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Chapter 4

The next morning, Bennu contemplated what he was going to say to Tim as he headed back to the barn. That morning had changed a little as Beth took Shadow on a ride instead of letting Cody run him on the track. Therefore, Cody only had two horses to tend to that morning. He was just finishing with the rest of the feeding when Bennu pulled up.

"Glad you're back." Cody put the buckets on the table in the storeroom. "Tio needs some help with the irrigation pipes. He discovered a few leaks and needs to have someone walk the lines again. Looks like something's been hitting the pipes."

"Hitting the pipes'?"

"I don't understand it. Tio says that the pipes have marks like something or someone has hit them and caused some holes to form." Cody looked over at the small orchard. "He's a little upset."

"I'll go see what I can do." Bennu said as he handed over the keys. He found Tim looking over some seedlings and Bennu saw that they had been chewed up.

"We have a pest problem." Tim said as Bennu came up. "There are three seedlings gone and two chewed on." He pointed to some tracks. "Deer. They are hungry, eating the seedlings and stepping all over the irrigation pipes. We're going to have to keep them away from the seedlings and keep them from breaking the pipes."

Bennu studied the tracks and felt sorry for the animals until he heard Tim speaking again.

"Bennu, I need you and Cody to go to town, get about 12 bags of corn, a bag of chili pods, and more hay." He looked around. "We need to put the corn and some hay in the field over there." Tim pointed to one side. "And we'll put chili on and around the seedlings to keep the animals from eating them." He looked around. "That should keep the deer from the seedlings"

Smiling, Bennu nodded. "I'll tell Cody." He headed for the barn.

Tim looked at his watch and then looked up as Deputy Sherriff Will Crabtree pulled up. He forced a smile as a grim-faced Will got out of the car.

"Hey, Will, what can I help you with?"

"Mr. Marcus, I need to talk to you about your new worker….he may be trouble."

"And why would you say that, Son?"

"I gave his information to other precincts…I got some information that he may be a man wanted by the government…"

"And you came to warn me." Tim shook his head a little. "Son, we've known each other for a lot of years…"

"Yes and that's why I came…"

"Son, please." Tim placed a hand on Will's shoulder. "As I said, you've known me a lot of years. When have you known me to make mistakes that put us in danger?" He motioned toward the road. "Here comes Beth." He smiled as Will turned and smiled as Beth rode up on Shadow.

"Hey, little Sis, you're… looking good…up there." Will didn't step closer to the pair as Beth stopped about six feet away; he saw Shadow's ears go flat.

Grinning, Beth got down and greeted the Deputy. "Hey, Will, visiting again?"

"Uh, yeah." He grinned. "It's good to see you in the saddle again, Beth. I was just talking to your Dad about…." He stopped as the work pickup pulled up. Stepping out of the pickup, Cody walked up to the deputy as Bennu stayed near the vehicle for a bit then walked over to Shadow. Will's jaw dropped as Shadow reached out to Bennu and allowed him to touch the bridle and then stroke his neck. Will stared for a bit then turned to Tim. "I've got papers to fill out on a few tickets. Can I come over tonight?"

Tim smiled. "We'll set another place." Tim frowned slightly as, when he passed Bennu; Will glared at him then had to walk fast as Shadow snorted.

Not seeing the glare Will gave, Cody grinned. "Shadow's still picky, huh?"

"Yeah." Tim said softly, "I guess." He smiled. "Lunch is waiting. Let's go."

Justin Preminger grunted as he looked at the pile of paperwork on his desk. 'Will it ever end?' He sat down and looked over the first file, put it aside, and reached for another. After a few hours and half the pile, he leaned back and stared into space. So many leads of bomb threats; some legitimate, some wild goose chases that agents had been sent on. So many scares since the OK City bombing, that there were people calling in and reporting anyone or thing suspicious.

Preminger smiled grimly. Where had his life gone? It seemed that only yesterday, he was a young agent just recruited and now he was…feeling older that he needed to be. He had considered retiring a few times the past years but something kept him at the bureau. He had taken up a desk position instead.

He sighed as he reached for another folder when some words on a paper to the side caught his eye. Tall, blond-haired drifter. Preminger hesitated. Couldn't be. It's been at least four years since he seen those words. In his mind's eye flashed the memory of Bennu as he would smile at him before disappearing into a crowd: every time.

"No, not this time." Preminger took the sheet and tossed into the wastebasket. "I have more important issues." He took another folder and look in, but his eyes strayed to the wastebasket. "NO!" He told himself and looked into the folder. After a few minutes, he growled as he threw the folder down and retrieved the report.

"No name." He mumbled as he read the report of the drifter in Oklahoma. "But sounds like him." Preminger read how the drifter had been ambushed by some troublemakers on a roadway in Texas and then rescued by an Oklahoma local. The local's name was 'Tim Marcus'. Preminger stared at the paper. The drifter "John Doe" reported that a bag, containing only clothing and cash had been taken. When retrieved, the canvas bag was shredded. 'Oklahoma, huh.' Preminger leaned back again.

Bennu stopped feeding the cats and looked around.

(What bothers you, Bennu?) He heard Sunshine's voice. Bennu let out a breath as he faced the large calico.

