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Realistic or Modern Marathon: A Modern Western RP (IC Thread) (CLOSED)

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MARATHON: A MODERN WESTERN
This RP will be set in the rural outskirts of Texas in the small town of Marathon. The last of true cowpoke country, Marathon, is always overlooked. During the cattle drive days, it was a mere stopping point in the long haul of desert travel. Now, it's merely another overlooked town on the way to your true destination. Except for the mountains, cacti, and the Mcbride family. The Mcbride ranch spans 424,000 acres and 57 miles in West Texas, making it one of the biggest ranches in Texas. Not only is it enormous, but the acreage is contiguous, which is rare for a property of this size. It’s been assembled from 22 historic ranch properties, many dating back to the settlement of the frontier in the late 1800s. Passed down through generations, the ranch has always operated as a haven for wildlife, livestock paradise, and revenue source for Marathon. Despite generations of success, the ranch is on the brink of financial ruin due to a combination of rising land prices, a bad drought, and an influx of developers eyeing the property for luxury housing and urban development.

Chapter Index:

Chapter 1: Mending Fences, October 3rd, 2022

Active Cast:

Misty Gray Misty Gray neverbackdown neverbackdown Pagemaster Pagemaster BeyondDandy BeyondDandy NanLia NanLia




coded by Mister Glass​
 
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MARATHON: A MODERN WESTERN

-Prelude Scene-
Sunday, February 6th, 2022
(Two days following Parker accident)
Austin, Texas
Cloudy, Brisk
Midday


The McBride House
-Austin, Texas-
Co-Written with Misty Gray Misty Gray

Dylan & Edward McBride
The drive to his parent’s house on the north end of Austin, by the lake, was scenic and easy enough. The rolling Hill Country hills were a sight to behold, even if most of the oaks and cedar were bare of any leaves. With the weather, he opted to leave the motorcycle at home and take his luxury sedan. If it were a normal Sunday, he’d normally be around for dinner and a calm night out of downtown. But today wasn’t normal. No, it was far from it. Whatever his cousin Parker got into in Montana was quickly family group chat news. His dad had shared the news to theirs from his Uncle Tom that Parker got into an accident of sorts, riding those damn bulls of his. To him, it wasn’t a surprise. An expected occupational hazard, he thought. But his cousin’s condition seemed critical, enough to warrant both Uncle Tom and Aunt Adelaide taking the first flight they could from Midland to Bozeman yesterday morning. Savannah seemed sympathetic towards the cause, sharing a few articles that had been published about the accident and sending her love and support to their parents. At least from him, he was fairly silent. A liked message, a simple sorry.
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Now, his father wanted to fly out to Marathon and abandon everything behind? Dylan thought that was ridiculous. His cousins were full-grown and capable adults to handle the ranch. Hell, if anyone was capable, it was his cowboy cousin Jack. His dad needed to stay here. The firm needed him, especially if he wanted any chance of becoming a partner in the coming months. In his eyes, it was a waste of time and effort on his old man’s end. And that was exactly what he intended on telling him. He could convince him to stay. On his morning run, he devised his whole pitch, and now on the end-portion of the drive.

Dylan rolled to a stop in the semi-circle drive and saw himself inside. The open kitchen and living space were barren, his mother and father void. “Hello?” He called, hearing a bit of rustling from the master bedroom on the same level. They were probably packing. He strolled casually over to the sprawling windows, hands cuffed behind his back, overlooking the pool and cliffside view of the lake below. His father needed to lay his western dream to rest. Sure, he could understand helping Uncle Tom out. He’d do the same for Savannah had the roles been reversed. But there wasn’t a chance in hell that his uncle or cousins would turn the ranch over to his dad long-term. This would be fruitless. “Come out whenever you’ve got a second, Dad!” He called, hearing the gentle chatter of his parents in their bedroom. Mom didn’t need to be apart of this conversation, considering what he was going to suggest would certainly hurt her feelings.

As soon as he received news of his nephew’s accident, Edward knew he had to do something to support his extended family. With Tom and Adelaide flying out to Bozeman to be with Parker, Edward was quick to consider heading to his hometown, Marathon, to help out at the ranch. Already having some knowledge of the concerning financial situation, he hoped he could offer solutions on that front as well as mucking in with some of the day-to-day ranch duties.

Whilst Savannah had shown concern, it was notable that Dylan had been relatively quiet on the whole matter; not offering much of anything by way of concern for his injured cousin. As Edward sat in his upstairs home office, he spotted his son's car pulling into the driveway. He didn't rush to greet Dylan, instead putting the finishing touches to an email and sending it to his colleague. He'd already broken away from packing twice to tend to work, much to Jennifer's annoyance. He closed the laptop before getting up to go greet Dylan.

Peeking his head around the master bedroom door frame as he passed, he addressed Jennifer. "As long as I have everything packed for work, I'm not overly concerned with the clothing I take. Marathon-appropriate, of course. I'll go down and speak with Dylan. I can finish off up here after," he assured her. Given that his son had specifically called for him, Edward figured Jennifer didn't need to rush down.

Edward soon descended the stairs and headed to the kitchen to pour himself a glass of water. "Have you come to wave us off?" he remarked, with a smirk. "It's not too late to join us, even if just for a few days to catch up with the family," Edward offered. He took the opportunity to have a long drink, giving Dylan time to explain his presence.

Dylan turned his frame to face his father’s descent from upstairs. Without much thought, a genuine smile emerged from his face as he joined his father in the kitchen. Sliding open a seat at the open bar that separated the space between the kitchen and living room, he raised a coy brow at his dad’s remark. “It’s better that I don't. We all know how that’ll go.” He trailed, glancing behind him to the living room, where a few family photos rested. Of course there was an assortment, from vacations to graduations, but the one his eyes landed on was at the ranch. The five of them stood together, his father's hands pressed firmly on his shoulders, while his mother held Elisa, and Savannah stood between them. He remembered the frustration of taking that photo and how his parents practically herded cats to achieve it. But now it was one of the last of the whole family.

He turned his attention back to his dad, who still looked curiously at him. “Dad, please don’t take this the wrong way... I don’t think it’s a good idea to go to Marathon.” The only hesitation in his tone was precautionary, as if ripping off a bandage. “We’ve got the big residential acquisition coming up off of Zilker Park. You know how important finalizing that is before Austin City Limits starts selling tickets and planning the festival?” He explained. None of this was new information but always a good reminder. “But I get it; family comes first,” Dylan raised his hands.

Look, what happened to Parker was bad. I hope he turns out alright; I’m sure he’ll shake it off. But come on, Dad. He signed up for that? Riding those damn bulls? You’re practically one foot in the grave if you ask me!” Dylan was certainly putting the injury lightly. “I just think that Jack and that Dean guy can manage the ranch... We’ve seen the receipts; there’s no hiding Uncle Tom’s fuck ups with money. But it’s clear he doesn’t care about that place anymore if he’s willing to leave it all for this? I just think it’s a waste of time, you know?

Edward remained stone-faced when Dylan made his comment about it being better he didn't visit the ranch. His son's dislike for spending time at the ranch and with extended family did grate on him at times. Although he'd chosen the city life before his son was born, Edward still held a fondness for his birthplace and family ranch.

Dylan then went on to tell him it was a bad idea to go to Marathon. He tightened his jaw as he listened to the younger man bringing up the acquisition and the need to get things finalised. "Yes. Family does come first," he asserted.

Edward was unhappy with the way his son spoke as if Parker deserved to have been injured for choosing to ride the bulls. "Now, listen to me. Your cousin is seriously injured and whether or not he chose to ride those bulls does not give us reason not to care!" he firmly told him. "Tom is tending to his son as I would do for you. The finances are a mess and that's why I need to be there to try to ease that burden. Jack and Dean can do their bit, but that won't solve the problems lurking beneath the exterior. Marathon was my home before Austin. I will do everything I can to support the ranch and the legacy our family has held for generations." Edward took another long drink of water before harshly placing the glass down on the counter. "I'm perfectly capable of conducting business remotely for the time-being," he firmly told him.

A stressed hand glided across his styled bleached hair. His father clearly took offense to his suggestion. The lecture, reminiscent of one he might’ve received as a young boy, felt cold. Did his dad even care what he thought about this? Clearly not. Dylan’s jaw clenched, a trait derived from his old man, as he took it on the chin. His father was far beyond reasoning from the firm’s standpoint.

You do realize you’re actually fucking important, right?” Dylan scoffed, a bit shocked; his father suggested remote work. “So what? Your plan is to play with Monopoly money in the desert and pray to God you have enough cell service to make business calls? And to what avail? You can’t pull that place out of debt. They don’t want your help like that! They just want you there when it’s convenient for them, not you!” He sighed, knowing his father was far beyond logic. “For the record, I’m not saying I don’t care. I just think he had it coming.” He pursed his lips. It wasn’t fair his cousins were reckless, especially Parker, and pissed their lives away. “Elisa didn’t have that chance, you know. To actually choose her life..."

So you’re telling me I’m supposed to feel sorry when this dipshit signed up for this? No. I’m not going to sulk over Parker. Not when he’s had every chance to do something good with his life and throw it all away like this.” Dylan’s knuckles were white, clenched firmly from his boiling frustration. “You can’t force this Marathon dream of yours on someone else, even if it’s a good dream. It’s a lost cause. You’ll never inherit that shithole because of Jack, so why even bother? You’re wasting time and money going out there.

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"Enough!" Edward shouted after listening to Dylan's criticism of how he was dealing with both work and the ranch, followed by the lad's scathing comments about Parker. Though they had been enough to anger him on their own, it was the mention of Elisa that hit the most sensitive nerve. It took a lot within Edward not to go knock some sense into him.

"I'm not telling you to feel sorry for him, but at least show some damn respect!" Edward snapped. "It's MY time. MY money. I will spend it all as I see fit! And yes, I am important. I have the ability to conduct business wherever I see fit! You're just starting out, so don't speak to me like you know better." he said, his voice still raised more than usual. "Maybe you should just leave. Go off on one of your mindless boys' nights out and spend more of my cash, like you always used to. You weren't so concerned about how my money was used before, were you?!"

Edward glanced at his watch in frustration before looking Dylan head on again. "Where the business is concerned, my primary focus is to win, no matter what. I don't care who we walk over to close a deal. But this is different. It’s our family, and if there’s anything I can do to ensure that the ranch isn't lost completely, I will do it. Regardless of how stuck in the past or backward-thinking some of our family is."

Edward calmed his voice, but the coldness remained in his tone. "If you don't like what I'm doing, then that's your problem alone. I will not change my mind."

Dylan’s rageful and passionate eyes met his father's eyes as he stood to face him. It was as if he were looking into a mirror. His boiling rage was met with his fathers, two opposing sides of the same coin. In this case, he was glad to be taller than his old man, as if he needed to impose further. “The key phrase there, Dad, is “used to. He narrowed his eyes. Had his father not dealt a low blow, he might've had a shot at salvaging his case. Emotions were high and far from repair. “I can’t believe you’re defending those hillbillies over your own son!

Abruptly, he turned to head back out the door. Clearly, Dad made up his mind.His extended family was more important than anything he had to say. But he stopped halfway on his trek, anger and hurt still boiling. He glanced down at his feet, unsure why his body wasn’t carrying him further. “All I strive for is that I make you proud…” He trailed. Despite his quiet tone, hurt was audible. "I work hard, and I do everything I can to make sure Mom and Savannah are safe and cared for! Clearly, in your eyes, I can’t do that, right?" His eyes, now frozen over in cold disappointment, met the man whose eyes bore resemblance to.

