Another Chance - Book One
Chapter Eleven: Near Miss
By Zarek Dragon
With spring break starting the day after Easter, Another Chance was celebrating its one year anniversary. The actual anniversary was some months ago, but Jackson thought he would have better results if he waited for warmer weather. The boys would be at the ranch from eleven to five throughout the week to take groups of riders on the various trails. Their weekend would keep a normal schedule. As much as the boys wish they could stay together, Jackson had them team up with an adult hand. The boys would lead the groups, though, as they would come across as less intimidating, especially to the younger riders.
Food and drink vendors were set up between the parking area and the barns. Once the fee to rent a horse for an hour was paid, the rider was given four tickets. The green ticket was to be turned in when you received your mount. The three red ones could be used for food or drinks. In the arena, various hands were putting on shows. Some were doing rope tricks while others displayed their advanced riding skills.
Buster convinced his mom to come out to the ranch. "I don't know about this," Mrs. Jones kept saying as she parked the car.
"You'll have fun, Ma, I promise," Buster assured. "If you don't, I'll do whatever you decide."
"Clean your room?" Mrs. Jones threatened.
Buster winced a little. His room wasn't really messy, but was definitely cluttered. "Yeah, I'll even figure out where to put everything so my room looks neater," Buster agreed. Mrs. Jones smiled.
Jackson gave a last minute talk to those taking the groups out. He reminded them that some riders may be novices. He also had them take apples in their saddle bags as treats for the horses.
Joe saw Buster approaching with his mom. They had their green tickets ready and headed towards him. Jim nudged Joe, "Want me to take them?"
Smiling at Jim, Joe said, "No, I'm good. I see Dusty and Cheyenne heading this way, too. I'm sure they'll want to be in your group. And isn't that Dr. Bear?"
Buster approached Joe and put his arms around him. "You look really hot today. Does the green ticket mean I get you as a guide?"
Joe laughed. "I'll be your guide, but not because of the green ticket. That gets you your mount. Hang onto it for now. Jackson wants us to take groups out and not just individuals. Once we have a couple more for our group, we'll go get your horses."
Dusty, Cheyenne and Dr. Bear approached Jim. "How are you doing, Jim?" Dr. Bear asked.
"Really good, I'm doing really good. Still have bouts where I miss Shadow and get depressed, but I deal with them."
"Well, you loved her very much, so that's to be expected. Dusty told me about this boy you are worried about. I would love to have a chance to meet him."
"I don't know how easy that will be. His mother has him on a tight leash right now," Jim looked down as he said it.
"Jim, isn't that him hugging Jackson from behind?" Dusty asked pointing in Jackson's direction.
Jim looked and sure enough, Colt came up behind and surprised Jackson with a hug. Dr. Bear headed over in that direction but stopped when a car followed by two deputies pulled up. He watched as Mrs. Browning got out of her car. "I knew I'd find your lazy sorry ass out here when you took off. Get in the car right now or I'll pull your pants down and whip that sorry ass in front of everybody. You good for nothing little bastard are grounded until after summer," she yelled at Colt. Then she turned towards Jackson, "As for you, perverted freak, I told you to stay away from my son."
"He came up behind me. I had nothing to do with it," Jackson said holding his hands up.
Before Mrs. Browning could start in again, one of the deputies approached Jackson. "Jackson Sprayberry, I really don't want to do this, but this is a restraining order. You are to remain no less than fifty yards away from the Browning Family. This includes their son, Colton Browning," he said as he handed the packet of papers to Jackson.
"FIFTY?" Mrs. Browning yelled. "I requested a hundred and you only put it as fifty? I want your name and badge number."
"Ma'am, his arms are not fifty yards long…" the deputy began.
"I don't care how long his arms are. I want that perverted bastard to stay as far away from my son as possible. I want you to change that to a hundred right now or I will have you fired," Mrs. Browning ranted at the deputy. Everyone could see the anger and frustration on Jackson's face as his first day of celebration was just tarnished, but he did his best to lighten the mood once Mrs. Browning sped out of the parking lot.
Dr. Bear turned towards Jim, "I would definitely say that boy is abused. What I just saw is abuse in itself. How old is the boy?"
"I believe he's fifteen," Jim responded.
"He's a grade behind us, Dad," Dusty added.
"I'll be back, I want to talk to that deputy before he leaves," Dr. Bear stated as he walked toward where the action just was.
"Hey, Homo!" Zac heard behind him. He turned to see his friends Matt and Gina.
