Kid Curry stood on the porch of his small log cabin hidden deep in the Big Horn Mountains and watched the 1925 Brockway E 3000 truck come chugging up the dirt path toward the house. Secured to the hitch at the back of the truck was a homemade, wooden bed horse trailer.
Kid folded his arms across his chest. He wore a pale yellow Oxford shirt, with a thin blue stripes, blue jeans and a leather belt with the same silver and turquoise belt buckle that he had worn since his days with the Devil's Hole gang. His feet were adorned with low heeled light brown cowboy boots. His hair, white with a tuft of gray above the forehead, was shorter than in his youth, but still long enough to accentuate the waves and curls that he never learned to master. Kid's youthful appearance was still evident and, even with the white hair, he looked a good ten years younger than his sixty-nine years.
The truck spit and sputtered as it made it's way up the long drive, hauling a weight nearly equal to the truck itself.
Kid dropped his hands to his waist and smiled, his blue eyes, much more pale than in his youth, sparkled in the sunlight and he laughed aloud when the truck came to a stop just in front of the cabin steps.
"Heyes!" Kid exclaimed when his partner opened the wooden door and stepped stiffly around the front of the vehicle.
Heyes, still thin to the point of being skinny, wore black pants tucked into tan boots, a white shirt, and a black vest. His raggedy black hat with the silver studs rested on the passenger seat of the truck. His hair was salt and pepper in color, but still thick and long enough to tease his shirt collar.
Kid walked down the steps and flung his arms around Heyes. "What's it been? Near fifteen years?" Kid asked.
Heyes gave Kid several hearty slaps on the back before stepping back to take a good look at his cousin. "You've slimmed down a bit."
Kid shrugged. "Never was much of a cook, I guess."
"You always could eat better than you could cook," Heyes teased.
"So what are you hauling back there, Heyes? You ain't planning on moving in, are you? You know you'd be welcome."
"Nope, brought you a birthday present, with one condition attached." Heyes announced.
Kid eyed Heyes skeptically. "My birthday was two months ago. And you haven't sent me a birthday present in fifteen years."
"Well, better late than never, Kid."
Kid shook his head. "Well, let's see what got you so all fired up as to drive half way across the country."
"Kentucky to Wyoming ain't that far, Kid. 1800 miles is all. Only took me six days to get here." Heyes said, wrapping his arm about Kid's shoulders and leading him to the back of the trailer.
Inside the trailer the horse whinnied. Outside the trailer, Kid's jaw dropped. "You brung me a horse?"
"Not just any horse," Heyes said with a proud smile. A Kentucky Thoroughbred," Heyes proclaimed and opened the back of the trailer.
Kid was speechless, but that didn't stop him from climbing inside the trailer to examine the sleek black four year old with three white socks. He took hold of the cheekpiece and gently scratched the horse's nose.
"She's beautiful, Heyes... But why?"
"She got injured in a race. She healed up but she'll never race again. Owner was going to put her down. She's such a beautiful horse that, well I just couldn't let that happen. I live in the city so, I can't care for her proper."
"Well let's get her out and into the corral and let her stretch her legs a bit. Hope you stopped fairly often for her."
"Oh, I did. She got a good, but not too strenuous workout everyday."
"Looks to be three, maybe four years old?"
"Just turned four a month ago."
Kid lead the horse to the corral and opened the gate and let her in. After closing the gate, he and Heyes each rested a foot up on the lowest pole of the fence and watched the horse explore her new surroundings."
"There's more to this story, ain't there? What's the catch you mentioned?" Kid asked casually, his eyes focused on every movement the horse made.
When Heyes didn't answer, Kid's eyes and attention turned toward Heyes who was gazing out into the corral. Kid decided not to push for an answer. "She got a name?" he asked.
"Her professional name is Black Diamond."
"And her real name?"
Heyes smiled. "Sophie's Lady. I just call her Lady, now."
"Ah," Kid said as he nodded his head. "How is Sophie, Heyes?" he asked and immediately saw the sad, wistful expression on Heyes' face at the mention of his wife.
"She died three years ago," Heyes said quietly.
"Ah, Heyes, I'm sorry. I didn't know."
"I didn't notify anyone outside of her family."
"I think I only met her a couple of times over the years. But what I knew of her, he was a fine lady."
"That she was, Kid. A fine lady."
"So, what are you wanting me to accomplish with this animal? Appears to me it was the front left leg that was injured maybe... six or eight months ago?"
To the inexperienced eye, no former injury could be detected. But Kid knew horses, had a way with horses, and could plainly see that Sophie favored the left front leg in a very subtle manner.
"The Veterinarian is right, she won't race again. I just want her in the best condition she can achieve."
"You planning on breeding?"
"Truth is, I want a foal from her. No rush, but once I get a foal, Lady is yours."
"Gonna want to time conception right. Every thoroughbred birth is recorded as January first of the year born. You want the birth as close to January first as you can get, else the foal won't be as old and mature as some of the other racers," Kid explained, though Heyes was already familiar with the fact.
"How do you come to know about thoroughbreds Kid? You just said there ain't none in these parts."
"Just makes sense to know about all breeds of horses, being as they are all different in one way or another. Now, let's just leave her be to get acquainted with her new surroundings. How about a drink and some conversation in the house?"
Heyes turned to Kid and smiled. "Sounds good."
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"So how did you get so acquainted with the rich owners of thoroughbreds?" Kid asked as he set two glasses on the table, then poured some whiskey into each before sitting down in a chair skewed at a right angle from the table, and folding one leg over the other.
"Business mostly, and some rather high stakes gambling. I actually had a small ownership percentage in Sophie which probably explains why the majority owner agreed to sell her to me."
"How is your business?"
"I handed the running of my saloons over to Cory two years ago. I still dabble in it a bit, but most of the work's been delegated to my son, now. Prohibition has thrown quite the wrench into the saloon business. How about you, you ain't still ranching, are you? I saw a good size herd when I was driving in here."
Kid shook his head. "I lease out the pasture land now, gives me a monthly income. James lives about twenty miles from here. He stops in once or twice a month, just to make sure his old man is still breathing," Kid said with a chuckle.
"I bet it wasn't easy raising a couple of boys on your own."
"Would have been harder if they had been girls. I never wouldda let them outta my sight, so now I'd be having a couple of old maids hovering over me all the time. They're good boys, didn't follow in their old man's footsteps and grow up to be outlaws."
"You've got a nice spread here, Kid. I don't remember it being this large."
Kid shrugged. "Acquired some land here and there over the years. You know how that goes."
Heyes bit the corner of his lower lip and nodded. "Yeah."
"So how long can you stay?"
"I was thinking a week, maybe two, maybe longer if it turns out that way."
"Well, Seth's in college so I got a spare bedroom so, you stay as long as you like."
Heyes always marveled at how easily he and Kid could slip into their comfortable niches with the other, despite so many long absences over the years. He smiled and raised his glass for a toast. "To you, me, and Lady," he said.
"Partners," Kid added and clinked his glass against the other.
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Late in the afternoon Kid headed out to lead Lady to the barn and set her up with some feed and water after brushing her down. Heyes used the time to carry his luggage into the house and move the truck and trailer to the side of the cabin. Then together they made some supper and spent the evening sitting on the porch with a cigar and shot of whiskey in hand.
"How long ago did you say she got that leg broke?" Kid asked, then took a long drag of his cigar.
"Eight months."
"Long time to still be favoring it a bit. Maybe got a bit of arthritis in it now. We'll try some warm soaks and some liniment, maybe an herbal wrap for a few days; limit the corral time a bit. Then take her out to the pasture and see how she looks. You plan to take her back to Kentucky for breeding?"
"You know of any thoroughbred race horses in these parts?" Heyes asked, but Kid shook his head.
