CHARACTERS:
JO BILL PATFIELD
OWNER OF PATFIELD’S RODEO, THE ONLY RODEO IN THE REGION
WIFE MARLENE DIED IN 2006 DUE TO COMPLICATIONS OF CANCER
HAS 3 SONS; ONE DAUGHTER
HAVING TROUBLE PAYING THE BILLS
INTENSE AND ROUGH AROUND THE EDGES
NOT INTUITIVE BUT A MOSTLY GOOD FATHER
LOST MOST OF HIS HAPPINESS WITH HIS WIFE
MARLENE PATFIELD
KIND, LOVING
KNEW THE SECRET INTENTIONS OF HER SON DEVVY, EVEN WHEN HE DIDN’T KNOW HIMSELF
IGNATIUS PATFIELD
BULLY TO BROTHER
DIVORCED IN 2003 DUE TO THE STRESS OF THE WAR ON IRAQ
LOVES GUNS, GOD, GLORY
UNFORTUNATELY HAS A BUM LEG FROM A HUNTING ACCIDENT (HE MISSED THAT BUCK) (WHICH WAS UNFORTUNATE BECAUSE, AT THE TIME, HE HAD A NEW HOUSE TO DECORATE)
JEREMIAH PATFIELD
BULLY TO IRAQ AND BROTHER
SERVING IN IRAQ
LOVES HIS WIFE SUSIE
DOESN’T LOVE MUCH ELSE
DADDY’S FAVORITE KID (BECAUSE HE IS A BOY WITH TWO LEGS AND IS SAVING AMERICA)
SUSIE MAY PATFIELD
WIFE OF JEREMIAH
SEXUALLY ATTRACTED TO IGNATIUS
CASHIER AND PART TIME LASSOER AT THE RODEO
SLIGHTLY DEVIOUS
SUSPICIOUS OF DEV’S SECRET
SARAH ELIZABETH PATFIELD
WANTS MORE THAN THIS PROVINCIAL LIFE
*ALSO WANTS TO OWN THE FAMILY RODEO
AND BUCKETS FULL OF MONEY
HAS MANY A YOUNG LADDIE ON TAP
GREAT AT HORSEBACK RIDING
GREAT HAIR TO HIDE SECRETS IN
DEVVY PATFIELD
HATES THE FAMILY RODEO, BUT DOESN’T KNOW WHAT HE WANTS TO DO WITH HIS LIFE
LOVES HIS ANIMALS
PROBABLY HAS BEEN WRONGED BY A LOVER
EXCELLENT WINDBLOWNT HAIR, ALSO GOOD FOR SECRETS
FALLS IN LOVE WITH ANDREW MCCOY
WANTS TO BE HAPPY
DONNIE LEE MCCOY
JUST GOT LAID OFF FROM THE RANCH DUE TO THE ECONOMIC TROUBLES OF THE PATFIELDS
REALLY UPSET
EASILY ANGERED WHEN AROUND OR THINKING OF THE PATELS; OTHERWISE A PRETTY NICE GUY
MARRIED WITH 2 SONS AND A DAUGHTER
CAROLYN MCCOY
STRONG, SOUTHERN, SASSY LADY
KEPT TIGHT ROPE ON HER FAMILY
WORKS AT THE LOCAL HAIR CUTTING PLACE
LOVES HER CHILDREN AND HER GOSSIP AND HER SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS
WANTS GRANDBABIES
ALSO GARDENS AND CANS
KENTUCKY LUKE ISAIAH WASHINGTON MCCOY
WORKS AS A TOBACCO FARMER AND DOES SMALL ENGINE REPAIR AT HOME
HAS BEEN MARRIED FOUR TIMES TO FOUR CRAZY WOMEN
NO CHILDREN
HATES HIS BROTHER FOR UNKNOWN REASONS
VIRGINIA ANNIE ESTHER MCCOY
OWNS A FLOWER SHOP IN TOWN
ALLERGIC TO BEES
FIANCE LEFT HER AT THE ALTAR OF HER DREAM BARN WEDDING
TELLS EVERYONE SHE IS NOW ASPIRING TO BECOME A SPINSTER, BUT SHE IS REALLY APPEARING TO BE SOMEWHAT DESPERATE FOR A MAN
LOVES HER BROTHERS AND HER PARENTS AND HER CAT WINNIE
TENNESSEE ANDREW MATTHEW JOHN MCCOY
ROMANTICALLY CONFUSED
PASSION FOR BULLRIDING
CONFLICTED BY HIS GROWING ATTRACTION FOR DEVVY (EYES & HAIR) WHILE SUPPORTING HIS FAMILY’S LATEST FEUD (AND BIBLICAL BELIEFS)
TEACHES THE ELEMENTARY AGE SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS
LOVES PINTOS AND CORNBREAD
DATED SOME GIRLS; NOT IMPORTANT
DECEMBER 2007
ANDREW HAS BEEN GONE FOR A FEW YEARS WHILE TRAVELING AND BULL RIDING ABOUT THE SOUTH. WHEN HE RETURNS, DEVVY IS STRONGER AND MORE MAJESTIC THAN EVER. ONE DAY WHILE ANDREW IS RIDING HIS FAVORITE BULL MARY MAGDALENE, HE HAPPENS TO CATCH A GLANCE OF A SHIRTLESS AND PERFECTLY PERSPIRED DEVVY CLEANING THE RODEO. HE IS DISTRACTED BY THE GLORY AND FALLS FROM MARY MAGDALENE. DEVVY RUSHES OVER TO ASSIST HIM, AND NEITHER CAN HELP BUT GAZE INTO EACH OTHER’S EYES, AND FEEL A TUG IN THEIR HEARTS THAT IS UNFAMILIAR AND ENCHANTING AT THE SAME TIME.
IN JANUARY OF THE FOLLOWING YEAR, ANDREW BEGINS TO MEMORIZE DEVVY’S SCHEDULE. HE USES THIS TIME FOR HIS INTENSE BULLRIDING PRACTICE AKA SHOWING OFF. THE TWO ENGAGE IN A SERIES OF HEATED GLANCES AND LIGHT CONTACT, BUT NO DISCUSSION OCCURS. ONE NIGHT, MARY MAGDALENE IS STUNG BY A BEE, DRAMATICALLY SHAKING DEVVY TO THE GROUND. ANDREW ENDS UP CONCUSSED. WHILE WAITING FOR A RIDE HOME, DEVVY AND A VERY LOOPY ANDREW SHARE A PLATE OF THE ONLY FOOD AVAILABLE: DEVVY’S SPECIAL HUSHPUPPIES ((MARLENE’S RECIPE, WITH A TWIST (EXTRA LUST))). WHILE HIS COGNITIVE SKILLS ARE IMPAIRED, ANDREW SAYS, “DEVVY, DON'T TELL GOD I SAID THIS, BUT YOUR HAIR IS MORE LUSCIOUS THAN JESUS’. AND YOUR EYES ARE AS PRETTY AS AN EASTER MORNING SUNRISE”
DEVVY, KNOWING THAT ANDREW WON'T REMEMBER THIS, SAYS “YOU’RE VERY NICE...AND I LIKE WHEN YOU DON’T WEAR A SHIRT, BUT DON’T TELL ANYONE I SAID THAT.”
THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY, TWO GREETERS ARE NEEDED FOR PREACHING AT CHURCH. NATURALLY, ANDREW VOLUNTEERS. SEEKING AN OPPORTUNITY TO TALK, DEVVY JUMPS AHEAD OF A YOUNG FILLY TO FILL THE ROLE. ANDREW IS UNABLE TO MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH DEVVY, HE REMEMBERS HIS CONFESSION! THEY POLITELY HAND OUT BULLETINS BUT THE AWKWARDNESS AND SEXUAL TENSION CAN BE CUT WITH A KNIFE (BUT IT ISN'T, BECAUSE THIS IS CHURCH, AND KNIVES OTHER THAN THE BUTTER AND POCKET VARIETIES ARE USUALLY FROWNED UPON). THE TWO RETURN TO THEIR RESPECTIVE FAMILY’S PEWS.