"What's up Straight Boy?" Zac responded. Then he looked at Gina, "When you gonna dump his sorry ass and get a real man?"
Matt laughed. "I keep thinking of asking Jim the same thing. In fact, I think we're going to be in his group today."
"If you're trying to make me jealous, I'm not worried." Zac said.
"That would give me a full group and we can start as soon as Dr. Bear gets back."
"Then we can fill Joe's group and I'll catch whoever else decides to come." Zac stated.
Dr. Bear returned and Jim took his group to get their mounts before heading for one of the trails. As they were heading out, Joe saw Marilyn's car pull into the lot. "Zac, you mom's here," he announced.
"So is yours. She's getting out on the passenger side." Zac smiled.
Vince walked over to Zac. "I think I see someone who needs a special escort on the trails. Unless you mind, I think I'll take her in a group of one."
"So, how long until I start calling you dad?" Zac teased.
Vince smiled, "I wouldn't be upset if you started doing it now. I really like your mom and I don't think I could ask for a better son. I've only known your mom for three months, but I would like your permission to ask her to marry me."
Zac smiled. He really liked Vince and felt close to him. "Asking me was the easy part. My mom has been independent since my dad left. I know she likes you, a lot, but I don't know if she's ready to marry. I'd be honored to have you as my dad, but only if she accepts."
Vince pulled a ring out of his pocket and showed it to Zac. Zac's eyes nearly popped out of his head when he saw the size of the diamond. Zac threw his arms around the man wanting to marry his mom. "Should I be jealous?" Marilyn asked as she approached.
"Ma'am, if you have no problem with it, I would like to take you on the trails as a group of one. It'll be just you and me," Vince asked.
Marilyn looked at her son. "You have my blessing, Mom," Zac stated hoping she got his real meaning when the time was right.
Heather looked around, "I guess Jim already has a group out?"
"Yeah, he just left as you and Mom were pulling in. I don't think he even knows you're here," Zac told her.
"Well, that makes my decision easier. I was debating between Jim and Joe. Until now, I was still unsure."
"Thanks, Mom. I thought sure you'd want to ride with Jim, but you go out of your way to make me feel just as loved," Joe hugged Heather.
Heather put her arms around Joe. "Just because Jim is my biological son and you are adopted doesn't mean I love you any less. When I took you in, I fell in love with you as though I had given birth to you as well."
"I know, but with everything that has happened in my life, it really makes me emotional to hear it and feel it," Joe smiled.
Vince had taken Marilyn to a remote part of the ranch. The mountains loomed high into the heavens with a lone bald eagle flying overhead. "This is beautiful," Marilyn announced.
"Then this is the perfect spot. Marilyn, we've only known each other for a few months. In that time, you have made me very happy," Vince stated.
"As you have me. I must warn you that if you're proposing, I have to talk with…" Marilyn stopped her sentence. "Is that why Zac said I had his blessing?"
"I did ask him for permission," Vince said with a smile.
"If he approved, then the answer is yes. I love you so much, but I have to put Zac first," Marilyn had tears coming out of her eyes.
"I wouldn't want it any other way. I checked with him before I even asked you out, I feel he is that important." Vince pulled the ring out and placed it on her finger. "Marilyn Schoen, would you do me the honor of being my wife?"
"I'm glad I said yes before I saw how big this thing is," Marilyn chuckled. "You spent way too much on it."
"Nothing is too much when it comes to you," Vince said as he leaned over and kissed his fiancé.
The rest of the week went by without incident. The celebration was a big success and several people talked about taking riding lessons. The groups that the boys took on the trail were very generous with their tips. Joe was amazed at how much he made. He asked Heather if he could use it to open a bank account. He wanted to start saving towards getting a car. He wanted to own a green jeep someday.
Once school was back in session, Heather signed her two boys up for the school's Driver's Ed program. The secretary handed them the material they would need and the list of the State's guidelines for obtaining their license. Jim was a bit disappointed when he read that he could have applied for his learner's permit when he turned fifteen. Heather told him it wouldn't have mattered since he couldn't get his intermediate license until his sixteenth birthday anyway.
Once they pulled out of the parking lot, Heather drove to the DMV so the boys could obtain their learner's permits. Joe went first and had no issues getting his packet. Jim, on the other hand, approached the clerk and was answering questions as asked. "Have you ever had a driver's license?" the clerk asked.
"I'm fifteen. I have thirteen days until I turn sixteen, so no," Jim responded.
