Waco Lummox 2
WACOâS LUMMOX By Waddie Greywolf
Chapter 2
The ride home from the auction house was uneventful. Ox was almost too big to fit into the rear seat of Charlie Goodnightâs pickup truck, but he didnât seem to want to ride in the enclosed space anyway. He eagerly jumped in the back of the truck and sat down in the bed behind the cab. It was a warm day and he told Waco not to worry, he wouldnât get chilled from the ride. He had enough fur to keep him warm on the ride back to the ranch.
He didnât seem to be concerned he didnât have any clothes to wear and only got stared at by a couple of folks coming into the auction house, but it was probably because of his size rather than him being nude. Waco was more worried for him than Ox was for himself.
<< Are you sure youâll be all right back there, my beast? >>
<< Donât chuâ worry none, Iâll be find, little Master. Iâm just so glad to be out of that awful place and into the sunshine. It will do me good to feel the sun on me. Iâve been kept in that dark place for over two days. >>
<< Okay. Iâll be right up front with dad in case you need me. >>
<< Be sure and thank your father for me, Master. Tell him I will do my best to serve you and him. I am in his debt. >>
<< I will, Ox. Iâm afraid he has some misgivings. >>
<< He does, but he has great love for you, and he trusts your abilities. >>
Waco took Oxâs huge hand and gently squeezed it as a sign of affection. The big creature got a look in his eye like he was deeply moved by the boyâs unexpected action. A tear formed in his eye. The glint of moisture didnât pass his young Masterâs notice.
Waco climbed in the front seat and closed the door. His dad already had his seat belt on and was waiting for him. Waco climbed over in the seat to throw his arms around his dad to give him a hug and a big kiss on his scruffy cheek. Wacoâs cowboy hat got in the way of his dadâs and went sailing to the floor of the truck. Waco didnât care, he was a man on a mission. Charlie Goodnight got a big smile on his face.
âThanks, Dad, for maâ birthday present. I know I donât tell you often enough, but I love you and appreciate all you do for me.â
âWell, youâre welcome, Son. You sure youâre gonnaâ be happy with that giant for yoreâ slave?â
âI already am happy with him, Dad. He was sent to me and you. He ainât no ordinary slave. That dealer didnât have no idea what he had.â
âI take it you can communicate with him like you do with our ponies.â
âYes, Sir. He heard me while we was looking at that last slave and called to me. Thatâs how I knowâd about him.â
âI done figured as much.â Charlie said as he raised an eyebrow at Waco.
The big cowboy put the truck in drive and headed out of the parking lot of the auction house onto the main blacktop ranch road that would take them to their small community and the turn-off to the Goodnight Ranch. From the turn-off to the gate of the ranch was another five miles on an unpaved gravel road. From the gate to the main buildings of the ranch was another twenty miles of sandy dirt road.
âJust what is he, Son?â Charlie asked his boy.
âI ainât real sure, Dad. We ainât had us enough time for him to tell me, but I can tell you one thing.â
âWhatâs zat, Son?â
âHe ainât no man; leastwise, not like youân me.â Â
There was a silence in the cab of the truck you could cut with a knife. Charlie chuckled and hit the palm of his hand against the steering wheel.
âLord hep me, boy,â there ainât never a dull day with you in my life. I never knowâd what to expect from you from one minute to the next. Hell fire and damnation! Youâd think as remote as we are at the ranch weâd live a purdy quiet life, but somehow life jesâ seems to hunt chuâ down and seek you out. Iâm jesâ about used to it by now, but everâ now and again you come up with someâum that rocks me on my boot heels.â Charlie threw his big cowboy arm around his boy, pulled him close and laughed. âSo what do you think he is, Son?â