Chapter 23: The Truth Comes Out
The next morning, Avery was up early as usual, the sun's first light barely peeking over the horizon. He had a lot on his mind and decided to take a solitary flight to clear his head. As he walked across the town streets, he couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and fear. The gold he had won the night before was a symbol of their secret school's survival, but it also brought with it the weight of their clandestine activities. He knew Becky was onto him, and feared what would happen if she uncovered the truth. The smell of fresh apple pies wafted from their kitchen window, a comforting aroma that brought a smile to his face. He had used the gold to stock up on supplies, filling their pantry with food that was hard to come by these days—apples, berries, canned corn, and beans. The ingredients were a treasure trove for Becky, who could turn them into the most delicious stews and pies.
The pumpkin he had bought was the pièce de résistance. It was a rare find in High Wind Gulch, and he had bartered with a traveling merchant for the last one in town. Becky had insisted on making a pumpkin pie, her way of bringing a piece of home to their new life. As she rolled out the dough, Avery watched her with admiration, her wings deftly working the flour and butter into a smooth ball. It was moments like these that made the danger feel a bit more distant, a warm embrace of normalcy in the storm of their secret lives.
But the storm was brewing, and it was only a matter of time before it broke. Becky had noticed the extra supplies, her eyes narrowing as she questioned where the gold to buy such luxuries had come from. Avery had always been good at spinning tall tales, but he knew that he couldn't keep this one going much longer. The truth was like a buzzard circling overhead, waiting to pounce as he kept insisting that the bosses at the coal mines gave them a bonus. To hopefully avoid suspicion from her, he pretended to go to work by picking the ax and taking it with him. It didn't take long to become comfortable with the saloon's amenities and for the wolf bartender to like Avery enough in keeping this a secret from those that knew him.
Baron was growing fast, his curiosity about the world beyond High Wind Gulch only growing with every sunrise. Harmony had become more than just a friend; she was a beacon of hope and knowledge in a town that shunned him for his feathers. Despite the bullying from Edmund and his gang, Baron found solace in the secret school that Becky had helped to build with others keen on educating the oppressed. It was there, under the guise of a dilapidated shack, that the children of the town learned the truths that the Nosedives and Bulloneys of the world didn't want them to know—that they were all equal, that knowledge was power, and that friendship could overcome the deepest prejudices.
Becky had become quite the chef with the secret stash of goodies that Avery brought home. The house was filled with the aroma of apple pies baking, pumpkin seeds roasting, and stews simmering. Baron's eyes would widen with delight when Becky served them pancakes with fresh berries for breakfast or meat pies for dinner. Even Avery's favorite, cornbread, was now a staple, the smell of it baking in the oven a comforting reminder that their family was fighting for something greater than themselves. The extra food didn't just fill their bellies; it filled their hearts with hope and determination. Even Harmony and Ruby could feel the sensation whenever they were invited over to the house in secret.
Baron noticed the difference in their lives but was too young to understand the gravity of the situation. He took to calling the secret stash their "miracle larder," as Becky had taught him to read and write. He'd often sneak into the kitchen before dawn, eager to help Becky with the daily chores. It was their quiet time together, where she'd whisper stories of the old days when vultures and hawks weren't enemies, and how their friendship with Harmony was a testament to the world that could be.
Meanwhile, the whispers grew louder about Avery's mysterious absences and the unexplained wealth that seemed to be growing in their humble abode. The townsfolk were curious but cautious, knowing the Nosedives had spies everywhere. Yet, no one dared to confront the Buzzard family directly. The fear of the unknown and the power of the Nosedive name kept their tongues still and their eyes averted.
Months had indeed passed since Avery had started his secretive poker games at the Copper Star. The saloon had become a symbol of his rebellion, a beacon of hope in the otherwise oppressive landscape of High Wind Gulch. The very name of the place sent a shiver down the spines of the townsfolk, a stark reminder of the price of freedom. Yet, amidst the whispers and the shadows, a sense of unity grew. The Buzzards' secret school had become more than just a place of learning; it was a sanctuary where friendships were forged, and dreams were shared.
One fateful evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the saloon's interior in a warm, golden glow, Avery sauntered in with a familiar swagger, his eyes scanning the room. The air was thick with anticipation and the scent of sagebrush and dust. He approached the poker table, where three new faces had taken up residence—a crow in dark robes, a straw-chewing mule, and a red furred longhorn miner with two black spots over his eyes. The miner looked up from his cards, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"Lookin' for a new player, boys?" Avery said with a grin, his voice carrying the confidence of a man who had been around the block a few times.
The crow, who went by Callum, nodded slowly, his beak tilting in a way that suggested he knew more than he was letting on. The mule, a grizzled old-timer named Madison, spat out a piece of straw and said, "Depends on if you got the guts and the gold, vulture."
The longhorn miner nicknamed Inferno, chuckled, his deep, resonant voice rumbling like distant thunder. "Ain't nothin' wrong with a little friendly competition, is there?" He had a twinkle in his eye that suggested he enjoyed the thrill of the game almost as much as he enjoyed the whiskey that was being passed around. "But don't think you could beat us that easily."
Avery laid his axe across his back and pulled out a chair. "I ain't here to win your friendship," he said, placing a small bag of gold coins on the table. "But I'll sure enough take your gold." The table fell silent as the weight of the coins hit the wood, a declaration of his intentions.
The first hand was dealt, and Avery took his time studying the cards. His mind raced with the information Becky had shared, but he pushed those thoughts aside. This was his battlefield now, and he couldn't afford distractions. The first two rounds saw him fold and bluff his way through, his face a stoic mask. He could feel the tension in the room, the air thick with the scent of sweat and greed.
Callum the Crow had a sharp eye and was the first to call Avery out on his bluff. Madison the Mule laughed, his teeth yellowed from years of chewing straw, as he raked in the pot. "Looks like the vulture ain't got the guts after all," he said, his voice carrying the twang of the prairies. Avery took the ribbing in stride, his feathers ruffling only slightly.
But Avery had a secret weapon up his sleeve—his cheat cards, a set of cards given to him by an old friend who had once taught him the art of deception. With each round, the stakes grew higher, and so did the tension. The whiskey flowed freely, and the air grew thick with the smell of tobacco and desperation.
Callum noticed something off about Avery's sudden string of luck and narrowed his eyes. Madison was too busy counting his winnings to notice the subtle shifts in the game. Inferno, the longhorn miner, remained jovial, his laughter bouncing off the saloon walls like the echoes of distant mine explosions.
The game went on into the night, the candles burning low, their wax spilling onto the scarred wooden table like tears of the defeated. Avery's pile of gold grew steadily, the weight of each coin a victory against the oppressive regime that sought to keep the town in its grasp. His heart pounded in his chest, a rhythm that matched the beat of the piano in the corner.
Madison was the first to crack, his pile of coins dwindling faster than the candles' flames. "What the tarnation?" he bellowed, his eyes bulging as Avery revealed a royal flush in the fifth round
Inferno chuckled, his eyes twinkling with the reflection of the candlelight. "Looks like the vulture's got more tricks than a coyote in a chicken coop."