"Interesting, records indicate that you did have one in Montana," The clerk announced.
"I had a TELL, or rather a Traffic Education Learner's License, but I never got the actual license. When my dad died, I never completed my training. That's why I'm here, now," Jim said looking sad.
"Sorry to hear about your father. The TELL is considered a driver's license, so for future reference, now you know," The clerk stated.
"How will me not knowing affect my getting a permit now?" Jim queried.
"It won't, I just have to record that you had one but it's no longer valid. I understand your confusion and I'm here to help you while also keeping our streets safe."
Jim gave a sigh of relief and thanked the clerk while Heather signed the forms. As they walked back to the car, Jim asked if he could drive home. "I don't think so, at least not yet. You haven't even had your first Driver's Ed class and I'll take you some place less congested before I hand you my keys," Heather replied.
"I started Driver's Ed in Montana and we do need to get fifty hours of supervised driving in before we can get our intermediate license," Jim stated.
"I'll talk to Marilyn and between the two of us, we'll see what we can do," Heather said.
"What about Zac? Can't he help us get time in?" Jim asked.
"What does your book say about supervised driving?" Heather queried.
"That they must be at least…" Jim began, "Never mind, Zac isn't eighteen."
Heather patted Jim on the knee. She knew Jim was hoping to get his license on his birthday, or rather the day after. She also knew that the driver's education course was a month long, but Jim wanted to wait for Joe, so she signed them up at the first available class.
Zac was in the house when they got home. He had his school books set up and was doing homework. "Look Mom, a handsome angel entered our home," Jim said with a smile.
Zac smiled, "Figured I'd work on my homework here so I can see the picture on your learner's permit when you got home."
"I don't like it, they wouldn't let me smile," Jim frowned.
"Very few people like the picture on their license, Honey," Heather informed him.
Jim pulled out his permit and Zac grabbed it. Kissing the picture, Zac looked at Jim and said, "I think your picture is very handsome. Almost as handsome as the real thing."
"Only you or Mom would," Jim complained.
Zac showed the pic to Joe. "I have to agree, other than the lack of a smile, this is a good picture. Now look at mine," Joe said pulling his permit out. Jim and Zac kept taking turns kissing the pictures. "You two are weird, especially since I'm right here." They started kissing Joe instead of his permit.
While taking Driver's Ed classes, Jim and Joe had to juggle their work schedule. Jackson was happy to work with them so they could get their licenses. The following Sunday, Jackson approached the three boys, "You know, Mother's Day is a week from today, on the eleventh. I'm thinking of having a promotion. Not sure how I want to say it, but moms will be able to ride free when any of their children rent a horse."
"Sounds good, but not sure we'll be able to help with that one," Zac said. "I believe our moms already made plans for that day. We'll still be able to work our normal shift, though."
"I understand. No problem, I can get enough hands to do it. Just make sure you boys have your moms stop by so I can wish them a Happy Mother's Day," Jackson said.
As Jim walked towards the barn, Jackson grabbed Zac's arm. When Jim was out of earshot, Jackson looked at Zac. "He turns sixteen on Mother's Day, doesn't he?"
"Yeah, be kind of hard to plan a surprise party for him here at the ranch, though," Zac frowned.
"Want to bet that I pull it off?" Jackson said with a grin.
"No way, you probably already have something up your sleeve," Zac chuckled.
"I'll tell you more about it when I'm ready, but he'll be expecting something. I'm hoping you'll help throw him off."
"I'll try," Zac said with a smile.
Zac ran off to catch up with Jim. "Planning my surprise party?" Jim asked with a grin.
"Not really. Jackson said something about it but I told him that you wouldn't fall for it," Zac stated flatly.
"And now you're trying to convince me that it isn't happening," Jim said with a smirk.
"Believe what you want, just don't be upset if it doesn't happen. You can blame me."
Jim looked at him trying to decide if Zac was being totally honest. "Well, I won't be surprised if he tries, but I don't need a party as long as I have you." Zac kissed Jim.
All week, when Jim was at the ranch, he made it a point to check out the barn they had used a couple times for parties. Zac noticed this and smiled. If Jackson was going to pull this off, he couldn't use the same barn. It was Thursday and Jackson approached Jim. "Between school, your driver's course and working here, you're beginning to look tired. I'll give you the weekend off so you can rest, if you want."
"I'm good, but thanks for caring," Jim said with a smile.
