Page 26 of Final Ride

“My timing usually sucks, but this time maybe I’ll get it right.”

“Hope it works out for you. Got four more to show you and none of them are as costly as this beauty. First I’ll take you and the boys for lunch at a spot they’re gonna love.”

“Virge will love it,” said Travis. “He likes food of any kind.”

That made me laugh.

Red Roof Hotel. Martinsburg. Virginia.

Bobby and Cleo were stretched out on the big bed half asleep when his phone beeped, and the red dot started to move. “Whoa, Cleo. We’re up.”

Bobby jumped up and startled Cleo and she woofed a couple of times.

“Let’s get packed, girl. As soon as Tammy comes back on the highway we’ve got to get behind her.”

Cleo ran to the door and scratched to get going while Bobby packed up his toiletries and made sure he cleared the room.

Last thing he did was take all the money out of the safe and pack it into his aluminum briefcase.

“Time to get this game of follow the leader back on track, girl.”

Long Horn Barbeque. Round Top. Texas.

“Good barbeque at this place, boys. Hope y’all are hungry.”

“I could eat,” said Virge. That made Travis laugh.

Kevin ordered a pitcher of beer and the lunch special for all of us. The food was great, and the plates were heaped up with meat, potato wedges and slaw.

The ribs at Annie’s roadhouse were better but I didn’t say that to Kevin. This brisket was damned good too.

Dad got a call from Annie while we drank coffee and rested up a bit before going to the next ranch.

“Yep, we’re going pretty well,” said Travis. “Saw one this morning that ticks all the boxes. All I have to do is sell my ranch first.”

Fayetteville. Texas.

The first one we saw in the afternoon had a cheaper price tag but that didn’t seem to matter much to Travis. He had nothing good to say about the house and when we toured the barn, me and Virge didn’t like the stalls.

Tack room was too small for all the equipment we were bringing with us, and if we had juvie kids and more horses and saddles, this one wouldn’t cut it.

“I think we like the one in Round Top better than this one, Dad, but it costs the most.”

Travis laughed. “That’s why we like it the best.”

“True dat,” said Virge.

“What’s your opinion, Harlan?” Dad asked.

“Hate to, but I got to agree with Virge, Dad.”

We all laughed.

Coulter-Ross Ranch. La Grange.

Me and Virge and Dad were tired from tramping around ranches all day, but after a beer on Annie’s porch with our step-mom and the kids, we got our second wind.

“Tell us all about the ranches y’all saw today,” said Jackson. “Where were they? Very far away from here?”

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