone."
            Alex frowns, "The joys of parenthood---dear--now come back over here---I'm getting cold."
            "No," replies Walker---"cause if I come back to that bed---you're in trouble---and I'm not going to care if Little Ray wakes up!"
                    "Walker---come here--I want to tell you something."
            Walker kicks at the floor like a spoiled kid, "No---don't want to."
            Alex starts laughing---"Okay---just be that way---but I was going to tell you--there is a lock on the bathroom door, and Santa has cherries and whipped cream in her little bag of goodies."
            Walker smiles, "Really?" He edges closer to the bed, "and, who are those cherries for---you or me?"
            Her eyes get smoky as she runs her tongue over that top lip again, "Well---if you don't want to find out----I'll just put them back in my little sack, and we can just forget-----“
            Walker flops down on the bed, grabbing her around the buttocks, "You just try forgetting-I hope you got lots of cherries---we didn't have enough the last time we played this little game."
            Alex smiles, "Do you remember what your record is?"
            "Six," Walker's eyes light up, "but I'm going to break that record tonight--after all--it's Christmas and miracles and Christmas go hand in hand--or should I say---tongue and lips?"
                    "Honey--I got no doubt that you will break that record----you would have broken it the last time, if we hadn't been interrupted."
            Walker starts pulling his wife down deeper in the bed, "Not this time," he moans, "if anyone comes knocking, or a certain little Walker tries to interrupt us----he's OVERBOARD---I swear!!”
            Alex giggles, "Well---just to be on the safe side---honey check again and make sure he's still asleep."
            Walker groans, "Alex?  Oh, damn---oh, okay--don't go away."  And Walker again goes scampering across the room in just his briefs. He tip toes over to the couch in the outer room, and pulls the blanket up tighter around his son, brushing his hair back. He leans down and kisses the top of his head and whispers.
           "Sleep," you little varmint---if you sleep for the next couple of hours, Daddy will make it up to you---I promise---okay, buckaroo?"
            Walker goes hopping back to his bed; the air outside is getting colder. His wife looks back at him, confused.
            She pushes that bottom lip and purrs, "Only a couple of hours?  Honey---that's not enough time to get the foreplay down--you know how I hate to be rushed?"
            Walker slides into the nice warm bed, his briefs go flying across the room, "Come here, woman-----enough talk----let's get down to business, now where are those cherries?"
            "Never mind the cherries, what do you think of my Santa outfit?"
            The Ranger starts kissing his wife's neck, but he draws back and looks at the skimpy little attire. His eyebrows dance up and down, "It's nice----but there's too much of it--so let's start shedding some of it, what do you say?"
            "Hmm-----anything you say, Cowboy----Santa is here to please," and Alex starts taking off the attire----very slowly.
            Walker watches her, his eyes go up and down her body slowly.  He still can't get over how she keeps her body in shape. He knows that she's always watching what she eats, and she does exercise---but after four kids, her stomach has no trouble at all going back to normal, and she works extra hard at keeping her thighs and buttocks firm. Walker has always said he was more of a "leg and butt" man, the breasts being an added enjoyment.  Alex has never been too endowed in that department, but she's always had more than plenty to satisfy him. He's been with women that were very much endowed in that department, and while they were pleasurable, and he enjoyed being between the titans---he still preferred them smaller. Just like any man, he enjoyed seeing a woman with big breasts----but always found that "a little more than a mouthful" was more enjoyable.
            Alex always dressed seductively, even in her two-piece lawyer suits, she would turn the heads of every male. She had long shapely legs, and Walker loved the view "walking away from him" as much as walking towards him. She knew he was watching, and she would put a little more "sway" into her walk. When she would look back, he would be grinning with that "Ohhh----you're gonna get it look."
            Alex looks teasingly back at him, "So-----where do you want to start---the north pole---or the south?"
            Walker grins as he reaches out touches her stomach with his forefinger, letting it glide slowly over her milky smooth skin. "Hmm----why don't we just meet in the middle and play it by ear----excuse me---I mean tongue."
            Alex giggles as she sheds the last of her attire, the red cap sitting crooked on her head. She reaches over for her small bag of goodies and takes out a jar of maraschino cherries, plopping one in her husband's mouth. He swallows it slowly, smacking his lips and whispers.
            "It's good----but it's a little dry---what would you suggest, Santa?"
            Alex grins, taking out another cherry and dipping it in the whipped cream, "Try this one."
            Again, Walker swallows it slowly---shaking his head---"Nope-----not the right kind of lubrication---you're going to have to do better than that, Santa."
            Alex pretends to think about it, as she lowers herself deeper into the bed, "Hmmm, I think this calls for serious motivation---and I know just how to get the ball rolling---now where is my little bag of----ah----there it is."
            She reaches back for a little douche bag, patting it teasingly. "Our old stand-by----how many times have we used this--to get our little games started?"
                 Walker's brow dances up and down as he watches her fill it up with a clear liquid. "What are you using this time—vodka?"
            Alex smiles, "Nope---seven up---with a touch of------brandy.-----She tastes the liquid and then gives her husband a small taste, "What do you think----more brandy?"
            Walker smacks his lips, "Just a little more---not too much---I want to stay alert--or should I say---erect?"
            They both laugh as Alex adds a little more brandy to the douche, she teases him as she starts down to her abdomen----"Shall I do it---or do you want to?"
            "I'll do it," he grabs the douche bag and gently inserts the tube into his wife's vagina. The coolness causes Alex to jerk.
            "Maybe we should have warmed it up first---like the last time?"
            "No, honey---it will warm up on it's own---the last time it got almost too warm."
            "But, the last time---we used vodka--that's why it got too warm---that and because the temperature was up in the 100's that evening."
            Alex giggles, "Oh yes, and a certain cowboy had been away from home for almost a week---and was verrrry horny when he did get home---I didn't even get to finish my supper----and you ran the kids off to the movies."
            Walker is watching the liquid ooze slowly through the tube, "Yep--and someone else was horny that day too----I didn't hear any complaints that day."
            Alex smiles as she tries to look over her stomach, "And, you never will sweetheart-----Is it almost empty---I'm beginning to feel 'bloated'.”
            "Yep----it's empty," Walker replies, reaching down and kissing her mound softly, "ready for inspection, Mrs. Walker?"
                     "Ooooh, yes," she purrs, "I'm always ready for your inspections, Dr. Walker."
            "Let the examination begin," he replies softly as he reaches under her buttocks and lifts her gently up off the bed, inserting his middle finger into her anus, his head lowering to her mound, gently licking. He smacks his lips, running his tongue over his top lip,
            "The magic potion is just right, and soon I will be able to start inserting the cherries".
            Alex moans, "Just remember how many you put inside me-- and be doubly sure you get them all out-----but don't rush it."
            He grins as he looks back up to her, her eyes becoming smoky as the sensation from his tongue and fore finger do their 'number'.  "I've got no intentions of hurrying, I know you like this little game---s-l-o-w."
                   Walker's tongue flicks back and forth as he now inserts two fingers and rotates them slowly, his tongue begins to pick up tempo as the fluid from her douche begin to flow more freely, mixed in with her natural body fluids. His lips pull gently on her vaginal walls as the fluid seeps down the inside of her thighs. He goes from one to the other, lapping up each pleasurable drop. He returns to his treasured nest of golden ringlets, inserting first his tongue, then the fingers in a never-ending onslaught. Walker can feel the liquid getting warmer, and Alex is breathing heavier.           
            "It's time hon, now the feast begins," as he reaches for the jar of cherries and whipped cream. He dips the first one into the cream and feeds it to his wife; she swallows it eagerly.
                  "Hmmm," she purrs, that was good, and I am getting soooooo hungry."
            "Well, maybe I'll give you a few samples before I tuck my goodies away-----will that be okay?"
            Alex starts licking her lips, "Oh, yes----and hurry, please."
            Walker smiles as he dips another cherry into the white fluffed cream and then gently pushes it inside her moist, wet, nest. He gently rotates it inside her fluids and then with his tongue, he goes in search for his treasure. He lets his tongue dance around inside her vagina then gently pulls the cherry out, making his way up her body and to her waiting lips. He transfers the cherry to his wife, the fluids seeping down the side of her mouth. As she chews the small fruit, he kisses her lips, licking every ounce of the  fluid. He then leans back, straddling her stomach and whispers, "Is everything to perfection, my lady?"
            Alex takes a deep breath, "I'm not sure-----could I have another sample-----my lord ---and master?"
            Without a word, Walker eases himself back down to her mound and flicks his tongue in, going deeper each time. The douche of seven up and brandy getting warmer by the second. He reaches for another cherry and commences to do the same with it, but instead of taking the cherry out right away, he continues to tease it back and forth against her clitoris, causing Alex to gasp and move upward off the bed. She tries reaching down to him, but he's paying her no mind as he continues the tempo, faster and faster. Finally she calls out to him and he inches slowly up her stomach, letting his beard brush softly against her milky white skin. When he reaches her mouth she grabs him eagerly, throwing her arms around his powerful shoulders and wrapping her legs around his lower torso.
            Alex opens her mouth and takes her husband's tongue deep inside, with the fluid dripping fruit. Walker tries pulling back, but she's holding onto him tighter. He can feel himself totally aroused as he pushes her legs outward and enters her with one solid thrust. Their bodies start to shake as the tempo increases, and Walker lifts her buttocks up, inserting his fingers into her rectum up to the first knuckle and then slowly going as deep as he can. The liquid from the douche has gotten hotter and their body fluids are racing to keep up with the sensation that it's releasing. The room is starting to spin, as the sheets and blankets are being discarded into the floor, their bodies dripping from perspiration.
            Alex is gasping, trying to talk---"Walker------I am so hot----I feel my body is on fire."
            Walker is leaning slightly to the side as he is trying to push his fingers deeper inside her anus, she screams out--and he stops immediately.
            "What? Alex---are you okay?  Did I hurt you?"
            She pushes back on his chest, "Slow down-----Walker----honey----I feel like I'm going to pass out--give me a minute-----please?”
            Walker starts brushing his wife golden blond hair back, kissing her repeatedly, "I'm sorry honey----I'm sorry."
            Alex shakes her head back and forth, "It's okay---I'm alright----I just didn't think it would happen this fast-----ohhhh Dr. Walker---your exams are so intoxicating----I actually feel "tipsy'.”
            "Tipsy?  Alex---you only had two cherries," and then his voice starts to wane, almost pleading-like---"and we got a whole jar to go----and all that whipped cream."
            Alex starts to tease, "Walker-----I never said I wanted to stop----just---slow down---you don't realize the affect the three of you have on me---one of you is more than enough---believe me."
            Walker teases her back, "The three of us----hmmm---are you trying to get 'kinky' on me----are you wanting a foursome?"
            She kisses him hard, "No way----you, the cherries, and the cream is the closest I'll ever want to a foursome---now continue, Dr--this room is starting to cool off----and so am I!"
            Walker eases back down her smooth body, reaching for the whipped cream, squirting the cream down the middle of her midsection, and starts to lick slowly. "Maybe this will help to warm you up----till I can get back to my routine.”
            "It's working, Cowboy----but you always did have a way of warming my body up---real quick."
            "The feeling is mutual, Mrs. Walker----and you will get your turn once I find my treasure chest---and then I will make you walk the plank."
                 "Hmmm-----and what kind of jewels do you expect to find ----in that treasure chest?"
            Walker says nothing as he goes back to teasing her clitoris, his teeth gently nibbling. He reaches for the jar of cherries again and starts inserting them, one by one---all the time---watching the expression on his wife's face. Each time he pushes the little fruit in, he lets his finger hesitate, and then he pushes the fruit as far back into her vaginal canal as his tongue will allow him.
            Alex is starting to breathe harder as the combination of the douche and her body fluids are starting to warm her up even more. She exhales slowly, "Walker----are---you---keeping count"?
            Walker licks the cream from around her mound, "Yep----there's about twenty."
                   "TWENTY?  Twenty? Walker-----"
            "Relax honey-----I was only teasing----this one----makes eight----but I don't know about this little critter, the fluid keeps trying to push it back out----yep---here it comes," Walker reaches down and flicks up the fluid covered fruit, and eats it slowly. Alex is staring back at him.
                  "Walker----that was mine," she makes a pout with her lips, "you're cheating."
            Walker dips another cherry into the cream and inches up her body, transferring it to her waiting lips, "There---that will have to hold you for awhile----now don't interrupt me---I'm starting to dig for my treasure---and I'm afraid my diamonds are melting."
            Alex giggles as she chews the fruit, "Your diamonds are melting? I assume the diamonds are the whipped cream?"
            Walker slides back down her body, "Yes------and in this treasure chest----the rubies are going to be more valuable----now----where was I?  Do we have any nuts?"
            "You got the nuts honey----and 'No’ you are not putting any nuts up inside me---I remember the last time-----you didn't get them all out!  It made walking---very uncomfortable!! Not to mention the enemas I had to take to get 'em flushed out!"
            Walker is starting to laugh as he remembers how his wife was walking around the rest of the day, trying to sit down, and being very uncomfortable. She made endless trips to the bathroom, and all the kids were asking if she was okay---"Well---hon---if it's any consolation---you were so cute---walking like that."
            Alex narrows her eyes and gives him that 'look'----“The things I do for you---Cordell Walker-----I don't recall our wedding vows covering any of this."
            Walker starts back to his nibbling, and Alex continues to rise up off the bed, "Yes, it does----it's right there--under HONOR, LOVE, and OBEY."
            "We didn't have those words in our exchange of wedding vows---"
            "Well----we should have." And Walker slaps her right buttock.
                  "OUCH,"---Walker---that hurt."
            "I meant it to---now will you stop talking and let me get back to my treasure chest?"
            Alex narrows her eyes, nodding her head up and down, "Okay----Dr Walker---you just remember that---my turn is coming around------and you aren't going to be in too good of a shape----when that time comes!"
            Walker stops immediately and mouths the word "Ooops----sorry hon----you know I didn't mean it."
            Alex says nothing, trying not to smile and then she purrs----"Paybacks can be painful---can't they, honey?"
            Walker shakes his head, "Yeah---I know----I haven't forgotten that time at the rodeo when you made a banana split out of me for the first time----but---I said I was sorry-----forgive me?"
                 "Continue sweetheart-------I'm getting hungry------and cold---I need the friction again---to warm this body up."
            Walker goes back to his 'playground' very cautiously, watching his wife's eyes. "Now it's going to be hard to concentrate."
            Alex purrs, "Honey----you were the one that said it didn't take concentration---it came natural."
               Walker's tongue begins to explore even deeper as he watches Alex's face turn to joy, and she sinks lower into the bed---moaning. One by one the rRnger takes the cherries up to his wife and each time she is finding it more difficult to swallow them, the liquid has gotten warmer, and the room is starting to spin again.  She feels herself about to explode as she tries to breathe deeper, waiting for just the right moment so they can both release the excitement building up in both of them. Alex is now squirming, and trying to get Walker to come up to her.
                "Walker------how many more-----I can't hold out much longer."
            Walker doesn't answer as she feels his tongue going so deep; she believes he will come out her rectum, she gasps, "Walker!"
            Finally, she feels him retreating and he hurriedly takes it to her, she breathes a sigh of relief and reaches for him. His knee spreads her legs wider and he enters her quickly. They are both breathing hard as with each thrust, she feels she will scream out from sheer ecstasy. They both release their fluids at the same time and Alex is trying to catch her breath. They lay for the longest without having to say anything.
                  "Walker---honey?"
            "What hon?"
            "Could I give you a rain check ---I think it's going to take awhile---for me to recuperate?"
            Walker exhales, laying back on the bed---"That makes two of us----how about we take a short nap and try to get some of our energy back?"
            Alex kisses him softly----"That sounds like a plan----but first---I got to go to the bathroom----I have got to pee----I may never stop peeing!"
            Ten minutes later Alex walks out of the bathroom, she sees their baby son all wrapped around Walker's shoulders, they're both sound asleep. She smiles, "Well, so much for a repeat performance tonight----but there's always the morning."
             The Walkers have recovered enough to join the kids for supper, though neither of them is saying too much. Walker keeps moving his jaw, and Alex is still squirming and still making trips to the ladies' room.
            The kids eye them suspiciously, and Cooper asks---"Dad---is it time?"
            "Time for what?"
                   "Daddy," Angela looks to Walker, pleading---"You know----Mom's Christmas present----do I tell Woody to bring it over now?"
            Walker exhales, "Oh---I forgot all about it----no wait till your Mother comes back and sits down, we'll give it to her then."
            The kids all turn and look into the direction of the ladies' room, "Dad-----that might take awhile---is Mom okay?"
            "Yeah, Cordell---she's fine---must be the baby kicking----you know how it is----pregnant women have to visit the bathroom----often----you understand."
            All of the kids stare back at Walker, as he continues to rub and stretch his jaw. Little Ray looks up at his Daddy, "Daddy, can me have rest of the cherries?"
                       Walker's jaw drops wide open, "What?  What ---what are you talking----oh look---here comes your Mother," he turns his head and whispers "Thank God."
            Angela turns and gives Woody the signal; he starts to their table, carrying a box about two feet in diameter. He smiles at Alex and places the box, with a huge red bow tied around it, in front of her.
            "Merry Christmas to you, Mrs. Walker."
            Alex's mouth drops open as Walker and all of the kids chant Merry Christmas. Her eyes start to water as she looks down at the box, and everyone is encouraging her to open it. She can hardly remove the ribbon as Little Ray tries to help her.
            "It's your Kwistmas pesent, Mommy----me and Daddy and 'ordell, and 'ooper, and Thissy---we all buy it for you."
            Alex looks to her husband, and he winks back at her. "Yep,” replies Cooper, “while you were getting Dad's present engraved-----we went down to the music store and------"
            "Coop----don't give it away----don't spoil the surprise," shouts Angela.
            Alex now has the box open and she's staring down at a music box, with her name engraved on the lid. The tears start to fall, as the kids egg her on to open it.
            "Open it Alex, you're going to be blown away," Walker smiles at her.
            She opens the lid slowly and a song begins to play and four little voices begin to sing the words:
                      'As long as there are stars over Texas---we'll hang the moon for you."
            As the song ends, a guitar continues to play the chorus, over and over.
            Alex can't stop the tears as she is trying to talk and thank each of the kids. Cooper groans, "Oh, no----Niagara Falls."
            The rest of the evening is spent with The Walkers going over the events of Christmas.  As night falls and the big cruiser is making it's last trek of the voyage towards dry land--all the Walkers agree; it's been one of their most memorable holidays.


