Page 4 of Big Daddy Bull Riders

“That’s it, boy,” he said in a low, friendly tone. “Spin some more. Get it all out of you. Ain’t hurtin’ nothing.”

The horse seemed to understand, shuffling its hooves into two more wild circles.

Rampage was losing steam now, though. He quit bucking and galloped a ways farther down Main Street before finally falling to a soft trot.

Rampage was tired.

“There we go, bud. Just like that,” Slater said, gently petting the horse’s neck. “You gave me a wild ride, that’s for sure. But I’ve been on wilder.”

The animal whinnied and put its head down, almost as if embarrassed.

Slater kept petting it as he looked over his shoulder and saw that Jackson had parked a few yards back.

Smart move,Slater thought.

The big vehicle, and its loud engine might have scared Rampage, sending him off on another mad dash.

Of course, it wasn’t Jackson’s first rodeo, either. He knew a thing or two about horses. Maybe even more than Slater.

Slater watched as Jackson crept quietly closer, holding a bit in his hands. He moved at a snail’s pace. “That’s a good boy,” he said soothingly, putting a gentle hand on the horse and stroking it as he walked up the side. “You sure gave us a scare.”

“And everyone else in town, too,” Slater added with a chuckle. He jerked his head to indicate the crowd of folks—mostly Littles—who had gathered to watch the commotion.

Jackson spent some time petting the animal before he worked the bit into Rampage’s mouth.

“You gave me a scare, too.”

Slater just grinned. “You’ve seen my act.”

“More times than I can count,” Jackson replied.

Slater nodded. “Then you know I do more dangerous stunts than that.”

“Than jumping out of a moving truck onto a galloping horse?” Jackson shook his head but then stopped, sighing.

Slater knew he had him now.

“I reckon you’re right,” Jackson conceded. “And there was no other way.”

“Nope,” Slater said. He slid down, took the reins from Jackson, and started leading the animal back down the street.

“Well, you did good.”

“Wedid good,” Slater corrected. “Couldn’t have made that jump if you weren’t behind the wheel of the truck. That was some good driving.”

“You trying to butter me up for something?” Jackson asked.

Slater looked at his friend and saw the smirk he wore. “Nope. Just saying we’re a team. Always have been. Always will be.”

He watched Jackson nod, then they both faced forward again as they ambled causally down the road.

“That was amazing!” a woman shouted, just as they got closer to the pickup. “So freaking amazing! I have to write a story about it!” A faraway look shaded her beautiful, big, brown eyes, as if she was picturing the headline she spoke. “Hero Cowboys Save Runaway Horse.” She sighed. “The piece practically writes itself.”

Slater laughed. “Ma’am, I’m glad you enjoyed the show. But if you don’t mind, keep that voice down a mite. You’re liable to spook Rampage again.”

“I am?” she asked loudly. She then winced and whispered, “I mean, I am?”

Slater and Jackson were both laughing now. “You could,” Slater said.

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