ANDREW DOES NOT RETURN FOR HIS SCHEDULED NIGHTLY PRACTICE FOR SEVERAL NIGHTS.
ONE NIGHT, DEV IS CLOSING UP THE RODEO PRACTICE BARN WHEN HE HEARS A “PSST.” HE LOOKS BEHIND THE LARGE OAK TREE. HE CAN JUST MAKE OUT A FAMILIAR COWBOY HAT AND A SCULPTED BODY. IT IS HIS ANDREW. ONCE DEV MAKES IT OVER TO THE TREE, ANDREW TAKES A DEEP BREATH. BEFORE HE CAN LOSE HIS CONFIDENCE, HE GRABS HOLD OF ANDREW AND KISSES HIM DEEPLY. HE STEPS BACK AFTER A SECOND, SHOVING A SMALL BOWL AND NOTE INTO DEVVY’S SHOCKED ARMS. DEVVY RETURNS TO HIS HOME LATER THAT NIGHT AND HE OPENS THE BOWL. HE FINDS WARM, HOMEMADE PINTOS. THE LETTER SAYS, “I LIKE PINTOS. AND I LIKE YOU. I HOPE YOU LIKE PINTOS TOO”
THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, DEVVY AND ANDREW SPENT TOGETHER IN A FIELD NEXT TO THE FEED BARN. THEY LAY ON THEIR BACKS IN THE COLD, TELLING THEMSELVES THEY WERE GAZING AT THE STARS. THEY WEREN’T. AND THEY WEREN’T COLD EITHER.
BY THE SPRING, THE TWO WERE DEEPLY ENTWINED WITH EACH OTHER. THEY KNEW THE OTHER’S HOPES, FEARS, DREAMS, AND SECRETS. WITH SPRING CAME HAPPINESS AND PLANTS. DEVVY, AS A ‘CLOSE FRIEND’ IS INVITED TO HELP CAROLYN PLANT HER GARDEN. WITH THE MCCOYS, DEVVY FINDS SUPPORT AND LOVE. HE WANTS NOTHING MORE TO BE A PART OF THEIR FAMILY.
SUMMER MEANS MORE WORK FOR DEVVY, AND CERTAINLY MORE FOR ANDREW. ANDREW’S DADDY/AGENT DECIDES TO SIGN HIM UP FOR A THREE MONTH COMPETITION TOUR. ANDREW OPPOSES BUT HE CAN’T GIVE ANY VALID REASONS AGAINST THE IDEA. HE CONVINCES HIMSELF THAT IT WILL BE OKAY, THAT HE WILL NOT MISS DEVVY. HE TELLS DEVVY AS SOON AS THEY ARE BOTH FREE. THEY DECIDE TO SPEND ANDREW’S LAST NIGHT HOME TOGETHER.
ANDREW TELLS HIS FAMILY THAT HE IS TO BEGIN HIS JOURNEY A DAY BEFORE HE IS ACTUALLY SCHEDULED TO LEAVE. THEY HAVE A BIG OLE POT OF PINTOS IN HIS HONOR AND WISH HIM LUCK. HE PACKS HIS BAGS (AT LEAST HALF IS JUST CORNBREAD) AND HIS TRUCK AND MARY MAGDALENE AND HEADS STRAIGHT TO DEVVY’S SECLUDED BARN. THEY EAT HUSHPUPPIES AND SPEAK OF NOTHING IMPORTANT. THEY LAUGH AS IF NOTHING IS WRONG AT ALL. THE MOON HITS DEVVY IN A CERTAIN LIGHT, ILLUMINATING HIS CHOCOLATEY CAKE EYES. ANDREW CAN’T STOP HIMSELF. “I THINK I LOVE YOU” HE SAYS. DEVVY IS NOT SURPRISED. “I THINK I’VE BEEN LOVING YOU FOR A LONG WHILE, TENNESSEE ANDREW MATTHEW JOHN MCCOY!” SOME INAPPROPRIATE SHENANIGANS COMMENCE IN THE COMFY IF SLIGHTLY SMELLY LOCALE OF THE HAYLOFT.
DEVVY AND ANDREW SPEAK ON THE PHONE EVERY NIGHT, BUT THEY CAN'T WAIT TO BE REUNITED. WHILE AWAY, THE TWO MEN CONSIDER BROACHING THE SUBJECT OF MAKING THEIR RELATIONSHIP PUBLIC. ANDREW LOSES A LOT OF SLEEP OVER IT AND IS CONSTANTLY REFERRING TO HIS TRAVEL BIBLE. NEAR THE END OF THE TOUR, BOTH MEN FEEL CONFIDENT IN THEIR DECISIONS.
OCTOBER 2008 HERE COMES THE FUN374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnMkefbUT7
DEVVY, TOO EXCITED BY THE PROSPECT OF ANDREW COMING HOME IN A HANDFUL OF DAYS, IS COMPLETELY OBLIVIOUS TO THE RISING TENSION IN HIS HOUSEHOLD. NIGHTLY WHILE CLOSING UP THE RODEO PRACTICE BARN, HE HEARS RAISED VOICES. ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION, THERE ARE ALSO BROKEN GLASSES AND SHOUTS. DEVVY ASSUMES IT IS ABOUT THE UPCOMING ELECTION (HE HIMSELF CAN’T WAIT FOR NEW PRESIDENT MCCAIN IN JANUARY) OR THE ‘RECESSION,’ WHICH SO FAR HADN’T AFFECTED THE FAMILY THAT HE KNEW OF. THUS, HE WAS TOTALLY BLINDSIDED WHEN HIS FATHER ANNOUNCED THAT DEVVY WOULD BE PULLING DOUBLE SHIFTS FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR, AS HE HAD TERMINATED DONNIE MCCOY’S POSITION IN ORDER TO HELP PROTECT THE FUTURE OF THE RODEO. DEVVY IMMEDIATELY THOUGHT OF THE MCCOY’S FINANCIAL SITUATION. ANDREW’S MEDICAL BILLS HAD BEEN MOUNTING UP SINCE HIS FIRST RIDING ACCIDENT AT 14. BUT WHAT COULD THE PATFIELDS DO? THEY WERE STILL DEALING WITH HIS MAMA’S BILLS. DEVVY KNEW HIS DADDY, HE ONLY MADE DECISIONS WHEN THEY HAD TO BE MADE. STILL, HE PLANNED TO VISIT THE MCCOYS WHENEVER POSSIBLE.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohMxoIXwqP
WITH CLEAR INTENTIONS, DEVVY CALLS ON THE MCCOYS. ANNIE ANSWERS THE DOOR, BUT UPON RECOGNIZING HIS FACE, SHE PROMPTLY PULLS THE DOOR BEHIND HER. “DEV, YOU NEED TO LEAVE! GIT!” DEVVY IS CLEARLY CONFUSED. ANNIE EXPLAINS, “THINGS ARE A LOT WORSE THAN ANYONE KNEW, DEV! DADDY JUST BOUGHT FIVE TICKETS FOR A NON REFUNDABLE WORLD CRUISE! AND YOUR DADDY PROMISED HE’D ALWAYS HAVE HIM A JOB. THEY WENT THROUGH EVERYTHING TOGETHER, AND NOW BETRAYAL AT THE FIRST SIGN OF TROUBLE? IT’S NOT FAIR. DON’T BE COMING AROUND DEV. AND DON’T COME SEE ANDY, NOTHING GOOD’LL COME OF IT.” DEV LEAVES, BUT NOT BEFORE HEARING A LOUD RUCKUS.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Z1Wb16AG9
TENSIONS ROSE FURTHER AT THE PATFIELD HOUSEHOLD WHEN JEREMIAH UNEXPECTEDLY SHOWED UP FROM IRAQ. HE HAD SIGNED UP FOR ANOTHER DEPLOYMENT UPON THE DEATH OF HIS MAMA. EVERYONE HAD FORGOTTEN, OR TRIED TO FORGET THAT HIS TWO YEARS WOULD EVENTUALLY BE UP. WAR HAD NEVER SEEMED TO AFFECT JEREMIAH. HE LIVED FOR THE TRAUMATIC VIOLENCE AND MISERABLE CONDITIONS. IT ‘MADE HIM STRONGER’. HE SAID HE WAS BETWEEN DEPLOYMENTS, BUT NOBODY WAS REALLY SURE IF THE ARMY WOULD TAKE HIM BACK. HE DIDN’T EXACTLY HAVE A GREAT TRACK RECORD, TOO MANY CIVILIAN KILLS, AND HE WAS A GREAT SHOT. JEREMIAH’S TIME IN THE ARMY HAD PROVED ADVANTAGEOUS FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED. JO BILL GAINED PRIDE, SUSIE GOT MONEY AND DISTANCE, IGNATIUS COULD FORGET HIS BITTER CONTEMPT, AND DEV GOT PEACE FROM HIS MAIN ADVERSARY. HIM BEING BACK WAS A NIGHTMARE FOR EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY EXCEPT FOR DEEPLY OBLIVIOUS JO BILL. AND IT WOULD PROVE TO BE A MAJOR CHALLENGE TO THE MCCOYS AS WELL.