You know I'm right. That ranch is a cavernous money hole you’ll never be able to save. The board agrees too. Even if you choose to convince them otherwise.” Dylan’s tone mellowed out. He shook his head, disappointed and fizzled out, as he glanced over the house once more. “I’ll swing by twice a week to check the mail and make sure things are in order here.” His detached tone robbed his father any chance to thank him. “I don’t want to waste anymore of your precious time.” Dylan nodded, residing with the fact this could be the last time he and his father spoke. If his father wanted him gone, then he’d stay as far away from the prick as possible. “Love you,” he sighed defeated, seeing himself out the front door. He didn’t want to hear his father's reply, whether it was honest or not. His role model, his father, lost all mystic. Edward McBride was nothing but the rusted Marathon dust he ever longed to return to.
 
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MARATHON: A MODERN WESTERN

Chapter 1: Mending Fences
Thursday, October 3rd, 2022
Late Afternoon: Dry, Hot, Clear Skies
Chapter Theme- Pink Skies by Zach Bryan



In Transit to McBride Ranch
-Middle of Nowhere, Texas-

Dylan McBride
neverbackdown neverbackdown
Misty Gray Misty Gray

Considering the passing of his uncle, Dylan knew he couldn’t avoid checking in on his parents and extended family any longer. Savannah, without hesitation, loaded her car and headed west as soon as their mother had called either of them. Before his sister left, she urged him to reconsider coming. Part of him that day wanted to listen to her; she had a better heart than he did. She was right; their family needed them. Not just Mom and Dad, but Aunt Adelaide and their cousins. But what good would he do? With the current state of he and Dad's relationship, he thought best to stay away. Not after what he said about Elisa, Uncle Tom's death surely brought out bad memories for his parents. At least in his mind, it certainly did. It would be best to steer clear, for everyone's sake His cousins hated him, never fitting in amongst his country-folk extended family. And now his father...

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So he let his sister go, trusting she'd send his condolences. He promised, though empty, to schedule a trip to accompany her on her drive back and to see everyone in person properly once things settled. Missing the funeral was bad enough without an excuse, so having been in the throes of closing a lucrative real estate deal he'd brokered for months spared him some grief. Though when Savnnah called the day following the funeral to tell him how bad things had been—the death of a ranch hand in the summer—and now Uncle Tom, she strongly urged him to make an appearance, Dylan reconsidered his options. He knew booking a trip bought him some credibility with his dad. If he wanted any chance of mending their relationship, he needed to accept what his dad wanted. His family, all parts of it, on the ranch.

The travel to get to the McBride family ranch annoyed Dylan more than actually existing on the land itself. From Austin, one needed to catch a flight, private or commercial, to Midland to then drive another two and a half hours to Marathon itself. Sure, there were emergency dirt runways in Marathon itself, but that was entirely too uncivilized for his liking. One rogue wind gust or poor weather forecast and you could be done for. To Midland and a rental car to the ranch. So, he handled the booking of his travel and shared the date of his arrival with the family group chat. On the plane, Dylan mostly worked on Excel sheets. Q3 was on the outs, and with his dad’s absence from most of the deal’s in-person, he took on the brunt of the analytics. With headphones on and an ironclad focus, the flight went by rather fast.
Once he was in the car, forced to share the doomful 3-hour drive in solitude, it was much harder to avoid thought. After about an hour of the radio, he thought best to call Savannah. He had no one else to talk to, and his sister seemed to get him the best. After a few minutes of casual chit-chat back and forth, Savannah finally pried. Where did he and his dad stand? Now that she'd been with their parents for a few weeks, it was inevitable she tried to pry Dad about the fight.

Look, I don’t want to get into it again with Dad." Dylan sighed, one hand on the wheel, the other rested against the door and his buzzed head. The October afternoon sun burned through the windows, nearly melting his arm and scalp. “I told him what I thought about coming out here after Parker's accident; he disagreed. We got into some things we shouldn't have. Thats that.” There was a twinge of salt in his tone, clearly not over the argument. "What was said was before Uncle Tom died... Things are different now. I'm hoping we can patch things up now. For his sake." While that was a half truth, Dylan wanted to make amends, but he didn't want to do it for his uncle. If it made it sound better for his sister to hear more heartfelt intent, then that would be better. But more than anything, Savannah didn’t need to be dragged in the middle of it. Thankfully she wasn’t home the day of the argument, but she certainly had to deal with the aftershocks of it. Even if it was from a distance. She didn’t see business like them, and he preferred it like that. She was a freer spirit, less rigid and resolute as him and their father. “You know better than anyone; I wouldn’t come out here if it wasn’t serious. Plus, you won't shut up about it.

As for the ranch itself, Savannah didn’t need to know the numbers like he did. She saw the ranch more like their father, a place of natural wonder and opportunity. If she knew the severity of the debt, the missed payments, and the rising costs of operations, that would crush her. He’d be the first to admit he didn’t understand it from a physical standpoint, like their father. But he knew numbers, and those never lied. Dad was dragging this out longer than he needed to. This needed to be settled once and for all. And now, with Uncle Tom out of the picture, it was the perfect time to suggest change. The ranch needed to be sold.

Dylan knew the idea was practically treason in his family’s eyes. They all had too much emotional investment in the land, and it clearly clouded their judgement. In the wake of Uncle Tom, he assumed emotions would be high. But if he had to be the sole voice of reason once the dust settled, then so bet it. “I mean it, Savannah," he reaffirmed. He wanted her far away from any crossfire. "Look, I should be there in an hour or so. I'm about to get to that spot of the road with no service. I reckon it's best I talk to Dad first before I see everyone else... Love you, Sis." After her sendoff, he hung up and carried on. The remainder of the drive was fairly quiet. Eventually, he reached the town—the last notion of civilization before the long stretch of road and mountains to the ranch. If Dylan had a choice, he’d prefer to stay in the Gage Hotel. It had all the amenities he needed, save for an actual city to explore. The argument required him to patch things over, which meant staying with his father at his uncle’s ranch...

Dylan slowed the car to a crawl at the gate and cattle guard, the small SUV idling on the dirt road. His eyes wandered the natural landscape behind his sunglasses—a harsh wasteland. Though there was some vegetation, it was short and brutish juxtaposed to the sprawling desert mountains. How was anything able to sustain life in the coarse limestone? Just like his family, he thought as he unlatched the chains around the gate to let himself in. From his distance, the grandiose hacienda was well in sight, as was the figure who waited outside it. His father. As he opened the door to reenter the car, he gave a silent, expressionless wave before sliding in. He sighed, suddenly feeling like the timid young boy he used to be again as he approached, lightly jossling back and forth due to the unpaved silt road.

Once he rolled to a stop next to the rest of the families's cars that rested at the house and not the garage down the road, Dylan properly got out of the car. Before he could go to the cab to reach his bags, his father was quick to engulf him in a hug. Dylan froze a moment, surprised by the sudden vigor of the hug he didn't know he desperately needed. The silence of months spoke louder than any words could in that moment. He returned the gesture, hugging his father back before letting him go a moment later. The light pat on his back that followed, reminiscing of a proud pat after a sporting match, softened his nerves a bit. "Let me get my things, and you can show me the way around here. It's been a minute." Dylan said.



The Williams Residence
-Marathon, Texas-

Parker McBride
Misty Gray Misty Gray

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The long stretch of road to Marathon from the ranch felt like a place void of any time. The only indication of change was the sun, whether it was up or down, or those he shared the road with. In this case, he was lonesome and no longer the boy who begged his old man to take him to town when he had the chance. Funny how grief worked—he hadn’t given such a simple childhood memory much thought before. Not before his dad’s passing. The sandy mountains, each having it’s own shape and size, sporadically dotted alongside the road. At present, the sky was void of any clouds, the aquamarine sky free to do as it pleased. As Parker drove to town, one hand on the wheel while the other rested on the door of his truck, he couldn’t help but reminisce.

It was hard. All of it. Dealing with the injuries to Vicky’s passing, and now his father. The doctor’s ruling that Thomas McBride’s death was a heart attack was both a blessing and a curse. There was some slight relief that nothing accidental happened, like Vicky’s demise. But at the same time, he couldn’t help but feel partially responsible for adding to his old man’s stress. He never made it easy on him, from his wild and turbulent youth to his near death just months ago. On top of his own issues, he knew the ranch had been in a precarious spot this year. Of course, he didn’t grasp it till moving home again. But now that he’d been back for some time, albeit in limited capacity, he could see the strain the land underwent this summer.

Parker crawled to a stop at the train tracks in town, flipping his blinker for a left turn, then continuing again. He needed to stop off at the pharmacy to fill his prescription before he continued with the next part of his day. The monotony of the pill routine at this point allowed him to conduct the act on autopilot, allowing his mind to think about Amber.

He hadn’t expected to hear from her, not with how he treated her all those years ago. Like some sort of toy, he could pull from the bottom of the bin whenever he pleased. She had every right to steer clear of him, and her dad likely encouraged her. But Parker hadn’t thought about the prospect of seeing her around the house. So when he’d passed by the guest house on his way up from the garage yesterday, having helped his brother and Dean with the copter, Parker was surprised to see Savannah with Amber. His cousin was good company, and he didn’t realize the two girls had kept in contact. So when she asked if he wanted to catch up tomorrow, he shockingly said yes. Was he stupid? Maybe. Would she chew his head off for being an ass? Maybe. But was it worth getting a good look at that Texas rose? Certainly.

Back at the truck, Parker quickly popped one of his pain pills before replacing the empty bottle in his pocket with the new one. At this point, the white capsules were his only thread to peace. They numbed the pain, both physical and mental, just long enough for him to feel himself again before they wore off. He needed to be sharp for Amber, and he didn’t want his stubborn back getting in the way of anything that could happen.

Before he knew it, Parker’s truck came to a creek stop in front of her house. Though nearly in his thirties, he couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous. Like he had all those years ago to pick her up on their first date in high school. Hopefully this time, he wasn’t in store for a lecture from Sheriff Tyler. On second glance, he noticed the police cruiser wasn’t in the small driveway in front of the house. Phew, no lecture. When she emerged from the house, he tried to hide the stupid grin on his face by checking his phone. Stupid! He didn’t want to seem to eager to see her in this light, in case she hadn’t felt the same about him. Last he heard, she’d been engaged to some lawyer. So he kept his cool. He flicked the lock open, letting her enter the truck on her own.



The Calloway Residence
-Big Bend National Park, Texas-
NanLia NanLia

Sherriff Tyler Williams
Though Marathon was nearly an hour and a half from Big Bend, relatively close considering the town’s distance from much else,
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Tyler rarely ventured out to it anymore. When he and Amber first moved out here, it was the only place that held her attention for the first few years. It was, in his opinion, the best place to see the night sky in the world…


The hood of the police cruiser was slightly warm from the drive out to the park. Enough to keep him warm as he lay on his back. His feet were firmly pressed against the grill guard, planting him in his place. Amber was nestled next to him, bundled in a pink fuzzy blanket, mimicking his pose, although unable to reach the grill with her feet. The pair looked above at the night sky, limitless in stars to behold. “How do they name stars?” Amber asked quietly, as if not to disturb the beauty overhead. “Well, some stars are named after old stories or words from people long before us. The Greeks, Arabs, and Romans got the first go at it. Like Sirius, right there,” Tyler pointed to the star. “He makes up the bottom point of Canis Major, a Latin word.” His finger traced the air, drawing the path of the constellation. “Do you think the stars in the constellation know they’re a family?” Amber asked, which prompted a light chuckle from him. “Well, I don’t know about that one. Stars aren’t alive; they’re like planets. Like you learn in science class. They don’t have feelings.” He could feel Amber’s silent nod on his arm as she accepted the fact. “What happens when a star dies? Does the constellation die too?” For a moment, Tyler paused, unsure of the answer. Considering he just described constellations as family, he could tell where Amber’s mind concluded her question. His focus remained upward, hoping the cool air kept back his glassy eyes. “No, the constellation doesn’t die. Constellations are just how we group stars together, so they’ll always be remembered with the other stars they were with. Even if the other stars can’t see them in space, we’re always able to see them from Earth.” He explained. Amber, keen to his emotion, nestled herself closer and extended a portion of her blanket on his chest. “I wonder what our constellation would be called. I hope it’s named after me!” She lightly joked. Tyler chuckled, lightly tickling his daughter’s shoulder to elicit a giggle from her. “Amber’s constellation? You really are spoiled!”