"There's some fine stock in the area, not thoroughbred race horses, though. How soon you plan setting her out with a stud?"
"Whenever you tell me she's ready."
"Be at least two or three months. You don't mind my say, ain't you getting a bit old for taking on a project like this? I mean, I'm guessing you're hoping to race her colt at some point, right?"
Heyes smiled. You're right about me getting to old for that line of work. But I know an up and coming man with big aspirations and I got big hopes for any colt Lady might bare."
"This fella you know, he supplying the stud?"
Heyes nodded. For one third ownership of the colt. You and me get the other two thirds."
"So you'll be taking her back to Kentucky?"
"Just for the breeding. Then we're coming back here. Once the foal is born, Lady is yours, Kid."
"Well, she looks fit to breed, Heyes. That leg won't be no impairment to dropping a foal."
"No, but I want her stamina to be good so she can keep up with that young one while we train it."
"We?"
"I was kind of hoping we could do that. Kid, you know more about training and communicating with a horse than any professional trainer I've seen."
"You know the kind of work you're talking about? The kind of hours that need to be put in? You're talking a good two years of training, most every day, long hours."
"Think we can do it?"
"What happens when that foal is ready to train for racing?"
"We head to Kentucky for race training, see how she, or he fares in a few qualifying races. If all goes well, we'll move up the ranks. The purses get pretty impressive in them bigger races, Kid."
"What about entry fees?"
"I'll spot us till we start making a profit."
"You planning on moving in here with me for them years of training?"
"If you'll have me."
A slow but very satisfied smile spread across Kid's face. "Let's give it a go."
For three weeks Kid stuck to a very rigid schedule wrapping the horse's left front leg in warm wraps every morning and evening, then applying a liniment to the leg. Mid day every day, he wrapped the leg in a soft cloth to which he had applied several herbs carefully mashed and mixed into a paste. Every afternoon, the horse was given a few hours of corral time. By the end of the third week, there was not a hint of a limp or of the horse favoring the left front leg.
"Where did you learn that, Kid?" Heyes asked.
"You live this far away from the nearest town, you learn to use what's on hand," Kid replied as he gently stroked the horse's nose. "Use the same liniment and herbal wrap on the boys when they got hurt," he added with a chuckle.
"You sure got a way with horses,' Heyes replied.
"She ain't over the hump yet. I'll cut this back to warm soaks and the herbal wraps for a couple of months.
"Then we head to Kentucky?" Heyes asked.
Kid paused and looked at Heyes. "You're planning on me going to Kentucky with you?"
"Is that a problem?"
Kid thought for a moment, then shook his head. "I can take my horses over to James' place. That'll save him a forty mile drive every day to care for em. I guess I can go to Kentucky."
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Three months later, in preparation for their trip to Kentucky, Heyes and Kid hauled Kid's horses twenty miles to Kid's oldest son's ranch. James had stopped by his father's place four times in the past three months so Heyes' presence was not a surprise to him.
"I still can't get over just how much that boy looks like you at that age," Heyes told Kid as they unloaded the horses and released them in the corral.
"Folks around here all say he takes more after his mother," Kid told him.
"Well his hair might be more blond like Emma's but the rest of the features are yours."
"How long do you plan to be gone, Pa?' James asked.
Kid rested his arm on the hood of the truck. "With a little luck, no more than three months. Hoping Lady takes seed quick, then we won't be that long. Plan on staying a month after we know she's pregnant just to make sure she's able to make the trip back safe."
"You call me and let me know how things are going."
Kid nodded. "Seth will be back for summer break in a month. He'll stay with you till I get back."
"When you leaving?"
"In the morning, Heyes told him."
"Well, you have a good trip."
Kid grinned. "You tell Julie not to have that baby till I get back. I want to see that grandchild the day he's born."
"Or she, Pa."
"You know I'd love having a granddaughter, James. Little girl to dote on. Nothing would make me prouder."
"She's resting right now, but I'll tell her."
The next morning they loaded Lady into the trailer and set out on their trek for Kentucky.
"Looking forward to seeing the Mississippi that that writer friend of your talked about in his book," Kid told Heyes as they drove southeast through Colorado toward Kansas.
"You still ain't been further east than Kansas?" Heyes asked.
Kid shook his head. "Not since I was a kid and my folks took us to Philadelphia. I couldn't have been more than four years old. About all I remember is Philadelphia being dusty. I don't remember crossing the river at all."
"You'll like Kentucky. No mountains but lots of big green rolling hills, huge, fancy horse farms, and they all got long white fences, pretty as a picture."
"How big is Lexington?"
"It's six or seven thousand people but it's growing fast and furiously. Land lots are selling for five cent a square foot!"
Kid whistled. "Guess you gotta have money to live there."
"Streets are eight and ten blocks long, and Kentucky is the grand pappy of Bourbon you know," Heyes told him.
"I've heard there's a lot of home brewing. I'd like to sample some of them."
"Gotta get back in the hills a bit, but I'm sure we can find a day to do that."
They both fell quiet driving though Kansas, unable to avoid thinking of their youth, but neither wanting to rehash it all again. They both made an occasional stab at light conversation, but only once did the conversation turn reflective.
"You remember Emma's brother, George?"
"The fella that would only share a bed with someone if it was absolutely necessary?"
Kid smiled. "Yeah, that's him."
"What about him?"
"Emma was twenty-six when we got married. That's old enough for a person to be making their own decisions. He didn't approve of me and he refused to attend the wedding. When Emma died, he showed up insisting I let her be buried in their family plot in Kansas."
"What did you tell him?"
"Told him no. I figured the boys ought to be able to visit their Ma's grave, and I had enough relatives buried in Kansas. I ain't seen or heard from him since then."
"Well, I can't say that is likely much of a loss."
"Nope. I didn't want her so far away the boys couldn't visit their Ma. And I know they still go up there, cause I find flowers on her grave sometimes."
"You did a fine job with raising those boys, Kid. James a rancher in his own right, and Seth in college. I think Emma would be proud."
The mood improved significantly as they approached the Mississippi River and Kid was amazed as they crossed the river at St Louis.
"It's only about a half a mile wide at this point, but it's close to ten miles at it's widest point," Heyes told him. "I've seen people swim across it. I hear the current is not too fast at this spot. You know, St Louis is where Mark Twain grew up, although he was still Samuel Clemens back then."
"I can see where he got the idea of working on a river boat. This river is almost as busy as a city street," Kid exclaimed and Heyes smiled, enjoying Kid's amazement."
A full six days after they left Wyoming, Heyes and Curry arrived in Lexington. Another ten miles from town, Heyes pulled into a long drive surrounded in white wooden fences and large green pastures. Heyes stopped beside a man walking down the lane.
"Where will I find Frank?" Heyes asked.
"Stable number two the last I seen him," the man replied with a soft southern drawl.
Heyes continued on their way, stopping in front of the stable marked # 2. He shut off the truck and opened the door. "Come on, I want you to meet Frank."
The stable was a large, long building with twenty stalls on either side of the center walkway. It smelled of straw, dung and leather, the scents all mingling into a somewhat sweet aroma, not unpleasant to the nose. Most of the stalls were empty as the horses had been moved out to pasture and a dozen young stable boys worked diligently raking old straw and waste and spreading fresh beds of sweet smelling straw.
Frank Howard was a tall, lean man with brown hair that was visibly thinning at the crown. They found him in a stall at the far end of the building carefully combing and inspecting a six year old sleek black thoroughbred.
"Frank, this is the man I was telling you about, Jed Curry," Heyes announced.
Frank looked up and smiled at Heyes as he placed the curry brush on the top plank of the stall and made his way out into the center to talk with Heyes and Kid. He extended his hand to shake Kid's. "Heyes tells me you got a way with horses."