A FEW DAYS OF TENSION LATER, DEVVY WAS WOKEN UP FROM HIS MID MORNING NAP BY SHRIEKS! HE RAN OUT OF HIS ROOM TO FIND THE SOURCE OF THE CLATTER. IT WAS HIS SISTER IN LAW SUSIE, WRAPPED IN THE SIGNATURE FLANNEL SHEETS OF IGNATIUS'S BED! A VERY LIVID JEREMIAH HAD A PURPLE FACED IGGY IN A CHOKEHOLD. SUSIE RAN OUT OF THE DOOR WHILE DEVVY ATTEMPTED TO PRY HIS TWO BROTHERS APART. HE KNEW HE WASN’T STRONG ENOUGH AND WAS A LITTLE AFRAID THAT HIS BROTHER MAY NOT MAKE IT VERY MUCH LONGER. LUCKILY, HIS BRASH SISTER WALKED THROUGH THE DOOR. SHE TOOK ONE GLANCE UP AND PULLED OUT THE TINY PEARL PISTOL SHE KEPT IN HER PURSE. SHE FIRED AND THE BULLET LODGED ITSELF IN THE WOOD PANELING NEXT TO JEREMIAH’S HEAD. SAY WHAT YOU WILL ABOUT SARAH ELIZABETH, BUT SHE ALWAYS SOLVED A PROBLEM QUICKLY. IGGY WISELY HOBBLED OUT OF THE DOOR, WHILE DEVVY AND SARAH RESTRAINED THEIR OTHER BROTHER. NOT A GOOD START TO THE DAY. 374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVQ5c6X8dl
SUPPER WAS AWKWARD FOR THE NEXT FEW NIGHTS. SUSIE WAS A LITTLE SCUMMY, SHE NEVER SEEMED TO LEAVE. SO, ALL FIVE OF THEM, PLUS WHICHEVER BOY SARAH ELIZABETH HAD, DINED TOGETHER EACH NIGHT. ON THE THIRD NIGHT, THE STILL OBLIVIOUS JO BILL ANNOUNCED THAT HE HAD RUN INTO DONNIE LEE AT THE HARDWARE STORE. “HE WAS DRUNKER THAN A SKUNK. AND HE HAD THE NERVE TO TRASH THIS FAMILY. SAID WE WUS NOTHING BUT A BUNCH A WILD ANIMALS AND DUMBER THAN ROCKS. I TOLD HIM IF I HAD BEEN HIS DAUGHTER’S FIANCE, I WOULD'VE LEFT TOO. AND YOU KNOW WHAT HE SAID, HE SAID IF HE HAD BEEN MARLENE, HE WOULD'VE DIED TOO!” EVERYONE WAS VISUALLY AFFECTED IN DIFFERENT WAYS. JEREMIAH HOPPED UP SO QUICKLY, HIS CHAIR HIT THE WALL. “WE HAVE TO DESTROY HIM. I ALREADY KNOW WHAT MUST BE DONE.” 374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZillMTgvw5
DEVVY FIGURED HIS BROTHER’S THREAT WAS EMPTY. OR RATHER THAT’S WHAT HE HAD TO BELIEVE BECAUSE TODAY WAS THE DAY. THE DAY HIS TENNESSEE ANDREW MATTHEW JOHN MCCOY WAS COMING HOME. NOTHING DONNIE LEE OR HIS BROTHER SAID COULD GET IN THE WAY OF THE JOY HE FELT AT SEEING THOSE MYSTERIOUS DARK EYES AND THAT SINGLE DIMPLE THAT HE COULDN’T WAIT TO KISS. HE HAD ALREADY COVERED THE HAYLOFT WITH THROWS AND PLATES OF HUSHPUPPIES READY FOR EATING. JUST EIGHT MORE HOURS UNTIL THEY WOULD BE TOGETHER AGAIN.
HIS DAY STARTED OUT GREAT. THE HOUSE WAS RELATIVELY QUIET. HIS DADDY WAS GONE TO WORK WITH IGNATIOUS. SUSIE AND SARAH ELIZABETH WERE GOING TO A SHORT ROPING CONFERENCE IN THE TOWN OVER. STILL, THE QUIET OF THE HOUSE WORRIED HIM A BIT. HE LET HIMSELF BELIEVE THAT JEREMIAH, THE ARMY MAN, WAS STILL ASLEEP AT 11 AM, BECAUSE HE STILL HAD TO PICK UP SOMETHING FOR ANDREW. 374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9rif9QiWW
HE WAS BUYING A POUND OF PINTOS AT THE GROCERY STORE WHEN THE CASHIER ASKED HIM IF HE HAD HEARD ABOUT WHAT WAS HAPPENING AT THE MCCOY PLACE. “OF COURSE, ANDREW IS COMING HOME TODAY,” DEVVY REPLIED WITH A GENUINE GRIN, “WE ARE CLOSE FRIENDS.” THE CASHIER, WHOM HE NOW RECOGNIZED AS A SIBLING TO A HIGH SCHOOL CLASSMATE, SHOOK HER HEAD. “NO. THEY HEARD GUNSHOTS THERE THIS MORNING, AND LAST I HEARD, IT WAS THE MAMA WHO WAS HIT. I THINK HER NAME’S CAROLYN, ANYWAY, THEY SAY SHE’S NOT DOING WELL. MY MAMA’S IN HER SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS, SO I'VE BEEN PRAYING HARD.” DEVVY DROPPED HIS PINTOS AND THEY ROLLED ALL OVER THE FLOOR AS HE RAN THROUGH THE AUTOMATIC DOORS. 374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8GAZgY96d
DEVVY DROVE AT A RECKLESS SPEED TO THE HOME THAT WAS HIS REFUGE ONLY A FEW MONTHS PRIOR. NOW IT WAS SURROUNDED BY CAUTION ROPE. ANNIE STOOD WITH HER BROTHER, BOTH PALE, BOTH BEING QUESTIONED BY POLICE OFFICERS. ANNIE MADE EYE CONTACT WITH DEVVY. “GIT OUT. GIT OUT GIT OUT GIT GIT OUT. YOU’RE BROTHER DID THIS DEV. HE KILLED MY MAMA! I TOLD YOU TO STAY AWAY AND NOW LOOK WHAT’S HAPPENED! NEXT TIME I SEE YOU DEV, THEY’LL BE TROUBLE!” ANNIE’S RAGE TURNED INTO TEARS AS DEV SLOWLY BACKED AWAY AND GOT INTO HIS TRUCK. HE STARED STRAIGHT AHEAD UNTIL A COP KNOCKED ON HIS WINDOW TO BACK AWAY. 374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RwJtq4k2s
DEVVY DIDN’T WANT TO GET HOME. HE DIDN’T WANT TO FIND THE MURDERER IN HIS KITCHEN. 374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaSglszys5
BUT HE DID.
