Despite All Odds

Yes, despite all odds, our Irish street rat has managed to stay alive AND father a child. One can only imagine what life for that child is going to be like in their home.

Oh, wait, you don’t have to imagine. I’ll be very happy to tell you.

Shall we?

a Proud Papa

I admit it, I’m a bit biased, but I gotta tell ya, my daughter Jade is easily the most beautiful child in the world. Take that to the bank, my friends, and deposit it for all time. She’s been home a week now, and I never get tired of looking at her, smiling up at me, reaching her arms out, hell, even her drooling is adorable, you know what I mean? Well, if you’re a parent then yes, you have a clue.

I took the week off from work to help Genna around the house, her resting up from giving birth, but I suspect it’s time for me to return to the ranch and start making a living again. The first clue that it’s time came from Genna last night.

“You need to go back to work, Billy. You’re driving me crazy around here.”

Genna and the word “subtle” will never be used in the same sentence. And she wasn’t done.

“Don’t change who you are, Billy. You help people. You care about friends. Don’t ever stop being that way. I know it’s dangerous, and I know there’s a risk, but you’re a good man and I love you for it. So all I’m asking is you be careful and come home every night to Jade and me, and the key phrase there is ‘come home’ which requires you to leave.”

I damn near tear up thinking about her words. Me? A good man? And she says it knowing I’ve killed and will kill again.

I’ve heard those words before from Paula, a hooker I knew intimately back in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York. I pictured her standing with Mindi, her protégé, on Fourth Ave, her auburn hair flowing to her shoulders, the devilish smile on a thirty-nine year old face that defies aging, slightly crooked nose, broken once by a pimp when she was thirty, the shapely legs attached to world-class ass, a great package of womanhood and my friend. At one time she’d been a banker, living the dream with a real estate developer husband and a big home in the Big Easy. Then the dream busted as the husband cheated on her, stole from her and disappeared from her in an attempt to beat a tax fraud charge, leaving her without a pot to piss in as the Feds confiscated everything, leaving her shaking her tail just to pay the rent for a third-floor walkup.

Anyway, one night when we were sharing a bed, she told me I was a good man, one of the few in the Heights she trusted and that was saying quite a bit.

“You’re just an Irish mutt, Billy the Kid, but you’re as trustworthy as the day is long and I’m glad to call you a friend.”

The last time I saw Paula, Genna and me were hightailing it out of town, me having just killed Ivan, the Russian crime boss. I had Genna stop the car so I could say goodbye to Paula and Mindi. At that time I told Paula if she ever needed me, if she was ever in shit too deep to handle, to put an ad in the Personals section of the Post. Have the ad read “Billy the Kid rides again,” I told her, and I’d be there for her.

That was the last time I was in New York.

Back to Work

The next day was a Monday so I kissed Genna, kissed Jade and fired up the Ford pickup. It was time to go back to work and give Genna some peace.

The tourists were thinning out as the summer rush was over and fall descended on the area surrounding Jackson, Wyoming. The Snake River, shallow and pure, sparkled in the early morning sunlight as I drove the road to work. A herd of elk mingled with deer off on my right, grazing in a pastoral setting, peaceful and yet always on guard for the predators hiding in the shadows of the nearby forest. A bald eagle screeched from above, gliding on the air currents then suddenly diving to the valley, snatching a rabbit and once again soaring. Three antelope broke cover and hopped across the road ahead, there one second, gone the next. This was now my home and I loved it as much as I once loved the concrete jungle of New York.

I stopped at a convenience store and picked up a pre-made sandwich and fruit for lunch, filled up my thermos with good, hot, blacker-than-tar coffee and picked up a newspaper to read during my break. The bill came to eight-fifty, a ten took care of it, and fifteen minutes later I was saying hi to Matt Stairs, my boss and friend at the Circle T Ranch.

“Bobby Fix-It, how goes it, man? How are Genna and that beautiful daughter of yours?”