The game of poker grew tense as the night progressed. Madison's pile of gold dwindled, his eyes glancing suspiciously at Avery's seemingly bottomless bag of coins. Callum remained unreadable, his sharp gaze flicking between the cards and the faces around the table. Avery's heart raced, his talons tight around the cheat cards hidden up his sleeve. He knew he had to be careful; one slip-up and it would all be over.
The first round saw Madison's hand win with a pair of kings, his braying laughter echoing through the saloon. The second went to Callum, who revealed a straight flush with a flourish, his beak curving into a smug smile. Avery felt the pressure building, the weight of Becky's letter in his pocket like a hot coal. He had to win, not just for the gold but for the hope it brought to the children of High Wind Gulch.
In the third round, Avery played his cards close to his chest, watching as Madison bet heavily on a full house. With a calmness that belied his nerves, Avery matched his bet, his cheat card hidden from view. As the tension grew, the crowd leaned in, their eyes glued to the flop. When the turn card revealed a possible flush, the room held its breath. Avery played it cool, his hand steady as he laid down his cheat card—the ace of hearts—completing his straight flush. Madison's jaw dropped, his laughter turning to a grumble as he tossed his cards to the table. The crowd murmured, their eyes now on the vulture who had bested the mule.
In the fourth round, Callum played a cautious game, his beak a tight line as he studied the cards. Avery's cheat cards whispered in his ear, guiding him through the bluffs and calls. With a flick of his wrist, he revealed the queen of spades, giving him a full house. The crowd gasped as Callum threw his cards down in disgust.
The miner, Inferno, leaned back in his chair, his eyes gleaming. "Looks like we got ourselves a real player here, fellas," he drawled, tossing a gold nugget into the pot.
The next hand was dealt, and the tension grew tauter than a bowstring. Avery's heart raced as he peeked at his cards. Two aces and a cheat card, the eight of spades, whispered sweet nothings of victory. He raised the stakes, watching as Inferno's eyes widened. Callum folded, a hint of suspicion playing across his features. Madison, his mood sour, grumbled but matched the bet.
Inferno leaned in, his horns casting shadows across the table. "Ya must be the dang luckiest buzzard in the whole wide gulch or ya got a trick or two hidin' up yer sleeve," he said, his voice a low rumble.
Avery met his gaze, a smirk playing on his beak. "Could be both," he said, playing his cards close to his chest. The final round began, and Avery could feel the eyes of the townsfolk on him, a mix of hope and skepticism. His hand was good, but it wasn't unbeatable. The cheat card was his ace in the hole, but he had to play it just right.
As the bets grew higher, so did the tension. Inferno's eyes never left Avery's, searching for a tell, a sign of weakness. But Avery had seen worse in the skies above the desert, and he wasn't about to fold now. The cheat card burned in his hand, a silent promise of victory. The flop was dealt, and Avery laid down his cards—three aces and the cheat card eight of spades, giving him a full house. The room was so quiet you could hear the crickets outside.
Inferno studied the cards, his eyes narrowing. He knew something was off, but he couldn't put his hoof on it. With a dramatic flourish, he slammed down his hand—four tens. The crowd gasped. It was a strong hand, but not strong enough. Avery's full house took the pot, the gold coins clinking together in sweet victory. Madison grunted his concession, while Callum nodded his respect. The air in the Copper Star was electric, a mix of awe and suspicion.
"Unbelievable!" Inferno had shouted in disbelief when he realized that he had been beaten by the buzzard at the table.
But as Avery raked in his winnings, the whispers grew into murmurs of awe and suspicion. Some in the crowd whispered about the vulture's cheating ways, while others spoke in hushed tones of his uncanny luck. Yet, none dared to challenge him. They knew better. The Nosedives had eyes and ears everywhere, and calling out the sheriff's best friend was a quick way to find trouble.
Callum eyed Avery's pile of gold with a begrudging respect. "Better luck next time," Avery said, his voice a low drawl as he tipped his hat to the trio. Madison grunted his goodbye, his eyes still glued to the coins.
Inferno, ever the gentleman, offered a firm handshake. "Look forward to our next match," he said with a knowing smile that suggested he hadn't entirely bought into the vulture's innocence.
Callum nodded, his suspicion clear in his sharp eyes. "Till then," he said, his voice trailing off as Avery turned to leave. Madison, nursing his bruised ego, simply grunted and returned to his whiskey.
With the gold safely tucked away in his saddlebag, Avery stepped out into the cool desert night, the stars glittering like the very coins he had just earned. The crunch of gravel beneath his boots was the only sound as he made his way home. His thoughts were a whirlwind of strategy and concern—how to keep Becky safe, how to use this newfound wealth for the secret school, and how to keep their rebellious actions hidden from the ever-watchful eyes of Otto Bulloney and his allies.
Back inside the Copper Star, Callum's anger grew as he picked through the shards of glass that once held his beer. "That damn buzzards got our money," he spat, his eyes glinting with a dangerous light. Madison, still reeling from the loss, nodded solemnly. His suspicion of Avery's win had grown into a festering doubt. Inferno, the longhorn miner, remained silent, his expression unreadable. The whispers grew louder as the trio began to discuss the implications of a vulture beating them at their own game.
"Cheatin' is all them vultures are good for," Madison muttered, his voice thick with resentment.
Callum nodded; his beak clenched in a tight line. "We can't let this stand. It's an affront to our kind," he said, his voice rising in volume. The other patrons of the saloon took notice, their conversations dying down to a murmur as they listened to the heated exchange. "I could wring his scrawny little neck and pull out all his feathers like a chicken from the coop!" He stood up from the table in anger, ready to use his guns until Inferno stopped him from doing anything hasty too soon.
Inferno, his eyes still gleaming with the reflection of the candles, leaned back in his chair, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Now hold yer horses, y'all. I'm just as riled up as ya, but let's not jump the gun. We all know Avery Buzzard, that buzzard thinkin' he's a hawk. He's got more guts than a javelina at a cookout. But we gotta outsmart him here." He took a long pull from his whiskey, his gaze never leaving the two disgruntled opponents. "We'll be waitin' fer him tomorrow, right here at the Copper Star. We'll invite him fer a friendly round of poker. This time, we'll make sure the stakes are tall enough to send him packin' back to Buzzard's Chapel where he rightly belongs." His voice grew lower, more menacing. "That next shootout will be his last."
Meanwhile, unseen by the trio, Darla Dove perched behind the bar, her heart racing faster than a jackrabbit on the run. She had heard enough. This was more than just a poker game gone sour—it was a declaration of war. Slipping away unnoticed, she spread her wings and took to the night sky, the whispers of the desert wind carrying her to the edge of town. Her mission was clear: she had to find Falcon, the legendary hawk whose name struck fear into the hearts of the oppressors. Only he could help them now.
Falcon was not one for social gatherings, preferring the solitude of the desert. But tonight, something felt off—a tension in the air that even his sharp instincts couldn't ignore. His keen eyes scanned the horizon, catching the silhouette of a lone figure approaching. It was Darla, her eyes filled with urgency and her feathers ruffled with the weight of her message.
Landing gracefully beside him, she whispered, "Falcon, you must come. They're planning something at the Copper Star. They suspect Avery's cheating, and they want to run him out of town, maybe worse."