CALMLY AS IF NOTHING HAD HAPPENED, EATING CHEERIOS AND READING THE PAPER, WAS JEREMIAH. THE KILLER. OR TECHNICALLY, THE ALLEGED KILLER. DEVVY KNEW THE TRUTH THOUGH. THIS WAS JUST ONE MORE IRAQI CITIZEN FOR HIS BROTHER. HE WASN’T PROTECTING AMERICA ANYMORE, HE WAS PROTECTING HIS FAMILY AND THAT WAS WORSE. “HEY BABY BROTHER! DID YOU KNOW THAT THE CHURCH IS HAVING A BAKE SALE NEXT WEEK? WE’LL HAVE TO PICK US UP SOMETHING. WELL NOT YOU CAUSE YOU’RE GETTING A BIT CHUBBY, BUT EVERYONE ELSE. OH AND WE ARE OUT OF HONEY NUT CHEERIOS. I NEED YOU TO GET ME SOME. GOTTA KEEP AN EYE ON THE CHOLESTEROL YOU KNOW!” DEVVY RAN INTO THE BATHROOM TO RID HIMSELF OF HIS BREAKFAST. 374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lZmw8DHnZ
ANDREW EXPECTED HIS FAMILY TO BE WAITING FOR HIM WHEN HE ARRIVED. HE HAD BEEN GONE FOR MORE THAN THREE MONTHS AND THEY WERE A CLOSE FAMILY. INSTEAD, HE FOUND HIS CHILDHOOD HOME ROPED OFF. POLICE CARS COVERED THE PERIMETER AND NONE OF HIS FAMILY WAITED. HE ATTEMPTED TO ENTER THE HOME, BUT AN OFFICER CUT HIM OFF, CITING AN OPEN INVESTIGATION. HE ASKED THE OFFICER FOR THE NATURE OF THE CRIME, AND HE REPLIED THAT THE MATTER WAS CONFIDENTIAL.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3klqgMUXq4
ANDREW CALLED HIS MAMA FIRST. THEN HIS FATHER, HIS SISTER, AND HIS BROTHER. NOBODY ANSWERED.
OUT OF DESPERATION, HE CALLED DEVVY. DEVVY ANSWERED, BUT ONLY A SECOND LATER, BEFORE ANY GREETINGS WERE UTTERED, HE HUNG UP. ANDREW, COMPLETELY FRUSTRATED CALLED DEVVY BACK FOUR TIMES. NO ANSWER. HE DECIDED TO START MAKING THE ROUNDS. FIRST, HE’D GO TO ANNIE’S SHOP.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXh6zsgrGF
DEVVY DID NOT REGRET NOT HAVING THAT CONVERSATION WITH ANDREW. IF HE KNEW CAROLYN WAS DEAD, OR AT THE VERY LEAST, DYING, THINGS WOULD NOT GO WELL. IF HE DIDN’T KNOW, HE COULDN’T BE THE ONE TO TELL HIM. HE COULDN’T RUIN THE LIFE OF THE ONLY LIGHT IN HIS. DEVVY, NOT KNOWING WHAT TO DO WITH HIMSELF, WENT TO BRUSH THE HORSES. 374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoidSKkfCSy
ANDREW FOUND HIMSELF AT THE GROCERY STORE. HE COULDN’T LOCATE ANYONE IN HIS FAMILY AND THERE WAS NOWHERE ELSE TO GO. HE PICKED UP A BAG OF CHIPS AND WENT TO CHECK OUT. INTERESTINGLY, HE NEARLY SLIPPED ON A SINGLE PINTO BEAN. THE CASHIER HAD BEEN IN HIS GRADE IN SCHOOL. SHE LOOKED AT HIM IN SHOCK. “ANDREW! DIDN’T KNOW YOU’D BE OUT AND ABOUT SO SOON! HOW’S YOUR MAMA? I’VE BEEN PRAYIN FOR HER SO HARD. OH AND I TOLD THIS BOY ABOUT HER EARLIER AND HE JUST RAN OUTTA HERE LIKE A LUNATIC! THAT POOR THING DROPPED ALL HIS GROCERIES. WELL IT WAS JUST ONE BAG. OH WELL. OH ANYWAY, HOW IS YOUR MAMA? DO THEY KNOW WHO DID IT? I HEARD IT WAS THAT TROUBLING PATFIELD. NEHEMIAH OR JARED OR JUSTIN OR SOMETHING? ANYWAY, IT WAS DEFINITELY HIM. I HEARD HE SHOT HER SIXTEEN OR SEVENTEEN TIMES.” ANDREW, FINALLY COMPREHENDING THE BIZARRE CONVERSATION, DROPPED HIS CHIPS AND RAN THROUGH THE DOOR. HE DROVE RECKLESSLY TO THE HOSPITAL IN THE TOWN OVER. 374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcildx7H97O
MANY THOUGHTS RAN THROUGH ANDREW’S HEAD ON HIS WAY OVER TO THE HOSPITAL, BUT MOST TROUBLING WAS THAT DEV HAD KNOWN. HE HAD KNOWN AND HAD SAID NOTHING.
ANDREW HADN’T MADE IT TO THE HOSPITAL IN TIME. MAYBE NOBODY HAD. MAYBE THOSE ‘SEVENTEEN BULLETS’ ENDED HER BEFORE ANYONE KNEW. ANDREW WAS HAVING A HARD TIME UNDERSTANDING. HE COULDN’T REMEMBER THE LAST THING SHE HAD SAID TO HIM. HAD SHE TOLD HER HE LOVED HER? THAT SHE WAS THE GREATEST WOMAN IN THE WORLD? AND WHERE WAS HIS FATHER? NOT WITH HIS CRYING SIBLINGS IN THE GLOOMY ROOM HOUSING HIS DEAD MAMA. HE ASKED ANNIE, BUT HER VACANT EYES HELD NO ANSWERS. IT WAS WITH LUKE, WITH HIS KEEN EYES THAT TOLD HIM EVERYTHING IN ONE GLANCE. SOMETHING HAD HAPPENED SINCE HE HAD BEEN GONE THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING. IT HAD LED TO HIS MOTHER’S DEATH, HIS FATHER’S DISAPPEARANCE. THERE WAS ONLY ONE PERSON HE COULD ASK, AND IT WASN’T THAT CASHIER AT THE GROCERY STORE. 374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYobHhtC6k
THERE WAS A TIME IN WHICH DEVVY WAS THE PERSON ANDREW TRUSTED MOST IN THE WORLD. EVEN YESTERDAY THAT STATEMENT WOULD HAVE BEEN TRUE. BUT HE DREADED FINDING HIM NOW. THEIR RELATIONSHIP WOULD SHATTER. HIS LIFE WOULD SHATTER. AND HE COULD ONLY SEEK HIM OUT ALONE, NO FAMILY. HE WOULD WAIT UNTIL DARK.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQkmhm9bkk
FAMILY SUPPER WAS NORMAL THAT NIGHT. NOBODY SEEMED PARTICULARLY GLEEFUL ABOUT CAROLYN’S DEATH, THOUGH JEREMIAH REMARKED THAT SHE “HAD IT COMIN.” DURING THE MIDDLE OF THE MEAL, THERE WAS A KNOCK ON THE DOOR. SARAH ELIZABETH ANSWERED, AND THERE LAYING ON THE GROUND WAS A LOVELY FLOWER ARRANGEMENT WITH A NOTE ATTACHED. SARAH WAS A BRIGHT GIRL. SHE PULLED THE SLEEVE OF HER SWEATER OVER HER HAND BEFORE GRASPING THE HANDLE OF THE FLOWER BASKET. SHE SET IT DOWN ON THE TABLE AND SUSIE IMMEDIATELY STARTED TOUCHING AND SMELLING THE ARRANGEMENT. THE FLOWERS WERE FROM ANNIE, WHICH WAS CLEARLY EVIDENT TO EVERYONE, WHO STEERED CLEAR OF THEM. WITHIN SECONDS, SUSIE WAS COVERED IN LARGE RED BUMPS. HER SKIN SWELLED AND SHE STARTED SCREAMING. SARAH ELIZABETH ROLLED HER EYES. “WHICH ONE OF YOU DUMMIES WANTS TO TAKE THIS IDIOT TO THE HOSPITAL?” JO BILL AGREED AND HOISTED THE GIRL OUTSIDE. SARAH EFFICIENTLY PULLED ON WORK GLOVES BEFORE OPENING THE LETTER. 374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3DJwjDv2F
It may look like a flower. It may smell like a flower. But it is not sweet.