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

 

Seekers – Trial – Chapter 10
By: SASQUAW

            The Walkers have arrived in Anchorage and are checking into the Skagway Condominium. It's huge, spreading out over hundreds of acres, the Klondike Mountains looming in the background.
            Walker and his family emerge from the leased van, their eyes taking in the beautiful sight before them. Walker exhales, looking at his wife and nodding his head, "Compliments of your father?"
            Alex starts to reply when a voice booms out, "You better believe it son!"
                    "Grandpa!" The kids all start running to Gordon, and Walker continues to shake his head.
            Gordon is picking up Little Ray, the boy is hugging him so tight, he can hardly breathe.
            Alex smiles and walks to her father, "Hi Dad----when did you get here?"
            Gordon stammers, "We----got here last night."
            "We?"
            Gordon nods his head, "Yes, pumpkin---WE-----I brought someone with me."
            Gordon turns and nods to a woman who is standing in the shadows of the huge pillars, Alex's eyes grow big as she recognizes the woman.
            "Sue?  Sue Winchester?"
            Sue smiles timidly and walks towards the Walkers, "Hi--hope you don't mind our being here?"
            Alex embraces her, "Of course not----is Dana with you?"
            At the mention of Dana's name, Cordell's eyes light up and then he looks at his siblings, embarrassed.
            Gordon starts grabbing the luggage and motioning for the baggage boys to retrieve the rest. "Yes---yes---Dana is here, right now she's taking a nap----don't think the airplane ride agreed with her."
            Sue smiles, "Her first airplane ride-----she was scared to death----the whole way."
            Walker walks up beside his father-in-law and lays his hand on Gordon's shoulder, "You and I ----are going to have a little talk later."
            Gordon shakes his head and walks on, "Can't hear you----my hearing aid is broke."
            Walker nods his head, "Well---you better get it fixed----'cause we're going to have a little talk about all of these expenses."
            Alex turns around and takes her husband's hand, "Come on honey----let's enjoy this vacation---please?"