Kid smiled slightly. "They learn to listen to me without the use of a crop or any kind of pain in the training," Kid replied.
"And you're gonna be raising and training that foal of ours?"
"Plan to, till we bring it back here."
"How long did it take you to get here?" Frank asked, turning slightly toward Heyes.
"Six days, but we gave Lady a daily workout."
"Let's get her unloaded and fed. After that I'll put her out to pasture with the other mares and let her get acquainted. Then the three of us can go have a cup of coffee."
Kid and Heyes returned to the truck and unloaded Lady and led her into the stable.
Frank smiled. "You know, I don't see no sign of that limp. How did you do that?"
"Warm soaks, liniment, and an herbal wrap," Kid explained.
Frank ran his hand down Lady's left front leg. "Don't feel no swelling. Bone formation is good. You did a good job if she ain't got no swelling after six days in a trailer."
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"So if you want this foal racing at three years of age, this is the right time to get the mare pregnant. You want that birth as close to January first as possible. Depends how soon she takes, might be as late a February before she foals," Frank told them over a cup of coffee in the kitchen of his house.
"We thought we'd stay in town till we know she's pregnant, then haul her back to Wyoming for the birthing," Heyes replied.
Frank nodded his approval with the plan. "You raise thoroughbreds in Wyoming?" Frank asked Kid.
Kid shook his head. "Just know how to get the best results from most any breed. You raise a foal like you do a child, with a firm but fair manner. You gotta get inside a horse. You got to know what the horse is thinking, what it's feeling, when it's having a good day or a bad day, and you plan your day around that."
"You sound like you do understand horses, Mr. Curry."
"Kid and me will give the foal it's common name, but will leave the professional name up to you, Frank," Heyes told him.
Frank smiled. "Course I'll have to see it before I'll know the proper name."
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Frank gave Lady a few days in the pasture to recuperate from the long trip before introducing his choice thoroughbred stud. Two weeks after that he called in the veterinarian to confirm the pregnancy and check for twins.
"She's pregnant," the veterinarian said. I'll stop back in another two weeks to confirm a heartbeat, make sure the fetus is alive, and check for a uterus bulge."
"Once that's confirmed, we'll give her another month to be sure there are no problems, then drive her back to Wyoming for the gestation," Heyes told Frank.
"You used Black Onyx to stud?" the veterinarian asked Frank who nodded his reply.
"Then this should be a champion foal, I would say."
"What we're hoping for," Frank replied.
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Heyes spent the next month showing Kid the sights of Lexington, as well as a few road trips into the hills for some of that famous Kentucky Bourbon. They stayed at Heyes' house and Corey often joined them for supper which gave Heyes the opportunity to keep abreast of his businesses. Occasionally they visited one of Heyes' saloons but they ventured elsewhere to play poker as Heyes did not wish to be blatant about winning money in any of his own establishments.
The visited the stables at least twice a week to check on Lady's progress and after the final visit from the Veterinarian, they made plans to return to Wyoming.
"Seems a shame you having to make that long trip only to turn around again and come back," Kid told him.
"I don't mind, and in her condition, I think it's best if there's two of us just in case something goes wrong. I do think I'll leave the truck and trailer with you and take the train back though."
"When do you want to start out?"
"Might as well go tomorrow. No sense hanging around here any longer."
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As they drove through Kansas toward Wyoming, Kid found himself in a melancholy mood, not sad, but reticent about his life and willing to share some of the more intimate aspects with his partner.
"When Emma and I was married, she was twenty-six and I was thirty-eight. Never imagined I'd be outliving her... She danced for the first time on our wedding day and she was so nervous about doing that. I just told her to put her feet on my boots and I'd lead her," he said in a soft voice and a far away look in his eyes.
"How did you meet up with her again?"
"It was just after I bought the ranch. The cabin was in bad shape and I took a wagon to Sheridan for supplies. I was walking outta the store when she was walking in and I nearly walked right into her. I didn't recognize her at first, she'd grown up so much, but she knew me right off."
"Suppose her brother weren't too happy about you courting her?"
Kid shook his head. "Emma said I gave her the strength to stand up to him though. She was so naive and innocent about life. She was so scared on our wedding night that I didn't have the heart to... well, you know. So we just laid together all night. You know what, Heyes?"
"What?"
"That somehow just made it all the more sweet and memorable," he said, turning his head toward the window and gazing out at the vast, open farm fields, lost now in his own thoughts and memories.
Heyes respected the silence for several minutes, then began to both bring Kid back to the present, and share some of his own life lessons.
"I think you would have loved Sophie if you'd gotten to know her. She was...unique," he said with a smile. "She was smart as a whip, so good with numbers. She did all the bookkeeping for all three saloons. She interviewed and hired all the girls that worked there. Said she wanted the places to be higher class than usual, and they were. And she could play poker as well as me, understood the mathematics of the game. But she never payed in public."
"Sounds like you met your match with her," Kid said, turning his head toward Heyes and genuinely interested in what Heyes had to say.
"Wouldn't let nobody call her Sophie except me. To the world she was Sophia."
"She have a special name for you?"
Heyes smiled proudly. "Phin."
Kid's brow furled. "Where did she come up with that?"
"Phineas, my middle name."
Kid laughed. "I'd forgotten that, Phin. Sorry. Boy you're folks really were cruel when it came to naming you."
"Like Jedediah is any better?"
Kid chuckled. "Yeah, I guess you're right."
"Least we did better naming our kids."
Kid nodded. "Different time, Heyes."
"Yeah."
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When they pulled into Kid's lane he could hear the phone ringing as they approached the house. Kid jumped out of the truck and ran into the cabin, catching the phone on the last ring.
"Yeah, we just got back this minute," Heyes could hear Kid say because he hadn't bothered to shut the door behind him. "Alright, we'll get the trailer unhitched and I'll be right over."
Stepping out on the porch, Kid was beaming.
"Baby on it's way?" Heyes asked.
Kid nodded. "OK if I use your truck. Mine's at James' house."
"Sure, help me get the trailer unhitched and I'll take care of Lady," Heyes said.
"You can come over when your done if you want," Kid suggested.
"No, this is your moment, Kid. I'll see the baby tomorrow."
Twenty minutes later the trailer was unhitched and the truck parked away from the trailer.
"I don't know if I'll be back tonight, Heyes."
Heyes nodded and waved him off. He watched the truck speed down the lane, dust flying behind the back wheels. Heyes just sighed and set to work moving Lady to the barn and getting her settled in.
An hour later, Heyes headed for the house and again the phone was ringing. Assuming it was James with an update, Heyes answered the phone, only to be met with a very irritated Kid on the other end.
"Heyes, you gotta come get me!"
"Something happen to the truck?"
"No, nothing's wrong with the truck! I'm in jail!
"Jail? What for?"
"Speeding and resisting arrest!"
"How did you resist arrest?"
"I just kept on speeding," Kid replied through what Heyes knew were clenched teeth.
"And they're gonna let you go?"
"When they found out why I was speeding, they called the Judge at his home. Luckily, he's a grandfather and agreed to drop the resisting arrest charge. But I ain't got no money to post my bail!"
Heyes sighed. "How much do you need?"
"Eleven dollars and fifty cents."
"Kid, I don't have a way to come and get you."
Only then did Kid remember his own truck was at his son's house."Look, there's a list of phone numbers on the wall next to the phone. Call James and tell him what happened. Seth can pick you up and bring you here, or if he's got the money, Seth can just come straight to the jail."
"Where's here? Where are you in jail?"
"Winston. It's about half way to James' house. Tell Seth to hurry. I don't want to miss that baby arriving."
"Alright, just stay calm, Kid. We'll have you out of there in no time."