You’ve been warned.
Much love,
Annie 374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sM64AgDgn
AFTER THE FLOWER INCIDENT, THE CLAN BREAKS APART, WITH EACH MEMBER FINDING THEIR WAY TO THEIR RESPECTIVE ROOMS. DEVVY FINDS HIMSELF IN THE FIELD NEAR THE FEED BARN. HE LAYS DOWN AND LOOKS UPON THE STARS. HE DOESN’T FIND ANYTHING IN THEM. HE SHIVERS WITH THE EMPTY SPACE BESIDE HIM. HE NEARLY GASPS WHEN THE VOID IS FILLED BY THE MAN HIMSELF. HIS TENNESSEE ANDREW MATTHEW JOHN MCCOY. HIS WARMTH AND HIS SMELL BRINGS DEVVY BACK TO SIMPLER TIMES. OF SPRING EVENINGS, OF HUSHPUPPIES SHARED IN BARNS. DEVVY WANTS TO GRAB ONTO ANDREW AND NEVER LET GO. HE WANTS TO SHARE CORNBREAD AND CUDDLE IN THE HAYLOFT AND WATCH THE SUNRISE IN THOSE DARK EYES.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMoQpCIKUW
ANDREW WANTS THOSE THINGS TOO.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsOZPI0Oyn
BUT THEY CAN’T HAPPEN.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNlycw23ES
“WHAT HAPPENED? WHY DID YOUR BROTHER KILL MY MAMA?” “I DON’T KNOW” AND IT SEEMS LIKE DEVVY IS TELLING THE TRUTH. ANDREW SOFTENS AS DEVVY TELLS THE STORY OF HIS TIME AWAY. WHEN DEVVY FINISHES THE STORY, DEVVY ADDS, “I AM SORRY ABOUT CAROLYN. SHE WAS AN AMAZING WOMAN. LOSING YOUR MAMA IS SOMETHING YOU NEVER GET OVER.”374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCY3ZvXqQ7
“YOUR MOTHER WASN’T MURDERED, DEV. AND NOT BY YOUR BOYFRIEND’S BROTHER, EITHER.” ANDREW FOUND THAT HE COULDN’T LOOK AT DEVVY, HE COULDN’T STAY MAD AT HIS EYES, HIS MESSY HAIR. “I AM SORRY DEV, BUT I WON'T BE COMING AROUND ANY MORE.” A STRICKEN DEV REPLIES, “BUT ANDREW, I HAD PLANS! I THOUGHT WE COULD TELL EVERYONE! WE WERE GOING TO OPEN UP A BUSINESS, YOU’D BE THE BULL RIDER INSTRUCTOR, AND I’D TAKE CARE OF THE ANIMALS. WE WERE GONNA FIX UP AN OLD HOUSE AND MAYBE GET SOME KIDS AND SOME ANIMALS.” A PAINED LOOK CROSSES ANDREW’S FACE. “PLEASE, ANDREW. IT WAS THE FIRST DREAM THAT’S EVER BEEN MINE.” ANDREW KISSES DEVVY SOFTLY ON THE FOREHEAD. “GOODNIGHT, DEV. AND BEST OF LUCK”374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DI7Z5ppF3
“DO YOU KNOW I USED TO BE IN LOVE WITH ANDREW MCCOY? HE WAS UNBELIEVABLY HOT. I MEAN HE IS A BULL RIDER, AND CHARISMATIC, AND QUIET. SO STRONG TOO. SOMETIMES I STILL WATCH HIM RIDE.” “SARAH, YOU CAN’T HAVE THOUGHTS LIKE THAT ANYMORE” JO BILL SAID. “EHH WHATEVER. I HEARD HE RIDES FOR THE OTHER TEAM, IF YOU CATCH MY DRIFT.” “NAH HE IS A MAN OF THE BIBLE, LIZZIE.” “SURE DADDY. YOU KNOW I ONLY CARE IF THERE’S A PULSE,” SARAH WINKS, “BUT EVEN I WOULD NEVER DARE TOUCH TRASH LIKE A MCCOY.” DEVVY FINDS THAT BREAKFAST FOOD DOES NOT ACTUALLY CURE EVERYTHING, ESPECIALLY A BROKEN HEART, AND ESPECIALLY WITH HIS FAMILY.
THE NEXT MORNING, AFTER A DAY A FUNERAL ARRANGING, ANNIE RETURNED HOME. BEFORE UNLOCKING HER DOOR, SOMETHING CATCHES HER EYE. THERE, IN HER FAVORITE MAPLE WAS HER CAT WINNIE. HANGING FROM HER TAIL, A BULLET HOLE IN HER HEAD. POOR WINNIE NEVER HAD A CHANCE. A NOTE HUNG FROM THE CAT’S PAW.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcHamwtYly
It looks like a dead cat. It smells like a dead cat. It is a dead cat.