Tyler snapped back from thought now that he reached the Chisos Mountain switchbacks. The superintendent’s house was at the base of the valley, which meant a deep drive into the park and the mountain. Unlike the other ranger housings, which were dotted around the park itself, the superintendent’s lodge remained central. He hadn’t been before, considering the national park was self-managed and policed for the most part. Set aside any conflicts or crises that required extra law enforcement. So today’s visit was one of curiosity.

Once he got to the lodge, he made his way up to the house and knocked lightly at the door. Thankfully, today he was off patrol, which meant he was freed from his stuffy uniform for once. So, he opted for a simple collared shirt, jeans, and boots. Patiently, he stood, waiting to be let in.


The Calloway Residence
-Big Bend National Park, Texas-
NanLia NanLia


Emily Calloway
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Lucy! Where is your brother?” Emily called through the house, emerging from the master bedroom. Though dressed in her casual jeans and shirt, a towel was freshly wrapped around her hair. She’d been out on a run that morning, leaving Rhett with the kids as he tidied up for their guest. Her daughter, Lucy, was positioned on the back porch, gazing upward to the mountain pines. She had neglected the fact to shut the sliding glass doors behind her, allowing the afternoon air to flow freely inside. “I don’t know. Probably being stupid or something,” she remarked, more interested in whatever was in the tree. “Hey now, don’t say that.” She chastised, joining her daughter on the porch and shutting the doors. “Your brother isn’t stupid, even if he is a boy.” She knelt down to Lucy’s height, following her gaze to the tree. There, a Mexican Jay perched nicely. “He called that bird boring! He’s always making fun of them compared to his stinky fish!” Emily had to hide her amusement, assuming her motherly disposition.“Well, I'll talk to him about that. Birds aren’t boring, and neither are fish. They all are important here, you know. One can't exist without the other.

Before Lucy could reply, the door’s knock echoed through the house. Emily stood to tend to it, but a flash of energy escaped down the hall, and Wyatt was there to answer. It sounded like he shouted something along the lines of getting the door, but through the glass it was unclear. Considering the sheriff wasn’t her guest, she figured Rhett had their son and him covered…

“And who might you be?” Wyatt questioned, positioning himself in the door frame. The man at the door was unfamiliar. Leathered, mustached, and suspicious. “This isn’t the visitor’s junction, you know; that’s a few miles back.” The tourists always got lost, and it was super annoying. Anytime he could send them off, he enjoyed it. The mystery man in question smirked, fumbling in his pocket for something, before removing it. There, he flashed his police badge, bound by leather and well-worn. “I’m Sheriff Williams.” The man introduced himself before sliding the badge back. “I’m here to speak to your father. I got a tip from someone about some juvenile delinquents that belong to him. Figured I had to come up here and straighten them out myself.” Wyatt froze, momentarily caught off-guard by the police officer. “I- Uhh… I don’t know what you’re talking about...” Before he could say more, he felt a firm hand from behind land on his shoulder. His father’s.


Active Cast: Misty Gray Misty Gray , Pagemaster Pagemaster , NanLia NanLia , neverbackdown neverbackdown , BeyondDandy BeyondDandy
 

-Prelude Scene-
One Week following the death of Thomas McBride
McBride Ranch, Marathon, Texas
Sunny, Brisk
Early Morning


The McBride Ranch
- Marathon, Texas -

Jack and Jessica McBride
Jack strode across the dirt toward the paddock that housed the family members personal mounts. The horses, a dozen of them, were clustered near the gate sniffing at something on the ground he couldn't make out from the house. He glanced around as he did, his father was out here somewhere as well, having left the house about twenty minutes before Jack who had been locked in a raspberry contest with Rowan until she finally succumbed to sleep. He had put her into her crib, switched on the sound machine -a gift from Parker- and slipped out of the room. He'd kissed Jessica quickly on the nose before grabbing his hat and boots.

A few Ranch hands waved from nearby as they headed out to relieve the team currently on the range and he looked toward the main barns. He could see Dean out and about and felt a brief flicker of grief at the sight of the black streamers that still hung from the light posts on the barn, a silent tribute to Vicky. She'd been a good kid, someone who was great to have around and a damn hard worker. She had been sorely missed around the property.

As he crested a small rise in the road he could see that the horses were clustered around something dark on the ground. The shadows cast by the sun over the morning landscape were in his face and made it impossible to tell if it was a coyote or maybe one of the horses was down. That had happened before, a hungry coyote trying to take down a horse only to get stomped into oblivion. As he watched one of the horses scuffed at something in the dust and an object rolled away from the shape on the ground.

In an instant he registered several things all at once. The object was a cowboy hat, the paddock gate was still open, and the thing on the ground was a human being. He felt his heart leap into his throat as he abandoned his walk and began to sprint for the paddock.

"Dad!" He shouted, panic filling his voice, as he ran. He couldn't see the face but who else would be in the family paddock this early? He pounded over the dry ground toward the horse herd that scattered, burst through the gate and slid to a halt, dust swirling around him, next to his fathers unmoving body.

"Dad!" He shouted again, grabbing the broad shoulder closest to him and pulling the still form onto its back. His father rolled over with a limp finality and Jack found himself staring into two unblinking eyes; he knew in an instant that his father was dead.

* * * * *​

"I think you ought to talk to someone." Jessica said quietly, both hands cupping Jacks as she stared into his eyes. The couple were sitting in the living room, Rowan asleep down the hall, Jack staring vacantly out the window. "It couldn't hurt."

Her voice interrupted the memory of finding his fathers body and he finally looked at her. He'd aged ten years in the past six months. First Vicky, then his father, and then to find out just how dire the situation was at the Ranch. To say he was still reeling from all of it was an underestimate. Jessica stroked his hands, running her thumbs over his scarred knuckles and calloused palms.

"I don't think we can afford it, besides, there's no one like that round here." He forced himself out of his reverie and focused on his wife. She didn't deserve anything less than his full attention. He'd fought hard the last few weeks not to shut down on her and Rowan. Each of the siblings had dealt with their grief in whatever way they knew best. Jack had tried to get a bit of space to think but the Ranch still needed to operate and Dean could only do so much.

"They do these sort of things over the internet now-a-days." She admonished him gently.

"Okay, if you can find me someone, I'll give them a call." He agreed at last. It was a big step for him. He'd never talked to anyone about the men he'd killed, Vickys death, and certainly not his fathers. But maybe it was what he needed since his usual copping mechanisms were strained to the breaking point. There was a darkness on the edges of his soul now that he hadn't noticed before and it worried him.

The house was empty, everyone else had been asked to take a walk, except his mother, who was already out for a lone ride on the plains. Jack hadn't liked the idea given recent events but one look from her and he dropped his objections. It wasn't ideal and stressed him out, but she had her way of dealing with things and he wasn't going to be able to stop her.

"Can you get Rowan?" Jessica asked him and he realized he could hear his little girl burbling down the hallway. He glanced at his watch. She'd been asleep for all of thirty minutes; so much for the two hour naps everyone said a two year old should take. He kissed Jessica and walked down the hallway toward the nursery. He opened the door, pushed open the curtains and turned to find Rowan standing in her crib staring at him. Her little cherubic face split into a massive smile and she waved her hands happily toward him.

"Da!" She shrieked and despite everything he felt himself smile. The little ginger "spud" had been a saving grace for him during the last few months and he felt some lightness return to him as he swung her into his arms and kissed her forehead. She smiled, shrieked again, and then, while maintaining solid eye contact, she filled her diaper.
 
The McBride Ranch
-Marathon, Texas-

Edward McBride

1738192495200.pngThe last few months at the ranch had been more stressful than expected. It had been enough that Edward had left the city in the wake of the argument with Dylan, but that hadn't been the only weight to present itself. The financial situation of the McBride ranch was more dire than anticipated and the family needed to take action before it was too late. However, that confirmation was followed by the death of the young farm hand, Vicky. That had been a dark day and one which continued to affect the ranch now. But for Edward, the grief for her death was surpassed by that of his older brother, Tom. There was no question that work had to take a back seat for a time as Edward and the family grieved. His brother's death was a great loss and Edward was thankful for Jennifer's presence with him. Knowing the sentiment of some family members and others towards him, it was his wife who's comfort and understanding he sought. To everyone else, he would maintain a brave face and asked nothing of them, but instead ensured he assisted with the funeral arrangements and any legalities of the situation his sister-in-law needed help with.

By now, Edward was fully back in the swing of things with work. He'd spent today indoors working. Be it on video calls or compiling legal documents, he'd made great headway in drawing up contracts for an upcoming acquisition in Austin. It was surprising how the months spent back in Marathon had made him appreciate the outdoors more, so as soon as he was finished with work he was keep to get away from his desk and back into the fresh air.

After spending some time with Jennifer and checking on how she was doing, Edward stepped outside to get some air. Leaning against the wall, he sipped his coffee. As tempting as going for a walk was, he was expecting Dylan to arrive at any moment so didn't want to stray too far. Considering the argument and his son's failure to show up for Tom's funeral, Edward was sure his absence upon Dylan's arrival would only implant further animosity between them.

Spotting the SUV in the distance, Edward finished off his coffee and sat the empty mug on the outside window sill. He continued to watch as his son drove up the road and then parked the vehicle alongside the others. Approaching him, Edward reached his son in time to give the young man a greeting by way of a hug. Despite the bad blood, he knew better than to greet Dylan with hostility. The potential wrath of Jennifer and Savannah alone was deterrent enough. In the absence of the right words immediately coming to him, Edward broke away from the hug with a light pat on his son's back. "Of course," he replied when Dylan spoke about getting his belongings before a refresher tour. "Hand me one of those," he offered, extending his hand to take a bag from him.

"How was the journey?" Edward asked as he led him into the house and towards the spare room Dylan would be staying in. "You'll remember the place in no time," he assured him. Ideally, Dylan would be sticking around long enough to get familiar and comfortable with the ranch. "Are things back home going well?" he asked as he opened the bedroom door.

ReverseTex ReverseTex (Dylan)
 
McBride Ranch
-Marathon, Texas-
Misty Gray Misty Gray

Dylan McBride
Like a well-oiled machine, Dylan tossed his old man one of his lighter duffels, primarily work-out attire. His other suitcase was a
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hefty roller, hopefully with enough clothes to get him by till Thanksgiving. If he had to stay longer, then there’d be issues. “Flight was fine. That’s the more enjoyable part of the ordeal. Managed to polish up some of the analytics from the quarter, so that’ll be one less thing to do at the end of the year. But that drive is brutal.” He explained, rolling his neck for a few pops, as he followed his father. The guest house, attached to the main hacienda by the familiar breezeway and fountain, came back to memory. The tiled pavement made the wheels on his suitcase rattle until coming to a halt as he lifted it in the house.