No time turned out to be over three hours as Seth had driven into Winston for a bottle of champagne, not knowing his father was sitting in the jail just blocks from where Seth was making his purchase. By the time Heyes and Seth got back to Winston and paid the fine, Kid was steaming.
"What in the devil took so long!"
Well, Pa..."
"Don't bother explaining, just drive! Baby here yet?"
"No, but the doctor was arriving just as I was leaving. Julie's in good hands, Pa."
"Kid, you got to calm yourself. You're only gonna make everybody nervous if you go barreling in there like you're racing to a fire," Heyes told him.
Kid nodded and took a deep breath. "Just ain't never been a Grandpa before."
'We're you this nervous when we was born, Pa?' Seth asked.
Kid shook his head. "But you weren't a grandchild," he explained as though that made perfect sense.
They arrived at the ranch and Kid scrambled out of the truck. He looked up toward porch and saw James standing by the steps, a stunned look on his face. Kid stopped in his tracks and gazed up at his oldest son with sudden concern.
"Something wrong?' Kid asked as he slowly approached the steps.
James raised his eyes to his father and hesitated a moment before a proud and excited smile spread across his face. "Twins, Pa! A boy and a girl."
Kid stopped a second time, stunned by the news. He gave Heyes and Seth a quick smile, then raced up the steps and wrapped his arms around James, slapping him on the back and laughing joyfully.
"Bring that champagne up here, Seth! We got celebrating to do! How's Julie feeling?"
"Exhausted, but otherwise fine, Pa."
"You two name them babies yet?"
"Calling the girl Elizabeth, after Julie's Ma, with a middle name of Windslow, Julie's Maiden name."
"I never heard that done, before. I like that," Heyes said. "And what are you naming the boy?"
"Don't say Jedediah, I never have taken a liking to that name," Kid said.
James smiled. "Then how about Thaddeus James Curry?"
Kid smiled. "Got a nice ring to it."
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"I'll be back in five months. That ought to be in plenty of time for the arrival of that foal. You call me if you need me here sooner," Heyes told Kid as he saw him off at the train station a few days later.
"I'll keep you posted on the progress," Kid assured him.
"It sure was nice spending time with you again."
Kid nodded. "You get your affairs all settled away, then we'll be spending a lot more time together once the horse foals. Lotta work to be done in two year's time."
Heyes climbed the steps to the passenger car, but stayed on the platform looking down at Kid as the train began to pull out of the station.
"You enjoy them grand babies, Kid," he called to him and waved until Kid was out of sight.
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Heyes arrived back in Lexington three days later, tired and weary from the trip. There were a lot of things to get done in preparation of a two year move back to Wyoming, but most required the work of a lawyer and could be delayed for a few days. First on his agenda was a hot bath, a good supper with his son, and a good night's rest.
"You really think this plan of yours is going to save the saloons?" Corey asked his father over dinner that evening."
"I won't know that till that foal is born and trained. But if this prohibition continues much longer we're not going to stay afloat. Even doing the boot-legging isn't keeping us up with supply and demand. These saloons are my legacy to you, Corey. Without em, I got nothing."
"We could sell them, Pa. I could go back with you to Wyoming. We could start fresh."
Heyes shook his head. "I'm too old to start fresh. If this foal pans out to be a champion, you and me can just walk away from this business and I can live off the purses and still have plenty to leave to you."
"You know I'll support whatever you decide to do, Pa."
"I'll see a lawyer yet this week to give you Power of Attorney over the saloons while I'm in Wyoming. I know you'll keep me abreast of things, but the decisions are yours, including selling one or all of the saloons, provided you find a buyer and the price is reasonable."
Heyes smiled, making sure his well practiced poker face did not reveal his worries.
"So, your Uncle Jed is a grandfather of twins now."
Corey smiled. "Boys or girls?"
"One of each."
"I bet James is a little flustered by all that."
Heyes nodded. "It is a bit overwhelming to James and Julie both. Don't think they were planning on two babies. But they'll manage."
"I'd like to see James and Seth again, and Uncle Jed, too. I haven't seen any of them in ten years at least."
"Yeah, it has been a long time. We'll make sure you can make a trip out there after the colt's born."
"Have you told Uncle Jed about, you know, the finances?"
Heyes shook his head. "I know Kid too well. He'd offer to sell some land and give me the money. No, it would just give him something to worry about."
Corey smiled. "You're counting on a colt?"
Heyes shook his head. "A filly's fine, just as long as she a fast one. But a colt has a better chance of making to the big races."
"You're always planning, ain't you, Pa?"
"You know a better way to live?"
Corey laughed and shook his head. "No, Pa. It's like you always say, planning is what makes everything go smoothly."
Heyes smiled but didn't share his son's opinion. Planning had not saved him from this financial predicament. He'd had a life of going job to job and living on what meager wages he could earn. He'd had a life involving spurts of money by living outside the law. He wanted neither for his son.
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Five months later, with Corey now having temporary financial discretion of the three saloons, Heyes took the train back to Wyoming.
"Like I told you on the phone, Heyes, it might be another four to six weeks before that horse foals. She ain't started waxing yet and the foal ain't in position yet."
"Well, I got all my business done. Just figured I'd come and help with the mare, thought that might give you more time with them grand kids."
"I don't remember my boys growing up as fast as them twins is growing, Heyes. I bet the pair of em will be walking by the time they're a year. Smart little cusses, they are."
"I think you can appreciate them more when you're a generation back, so you notice them things. With our own kids, we were too busy chasing after em to actually watch em grow," Heyes said.
"I think the generation back gets a lot more pleasure out of em, cause we ain't got none of the responsibility," Kid added and led Heyes toward his parked truck.
"I've got the horses out in the pasture," Kid told him as they drove from the train station to Kid's cabin. "You'll see em as we drive up the lane."
"And you have Lady out there with all your stock?" Heyes asked with some alarm.
Kid grinned. "Lemme rephrase that, I got all the mares out in the pasture right now," Kid reassured him. "I just figured you'd know what I meant."
"Guess I've been away from this kind of life too long," Heyes mused.
"Turning into some kind of city slicker, are you?"
"Now, Kid, don't go getting proddy."
Kid grinned. "Good to have you back, Heyes."
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"Eighty percent of mares foal in the middle of the night, and I think Lady is going to be doing that tonight," Kid told Heyes at supper early one February evening. She's been waxing for two days now."
Want to take turns staying up with her, or should we both just sleep in the barn?"
"I think a night in the barn would be best. That mare knows what she's doing, but on the odd chance something goes wrong, we want to be right there ready to help her."
They spent the cold night in the barn, huddled in straw and layered with blankets. Around four in the morning the mare lay down in a nestled pile of straw.
Kid got up and lit several lanterns. Then, keeping their distance so as not to make the mare nervous, they watched as the contractions increased and the birth canal widened to accommodate the ejection of the foal.
"Soon as the mare gets up and starts licking the foal clean, I'll start the imprinting."
"Imprinting?" Heyes asked.
"Getting the foal use to the touch and smell of a human. You lay the palm of your hand on the foal and slowly rub your hand real gentle over every inch of the foal's body. But you got to be careful not to interfere with the Dam."
"I never knew teaching started the minute the foal's born," Heyes replied.
"When the foal tries to stand, get outta the way and don't interfere. Falling back down is normal. Baby's gotta get it's sea legs."
Heyes looked intensely at the mare. "Ah! Here comes the sac," Heyes exclaimed following a great rush of water expelled by the mare. Moment later the sac began to emerge.
After the foal was able to break the sac and suck in it's first breath, Kid sat down on the floor and positioned himself front and center to begin the imprinting process, all the time keeping a watchful eye on the mare, and adjusting his location accordingly.