xoxo
Susie
DEVVY WAS PETTING HIS FAVORITE HORSE, LOLA WHEN HE HEARD A FAMILIAR TREAD IN THE DIRT. IT WAS HIS TENNESSEE ANDREW MATTHEW JOHN MCCOY. WARMTH FLOODED INTO HIS HEART AND HIS CHEEKS. ANDREW’S SCRATCHY VOICE ERUPTED, “IT IS GETTING REAL BAD DEV. I AM STARTING TO GET SCARED. AND WHAT ABOUT YOUR BROTHER? ARE THE COPS EVEN GOING TO QUESTION HIM?” 374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEPo8yUtJM
“I HOPE HE GOES TO JAIL, ANDREW. IT WOULD BE BEST FOR EVERYONE. MAYBE IF HE DID, EVERYTHING COULD GO BACK TO NORMAL.” 374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3XP9DzkWF
“NO DEVVY, I AM AFRAID NOT. I THINK THIS IS THE START OF THE END OF THINGS.” 374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscZPo33GHv
“ANDREW, DON’T TALK LIKE THAT. WHENEVER WE GET JEREMIAH INTO JAIL, THINGS WILL BE OKAY.” 374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDJOUdaVdd
“DEVVY, I CAN LOAN YOU THE MONEY. YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF HERE. GO FAR AWAY. LIVE ON A RANCH IN TEXAS. WORK AT MCDONALDS. I DON’T CARE, JUST LEAVE.” 374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTqyU14ObW
“ANDREW, YOU KNOW I CAN’T LET YOU LOAN ME MONEY. AND BESIDES, I CAN’T LEAVE MY FAMILY.” 374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2v6eSchfJ
“DEVVY, I CAN’T BEAR THE THOUGHT OF YOU GETTING HURT. YOU ARE TOO GOOD FOR THIS TOWN AND TOO GOOD FOR YOUR FAMILY. I CAN’T LEAVE THIS PLACE, BUT YOU SHOULD GO.” 374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87ekS7Uhya
“I LOVE YOU, ANDREW. I MAY ALWAYS LOVE YOU. BUT I CAN’T GO. AND I CAN’T LEAVE YOU.” 374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTUZPQxefV
THE TWO MEET IN A WARM, TENDER EMBRACE. NEITHER LET’S GO FOR A LONG TIME.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvX1fdEBvb
MEANWHILE AT THE MCCOY HOUSE, BROTHER LUKE HAD JUST RETURNED FROM HIS VISIT WITH THE TOWN’S MOST ATTRACTIVE WIDOW WHEN HE RAN INTO HIS SISTER ANNIE. ANNIE RAN UP TO LUKE, HER FACE RED AS A BEET, AND LUKE COULD TELL SOMETHING WAS WRONG. “ANNIE GIRL, WHAT ON GOD’S GREEN EARTH IS WRONG WITH YOU?” ANNIE PULLS SOMETHING SMALL AND ORANGE FROM BEHIND HER BACK. LUKE GASPED IN SHOCK “OH NO! IS THAT WINNIE?” ANNIE STARED AT THE DEAD CAT WITH SADNESS, “IT WAS WINNIE, NOW IT’S DEAD WINNIE.” LUKE PUT A COMFORTING HAND ON HER SHOULDER, BUT WAS CAREFUL TO AVOID THE DEAD CAT IN HER HANDS. “WE’LL GET THEM BACK ANNIE, JUST LEAVE IT TO ME.”374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzff5fd1Ch
THE NEXT NIGHT, DEVVY WAS CLOSING UP EARLY IN HOPES THAT ANDREW WOULD COME SEE HIM. HE HEARD A STRANGLED CRY FROM THE ANIMAL BARN. IT SOUNDED LIKE WHEN LOLA GAVE BIRTH LAST YEAR. HE RAN INTO HER STALL TO FIND THE HORSE TAKING HER LAST BREATH. THE OTHER HORSES IN THE BARN WERE IN SIMILAR SITUATIONS. THESE WEREN’T JUST HIS FAMILY’S LIVELIHOOD, THEY WERE HIS FRIENDS. “GOOD NISS! WHO DID THIS?” DEVVY SHOUTS AT THE DYING LOLA, BUT A FAMILIAR SCRATCHY VOICE REPLIED. “IT WAS MY BROTHER, DEVVY.” DEVVY ANGRILY THROWS DOWN HIS HAT. ANDREW ATTEMPTS TO WRAP DEVVY IN A COMFORTING EMBRACE, BUT DEVVY RUNS OFF TO TELL HIS FAMILY ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED.
CAROLYN’S FUNERAL IS SCHEDULED FOR THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE PATFIELD KIDS BOYCOTT THE EVENT, OPTING TO DISPOSE OF THE HORSES; CORPSES. JO BILL ATTENDS THE FUNERAL. WHILE IN THE VISITATION LINE, HE ADDRESSES DONNIE LEE. “JO BILL, CAN’T YOU TEACH YOUR KIDS NOT TO KILL OTHER MEN’S CATTLE?” “HOW DARE YOU SPEAK OF MY KIDS WHEN YOUR SON KILLED MY WIFE!” DONNIE LEE SLAPS JO BILL RIGHT ACROSS THE FACE AND YELLS, “GET OUT!”374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Hk7xEghRZ
THE MCCOYS RETURN FROM THE FUNERAL TO FIND A PILE OF DEAD HORSES IN THEIR DRIVEWAY.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlji0KvJNUp
DEVVY KNOWS THAT A CONFRONTATION WILL OCCUR THAT NIGHT. HE ISN’T WRONG. ANDREW SHOWS UP IN THE DOORWAY TO THE BARN RIGHT AT SUNSET. HIS RAGE IS CLEARLY EVIDENT. 374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBIB55CepF
“I WARNED YOU DEV. I TOLD YOU TO GET AWAY, BUT YOU WENT AND GOT INVOLVED. I KNOW YOU HELPED WITH THE HORSES, DEV. I AM NOT STUPID.” 374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMjWkBxxml
DEVVY SAYS, “I COULDN’T STAND BACK ANYMORE, ANDREW. THOSE HORSES, YOU KNEW HOW MUCH I LOVED THEM!” 374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgxVq3SoKX
ANDREW STORMS OFF.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzMsdOS8Lo
SARAH ELIZABETH ORGANIZED A FAMILY MEETING. EVERYONE ATTENDED AND EVERYONE KNEW WHAT THE MEETING WAS ABOUT. EMOTIONS RAN HIGH AS THE NIGHT WENT ON, THE FAMILY DISCUSSING PLANS AND LOGISTICS AND TRAINING SCHEDULES. IT WAS HIGH TIME FOR A BATTLE. A REAL, IN THE WOODS DUEL.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuu239sclBd
THE BEGINNING WAS AN INITIATION TO BATTLE: A CLASSIC ROCK THROUGH THE MCCOY’S WINDOW. IT WAS FIVE IN THE MORNING ON A CRISP, NOVEMBER DAY. TODAY, SUSIE DECIDED SHE WOULD TAKE ON HER ADVERSARY, ANNIE. ANNIE READ HER INVITATION ON THE ROCK THAT CAME THROUGH THE WINDOW. SHE EMERGED FROM THE HOUSE IN A FEW SHORT MOMENTS HOLDING A GUN APPROVED BY DUEL RULES. THEY TRAVELLED A SHORT DISTANCE TO THE NEAREST OPEN FIELD AND TOOK THEIR STANCES. LUKE AND ANDREW ARRIVED TO SUPPORT THEIR SISTER, BUT ANDREW SHOT DAGGERS AT DEVVY THE WHOLE TIME. JO BILL AND DONNIE LEE SET THE TIME FOR THE DUEL AND AGREE ON THE TERMS. ANNIE AND SUSIE TAKE THEIR STANCES AND SHAKE HANDS. THEN IT HAPPENS. THE DUEL COMMENCES. WITHIN 10 SECONDS, SUSIE WAS UNDENIABLY, VERIFIABLY DEAD. THE PARTIES TOOK THEIR STUFF AND LEFT, WITH THE MCCOYS CELEBRATING THEIR BIG WIN OVER A BOWL OF PINTOS. IT WAS THE FIRST GREAT THING TO HAPPEN TO THEM IN 2008, WELL FOR ALL EXCEPT ANDREW.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzj1ohpIcG
