September 2015 

This little story takes place at the attorney’s office for the signing of the partnership papers.

L * A * N * C * E * R

Scott’s Thoughts:

I am watching Johnny chew on the stampede strap of his hat and wondering, what is he thinking? Obviously he’s nervous, but then so am I. Mr. Reynolds is saying something but I’m not really listening and I don’t think Johnny is either. Just too many emotions to deal with and the biggest is… I have a little brother.

When I saw him shot from his horse I felt such fear and loss; he was gone before I even had the chance to know him. Then he moved and without thinking the big brother in me took over; I had to get to him and move him away from the gunfire.

After the battle we walked side by side toward Murdock. Johnny was weaving and I wanted to be there to catch him when he finally passed out. When I draped him over my shoulder I felt his warm blood on my back. Again I felt the fear of losing my brother.

It was difficult sitting by his sick bed watching him fight the fever and although I couldn’t understand the Spanish, I understood the anguish. When I woke from my nap and saw those blue eyes staring at me I wanted to shout for joy.

Now it’s my turn to sign the paper and my heart is pounding. I am committing myself to being a  partner in the ranch, the son of a man I’ve never known, and most importantly being a big brother… At least I hope for the chance. 

I watch Johnny straighten and walk to the desk. I hear Murdoch say the name should be Madrid and my hope sinks. If Johnny stays Madrid will I have the brother I’ve always wanted? I hold my breath. 

Then I hear him say, ‘let it stand’. Now I know…

There is time to be a big brother.

L * A * N * C * E * R

Johnny’s Thoughts:

Boston sure looks serious, wonder if he’s worried about having a gunfighter for a brother?  Kinda like the look he gave me on the stage and then when Teresa said, ‘he had two’. At least he ain’t wearing plaid and ruffles, may be hope for him yet.

Damn if he wasn’t something else though when the fighting started. After I was shot off Barranca, he comes a running out in the middle of the gunfire and drags me under the tree. I thought he was crazy, but it sure felt good having someone cover my back. 

Hell of a shot with the long gun too, he took out Pardee with one bullet. Next thing I know things are getting fuzzy and I’m headed for the ground. Sure shocked the hell out of me when I woke up and saw Boston stretched out in the chair by my bed. He had this silly grin on his face when he roused up and noticed me staring at him. 

Then he started acting all big brother with ordering me to drink that awful tea of Maria’s, stay in bed as ordered, and take the medicine Sam left. He sure could be a pain in the ass. 

Can’t help but think about all those times I wanted a big brother and now I got one. He sure ain’t what I had in mind, but he ain’t so bad either. Well, sometimes, anyway.

Now we’re standing here listening to this Reynolds guy yapping about something, but I’m not listening and don’t think Boston is either. Murdoch looks happy so it must be something good. 

Scott just signed the paper and now it’s my turn, but Murdoch is saying my name is Madrid. Is that what he wants? He has a strange look on his face, kinda like he’s waiting for something. Well, this is my chance of a home and I’m not gonna give it up. I hear myself say, “Let it stand.” 

Damn, if the Ol’ Man and Boston aren’t smiling; doesn’t seem to take much to make them happy. 

Now the hard parts, learning about family, how deal with the Ol’ Man that isn’t the bastard I thought he was, and find out what its like having a big brother. 

Yep, a big brother, can’t help but wonder how this is going to work out.

The End