"Tomorrow we slip a halter on the foal's nose and set the buckle. Don't try to grab hold of the halter though. That little one don't understand it yet and might just try to rip it right outta your hand," He told Heyes quietly.
Once the mare was satisfied with the cleaning of the foal, she moved slightly away and laid down again in some dry straw. As the foal made it's first, awkward and unsuccessful attempt to stand, Kid got up and moved away from the area to stand with Heyes.
"Everyday, when one of us is feeding the mare, use the time she's eating to work on the imprinting. And every day you slip a couple of fingers inside the foal's mouth, toward the back where the bit will be. Just for a second to two and be gentle about the pressure. Get your fingers out before the foal tries to shut it's mouth. Don't want it feeling displeased about it. It'll help get the foal use to something in it's mouth when the bit is introduced."
"Is it a colt or a filly?" Heyes asked.
Kid turned to Heyes a smiled. "We got ourselves a fine colt, Heyes. You thought of a name?"
"He's dark and sleek like his Mama, but I see he's got four socks, so how about that?"
Kid grinned. "Socks it is."
"We'll still let Frank choose the professional name, if you don't mind?"
Kid shook his head. "Don't mind a bit. This first year, the whole focus will be on halter, tie, lead, and grooming. Think you're up to it?"
"Yeah, definitely up to it."
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After a few hours of sleep, some hot coffee and breakfast, Heyes and Curry headed back to the barn. Both the mare and the colt were standing, and they watched quietly while the colt suckled.
"Today and tomorrow our focus is on imprinting and getting a halter on him. I'll do that today, but tomorrow is your turn," Kid told Heyes. "You just slip the halter onto the foal's nose and set the buckle. He'll be skiddish at first cause he don't understand it yet, so you gotta take your time. Don't grab the halter cause he'll try to rip it outta your hand We want him to think of this as a positive experience."
Heyes listened intently, keeping both eyes focused on the colt as Kid spoke. While both had plenty of experience with horses, Heyes had never raised a colt or filly before.
"And we do the imprinting every time we're feeding the mare?" Heyes asked and Kid grinned again.
"You catch in quick, Heyes. Do that bit of finger pressing in the back of his mouth, too. Just not when he's feeding," Kid cautioned.
"When does he get introduced to the pasture?" Heyes asked.
"We'll let him get a look at the outside world this afternoon."
Late in the morning, while still in the barn, they heard the sound of tires rolling over the gravel lane as it approached the house. Kid was busy cleaning the stalls, so Heyes walked to the barn door to see who was approaching.
"It's James, Kid."
Kid moved out of the stall and rested the rake against a wall before joining Heyes at the barn entrance.
"Something wrong?" Kid asked with some concern as James climbed out of the truck and approached them.
James shook his head. "I've been trying to get hold of you since last evening. When you didn't answer the phone, I figured you were busy out here."
"He's a fine looking colt. You want to see him?" Heyes asked.
"Sure. Never seen a racer foal," James replied and followed them into the barn. "Well now, that's a fine looking animal," he said, leaning against the rail of the stall.
"Calling him Socks," Kid told him.
"Julie wants the two of you to come to supper Saturday," James told his Pa.
"You drove all the way over here to tell us that?" Kid asked.
James shook his head. "Drove all the way over here because of this," he said, handing Heyes a folded newspaper."
Heyes opened the paper and read the front page headline. President Coolidge extends prohibition another year.
"Well, that ain't surprising," Heyes said with a defeated tone to his voice.
"Your business in trouble, Heyes?' Kid asked after reading the headline over Heyes' shoulder.
"No more than it's been in the last five years," Heyes replied.
"Considered selling?"
"Who would buy a saloon when the selling of liquor is illegal?"
"But you're still selling it, ain't you? I mean, I had a beer in one of your places when we was in Lexington."
"Best place to have a gin joint during prohibition is in the center of the home brewing capital in the country, Kid. You hafta limit your customers to local regulars, men you can trust, and have a good game plan in case the Inspectors decide to pay an unannounced visit. You can stay afloat, but it's a bit tricky."
"You think you ought to go back to Lexington?" Kid asked.
"And do what? I can't change the law. Best Corey and me can do is skirt around it, just like all the other gin joint owners, and hope we can stay afloat till the government comes to its senses."
"Ah, that's why this sudden interest is raising a race horse. A few high stakes wins and you just might be able to walk away from that saloon business of yours," Kid concluded.
Heyes shook his head. "That's right, Kid. Little Socks there, just might prove to be my meal ticket."
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"How long will the two you be training that colt?" Julies asked Heyes as Kid sat dozing in a chair with a sleeping baby nestled in each arm."
"When he's two years, we'll take him back to Lexington and let our partner do the race training."
"Partner? There's a third man in on this idea?" James asked.
Heyes nodded. "Frank Howard, a friend of mine in the race horse business. He's trained two Kentucky Derby winners and a Belmont Stakes winner. He's worked with thoroughbred horses his whole life. "
"That's got to be expensive hiring a trainer with that kind of experience," James replied.
Heyes smiled. "That's why we gave him one third ownership. He's training the colt for free, provided the colt meets all his criteria for a sound race horse."
"And if he doesn't?"
Heyes sighed. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it, but I've got full confidence that Kid will have that colt in prime condition when we take him back to Kentucky."
"What about Kentucky?" Kid asked as he work from his nap."
"Nothing, Kid. Just telling James an Julie the plans for that colt."
"Well, Heyes and me just have the standard training to do, same as you'd do any horse you plan to ride one day. The intense training is in the hands of Heyes' trainer friend."
Everyone smiled at the fact Kid had heard none of their previous conversation.
Julie gave James an nod as she walked over and picked up one of the babies from Kid's arm. James gathered the other.
"We're going to get these two changed and fed before supper," she explained as she and James made their way into the bedroom and shut the door.
"I 'spect they're gonna be a while, Heyes. How about we sit out on the porch with a cigar?"
"James and Julie have a nice spread here, Kid. Was this part of your ranch at one time?" Heyes asked as they sat with their feet propped on the railing.
Kid nodded. "I gave em a hundred acres when they got married. James has managed to buy up a little more since then."
"It's a shame James and Corey weren't closer growing up. They are alike in so many ways."
"Yeah, they're good boys, Seth too."
"What's Seth studying in college?"
"Wants to be a Veterinarian. Plans to move back here when he's through. Course if he meets the right girl, all them plans could change."
"I'd like to see Corey settle down, but I suspect he takes after his Pa in that category and settling down will come late to him."
"Nothing wrong with tasting life a bit, first. It makes you better appreciate the finer comforts of a family and a homestead."
Heyes smiled, pleased that Kid was so comfortable with the way his life had turned out.
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Heyes and Kid spent the first year of the colt's life focusing on halter, tie, lead, and groom training. Heyes made two quick trips back to Lexington to check on the business, talk to Frank about the progress they were making with the colt, and to spend some time with his son. Because the Prohibition inspections were rumored to be increasing both in frequency and in detail, Corey had employed what he referred to as Doormen, both to approve or turn away customers, and to notify those inside when an agent was at the door for inspection. Thus far, all three establishments remained open and operational and were each still showing a marginal profit. Heyes was not displeased with his findings.
By the beginning of year two, Socks was showing what Kid considered an exceptional intelligence. He had yet to be saddled; that training was to begin during this second year, but was showing signs of an intuitive intelligence, being able to anticipate nonverbal signals as well as very simply commands. Kid and Heyes believed in positive reinforcement in their training techniques and the colt had never known a harsh hand, although certain swear words were not unknown to the colt's ears.