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

 

            Dalton Reed has had another visit from the FBI agents, his curiosity is getting the best of him.
            "Alright you clowns, I've answered your questions, now you answer mine----what the hell is all of this about? Why all the questions about Liberty Belle?"
            The older of the two agents studies Dalton's face, "When was the last time you saw Liberty?"
            "Why?"
                  "Answer the question, Mr. Reed---when was the last time you saw her?"
            Dalton scratches his chin, "I don't know----about the latter part of '95'----I think. She was looking for Walker----he was out of town---on a case---I assume.  Look, why don't you ask Liberty these questions?"
            The young agent sneers, "Corpses---don't talk!"
            Dalton stares back at the two agents, "Liberty-----is dead?  When?"
            "She was killed----they found her body in August of '96'--------in Rome, Italy."
            "Italy?  So, what's all the questions surrounding Walker, what's he got to do with her death?"
            The two agents exchange glances, Dalton's temper is flaring.
               "WHAT has all these questions got to do with Walker and why the hell are you questioning me-----answer me!"
            "We have reason to believe that Cordell Walker might have been responsible for Liberty taking her life."
                   "Suicide?  Liberty killed herself?  How can Walker be held responsible for that?"
            "Liberty was unstable-----Walker was aware of her mental problem, she tried to have contact with him, he refused. She told him what she was contemplating---he did nothing to stop her---to notify the authorities---- he could have stopped her from putting that gun to her head. Instead, he ignored her pleas; he didn't even have the decency to talk to her when she came here to Texas----to see him.  Walker may not face any criminal charges---but he will be brought up on withholding evidence from the proper authorities."
            "I've never heard of anything so outrageous-----you're crazy------a person can't be held responsible for something that someone else is thinking----or planning--Italy is clear across the ocean---for Christ's sake!"
            "You're wrong about that Mr. Reed-----if someone withholds information about someone's unfit stable of mind-- and a crime is committed----that person can be held accountable----especially if someone has the money to pursue the accusation."
            "What are you talking about now----who is accusing Walker?"
            The two agents stare at Dalton-----"I guess you will find out soon enough when the Walkers return from their trip and he's served the  papers-----his son-----Adlen Belle."
            Dalton watches as the agents walk away, he can't believe what he has just heard. He whispers under his breath, "A son? Walker and Liberty had a son?"


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


Walker and the twins are making preparations for their trip into the Klondike mountains:


            "Wow," exclaims Cordell, "I can't believe it---we are finally going to get to see the Iditerod dog races!"
            "See them---heck---bro' we get to drive one of the teams!"
            The twins are laughing and getting their backpacks ready. "I know, I know----can you believe it? We go to a place called Lame Dog for three days of training----after that we enter the contest for a five day trek into the Klondike’s."
            Cooper is trying to decide which pair of snow boots to take, "Which ones, Cordell---do I take the Mud cats or the knee highs?"
            "Better take both-----and remember your snowshoes----Dad says we'll be disqualified if we don't have them---they're a must."
            "Hey Cordell, did you see the look on Dad's face, when the guide instructor said that we would have our own dog sled----just the three of us-----isn't that great?"
            "Yeah----Dad is just as excited as we are----and it's even more special that it will be just us---family!"
            Cooper is tugging to get his backpack closed, and Cordell is staring at him. "Hey bro', what you got in there? We're suppose to take only the essentials."
            "I'm taking extra food, plus some thick socks to wear at night-----remember Dad said it would be down in the teens when we camp out at night, also an extra parka."
            "Guys------you can't take all of that," Walker is standing in the doorway leading to the twins' bedroom--- "didn't you read the guidebook on what was required to take-----"JUST" bare essentials, guys."
            The twins stop and stare at each other, "But, Dad---we got to have clothes to keep warm."
            Walker shakes his head, "Coop----you didn't go by the guidelines to packing----you can only take what the instructor wrote down for us. Any more weight than that, and the dogs can't pull the sled."
            Cooper starts unpacking his backpack, "Guess I'll start all over again."
            "Come on guys----I know you're excited about all of this---but you've been on survival trips with me before---you know we only take the limited amount of supplies."
            "Okay, Dad----guess I just wasn't thinking straight----but you said so yourself that this wouldn't be like any of the other trips that we've taken."
            Walker nods his head, "That's true, son----we're not going to be looking for water in cactus and 'gutting' snakes. Also, the weather is going to be different, the cold here is different than from any Texas weather you boys have ever seen.  But, that's the purpose of this 3 days of training---remember---we have to get past the physical and the mental tests first."
            Cooper starts flexing his muscles, grunting---"I'll pass the physical, Dad----no problem."
            Cordell laughs, "What about the mental part of it? You have to have a clear mind----and bro'---your mind is never clear."
            "That's true," Cooper nods his head, "I'm always thinking of girls---what's your excuse?"
            "There are other things to think about, besides girls----right, Dad?"
            Walker puts his hands up in the air, "I refuse to answer that, and in a few years---you'll rephrase that question."
            Cooper sneers, "It might be sooner than that, huh Cordell?  Dana's here, and you've been acting --verrrrry nervous!"
            Cordell throws a small bag at his twin, "Oh, shut up, Coop---she doesn't make me nervous---I've just had a lot on my mind---that's all."
            Walker laughs, "Well----whichever it is---supper will be served soon, don't keep us waiting! It might be the last good meal we have for almost a week."


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


            Walker is awakened in the middle of the night, as he hears voices coming down the hallway. The guards are waking everyone, by pounding their clubs on the cell doors. They are going inside the cells and dragging the prisoners out, some are still half asleep as the guards shove them out into the hallway and then towards the front entrance.
            The guards are only a few feet away from his cell as Walker glances over towards his friend.
            "Heck--what's happening? Is someone else getting beaten?"
            The old man strains to hear the guards and then he motions for Walker to back away from his cell door. "They are moving some of the prisoners---I think we are next."
            Two of the guards motion for Heck to come out of his cell, as they keep handkerchiefs over their noses as the stench from Heck's rotting leg reaches their nostrils. Two other guards go in after Walker; he falls in line behind his friend. As they reach the front entrance, they see the big trucks backing up. Walker and the other prisoners are thrown into the back of the truck and the doors slam shut.
            It's pitch dark in the back of the truck and the air is limited. Walker can barely see the old Mexican. "Heck----where are they taking us, do you know?"
                   "Probably to another part of ‘la casa de los Siete Diablo’-----this is not good, senor. The Federales have learned of this one prison and they are moving in."
            "The Federales,” repeats Walker, “then the American consulate are onto them---someone has told them----maybe that old man?"
            "No senor, I do not believe the old man would have wasted his time, they have never believed him before---something else has happened---someone bigger, more important has arrived and now the guards will continue to move us from prison to prison---to show whoever this 'big important person' is----that we do not exist."
            "Who would be that important to scare them, maybe a American Ambassador?"
            The old man shrugs, "No---they are not afraid of your American Ambassador-------I don't know who it could be."
                  Walker replies quietly, "I think I know---it's my wife."
            "Your wife---are you loco? They would not be afraid of a woman," the old man scoffs.
            Walker smiles, "They would be afraid of her connections----she's had dealings with the Mexican government before, and she knows just the toes to step on, and believe me---if Alex has gotten information that I'm being held here---she will go straight to the top----and heads will roll!"
            The old man groans, "Your wife-----is she a politician?"
            "No, my wife is a lawyer, and a damn good one! She's head district attorney of Dallas, she has a lot of pull, and she knows how to call in favors. Heck----- why all the big trucks to just transfer us----and six other prisoners?"
            "They are moving out everything that was ever here--there will be no trace of the prison or US---ever being here."
            Walker nods, "They're scared----someone has scared them big time---I have a good feeling about this my friend---my Cherokee intuition is kicking in."
            Heck stares back at the bearded one, squinting his eyes, "Now you are saying that you are Indian?"
            "Yes---my friend, I'm half Cherokee, and I was having the dreams last night."
                       "Dreams, senor? What are you talking about?"
            "I was dreaming of my father, he was a full-blooded Cherokee; I could see him so clear. He was standing beside my mother and there were others, White Eagle, Uncle Ray, and there was someone else, but I couldn't make out who the other figure was.   He looked like CD, but I could never see him clear enough. Every time I got close to the figure, he would just disappear! I don't understand this part of the dream."
            "Do you have the dreams often, my friend?"
            "Only when I'm troubled---I had them often in Nam-----of my parents. They would talk to me and tell me to follow the wind, and listen. White Eagle has come to me more often than the others, he will show me a sign---I have to be alert Heck----he will give me a sign."
            The old Mexican leans back against the wall of the truck, and mumbles, "I have never met anyone like you, senor Walker----you talk of dead people like they stand beside you," Heck blesses himself, "but God moves in strange ways, if the blessed Father is listening----I feel he has a special place in his kingdom for believers like you."
            Walker smiles, "We all have beliefs in the other world, in many ways, and in many forms. I've always believed in a greater force, ‘HE’ was there through the jungles of Nam and every time I strapped my gun on, He was there beside me. I still don't attend church as much as my wife and kids would like me to---but I still believe--and I believe that I will live to see my family again."


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


            Dinner is over and the Walkers have decided to turn in early.
            Angela and Dana are sitting in Angela's room doing Dana's hair. "Come on Dana, move your things into my room so we can have more time to gossip."
            "Okay, but who do you want to gossip about, I'll give you just one guess----J.W."
            Angela frowns, "Think you know me pretty well, don't you? Well?  Did he call you----to ask questions about me?"
            "I'm sorry Angela----I haven't heard from him, guess he's still in Baltimore with his Dad."
            Angela frowns, "Yeah----probably---and he's probably out on a date."
            Dana's dark eyes light up, "What about you? What about that guy you met on the plane ride, what was his name?"
            "Adlen, his name was Adlen, don't know his last name.  He had to get off the ship for some reason, he's kind of mysterious----kept asking all kinds of questions about my daddy."
            Dana groans, "Bet that didn't sit too good with your Dad, huh?"
            "Daddy didn't like him much----but Daddy never likes any boy that ever pays attention to me---he finds something wrong with all of them. He didn't like Dylan, he and J.W. had words, and he definitely didn't like Adlen."
                      "THISSY," Angela jumps as Little Ray comes running into her room, crying his eyes out.
            "What's the matter, what's wrong?"
            The boy is crying crocodile tears "’ordell and ‘ooper won't let me go wide the dogs."
            Angela sighs, "Little Ray, you can't go with Daddy and the twins, that's for big guys."
            The boy folds his arms across his chest in anger, "Me big!"
            As Angela is trying to explain why Little Ray can't go on the trip, Cordell sticks his head in and taps on the door. "Can I come in?"
            Dana nervously starts primping at her hair and sneaking glances at Cordell. He's trying not to make eye contact with her.
            "Why is Little Ray crying, I thought Daddy explained to him why he couldn't go on this trip?"
            Cordell stammers as he keeps trying not to look at Dana. "Cooper told him he couldn't go, 'cause the giant polar bears would eat him----- and the crevices in the ice would open up and swallow him whole."
            Angela is wiping her baby brother's tears, "Damn that Cooper---I'm going to ring his neck for scaring you like that."
            "You don't have to bother, Sis----Dad is chewing him out now----afraid that Little Ray will start having nightmares again.