Falcon's gaze sharpened. "Cheating, you say?" His voice held a hint of curiosity. He had heard tales of Avery's poker prowess, but never thought it would come to this. "What makes you think they'll succeed?"
Darla's eyes darted around nervously. "They're getting bolder, Falcon. With Otto backing them, they think they're untouchable. They're planning to set a trap at the Copper Star tomorrow night." She revealed the names being Madison, Callum, and Inferno, which Falcon realized who these three were.
Falcon sighed, his feathers ruffling in the stillness of the night. "I'll come with you to the Copper Star," he said finally. "But we must tread lightly. We need evidence of their corruption, not just suspicion."
Back in High Wind Gulch, Avery had made it to the alleyway, hiding between the barber shop and mercantile, his heart racing with the thrill of victory. He pulled out the cheat cards from his sleeves, a smug look on his face. "Three thousand dollars," he murmured, his eyes gleaming in the moonlight. "This'll keep Becky and the secret school safe for a while longer." His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of boots echoing down the alley. He stiffened, his hand going to his holster.
But when he turned around, it wasn't one of the card players who had followed him—it was Sheriff Clarence HawkTail, his stern gaze boring into Avery. Harmony's father looked at the cards in Avery's hand, then back to the vulture's face, his expression a mix of disappointment and anger. "Avery," he said, tight with restraint. "What are you doin' here, with those in your possession?"
Avery swallowed hard, his smirk fading as he realized he might have pushed his luck too far this time. "Clarence," he began, his voice shaky, "It ain't what it looks like." But even as the words left his beak, he knew it sounded like a tired excuse.
Sheriff HawkTail's gaze didn't waver. "Looks like cheatin' to me, Avery," he said, his voice a low growl. "I know times are tough, but that ain't the way to do things. You're smarter than this."
Avery looked down at the cheat cards in his hand, feeling the weight of Clarence's disappointment. "It's for Becky's secret school," he blurted out. "The golds to keep it runnin'. I...needed the money, my family needed it."
Clarence's eyes softened, but the sternness in his voice remained. "Avery, there's always another way. Cheatin' ain't it."
Avery's gaze dropped to the ground. "I know, Clarence. But the school, the kids, they need it. Becky, she believes in 'em, in a future where everyone's equal. But it weren't my idea to cheat in the first place." He knew Falcon may have talked him into it, but still...
Sheriff HawkTail's grip on Avery's arm tightened, steering him towards the sheriff's office. "We'll settle this right after we have a long talk over at my office," he said in a blend of authority and disappointment. "You should be countin' yourself lucky had those ruffians from the saloon found you instead o' me."
The walk to the office was a tense one, with the occasional whisper and stare from the townsfolk who had gathered to see the commotion. The sheriff's jail was small, just a single cell, but it felt like a vast, echoing chamber to Avery. He hadn't stepped foot in here since he was a young vulture, and the memories of his father's stern lectures came flooding back.
In the dimly lit office, Clarence slammed the door shut with his wing, the wood reverberating through the small space. "Friends don't cheat, Avery," he said sternly. "And I don't take bribes, and you should know that when you cheat, you steal. Not only that but puttin' yourself and your family at risk like this, there ain't no words for that."
Avery looked down at the cheat cards, now feeling the weight of his actions. "I know," he mumbled. "But it weren't my idea, really. I met Falcon McGriff on the way to the saloon months ago. You can just ask him."
Sheriff HawkTail raised an eyebrow. "Falcon McGriff? The same one Becky wrote to me about?"
"Yes, Clarence," Avery nodded hastily. "He said he had a way to win the poker games, to help us, ya know, for the school. And to feed my family."
Clarence's gaze never left Avery's. "Falcon McGriff is a slippery character, Avery. He's got a silver tongue that could charm the feathers off a peacock. But I've known him long enough to know he's got his own agenda. And it rarely lines up with the right side of the law. Even if it's doin' the wrong thing for the right reasons."
The silence in the office was thick, broken only by the ticking of the dusty clock on the wall. Avery felt the gravity of Clarence's words, and the implications of his involvement with Falcon started to sink in. He had always known the hawk was a bit of a renegade, but he had never considered that he might be playing a dangerous game, especially with his family's future at stake. Clarence would tell him that he is to stay in the jail cell until Becky would come by, soon answering that she was the one who sent Clarence to spy on him.
Meanwhile, Madison, Callum, and Inferno lurked in the shadows of the alley, their eyes narrowed as they watched the sheriff escort Avery into the jail. Madison spat out a toothpick, his beak curling in a snarl. "Looks like our buzzard friend is in hot water," he said with a cruel chuckle. "Wonder what ol' HawkTail has in store for him?"
Callum's feathers bristled with anger. "Cheatin' ain't right," he said through gritted teeth. "But that's not what's eatin' at me. It's the fact that he's gettin' away with it."
Madison's eyes gleamed in the moonlight as he twirled his bowie knife. "I say we barge in n' skin him alive," he suggested with a sadistic grin. "Let's show that buzzard what happens when he crosses us."
But Inferno was too clever to be swayed by brute emotion. He knew that patience was the key to victory. "Hold on," he cautioned, his voice a low hiss. "If we go in guns blazing now, we'll have the whole town on our tails, including that meddling sheriff." He took a step back, his gaze never leaving Avery and Clarence as they disappeared into the jail. "Let's wait until Becky shows her face. Then we'll get the whole story. And maybe, just maybe, we'll find out where she's been hoarding all that gold."
Madison and Callum exchanged a look, their anger momentarily stalled by Inferno's words. They knew he was right. They had to be smart, like the rattlers that slithered through the desert sand. Madison's hand hovered over the butt of his revolver; his knuckles white with restraint. "But we can't let him get away with this," he protested. "He's been cheating us out of our rightful winnings!"
Callum nodded, his teeth grinding together. "Inferno's right," he said, reluctantly. "We need to know more about Becky's secret school, and if there's gold involved, we can't let that slip through our claws." His gaze narrowed. "We'll wait, but not for long. I want that gold, and I want to see that buzzard squirm."
Madison, though still bristling, knew better than to argue with Inferno when he had his mind set. "Fine," he spat. "But the second Becky rides in, we's havin' us a powwow. And if she don't spill the beans, well..." He trailed off, his expression darkening.
Callum nodded in agreement, his eyes still on the jail door. "We'll be watchin' from the shadows," he murmured. "And when she's good 'n' worried, we'll make our move."
The trio retreated into the shadows, their forms blending with the night like the predators they were. They had no intention of letting Becky off easy—not after what she had done to them. They had lost everything because of her, and now they wanted their pound of flesh. Or, in this case, their pound of gold.
Becky's approach was heralded by the clack of her horse's hooves on the cobblestone street. She looked tired, her eyes heavy with worry lines. The sight of Clarence escorting Avery into the jail made her heart drop into her stomach like a rock. She had hoped to keep her secret school hidden for a bit longer, but it seemed their luck had finally run out. Maybe then she'll get answers to what Avery had been up to all this time in where he was getting all the money.
Becky's gaze was steely as she approached the cell. "What have you done, Avery?" she asked, her voice calm but laced with an underlying anger. Clarence stood by the desk, his arms folded over his chest.
The vulture's shoulders slumped. "I played a few hands of poker, Becky," he said, his voice small. "Got me some gold fer the school. Didn't mean to get nabbed."