(I…I just got distracted. Are you hungry?) He retrieved a bowl and put some of the food into it.

(Thank you.) Sunshine replied as she went to eat. (You are not happy here?) She didn't look up as she asked the question.

Bennu just smiled. (Why would you ask that?)

(You have been watching the road and the sky.) She looked up. (I have done that before I leave.)

(And why would you leave?) He grinned as Sunshine gave him a look. (Oh, I understand.) He glanced toward the driveway. (I have…been here too long. It is better that I leave.)

Sunshine finished eating and, head slightly askew, looked up at him. (May you find your journey's end, friend Bennu.) With that she leaped off the table and walked out the door.

Bennu finished headed for the house. Time to speak with Tim Marcos. He was kind of relieved when he saw Tim coming out of the house and spied him. He wouldn't have to ask Tim if they could talk privatey.

"Hey, Bennu. I was just on my way to find you." He stopped as Bennu got closer. "I have to go to town and get a few things. Could you Clara and Beth around the house? I'll try to be back before supper."

Bennu stood for a minute. He didn't expect this. He thought for a moment before letting out a breath. Nodding, he answered. "Yes, I'll do that."

"Thank you." Tim jingled his keys before turning to his pickup. Before getting in, he turned back to Bennu. "Listen, I'm sorry about telling Will. But he's a good kid and I know he'll help."

"It' okay." Bennu replied.

"Good. I promise I won't leave you alone with him tonight." He got in and started the pickup. "See you in a bit.

Bennu sighed and turn to go into the house to see what Clara needed done.

Supper that night was awkward. Everyone could feel the tension that Will seemed to have brought with him. Hardly anyone spoke at the table. As soon as the dishes were being cleared, an annoyed Tim motioned Will and Bennu to the door. Outside he let out deep breath before speaking.

"Okay, out with it!"

Bennu was a bit surprised when Will lowered his head before speaking.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Marcus….uh, Tim." Will started as he looked up and saw a look cross the elder man's face. He turned to Bennu. "I'm sorry but thought you were dangerous. I didn't think…."

Bennu nodded. "I understand. i know you heard some things and I know you want to protect this family." He turned to Tim. "It's better that I say this now. I need to leave. I have to…"

"What?!" Both Tim and Will exclaimed. "You can't." Tim stepped forward. "I was hoping you could stay a few more days! I have to get ready for the bushtracks and…" He faltered.

Bennu took a step back. The emotions he was feeling from Tim were strong. He suddenly felt a bit guilty saying what he did. He was going to speak when Will spoke up.

"You can't go! I'm sorry, really." He took a deep as ehe started to blink quickly, trying to keep tears from falling. "I was wrong. I saw something earlier today that I hadn't in a long time."

Bennu watched as Tim put a hand on the younger man's shoulder.

Will continued. "Shadow has changed. I saw that. Beth's changed too."

Tim looked over at Bennu and nodded.

Will took a deep breath and said. "I don't know how but I saw something I know was for the better."

Suddenly, Bennu saw a younger Beth with her brother and a young Will playing and riding together. He saw the close relationship this family and Will had. They had helped raise the young man. Bennu looked over at Tim. His mind had been made up to leave but he couldn't help feeling that a few more days wouldn't be that bad. He felt at ease with his decision. He smiled as he spoke.

"I guess a few more days wouldn't hurt. Okay, I'll stay." He took the hand Tim held out and shook it.

"Good. a few more days won't hurt." Tim said.

The three men sat on the porch for a while, talking about the races and the hopes that they had for the horses that were going to run. Bennu didn't feel wrong or out of place. He felt a peace as they talked. For the first time in a while, he felt he belonged. A small part of him kept wondering why.

The nest few days were a little bit hectic. Beth and Clara were busy getting clothes and footwear ready to pack. Tim, Bennu and Cody spent the time getting all the tack and saddles repaired and looking good. Tim had done a list of all that needed to be done. One was getting his pickup and the stocktrailer road worthy. That meant repairs and inspections.

Tim looked up from his list and called out. "Don't forget to schedule the inspections when you're in town, Cody. And make sure that the rest of the feed is ordered."

"Will do, Tio." Cody called from the pickup. He waved to Bennu as he drove off.

Bennu waved then heard Tim call him.

"Bennu, can you help me check the tack and saddles again? I want to make sure they are in tip-top shape."

Bennu nodded as he headed for the barn after Tim. Suddenly a feeling he couldn't understand hit him. He looked toward the barn and spied the dogs, Coyote and Bumper waiting for Beth as she was putting Shadow in his stall. He looked around for a moment before heading for the barn after Tim.

Preminger grunted a bit angrily at the two agents that were to accompany him. They were young but well trained. He wasn't angry at them. He was angry because his superior had berated him about pursuing this report. He had been told that Bennu had been a thorn in the bureau's side for too long and there were more important matters that needed their attention. He was given a car to travel annd was told that a plane would not be avaiable.

He gave the two agents another once over before speaking. "We are going to have to drive to Oklahoma. I want you two to be vigilant." He recived a "Yes, sir" and smiled. He felt a little invigoated as he stepped to the car. "Lets go then." For the first time in years, he felt the same excitement that happened right before a trip. He felt a little bit younger.