Considering the length of time his parents had been here, the guest house certainly was well lived in. He couldn’t remember the longest stint of time they’d been here as a family before, but surely this took the cake. Though not as large as their home in Austin or even his aunt’s house down the way, it was enough to accommodate the four of them. Dylan entered what appeared to be his, stepping past his father to enter. “You can just toss it there; I’ll deal with it later.” He pointed to the bed, rolling his suitcase to the foot of it. From the looks of it, Savannah opted for the shadier room. The afternoon sun was beaming in, making the room a bit warmer than he’d prefer. He didn’t need anything immediately from either of his bags, so he was quick to leave the room for now. The thing about the ranch, which took getting used to, was there was hardly any time for an idle in one’s room.

You look like you’re itching to get out there,” Dylan smirked; clearly his father wanted to get back outside. With a quick glance at his watch, he presumed he likely finished work for the day. “Let’s catch up to speed over a walk.” He offered. Hopefully the effort was obvious; he wanted to find middle ground between them. All he wanted in return was for his dad to do the same. Mom and Savannah were likely steering far from them for now, until it was clear things were settled. Moreover, he wasn’t ready to deal with his extended family yet. Not when he had his own family matters to attend to.

Once the pair made their way out of the house again, Dylan slid back on his sunglasses and let his dad lead the way. “Things in Austin are well,” he started, lazily slouching his hands in his pockets. “I just finished up a big acquisition near Moody Center. The group wants to build a condominium on this lot that can be used for VRBO’s and online rentals for sports and concerts. The board seems excited, and I was happy to work the deal. In your absence.” He added.

Though there was a silence between them, the ice was thin at the surface, and Dylan pursed his lips. He shouldn’t have to be the first one to say it. Not when his own father shooed him away like vermin the last they spoke. “I’m here now.” He started, trying to keep his tone level. “I’m here for Savannah. I’m here for Mom. And I’m here for them.” It was his version of an apology, though intentionally leaving his father out. “What about you?” He remarked, referring to where things had been left between them. “I don’t want to be a waste of space or your money, though I will say, I took care of this trip.” He patted his pocket, exaggerating the insult from their argument. “Why should I expect you want me here, if at all?
 
The Williams Residence
- Marathon, Texas -

Amber Williams

Virginia-Gardner _2.jpgAmber had been back in Marathon for a couple of months but felt she'd accomplished nothing in all of that time. She was jobless and living back home with her dad. She'd never imagined being in this position, especially not as she was living in Austin and was building a career. The changes had happened in the blink of an eye, but the events directly leading up to her walking out on her seemingly successful life would always be a reminder that she had made the right decision. Even if being back in Marathon turned out to be short-lived, it was the right place to be given what she'd left behind in Austin.

As she stood in front of the mirror brushing her hair, she couldn't help but appreciate being able to style it however she wanted. She didn't have to wear a glamourous dress and high heeled shoes, not unless she wanted to. She could dress comfortably and to her own style without being criticised. Christian had been good at that. She had to look perfect before leaving the house with him. She had to bite her tongue and water down her personality to impress his social circle. Everything had to suit Christian and if it didn't, then she'd have to fix it. Amber still kicked herself for letting things go on as long as they did. The clues about his controlling and overbearing nature had been there long before she found out he was cheating on her. The fact that was what pushed her to end things still disappointed her. Still, she was glad their last exchange ended with her punching him in the jaw before he could take his frustration out on her. Amber hadn't looked back since. Even if Marathon turned out to have nothing for her, she would not return to Austin. She certainly wouldn't give Christian another second of her life.

Even if she felt like a freeloader, Amber was enjoying reconnecting with her dad. Having lost her mother at a young age, he'd been the one to raise her alone. Whilst they didn't always see eye-to-eye on matters, they never let it get between them. That said, she was sure he'd have choice words for her given she was meeting with Parker after all of these years. She'd wanted to see him sooner, to check in on him since the accident, but the time never felt right. Then when Tom passed away, she felt it better to keep her distance as the family grieved. She hadn't spoken with Parker's brothers or parents in years, so she doubted they wanted her present at the funeral. Even if the reason for her and Parker cutting ties had been his fault.

Yesterday, Amber paid a visit to the ranch to see Savannah, who she'd kept in contact with even after leaving Marathon. Deep down, she had hoped to see Parker and maybe finally break the ice. As it happened, she did see him and the two arranged to meet today to catch up.

Hearing the truck pull up outside the house, Amber slid her phone and wallet into her back pockets before locking up and leaving the house. She was sure he was relieved that her dad wasn't home, given the man would likely have some choice words. She approached the truck, getting a look at Parker as he stared at his phone. She rounded the vehicle and opened the passenger door before climbing into the seat. "Don't worry, my dad is out. You don't need to call for backup," she teased, pointing to his phone. "So..." she began, giving him the once over. "How are you doing? It's been a while, hasn't it?" she said, trying to cut through any awkwardness.

ReverseTex ReverseTex (Parker)
 

Around Marathon
-Marathon, Texas-

Parker McBride
Misty Gray Misty Gray
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“Thank God, I don’t think Jack would want to help my sorry ass, and Carson would just laugh at me while your dad did me in.” Parker joked, his signature grin sweeping across his face. Without a second glance, he popped his phone in the cup holder and started off down the road. With his free hand, he flicked the radio on to a low volume, cutting the awkward silence. Though he felt the slight tension, the pills were doing their job to numb his full awareness. Thankfully, his sunglasses hid his dilated pupils; the only sign of use. He was just happy to be in her presence. As they drove, he could feel her eyes run him over. Wanting to do the same to her, he kept his resolve and focus on the road. “It certainly has been a few minutes, last I checked.” He coyly replied. “Who’s keeping score these days, though?

He planned to take them to their old spot, a low peak that sat between the ranch and town, overlooking both spots. It seemed a fitting spot to reconnect privately, away from both places. If he could, Parker wanted to charm his way out of any serious conversations. Amber had always been emotional; that was his biggest gripe with her. Always wanting him to talk about his feelings. He was never good at that. Women always seemed to want that from him, and he never found that part of himself easy to give up. But on the other hand, he had a sinking feeling that that was all she wanted from this chat. A pity call after everything that had happened. Check up on poor Parker McBride, crippled with a dead dad…

What about you, city girl? You had it big in Austin, I hear?” Parker avoided her question, keeping his focus on the road now that they were out of town and off into the vast desert plains. She didn’t want to know about his chronic pain, the fact he nearly lost the ability to walk. She didn’t want to hear about the days spent paralyzed in bed, both by fear and pain. She didn’t want to hear about Dad upside down in the barn, cradled by Jack until the coroner came out hours late… All of that was to dark and certainly not what she wanted to hear… “I remember your Pops mentioned an engagement one time. He was out visiting Jack, and I stopped to tell him hi. Considering it’s me we’re talking about here, he didn’t seem all that excited about it.” Briefly, he glanced down at her hands coiled on her knee. No ring. “And neither did you, clearly.” Parker chuckled.
 
The McBride Ranch
-Marathon, Texas-

Edward McBride

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Edward smirked when Dylan caught on to him wanting to get outside. "I've been reminded that we weren't made to spend our lives indoors staring at screens, as much as I enjoy work," he pointed out.

The pair of them soon made their way outside without being intercepted or distracted by others. Edward quietly listened as Dylan updated him on how things were working out back in Austin. "That's excellent news. The board will certainly be impressed with your success on the acquisition," he praised him. As much as it grated on him, Edward chose to ignore the snide emphasis on his own absence. All in the name of peace for the sake of their direct and extended family members.

His son continued on, making it clear he was there for anyone but his father. Again, Edward would overlook it. "Of course I want you here. You're my son and you belong with your family. Things were said in the heat of the moment and I apologise for that. I should have risen above the comments you made and prevented a resolvable situation from turning ugly. And you should expect I want you here because it's the truth. Whether I factor into any reason for you coming here now or not, I'm glad you're here," Edward assured him. His face remained serious but it was clear he was being genuine. "I've missed you being around the place with us," he admitted.

ReverseTex ReverseTex (Dylan)
 
The Calloway Residence
-Big Bend National Park, Texas-
Rhett Calloway
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Rhett leaned back in his soft leather chair, eyes surveying stacks of lobbyist bills and pending legislation spread over his desk. The inked lines of policy and land management proposals demanded his attention, but his thoughts drifted toward the sounds of his kids echoing through the house. Wyatt and Lucy’s voices carried in and out of earshot, a reminder of why he fought so hard to protect Texas’ wild spaces. He sighed, rubbing a hand across his jaw before rising from his chair. Just as he stepped into the hall, a knock at the door broke through the household’s hum.

Rhett’s presence was a steady force as he stepped forward, his hand resting firmly on Wyatt’s shoulder. His gaze met Sheriff Williams’, unreadable yet unwavering. “Afternoon, Sheriff,” he greeted, his voice calm but carrying that unmistakable weight of authority. He gave his son a reassuring squeeze before gently nudging him aside. “Why don’t you go check on your sister, Wyatt?”

Only once his son had disappeared down the hall did Rhett shift his full attention back to the officer. He exhaled through his nose, a small smirk forming as he caught the glint of amusement in Williams’ eyes. “Juvenile delinquents, huh?” Rhett drawled, shaking his head. “Well, if they’re causing that much trouble, I might have to start charging folks for guided tours.”

He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossing loosely. “You want some coffee while you’re here, or are you just stopping by to scare the hell out of my boy?” His tone was relaxed now, the earlier tension melting into something more familiar—two men who had known each other long enough to share a joke at their kids’ expense.

ReverseTex ReverseTex (Tyler)
 
Around Marathon
- Marathon, Texas -

Amber Williams

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Seeing as how they wanted to catch up away from their families, it made sense to go to one of their old spots. Amber was keen to catch up on Marathon and the area now she was back. She was sure nothing had changed, but she wanted to see it all for herself all over again. She noticed Parker had evaded answering her questions. A familiar and frustrating attribute of his personality. With his injury and losing his father, she was sure there was a lot on his mind for him to still unpack.

Instead, he turned the questions and conversation around on to her, pointing her "big" city life she'd had in Austin the last few years. She didn't immediately respond, instead looking out of the passenger windows as she ran her fingers through her waved hair. He then went on to mention the engagement, prompting her to briefly zone out as she pulled a strand of hair straight and let it go for it to bounce back into its wave. She broke her attention away from the window and turned to Parker just as he glanced to her hand and made his light comment. His chuckle was met with a serious, flat expression from her. "The novelty wore of," she bluntly told him. Her bluntness wasn't aimed at Parker, but instead was triggered by thinking about Christian.

"Austin was fun and the job was great, but the city lost its appeal after a while. I'm sure there's plenty of nice people there, but I happened to be surrounded by uptight assholes and prissy bitches," she scoffed, managing a smirk at the expense of Christian's friends. "Christian - the guy I was engaged to - he turned out to be a waste of space. I know my worth and he didn't deserve me. So I socked him in the jaw and walked out," she said, managing a genuine smile at that thought.

She looked straight ahead to the road in front of them. "So here I am. Back in Marathon," she said, her tone a mix of fondness yet uncertainty. "What have I missed? My dad and Savannah have given me their updates, but what can you tell me?" she asked. Given they'd dated years ago and spent time together around Marathon, she wanted Parker's insight on the town now.