I’d done a fix-it job for Matt awhile back, snatched his younger sister, Maria, away from a religious cult where she was held against her will and gang-raped. Needless to say he was pretty grateful, and ever since Jade was born, Matt was bending over backwards to help us and spoil Genna and the baby. So was his sister, who was running out of the house towards me, a big grin on her face. She was in therapy now, and judging from the smile I was looking at, therapy was doing her some good.

“Bobby,” she yelled, and gave me a big old hug. “When are you going to let me babysit that beautiful daughter of yours? You have a babysitter for life, you know, and you and Genna need a night out soon, don’t you think?”

I answered all their questions about Genna and Jade, promised Maria she could see the baby sometime that week and then hopped on the four-wheeler to begin inspecting the fence line to make sure there were no weak spots with winter coming. Winter comes early and quickly to the Rocky Mountains, and preparing in late September was just the smart thing to do. Many a rancher had been caught with his pants down as an October blizzard left him feeling helpless and small. Matt was too smart to let that happen.

Lunch Break and a Flash from the Past

I stopped at noon for lunch. The temperature was still mild, a deceiving bitch for sure, so I grabbed my sack lunch, thermos and newspaper and found a spot by the creek where I could enjoy some solitude. The sky was transitioning from cobalt blue to battleship gray as clouds rolled in from the west, and as I ate my sandwich a breeze kicked up, a harbinger of things to come.

I opened the Post and read about the ills of the Yankees as the post-season would elude them for the second straight year. In football, the Giants were promising and the Jets were not. The local section told me crime was reportedly down in the Heights , but I knew from experience that percentages were deceptive and statistics could be made to tell you anything you wanted to hear. The cops wouldn’t go near the Heights at night, so if a mugging happened and nobody reported it, did it happen? If there was a rape and no cop wrote an incident report, would it show up in those statistics? It’s the falling tree in a deaf forest sort of riddle.

Finally I turned to the Classifieds, as I did every single day, checked the Personals and the third one from the top sent a shiver down my spine. “Billy the Kid rides again” stared back at me from the page.

Paula was in trouble!

My past had returned.

And That, Sadly, Is Where I’ll Have to End This Series

But Billy the Kid will ride again, for sure, in his novellas. This particular story, with Paula in trouble back in New York, is the basis for my next novella, “Home is a Dangerous Place.” If you have enjoyed the Billy the Kid short stories I invite you to continue to follow Billy in my novellas.

Will Billy return to HubPages? I never say never. From time to time he might reappear, just to give you a taste of his life in the novellas.

I want to thank you all for following along all of these weeks. Billy and Genna thank you as well. I hope you’ve enjoyed this series as much as I enjoyed writing it. Hopefully, for me, you found enough enjoyment in this series that you’ll buy the novellas as they are published, but even if you don’t, I greatly appreciate you following along these past few months.

Thank you!

2016 William D. Holland (aka billybuc)

Comments

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on June 09, 2016:

Well thank you very much, Sha! The new book will be out next week and then we'll find out if this was an effective tool or not...but thanks for your encouragement.

Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on June 09, 2016:

That's a helluva cliff-hanger, Bill! What a brilliant way to transition from an HP short story series to for-purchase novellas. This has to be the most effective marketing tool you've used yet. Way to go!

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on June 06, 2016:

Thank you Manatita. You are correct, I am at home with this type of writing. Thank you for saying that.

manatita44 from london on June 05, 2016:

Ah! Good things always come to an end. Sure enough we'll meet again, I'm sure, Bobby/Billy and I. An awesome series with some of your best writing. You're so much at home here. Excellent craftsmanship!

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on May 30, 2016:

Always leave them wanting more...the first rule of fiction. Thanks so much, Shannon! I appreciate you.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on May 30, 2016:

Thank you very much, Larry!

Shannon Henry from Texas on May 29, 2016:

Well, that's one hell of a way to end. I just finally caught up and there.you go again leaving me hanging! LOL

Larry Rankin on May 29, 2016:

Another awesome installment.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on May 28, 2016:

Thank you Ann! The imagination comes from being a quiet, solitude child, I think. Many hours spent inside my own head. LOL

I hope you're having a marvelous weekend.

bill

Ann Carr from SW England on May 27, 2016:

I for one have greatly enjoyed these stories, bill. You have an imagination surpassing many I think. I hope to read your collection of these sometime; when I have more time of my own!

