“No, you didn’t. Our father is the one who let us both down.” Reno nodded toward a sleepy Gentry. “But if you’re going to thank anyone, then that’s the man you need to thank. He hired Wallace to represent you and he’s been at my side through this whole ordeal.”
“I will thank him, but most of all I want to thank you. I’ll be honest, I’d given up. When they canceled my hearing and moved up the execution, I knew for sure I was a goner. Yet, here you came. I’ll never know how you pulled this off. Wallace told me that you provided the evidence, all he did was gather the pieces together. You did all the legwork, finding the right people to say the right things. How did you do it?”
Reno was honest, to a degree. “I didn’t do it, not really. A person very dear to me spent months researching and digging through records to locate the information and people necessary to substantiate our claim of your innocence.”
“I want to meet this person. I owe him a debt of gratitude.”
“All right. You’ll meet him soon. In fact, after we get home and get you settled, I’ll tell you a story that’s gonna blow your mind.”
“Oh, really? Blow my mind? I don’t think I’ve ever heard that turn of phrase before. Where did you pick that up?”
Reno gave him a knowing smirk. “You’ll understand it all by and by. Of course, you might not believe it – but it’ll all be true. Every word.”
Cole sighed and yawned. “All right. By and by sounds good. Right now, I’m so sleepy, I couldn’t listen properly if I tried. I think I’ll take a little nap.”
“You do that, brother. Rest. Dream good dreams. All is well and we’re on our way home. Together.”
…Their arrival at King’s Ransom was a jubilant celebration. They’d sent a telegram to inform King and Fancy when to expect their arrival, and the Captain and his wife pulled out all the stops. As soon as they rode up, the Black brothers and Gentry were met with smiles, hugs, and all the good food they could eat.
The Stanton children were beside themselves with delight. They took to Cole like a kitten to a bowl of fresh cream. All they knew was that Reno loved his brother and that meant they loved him too.
Domino came to introduce himself and offered to look him over. “You look healthy, but most prisons are full of diseases. Tomorrow, I’ll give you a thorough check-up.”
“I feel fine, but I think that’s a good idea. Thank-you.”
Clay was a bit standoffish, but Cole won him over by thanking him for taking care of his brother. “I am so grateful you were there for Reno when I couldn’t be. He’s become the best of men and I know it’s because he had our mother and you in his life.”
What could have been an awkward moment turned into an opportunity to lay the foundations of friendship. Clay extended his hand in a gesture of acceptance. “Reno would’ve been a good man regardless, but I appreciate you saying that.”
“Hey, Cole!” Ace came running up with a piece of pie. “Fancy says she made this especially for you.”
“Thanks.” He accepted the huge piece of chocolate pie. “If I eat like this every day, I’ll soon be as big as the side of the barn.”
Reno sat by quietly, basking in the contentment he felt at having his brother with him, safe and sound. For this short space of time, he forced aside his worry about what the future would bring.
“Reno.” Boone came up to greet them. “I’m glad your trip was a success.” He moved to speak to Cole. “I don’t know if you remember me. You left shortly after I came on the scene.”
“You’re Boone, the one who worked on the riverboat.” Cole shrugged with a smile. “My memories are vague, but Reno reminded me. It’s good to see you looking well. I understand you had it a lot harder in Elmira that I did at Fort Macon.”
A shadow crossed Boone’s face. “Helmira will always live in my nightmares.” He pointed at the pie. “Starving us was a game the warden and the guards liked to play. Instead of dreaming about women, I dreamed about food.”
No one laughed at Boone’s joke, the subject was still too fresh and painful in everyone’s mind.
“I won’t suggest we trade war stories.” Cole touched Boone’s shoulder in shared regret. “I just want a chance to start over.” He looked around at the happy gathering. “Like you did with these fine people.”
“You’re Reno’s brother, you’re automatically in the club.” Boone gave Cole one last welcoming smile, before he moved to stand by Reno. “I need to talk to you.”
“Sure.” He stood and walked outside with his friend.
“I claimed your bed in the bunkhouse while you were missing for that month.”
“I’m aware,” Reno said. “But it doesn’t matter, all the mattresses are lumpy.”
Boone pressed on with his point. “When we found out Cole was coming, I decided to change beds again. I wanted you two to be able to bunk near to one another – in case he needed to talk or something.” He bent his head, but kept his eyes locked to Reno’s. “Anyway, when I was moving your things, I found this under your pillow.”
Recognizing the paper, Reno reached out to claim it. “Journey’s note!”
“Not so fast.” Boone turned to the side to protect his grip on the paper. “I want to hear your explanation for this.” He unfolded the flyer to expose the photograph on the front.
Reno muttered a curse under his breath. “That’s called a helicopter. It flies through the air and people can ride in it.”
Boone stomped