ReverseTex ReverseTex (Parker)
 

McBride Ranch
-Marathon, Texas-

Dylan McBride
Misty Gray Misty Gray
Dylan kept his head low, watching each footstep across the sandy dirt, listening to his father. “The comments I made?” He
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remarked. “Where do you think I get that from?” His brow rose; the eyes his father gave him bore back. Although he promised his sister he wouldn’t pick a fight, it was hard to ignore. Sure, Dad apologized, but that didn't explain why he didn't reach out over the months. Although he kept his distance away, the burden should never fall upon the child to reach out. That's a parent job. “Look, Savannah’s been nagging me just as much, if not more so than you these last few years, for me to get out of here. I just don't get why you never—” He paused mid-sentence, transfixed by the trail his father selected. All of his anger melted away to fear.

“Dylan! Dylan, slow down!” Elisa’s giggling carried across the flat trail. Though he was firmly ahead of her in their foot race, it was a gentle reminder of his size compared to his three-year-old sister. The coughing that followed prompted him to take action. “Alright, but don’t make me wait all day. Mom said to be up and down the trail before the sun goes down.” He cruised to a stop. His sister’s pattering footsteps clopped from behind, her uncoordinated jog to catch up a sight to behold. Once she caught up, wheezing slightly, he started to walk again. “Let’s just walk to the base of the hill and come back.” He suggested, matching her pace. “Okay!” Elisa mewed, bobbling down the trail beside him.

Elisa was sick. How sick he wasn’t sure. Mom and Dad had booked the trip almost immediately after the doctor's visit with her, wanting a break from town for the week. Which made sense, considering whatever it was had caused him to walk in on them crying shortly after. At first, he complained. The ranch was boring; it had none of his toys or his friends. Just stupid horses, dirt, and cousins. But before much of a fuss was made, he was quickly scolded by his father. Don’t ruin the trip for your sisters, he was told.

“Dylan, do you want these?” Elisa questioned, holding a handful of rocks she managed to gather on their walk. “Sure.” He took them carefully, examining her collection. “I want to show Daddy.” Carefully, he stuffed them in the pocket of his shorts for safekeeping. “I like it here,” Elisa continued, the mind of a toddler never staying long on one subject. “Oh, yeah? I think home is more fun. That’s why they call it home, you know.” Dylan commented. “We have fun here! Mommy and Daddy have fun here! Savannah rides horses all day!” Though she left him out unintentionally, he felt a bit sad. “There aren’t any white coats here. I like that. They make Mommy and Daddy sad.” She explained in her own way. Dylan took note of her words, wiser than what might typically escape a toddler’s mouth. “The doctors will go away. They want to help you feel better. You’ll feel better soon.” He promised. “Daddy said I can ride horses with Savannah next time I come!” Dylan laughed, amused at the idea of seeing that. Even he couldn’t get the hang of it. “Come on, we’re almost there. I’ll race you!” He lightly nudged his sister, who started off with a giggle ahead of him. Elisa wobbled on ahead, giving her a few moments alone to run free…


Dylan hadn’t realized his legs were frozen, confined to the same spot he stood in two decades ago. That was the last time he’d been happy on the ranch. Every other trip he’d been dragged out on was damn near pulling teeth. “Dad…” He trailed, his gaze frozen ahead to where his sister had run off ahead to. This wasn’t his father’s fault. He didn’t know any better. Even if he wanted to blame him, he couldn’t find it in him to do it. “I haven’t been here since Elisa’s last trip.” He put it as simply as he could manage. He could feel his chest tighten, a fight-or-flight response trying to engage. Though his body was confused on which to select. "Right here." Dylan pointed out, still frozen in step. This ranch was littered with ghosts, from his sister to now Uncle Tom. Why would anyone want to subject themselves to this?




The Williams Residence
-Marathon, Texas-

Parker McBride
Misty Gray Misty Gray

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Parker’s eyebrows raised, though focused ahead, amused at Amber’s ice. He couldn’t help but enjoy her bite; it instigated him in a way no one else could. But he wanted to respect her boundaries. He wasn’t going to play rough on the first date, if that’s what they were calling this thing. “Sounds like you’d get along with Uncle Ed these days,” he scoffed at her remarks about Austin.

When the conversation switched to her ex, Christian, he pursed his lips. Considering he earned his place on that list, he didn’t want to speak out of turn. The comment that got him to break his veneer was the punch, which elicited a deep and genuine laugh. “That poor bastard didn’t know who he was messing with! Shame, he didn’t know you had a mean right hook before he put that ring on it.” Having been on the receiving end of that hand, though not as violently as this Christian guy, he knew better than to treat Amber that way. “But good for you, Amber. You’ve always had a grip on what you want. You’ll find it.” He assured her.

Now that the conversation was shifted back to him, Parker shifted uncontrollably in his seat. The extended time sitting was getting to him. Luckily, they were almost there. He turned off the stretch of road, completely off-road, as they rambled their way towards the large hill. “Well, I can’t say I’ve been here much longer than you. I got back in June and haven’t done much around town.” He explained. Though all of that was put lightly, it was true. “Leaving the ranch is harder these days than it used to be.

The truck crawled to a stop atop the hill, perfectly posed with the hood facing towards the ranch and the bed back towards Marathon. While he didn’t believe the words he said, his mind wanted to keep him caged. His wild days had to be over. No more travel, no more ruckus. He needed to square up. Without hesitation, Parker popped his door and hopped out of the truck. With a grunt, he caught himself on the metal frame. “This damn back.” He sighed, staring back towards the town below. “You know, I haven’t ridden a horse since last Christmas. It’s been nearly a damn year.” Parker never could understand why his brain made unprompted comments like that. Nobody cared to know about his problems. Set aside from Mom, but even then he was a grown man. He needed to have his shit together. Focusing on the view helped his mind ease up a bit, not having to see Amber’s beautiful disappointment in what he just said.

Do you remember the last time we were up here?” Parker leaned off the truck finally, walking towards the bed. Once again, he needed to change the subject. Knowing that girl, she'd stick to any information he gave her like a pig to mud. For Amber, he popped the bed door to allow her a spot to sit. He opted to lean on the side, forearm resting gently on the frame of the bed. “I can’t say I do, so you’ll have to do me the favor and remind me.



The Calloway Residence
-Big Bend National Park, Texas-
NanLia NanLia

Sherriff Tyler Williams
Tyler severely missed his little girl, well, being little. Though it was a struggle learning to raise her on his own, he wouldn’t have
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done it differently. Unless, of course, Rebecca was at his side… Rhett’s young son scampering off brought a sly grin to his face, pleased that his tease worked. “Wouldn’t be a bad stream of income if you ask me,” he quipped back. Tyler’s stance straightened naturally when Rhett leaned in the doorway. It was an automatic response; decades of policing let his body work on autopilot most days. Casually, he crossed his arms, expecting his bulletproof vest to slightly buffer his arms from his chest. Though it was absent, he remained the same. “Sure, Lord knows I need about five of those a day to keep upright.” He accepted the offer to come inside.

His boots clicked lightly on the hardwood floors, following his host inward. “I figured I’d swing by on my day off to lend you a hand.” Tyler started. When they reached the kitchen, he leaned himself against the center island while Rhett got to work. “I know you’ve been wanting to get a better lay of the land with the McBrides now that Thomas is gone…” He trailed.

Thomas McBride was a good man. He provided for Marathon, though at the expense of his own gain. Something about that was admirable in his eyes, and he respected the older rancher for it. However, following the ranch hand accident in August and now the former’s passing, the ranch seemed to be in a precarious spot. It wasn’t his place to understand it, but he could tell something was off. Perhaps Amber’s newfound interest in reconnecting with the family would yield some insight he lacked.

I’m obviously not the best help, but I’m the only bridge you’ve got now that Tom’s out of the picture.” Tyler gave a grateful nod once he received his coffee. “So let’s figure it out. What do you know, and what do you want to accomplish with the McBrides?

 
The McBride Ranch
-Marathon, Texas-

Edward McBride

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As they walked along the trail, Edward stayed silent to allow Dylan to get things off his chest. He didn't want to interrupt or talk over him, hoping to avoid an escalation into an argument like the last time. It was no surprise that Savannah had been nagging her brother to come to the ranch. Edward had avoided doing that. Not only because of how vocal his son had been about the place and his hostility towards Parker, but for much deeper rooted reasons too.

Dylan stopped in his tracks and seemed to become distracted by something. Edward stopped too and turned to face him, noting the fearful expression on his son's face. "Are you okay, Son?" he asked with concern. Then Dylan snapped out of it and began to speak. When he pointed out he hadn't been there since Elisa's last visit to the ranch, Edward bit his bottom lip as his grief was naturally evoked. Finally, he nodded his head in understanding. "I know," he confirmed to him, for a moment reaching out to squeeze Dylan's shoulder to ground both of them..

"She would have been fifteen now, and no doubt running rings around the lot of us," he commented. Clearing his throat, Edward turned to look out ahead as Dylan had been doing. "She loved it here. Running around and watching the wildlife. This was an escape for us, from the hospital visits; the tests, the doctors, the unrewarded hope. The last memories I have of Elisa happy are on this ranch," he went on, alluding to the fact her last weeks had been upsetting and spent in a hospital bed back in Austin.

Turning back to Dylan, he let out a sigh. "We all deal with grief and difficult memories differently. For me, coming out here is a good thing. Walking around the ranch, I'm reminded of the happy memories Elisa shared with us. However, I understand that for you it's difficult to revisit the ranch and be reminded of our loss. Granted, I should have tried to reach out sooner, either in Austin itself or by phone, but I wasn't going to force you to come back here. Not even for your uncle's funeral, where you'd have had further grief to associate with this place."

ReverseTex ReverseTex (Dylan)
 
The McBride Ranch
-Marathon, Texas-

Zachary Johnson

1738543910411.pngZach had been working as the primary vet at the ranch for two months now and was starting to feel settled into the place. Returning to live in Marathon hadn't been something he'd considered much, not until his mother's health deteriorated. Then, it was the only place he could be. The time caring for her, with his brother's help had been difficult for all of them. As much as he knew the woman was at peace following her passing, it hadn't made it any easier to lose her. The only thing that was easy was his decision to stay in Marathon and find work at the McBride ranch. Back when he was a kid, his own father had worked there in the very role he had now stepped into following Vicky's death. The desire to do his father's memory proud and to help our the McBride's following their recent losses only motivated him further.

That afternoon, he found himself at the stables. The heat wasn't letting up today and had him looking forward cooling down after his work was finished. For now, the more important thing on his mind was tending to Savannah's horse, Buttercup. The wound on the animal's lower leg, whilst bloody and sore, thankfully didn't require stitches, as that would have proved slightly more distressing for both him and the horse. Zachary got to work on cleaning the slightly infected wound, reassuring Buttercup all the while. Once satisfied the deep cut had been flushed of any dirt, he carefully dressed the wound with a bandage securely fixed around a section of the lower leg.

Zachary was outside packing up his medical kit when he saw Savannah approaching the stables. He'd seen her around the ranch over recent weeks and had been briefly introduced. She was a cousin of Jack, Parker, and Carson. He understood her main home was in Austin, but her parents' current stay at the ranch appeared to be indefinite from what he'd figured out. As the attractive woman walked into earshot, he sent her a warm smile before looking over his shoulder to indicate the stables.