            Angela turns to her little brother, "Look--Little Ray-- you don't listen to what Cooper was saying--he was just trying to be funny--I'll make him think "funny" if he doesn't stop telling you those things."
            "Ahhh, Angela---I'm going back to my room now and get some things," Dana mumbles, looking up at Cordell.
            Angela sees the look that both Cordell and Dana are trying to hide, she smiles, "Cordell---will you help Dana--to move some things in here, we're going to share my room---so we can gossip-----about boys.  Who knows---we might even gossip about you."
            Cordell looks to Dana, and both of them blush, "Angela, stop it," replies Dana.
            Cordell tries to smile as he reaches out for his brother's hand, "Sure---I'll help you, Dana---let me take Little Ray back to my parents' room."
            Cordell walks out ahead of Dana, Dana looks back to Angela and giggles softly, "Angela----I'm going to kill you---what else could he say?"
            Angela smiles back, "He could have said ‘No’---but he didn't----he likes you, Dana---trust me."
            "You really think so, did he tell you that he did?"
            Angela winks, "No---it's what he doesn't say----just take it slow, Dana---I know my brother and if he thinks you're moving too fast---he will run like a scared rabbit."
            "What about a rabbit?" Cordell has returned and only heard the last of the girls' conversation.
            Dana turns to him, "Nothing----you really don't have to help me, if you don't want to Cordell---I've only got a few things----"
            "It's okay, Dana, I don't mind----just tell me what you want moved."
            Angela smiles as her very best friend and her brother walk slowly towards Dana's room. Her smile soon fades as she starts thinking about her own love life.
            "Love life---what a crock---I'll never have a boyfriend---not if Daddy has anything to say about it. Most of the boys I know are scared stiff of him, and if it's not him scaring them,  it's the twins! The only boy that's ever stood up to Daddy was J.W.----now he's lost interest."
            Angela slams her hairbrush down on the bed, " Wonder what ever happened to Adlen?"


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

 

The young man with the blue/gray eyes is staring back at the two men in suits.
            "I told you to be careful what you were saying to this Dalton Reed---The older one speaks first, "No---I don't think so---he seemed genuinely upset over hearing about your Mother's death, even though that was almost twenty years ago."
            Adlen ponders, "Yeah----my Mother left a lasting impression on everyone she met."
            The younger man smiles, "Your Mother was very beautiful---she had a lot of men friends--this Reed fellow made no attempt to deny that he didn't share the sheets with her and---"
            The man doesn't get to finish his sentence as a fist goes to his mouth. Adlen swears at him, "You piece of slime, don't you dare say anything so degrading about my Mother."
            The agents back up, as the older one tries to soothe things over, "It's the truth and you know it, Adlen---- everyone that has ever met your Mother has said she never stayed with any one man very long---including that Cordell Walker."
            Adlen's voice softens, "But---she felt differently about him---she always talked about him---from the time I was old enough to listen, she talked about Walker, saying he was my father."
            The men remain silent as Adlen lights up a cigarette and exhales. "He didn't have to treat her that way---you know. If he would have just accepted her calls, and just be decent enough to talk to her, to listen.  But no----he was too busy---saying that he was interested in someone else and that he had moved on."
            The older agent replies, "That's one thing that keeps me puzzled, Adlen----everyone that we have talked to about this Walker have all said how honest and honorable this man is. The man is always doing charity work, he has that drug program----we didn't hear anything negative about him----everyone holds Walker in the highest of esteem."
            Adlen grounds out one cigarette and then lights another, "Yeah----they're all brainwashed into thinking that this man can do no wrong----if he had just listened to my Mother 's pleas, maybe she would still be alive today."
            "So, what's next?  Do we continue to 'dog' this Dalton Reed with more questions---or do we set the wheels in motion to get Daniel out on bail?"
            Adlen puts his hand up, "Hold off on that----I still got to get things cleared with Lars on that little matter, he's not too happy with me right now."
            The men nod, "Yeah---we heard about that little 'tiff' between you and Daddy dearest---does he still want you to go out of the country with him---where to now---- the South Seas, orient---where?"
            Adlen sneers, "Beats me---he's got some business to attend to down south---wants to get another shipping business started---like he doesn't have enough already."
            The agents look to each other, "Just how much is that old man worth, a couple of billion?"
            Adlen laughs, "Hah!  Mere pocket change, I can assure you of that!"
            The younger agent shakes his head, "It doesn't make any sense! Here you are, set to inherit up in the millions when Lars kicks the bucket, you've always had anything and everything you've ever wanted. Lars would do anything for you, he's proved it over the years, putting YOU over his own son, you treat him badly, and still he would bend over backwards for you. This Walker has nothing but a little 1,000-acre ranch in some little hick town, he probably still owes on it---both he and his wife work--to make ends meet. He's got four kids to support and I hear another one on the way---what has he got to offer you?"
            Adlen stares back at the young agent, "His name-----but most of all, I want to hear him explain why he treated my Mother the way he did----my Mother didn't deserve to be treated that way."
            "Did your Mother ever tell him that she was pregnant with you?"
            Adlen sneers, "Yeah----and you want to know what he said?  He said it wasn't his baby----for her to find some other sap to pin it on---now does that sound like the same honorable man that everyone in Texas thinks is so damn great?"
            "I don't know, Adlen----I've seen the way that guy acts towards his kids, he's crazy about them! I can't picture the man saying something like that."
            Adlen shakes his head, "Can't you see---he wasn't ready to accept the responsibility of having extra baggage at that time in his life----so he denied being my father. He told my Mother he was interested in someone else, and that he was moving on without her."
            "This other woman----was she the woman that he eventually married?"
            Adlen nods, "Yeah---Alexandra Cahill.  They got engaged a couple of years later, finally married her in the year 2000---almost one year to the date later little Miss Angela makes her arrival! Cozy little family---isn't it?"
            "Okay----you're angry and maybe you have a right to be----but what if this DNA test shows that he is your Father and he still denies you, what then? You can't force him to pay attention to you, what do you expect to gain out of all of this?"
            Adlen stares out the window of his high-rise penthouse, "Satisfaction----that's what I want! Then I will drag his name through the dirt and show the people of Texas the lying son of a bitch that he really is. We'll see then what his kids think of him, and then I can laugh---in his face."
            The agents soon leave and Adlen makes a phone call. "Hey, Woody---how's it going?"
            A very 'miffed' voice answers back, "What do you want, Adlen? What dirty deed are you asking now?"
            "Would you relax, brother---I just want to know how Angela took my departure from The Ice Princess---was she upset?"
            "She was confused, Adlen---she thinks you were caught 'stowing away' and was taken away by the police.  A 'stow away’- what a laugh!  If she knew that our father owned the cruise lines---she would die. By the way----how is Daddy dearest?"
            Adlen lights up another cigarette, "He's fine---a little angry with me---but what else is new----he was asking about you."
            "I'm sure he was so overly concerned---well,---you tell my Father that I'm doing just fine----without his money."
            "Come on Woody----you could make things so much easier if you would just admit that you were wrong and make things up with Lars."
            "I will never admit I was wrong, because I wasn't!  Lars has made his choice, and I've made mine.  What are you going to do about our other brother----are you making his bail?"
            Adlen has a sour taste in his mouth, "Danny----that little queer---I should let him rot in there for what he helped to do to those little boys."
            "He needs help, Adlen----for Christ's sake----can't you see that?---If he's convicted, he'll get the death penalty---is that what you want?"
            Adlen is silent and Woody repeats his question. Adlen replies, "I don't know what I want, Lars is refusing to put up the bail even when they set it----he says Danny has to pay his dues."
            "Just like father to say such a thing----like he's so innocent ---that he's never made mistakes-ha!  Talk to him Adlen---he'll listen to you----please----Daniel needs help.  For once in your life, think of someone else, beside yourself.  You can make up for all those years that Daniel has been mistreated----do it, Adlen---I'm begging you."
            "I'll think about it," Adlen replies softly, " Woody----I never meant to hurt you-----I just sometimes lose my temper where ‘that man’ is concerned!----I guess I've inherited his temper---huh?"
            Woody sighs, "Too bad you didn't inherit his compassion for life----he's a good man, Adlen---please just leave it alone---don't hurt him and his family. What about Angela----if she is your sister----do you want to hurt her like that?  It would kill her if you tried to hurt and degrade her Daddy. She would never forgive you----never."
            "I can't be thinking of Angela's feelings right now---my mother’s revenge is first priority now."
            "That's another thing, Adlen----you were trying to make time with Angela----it doesn't bother you that she 'could' be your sister---and you were still trying to 'bed' her?"
                                    

Seekers – Trial - Chapter 11
By SASQUAW



            Adlen remains quiet, thinking of how beautiful Angela is. He sighs, "Yeah----that was wrong---I admit it.  But, I think deep down, I wouldn't have gone through with it, I don't want to hurt Angela."
            "But, if you continue this vendetta against her Father, not only will you be hurting Angela, but the whole family. Leave it be, Adlen----people change, their feelings change, and as I hear it, Liberty wasn't exactly honest with Walker. There were other men, and you know it. Your Uncle Will filled your head with such lies about Walker, he was always lying to save his butt."
                 "Careful, Woody----watch what you say about my Mother."
            "I'm sorry----look---I got to go----I'm starting a new job. Let me know where you are, let me hear from you, okay?"
            "Yeah, yeah---I will. Hey Woody---do you need any money?"
            "I told you, Adlen----I will never accept our Father's money--it's got blood on it."
            "Let me get some money to you, I'll have it to you within the hour."
            Adlen hears the line go dead and he hangs up the phone.