Becky's eyes searched Avery's, looking for any signs of deceit, but she found only fear and regret. "With cheat cards?" she asked, her voice low.
Avery nodded, his beak hanging open. "They were just...for backup," he stuttered. "But I swear, Becky, I didn't have to use 'em tonight. I won fair and square."
Becky's expression was unreadable as she turned to Clarence. "Let him out," she said, her voice firm. "We need to talk."
The sheriff unlocked the cell, and Avery stepped out, his arms drooping. He took a seat on the chair opposite Becky, his eyes never leaving hers. The silence stretched taut between them, filled only by the ticking of the clock on the wall.
"Avery," Becky began, her voice measured, "I want you to tell me everything. Why the poker, why the cheating, and what's this about a secret school?"
The vulture fidgeted, his eyes darting around the room as he gathered his thoughts. "It's cause of the children," he said finally, his voice thick with emotion. "Otto and his folks, they ain't keen on our young'uns learnin'. They're mighty scared of what they'll turn into if they start thinkin' for themselves, askin' questions 'bout the world when someone else tells 'em how to think."
Becky's eyes narrowed. "'Ain't no reason fer cheatin'," she said firmly. "Well, I reckon yer heart was in the right spot. The young'uns sure need a fair shot."
Clarence leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes never leaving Avery. "But ya know like I do, partner, two wrongs ain't ever gonna make a right," he said. "Y'all gotta be sharper than that. Ya ain't just a buzzard; yer a parent, a husband, and part o' this here community."
Becky's eyes flashed with anger, but she held her tongue, listening intently. She knew her husband was right, but the injustice of it all made her blood boil. "You've been playin' a dangerous game, Avery," she finally said, her voice low and measured. "Cheatin' is a slippery slope, and it's only a matter of time before it all comes crumblin' down on us."
Avery nodded solemnly, his eyes never leaving Becky's. "I know, Becky," he said, his voice thick with regret. "But I had to do somethin'."
"Lying to me and your son ain't the way to do it!" Becky spat back, her voice echoing in the office. "We're all in this here saddle together, ya hear? If Otto and his bunch are causin' trouble, you ride on over to me and the sheriff!"
Avery's eyes dropped to the floor, his shoulders slumping further. "I'm sorry Becky," he whispered, his voice barely a murmur. "I ain't fixin' to put you an' Baron in a pickle."
Becky's eyes blazed with a fiery anger that could have melted steel. "That ain't how trust works, Avery," she said, her voice shaking with emotion. "Ya can't shield us by holdin' back the truth. We're ridin' this trail together, come hell or high water."
The room grew even quieter, the tension thick enough to suffocate a man. Clarence, ever the peacemaker, stepped in. "Now, Becky, let's not jump to conclusions here," he said calmly. "We need to know all the cards Avery's been holdin' before we deal our hand."
Becky's eyes didn't leave Avery's. "You're right," she said, her voice still tight with anger. "Tell us everything."
Avery took a deep breath and began to unravel the tangled web of his secrets. "When I lost my job, I felt...useless," he admitted, his voice cracking. "I couldn't bear the thought of tellin' you and Baron that we might not be able to keep a roof over our heads or food on the table. That's when Falcon McGriff showed up at the saloon, talkin' about poker games that could change our fortunes. He said I had a knack for it, that I could win enough to keep us afloat."
Becky's eyes searched his, looking for the truth behind his words. "Why the cheatin'?" she pressed, her voice softer now. "You know better than that, Avery."
The vulture's shoulders slumped even further. "Falcon said it was just to even the odds," he mumbled. "Said the other players were all cheats too. I didn't wanna disappoint ya, Becky. Didn't wanna see the light leave Baron's eyes when he realized we might have to leave our home."
Becky's gaze softened slightly, but the anger still simmered. "So ya reckoned foolin' me was the only way to keep us stuck here?" she asked, a mix of hurt and disbelief with everything that's happened to them, their friends, and the whole town. "What if you'd been caught before? What if you'd lost it all?"
Avery's eyes met hers, filled with a sadness that was almost tangible. "I know I was wrong, Becky," he said, his voice trembling. "But I couldn't bear to see the disappointment in your eyes, in Baron's. I didn't know what else to do."
"Well, you've done enough," Becky said, still sharp with anger, peering straight into Avery's face to flash an icy glare, that caused him to swallow hard and lean backwards into his chair, bracing for what else was coming. "You've put us all in danger with your deceit." She turned to Clarence, her eyes pleading. "I had to plead fer him to follow ya, Avery. I knew ya were fixin' to get into mischief when ya started comin' home smellin' like a saloon's bottom. But I didn't want no ruckus 'fore our young'un."
Clarence nodded solemnly, his eyes never leaving Becky's. He knew the pain of keeping secrets from those we love, the fear of disappointing them. "Becky, I know how hard it is to trust someone who's been keepin' things hidden," he said, his voice gentle. "But we gotta remember, we're all in this together. We're a family, and families stick together, especially in these hard times. I don't like keepin' secrets from the other for so long any more than you do, but in this case, talkin' too much of it in the open can be deadly. It ain't outta spite and malice, but for the safety of the others."
Becky's eyes searched Clarence's, finding the truth in his words. She took a deep breath, her chest heaving with the effort to contain her anger. "I understand," she said finally, her voice softer. "But from now on, Avery, no more secrets. We'll face this together, as a family."
Avery nodded, his gaze dropping to the floor. "I promise, Becky," he murmured, his voice filled with contrition. "I just didn't want you to worry, didn't want Baron to know we were in such a bind."
Becky sighed heavily, her anger slowly dissipating into a sadness that seemed to fill the room. "But now we're in an even bigger bind," she said, her voice trembling. "You've gone and got yourself mixed up with Falcon McGriff, of all creatures. He's got more snake oil than sense in that brain of his."
"I know, Becky," Avery said, his voice barely audible. "But he promised me a way to help us, to help Baron. And he...he was right about the poker."
Becky's eyes narrowed. "Avery, you know how I feel about gamblin' money away," she said, her voice firm but filled with a hint of sadness. "Cheatin' and lyin' ain't the way to build a life for our son. And Falcon McGriff is trouble, plain and simple. You know that as well as I do. Clarence told me."
Avery's eyes darted around the room, looking for an escape from Becky's accusatory gaze. "But Becky," he said, his voice tight. "I was just tryin' to lend a hand. Didn't find no other way. And Falcon...he claimed he had some pull. Said he could help us get ahead with his connections."
Becky's voice grew louder, echoing through the sheriff's office. "Connections, Avery? You know what kind of connections Falcon McGriff has!" She slammed her fist on the desk, making Clarence flinch. "Those 'connections' are the reason we left Buzzard's Chapel and came here, to get away from that kind of life!"
Clarence remained stoic, his eyes flicking from Becky's furious expression to Avery's downcast gaze. "Now, Becky," he interjected gently, "let's not throw the whole herd out with the bathwater. Avery's done wrong, no doubt, but he's still our kin. And kins stick together."
Becky's eyes snapped back to Clarence; her beak clenched tightly. "You're right, Clarence," she conceded, her voice still sharp with anger. "But that don't mean I'm just gonna let him strut around town like a peacock, flauntin' his cheatin' ways."