"Good timing, Savannah," he happily greeted her. He then indicated for her to follow him into the stables, leaving the medical kit behind on the bench. He opened the stable door so they could check in on her horse. "Thankfully the wound wasn't anything serious. There's a small infection, but I'll keep on top of the treatment to make sure it clears up. The cut didn't need any stitches and she should heal up well. The main thing is to make sure the wound stays covered to prevent further infection and protect from parasites. Riding shouldn't be a problem, though. Just go a little easy for now," he suggested. He then turned to the horse and firmly rubbed its neck. "You'll be up to full speed in no time, Buttercup," he playfully addressed the animal.

neverbackdown neverbackdown (Savannah)
 
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McBride Ranch
-Marathon, Texas-
Misty Gray Misty Gray

Dylan McBride
The touch of his dad’s hand, firm but kind, helped Dylan’s senses relax. He could feel how tense he was; surely his father also
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noticed by how tight his shoulders were. There weren’t any tears to shed, no, those had all fallen behind closed doors as a boy. Away from his parent’s worrying eyes or his younger sister. But even then, did he really know what he was crying over? Was he mourning her absence? The loss of his family, the way it used to be when every bed in the house was full? Or did his sisters deserve a shot at life over him? Whichever way he shook it, he always came to the same conclusion. Elisa wasn’t coming back; therefore, there wasn't much point in dwelling on the bad times.

Fifteen…” Dylan distantly replied, hearing his dad’s remark. “You thought I was a handful at that age; Elisa would’ve given you a run for your money.” He ran an anxious hand over his buzzed hair, the seasonal reminder of his late sister. The shortness of the hair calmed his hand, a nervous tick that seemed to destress him. “You’re right. The last time she smiled, genuinely and without any prodding, was here.” His eyes wandered the vastness of the scenery, letting his dad step a few paces ahead of him. One more moment. One more moment and maybe, just maybe, she’d come barreling from up behind them. His father’s pause ahead and words indicated no such thing would occur. With a sigh, he followed along, continuing up the trail. The explanation for the no contact made sense, and now that his temper was quelled, it made sense.

I just don’t think I have ever been able to see this place like y’all do.” Dylan lamented. His previous anger had dissolved. Right now, he needed advice. “Even before Elisa died. It’s just so desolate out here. It makes you feel extremely alone. I don’t find peace in it.” He tried to explain. “It just got worse after it, you know? I know I can’t find the happiness you, Mom, or Savannah have because it was never there to begin with.” There wasn’t changing his mind on that matter, but his father needed to hear it. Though he observed it throughout his growing up, he finally had the words to express it.

I want to have a civil conversation about this.” Dylan started, alluding back to what originated the argument. “I thought I was doing a good thing by bringing it to you directly. I was eager and excited to possibly have a solution for all this. Hindsight in mind, I recognize I lacked a bit of empathy.” He admitted. “So just hear me out and let’s talk this through one more time. Then I’ll leave it alone; I promise.” Dylan glanced at his dad. “Why don't they sell it?” He inquired, referring to his extended family. “You’ve been here well over six months, so you’ve got to understand how bad the numbers are in person. This place is big enough to sell a portion of it, and Aunt Adelaide can keep the house. Why don’t they just do that?

Dylan genuinely wanted to hear his father’s opinion. One that wasn’t fueled by either of their emotions. He needed to know if what he was about to do was the right thing. With his father’s absence in Austin, things had changed. The board was getting impatient; they wanted their lead broker back. "I can't help on the ranch like you or Uncle Tom would want me to, like Jack or Parker. I hope you see I'm just trying to be helpful." Dylan had a solution in mind that could solve everyone’s problems. Bring Dad home, save his aunt from financial ruin, and leave all the bad memories behind. All he needed was a push.
 
Around Marathon
- Marathon, Texas -

Amber Williams

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Amber managed a mocking laugh when Parker joked about it being a shame Christian hadn't known who he was messing with before getting engaged to her. "Bigger shame is that I didn't know who he was from the start. Could have saved me a lot of trouble," she remarked. When he then praised her for always knowing what she wanted, she glanced out of the window. "That's me," she simply replied. For most of her life she was certain about everything: what she wanted, who she wanted, and where she wanted to be. These days, she couldn't quite say the same. She was lost, but the last thing she was going to do was admit that. She didn't want sympathy or even pep talks. She just wanted to figure her life out.

Parker pointed out he'd been back at the ranch only a few months before her, though she was sure he still had some kind of updates for her, so figured he was avoiding giving them. She nodded in understanding when he said leaving the ranch was harder now. She was sure his avoidance of answering her questions was going to frustrate her soon enough, but for now she was opting to stay patient and understanding.

Once they reached their destination and Parker stopped the truck, Amber took a moment to put her sunglasses back on. She turned to look at Parker as he climbed out of the vehicle with a grunt and a grumble. She got out of the truck herself, looking around as he spoke of how long it had been since he'd last ridden a horse. It had been quite some time for herself, but she didn't feel the need to point that out, given Parker had little choice in the matter since his accident. She wanted to comment and even ask him about the accident, but it still felt too early to. He hadn't been keen to answer her questions during the drive.

Amber rounded the vehicle, looking around to take in the sights. She'd missed such views and only now appreciated just how much. She turned to face Parker, pushing up her sunglasses to rest on top of her head so she could see him properly. "Yeah. I remember our last time here," she told him. She moved to sit on the truck bed, watching him as he sat beside her. "You want me to remind you?" she remarked before letting out a deep sigh.

"Well, it was very much like today. We brought a picnic, some music, and chilled out up here for hours. I used to take some amazing photographs from up here, both day and night," she trailed off. "But yeah, it was a perfect day. We had a lot like that," she said, smiling as she looked him in the eyes. "Obviously, I thought more of them than you did, otherwise it wouldn't have been the last time we came here. Of course I'd have to remind you, because it never meant as much to you as it did me," she calmly told him. Amber had told herself she wasn't going to come out with such comments today, but she rarely did have a filter. He'd set himself up for this.

ReverseTex ReverseTex (Parker)
 

Around Marathon
-Marathon, Texas-

Parker McBride
Misty Gray Misty Gray
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Parker remained silent, allowing her the moment of frustration. If there was one thing he knew about women, it was that he had a tendency to dig himself into holes. The fewer words tended to be the best path forward. Until, of course, they actually wanted to hear words. She seemed to be stuck in the middle. “We had a lot of those days.” He reiterated. It wasn’t that they didn’t matter; his memory was just suboptimal these days. It was probably the accident. He hadn’t been able to shake the brain fog since then, except in his few moments of clarity before another dose of medication. Though excruciatingly painful, memories that often felt restricted tended to come forward. The accident, his father, life before it all came crashing down like the Tower of Babel. He hated it.

So then, Miss Amber Williams, why is it you dragged me off the ranch, hmm?” His gaze had been fixated on the horizon, but he turned his attention to the woman in question. “What have you missed? He started, his tone escalating. “Well, I’m sure you’ve been dying to hear about how I was paralyzed for three months. Right?” His brow raised. Though he was angry, he wasn’t sure where the sudden outburst was coming from. All those months in Bozeman he hadn’t expected to spend his reunion with Amber, had he ever gotten the chance at one, shouting at her. Though fogged, his mind shouted against his body. Stop it, Parker! Stop pushing her away! His body physically stepped back from the truck, squaring himself in the view to berate her. “I’m sure you are just so sorry to hear about that accident. Just like everyone else. Everyone is sending their fucking condolences... But guess what? No one was there. I was fucking alone in that dirt, in a pile of my own tears and blood. My own parents were even late to the pity party!

Now that Amber had poked the bear, though he wanted to stop his outburst, Parker found it difficult to stop. He knew his words were hurtful in more ways than one. But he couldn't stop. “Oh wait, speaking of my parents, you’ve got to be dying to hear about my dad. Did you just drag me up here for me to tell you what the news is or what your dad left out? The fact that John sat with him for hours in that barn, unable to let go of him until the coroner had to pry him out of his hands? No, Amber, no, you fucking didn’t. That’s not what you want to hear!” When he snapped his head back to her, his sunglasses slid to the bridge of his nose and off his face, unaware he was exposing his dilated evergreen eyes.

You and I aren’t capable of a simple catch-up!” He pointed out. It was true: they either ended in shouting or kissing. Never an in-between. He wanted to look her in the eyes and see the truth of what she wanted with him. The look in her eyes said it all, at least how he saw it: disgust and disappointment. Just like everyone else who got to close to him recently. “So go on, Amber, let me fucking have it! Tell me again how awful I was to you. Give me that cruel smile of yours for forgetting the last time I stood here with the taste of you on my lips. Remind me how fucking stupid I was for leaving you crying five miles from town because I was to upset at myself for losing you.” The laundry list seemed to come out, years of issues swept under his rug. Except when the rug was pulled from under him in Bozeman, all the things that were tucked away couldn’t be ignored. “Give me that southpaw and march on home.” Parker seemed to fizzle out; the pain in his back crept up on him from the sudden outburst. He paused; the silence shared between them, if only a moment, felt a lifetime long. “Go on. Get it over with.” He sighed, frozen a few steps away from her.
 
The Calloway Residence
-Big Bend National Park, Texas-
Rhett Calloway
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Rhett chuckled at the suggestion for income; if only it were that simple. He stepped back from the doorway as the sheriff accepted his offer of coffee, evidently, this visit was important, even if he wasn’t in uniform. He led Tyler down the hall from the front of the house to the back where the kitchen opened to the living room and large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the national park behind. He noted that Emily had taken the kids outside, sliding the patio door closed behind her. She always seemed to know exactly what was needed at the exact moment it was needed. It was always a wonder and something he truly appreciated about her.

He left Tyler to settle wherever he felt most comfortable, turning to the counter to grab two generic white ceramic mugs off the mug tree - set aside specifically for company over the colourful ones his kids bought them endlessly for any holiday. Thankfully, this house was a well-caffeinated one and there was always a fresh, or nearly fresh, pot of coffee sitting on the percolator.

He poured two cups, setting the carafe back onto the heater then brought both to the centre island where the Sheriff took up post. Rhett was silent for a time, quietly contemplating what Tyler was offering. He wasn’t wrong; Rhett had been working with the McBride Patriarch until recently, and now with him gone…

Rhett set a small pitcher of cream on the counter, then slid a pot of sugar toward the Sherrif. His own coffee remained as it was; the bitterness a welcome friend. “I’ll be honest,” he said, setting his mug down and tapping the metal of his ring against the handle as he spoke. “Some of this feels like fishing, Sheriff.” He regarded the other man carefully but ultimately shook his head. “Thomas and I were in talks about him signing an agreement for conservatorship of the ranch, should it fall into financial ruin.” He raised a hand, waving off any idea that something had been formal. “We were a long way off of anything on paper but I felt like he was leaning my way; neither of us wanted to see the land get bought up by industry and residential expansion.” He sighed. “I’d appreciate a foot in the door to get back on that path with the new head of the McBrides if they’ll even listen to me.”

ReverseTex ReverseTex (Tyler)
 
The McBride Ranch
-Marathon, Texas-

Savannah McBride
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When their uncle Tom passed, Savannah didn’t waste a second packing up and heading to the family ranch in Marathon. She’d tried everything to get Dylan to come with her, but as usual and to no surprise, he wouldn’t budge. No matter how many times they went back and forth, she just couldn’t understand his problem with the place. He’d disliked the ranch since they were kids, always complaining about the country life, always wanting to stay at home in Austin, but to her, the ranch had always felt more like home. Some of her favorite memories were created here, playing on the ranch with her cousins, going on adventures with Amber and most importantly the good times with Elisa, her forever baby sister.

Near the end of her sister’s life, the ranch became a sanctuary for them—no needles, no tests, no doctors in white coats. Out there, Elisa got to just be a kid, running free and living like she was healthy, even if only for a little while. Those were the memories Savannah held onto the tightest. For years, they hurt too much to think about, and visiting the ranch felt unbearable. But now, it brought her comfort. It reminded her of Elisa’s laughter, the way the sun lit up her face, and the precious moments they shared—moments that, no matter how much time passed, would always be hers to keep.