THE PATFIELDS WERE SADDER OVER THE FACT THAT THEIR FAMILY HAD LOST RATHER THAN THE ISSUE OF SUSIE BEING DEAD. IT MAY HAVE BEEN TRUE THAT IGNATIUS LOST A FEW NIGHTS OF HOURS OF SLEEP, BUT NOTHING TOO SERIOUS.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGUUTOMaWO
IT WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT WHEN JEREMIAH WAS TAKEN AWAY. APPARENTLY, THEY HAD FOUND ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO INCRIMINATE HIM, AND HAD ONLY WAITED A FEW DAYS BECAUSE HE WAS AN ARMY MAN. THE PATFIELDS WERE OUTRAGED, IT WAS ANOTHER LOSS IN A TERRIBLE WEEK.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNk8RpdUKh
JO BILL NEEDED A WRENCH AND ONCE AGAIN HE RAN INTO DRUNK DONNIE LEE AT THE HARDWARE STORE. JO BILL SAYS, “I OUTTA TAKE YOU AND YOUR TRASH FAMILY OUT TO THE WOODS, WHERE TRASH BELONGS!” DONNIE LEE RESPONDS, “SURE, I’D LOVE TO THROW DOWN IN THE WOODS, IT'S ABOUT TIME THIS TOWN GOT RID OF YOUR KIND. YALL ARE THE WORST TYPE OF PEOPLE ON GOD’S GREEN EARTH.” “FINE, SEE YA IN THE WOODS OUT BY THE STANLEY’S FARM AND THE JOHNSON’S CREEK ON THANKSGIVING DAY 2 PM.” THEY SHAKE HANDS AND JO BILL GOES TO PAY FOR HIS WRENCH.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1brOvg4Ey
THANKSGIVING DAY CAME SOONER THAN BOTH FAMILIES WERE PREPARED FOR. AT THE MCCOY HOUSE, THEY MUNCHED ON KFC CHICKEN AND PINTOS, AS POOR CAROLYN (MAY GOD BLESS HER SOUL) WAS NOT WITH HER FAMILY THIS YEAR TO PREPARE THE MEAL AS SHE HAD IN YEARS PAST. EACH MCCOY MEMBER SHARED A GOOD MEMORY OF CAROLYN AS THEY PASSED THE BUCKET OF CHICKEN LEGS AROUND THE TABLE.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUwDscQ7hX
AT THE PATFIELD HOUSE, THEY EACH PREPARED A DISH, BUT DECIDED TO WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE BATTLE TO EAT THEIR MEAL. “LET OL’ DONNIE LEE AND HIS SPAWN GET FAT AND LAZY ON THEIR MEAL, WHILE WE PATFIELDS STAY LEAN AND READY TO POUNCE ON OUR WEAKENED PREY.” DEVVY ROLLED HIS EYES AT HIS FATHER’S OUTBURST, BUT IGNATIUS WHOOPED AND HOLLERED WITH APPROVAL. DEVVY COULDN’T HELP BUT THINK ABOUT HOW DIFFERENT THIS THANKSGIVING DAY COULD HAVE BEEN. HE ALLOWED HIMSELF TO IMAGINE HIMSELF COOKING IN THE KITCHEN ALONGSIDE CAROLYN IN HIS FAVORITE APRON. HIS ANDREW COMING UP BEHIND HIM AND WINDING HIS ARMS AROUND HIS WAIST, SMILES ON BOTH THEIR FACES BECAUSE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN THEIR FIRST OFFICIAL HOLIDAY TOGETHER WITH THEIR FAMILY. DEVVY STARED DOWN AT THE BOWL OF SWEET POTATOES HE HAD BEEN MASHING, AND FELT A TEAR BEGIN TO ROLL DOWN HIS CHEEK. HE QUICKLY WIPED IT AWAY AND PUT HIS POTATOES IN THE OVEN TO COOK. THIS MUST END TODAY, DEVVY THOUGHT TO HIMSELF.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4LDsA01oz
ANDREW GLANCED UP AT THE DARK ROLLING CLOUDS ABOVE HIM AS HE AND HIS FAMILY WALKED TO THE WOODS WHERE THEY WOULD HAVE THEIR BATTLE. “THESE ARE BATTLE CLOUDS, YA SEE” DONNIE LEE SAID WITH A TWINKLE IN HIS EYE. ANDREW FELT SICK AND UNSTURDY, AND EVERY TIME HE CLOSED HIS EYES TO STEADY HIMSELF, ALL HE COULD SEE ARE THE SPARKLING BROWN EYES HE HAD SPENT SO MANY NIGHTS GAZING INTO. YEP, I’M DEFINITELY GOING TO BE SICK, ANDY THOUGHT TO HIMSELF.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv22PegVX8i
WHEN THEY ARRIVED AT THE SPOT IN THE WOODS, THE PATFIELDS WERE ALREADY THERE, STANDING IN SOME WEIRD BATTLE FORMATION ANDREW WAS SURE THAT JO BILL HAD CREATED. HE SEARCHED THE LINE OF FACES UNTIL HE FOUND DEVVY, WHO HAD A SERIOUS LOOK ON HIS FACE, SO ANDREW MET HIS GAZE AND STARED BACK JUST AS STERNLY.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdXv2R9PP4
JO BILL SPOKE UP, “WELL Y’ALL MCCOYS DID DECIDE TO SHOW YURSEFLS, I’M JUST PLEASED AS A PEACH WE GET TO END THIS ONCE AND FOR ALL. HOPE YOU DIDN’T STUFF YOURSELFS TOO MUCH AT LUNCH.”374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlPjOTSFbs
DONNIE LEE STEPPED FORWARD, “YOU KNOW JO BILL, I ALWAYS THOUGHT YOU TALKED TOO MUCH.” AND DONNIE LEE RAISED HIS M16, AIMING IT STRAIGHT AT JO BILL.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCI7enBMcH
SUDDENLY, EVERYTHING ERUPTED. ANDREW COULD ONLY CATCH GLIMPSES OF THE VIOLENCE. ANNIE WITH HER WHIP LACED IN POISON WRAPPED AROUND IGNATIUS’ NECK. JO BILL AND DONNIE LEE RUNNING TOWARDS EACH OTHER IN ZIGZAG PATTERNS TO AVOID EACH OTHER’S FIRE. LUKE AND SARAH ELIZABETH SEEMED TO ACTUALLY BE ARGUING INSTEAD OF FIGHTING. ANDREW MOVED AWAY FROM THE BATTLE, HEADING TO TAKE COVER IN THE TREES NEARBY. HE SEARCHED FOR DEVVY IN THE FIELD, BUT COULDN’T SPOT HIM. GOOD, ANDREW THOUGHT, I HOPE HE GOT AS FAR AWAY FROM HERE AS POSSIBLE. ANDREW LOOKED BACK TOWARDS THE BATTLE AND COULD SEE BOTH JO BILL AND DONNIE LEE ON THE GROUND, BLOOD SLOWLY SPREADING ACROSS EACH OF THEIR CHESTS. IGNATIUS WAS CURLED INTO A FETAL POSITION, AND ANDREW WAS SURE HE WAS DEAD TOO. ANDREW WAS SURPRISED TO SEE ANNIE ON THE GROUND TOO, HER WHIP WRAPPED AROUND HER WRIST, AS IF IT HAD ATTACKED HER BACK. OH ANNIE, ANDREW THOUGHT SOLEMNLY, WHILE ALSO THINKING OF THE WORLD CRUISE THEY HIS FAMILY WOULD NEVER TAKE. ANDREW’S ATTENTION WAS THEN DRAWN TO SARAH ELIZABETH ON THE SIDE OF THE FIELD, THROWING UP. HE SEES DEVVY THEN, STEPPING OUT TOWARDS SARAH ELIZABETH, HOLDING HER HAIR BACK AS SHE PUKED.