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


            The three days of training for the amateur dog races has finally wound down, and the Walkers are exhausted. The guides assigned to each group has given the teams the last of their instructions, the race starts at sunrise.
            No one can sleep as the twins toss and turn in their bedrolls; Walker is sipping on coffee as he watches his sons. Even in his sleep, Cooper is never still, now his twin is equally restless. Cordell sits up and looks to the campfire, he grabs his sleeping bag and moves closer.
            He shivers as Walker hands him a cup of coffee, "Here son, drink this----it'll cut the chill."
            Cordell mumbles a 'thank you', sips the coffee and then gasps, "What's in that?"
            Walker smiles, "A little brandy----compliments of your grandpa----here drink the rest----so you can get some sleep."
            Cordell shakes his head, "No thanks, Dad, just the smell is making me nauseous, I'm still not over the after effects of all that Champagne and wine that Coop and I swiped---could I just have a straight cup of coffee? Is there any cream and sugar?"
            Walker shakes his head and hands the sugar and cream to his son, he looks over his shoulder and nods his head. "Do you know what's over those mountains?"
                  Cordell's eyes light up, "Yep----Russia!  One of these days I hope to see it in person, have you ever been to Russia, Dad?"
            "No, son----I haven't---too cold for me."
            "I know they've had their share of communism and their people haven't been treated fair, but I still find their lifestyle interesting. I've been reading this novel about Stalin, can you imagine how the world would be today if Stalin and Hitler had joined forces?"
            "They had joined forces, till Hitler got greedy and turned against Stalin, leading to Hitler's fall.  I'm not so sure what you mean about how the world would be, certainly not for the better."
            "No, Dad---I don't mean that, I meant the power struggle between these two. There would be no free world---we would all be living under communism. In my opinion, Stalin wasn't much better than Hitler."
            Walker studies his son's face, Cordell has always been intrigued by Russia and it's leaders. "Son----why are you so interested in all of this, does communism excite you?"
            "No----no way! I can't explain it, but ever since I had to do that book report on it, it's like----well you know how you are on the Native American Indian---there are no winners to either side. There was the Redman like Cochise and Geronimo that did their share of killing, as well as the white man. The Carpetbaggers during the civil war that tried to take the land from both parties and sell to the highest bidder. Surely, somewhere in Russian history, they were a proud people."
            Walker nods slowly, knowing he will have to cut this conversation in the bud if they were to get any sleep. When it came to talking about Russia, Cordell could talk all night ---"I suppose-----but right now, you need to get some sleep---day break will come early and our first day out is going to be exhilarating---and tiring."
            Cordell nods and throws the remainder of his coffee into the fire, "Okay, Dad----good night."
                   "Goodnight son."
            Cordell starts to move back closer to where his twin is sleeping, then turns around and says quietly, "Thanks Dad."
                     Walker's eyelids go up in question. "Thanks for what, Cordell?"
            Cordell smiles, "For taking us on this trip---it's been so long since just the three of us guys have spent time together---alone! We know that there is a cash prize for the first three teams that place, but Coop and I both agree----we don't care if we 'place'----we're just happy to spend this time with you."
                   Walker's eyes become misty as his son says his goodnights again. He wipes his eyes then he too, turns in for the night.


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


            The old man is slowly going over his shack that he calls 'home'. The sight is almost gone in his left eye, the right one waters constantly. He gets down on his hands and knees, feeling for the loose boards in the floor, he tugs slightly on them and they give way to him. He reaches down as far as he can into the hole and pulls out a small burlap bag, and smiles to himself.
            He goes over each object, running his fingers slowly over the paper objects. He holds the one object to his good eye and stares, the tears begins to fall, his body trembles. He cries quietly, "Thank you Lord, for the memories, but sometimes they can hurt---so very much."
            He rocks back and forth, holding the object and then he reaches for the only other possession that he holds dear. He runs his finger over it, and then he rubs it up against his dirty and torn shirt. He rubs it hard, making it shine. He traces the raised letters between his fingers, and then he places it and the paper object back in the bag and then under the boards. He pulls old boxes over to cover it, kicking the loose dirt up around, covering any trace that there might be a hiding place there.
            The old man sits back and finishes eating the can of beans, he glances back at the hiding place, and curses.
            "I've got to keep it hidden from those thieving little bastards-----"Piranhas, they call themselves---just another word for buzzard, preying on the innocent and the old----if I was twenty years younger, I would blister their butts good with a 2x4.  Yep---that's what I would do-----and then I would nail their hides to the barn door!"


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


            The first day out of the Iditerod race is just as Walker predicted, very tiring. They each take turns riding the footrest on the sled, while the other two run beside it. The guides are staying a close distance behind, watching the races, while also keeping an eye out for danger. While one guide keeps an eye on the races, the other one is dressed out in white fatigue, binoculars, and a high-powered rifle. All of the sleds make the first point without incident, and start sitting up camp for the night.
            The first thing to do is take care of the dogs, to feed them, and make sure their feet are being doctored. The doggie boots help to keep their paws from being cut. Soon, the racers start digging out the holes in the snow and ice, where ice blankets will be laid down first, covered with a water-proof lining, and then the tent will be erected around it, and bedrolls will go inside. Only one small fire is allowed in teams of five, the racers all gather around it for warmth and heating up their canned food and pouches.
            The temperature has dropped down into the teens, the wind is picking up as some of the tents are swaying back and forth. Walker observes the two teams to his left, who are still trying to get their tent erected.  He sighs and walks over to them, offering his help, the twins soon join him.
            Later the wind has picked up even more, Walker and his sons move inside.  "It is so cold, my butt has goose bumps."
                  "You're so right about that bro', I've never seen it so cold."
                  Walker smiles back at them and then he looks to the rise where the guides have camped out. They pace back and forth; Walker can see their breath in the night air. Cooper moves up beside his Dad.
            "What are they looking for, Dad?  Why do they have such powerful rifles?"
                 Walker nods, "More than likely they're keeping an eye out for wolves-----maybe bear. Those rifles are powerful enough to bring a bear down with one good shot."
            "Got that right," comments Cordell, "I saw some wolves earlier, it looked like they were going to follow us, and then they just disappeared."
                     "They're waiting to see if any of the dogs will pull up lame, and then they will try to move in."
                  Cordell shivers, "It says in the guidebook, that if a dog comes up lame, he takes priority in riding in the sled till we can get him to the next point---and then he will be taken to a animal hospital."
            "That's right son----and it also means being short a dog."
                    Cooper groans, "I don't know about you two----but I'm going to sleep---that is if I can ever find my frozen body."
                   Walker and Cordell soon join the exhausted Cooper and the three of them cuddle close for warmth. In the distance, they hear the wolves.
                 Cordell whispers, "I wonder if they are as big as the ones we have back in Texas?"
            "Are you kidding, Cordell----everything is bigger in Texas---our wolves would make these look like Chihuahuas, right, Dad?"
                    Walker shakes his head as he reaches back to his son's bedroll and pats his son's leg, "No comments----now get some sleep.”
                     Cooper snuggles up closer to his father, Cordell snuggles closer to him, pulling the bedroll over his head.
                                                                                                                                              

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

         

            The big semi has finally stopped, and the prisoners are ordered to get out. Walker and Heck are the first two out, and they observe the surroundings. This prison camp is smaller, like it was hastily thrown together. The guards are nervous as they start prodding their prisoners inside. Heck's leg has gotten worse, the loco weed has not helped, the infection is spreading.
            Heck leans on Walker as they are moved to their cell, this time they will be sharing. The guards laugh and fan the air as they throw the two prisoners into the 9x12 confinement. The other prisoners are glad, too, that they won't smell the rotting flesh.
            After the guards are gone, Walker reaches down into his pant leg and brings out the last of the weed and pops it into his mouth and starts chewing. Heck looks at him, pleading.
            "Do not waste anymore of the weed on me, my friend----it is doing no good---I feel the infection going into my bone now. It is like a cancer of army ants, chewing at my flesh----soon I will not be able to stand the pain any longer."
            Walker shakes his head and gently lifts the old man's pant leg back, the stench is overpowering. Walker tries to keep a straight face as he lays the weed down on the open wound that has now spread to twice its size. He looks into the old man's eyes and knows it's just a matter of time.
            Walker hits the cell with his bare hand, cursing. "The guards are definitely nervous about something. ‘Someone’ has gotten wind of them and this damn prison----I have a feeling they will be moving us again----and soon."
            Heck lets out a groan, "Yes----my friend---I'm afraid you are right----but they are moving us further south----and my bet is, they are taking us to Diablo."
            Walker shakes his head, "What would this DIABLO want with us----we're just small fish?"
            "I do not know, senor---but I do know this---we will not leave his prison alive. He will kill us---just for the fun of it----and you my friend will die very slowly----he hates Americanos, and if he finds out you are a lawman---it will be a very, very-----slow death."
                     Walker's face is stern, "That will not happen, my friend----we are getting out of here----tonight!"


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


American Embassy, Mexico City:


            The woman is irate, her temper is flaring as the dark skinned man tries to calm her. The consulates are arguing back with her and the American delegates.
            The one in charge slams his fist down on his desk and stares at the woman, she stares right back at him.
            "Your husband is not here, your people have searched and searched, there is no sign of him here. What more do you ask of us?"
            The woman's blue eyes stare back, "We have gotten word that my husband was spotted near Morales, we have asked you to send your Federales into the area and start searching---you are refusing to cooperate! This is a direct order from the Texas governor!"
            The man spits back at the woman, "Texas government----crap! What about your people's refusal to help us when we have needed it, you turn our people back at the borders, you're border guards shoot the ones that try again----our citizens do not get a fair trial in your courts of law----why should we care about one man?"
            The woman's temper is continuing to rise, "I am going over your head, I will now speak only to your governor, get me in touch with Governor Gomez----now!"
            The man is sputtering, the woman leans over the desk and hands the phone to the little man. "You better start dialing----or you are going to be wearing this phone!"
            The man snatches the phone away and starts speaking in Spanish, the woman continues to stare at him. Minutes pass and the man shoves the phone to the woman.
                    "Governor Gomez---this is Alex Walker, district attorney of Dallas-----you and I need to talk----now!"
                                     **************************************


            They have watched the old man all day, there are about a dozen of them, all ages. Their leader watches the habits of the old man carefully. He wonders why the old man keeps returning to the run down shack of nothing but plywood thrown together. He lives off the street just as he and his small band have survived through the years.
            They are orphans, forced to the streets for different reasons. Some have been abandoned by one or both parents and some in the loss by death. The oldest looks to the faces around him, they are all 'brothers in arms', though the only blood relation to any of them is held to the youngest, who is around five.  His name is Juan, the boy is his nephew, Tony.
            They've been on the streets since Tony was barely walking. The rest of them have come from the neighboring towns, trying to survive the only way they know how, by stealing. There are other bands, but Juan tries to keep his circle small, and so far he hasn't crossed the line---of killing. He talks mean, terrorizing his victims, as he has done to the old man repeatedly. But now the food is scarce, they haven't eaten in days and his band is getting restless and wanting results. They edge closer to the old man's shack.
            The old man is eating the last of his canned beans; he senses their presence. He scoots up against the furthest wall and waits. Within minutes, they are upon him, hitting him---over and over. They are tearing the old shack apart as some of the older boys drag the old man out into the street and start kicking him. He loses consciousness, only then do the boys stop beating him.
            Juan is furious as he starts throwing things around, he curses. "Where's your food old man----where is it?"
            Juan and the older boys are tearing the place apart, the old cardboard boxes fall away and the hiding place is revealed. Juan stares down into the hole, and pulls up the small burlap bag. He dumps everything down on the ground, all he sees are the paper objects, and he tears them into.  Something shiny has caught his eye and he reaches down and picks it up. He stares at it for the longest and starts to toss it away. He sees his young nephew staring at it; it's the closest to a toy that the boy will ever know. Juan smiles and hands the shiny piece of metal to his little nephew.
            "Well, it's not food---but if you want it----you can have it."
            The small band of “piranhas” is still angry and they are all yelling at Juan to find them food. They argue, and then Juan kicks out at the old man laying on the ground, they all walk away.
            An hour has passed; the old man comes to and starts dragging himself back to the shambles that he used to call 'home'. He starts feeling on the ground, he feels the paper objects and he starts to cry. He pieces them together the best that he can see how, and he holds the one up to his good eye. The tears fall down his cheek as he looks at the object----a picture. The old man cries softly, shaking his head back and forth.
            "Why Lord----the picture is the only thing I have left of my 'family'-----why did you let them do this? Have you forsaken me too?"
            The old man starts searching for the other object, but he can't find it anywhere.  He sits down on the ground, putting his head down on his knees, his body trembles, as the tears will not stop.