Saturday as they were finishing up everything at the ranch, Jim double checked all the barns. Zac chuckled to himself. He wasn't sure how Jackson was going to pull off a surprise party at the ranch. He tried again to convince Jim that he wasn't having one, but knowing Jim, the barns would get checked again tomorrow.
The boys got home and Heather looked at Jim, "I'm thinking tomorrow, I'll go out to the ranch and you, Joe and I can go horseback riding. What do you think?"
"Is that to distract me so Jackson can set up a surprise party?" Jim asked.
"Not that I'm aware of. He told me that he's not going to be able to pull it off since you keep looking through all the barns."
"So he was planning one, I knew it," Jim boasted.
"Yes, but you blew his fun. Tomorrow, the three of us can go horseback riding, then we can go wherever you want to go for a birthday celebration dinner. After that, we can come back here to open presents," Heather suggested.
"Is Zac and Marilyn joining us?" Jim asked hoping.
"Silly question, they'll probably go on their own ride, but will join us for dinner. You think Zac would let me take you out for your birthday and him not be there?" Heather smiled.
"You're right, it is a silly question." Jim said with a smile.
Sunday morning, Zac walked in the house. "Happy Mother's Day, Heather. Hap…" He noticed that Jim looked a little down. "What's wrong, Dude?"
"I ruined Jackson's fun of throwing me a surprise party," Jim said, then he turned to Heather, "You know what, Mom, after we go riding, why don't we just come home."
"If that is what you want. We'll discuss it and see if you change your mind later."
Jim was quiet the whole way to the ranch. Joe tried everything he could think of to get Jim to smile, but nothing worked. "Bro, it's your birthday, you are supposed to be happy."
"Yeah, happy sweet sixteen. How am I supposedly sweet when I ruined someone else's fun?" Jim asked.
"Because you care enough that it's upsetting you. You are sweet and we all love you." Zac said trying to cheer his boyfriend up.
They got out of the truck and one of the ranch hands called out, "Come quick, the mare is giving birth!"
Everyone raced to watch the "fat" mare, as Joe had called her, give birth. Everyone watched as the foal came out, hands were standing ready to assist if need be. Shortly after the foal was born, it started to stand on its wobbly legs. "Did anyone see if it was a filly or a colt?" Josh asked.
"It's a colt. Jim, he's your horse if you want him," Jackson said.
Jim looked at Joe. "What do you think? Do you want him?"
"He's beautiful. Will I still be able to ride the ranch's horses until he's old enough to ride?" Joe asked.
"Of course you can, Silly." Jim said putting his arm around Joe. Somehow, watching the birth helped cheer Jim up a little.
"Can I name him Sunshine? He has such a bright coat." Joe asked.
"Sunshine it is. I'll have the papers drawn up giving you ownership." Jackson said.
Joe put his arms around Jim, "Thanks, I also thought it was an appropriate name because you seemed to cheer up a little."
"Yeah, something about a new life has that effect."
Joe headed towards the barn with the lockers. Jim could hear him singing, "I've got Sunshine on a cloudy day…" Jim chuckled at his first thought, "This gives new meaning to that song for Joe."
As the boys did their work, Jim kept looking for Jackson. He wanted to apologize for ruining his fun. He hadn't seen him since the colt was born. Even when everyone was unloading the new hay, Jackson was nowhere to be found. Jim and Joe were getting the horses ready for their ride when they saw Zac's mom pull up. Jim watched his mom getting out of Marilyn's car. She walked over to him.
"You feeling any better?" she asked.
"A little, the palomino mare gave birth today which helped. Joe named the colt Sunshine." Jim said with a slight smile. Heather kissed his forehead.
Zac and Marilyn took off on their ride while Heather tried cheering Jim up by asking to see the colt. They walked to the barn and Joe approached the colt. The colt seemed drawn to Joe immediately. "He seems to like you. That should help when it's time to break him," Heather commented.
"Isn't he beautiful, Mom?" Joe asked.
"He sure is. Now, this is the colt that Gold sired?" Heather asked.
"Yes, I believe this is his first colt. The rest of his sires were fillies." Jim stated. "Kind of fitting that the one that was supposed to be mine is a colt."
"Supposed to be? Well, then who does he belong to?" Heather asked. Joe smiled.
"I told you, Joe named him Sunshine." Jim said.
"You gave him to Joe? That was so sweet of you," Heather said hugging Jim.
Heather walked back to Marilyn's car. The trunk was left popped and she grabbed a picnic basket out, closed it, and walked back to Jim. "Figured since you didn't want to go to the restaurant, maybe we could ride out by the lake and have a picnic," Heather suggested.