HE COULD HEAR THEIR CONVERSATION FROM HIS SPOT ACROSS THE FIELD. “DAMN MORNING SICKNESS” SARAH ELIZABETH CURSED. “LIZZY, ARE YOU PREGNANT?” DEVVY ASKED, SURPRISED. “SURE AM, AND WITH THAT ONE’S BABY TOO” SHE SAID, MOTIONING TO A VERY DEAD LUKE MCCOY WITH A BULLET HOLE RIGHT BETWEEN HIS EYES. “BUT LIZZY, YOU KILLED HIM! I SAW YOU SHOOT HIM WITH MY OWN EYES!” SARAH ELIZABETH’S FACE BROKE INTO A SMIRK THAT WOULD MAKE EVEN HELL’S FIRES SHIVER, “I SURE DID, HE WAS AN IDIOT, JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE IN THIS TOWN.” SHE LOOKED DOWN AT DEAD LUKE AGAIN, AND KICKED HIS SIDE WITH HER RED DESIGNER BOOTS. “WE WERE ENGAGED TOO, BUT I NEVER WANTED TO END UP STUCK IN THIS GOD FORSAKEN TOWN WITH A MAN AS STUPID AS LUKE MCCOY.” DEVVY NODDED SLOWLY, NOT COMPLETELY UNDERSTANDING HOW HIS SISTER’S MIND WORKED. SHE TURNED TOWARDS HIM SUDDENLY. “YOU KNOW DEVVY, YOU’RE THE ONE FAMILY MEMBER I HATED LEAST, SO I’LL TELL YOU THIS NOW. GIT OUTTA HERE WHILE YOU CAN. IT’S TOO LATE FOR THE REST OF US, BUT NOT YOU. YOU’RE SMART AND GOOD, YOU COULD MAKE IT OUT THERE SOMEWHERE.” DEVVY SHOOK HIS HEAD SLOWLY, HIS DARK HAIR FALLING IN HIS FACE. “I CAN’T LEAVE, THERE IS SOMETHING TOO IMPORTANT HERE FOR ME TO LEAVE BEHIND.”374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnq1Jbc0fXA
ANDREW DREW IN A SURPRISED BREATH, AND BEFORE HE KNEW WHAT HE WAS DOING, HE WAS CROSSING THE FIELD TOWARDS DEVVY.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAw8wcZuh2
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT, NEITHER OF THEM COULD HAVE EVER IMAGINED. SEE, IN HIS EXCITEMENT TO GET TO ANDREW, DEVVY HAD FORGOTTEN TO TAKE THE SAFETY OFF OF THE GUN SLUNG AROUND HIS SHOULDERS. AND AS THEY CLASHED TOGETHER IN AN EMBRACE, A SHOT RANG OUT FROM DEVVY’S GUN. THE SOUND REVERBERATED BETWEEN THE TREES. THE GUN SHOT HAD HIT ANDREW IN THE STOMACH. ANDREW CRIES OUT IN SHOCK AND PAIN, “DEVVY?” HE CRIES, REACHING FOR HIS LOVE AS HIS VISION GROWS DARKER. DEVVY CAN’T HELP THE SOB THAT ESCAPES HIS LIPS, AND HE LAYS ANDREW’S HEAD IN HIS LAP. “ANDREW. ANDREW. EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE OKAY. I’LL RUN HOME AND CALL AN AMBULANCE. THEY’LL FIX YOU RIGHT UP.” BOTH ANDREW AND DEVVY KNOW THIS IS NOT TRUE THOUGH. WORKING THROUGH THE PAIN, ANDREWS URGENTLY WHISPERS, “DEVVY, I STILL LOVE YOU MOST. CHECK THE BOX UNDER MY BED. YOU WILL HAVE AN AMAZING LIFE.” DEVVY CAN HARDLY SEE ANDREW’S FACE THROUGH HIS TEARS. “NO ANDREW! NO YOU CAN’T LEAVE ME! I LOVE YOU, YOU HEAR ME! I LOVE YOU TENNESSEE ANDREW MATHEW JOHN MCCOY AND I WON’T LET YOU LEAVE ME.” ANDREW’S TRIES TO SMILE AT DEVY, BUT THE PAIN TURNS IT INTO A GRIMACE. “I LOVE...YOU TOO...MY DEVVY.” ANDREW LETS GO, LEAVING DEVVY GRASPING HIS BODY, SHAKING WITH SOBS.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINq8hOhDgQ
SARAH ELIZABETH DID NOT SEE THAT COMING. SHE SHIFTS UNCOMFORTABLY BEFORE WALKING OVER TO HER BROTHER, PLACING A HAND ON HIS QUAKING SHOULDER. “DEVVY, HE’S GONE, LET’S GO HOME.” DEVVY LOOKS UP AT HER WITH SAD EYES. “I WANT TO BURY HIM,” HE SAYS, LEANING OVER TO CLOSE ANDREW’S EYES. “OKAY, WE CAN BURY THEM ALL” SARAH ELIZABETH SAYS, BUT THE THOUGHT OF HOW MUCH THAT WOULD COST LEAVES HER MIND REELING.
A WEEK PASSES AND EACH OF THE BODIES ARE LAID TO REST. THE MONEY FOR THE FUNERALS CAME FROM IGNATIUS’ GAMBLING FUND, AND JO BILL’S OLD COIN COLLECTION. DEVVY PUTS DOWN A PLATE OF PINTOS AND CORNBREAD AT ANDREWS GRAVE, WHICH READ HERE LIES TENNESSEE ANDREW MATHEW JOHN MCCOY, LOVER OF BULLRIDING, PINTOS, AND JESUS.”374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGjzJNUyQt
DEVVY FINDS THE BOX OF MONEY UNDER ANDREW’S BED, AND THE NOTE ATTACHED:374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolJ3GpxuTW
DEAR DEVVY,374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBGkuqrE9U
IF YOU’RE READING THIS NOTE, THEN I’M EITHER DEAD OR I FORGOT TO THROW IT AWAY BEFORE I GAVE YOU THIS BOX. CAUSE WHAT I’M ABOUT TO SAY, I REALLY WANT TO SAY TO YOU IN PERSON.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtPqFTBHQg
YOU’RE THE BEST THING THAT HAS EVER HAPPENED TO ME. I ALWAYS THOUGHT IT’D JUST BE MARY MAGDALEN AND I, RIDING THROUGH LIFE ONE RODEO AT A TIME. BUT THEN I MET YOU, AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL BROWN EYES AND MAJESTIC DARK HAIR CHANGED MY LIFE. NOW I SEE A DIFFERENT FUTURE FOR MYSELF, ONE WITH YOU AND I OWNING A RODEO OF OUR OWN, WITH ALL KIND OF ANIMALS YOU CAN TAKE CARE OF, AND ME TEACHING LITTLE ONES ABOUT THE WONDERS OF BULL RIDING AND THE LORD (THEY’VE ALWAYS BEEN SO SIMILAR IN MY MIND).374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAOBzg3Xvv
I KNOW IN MY HEART THAT THIS CAN NOT BE WITH OUR FAMILIES SO MAD AT EACH OTHER. SO THIS MONEY IS FOR YOU DEVVY, TO START A NEW LIFE AWAY FROM HERE AND YOUR CRAZY FAMILY, AND AWAY FROM ME. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU WITH ALL OF MY HEART. I LOVE YOU EVEN MORE THAN PINTOS AND CORNBREAD. YOU ARE SPECIAL, AND I KNOW YOU WILL DO GREAT THINGS.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEV8OBurrtW
LOVE,374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJvBFCCJvo
YOUR TENNESSEE ANDREW MATHEW JOHN MCCOY
EPILOGUE 374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vbNm5sxNJ
SARAH ELIZABETH STAYED IN TOWN ONLY LONG ENOUGH TO GET THE ESTATE SOLD OFF. THEN SHE WENT AWAY, BACK TO THE OLD JOB SHE HAD AT A FASHION MAGAZINE. SHE DIDN’T CONTACT DEVVY MUCH UNTIL SHE HAD HER BABY. SHE DIDN’T WANT HIM TO, BUT DEV FLEW INTO NEW YORK FOR THE BIRTH. THEY WERE BOTH SHOCKED WHEN THE BABY WAS ALL MCCOY. DARK EYES, DIMPLES, AND A CERTAIN LIGHT RADIATING AROUND HIM. THEY CALLED THE BABY ASHER, BECAUSE IT MEANT HAPPINESS, AND BECAUSE SARAH HEARD IT WAS TRENDING. THEY BOTH FELL IN LOVE WITH ASHER A LITTLE TOO QUICKLY, A LITTLE TOO DEEPLY. BUT HE WAS EVERYTHING.374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPd7mBlfp4
DEVVY MOVED IN WITH SARAH ELIZABETH A FEW WEEKS LATER WHEN SHE BEGAN SEARCHING FOR A NANNY. HE BET HE COULD DO BETTER THAN ANY OF THOSE YANKEES. SO, HE SPENT HIS DAYS WITH AN UNEXPECTED JOY. ASHER GREW UP STRONG AND SMART AND KIND. HE KNEW NOTHING OF HIS FAMILY AND THEIR DARK PAST. EACH DAY, DEVVY LOVED ASHER MORE, AND HE WONDERED HOW HIS PAST COULD HAVE LED HIM TO SUCH A WONDERFUL LIFE. BUT EACH DAY, ASHER LOOKED MORE LIKE HIS UNCLE, AND HE WONDERED WHAT HIS FUTURE COULD HAVE HELD. 374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwTebgsVDY
374Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAENscLzvyQ
THE END
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