Clarence nodded, his expression serious. "We'll handle it, Becky," he assured her. "But we gotta be smart 'bout it. If word gets out that Avery's been cheatin', it'll be like throwin' a bone to a pack of coyotes. Madison, Callum, and Inferno are already sniffin' around, lookin' for a way to take him down."
Becky couldn't help but think of the rough-looking birds and rodents from the saloon, the kind of folks that had no business meddling in the affairs of honest, hardworking vultures like Avery. The thought of her husband being drawn into their world of deceit and vice made her stomach churn. What kind of life was he leading while she was at home, worrying about their son and their future? Her mind raced with images of Avery surrounded by a cloud of cigar smoke, his eyes glazed over from too much whiskey, as he played poker with the likes of Falcon McGriff and his ilk. The clink of gold coins and the sneers of his opponents seemed to fill the air, as if she could hear the games from the quiet sanctuary of the sheriff's office.
"Becky," Clarence began, his voice a calm beacon in the storm of her thoughts. "You know Avery's got more heart than most folks in this town. He ain't perfect, but he's tryin' to do right by you and Baron. Forgive him this once for all our sakes."
The vulture mother took a deep breath, the silence in the room a stark contrast to the cacophony outside. She knew Clarence was right; Avery was a good man, a loving husband, and a caring father. He had just made a mistake, a mistake driven by desperation and fear. She had to believe that with their combined strength and love, they could overcome this dark hour.
"Becky," Clarence said, his voice a gentle whisper in the tense air, "I know this ain't easy to swallow, but we gotta keep our heads on straight. We can't let the likes of Hawkspur or Otto Bulloney tear us apart. We're all we got."
Becky's expression softened slightly, the anger in her eyes fading into a mix of fear and regret. She took a deep, shaky breath. "I'm sorry, Avery," she murmured. "I didn't mean to get riled up like that. It's just...ever since Mayor Callahan went missin', I've been scared outta my boots. I don't wanna lose ya to gamblin'...or the gold rush. And I can't bear for Baron to lose his Pa."
Avery reached out and took Becky's hand in his, his grip firm but gentle. "You ain't ever lost me, Becky," he said, his voice steady. "Not now, not ever. And I know I messed up, but I swear to you, I'll make it right. I'll do whatever it takes to keep our family together."
Becky squeezed his hand back, her eyes filling with tears. "I know you would," she said, her voice a whisper. "But I'm just...I'm just scared. For all of us."
Avery lifted his gaze to meet hers, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I am too, Becky," he admitted. "But I promise you, I'll do better. From now on, no more keepin' my family in the dark about things."
The room was thick with unspoken words, the tension palpable. Becky felt her anger slowly giving way to understanding, the fear of what could have been weighing heavily on her heart. "Avery," she said, her voice softening, "you know I ain't never questioned your intentions before. And I know you'd never put us in harm's way without a good reason. And I know that was not your intention to do so."
He looked up, his eyes red from holding back tears. "But you're right, Becky," Avery replied, his voice a hoarse whisper. "I shouldn't have done it. I should've found another way. I'll tell Baron everything. I'll tell him that cheating ain't the answer to his troubles, that he's gotta work hard and be honest to get ahead in life."
Becky's gaze softened, her feathers ruffling slightly as she leaned over to give him a comforting peck on the cheek. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "That's all I ever wanted, for him to grow up knowing that."
Avery nodded; his eyes downcast. "I know, Becky," he said, heavy with regret. "I'll do better. No more gamblin' our money away."
Clarence cleared his throat, his gaze shifting from Becky to Avery and back again. "Becky," he said, his tone measured, "let's not get ahead of ourselves. Avery's made his mistakes, but he's come clean and he's ready to face the music."
Becky took a step back, her expression unreadable. "But what if that music is jail time, Clarence?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. "What happens to Baron if his pa's locked away?"
Clarence's face grew stern, his eyes boring into Avery's. "That's the price ya pay for cheatin'," he said, his voice low and serious. "But I'm willin' to help ya avoid that. Like Becky said, you got a good heart, Avery. And I believe in second chances. But ya can't keep dancin' with the devil and expect not to get burned."
The silence in the room was thick, the tension palpable as Becky and Avery looked at each other, the weight of Clarence's words sinking in. They knew he was right; they couldn't let their fears and desperation lead them down a dangerous path. They had to find another way without going astray.
"Alright," Avery finally spoke, his voice firm with a newfound resolve. "I'll go talk to Mr. Fox tomorrow. Maybe I can help him out, earn some honest money for our family." Becky nodded, her grip on his hand tightening. "But what will you do with that money I won from the saloon?"
Clarence leaned back in his chair, his eyes thoughtful. "I'm gonna have to keep it locked inside my desk for now," he said, gesturing to the sturdy wooden piece of furniture behind him, "since I don't trust the bank at the moment. If you want it back, you'll have to earn it." He paused, watching as Avery processed the gravity of his words. "That's gonna take time. But take your pick now. The livery stables or the restaurant. Two job options where you can take to make sure this don't ever happen again. One is shoveling hay and manure over at the livery stable owned by Mr. Fox. And the second option is over at the restaurant where my wife Ruby works. She cooks and could use the extra help in the kitchen...washing dishes." Clarence wanted to show Avery that he didn't have to spend the time in jail for his own safety, and instead wanted to give a fair punishment without making it too severe as Hawkspur would.
Avery took a moment to consider his options, looking over at Becky for guidance. She gave a slight nod towards the restaurant. "I reckon I'll talk to Ruby about helpin' her out," he said, his voice a mix of pride and defeat. "It's the least I can do to make up for my mistakes."
"Good," Clarence said, his expression softening. "Now, I ain't claimin' this'll be a breeze. But it's a kick-off. And maybe, just maybe, it'll prove to some of them townsfolk you ain't the kinda buzzard they reckon you are."
Becky watched her husband's face, seeing the determination etch into his features. "Thank you, Sheriff," she whispered.
Clarence nodded. "It's gonna be tough, Avery," he warned, his gaze steady. "But I reckon you got the grit for it." He paused, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his beak. "Ruby's cookin' is worth it, though. And she's got a heart as big as Texas. She'll set ya straight, no doubt."
With a heavy sigh, Avery nodded in agreement, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Thank ya, Clarence," he murmured. "For everything."
As Becky and Avery left the office, Clarence felt the weight of his own words. He knew the decision was fair, but he couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment that hung in the air like a dark cloud. He sat back down at his desk, his eyes lingering on the empty space where Becky had stood. With a sigh, Clarence picked up his quill and dipped it into the inkwell, the nib scratching against the parchment as he began to write. He had letters to pen and plans to set in motion, all while keeping the town of High Wind Gulch from descending into chaos. His thoughts drifted to his own family, and he hoped that Harmony and Ruby would be safe from the storm that was brewing. The sheriff's desk was cluttered with wanted posters and maps, but the one document that held his full attention was a secret list of Otto Bulloney's known associates. The town was changing, and not for the better. The once harmonious coexistence between species was being tested by greed and prejudice. Clarence knew he had to act, but he had to be careful. They needed a full plan before doing anything reckless.