Jim helped Heather mount her horse and then using a piece of rope, tied the basket to her saddle horn. Joe was on his horse and Jim jumped up on Gold. They rode out towards the lake.
As they were approaching the lake, they veered right towards the hitching post. Jim got down off of Gold and tied his reins to the post. He then grabbed the reins from his mom's horse and tied them. He helped his mom dismount. As he turned towards the clearing where they set up the tent while camping, he saw Jackson and several of his friends. They yelled "Surprise!!!" and Jim started crying.
"Are you alright?" Jackson asked.
"I thought I had ruined your fun all day long," Jim cried. "I was so upset with myself. The fact that you went to all this trouble just makes me so happy." Grabbing Jackson, he hugged him.
"Told you that I could pull it off," Jackson said looking at Zac. "I think we got him good."
"That you did. You really surprised me." Jim said smiling.
There was a cake on a picnic table. The icing was cream cheese, but in the center was a palomino horsehead. Jim thought it looked a LOT like Gold. "I took a picture of him to the bakery," Jackson said as if he were reading Jim's mind.
"They did a really good job," Jim said. "Any chance we can save that part for last to be cut?"
"I'm figuring, that part will be going home with you. There's plenty of cake on both sides that it needn't be cut."
"Thanks, Jackson, you're the best," Jim said hugging Jackson again.
Zac handed Joe his guitar. Seems someone had snuck it out to the lake for just this occasion. Joe started playing Happy Birthday and Jim laughed. After Joe had played it through completely, he continued playing it and everyone joined in to sing the song. Zac kissed Jim once the song was done.
Everyone was nice enough not to cut into the horsehead on the cake. Once everyone had eaten, Zac approached Jim. "I hope you don't mind, but we all went together and got you one big present," Zac said handing Jim a small box.
Jim thought, 'If they consider this a big present, I'd hate to even try and see a small one.' He opened the box and inside was a car key. Jim dropped the box as his left hand went to his mouth and he clutched his chest with his right.
Bending down to pick up the key, Zac asked Jim if he was okay. Jim just nodded his head, unable to speak. Zac handed Jim the key and led him to his new 
2014 Dodge Challenger. It was a Jazz Blue SRT 392. On the hood, someone had airbrushed the blue dragon Jim uses as his desktop for both his computer and laptop. Across the top of the windshield were the letters "D – R – A – G – O – N". "I can't believe you guys bought this for me. That must have cost a fortune."
"I was talking to CJ and Dalton about my Mother's Day promotion to see what they thought. I also mentioned it being your sixteenth birthday and us wanting to get you a car. CJ asked how much we had and he chipped in the rest so you could have this car," Jackson reminded him.
"I love it," Jim said. "I really, really love it. Can I drive it?"
"As long as you stay on ranch property, it's legal. You go on any public streets, you need someone over eighteen," Jackson told him.
"Mom?" Jim looked at Heather.
"That was the main reason why I rode with Marilyn, so you can drive home. As for now, you may want to drive a bit to get used to it."
Jim opened the door to get in and immediately saw that it was a manual transmission. "Cool, I've always wanted a stick shift, only problem is, I've never driven stick before," Jim said sheepishly.
"Once you learn to drive stick, you can drive almost any vehicle. Zac or I can teach you how to drive. I'll bet you that we can do it in half an hour tops," Dusty said.
"No offense Dusty, you're my best friend, but Zac is my other half," Jim said. Zac ran over and got in the passenger seat. He told Jim what he needed to know about the gears and working the clutch. First time Jim let out the clutch, he stalled the car. Zac assured him that most people who know how to drive stick have done that at least once.
After almost half an hour of driving, Jim got out. "She's sweet, everyone. Thank you so much." Then Jim looked at Joe and smiled. "Dusty, you want to teach my brother how to drive stick?"
"Are you serious?" Joe asked.
"If you ever need to borrow my car, you'll need to know how." Jim tossed the keys to Joe. Heather smiled at her son. She was so proud of the job that she and Jon did raising him.
Joe hurried to the vehicle and got in. Dusty got in on the other side and started explaining the intricacies of driving a stick. Just like Jim, Joe stalled the car the first time. Zac nudged Jim and pointed it out. Not wanting to upset Jim, Joe only drove for twenty minutes. He got out, handed the keys back to Jim and gave him a hug.