The second year began with an extended period of harsh cold temperatures and deep snow, and all the horses in Kid's possession spent far more time inside the barn than outside in the pastures the first two months of the new year. When they were lead out to the corral or the pasture, Kid and Heyes stayed out there with them, having decided when the cold became too much for them, it was likely too much for the horses as well.
But bit training could be done to a limited extent inside the confines of the barn and by spring, Kid decided the colt was ready for his introduction to a saddle. They decided to begin with the heavier western saddle since that was what they had on hand, but Kid did order a lightweight racing saddle as well. Now that the temperatures were improving and the snow had finally melted, they spent hours in the pasture practicing long line training. Mount training would not begin until two months prior to the move to Lexington and Kid rigged up three burlap sacks, strung together and weighted to simulate the weight of a small person. He positioned the weights both on the saddle directly, as well as weights representing a leg on either side of the saddle.
"I admit I don't know as much about race horses as I do stock horses," Kid confessed. "But I'm willing to bet money Socks will be as prepared to start race training as any of the colts Frank has ever worked with before, including them big trophy winners," Kid told Heyes three weeks before they were planning to return to Lexington with the colt.
"I don't know how you did it, Kid, but you and that colt don't need words to know what the other is thinking."
Kid chuckled. "Guess we likely have the same intellect," he joked. "You know this Frank better than me, Heyes. I want you to stress to him that it don't take a hard hand to teach Old Socks."
"We'll show him that when we get there. You can demonstrate what Socks is capable of."
Kid nodded his approval. "And, I'd like to spend quite a bit of time at the stables; help Socks transition to the new trainer."
"I'm sure Frank will appreciate your concern, Kid. He's one of the best trainers around."
"He mistreats him and we're hauling him back to Wyoming. That understood?"
Heyes nodded. "Understood. We've got two-thirds ownership in Socks. Frank will listen to what you say. A big purse is as much to his advantage as it is to us."
"That's another thing, Heyes. I don't want none of the purses. As long as Socks is racing, you and Frank can split the purses. But when Socks retires, I want the horse."
Heyes was hesitant to make that deal with Kid. "We'll have to talk to Frank about that, Kid. Far as I'm concerned, my third of the horse can go to you. I don't know if we'll have to negotiate any sort of price with Frank, though."
"If Socks is the champion I think he is, the purses should more than take care of Frank's share of the horse."
Heyes nodded, but did not encourage any further discussion on the matter.
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Two days before they were heading back to Lexington, Kid and Heyes made three trips to James' ranch to drop off Kid's horses. The twins were now two years old and could get easily underfoot, so Heyes and Julie kept a close eye on them while Kid and James unloaded Kid's stock.
"There's money in our joint account," Kid told James at the end of their final visit. "You use whatever you need of it. I'll likely be back in a couple of months, once I'm satisfied with the way the handler and trainer are working with Socks."
"You tell Corey he's welcome to come anytime," James told Heyes as Kid and Heyes climbed into the truck."
"I'm sure he'll take you up on that one of these days, James. You and Julie take good care of them kids," Heyes called back to him.
"When I get back we'll start getting them babies saddle broke," Kid joked as he waved goodbye, then turned the truck around and headed for home.
Two days later they loaded Socks into the trailer and started out on their way back to Lexington.
"We're gonna make frequent stops, Heyes, to give Socks some exercise. Otherwise he'll get too restless back there and it will be harder to get him to settle down for the night. He's a bit like the twins in that respect, he's gotta use all that pent up energy, else he'll get proddy."
"Kid, what was the name of that old Chestnut you had for a while back when we were running together?"
"Oh, lemme think, Heyes. We went through a lot of horses. You talking about Old Buck?"
"Yeah, that's the one."
Kid smiled. "Old Buck had a mind of his own, but it was usually a sensible mind. I swear he could tell when a posse was chasing us, too. He had an extra kick in his step when we was being chased."
"You ever miss those days, Kid?"
"Being wanted? Being tracked down by bounty hunters and posse? Never staying in one place for more than a couple of days? No, Heyes, I don't miss them days. Do you?"
"I don't miss any of those things you just mention, no, but sometimes I do miss..."
"What, Heyes?"
"Us."
Kid smile. "Yeah, I miss that, too. You know, if you ever decide to unload them saloons... Well, I got plenty of room at my place. Corey, too if he's a mind to."
"That's awful kind of you, Kid. Who know, maybe one day I'll take you up on that."
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It took them a full week to get to Lexington this time, given all the extra stops they made to exercise Socks. They arrived early one afternoon and decided to go directly to the stables.
Once they had Socks unloaded, Frank took a long sweeping walk around the horse, then moved in for a hands on inspection. He ran his hand along the colt's back, neck, flanks. He checked the teeth and ran a hand down both front legs. Next he took hold of the lead rope and walked the colt around in a few wide circles.
"Halter, tie, lead, bit, and groom trained. He's been started on saddle training."
"Done any mount training?" Frank asked.
"Not at his age. Done some weighted saddle training, though."
"Well," Frank said as he came to a standstill a short distance from the colt. "He looks like fine stalk. Got the legs of a racer. If he's good with all the training you mentioned, I'd say a year from now, we might just have ourselves a race horse."
Kid looked at Heyes and gave him a quickly, subtle nod of his head.
"Ah, there's a couple of things we want to discuss with you Frank."
"Is there a problem, Heyes?"
"No, no. I wouldn't say there's any problem. A couple of conditions, maybe."
"Well, lets put this fella out to pasture and go in and discuss these conditions over some coffee."
Heyes and Kid watched as Frank led Socks out to the nearby pasture that Kid quickly noted contained no other horses. He turned and looked inside the stable and determined it was empty. Frank saw him and could easily read his mind.
"I've been expecting you, so we've been taking the other horses to the east pasture this week. I like to introduce my new ones to the other racers under good observation. Helps me decide stall placement," Frank explained.
Kid smiled, pleased with the level of concern Frank had for the newest arrival.
"Follow me," Frank told them and led them into the house and into the kitchen.
After Frank brewed a pot of coffee, the three men sat around the table. "So, what's on your mind, Heyes?" Frank asked.
"Well, let's start with the easy one first. Kid and me call that colt Socks, but we thought it only right that you should give him his professional name."
Frank's smile had a bit of a condescending appearance. "Let me explain something to you boys, a thoroughbred horse don't got a professional name. Professional names are reserved for burlesque dancers and such. A thoroughbred is a Registered horse. You did register him using them papers I sent you, didn't you?"
"We filled out them papers you gave us and sent em in like you said," Kid told him.
"And you left the registered name blank?"
Kid nodded. "Like you told us."
"Good. You likely noticed I had the Dam and Sire lines already filled in. Now all we gotta do is come up with a registered name for this fella and send that in to be added to the original papers."
"We think you ought to pick the name, Frank," Heyes said.
"Well, Dam's name is Lady Sophia, and Sire's name is Blue Boy, so how about Sophia's Boy?"
"How about Sophie's Boy?" Heyes suggested.
"Sounds fine to me," Kid replied.
"Me too," Frank added. "I'll get that paperwork done tomorrow. What else you got on your minds?"
"Well, I'm going to stay in Lexington for a couple of months," Kid said. "I'd like to play a part in the training. Raised him since the day he was born. We have a kind of understanding. I won't interfere so long as nobody does nothing that could hurt him."
Frank looked at Heyes for his opinion.
"Kid's got a fine way with horses, Frank. Does all his own stock training. He's telling you he won't interfere, and you can take him at his word."
"Alright, but you follow my rules."
"So long as it don't hurt the horse none," Kid agreed.
"Fine. You can stay in the bunkhouse if you've a mind to."
"That'll be fine."
"Anything else?" Frank asked.
"Just one more thing," Kid replied. "I'm willing to give up my third of the purse... in exchange for Socks when he's retired."