But the quiet of the sheriff's office was shattered by the sudden sound of a commotion outside. Clarence's ears perked up, his hand instinctively reaching for his badge. The voices grew louder, the clomping of hooves and the jingling of spurs echoing through the dusty streets of High Wind Gulch. And then, unmistakable amidst the ruckus, was the sound of Becky Buzzard's panicked scream.
"Oh no," Clarence murmured, his heart racing as he bolted upright from his chair. "Sounds like those two might be in trouble."
He flung open the door to his office, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the dusty street. His eyes scanned the gathering crowd, and his gut clenched when he spotted Becky on the ground, a look of horror etched on her face. Callum and Madison stood over her, their faces twisted in anger, while Inferno loomed over Avery, his fists clenched and hooves stomping violently.
"What in tarnation is going on here?" Clarence bellowed, his authoritative voice cutting through the tension like a knife. The townsfolk parted, giving him a clear view of the trouble.
Inferno had his grip tightened around Avery's shirt collar, lifting him off the ground, his eyes narrowed into slits as he sneered down at the cowering buzzard. "Your kind ain't welcome 'round here," he spat. "You cheated me outta my money, and now you're gonna pay the price!"
Avery's heart hammered in his chest, his eyes darting from Becky's terrified expression to Clarence's determined stance. He knew he had to find a way out of this, to protect his family from the wrath of Otto Bulloney's thuggish allies. "Please," he managed to choke out, his voice strained. "Let Becky go. I'll do whatever you want."
Callum and Madison exchanged a malicious grin, tightening their grip on Becky's arms. "Whatever we want?" Madison mused, her voice dripping with menace. "We aim to get what's rightly ours. Y'all been rustlin' our gold, our land, and now, our honor!"
"LET HER GO NOW!" Avery had demanded, Inferno still holding his shirt collar, feeling choked up.
"Oh, I will," Inferno sneered, his eyes gleaming with malicious intent. "But only if you tell me where that gold is. And why you and that sneaky hawk have been meetin' in secret!"
Avery's eyes widened in shock at the accusation. "What are you talkin' about?" he croaked, his voice barely audible above the hammering of his heart. "I ain't stolen nothin'!"
"Don't play dumb with us, Buzzard," Callum sneered, his teeth bared in a vicious smile. "We know about the gold, and we know you and HawkTail have been plottin' somethin'."
The knife was cold against Avery's cheek, the sharpness of it a stark reminder of the danger he was in. He could feel Becky's terror radiating from her, and it filled him with a fierce protectiveness. His eyes darted from Madison's smug grin to Clarence's tense stance, the sheriff's hand hovering over his holstered gun. He knew he had to do something, say something, to diffuse the situation before it spun out of control.
"Alright, if you put me down now," Avery began, his voice steady despite the fear that clawed at his throat, "I can go get your money back from the sheriff. I swear on my mother's wings, I don't have it on me right now."
Inferno's grip loosened slightly, his eyes narrowing as he considered Avery's words. The rage that had fueled him just moments ago was now a simmering pot of doubt. "What do you mean?" he growled, his grip still tight around Avery's shirt.
Avery took a shallow breath, his heart still hammering in his chest. "I won it fair and square," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "But I knew there'd be trouble if I kept it on me. So I gave it to Sheriff HawkTail for safekeepin'. I swear it, on Becky's life." The lie came out smoother than he had expected, and he hoped Clarence would play along.
Inferno's grip tightened around Avery's legs, turning the buzzard upside down with his eyes searching for any sign of deception. "Take him to the livery," he barked, tossing Avery towards the waiting stallions. "We'll get the truth out of him there."
Callum and Madison dragged Becky away, her eyes never leaving Avery's. "You're making a mistake," she shouted, her voice filled with fear and anger. "We're on the same side!" But their only response was a cruel laugh that echoed through the deserted street.
Clarence's boots thundered on the wooden planks as he emerged from his office, his eyes blazing with a fiery determination. The townsfolk parted like a river around a boulder, their whispers of shock and horror following him as he approached the confrontation. His hand hovered over the handle of his holstered gun, ready to draw if necessary.
"Back off, Inferno," Clarence warned, his voice a thunderclap that resonated through the tense air. The miner's grip on Avery loosened, and he looked up, his expression a mix of greed and confusion. "You're making a mistake, and you're doin' it on my watch."
The townsfolk had gone silent, watching the standoff with bated breath. Clarence's eyes never left Inferno's, his own hand still hovering over his gun. The miner looked at Clarence, then at Becky, and finally at the ground where the money lay. His decision was clear. With a snarl, Inferno released Avery, who crumpled to the ground, gasping for air. The buzzard looked up at the sheriff with a mix of relief and gratitude, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Becky rushed to his side, her arms wrapping around him protectively as she helped him stand.
"Clarence," she whispered, her voice trembling, "what are you doin'?"
But the sheriff was already in motion, his eyes on the prize of peace. He had seen the greed in Inferno's eyes, the hunger for gold that could drive a man to do the unthinkable. And he knew that if he could just get the money into the right hands, he could prevent a bloody showdown in the middle of the street.
"Hold on there," Clarence said, his voice cutting through the tension like a hot knife through butter. He strode back into his office, his feathers ruffling as he moved swiftly. The townsfolk watched, their eyes wide with anticipation. A few moments later, he re-emerged, a heavy bag clutched in his talons. "Now, I reckon you all are lookin' for this, ain't ya?" He swung the bag in the air, the gold glinting in the sunlight.
Inferno's eyes grew as wide as dinner plates, his hooves scurrying over to snatch the bag. "You got it, Sheriff?" he asked, his gruff voice thick with greed.
Clarence tossed the bag at Inferno's feet, the sound of coins jingling as it hit the dusty street. "Yep," he said, his voice firm. "Now, I don't want no trouble in High Wind Gulch. You take this gold and get outta here. And you," he said, pointing a stern finger at Madison and Callum, "you two let Becky go. This ends here now."
Inferno's eyes never left the bag, but he nodded curtly, his greed overriding any sense of pride. Madison and Callum exchanged a look, but ultimately released Becky, their grips loosening like snakes slithering away from a fire. She stumbled to her feet, her eyes wild with fear and anger.
"This is a new low for y'all," Becky spat, her voice low and venomous. "You're all gonna regret this."
Inferno chuckled darkly as he picked up the bag, his eyes glinting with greed. "I don't think so, Miss Becky. You see, we're just doin' what's best for our town." With that, he mounted his stallion and kicked it into a gallop, the dust rising behind him as he disappeared down the street. Madison and Callum followed suit, their expressions a blend of fear and excitement.
Becky stood there, trembling, her eyes filled with a rage that could melt steel. She watched as the trio disappeared into the horizon, their taunts echoing through the stillness of High Wind Gulch. She clenched her fists, digging into her palms. "This ain't over," she murmured to herself. "It's just begun."
The sheriff looked down at her with a mix of pity and understanding. He knew Becky's spirit was as fiery as the sunset that painted the sky above them. He offered her a hand, his eyes filled with a quiet resolve. "Come on now," he said gently. "Let's get you both home. This ain't the end of the line."