As the party was winding down, everyone started to leave. Dusty and Cheyenne gave Jim a hug and wished him a happy birthday again before they headed for Dusty's car. Buster walked over shook Jim's hand then whispered in Joe's ear. Joe giggled.
"We have a slight problem," Joe announced. "How do we get the horses and the car back?"
"Mom, you want to drive the car? Joe and I can take the horses back then," Jim suggested.
"I don't know how to drive stick. I've always had an automatic," Heather stated.
"I feel that I need to go with the horses because of how Gold acts toward others. So either Joe needs to drive or Zac can. If Joe drives, he'll need you to go with him Mom because he'll have to use Trail Creek Road," Jim said.
"Let Joe drive, he can use the practice and it counts towards the hours he needs to get his license," Zac stated. Joe was all smiles.
Jackson offered to ride one of the horses back to the stables so that left only one needing to be led. Jim tied the reins to his saddle horn, then mounted Gold. Jackson, Zac, Marilyn, and Jim rode back to the ranch together. "Now, are you feeling any better?" Zac asked with a chuckle.
"You better believe it," Jim said.
"You should have heard him, Jackson. He was so upset because he thought he ruined your fun. You would have loved it."
"Well, I knew that we couldn't throw you a surprise party in the barns," Jackson told Jim. "Even if you weren't constantly checking them, there was too much risk of you seeing something that would have tipped you off."
Jim was riding beside Jackson. "I felt so bad when Mom told me that I ruined your fun."
"I'm glad you cared but you never ruined my fun. If anything, you made it even more fun to surprise you. Now I need to figure out where to have a party in August," Jackson stated. Zac laughed.
"You know I'll be expecting one, so just have a party, it doesn't have to be a surprise," Zac stated.
"He does have a point," Jim agreed.
They got back to the stables and Jim saw Joe and Heather standing by the car. Other than looking dirty from driving in the sand by the lake, the car looked in excellent condition. Joe and Heather walked over to help with the horses. "This is Mother's Day, so you ladies just watch," Jackson ordered. "And Jim, when you're done with Gold, you're done. I'll finish the last horse so you can get out of here."
"Thanks Jackson. You were a big part in making this a very memorable birthday," Jim said as he hugged the man. Joe handed Jim back his car keys, then took his borrowed horse so that he could groom him and get it ready to be stabled. He asked Heather if he could check on Sunshine one last time before they left.
Once the horses were put away, Joe went to check on Sunshine. The colt came over and rubbed his head against Joe. "You wanting a hug?" Joe asked. The colt responded by putting his head on Joe's shoulder.
"Wow, he seems to know that you own him," Heather pointed out.
"He knows that Joe loves him and always will," Jim added. Joe smiled as he hugged and petted his colt. When he was done, they headed for the car. Zac was standing by his truck. "Waiting on us?" Jim asked.
"New car with a new driver, figured I'd follow you just in case," Zac said.
"Hopefully there won't be a ‘just in case,' but it is nice knowing you have my back," Jim replied. He looked at his mom, "Can we go through a car wash on the way home? And if not, can Zac drive my car to school tomorrow so we can get her washed?"
"There's a really good one on the way home. As for Zac driving your car, it is your car. As long as you obey the law, I don't have a problem with you letting him drive it," Heather kissed Jim's forehead then got in the passenger seat.
Joe was getting ready to climb in back. "Hey Joe, instead of climbing in back, wouldn't you be more comfortable riding with me?" Zac offered.
"Yeah, I would definitely be more comfortable," Joe agreed.
Zac started his truck and Jim got in and started his car. They pulled onto the street and headed for town. Jim spotted the car wash Heather had mentioned. He pulled onto the lot and slipped fifteen dollars into the machine. Driving into the bay, Jim turned off the engine while the touchless car wash did its thing.
As he eased out of the car wash, the jet dryers made an awful noise on the roof of his car. He got back onto Route 120 heading towards home. Approaching Alt 14 with his light already green, Jim heard the loud air horn of a semitrailer. Heather was about to say something but noticed Jim's foot go from the accelerator to the brake. The semi blasted past just mere inches away from the nose of Jim's car as it ran through the red light with two sheriff cars in hot pursuit. Zac barely stopped in time leaving less than an inch between him and Jim.
Heather noticed Jim shaking and spoke softly to him while stroking his shoulder, "Take a deep breath and relax. Yes, that was a close one, but you were paying attention and did the right thing. Think you can drive the rest of the way home?" Jim nodded his head and put the car into gear.