Frank balked a bit over this condition. "If he turns out to be a champion racer, and considering the bloodline he's got, stud fees just might bring in more than all the race purses combined."
"I'd be willing to negotiate a fair deal over stud fees," Kid replied.
"And you won't be using him with any of your stock mares."
Kid shook his head. "Got my own sires for that."
Frank hesitated while he gave the matter strong consideration. "Fine, it's a deal. We can talk to a lawyer next week and get the papers drawn up," he said and extended his hand to Kid to seal the deal.
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Socks' training for the next year would focus on reinforcing the long line and mounting, with race and track training beginning once the horse proved comfortable with a saddle and rider on his back.
Kid moved into the bunkhouse and spent long hours watching Sock's meticulous training and soon came to appreciate and admire Frank's approach. Socks proved to have highly intelligent learning skills, just as Kid had claimed and, with the specialized feed, daily exercise and endurance practices, both his muscular size and his rider intuition soon proved to be exceptional.
While he lived in the bunkhouse on the horse farm, Kid spent every Saturday night in town where he and Heyes would discuss the colt's progress. These dinner meetings sometimes included Frank, whom Kid had come to admire and respect as much as Heyes did. One such meeting occurred just a few days before Kid was to return to Wyoming.
"Well, that horse is everything you claimed him to be. I haven't seen that kind of agility and endurance in a horse since our last Derby winner. I've applied for entry in three qualifying races this fall," Frank told them.
"You really think he's got a chance to win?" Heyes asked.
"I'm confident he'll take first in at least one, maybe two of the races. Horse racing is a very lucrative and competitive sport. All the farm owners have what they call scouts on their unofficial payrolls. Scouts go out to the other farms and watch and size up the competition. It's all done very low key and no horse owner is going to admit to such employ, but word gets around and Sophie's Boy is considered one of the best."
Heyes and Kid both smiled proudly.
"So when is this first qualifying race schedule?" Kid asked.
"The one's I'm registering Sophie's Boy in are all this fall. There's a couple more scheduled in the spring if more qualifiers are needed, but you can't always count on that. If this horse wins two races, he'll easily move up to the Big Show races. If not, we'll run him again in the spring."
Kid turned to Heyes. "So, I'll plan on being back here in early September," he told Heyes.
"If that horse wins Big Show races, you know you'll be able to offer him out for stud fees. That can be a pretty profitable business," Frank reminded Kid.
"Well, let's see how he does racing before we start thinking along those lines," Kid replied.
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While Kid spent his summer at his cabin in Wyoming, Heyes was busy making business plans and settling debts as he planned to Leave Lexington with Corey once Socks was retired from racing. He visited Sophia's brother Ted, who owned the buildings that housed the three saloons and told him that in two years time, he would no longer be operating the saloons as he wanted to give Ted plenty of time to consider his options as to what was to become of the buildings.
Heyes visited the horse farm weekly and called Kid to keep him abreast of the progress which Kid was always eager to hear. But when Heyes called just just a few days
before Kid was to return to Lexington, Heyes could detect a bit of strain in Kid's voice.
"Kid, is something wrong?" Heyes asked.
"Nothing serious, Heyes. Lady's seems to have a bit of the colic. She's not eating like she should, but she's got fair gut sounds. The Vet is supposed to be out this afternoon and Seth is here. I'm sure everything will be fine; just don't know as yet if I'll be making it to Lexington for Socks' first race. I'll keep you up to date on how Lady's doing."
"Kid..."
"I know what that horse means to you, Heyes. We'll be watching her round the clock."
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The Veterinarian arrived later that afternoon. Kid greeted him at the barn door and ushered him to the double wide stall they had created by removing the rails that separated two adjacent stalls.
Lady was still upright, but pawing at the ground, and moved with a slackened pace. Every few minutes she would attempt to lie down but would either reconsider and pace once again, or only stay down for a few minutes before rising and repeating the slow pacing and pawing.
"That horse is a Kentucky thoroughbred," the Vet exclaimed.
"A sick Kentucky thoroughbred," Kid replied.
"She's been off her feed all day, but she's got gut sounds," Seth told the Vet.
Lady's head turned often as though trying to look at her own flanks. The Veterinarian pulled his stethoscope from his bag and set the bag in a corner in the stall. But each time he tried to approach Lady, she shied nervously away.
"Next time she starts to lie down, the three of us move in and help her accomplish just that. I can't make an accurate diagnosis without listening to her bowel sounds."
Kid and Seth nodded and the three men remained quite still until the moment that Lady began to lower her front legs. Still they waited until the back legs began to follow. Then they moved in quickly and with a minimum amount of force, managed to get Lady lying on her left side on the straw.
Kid remained close to Lady's head, slipping one arm about her neck and stroking her nose with the other, all the while uttering soothing sounds near Lady's ear. The Veterinarian listed to Lady's belly and palpated her abdomen.
"You say she's been off her feed?' he asked.
"All day," Seth replied.
The three men eased themselves away from the horse, giving Lady amply room to roll or get back up on her legs.
"Sounds like a mild case of colic. Her gut sounds are a bit diminished, but I can makes sounds out in every quadrant. You got turpentine here by any chance?"
Kid nodded. "Bottle on the shelf over there."
"Give her one ounce of turpentine, no more than that, in a bucket of water. That should take care of it. You'll have to stay with her, cause as soon as the gas subsides, you give her a quart of raw linseed oil. You got linseed oil?"
"We will by the time she needs it," Seth replied.
"Get that turpentine in her as soon as you can. She don't sound so bad as to die from this bout of colic, but the longer it goes untreated, the more severe it gets. I'll stop back out tomorrow to check on her."
"Appreciate it," Kid replied and walked the Vet out to his truck.
"Where in tar nation did you get a Kentucky thoroughbred?"
Kid smiled. "She was a gift from a friend. I can't let nothing happen to her."
"If you can get that gas moving, she'll be fine."
"Thanks again, Doc."
Together Kid and Seth mixed up the turpentine concoction and got Lady to drink it. Seth stayed with Lady while Kid made a trip into town for the Linseed oil. By the time he got back, the aroma in the barn was such that Kid knew the remedy was working.
"Her belly is beginning to feel less hard," Seth told Kid as they poured the linseed oil in a bucket.
"I better give Heyes a call tonight to let him know how she's doing. I'll sleep out here in the barn with her tonight."
"I can do that, Pa."
Kid shrugged. "We can both stay out here all night if you want to, but I'm not sleeping in the house."
That evening, after supper, Kid called Heyes with an update, but told him that, although Lady seemed to be doing much better, he thought he should remain at the ranch and would not be coming to Lexington for Socks' first race. Heyes agreed to notify him of the race results right away.
Kid then gathered some blankets and pillows and carried them out to the barn where he and Seth settled into a pile of straw for the night.
"You have a good, gentle hand with animals, Seth. I think you'll make a fine Veterinarian."
"Well I didn't learn that approach in school, Pa. I learned it right here, watching the way you handle the horses, seeing the way they listen to you, the way they respond to you. Where did you learn that?"
Kid smiled. "Likely from my own Pa," he said, then sighed heavily. "I wish you boys could have know him...I wish you could have known your Ma. She had that gentle touch too, almost...delicate."
"You still miss her, don't you?"
Kid's smile turned sad. "Every day."
They sat silently for a while, occasionally giving Lady a glance to be sure she was comfortable.
"You know," Kid began slowly. "I've been thinking of asking Heyes and Corey to move back to Wyoming when Socks is done racing. "It would be nice if you three boys got to know each other better."
"Think they'd come?"
Kid shrugged a bit. "Only one way to find out."
Ten days later Heyes called with the exciting news that Socks had won his first qualifying race.