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


            The races are now in their final day and four more teams have dropped out---now there are only five.
            Walker and the twins watch as the guides escort the teams on to the finish line.  The instructors are having the last five teams meet around the campfire for last minute instructions. The meeting takes about half an hour and then they all sit down for their evening meal.
            Their meal consist mostly of jerky, cans of soup are heated up over the fire.
            Cooper downs the soup without even tasting it; he looks to his twin and groans.
            "What I wouldn't give for some of Mom's enchiladas, just covered with chili and cheese and lots of onion rings dripping in ketchup."
            Cordell nods, "Yep----or some of Angela's biscuits and gravy with sausage and some pancakes---lots of orange juice."
            Cooper smiles, licking his lips---"And maybe some fried chicken and bar-be-que from Fat Alberts'----What about you, Dad---what would you like to eat right now----if you had your choice?"
            Walker smiles back at his sons, "You know---you are only making it worse---talking about food--that's the number one rule----don't discuss food."
            The twins groan, "We're not talking about food, our stomachs are."
            Walker pours another cup of coffee, "Well-----since you asked---I guess if I had my choice of food, it would be-----"
                  "Turkey meat loaf, Mexican cornbread, and fried okra" the twins say in unison.
            Walker laughs, "Okay, smart alecks--if you knew----why did you ask?"
                Everyone laughs, "And for dessert----pineapple upside down cake, right Dad?"
            "You got it------made with fresh pineapple."
            Cordell smacks his lips, thinking about the last cake Angela made. She was adamant about getting her Daddy fresh pineapples for his cake, and she made her Mother drive to three different markets, before she found just the right ones.
            "It's sure a good thing that Angela never samples her cooking, she would weight 300 lbs by now----as much as she likes to cook."
            Cooper grins, "Why should she worry about sampling it, she has four human garbage disposals to do it for her----and man---do we enjoy being her guinea pigs----right Dad?"
            "Yep----a slice of cake, and a fresh pot of coffee would sure taste good right now."
            "And------a cigar----huh?"
            Walker shakes his head, "I made a promise to you-----I haven't gone back on that promise-----are you still keeping up with your end of the bargain?"
            Cooper nods his head, "Sort of----I still like to have one ---just to roll around inside my mouth---does that count?"
            Cordell smirks, "Yuk-----I don't see how you can put those things in your mouth, and the smell-----they're nauseating."
            "You're such a wimp, Cordell-----cigars put hair on your chest."
                 "Where's the hair on your chest----and what's more----where is that whisker that you were bragging about?"
                    "Heeeyyyy----I got hair on my chest-----it's down there somewhere. And as for my whisker---it disappeared."
            "Then it wasn't a real whisker----probably just a piece of dirt, because you don't take enough showers and when you do----yocu don't bathe thoroughly."
            Cooper throws an uneaten piece of jerky at his brother, "At least I don't stay in the shower for a solid hour----what do you do in there that takes so long?"
            "I practice good hygiene, maybe you should try it sometime."
            Cooper smirks and looks to his brother, "Are you sure that's all that you're practicing?"
            Walker is watching his sons' reaction, the boy actually blushes as his eye dart back and forth between his brother and father, "Cooper----shut up."
            Cooper starts laughing, Walker is fighting to keep from laughing too, he turns to Cooper. "Okay----that's enough."
            Cordell stands up muttering that he has to find 'the little boys' room’ and quickly walks off.
            His twin yells out to him, "Are you sure you don't need any help?"
            Cordell yells back at him to shut up and Cooper breaks out laughing.
            Walker stares back at the younger twin, "That's enough, harmless teasing is one thing----but you're letting it go too far----enough."
            Cooper reaches for more jerky, and mumbles a “Yes sir------Cordell knows I'm just teasing him."
            Walker nods, "Tomorrow is the big day-----I heard some of the other racers that have taken this race before say it's the most dangerous, a lot of crevices have been spotted---so we all got to be extra careful tomorrow----keep our eyes open."
            "The guides seem to be a little extra nervous tonight, do you know why, Dad?"
            Walker sips his coffee, "Yeah----they do seem nervous----I talked to one of them, he said a couple of polar bears were spotted down Walrus Lake, he wasn't sure---but he thinks one of them might have a cub."
                     Cooper's eyes look at his father puzzled, "But we're not going anywhere near Walrus Lake-----and polar bears aren't noted for wanting to be close to humans----right?"
            "Son, when a mama bear has a cub---they're unpredictable-----they will attack anything and everything to protect their young.  And, Walrus Lake is the perfect feeding ground for them. The guide said they were trying to go upstream, to catch salmon---so therefore---we're heading downstream, and as far from the lake as we can get."
            "So, what's the problem---why are the guides so nervous?"
                   "Because---like I said a bear with a cub is unpredictable---they might just decide to stay downstream---if they do---we could be in a lot of trouble."
            Cooper stares at his Father's parka and the big pockets, "You do have your gun, don't you Dad?"                                       

            Walker nods, "Yep----I've got it---but a .357 is not going to be much help against one of those bears, by the time they get close enough for it to do any damage---I'll be looking into their eyes and smelling their foul breath."
            Cordell has returned from his 'nature call'---"What's up----what are you two talking about?"
            Cooper tells his brother about the conversation.  He whispers slowly, "Dad----did you know that there are only two guides now?"
            "Where did the other two go," asks his twin.
            Walker nods, "They had to escort those other teams to the finish line---they should be back by morning."
            The twins look around at the other 4 teams. Now, they've been given colors, so they can be seen better against the snow. The red team has a half-mile advantage on the other teams and they will be allowed to leave first in the morning, followed by the other teams and how they are finishing. Walker's team has green ribbons, they're tied with the yellow team---dead last! The blue team is about a quarter of a mile behind the red team, the purple team closely behind them.
            Walker looks over at the yellow team; they are all laughing and swapping jokes. One of the men is supposedly drinking coffee from a thermos, but he's downing it too fast, Walker knows its alcohol. The twins watch their Dad's face turn to concern.
            "They know they're not suppose to have alcohol in this race, why don't the guides disqualify them," asks Cooper.
            "I don't know, son---but it's dangerous---not only for them but the dogs as well. If they're not alert, they can cause the dogs to get hurt----or killed."
            The three men continue laughing and their voices are getting louder. Everyone has stayed pretty much to themselves during this race, especially these three.
            Cordell starts fumbling through his backpack, looking for his little instamatic camera. He finds it and motions for his twin to go sit closer to their Dad. Cooper sits down next to Walker, putting his arm around his Dad's shoulder. Cordell takes several pictures and then nods for his twin to take the camera and he sits down next to his Dad. The flashes are going off and the yellow team is becoming annoyed. One of the men curse and stomps over to Cooper, pushing him backwards and yanking the camera away. Cooper yells back at him, "Hey---that's my brother's camera----give it back!"
            Walker is standing up and walking towards the man, "Give my son back his camera!"
            The other two men walk over to their friend, they too have been hitting the booze, as they're egging their friend on. One of them mocks Walker.
            "Oh please give my son's camera back!"
            The three men all burst out laughing as Cooper rushes the one man and grabs his brother's camera. The man grabs Cooper by the collar and throws him to the ground. Cordell takes a flying leap and lands on the man's back, "Leave my brother alone----you son-of-a bitch."
            The other two charge at Cordell and Walker hits one in the face, spins around and catches the other one in the stomach with his foot. The third man is spinning around with Cordell still on his back, Cooper jumps to his feet and rushes the man, hitting him in the stomach. The man reaches out with his free hand and backhands Cooper, he again hits the ground. Cordell is hitting the man in the side of the face, as the man reaches back and throws Cordell over his shoulder, he lands just inches away from his twin.
            Walker is still fighting the other two as one picks up a piece of discarded firewood and swings at him. Walker ducks and kicks the man in the groin, the second man gets another fist to the mouth and he goes down. The first man goes after Walker again, he sidesteps and then takes the man into a sleep hold.
            The twins are lying side by side, watching their attacker come at them, screaming like a wild boar. The twins go in opposite directions to get out of his grasp, and the man hits the ground. Both twins then jump on the man's back and start swinging. They each feel a hand at the back of their parkas, pulling them up, and away. They stumble back to see Walker glaring down at the man, he reaches down and pulls the man up, his hand goes back to hit him, a shot is fired!
            The guides are re-cocking their rifles, "That's enough!"
                   Everyone is talking at once as the three men point their fingers at Walker and the boys.
            "They started it-------he's like a maniac---he came at my friends and me---for no reason!"
            Cooper rushes the man, "You're a liar----you took my brother's camera---that's what started it!"

 

Seekers – Trial – Chapter 12
By SASQUAW

            The guides continue asking questions, the other racers  join them and all agree that Walker and the twins did not start the fight.
            Cooper is trying to get out of his brother's grasp, "You took my brother's camera---you had no right to do that."
            Finally the guides have everyone calmed down, they turn to the three men, "I warned you three before the race started, no alcohol!! That's it---you're disqualified."
            The men start arguing again. The guide in charge stares back at them and then to Walker.
            "It wouldn't do any good to disqualify them, I've got no one here to escort them to the finish line---I'm short handed as it is."
            Walker stares at the three men, "I’ve got no complaints about them finishing the race if they leave the booze behind----and they better not go near either of my sons."
            The three men agree to Walker's and the guide’s demands, they walk back to their tent. The rest of the racers disperse. Walker takes a deep breath and then looks back at his boys; they're staring back at him, slowly smiling.
            Cooper grins, "You 'whopped' butt---way to go, Dad."
            Cordell nods, "Got that right, bro'."
            Walker shrugs, "Well, you two did some 'butt whopping' too-----did anyone ever tell you that you got some tempers on you?"
            The twins both nod their heads---"Yep----but we come by it naturally----our old man has been noted for his----and our Mother has been known to lose her temper, a time or two."
               Walker and the twins laugh, Cooper says softly, "We're a team----aren't we, Dad?"
            Walker reaches out and slaps his son on the shoulder and pulls them both closer to him, "Yeah---we're a team son."
            Cordell smiles, "Nobody messes with us-----"
            Cooper chimes, "That's right----nobody messes with us FIREWALKERS!"