Pulling into the drive, Jim parked where Zac had always parked while Zac pulled into his own drive. He and Joe quickly walked over as Jim got out of the car. Jim bent over and vomited in the grass. "Dude, are you alright?" Zac asked concerned.
"That semi almost hit me. I had the green light, but if I would have kept going, Mom and I would be dead." Jim was still noticeably shaking.
"But as I said, you were paying attention and did the right thing. I'm proud of you and will worry less. I'll still worry about you behind the wheel, but not as much knowing that you pay attention," Heather stated hugging Jim.
"Then I almost plowed your ass," Zac said.
"Yeah, well, you can do that any time you want, just not that way," Jim whispered giving a cheesy grin. Zac smiled.
"I heard that. Yeah, he's fine, just nerves got a hold of him but he's his ornery self," Heather said smacking Jim's ass.
They went inside and Joe turned on the television. News was on talking about a truck traveling in excess of a hundred miles an hour going through town. In the footage they showed, the nose of Jim's car just being missed was clearly visible. They went on to report that the brakes had failed on the truck and the accelerator was stuck wide open. Sheriff's Department was hoping that the semi would run out of fuel as the town is somewhat flat and there were no steep embankments to slow it down. Instead, when the driver had reached the edge of town and felt there was no danger to anyone else or property, he killed the engine causing the rig to jackknife. The trailer ripped from the cab and tumbled through empty fields spewing its contents about. The trailer was little more than broken pieces of scrap metal. The cab itself, had been tossed from the trailer being ripped from it. It was laying on its side with the frame obviously twisted. There was no word on the driver at this time and further investigation will be underway to determine the cause.
Jim ran to the bathroom and emptied more contents out of his gut. Joe turned off the TV while Zac and Heather went to check on Jim. Heather tried to calm Jim, "Just know Honey, things like that rarely happen. Just pay attention to your surroundings and watch out for other drivers. You can't control what they do, but you can anticipate. You showed me today that you are ready. You make me proud every day."
"Maybe so, but knowing we were that close to death, it scares me," Jim said. Zac wrapped his arms around Jim and pulled him close. Jim put his left arm around Zac and motioned for his mom to come closer with his right. Not wanting left out, Joe squeezed in there, too. When they separated, Jim gave Joe a hug all to himself.
"When I get home from work, you're going out driving tomorrow," Heather warned Jim.
"I know, it's just like a horse except we weren't actually thrown. I'm just glad I didn't crap myself." Jim said with a chuckle.
"No, yours came out the other end." Zac said laughing.
Joe decided to call Buster and see if he saw the news. He wanted to point out that they were so close to being involved that the nose of Jim's car was on the news. "I wondered if that was you guys. I knew it was the right color but the car looked clean. Who was driving, you or Jim?" Buster asked.
"Jim was, he had gone to a car wash just before it happened. I was riding with Zac behind them," Joe sounded almost excited. "I hope I never have to deal with something like that," he said more solemnly.
In their driver's education class, Joe mentioned the incident to the instructor pointing out that Jim was driving the car they showed. What could have happened was a big part of the classroom discussion. The instructor talked to Jim before they got in the car to practice driving. "How are you feeling?"
"I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't nervous. Mom keeps telling me how proud she was that I was paying attention. If I hadn't been, we wouldn't have lived," Jim was on the verge of tears.
"You have a right to be nervous but you did good. As you said, if you didn't you wouldn't be here. How many hours do you have towards your fifty?"
The instructor could still detect nervousness as Jim responded, "I hit thirty-one and Mom's taking me out driving when she gets home. She wants me to get back on that horse so to speak."
"You work on a ranch, you know that saying, and it doesn't just apply to horses. When you drive, I want you to go through the same light."
The instructor had three students with him. He had Joe drive to the entrance of Another Chance and then told Jim to take the wheel. Jim turned the car around and headed back towards the school. As Jim approached Alt 14 again, he had a green light but started slowing down. The instructor was getting ready to ask him if he were alright, but Jim looked both directions and pick up his speed again. The instructor smiled at him realizing that Jim was dealing with his nerves.
At the school, Jim got out of the Driver's Ed car and took a deep breath. "Are you okay?" Joe asked.
"I'm fine, Bro. I was just nervous about that junction, but I'm fine," Jim replied. The instructor approached Jim and told him that he was an excellent driver.
As the end of the school year approached, so did the end of their driving class. Jim and Joe completed their fifty hours of driving and were able to take the test to get their intermediate license. Both passed with no problems.
