Damaged Hearts Read Online Free Page B

last part of what Frank had to say.  As a kid, Frank had worshiped the ground he had walked on.  The last few years however, he seemed to have wizened up and almost acted as if he knew what George was up to.  Frank was extremely simple and while he had a way with animals, that’s all George could trust him with.  He would forget to eat if George didn’t shove a plate under his nose every now and then.  The only reason George did keep him around was that he made a decent go-fer and he had after all promised his mother on her deathbed that he’d watch after Frank.  He just didn’t promise HOW he’d do that.
     
    Robert and James were not so easy to deal with.  They never got along, constantly disputed his orders, and almost always questioned why they were supposed to do things his way.  If it weren’t for the “Boss’s” orders, he’d have left them buried along the way and gotten two better outlaws somewhere else; ones that could follow orders without asking questions.
     
    All four of them had their own job.  Frank took care of the horses and any cattle that were rustled.  George was the spokesman and did all the communication with the “Boss.”  James was the camp cook and Robert took care of finding and hiding their trails.  George and Robert had a wife and family back in town so had to leave from time to time to keep suspicion at a minimum. 
     
    James had a family a long time ago but he had turned to being an outlaw when they were killed by some renegade rebels two short years after the War Between the States ended.  Only no one knew that bit of information.
     
    Frank was just Frank.  No one gave him much thought and he pretty much did his own thing.  He was smarter than most people realized, it just took him a little longer to think about things and make a decision.  Frank wanted a family of his own but knew that as long as he had to help George; that would never happen.  It sure didn’t keep him from wishing and wanting though; all he had to do was figure out how to make it happen.
     
    “Grub’s on!”  James announced in a calm quiet voice.  “Grab your cups and plates and come eat.”
     
    “What’s for gr..gr..grub today James?”  Frank asked.  “Sure sm.sm..smells good.”
     
    “You always think it smells good Frank” James chuckled as he dished out some of the beans on to Frank’s plate adding an extra square of the honey sweetened cornbread which was his specialty.  Secretly, he liked the slower thinking young man and hoped that someday soon something would happen to get him back to the right side of the law.
     
    “Whatcha got Cookie, more dried up hog food?”  Robert grumbled as he knocked the ladle out of James’ hand.  “I don’t reckon how we’re supposed to chase cows on that crap.”
     
    “You don’t like it Bert; Go Home!”  George said approaching with his plate in hand.  “James, if you need more supplies; get me a list together and I’ll bring everything back from town.  I have to head in and check on the family and if you and Frank can handle it, I’ll probably send Robert back too.”
     
    “It’s ju..ju..just tw..tw..twenty head George.”  Frank said.  “I think me and Ja..Ja..James should be ok.”
     
    “That’s what I’m afraid of Frank; your thinking” George shook his head. 
     
    “We’ll be alright George.”  James interrupted after stealthily sliding his colt that he had secretly pulled moments ago, back into its holster.  “I’ll make the list for ya while the dishes soak and then you and Robert can get headed back.  It’s already getting dark and it’s a pretty good ride into town.”
     
    Things got quiet as the men went to shoveling food instead of insults, each man thinking his own thoughts.  The cattle slowly calmed down with food and water readily available and went to grazing rather than milling about.  The occasional sound of a bluebird could be heard and every once in a while the sound of a hawk