Tom wondered how anyone could know the cattle were up in the hills, since they were so far from the main roads. Then he said, “There were the ATVs and that redhead on the ATV. Maybe they weren’t looking for people.”
The redhead comment startled Granny B. “You don’t think … “
“No! She’s dead, but the woman had her hair and build. She also had an Uzi.”
Tom went up the steps to the barn and lucked out. James, Rick, and Jack were admiring Greta and Lucy’s rabbits. They were talking about the flavor of rabbit meat in a stew, roasted, and barbequed. Rick raised his hands and stopped the conversation. “My grandfather had a world-famous recipe. You marinate the young rabbit in red wine. Dig a hole about two feet deep by two feet long and about a foot and a half wide. Start a nice fire with hickory wood and let it burn down until it’s only embers. While the rabbit has marinated for half an hour, soak some brown paper bags. You know, about four of them in the wine from the marinade. Wrap the rabbit with the brown paper bags and place them on the embers. Shove the dirt down on top of the rabbit. Let it cook for an hour. Then remove the rabbit from the fire and peel off the remaining brown paper bag. Now …. you … throw the rabbit away and eat the charred brown paper bag!”
Everyone broke out laughing except Lucy, who said, “You’re wasting the rabbit!” and then walked off in a huff.
Rick said, “I’ll eat rabbit about a day before I starve to death.”
Tom motioned for them to gather around. “Funny how Rick brought up the topic of raising rabbits. The ladies have us heading over to Jerry’s place to fetch some of his rabbits and pygmy goats. Jack also needs some telephone wire, and I want to scout for some more old vehicles and a tractor that we can get running.”
Rick frowned. “Ugh, I hate rabbit meat. Goats are okay. I want some beef. Oh, by the way, James found a calf that had broken its leg. We already dressed it out, and I, for one, want a nice steak tonight.”
Tom looked pissed as he walked to the phone. “It’s me, Tom. Tell everyone that Rick is grilling steaks tonight. How about some baked potatoes? Darn, yeah, instant mashed spuds are okay.”
Rick asked, “Hey, soon-to-be brother-in-law, you’re not mad, are you?”
“No! Not at you! The meat reminded me that I think we have some rustlers, and we’re going to have to deal with them when we get back. I’m thinking we’ll find an electronics store and see if we can find any cameras that work. Maybe some have been packaged in those foil anti-static bags. Some solar cells might also be needed.”
Jack listened and then said, “I have a few ideas that might help us catch the rustlers, but I don’t want to shoot up some poor family just trying to survive.”
Tom said, “I agree on not shooting people just trying to survive, but how do we run them off if they think the cattle are their salvation? Hell, we can’t prove the cows are ours in the first place. Jack, how many horses have you rounded up?”
“An even dozen, and I’m worried about the rustlers finding them. I have four at the cabin in a small corral James and I threw together. The others are in the fenced-in pasture a couple hundred yards east of the barn,” Jack said.
Tom said, “I hate to leave so many hoof prints, but we need silent transportation.”
Jack replied, “Hoof prints aren’t a problem when there are thousands of them everywhere.”
Tom went back down into the bunker and saw the women gathered around the large table. Granny B was in her training mode and lectured the others a mile a minute about what wild plants were edible or poisonous. “Now, we have pokeweed. It’s poisonous and also edible – if prepared properly. When in doubt, blanch it in boiling water three times, carefully throwing out the water every time. If you eat the stuff raw, it can kill you or give you the worst green apple trots you ever had in your life.”
Tom listened carefully and stood back far enough that only his grandma could see him. He wondered if pokeweed or other plants could fit into their defensive plans for the ranch. The conversation turned to Jackie’s wedding in two days. Granny B said, “I like Rick. He’s a lot like Tom.”
Jackie choked a bit. “That’s kinda creepy. Are you suggesting I’ve got a brother thing going on?”
Granny said, “Land sakes, no! That is creepy,” and then turned to Kate. “Rick and Jackie are finally tying the knot. You know, it could be a double wedding.”
Granny B looked Tom in the eyes. Tom gave her a thumbs up and began quietly walking up behind Kate. Granny B didn’t give her a chance to answer. Granny B said, “Kate, you’re more like me than anyone else I know. You’re outgoing, a fighter, and have a sharp tongue, but at the same time, you’re kind and gentle to the ones you love. You’ll make a great addition to the family.”
Kate grinned. “I’ll tell Tom that you said we’d better stop fornicating around and get married with Rick and Jackie in two days.”
Everyone burst out laughing, including Granny B. She said, “Did I mention you can be blunt and to the point? Yep, you two will be getting married with Jackie and Rick. Ladies, let’s find a nice dress for her.”
Jackie and Greta could now see Tom as he stood behind Kate. They began snickering, and Kate turned her head to see what was going on behind her. Tom bent over and kissed her. “Sorry, but I walked