While it was nice to be back in Marathon, Savannah wished it were under better circumstances. A thick fog of grief and shock settled over the ranch, creeping into every darkened corner, refusing to let go. The sorrow she carried for Elisa stirred up again, now tangled with the fresh heartbreak of Uncle Tom’s passing and the loss of the ranch hand just weeks before. It felt like some dark force had latched onto their little haven, and honestly, Savannah was exhausted from trying to hold it all together.

Navigating everyone else’s grief while dealing with her own was proving to be an impossible task. So this time, when she called Dylan, there was no pleading—just a firm demand laced with a few choice words. Enough was enough. He needed to be there. Their parents needed him to be there. The weight of loss was already unbearable; they didn’t need the added tension of father and son fighting hanging over them, too. Had Dylan not agreed to come down, Savannah was almost at the stage of driving back up to Austin, knocking him out and bringing him back to Marathon herself but thankfully her brother knew better than to say no to her and scheduled a flight for the following days.

****

"Love you, bro. See you soon." After hanging up, Savannah took a deep breath before stepping into the main room to check on her parents. She let them know Dylan was about an hour out, staying for a bit to talk before making her way outside. The guest ranch felt quieter than usual, the weight of recent events still lingering in the air, but she pushed past it, heading toward the stables to check on her horse, Buttercup.

As she walked, she found herself hoping she’d run into Zachary, the new vet. Partly because she wanted an update on Buttercup, but also… well, she wouldn’t mind getting to know him a little better. Luck was on her side. As she approached, she spotted him standing outside the stables.

"Howdy," she greeted with a small smile, falling into step beside him as they walked in. The moment he opened the stable door, Savannah went straight to Buttercup, running a gentle hand down her neck before her gaze landed on the bandage wrapped around her leg. Her stomach tensed slightly, but before she could spiral into worry, Zach assured her it wasn’t anything serious.

"Oh, thank god," she breathed, exhaling in relief. "You had me worried, Buttercup," she added, giving the horse an affectionate pat. Turning to Zach, she offered a warm smile. "Thank you so much," she said sincerely, before her lips curled into a smirk as he spoke to Buttercup. "Hear that, girl? We’ll be winning races again in no time," she teased, playing along, amusement dancing in her eyes.

Savannah gave Buttercup one last affectionate rub before stepping out of the stables with Zach. The heat hit her immediately, and she let out a small sigh. "Man, it's hot today," she muttered, shielding her eyes from the sun as they walked. Glancing over at Zach, she added, "I hope they don't have you working too late in this weather." She turned toward him, curiosity sparking in her expression. "How are you finding the ranch anyway?"


***********
Int;-
Misty Gray Misty Gray - Zachary

Mentions;-
Jennifer (moi)
Edward
Dylan
 
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Around Marathon
- Marathon, Texas -

Amber Williams

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Amber looked expectantly at Parker when he finally seemed willing to answer her question about what she'd missed. However, it soon became apparent in his tone that he wasn't exactly about to be kind in his response. She frowned as he took on a hostile attitude accusing her of being dying to know about his accident. When he stood in her view, it felt like like he was telling her off. Not quite the same way Christian would do, but it wasn't pleasant, nonetheless.

Maybe he was sick of people's sympathy about his accident and losing his father, but she felt he was being out of order snapping at her the way he was. She remained seated and stunned as his tirade went on, alluding to how Jack had found Tom dead. And then, he shifted the topic onto how he'd treated her years ago, adding yet more fuel to the fire that was igniting inside of her. When he finally stopped and opened the floor for her to speak, she took a deep breath she hadn't realised she'd been holding in.

"Very well..." she distantly began, turning her head away for a time and instead looking out into the distance. "I don't think anyone needs to attend your pity party. You've filled that venue all by yourself!" she snapped, turning back back to look at him head on. "You know, it's just common human decency to show concern, about someone who's grieving or someone who's had an accident. Of course I'd ask you about it all. What kind of person do you think I am that I wouldn't ask?! And as much as I want to punch you right now, I'm not marching all the fucking way back home now. Fuck that!" she scoffed back at him. She'd known Tom, mostly from when she was dating Parker, but now she couldn't express her own sympathy about the man's death.

"Yes, you were awful! Is that really what you want to hear?" she rhetorically asked him. "I only saw what you let me see and even now you won't let me see everything. Would it hurt to open up even just a little? When have I ever coddled you or anyone else with sympathy? I don't know what you've been through with the accident and how it's affected your life now. And if you don't want me to know, then I won't force you to tell me. But don't talk to me like I've never lost anyone. Like I don't know grief," she told him as she stood up, now facing him more directly. "I can get back in the truck and you can take me home right now, and I will leaver you in peace. Or, you can put those walls down for once, give me a fucking hug, and we'll take it from there. Either way, I'm not punching you. It's not as satisfying when I've been given permission to do it!"

ReverseTex ReverseTex (Parker)
 
The McBride Ranch
- Marathon, Texas -

BeyondDandy BeyondDandy


Jack McBride
Jack and Dean sat side by side on the tailgate of a pickup truck, their faces turned toward the morning sun and the cattle herd that moved across the plain below them, the long shadows of the beasts seemingly rippling across the rocky ground. Around them, their shouts echoing up to the two men, rode the ranch hands. Cattle dogs nipped in and out of the herd, darting beneath the horses. On any other day it might have brought a joy to Jacks heart but now all he could see was financial disaster.

He had read the family accounts, fully accessible to him now hat he had inherited the whole thing. Initially, when he'd found out he was getting the lot he'd felt bad for his brothers, it would have only been fair for them to get a portion. But after learning how bad things were, he didn't want to saddle them with anything more. Parker was still struggling with his injury and Carson, well, his income was tied to the ranch so it was unlikely he had a secret fund to bail them out. It was a right shitty situation.

The brief talk he had had with his mother didn't fill him with much hope either. She was obviously deep in her own grief and he got the sense dad hadn't really been honest with her about everything either. The brutal truth was they would have to come up with cash quick or come January, when the tax-man wanted his chunk of things, it was going to get ugly real quick.

"We're in a bad way." Jack said, referring to the folder he had handed Dean. The other man likely had some idea how bad the situation was for the ranch, or perhaps he pretended he didn't, but Jack was new to the information and not totally thrilled about it. If Dean had known then this was going to get a bit awkward, but the truth was there wasn't much they could do now but adapt and overcome.

Edward will finally get his way, I'm sure he'll be thrilled. Jack thought bitterly and then felt a small flush of shame at the thought. His uncle had been trying to warn them about this for a long time and no one, Jack included, had really listened to him. Hopefully he would be graceful in victory when Jack admitted that things were as bad, if not worse, than Edward had told him. He doubted the older man would gloat. Dad has been his brother after all and for all their differences they had been close and kept the family in touch.

Either way, it was going to be a tough few months and Jack could see very few bright spots on the horizon.
 
The McBride Ranch
-Marathon, Texas-

Adelaide McBride
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The ranch felt different without Tom. The land still stretched endlessly beneath the wide October sky, the cattle still roamed, and the wind still carried the scent of hay and dust—but the heart of it was gone. It had been nearly three weeks since she found herself standing in the kitchen, waiting for footsteps that never came. Since her son had stumbled into the house, his face pale, his voice shaking as he told her that Tom was gone. Just like that. One moment, he was here—grumbling about the damn fence posts needing replacing, drinking his morning coffee, running his calloused hand down her back as he passed by—and the next, he was nothing but a memory.

Adelaide kept going because she had to. Because her boys needed her. Because the ranch didn’t stop for grief. But in the quiet moments, when there was no one to be strong for, she felt it—deep and hollow, an ache so consuming she thought it might swallow her whole. First her son’s accident, then the ranch hand, and now Tom. It was as if death had settled over their land like a storm cloud that refused to break. She exhaled shakily, rubbing at her tired eyes before stepping out onto the porch. The sky was a pale, endless blue, the kind of afternoon Tom used to love—the kind where the sun hung high, casting long shadows across the dry, cracked earth. He’d always call her over during moments like this, pointing out a hawk soaring overhead or the way the heat made the horizon shimmer like water. But today, there was no call. No warm hand resting on the small of her back. Just the hum of cicadas, the distant lowing of cattle, and the crushing, unbearable silence he left behind.

The house was never empty—not these days. Her sons, the ranch hands, family dropping by, neighbors bringing food and condolences—there was always someone around. And yet, Adelaide had never felt so alone. Grief had a way of making the world feel distant, even when people were right beside her. She knew she’d been pulling away, retreating into herself when she thought no one was looking, and maybe that was why her sister-in-law and daughter-in-law had decided to come over tonight. A “wine night,” they called it, but Adelaide knew it wasn’t really about the wine. They were worried about her, probably afraid she was getting lost in her own sorrow. She was grateful, she really was, but she wasn’t sure how long she could keep the façade up, to keep the mask so securely in place and be anything other than this quiet, empty version of herself that had been left behind in Tom’s absence.

Adelaide took a slow, steady breath as she drained the last sip of her coffee, her gaze fixed on the horizon. The land stretched out before her, unchanged, as if the world hadn’t shifted beneath her feet. As if Tom hadn’t been taken from it. Her fingers tightened around the empty mug, and she let out a quiet sigh. "I miss you," she murmured, her voice barely more than a whisper, letting the wind carry the words away with the belief that her words would make it to him.

For a moment, she let herself linger there, lost in the aching silence. Then, with another deep inhale, she straightened her shoulders and stepped back inside. By the time she reached the kitchen, the mask was already in place—the practiced expression of someone holding it together, even when she felt like she was unraveling. Moving on instinct, she grabbed three wine glasses from the press and set them on the counter before reaching for the chilled bottle of white in the fridge. The familiar motions steadied her, gave her something to do. She poured herself a glass first, taking a slow sip as she leaned against the counter, listening to the quiet as she waited for the girls to arrive.

*********
Int;-

Pagemaster Pagemaster - Jessica
 

Around Marathon
-Marathon, Texas-

Parker McBride
Misty Gray Misty Gray

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The need for Amber’s hit to snap him out of his state felt necessary. He deserved it. Maybe the physical sensation could break him out of this damn spell. So he thought. However, Parker quickly realized Amber’s words hurt more than her fist ever could. He had been ready to absorb the hit, let her go about her day, and deal with his own disappointment privately. Except she didn’t allow him that. No, he had to face the music. Once Amber’s tirade was directed more at his inaction, he crossed his arms defensively. The mention of her own grief, knowingly from her mother, caused his lip to furrow. Not out of discontent, rather disappointment in himself. He knew better than to complain about that sort of thing.

She had a point: Parker was definitely guarded once you got past his bubbly charisma and upbeat mask. Why should he share himself? Who actually cared? Considering no one was there for him until a day after the accident, why should he expect to share how he felt? His whole life he was always a second thought. To the ranch, to his brothers, and to the rest of the family. He was always passed over, shrugged off, and set aside. Now all of a sudden, years later, Amber cared? Or was the real question more his fault: did she ever stop caring and he never noticed?

Once again, Parker was at war with himself. With Amber posed below him, his gaze trailed to meet her own. It was hard to focus on her; his mind wanting to let her in, but his body was still physically closed off With crossed arms, he could feel how tightly he’d been clutching himself. Had he squeezed much harder, he might agitate his back Parker made a move to step back… Until she commented about satisfaction. Hitting him wouldn’t satisfy her. Then what would? If she wasn’t going to hit him, then what did she want? Did she really want to hear him? How could someone want to simply just listen to him? It’s not like what he had to say was important or even a joy to listen to. It was quite the opposite. But here Amber Williams stood, barking up yet another tree.