Becky took Clarence's offered hand, her grip firm as she allowed him to help her to her feet. Avery was already on his own two legs, though he leaned heavily on Becky, his face a mask of pain and defeat. As they turned to leave the town, the whispers grew louder, turning into a murmur that followed them like a shadow. The townsfolk had heard the accusations, the threats, and the mention of gold. The secret that had been so carefully guarded was now spreading like wildfire across the dry prairie. The sheriff's eyes searched the retreating figures of Madison, Callum, and Inferno, his mind racing with the implications of their escape. They would return, and when they did, they would bring the full force of Otto Bulloney's wrath with them. High Wind Gulch was a tinderbox, and it was only a matter of time before it exploded.
Clarence turned to Becky, his expression a mix of concern and determination. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice gentle as he offered her a hand up. She took it gratefully, her eyes never leaving the horizon where the dust kicked up by the thugs had just begun to settle.
"I'm fine," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "But they might report this to Hawkspur."
Clarence nodded gravely, his eyes still on the retreating figures. "I know," he said, his voice a low rumble. "But right now, we need to get you both home. We'll deal with this, Becky, but not now."
The journey back to the Buzzard ranch was a quiet one, the only sounds being the steady clop of their stallions' hooves and the occasional whistle of the wind. Becky's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, but she remained silent, her hand tight around Avery's waist as she helped him sit upright on Sagebrush. The bruises on his forehead and cheek had begun to swell, turning a dark purple that stood out starkly against his feathers. His left elbow was scraped raw, and he winced with every movement. Despite the pain, Avery remained stoic, his eyes on the horizon, lost in his own thoughts.
When they arrived, the sight that greeted them was one of chaos. The ranch looked as though it had been ransacked, the barn door hanging off its hinges, feathers scattered across the yard. Becky's heart sank as she realized that the Three Digits had come looking for the gold while they were gone. Inside, the house was in disarray. Furniture was overturned, and the smell of fear hung in the air like a thick fog. Becky's eyes searched the room frantically, looking for any sign of their attackers. Avery limped in behind her, his eyes taking in the damage with a mix of anger and resignation.
"They were here," Becky said, her voice tight. "They didn't find the gold, but they sure left their mark."
Avery nodded, his eyes scanning the room. The pain in his body was nothing compared to the ache in his heart. He had always been the protector, the provider, and now he felt like he had failed his family. "Where's Baron?" he asked, his voice hoarse.
"He's safe," Becky assured him, her eyes never leaving his. "He's with Harmony. I sent him to stay with the HawkTails."
Avery let out a sigh of relief, his chest rising and falling with the effort. Clarence nodded, his expression grim. "Good call," he said. "With the way things are goin', it's best to keep the young ones outta harm's way."
Becky looked around the wrecked room, her eyes taking in the shattered glass and overturned furniture. "What are we gonna do, Clarence?" she asked, her voice trembling. "We can't just sit here and wait for them to come back."
Clarence's gaze was as steady as the sun on a cloudless day. "We're gonna stand our ground," he said firmly. "We're gonna show 'em that we ain't afraid. And we're gonna build our alliances, one by one. This town can't survive if it's split apart by fear and hatred."
The room grew silent as Becky and Avery absorbed his words. They knew he was right. The time for hiding and hoping for the best was over. The time for action had come.
Avery gingerly lay back on the bed, wincing as Becky and Clarence helped him settle down. Dr. Hare and Nurse Cottontail, two unlikely allies in this fight, had come to the ranch under the cloak of darkness, their hearts swelling with a rebellious spirit that matched Becky's own. The sight of Avery's bruises and the pain etched into his features had been enough to make them ignore Otto's ridiculous laws that forbade them from treating anyone who didn't have the "right" pedigree. They had brought supplies and gentle hands, their skills a balm to the buzzard's injuries.
Clover Cottontail dabbed a cool cloth against Avery's bruised forehead, her eyes filled with compassion. "You're a tough bird," she murmured, her voice soothing. "But you need to rest now. We've treated your injuries as best as we can."
Dr. Hare nodded solemnly; his stethoscope draped around his neck like a necktie. "We've patched you up, but you're going to need some time to heal, my friend. It's not every day you take on a pack of jackals like that."
Avery managed a weak smile, his eyes flicking to Becky, who stood by the bedside, her own pain mirrored in her gaze. "Thank you," he murmured. "For everything."
As Dr. Hare and Nurse Cottontail left the room, Becky sat beside her husband, taking his hand in hers. "We'll get through this," she said, her voice filled with a conviction that she hoped was contagious. "We always do."
Avery looked at her, the love in his eyes palpable even through the fog of pain and anger. "I'm worried about Baron," he admitted. "With me laid up and the gold gone, we're sitting ducks. They're gonna come back for us."
Becky squeezed his hand, her own grip tight with determination. "We won't let them," she said, her voice firm. "We'll do what we have to, to keep him safe. And we ain't alone in this."
The mention of their son brought a fresh wave of anguish crashing over Avery. Baron had always been his pride, the light in his life even in the darkest of moments. The thought of him in danger was almost too much to bear. "But where can we go?" he asked, his voice cracking. "They've got the whole town in their pocket. There's nowhere to run."
Becky's eyes searched his, understanding the depth of his fear. "We'll figure it out soon enough," she assured him, her voice steady despite the quaking inside her. "We've got Clarence, and now Dr. Hare and Nurse Cottontail. There are more good folks in High Wind Gulch than you think."
Avery nodded, trying to hold onto the thread of hope Becky offered. "You're right," he said, his voice a little stronger. "We've got friends. We can't let them win." He wanted to keep on believing that, to remind himself that all was not lost...only now he wondered if it was worth staying where it was no longer safe and welcoming from the start.
But Becky wasn't one to let fear rule her life. "We ain't just gonna sit here and twiddle our thumbs waitin' for 'em to make their next move," she said, filled with a fiery resolve that had been burning since the day she had to hide their gold. "We's fixin' to make our own strides. We's gonna show 'em what we're made of."
Clarence nodded in agreement, his eyes reflecting the same determination. "You're right, Becky," he said, his voice steady as a mountain. "We's gonna stand up for ourselves, and for every buzzard and hawk that's ever had to hide in the shadows. We's gonna fight for truth and justice."
Becky's eyes searched Avery's, looking for the spark she knew was in there, the same one that had ignited their love so many years ago. "You ain't a failure, Avery," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "Y'all been there for us, taught us the ropes, and loved us through tough trails. We're fixin' to stick together, come what may."
Her words were like a gentle breeze through a storm, calming Avery's troubled spirit. He took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling heavily. "But Becky," he said, his voice raw with pain, "Ain't just 'bout us no more. It's 'bout Baron. He's gonna grow up in this here ruckus, and I sure don't want him dealin' with the same biases we faced."
Becky nodded, her gaze never leaving Avery's. "I know," she said softly. "But we're gonna make sure he knows that he ain't gotta hide. He's a Buzzard, through and through, and there ain't nothin' wrong with that. We're gonna show him that we're stronger together, and that love and truth are more powerful than any gold or hatred. All those supplies you bought would mean nothin' if I lost my beloved husband and child."