School let out for the summer which for the boys means more time at the ranch. It was the first day of their summer break and the boys were shocked when they saw Colt sitting on the fence of the main corral. "I thought you were grounded?" Zac asked.
"I snuck out while Mom was away," Colt replied.
"Are you nuts? Who knows what your mom will do to you. And if she catches you here, she'll go ballistic!"
"I know what you're saying, Zac," Colt said. "You just don't understand, my bedroom is painted prison gray. Mom took everything out except for my mattress. I can't even change clothes unless she hands me something else to wear. I had to get out of there."
"I feel for you, Colt, but you know this is the first place your mom will look."
"This is a big property, can't I just go somewhere for a few hours? I promise to get home before my mom so she'll never know," Colt practically begged.
"I feel for you, Bud. Just try not to get Jackson into any trouble," Zac said as he walked towards the barn. Colt started running past the stables.
Jackson pulled up and started getting out of his truck. A Sheriff car pulled up behind him. Mrs. Browning pulled in and jumped out of her car. "Where is he?" Zac sighed. Two deputies got out of their car.
"Where is who?" Jackson asked. "I just pulled in, myself."
"You know damn well who I mean. What have you done to my son, you pervert?" Mrs. Browning headed in Jackson's direction.
"I haven't seen him since the day after Easter. Like I said, I pulled in just before you. But seeing how you treat him, if I were him, I'd get away from you any chance I got," Jackson stated frankly.
"Are you going to let him talk to me like that? I know he's broken the restraining order. Search this place and I guarantee you'll find my son here. Arrest him and make him tell you where he's holding my son," Mrs. Browning demanded.
"Mr. Sprayberry, do you have any knowledge where Colton Browning is?" Deputy Archer asked.
"Surely, you saw me getting out of my truck. You're welcome to search the property," Jackson stated.
"You going to buy that load of shit from a lying pedophile pervert? Arrest him and find out where he has my son," Mrs. Browning ordered.
"Ma'am, I assure you, I have no idea where your son is and I am not a pedophile. I have never done anything with a minor and the only one I'm interested in that way is Ryan," Jackson said defensively.
"I know all about you homos, and why are you so interested in my son? Because you're a fucking pervert trying to turn my son gay. Deputy, do your job and arrest this thing," Mrs. Browning was ranting.
"Ma'am, I have no cause to arrest Mr. Sprayberry at this time," Deputy Archer stated.
"Search this dump, you will find my son. Now do your job," Mrs. Browning yelled at the deputy.
"Mr. Sprayberry, you don't have to let me, but would you mind if I searched the barns and your house for Colton?" Deputy Archer politely asked.
"I already said that you're welcome to search the property. I have nothing to hide. As for my interest in the boy, I can't prove it yet, but I see signs that this woman is abusing him mentally and emotionally," Jackson said.
Deputy Wallace stood with Jackson while Archer searched the barns. When he found nothing, he asked Jackson to unlock his office and house. Jackson was very cooperative. He didn't know that Colt was on the property. Zac wanted to warn him.
"Jackson, can you sign this order form?" Zac asked and handed him a clipboard. Jackson read the note that Zac wrote and signed the paper before handing the clipboard back to Zac.
After a complete search of the house and office, Deputy Archer was satisfied. "I see no evidence that your son was here. Ma'am."
Mrs. Browning punched Jackson in the gut. "What have you done with my son?" her voice sounded almost demonic.
Deputy Archer walked over and smiled, "You're under arrest."
"It's about fucking time," Mrs. Browning screamed but she was shocked when the deputy put the cuffs on her. As Deputy Wallace put Mrs. Browning in the back of their car, Archer stayed to check out Jackson.
"I've been wanting to arrest her for a long time. If you want to press charges for assault, you can come to the office. We'll hold her overnight, so if you do know where the boy is, I suggest you have someone take him home before morning. As for her vehicle, it's up to you. Either it can stay here until she's out or we can have it towed at her expense. Would you like for us to have her car towed?"
"I've not seen the boy in a month and a half. As for her car, as long as it won't cost me, then yeah, have it towed," Jackson requested.
With that, Deputy Archer got in his car and drove away. A tow truck came out shortly and picked up the car. Jackson found Zac and Jim working, "Where the hell is Colt? And why the fuck is he here?"
"He was here when we got here. From what he told me, his room is worse than a prison, he wanted a break from his ‘sentence'," Zac said.