Before she could continue, he did exactly what he was told, a rare thing for him. Parker engulfed Amber in a hug without a single word, resting his chin atop her head. The way she puzzle-pieced herself into his frame ignited a warmth he hadn’t felt in quite some time. “You’re right, Amber. You always are…” He sighed, allowing himself the peace of this moment. The duel in his head seemed to stop, and the fog began to lift. “I’m sorry. For all of it.” Though simply put, his words held the weight he bore for all the years lost between them.

I’m fucked, Amber. I feel like I’m in the deep end; I can’t keep my head above water…” Parker tried to explain, keeping himself firmly planted in her arms. “I don’t want to push you away. That’s the last thing I want. But it's the only thing I know what to do to keep you safe from me.” He let her out of his arms for a moment, pushing her away to stare directly at her, though keeping his firm hands around her shoulders. “There’s a lot I’m not able to say or be right now… I’m half the man I used to be, and I’m not even sure I’ll see that version of myself again.” Somehow, Parker was managing to find the words he wanted to say all along. Though leaving out the gruesome truths, if Amber wanted to hear them, he’d tell her as well. “I just want you to be happy, and I’m the furthest thing from that these days.” Once more, Parker pulled in his lifeline for another life-saving hug. He loved nestling his chin on her head; just the sensation she gave him was almost enough to put a genuine smile on his face. Not of masked happiness or a forced smile. One he truly meant.



The Calloway Residence
-Big Bend National Park, Texas-
NanLia NanLia

Sheriff Tyler Williams
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Tyler nodded, sympathetic to Rhett’s pining concern. “I hate it too.” He dryly remarked. When he first moved to Marathon, close to Rhett’s age, he hated how the small town depended on the McBrides to steer the ship. It seemed when the ranch was prosperous, the town was prosperous. And when things got bad, well, the town suffered as a result. At first, Tyler tried to work past this phenomenon. He expected a firm lawman’s hand could solve the underlying problems. Over the years, he was sorely mistaken. While he never bowed to anyone, he learned how to coexist with the family. Had Amber not been so involved in their doings, then perhaps things would’ve shaken out differently.

You ought to meet with Jack McBride, or at least his wife.” Tyler mentioned. “He’s quite the hardhead at times, but I think you two could get on well.” He added. With the current state of the ranch, he wasn’t sure where the family stood on what was going to happen to it all. At least, how he saw things, it was simply to costly to maintain such a large property. Though he knew pride got in the way of reason at times, and he assumed there were likely disagreements on what was going to happen to it all. Ultimately, it would be up to Tom’s wife and eldest son to steer the ship. And with the upcoming holidays, he figured it wouldn’t be smooth sailing. "Considering he's running things these days, he could put you in contact with their head of operations as well."

Parker McBride, the middle boy, isn’t involved as much. He’d be a waste of your effort.” His own personal bias was inflicted in his remark, though true. Parker had no real weight to his actions, especially when it came to ranch matters. He was to busy keeping his nose in the pills and his mind in the past. Tyler sighed at the thought, remembering Amber was with the young man as they spoke.

Tom’s brother, Edward, could also be an option. I don’t know him well, but he’s been held up on the ranch the last few months since Parker McBride’s bull riding accident. I know Tom trusted his advice… But he’s just an unknown variable at this point. So I’d err on the side of caution.” He explained. “Amber is good friends with his daughter, but that’s all I know.” With a shrug, he took a sip of coffee. “You’ve certainly got an opportunity here, Rhett, and I wouldn’t let it go to waste.” Tyler added. “You’ve just got to be ready to deal with the storm that follows the McBride’s… A dead ranch hand, now Thomas? It could be foul play; you never know.” Though both deaths were ruled as accidents, his investigator brain never truly rested on that fact. Whether it was a punishment from God or simply greed at play, Tyler was simply weary of all things McBride. He knew the importance of this deal to Rhett and the park, but the man had a younger family and wife to protect. Doing any sort of business with the McBride family jeporized their safety, whether he knew it or not.

 
Around Marathon
- Marathon, Texas -

Amber Williams

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When Parker gave in and hugged her, Amber was glad he'd made that decision rather than push her away. From their interaction so far, she imagined he'd been pushing others away, either directly or just by not opening up to them at all. She knew that was unhealthy and he couldn't keep dragging himself down that dark path. They hadn't spent time together in years, but when Parker pulled her into an embrace, Amber wrapped her arms around him in return and everything felt just as natural as it had years ago.

When he told her she was right, Amber didn't respond in her usual deadpan tone about never being wrong, instead letting him have the moment. "It's okay," she softly replied when he apologised to her for everything.

She listened when he expressed his turmoil, telling her how much her was struggling. She gently rubbed his back as they maintained the embrace. When he told her he didn't want to push her away but instead wanted to keep her safe, she lightly shook her head beneath his hold. "Then don't push me away," she firmly asserted.

Parker released her from the hug for a moment, the two of them meeting each others' stares. "You're still you, Parker. You've just been through a lot, all at once, and it's understandable it's had a big effect on you." When he went on to say he wanted to be happy, she nodded along before he pulled her in for another hug.

After a short time of silence, Amber broke away from the embrace, but remained standing close to Parker and resting her hand on his shoulder. "Thank you for opening up to me. You're struggling and that's to be expected. You're unhappy and unsure who you are right now, but I think that's normal considering what you've been through lately." She lightly shrugged. "I'm capable of protecting myself, so don't worry about trying to keep me safe. Hell, my dad will arrest you if I tell him to," she briefly joked. "But Parker. You said there's a lot you're not able to say or be. Why not? You can tell me anything, okay?" she encouraged him.

ReverseTex ReverseTex (Parker)


The McBride Ranch
-Marathon, Texas-

Zachary Johnson

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Zach's gaze on Savannah had lingered for a time as she displayed genuine relief and affection towards the horse. He had great respect for anyone who treated animals well and regarded them as conscious, living beings. Over the years, he'd witnessed not only cruelty towards animals but simply people treating them like tools; mere objects. He tried not to judge people too harshly, but anyone who showed contempt or dislike towards animals certainly left him with a bad taste in his mouth. "I would very much like to watch Buttercup win those races. I'm sure she's capable!" he played along with Savannah.

Once they'd left Buttercup in the stables and returned outside, Zach adjusted his hat and removed his gloves, shoving them into his back trouser pockets. He softly smiled as he heard her sigh at the heat. "It's going to be just as hot for the coming days, I'm afraid," he told her. Noticing her shield her eyes, he naturally changed their direction slightly so she could turn her back to the sun. "You're welcome to borrow my sunglasses, if you want?" he offered her, moving to remove them from their hanging position on his breast pocket.

With her concerns about the McBrides working him too late, he quickly shook his head. "My day is just about done. Unless there's an emergency, of course," he told her. "It's never too much trouble, either way," he added, clearly finding enjoyment in his work. "I like it here. The McBrides and everyone else are all really welcoming. The place is beautiful too. Once the temperature drops a little more today, I'll be taking Apollo - my dog - for a walk to see what else I can discover on our daily exploration," he said, a fond smile lingering on his face.

"How about you? I understand you live in Austin?" he asked. "Are you enjoying being back at the ranch? I haven't been to Austin yet, but I spent a few years studying in Dallas. The cities are very different from here and have their own advantages. But I don't think they can even compete with a beautiful place like this." Zach wasn't naïve and he knew the McBrides were in some kind of financial trouble, but it was all out of his hands. He wasn't one to fret over things that were out of his control. He was content to keep doing his part in caring for the animals and help the McBrides wherever else he could.

neverbackdown neverbackdown (Savannah)


The McBride Ranch
-Marathon, Texas-

Edward McBride

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Edward looked at Dylan and nodded in understanding at his son's assessment of the desolate land making him feel alone. "I understand that too. For me, the hustle and bustle of the city makes it easier to find peace. Primarily because there's so many distractions and deadlines that I don't get time to dwell on how I'm really feeling. Or to fixate on what is lost," he pointed out. "But I suppose it's not healthy to ignore those feelings all of the time. You can only paint over it all for so long but the cracks will always show. And, as I've learned in my brother's case, the cracks here are more like gaping sinkholes," he said of the ranch finances.

Edward let out a sigh. "You are doing a good job, Dylan. It's exactly how we have to operate in our line of work. But this one is about our family and you're right, you did show a lack of empathy for them. Not only in your words about Parker, but the general insensitivity towards this ranch and how our family feels about it." Though he kept his voice calm so this remained a civil conversation, Edward wasn't going to change his stance on it. "They won't sell because this has been in our family for so long - sentimentality. Not to mention being set in their ways. There's the need to preserve this land and its natural beauty. We see the potential to solve the financial troubles and bring some life into parts of this desolate land. Other see it being ruined by soulless capitalist corporations. I can see their point of view, but soon enough our family will have no choice in the matter - along with no money. We both know it makes sense to sell a portion of it, but this is our family, so we have to approach it more sensitively than with others. Perhaps I'm sentimental now too, but I'm not willing to trample over them the way I would with others." He then looked out ahead again. "And I have to find a way to live with myself if those last memories of Elisa will only exist in our memories, should the view in front of us drastically change."

Edward turned back to look Dylan in the eyes. "I know you're trying to be helpful. And you're doing your job exactly as I always wanted you to. This particular acquisition is complicated on account of the fact it will always be personal." He lightly shrugged his shoulders. "We could easily force their hands, pull them away from financial ruin, and return to the board with results, but I'm not sure even I can be that ruthless against my own family."

ReverseTex ReverseTex (Dylan)
 
The McBride Ranch
- Marathon, Texas -

neverbackdown neverbackdown

Jessica McBride

Tom had once told her, in private, that he respected her above all others. Of all of them she had travelled the world, served her country - come home with a medal to boot - and begun a family in his little corner of heaven. Marathon had been hard for her to love at first, having moved from the vast reaches of the Canadian West with its towering mountains and deep pine forests. She had never forgotten that smell and she promised herself that one day she and Rowan, and Jack whether he wanted to or not, would go back to see the place she had grown up.

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There was a different beauty here, a vast sky that seemed to have no limit as it shifted through various shades of blue, pink, and in the far distance, deep blue and black. You felt free here, like you could run forever and never have to face your problems. The mountains were little more than hills but when you crested them and looked into the distance with not a house or vehicle to be seen, it was truly something amazing. She went riding most days before the baby, these days it was more a battle of not snapping her crayons on someone because she hadn't slept well, and trying to get her stomach back under control. She'd put on weight over the pregnancy and it was proving far more difficult to get rid of than it had been to put on. Why on earth anyone would do this more than once was beyond her.

Babysitters were hard to come by, but she had managed to find a teenage girl from town, some distant relation to the family , who would drive up the Ranch on occasion for $20 an hour to look after Rowan. $20 an hour seemed like a rip-off considering her own first job had paid $7.30 an hour. Still, the break was worth it and with Jack out and about with Dean, Parker off goodness knows where, and Carson in the wind, there was no other option. She felt a tear prick the corner of her eye as she thought of Tom at that moment, he had always been happy to take Rowan on a moments notice and the little girl had loved him. It was a small mercy she was to young to realize he was gone forever.

She gave the baby a kiss, waved to the sitter, and stepped out into the courtyard. Her slippered feet made no noise as she crossed to the gust house. The water fountain burbled happily, a comforting sound, and she ducked involuntarily as a bee that needed a license plate droned past her head. She knocked as she pushed open the door and heard Adelaide call out from the kitchen. She took a moment to compose herself before walking into the kitchen and greeting the older woman with a hug.

"I'm so sorry Adelaide" She said, as she had several times before. Grief was hard, other peoples even more so. "The boys out?" She asked, referring to Edward and Dylan.
 

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