The room was quiet again, the only sound the crackle of the fireplace, throwing flickering shadows across their faces. Clarence cleared his throat, his eyes shimmering with a fierce resolve. "Avery, Becky's right," he said, his voice strong and sure. "We gotta stand up and fight against injustice and corruption, not just for us, but for every creature in this town who's been treated like dirt because of where they come from or what they look like."
Avery nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving Becky's. He knew she was hurt, and he had let her down. But he also knew she was right. They had to find a way to stop Otto Bulloney and Edna Nosedive from tearing High Wind Gulch apart. "What do we do?" he asked, the weight of his words heavy in the air.
Becky took a deep breath, her mind racing. "We start by gathering our allies," she said, her voice firm. "We can't do this alone."
Clarence nodded. "I'll talk to the townsfolk," he said. "They need to know what's happening. Maybe some of them will stand with us."
The next few days were a whirlwind of activity. Clarence spoke to the townspeople, sharing their story and the truth about the gold. Becky worked tirelessly, repairing the damage to their home and reaching out to others who had suffered at the hands of Otto Bulloney and the Nosedives. Avery rested, his body mending slowly, his spirit torn between his desire to flee and the growing sense that they had a duty to stay and fight. Baron and Harmony, feeling the weight of their families' struggles, decided to take action into their own hands. They had heard whispers of a hidden underground tunnel that wove through the hills, connecting High Wind Gulch to the forbidden lands of Buzzard's Peak. It was said that the tunnel led straight to the gold mine that had become the source of so much strife. Determined to find a way to help, they set off on an adventure, their hearts beating with excitement and fear.
Baron, feeling the weight of his family's troubles, had been spending his days exploring the lands around High Wind Gulch, seeking a way to help. Harmony had joined him, her sharp hawk eyes spotting something unusual in the dusty hills. "Look," she said, pointing to the ground. "Those ain't just animal tracks."
Together, they followed the trail into a hidden cove, where the earth had been disturbed in a pattern that suggested something more than natural activity. With a sense of excitement and trepidation, they began to dig. The sun beat down on their backs, their breath coming in short, shallow gasps as they uncovered a hidden entrance to a network of tunnels. The air was stale and cool, hinting at secrets long buried beneath the sands of time.
With the flicker of a candle, Baron and Harmony ventured into the darkness, their hearts racing with the excitement of discovery. They walked for what felt like hours, the walls of the tunnels closing in around them like the whispers of a thousand ghosts of the past. The air grew thicker with the scent of dust and ancient rock, and their footsteps echoed through the silence like the beat of a war drum.
Deeper they went, the whispers of the earth growing louder until they stumbled upon a chamber, its walls glittering with a strange, unearthly light. The gold, they had found it—but it was not just gold that lay before them. There was something more, something vital to their very survival. A hidden reservoir, its waters as clear as Harmony's crystal eyes, and as still as the moments before a storm. The realization struck them like a bolt of lightning—Edna and Otto had been sabotaging the town's water supply, holding the lifeblood of High Wind Gulch hostage to their greed. Now the two children were in hiding, listening to every word they had been plotting ever since Callahan's departure.
Their hearts thudded in their chests as they huddled in the shadows, peering through the cracks in the stone walls. Otto Bulloney's deep, gruff voice reverberated through the chamber, his words a snake's hiss in the dark. "The gold is almost ours," he said, his eyes gleaming like the bars of gold that lay scattered around him. "And with it, the power to control this whole miserable town."
Edna Nosedive, her eyes narrowed to slits, leaned in close. "But what of the buzzards?" she spat. "They dare to defy us still."
Edmund, his feathers ruffled with excitement, spoke up. "Don't you worry none, Ma," he sneered. "We'll show 'em who's boss when the time is right."
Baron's eyes narrowed at the sound of his old bully's voice, but he remained hidden, listening intently to the conversation. Harmony's grip on his arm tightened as they both realized the gravity of the situation. This was the key to everything—the proof that the Nosedives and Otto Bulloney were working together to destroy not just the Buzzard family but the very essence of the town they had come to call home.
"They've been sneakin' around, stealin' our gold and teachin' them buzzard brats in that secret school," Otto Bulloney's gruff tones echoed through the chamber, filled with rage. "But we've got 'em right where we want 'em. Callum, Madison, and Inferno did good, tellin' us where to find it."
Baron felt a chill run down his spine at the mention of his school. He and Harmony had to be careful not to make a sound as they crouched behind a pile of dusty crates. The adults' conversation grew clearer, and with each word, their plot grew more sinister.
"Callum, Madison, and Inferno," Harmony murmured in Baron's ear, her voice barely a whisper. "They must have found out about the school. I hear they're from the coal mines."
The four of them were deep in the bowels of the earth, in a chamber that smelled of greed and corruption. The gold lay in piles, untouched by the light of day, a silent testament to their town's suffering. The adults' voices grew clearer, and the children leaned in closer, their hearts racing with every syllable.
"The Coyote Cutthroats," Otto spat, "they think they can just take what's ours, what we've worked so hard for."
Baron's heart sank at the mention of the secret school and the rebellion. If Otto and Edna had found out about it, that meant their lives were in even more danger than he had thought. Harmony's grip on his arm tightened as she leaned closer, her eyes wide with fear and determination.
"We've got to get back and tell both our parents," she whispered urgently. "They need to know what's happening."
Baron nodded, his mind racing with the implications of their discovery. The secret school, the Coyote Cutthroats, all of it was in danger. They couldn't let their parents and friends face this alone. Carefully, they backed away from the chamber, retracing their steps through the winding tunnels, their eyes and ears peeled for any sign of the adults' approach. The darkness felt heavier now, the silence more oppressive. Every creak of the floorboards, every shuffle of dust, made their hearts race faster.
As they reached the entrance to the secret school inside an abandoned shack in the woods, they saw Becky standing outside, her eyes scanning the horizon with a worried expression. Harmony tugged at Baron's sleeve. "We gotta tell her," she whispered urgently.
Baron took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. "Ma," he called out, his voice shaking.
Becky whipped around, her eyes wide with relief and fear. "What is it, son?" she asked, her eyes searching his face.
Baron took a deep breath, his voice shaking. "Ma, we found something," he said, his eyes meeting hers. "The gold ain't just about money. They're using it to control the water, to keep Buzzard's Peak in a drought."
Harmony spoke up, her voice steady. "We followed some tracks into the hills, and we found a hidden entrance to the tunnels," she said shining with excitement. "They lead straight to the gold mine."
Becky's eyes widened. "A gold mine?" she repeated, her voice incredulous. "But why would they be hoarding gold?"
Baron took a deep breath and began to explain. "Ma, it ain't just about the gold," he said, his voice serious. "They've been usin' it to control the town's water supply. That's why Buzzard's Peak has been dry for so long. They've been keepin' it all to themselves, and now they want to use the gold to make sure it stays that way."
AN: Uh oh, now it looks like the truth has come further out about the evil intentions behind the Nosedive family and Otto Bulloney who now are aware of the secret school and the Coyote Cutthroats defying the laws lately which now means they might have to go into further hiding as they plan their rebellion against everything that stands in their way of ever living a normal life again filled with unity and peace. Not to mention Avery has nearly broke from the bad choices he made out of fear and desperation to keep his family afloat and from starving to death, feeling like he failed everyone that cares about him. How long can he keep it up till the time comes before the rebellion?