"And the best part is, they didn't even run him full out. They held him back a bit Frank said. Kid, we've got ourselves a winner!" Heyes exclaimed.
"When's his next race?' Kid asked.
"In three weeks, on October the seventh."
"I'll be there for that one, Heyes."
"And Lady is no worse for the ware?"
"Lady's is fine, back to her old self. You got nothing to worry about where she's concerned."
"Good. I thank you for taking such good care of her, Kid. I'll see you in three weeks."
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"How was your trip?" Heyes asked when he met Kid at the train station and drove him to his house.
"It was good, Heyes. Tell me about Socks."
"Well, do you remember Hyperia?"
"Do I remem...Heyes, how could I forget Hyperia? I was almost shot by a firing squad!
Heyes remained subdued to Kid's agitated response. "Well, Kid, Socks is faster."
Kid's mouth dropped. "Faster?"
"Uh-uh."
"Heyes, we're rich!" Kid exclaimed just as Heyes pulled up in front of his house.
"Socks is scheduled for a morning practice run at the track tomorrow. We'll go out and you can see for yourself. Frank says he's never seen a horse respond to a jockey as well as Socks does."
"Heyes, I've been thinking," Kid said as he sat down at Heyes' kitchen table while Heyes pulled a bottle of Kentucky Bourbon from a hidden nook in a cupboard wall and poured them each a healthy drink.
"What have you been thinking about, Kid," Heyes asked as he too sat down.
"Well, a couple of weeks ago when Lady took sick...Well it just didn't seem right you not being there. I mean, she is such a special horse to you. If things hadn't turned out as well as they did..."
"So to prevent that from happening what do you have in mind?"
"Well, I know you said you was planning to stay in Lexington so long as Socks is racing but...but why do you need to do that?"
"It's not a matter of need, Kid. It's more like, well it just seems practical for one of us to be here to see his races."
"And why can't we just make trips back here to do that, Heyes?"
"Well I suppose we... Wait a minute, are you saying what I think you're saying? You want me to move back to Wyoming?"
"Heyes, there's nothing I'd like better then to have you and Corey come back with me to Wyoming, permanent, but what about your saloons, your business? Why the property alone is worth..."
"But I don't own the property, Kid. I never did. Those three buildings originally belonged to Sophie's father. I only owned the business. When Sophie's father died, the buildings went to Sophie's brother. Sophie got her inheritance in cash. We put her money, and mine into those three saloons. When I went to her brother to negotiate a deal for the use of those buildings, I...well me and Sophie, gave him the choice of a monthly rental payment, or a percentage of our total profits. He chose a monthly rent, and now I'm very glad he did."
"Why?" Kid asked.
"Three years after we opened them saloons, the government declared prohibition. What that meant to the owners of saloons, the gin joints, and the speak easy establishments was that the records of any place that had been selling liquor, or in the business of the buying of selling liquor disappeared from the books, replaced by herbal teas and maybe a hard cider here and there. So the cash in and out on any kind of liquor was all done under the table so to speak, and the profits...well let's just say I have a a Brooker 404 in my cellar and it's pretty near full of hundred dollar bills."
"You're rich?" Kid asked.
"No, Kid. I wouldn't say rich, but Corey and me are comfortably set financially. When Prohibition was declared, I could see the writing on the wall, so I went to Ted, that's Sophie's brother, two years ago, just before I brung Lady to you. I told him I'd be staying in this business for two year, at the end of which, Corey and me would be moving on. So he knew to be looking for someone to rent or sell the properties. Turns out he found a buyer for all three buildings, so he's happy and Corey and me are happy.
"So when we leave here after this next race, we're leaving Lexington for good?" Kid asked.
"More or less. We might come back for a race here and there, but Frank has agreed to wire our purse winnings..."
"Your purse winnings, Heyes. I'm holding out to get Socks back."
"Our winnings, Kid. If Corey and me are moving to Wyoming permanently, then you and me are going to stay partners as far as that money and that horse is concerned."
A smile spread all across Kid's face. "You know Heyes, when we come back to pick up Socks, maybe we ought to bring Lady and pay Frank for stud service again. We could train another colt!"
"Oh no. You may not want to admit it Kid, but you and me are getting too old for all that work and all that traveling."
"Yeah, I suppose you're right, Heyes."
"You suppose there's a piece of property near your place that I could buy?"
Again Kid smiled. "I suppose there's a piece of property on my place, Heyes. In fact, if you want, we could just expand my cabin. It would be just like the old days, Heyes, you and me...And with Corey and Seth and James and his family, it'll be like having our own little gang again!"
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The next day they visited the race track in the morning and Kid got his first look at Socks in his practice run around the track and he was so proud and impressed with what he saw. A week later Socks came in first in his second qualifying race.
"He just earned his entry in the Kentucky Derby!" Frank exclaimed.
"Whooo-weee!" both Heyes and Kid exclaimed as all three men shared hearty slaps on the back and exuberant hugs.
"Win, place, or show," Frank exclaimed, "and we've got ourselves a purse!"
"Ah, Frank, you've done a wonderful job!" Kid told him.
"You too, That colt came to us in pristine shape, ready to learn and train."
"This calls for a celebration," Heyes added. "And I know just the saloon to do that in!"
Three hours later, after Socks had been safely returned to the stables, the three men headed into town to one of Heyes soon-to-be-out-of-business saloons.
"Corey, three of the finest, and keep em coming," Heyes told his son as he led Kid and Frank to a quiet corner table with an exit door nearby that led to the cellar and then to the alley.
"So, you still gonna run him in that last qualifying race?" Kid asked.
"Yep. We've got a chance of knocking out his biggest competitor. If we can do that, well there's no telling what the Derby purse will be."
"Kid and me, and my son are going to go back to Wyoming in a few days. We're going to make the move permanent," Heyes explained. "But we'll be back for the Derby race in May."
"And we'll stay in touch on at least a weekly basis," Kid added.
"So you're closing your saloons?" Frank asked.
Heyes nodded his head. "We're going to be vacated by the end of the week."
"You got any left over Bourbon you give me a call."
Heyes laughed. "You stop by Friday and they'll be a case of our finest waiting for you, compliments of the house. If there's any more than that left, I'm sure we can figure out a good deal for you Frank."
Frank smiled. "It's just that me and the boys do like a bit of celebrating after a win."
Heyes gave Frank a slap on the back. "Well, lets just send another case back with you tonight, then."
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By the end of the week, Heyes had all his finances settled and he, Corey, and Kid had the back of the truck loaded with all their things, covered with a tarp, and tied down securely.
"You and Seth will be sharing a room, Corey, but what's worse is so will Heyes and me," Kid joked as they drove northwest toward Wyoming. "Unless of course you'd rather share a room with the twins. They're almost three now."
"It'll be nice to get to know James and Seth again. It's been a long time since we've all been together.
"Well, if you're anything like Heyes and me, it won't take long to fall back into old patterns," Kid said, giving Heyes a warm smile.
"Who knows, Kid, maybe this is the beginning of some great new adventure."
"Heyes, you know I love you like a brother, but you and me have had enough adventures in our lifetime. I just plan to sit back and watch the other generation's adventures, iffin you don't mind."
Heyes smiled. "Don't mind at all, Kid. Don't mind at all.
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Author's note: for those not familiar with S3, Emma Sterling (Kid's deceased wife in this story), was one of the two women featured in the S3 episode "Three To A Bed."
Obviously a few liberties were taken in the writing of this story, especially in the qualifying requirements for "The Big Show."
Thank you to Michelle Plummer who posted that wonderful picture of Ben Murphy outside the Salt Creek Grille. That picture inspired this story.
Last but never least, thank you to my two writer pals for their invaluable input (both pro and con).
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Notes:
Heyes closes his saloons permanently.
Epilogue