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


            Adlen has done some serious thinking since his talk with his half-brother, Woody. He now stands outside the Tarrant county jail, debating on whether or not he's made the right decision to see Daniel. An older man stands beside him, Daniel's lawyer.
            An hour later they are escorted to the interrogation room. They sit down at the long table and the lawyer takes out Daniel's records and starts going over them.
            "I don't know, Adlen---Daniel has some pretty hard charges being brought against him, including two charges of attempted murder----and that's only against the Walker family."
            Adlen paces back and forth, smoking one cigarette after another, "That's their word against Daniels', and we all know the Walkers will back each other up."
            The lawyer smirks, "Yeah----I'm well aware of how the Walkers stick together---especially that prissy Mrs. Walker---she thinks she's untouchable in the court room."
            Adlen stares back at the lawyer, "Careful Doss----you're anger towards Alex Walker is showing----lost one too many case to that pretty DA, did you?"
            Doss is a short man, weighing close to 300 lbs, moustache, wearing horn rimmed glasses. The big man sits back in his chair, "Yeah, she's good in her job, I'll give her that!  She's pushing for the death penalty, and with her reputation as a determined District Attorney---she'll get it! That was two of her kids that your brother is accused of trying to kill, not to mention her husband --and he's a Texas Ranger."
            Adlen's face turns rigid at the mention of Walker's name. "I know who her husband is, do you have to keep reminding me?"
            Doss is unaware of Adlen's belief that Walker is his biological Father; he's a long time friend of Lars Kentworth's. He studies Adlen's face, "Is there something you're keeping from me?"
            "Not anything you should be concerned about---you just concentrate on Daniel's case and getting his bond posted."
            Doss pulls off his glasses and stares back at Adlen, "You do not tell me my job---I do not take orders from you----only Lars----you got that?  And, if you're hiding something that has to do with this case---- you might be looking at a mistrial for your brother---do you want that?"
            Before Adlen can answer, the door is pulled open and a tall lanky young man is walked into the room. He's wearing the bright orange uniform, compliments of the Tarrant County jail. The young man looks around him and then to the two men, he thinks the younger one looks familiar, but he's not sure. The officers sit him down, and then take the chains to his handcuffs and cuff them to the metal brace on the table. The young man tests the chain but he can only move his hands a few inches. He swallows and then looks at the portly man, sitting across from him.
            "Are you----my lawyer?" he asks.
            "Yes, Daniel---I'm Clifford Doss, I've been hired to represent you."
            Daniel looks to Adlen, "Is he my lawyer, too?" he nods towards Adlen.
            Doss stares at Daniel and then to Adlen, "You don't know who that young man is?"
            Daniel squints, "He looks familiar----but I can't place him---who is he?"
            Adlen walks over to the table, and grounds out his cigarette butt----"I'm your brother----I'm Adlen."
            Daniel stares back at Adlen---"My brother? I don't have a brother---you've made a mistake."
            Adlen groans and sits down beside Daniel, "No----there is no mistake---I'm Adlen---and you have another brother, a step-brother named Woody----don't you remember us at all?"
            Daniel shakes his head back and forth, he looks at Doss in question, "What's he talking about---I don't have any family---who is this guy"?
            Doss looks to Adlen and motions for him to walk to the other side of the room, and Adlen does so.
            The lawyer moves closer to Daniel, "Daniel----can I call you Daniel or do you prefer to be called Danny?"
            "Danny is my name----no body ever calls me Daniel----except maybe-----"
            "Who, Danny---who else calls you Daniel?"
            Danny starts to smile and then he cries, "My grandmother----she would call me Daniel----when she was mad at me----or something.  But---she's dead now----she's been gone a long time."
            Doss glances back at Adlen, "And, you don't remember having a family?"
            Danny starts to get angry, "I don't have a family-----I told you that! I did have a family----but he's dead too---the hogs-----the hogs ate him!"
            Doss looks back at the police report, "Ahhh, yes---the hogs----Danny, what do you remember about that day?"
            "What day?"
            "The day that your friend, Sarge, was killed and eaten by the hogs---December 15th-----just less than 2 weeks ago."
            The young man starts twisting in his seat, he rings his hands together, "Not much----I just remember the sounds those awful beasts were making-----they were all over Sarge, pulling and tearing at his flesh---they were so hungry---they ate him."
            Both Doss and Adlen exhale, the vision going through their heads of a man being eaten alive by hogs. Doss rubs his head, and then he says quietly to Danny.
                  "Danny----was there anyone else there----that saw Sarge---being attacked and killed?"
            Danny shakes his head, "No----just me," and Danny starts picking at some lint on his uniform.
            Adlen stomps back to the table, "You're wrong, Daniel----there was someone else there---now think---who else was there?"
            Danny looks at Adlen, "Oh, yeah----"they were there, too."
                   "WHO---who else was there, Danny?"
            "You mean besides Sarge?"
            "Yes, Danny----besides Sarge and besides you---who else was there?"
            Danny smiles slowly----"The hogs were there too---they were mean!"
            Adlen slams his fist down on the table, "You little queer---if you don't start talking---we're walking out of here and your sweet little ass will be on it's way to Huntsville----but you would like that---wouldn't you?  You would love to be around all of those other 'sicko queers' that prey on pretty young men like you."
            Doss shoves Adlen away from the table, "Stop it----get a hold of yourself---I will ask the questions---one more word out of you and you're out of here---do you hear me?"
            Adlen reaches for another cigarette, "You better get him to talking---or I'm out of here-----and so is Lars' money."
            Doss goes back to the long table and starts talking quietly to Danny. "Danny---I'm here to help you----you do know what a lawyer is for, don't you?"
            Danny nods slowly, "What do you want me to do?"
            "I want you to tell me everything you remember---from the time you met "Sarge" and this "Kiwi" fellow---start from the first, Danny---I want to know everything, can you do that?"
            Danny looks to Adlen and then he whispers to Doss, "Is he going to get mad at me again---if I can't remember?  Why is he mad at me?"
            "Pay no attention to him, Danny---just listen to me---I have to know everything leading up to that day when Sarge was killed. I have to know if there was someone else there----and did they try to help your friend?"
            Danny grimaces, "Could I have a soda pop or something---I'm real thirsty."
            Adlen groans and walks over to the guard, he gives permission for Adlen to retrieve a drink for Danny. Doss reaches inside his shirt for a cigarette, "Would you like a cigarette, Danny?"
            Danny shakes his head, "Noooo---Sarge doesn't like for me to smoke, he doesn't like the smell it leaves on my breath.  He says----he says--it makes me smell like a whore."
            Doss nods and puts the cigarettes back in his pocket. "Very well----I don't want to make Sarge angry at you----but Danny----he's dead----he can't hurt you."
            The young man looks at Doss in confusion, "He's dead?"
            "Yes, Danny---he was killed by the hogs---now talk to me, Danny----I need to know everything."


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


            The old Mexican stares back at Walker. "Tonight? Are you serious?"
            Walker nods his head, "We can't wait any longer and take the chance of them moving us again. I'm as strong as I'm going to get under these conditions-----and you can't go much longer with that leg, I need to get you medical help."
            "I have told you, senor---do not worry about me---if you can escape---go."
            "And----I've told you, Heck----I'm not leaving this hellhole without you---I will carry you on my back----if I have to.  When the guards bring us our evening meal----you will create a diversion so I can get to the one guard-----then---we take it from there."
            Heck nods his head in agreement, "I will do what you ask, my friend---- and hope that the man upstairs will do his share to help us."
            Walker and Heck go over their plans.


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


Last day of the race:
                                   

