Charlie Wolf

Charlie Wolf


     Heat radiated like steam pockets from the parched earth between the low-lying scrub brush and mesquite trees. The borderland was sparse, and the Texas sun beat down angrily, despite its proximity to the horizon. Night was fast approaching, and with it the promise of cooler weather, but in the late afternoon it was still triple digits hot.
     Ragland pulled up on his reigns and wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his sleeve. “How much further?”
     Cooper cut him a sideways glance from over his shoulder. “A few more miles and we can wait for darkness in the shade.”
     Ragland nodded and pulled his straw hat down a little further over his eyes.
     The men pressed forward; the sun ever present in front of them. Cooper led his horse into a thicket of mesquites and jumped down from his saddle. Ragland followed.
The men stretched their legs and waited. A chorus of locusts and crickets played softly in the distance. Ragland shoved his hands in his pockets and dug his boot in the dirt. “It’s my last ride, Coop. I’ve got a family now. A baby and all. I can’t risk it anymore.”
Cooper scowled. “You’re the best, Ragland. Who am I going to ride with, if not you?”
Ragland shrugged. “Don’t know. Ain’t my problem, though. It’s my last ride.” He pinched a wad of tobacco and buried it between his teeth and gum.
Cooper stared off into the distance. “Mr. Harper’s not going to like it.”
Ragland spit. “I know, but he’s made plenty of money from me. I’ve in mind a replacement anyway. You know Charlie Wolf?”
Cooper nodded. “He’s that Indian kid, right? Lives down by Bear Creek?”
“He’s the one. He’s been riding since he could walk, and I know he needs money. Heard Mr. Harper say his Dad used to ride with Pancho Villa running guns. Don’t think he’d be opposed to a little horse thieving.” Ragland grinned.
Cooper chuckled and climbed back in his saddle. “Sounds like you’ve got it all figured out.” He pulled the bandana from around his neck to cover his nose and mouth. “Let’s get this job done and get home.”

***

Lydia burst through the screen door, twin braids bouncing hard against her back. “Mama, there’s men riding up to the house!”
Georgia wiped her hands on her apron and walked onto the front porch. She leaned against a pillar and watched one of the men tie his horse to the hitching post.
“Afternoon, ma’am.” He tipped his hat. “My name’s Cooper James. I’m looking for Charlie Wolf. I understand he lives here.”
Georgia raised her brow. “He does. What’d you need with my son? He in some trouble? Cause, if he is…”
“Oh, no, ma’am. No. No trouble at all. You see I work for Mr. Harper, and I came to offer him a job. That’s all.” He folded his arms across his chest.
“Mr. Harper, huh?”
Cooper nodded.
Georgia smiled. “Well, he’s out in the field. Had a cow give birth. He’s looking for her calf with his dad. Would you like to wait? Might be awhile, but I could offer you a drink.”
“Sure thing. That’d be mighty fine.” Cooper shouted to his men. “Y’all go on back to the ranch. I’ll be along shortly.” He watched the men disappear in a cloud of dust. Cooper pulled his hat from his head before following Georgia into the house.
“I’ll take that for you.”
       Cooper handed her his hat, and she hung it on the antler mount by the front door.
       “If you’ll follow me.” She ushered him into the kitchen. “Lydia, pour Mr. James a glass of tea.” Georgia motioned to the chair at the table, “Have a seat, Mr. James and make yourself at home.”
Cooper pulled out the chair.
“Would you like a slice of chess pie?”
“Yes, ma’am. Haven’t eaten chess pie since I was a boy.”
Lydia set his glass of tea on the table in front of him, and Georgia placed a plate of pie beside it.
“Well, Mr. James. Have yourself a bite, and let me know what you think.”
Cooper cut off a piece of pie with his fork and took a bite. A smile flashed across his eyes. “Ma’am, I do believe this pie is at least as good as my Momma’s, if not better.”
Georgia blushed. “Listen to you. You sure are a flatterer.”
The front door slammed shut, and Georgia looked toward the living room. “That you, honey?”
“It’s me, Momma. We found the calf. Named her Lula-Bell. Dad had to run into town. You know there’s a horse tied up outside?” Charlie walked through the kitchen door but stopped short when he saw Cooper.