The Ranger (Rocky Mountain Gothic Book 1) by Chad Lehrmann

Author:Chad Lehrmann [Lehrmann, Chad]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Didactic Cafe Press
Published: 2024-04-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

Ben watched an entirely new dynamic unfold before him as the Windsors began to share all their grievances with the rich and privileged of the Eden Falls Valley.

After Todd and Dell had been picked up by Boulder County Sheriff Deputies, Walt had suggested he and Ben have a chat with the Windsors. Walt confided that he wanted to see for himself the suddenly eloquent Big Red Windsor.

And the giant didn’t disappoint.

While he debated the finer points of cultural and class warfare, the two lesser intellects supported him in choruses of “Uh huh,” and “You tell ’em, cuz,” like some old-time revival preacher when the Holy Spirit fell on the congregation.

At that moment, Red was going on about what he called ‘longevity rights.’

“-you see, we have been on that land for generations, we have the right to do what we want with it, regardless of new laws and legislations.” He was not angry, not loud, but he was adamant. “Our family’s possession of the land predates the founding of Colorado as a state, let alone old Teddy Roosevelt and his National Park and that ridiculous law you folks keep citing.”

“Amen, cuz,” moaned Zeke.

Walt had a bemused look on his face. “You got your doctorate in geology, right?”

Red nodded. “Geological engineering, to be exact.”

“Right, because it clearly wasn’t law or history,” Walt said with just a hint of sarcasm. “You see, possession of land does not mean you get ‘grandfathered’ in before new laws get passed. And there is no such thing as ‘longevity rights.’ And Theodore- he hated ‘Teddy-’ wasn’t the one that put RMNP up. It was set up in 1915, and TR hadn’t been president since 1908. He did create the National Parks, just not this one. That was under Wilson. Kinda thought Remmy would have cleared that one up for you.”

“Wilson, huh?” Red said with a sneer. “Figures. Democrat.”

“Yeah, stupid DemoRats,” Nigel chuckled.

“Not a fan of liberals?” Ben asked.

“We are liberals!” Nigel protested angrily. “Certainly ain’t no citified Democrat.”

“Nigel, you moron,” Red said loudly. “We aren’t liberals, we’re Libertarians.”

“Librarians?” Zeke asked, genuinely confused.

Red dropped his head and shook it in shame. “Don’t worry agents, they don’t vote.”

Walt chuckled. “Look, I have to admit, I’ve enjoyed chatting with you, but we do need to ask some questions about Quentin Fletcher and Horatio Bethea. What connection between them are you aware of?”

“None,” Red said. “Fletcher wanted the land, and I’ve not heard of Bethea. Not until you said his name.”

“So, no one else was trying to buy your land?” Ben asked.

“I didn’t say that.”

Ben was not as patient as Walt was, so he pressed. “Don’t be cute. Who else wanted to buy it, then?”

Red smiled. “No one ever accused me of being cute before. Look, you may be a city boy, but I do feel like you’re trying to give us a fair shake. Fellow that came to look around about a week after Fletcher first came around was about forty, dark hair. Said to call him Stone.”

“No first name? No title?” Walt asked, making a note.

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