            The teams have been released in the order they were finishing the night before. Walker and the twins are excited as they hitch up their team and wait anxiously for the signal to start.
            "Okay, guys----this is it----Cooper---you take point and Cordell--you're the driver, we are both going to have a long run before you take the reins. Cooper---you make sure that Eagle Eye keeps free of Nugget-------we don't want those two fighting again. If you can keep Nugget on the second leash---Eagle Eye will do her part."
            "Okay, Dad------what about Chinook---she was running pretty slow yesterday, I think she's favoring that right paw again?"
            Walker quickly walks up to the dog in question, and looks at her paw-----it will be okay----but I think we'll move Glazier and Sasquaw into these spots----move Chinook back---less pressure on her. What do you think?"
            The boys agree and positions are taken, the dogs are restless and ready to run, Eagle Eye is straining against her reins. The gun is fired and the last leg of the race is on.
            The twins shout a rebel yell---and "Remember the Alamo," and the air is filled with the sound of barking dogs, and heavy breathing. The yellow team is staying neck and neck with Walker's team.  The 3rd place team is less than a quarter of a mile ahead of them.
            When the trail evens out, Walker shouts to Cordell to ride the rail, Cooper is running along side of the lead dog. At Walker's command, Cooper will drop the lead rein, falling back to take the side rail then easing himself into the drivers' spot, Cordell will move out, taking his place along side the lead dog. Walker is running behind Cordell, he will take intervals on riding the rail, resting for only seconds and then back to running again.
            They are now getting close to Walrus Lake, and the guides have given all the racers the caution flag. Walker's eyes are darting back and forth, but he sees nothing. The green team's lead dog is running neck-to-neck with Eagle Eye; the dog senses a challenge and pulls ahead.
            Cooper is looking over his shoulder at the man on the green team, running point. The man is starting to stumble, the booze from the night before is taking it's affect on him. If he stumbles into the dogs and gets tangled in the reins, it could be disaster. Finally Cooper hears his father's call to break away, Cooper drops the lead rein, the dogs will be on their own till Cordell runs up on the other side and takes his position.
            Walker jumps up on the riding rail and Cordell gets ready to take his jump, Cooper will now be riding the rail, and Walker is back to running. This will continue as each of the Walkers takes their turn at driving the sled. The other team is not rotating; the man that started the fight the night before does not want to get off the rail, his friend is yelling at him, he refuses to listen.
            The green team is losing ground as Walker's team goes ahead of them, suddenly the man running point stumbles and lands headfirst into their lead dog, the whole team starts falling---in the domino affect. The sled and the dogs are falling, head over heels down the embankment. Walker yells at his sons to stop, he and Cordell start running to the embankment.
            The three men are standing up and trying to get the dogs untangled. Walker yells out to them, and they all wave him on, "We're okay," they yell back.
            Walker and Cordell start running back to their team, the 3rd place team has slowed, Cooper is yelling at his family to hurry and get back to the sled. "Come on you guys---hurry---we can move up---we can take 3rd place!"
            The 3rd place team has their reins tangled and the dogs are starting to stumble. Their point man is desperately trying to get the reins straight again. Walker runs to the 'point' position as Cordell eases himself back in the drivers' seat. Cooper moves back, letting his brother take the reins.
            "Go, Cordell---give them their heads---let them run---there's less than a quarter of a mile to go---Eagle Eye knows what to do---let 'em fly!"
            Walker is losing pace with the lead dog, and he does not see the small crevice in time. Eagle Eye tries to jump it, the sled bolts and Cooper is sent backwards into the snow. Cordell is hanging on for dear life as the sled goes sailing over a 30 ft embankment. The reins snap as the dogs are sliding into a snowdrift, the sled is still flying.
            Walker is running to the embankment calling out his son's name, with Cooper running up behind him. The 3rd place team is passing them, as Walker and Cooper slide down the embankment to get to Cordell. They see him standing up and shaking the snow off, he looks to his family and shouts.
            "Oh, baby----what a ride-----that was better than the rides at 6 Flags!"
            Walker takes a deep sigh as he grabs his son, "Are you sure you're okay?"
            "I'm fine Dad----no broken bones."
            Cooper stares at his twin, and then to the 3rd place team as they go racing by. He slaps his leg in disgust, "You really blew it this time, bro'----we could have taken 3rd place----why wasn't you watching where you were going?"
            "Take it easy Coop----it was my fault for not seeing that crevice in time, not your brothers.”
            Cooper continues to mumble to himself as he goes back up the embankment to check on the dogs. Cordell looks to his Dad.
            "Geez---- what ticked him off?"
            The race is over and the three teams are being congratulated and given their awards. The smell of food is filling the air as everyone is being treated to a victory dinner of salmon, steaks, and potatoes. The yellow team approaches Walker.
            The one that started the fight reaches out to shake hands with Walker, "Look---I'm sorry about last night----is your son's camera okay?  I'll replace it----just tell me how much."
            Walker motions for Cordell to come over and talk to the man. "It's okay, sir----it wasn't damaged---just a little snow."
            "Are you sure---I'll buy you another one."
            Cordell shakes his head and goes back to stand in the food line with his twin, who has been very quiet since the race ended. Walker continues to talk to the yellow team.
            "You blew it Cordell---we could have taken 3rd place---you were stupid and careless."
                     Cordell's voice is rising, "Put a lid on it, Coop----the race is over."
            Cooper turns around and shoves his brother, "Yeah----THANKS TO YOU!"
            Cordell stumbles back, he clenches his fist, "Watch it Coop----or so help me---I'll clobber you!"
            Walker turns around as his sons' voices are getting louder and the shoving has started. Everyone else has stopped what they were doing and now staring at the twins. The shoving continues and then the fists start flying and the Walker boys are slugging it out.
            Walker sighs, and goes back to talking to the three men. The twins are now rolling in the snow and Cordell has his brothers' head, half buried in it. Cooper is twisting and rolling to get out from under him, knocking Cordell backwards and then taking a flying leap and landing on his stomach. The punches are going back and forth, as the guides walk up to Walker, nodding back at the two brawlers.
            One of them asks slowly, "You going to break that up?"
            Walker shakes his head, "They'll stop, when they get tired of swinging, they're just letting off steam with each other, in the meantime--I'm going to get something to eat."
            Walker and the men walk around the boys as one goes flying into the campfire. The other one pulls him out, and then delivers an uppercut to his right jaw. The two go down again as Cordell ends up on Cooper's chest, blood is dripping from Cooper's mouth as he looks up at his brother and asks.
            "Have---have you had enough?"
            Cordell starts to laugh as he pulls his brother up, panting heavily, "Yeah---my fist has enough pain slamming into your ugly face."
            The boys stand there, trying to catch their breath. Cooper rubs his jaw, "I'm glad, because I don't think my jaw could have taken anymore contact with your fist."
            Cordell laughs, "That's good----because I think maybe I sprained my fist, when I hit you at the side of your head."
            The brothers’ laugh, "Well---you always did say---I had a hard head."
            Cordell nods his head as puts his arm around his brothers' shoulder,  "Got that right, bro---let's go eat."
            "Hey Cordell---you might have to chew my food for me, I think you broke my jaw."
            Cordell clenches his fist, "Okay----but if there is any carving to do, you'll have to do it, my hand is killing me---chew your own damn food."
                      Everyone is winding down and talking about the race, and the experience of riding in their first Iditerod race. Soon, everyone is heading for their bedrolls.
            The twins are sitting on a log listening to the guides tell of how the Iditerod races started and how they had changed over the years, talking of how the teams had to raise their own dogs to pull the sleds.
            Cooper sighs, "I guess change is good or we wouldn't have been allowed to race, since we didn't raise the dogs."
            The guide named Ben nods back, "Yep---another pastime that has gone commercial, you might say. In the early days, the teams were raised from pups, and it took months of training to train them---- and the drivers. But, now---all of these dogs have been trained to work with strangers. The dogs know what their jobs are---that's why only a limited time of training was necessary---for the humans."
            The boys laugh, and Cordell asks, "But, they still have the real races---don't they?"
            Ben and Walker exchange glances, "Oh yeah---but the real races are ---very grueling and they do require being trained with your own dogs."
            Walker nods, "Yep----and those races can be very dangerous, usually only one man teams---not the 3 man team, like we were on today."
            Cooper grins, "Yeah---but--if we had our own team, we could enter those races, couldn't we Dad?"
            Walker laughs, "Maybe you and your brother could pull it off---but I think I'm little bit over the hill for such a challenge."
            "What are you talking about, Dad---you were more than holding your own against some of the other men in the race----that were half your age?"
            Cooper nods his head in agreement, "Yep---Cordell and I wouldn't have wanted anyone else on our team---right bro?"
            "Got that right----come on Coop----let's go say goodbye to the dogs---ya' coming Dad?"
            Walker throws the remainder of his coffee into the fire, "Right behind you boys---I mean----MEN!"
            The Walkers find the dogs and start saying goodbye to them, Cooper bends down and scratches Eagle Eye's ears, "I'm going to miss you, girl."
            Cordell grabs his camera and walks over to the yellow team, and takes their picture. In return, he lets them take pictures of him and his family. The three Walkers kneel down between the lead dogs, Eagle Eye, Chinook, Nugget, and Sasquaw.


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

 

New Years' Eve:
                                       

               Everyone has enjoyed an evening of dancing and eating. The twins have joined the band, as the songs span back over the years, from the roaring 20's to the present music of the day. Gordon and Sue have been dancing most of the night, Cooper and Alex dance to a Charleston, a jitterbug, the twist and then Cooper takes the floor doing an imitation of John Travolta's ‘Night Fever’. Walker waits for the music to slow down, and then he waltzes with Angela. Several young men are anxiously waiting their turn to dance with the auburn hair beauty. Cordell and Dana are trying to make conversation.
            "Are you sure that you have to go back to Texas tomorrow----I thought you and your Mom were staying till the 5th---when we all go back."
            Dana's dark eyes look up at Cordell's 5' 7" frame, she can't get over how much he's grown the past summer. She smiles back at him, "Yeah----my Mom's boss called the other night and said that Lucy had quit---that's his main secretary---so he's short handed and Mom has to go back---if she wants Lucy's position."
            Cordell is stammering, "But----we had it all planned--we were going to lease a motor home and drive back through Canada and maybe over to the Dakotas."
            "I'm sorry, Cordell---but my Mom needs that position---it's a big pay increase for her.---I turn 16 in June and my Mom is going to try to get me a job in her office."
            Cordell tugs on the tie to his tuxedo, "Yeah-----understandable----I guess.  I was just hoping---you know--that we could spend some more time-----together-----you know."
            Dana is straining to keep from breaking out in a wide grin, remembering what Angela had said about not rushing her brother's attentions.  "Well----when you get back to Texas----we could----maybe----start spending some time together."
            Cordell swallows, "What do you mean?"
            "I mean---that maybe we could go to a movie-----or something."
            Cordell nods his head slowly, "You mean----like a date?"
            Dana stares back at him, "Yeah------a date----if you want to----that is?"
            "But-----I'm not allowed to start dating---till I'm 16."
            Dana sighs, "I keep forgetting that you're not the same age as me."
            "Yeah," replies Cordell, “you've probably been asked out by other guys more your age."
            Dana smiles, "Some boys have asked me out, but I'm not interested in them.  Are you sure your parents wouldn't let you go out with a group---what about Angela, she'll be dating soon----surely they will let you go out with her and me."
                    "Maybe--------I guess you think I'm quite a 'flake' since I'm not allowed to date till I'm 16----my friends are already dating.---You think I'm weird----don't you?"
            "No, Cordell---I don't think you're a 'flake' or weird---after all, the boys weren't exactly lining up to ask me out till----after your sister helped me with my new hairdo, and some pointers on how to dress. I've even changed my eating habits, I've lost nearly 8 lbs."
            "That's great Dana---not that there was anything wrong in the way you looked before and who told you that you needed to lose weight?"
            Dana smirks, "Well---let's face it---I needed to lose a few pounds, and Angela has helped me to watch what I eat and eat more fruits and vegetables----and drink lots of water."
            Cordell smiles as he looks at Dana's hair, she has starting letting it grow out, and gone---are the curls. Dana has beautiful dark eyes, and yes-----she did need to lose the baby fat. Now she was starting to wear a little more makeup and her figure was becoming---very noticeable.
            "Yeah---that's Angela---always drinking the water----and has always eaten like a bird."
            "I know----but she makes straight A's in homemaking and cooking---the teachers even ask her how to prepare certain dishes, and I never see her sampling any of it---which is why she

has that gorgeous figure and all the boys are dying for her to turn 16 and start asking her out."
            "My sister has always been beautiful----but so are you, Dana."
            Dana is speechless, she mumbles, "You think---I'm beautiful?  Boy---do you need glasses."
            "Stop selling yourself short, Dana-----there are many ways of being 'beautiful'---inside and----out."
            <