Congratulations on the success of this series too.

Off to read the rest I've missed.

Ann

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on May 23, 2016:

Deb, it's funny how old memories trigger shivers like that. Thanks my friend.

Deb Hirt on May 21, 2016:

I guess I got that shiver that Paula needed The Man before the statement was made. Must be my upbringing, too.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on May 14, 2016:

Thank you Frank! I do love this character. He is so much fun to manipulate around a page.

Frank Atanacio from Shelton on May 14, 2016:

You really do know how to fill up a page with journal type entries... makes it fun to follow.. Bobby fix it.. is worth the visit.. even late..:)

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on May 12, 2016:

Thank you so much, Missy. The convenience store scene is one I did on purpose. I have a tendency to get wrapped up in the plot and forget to describe the scene, and I think it's important to do so...so you noticing that was important to me.

Missy Smith from Florida on May 12, 2016:

I was excited to be introduced to Paula in this installment as I knew it would bring more excitement. I also like the details you put in of Billy's normal routine day; stopping by the store to get a ready-made sandwich and filling up his thermos with coffee (black) I mean, I see the scenes, I smell the coffee, and I think it just reminds us all that the little most simplistic things in life are most important. As always, I loved it and can't wait to read the next installment. ~Missy

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on May 09, 2016:

I'm glad, Zulma. I'll be gentle. :)

Zulma Burgos-Dudgeon from United Kingdom on May 09, 2016:

'Killing you softly...' (hee-hee) I like that.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on May 09, 2016:

Thank you Vellur. I truly do appreciate it very much.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on May 09, 2016:

Genna, you are too kind to buy my books. Thank you! I hope to never disappoint you. I'll work hard so that does not happen.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on May 09, 2016:

I am a devil, Zulma, but with a kind heart. I'm killing you softly with my words. LOL Thanks for making me chuckle this Monday morning.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on May 08, 2016:

Thank you Rajan! I'm so glad everyone enjoyed this series.

Nithya Venkat from Dubai on May 08, 2016:

Great story, from the beginning to the end I enjoyed following this series. Looking forward to when Billy the Kid Chronicles will start again.

Genna East from Massachusetts, USA on May 07, 2016:

I'm like a kid with this series...I always look forward to an e-mail from HP about "Bobby Fix-it." Oh, goody! :-) I was wondering if the arrival of Jade would change our beloved equalizer. But Genna said it sagely and well: “Don’t change who you are, Billy. You help people. You care about friends. Don’t ever stop being that way. I know it’s dangerous, and I know there’s a risk, but you’re a good man and I love you for it. So all I’m asking is you be careful and come home every night to Jade and me, and the key phrase there is ‘come home’ which requires you to leave.” I was also pleased to read: "This was now my home and I loved it as much as I once loved the concrete jungle of New York," and how he has made life-long friends in beautiful Jackson. The fact that his friend, Paula, back in NY is now in trouble opens the door to his past, and another adventure. Having just finished, Shadows, I look forward to buying the novellas about our beloved Billy.

Zulma Burgos-Dudgeon from United Kingdom on May 07, 2016:

Oh, you are a devil, Bill. You get us all hooked on Billy/Bob then pull the plug. Clever...very clever. Right, I guess I'll be buying your novellas soon than I had planned on. I'll have to power through 'Bleak House' as best I can.

Truthfully, I saw that ad coming a mile away. You didn't so much as foreshadow as hit us over the head with it. lol I'm looking forward to reading about his latest adventure.

Rajan Singh Jolly from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on May 07, 2016:

Just when I thought we were in for some more excitement, the Billy the kid chronicles come to an end. What a look forward to series this has been Bill. Thanks for sharing these chapters from his life and I wish your novella all the very best.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on May 06, 2016:

Thank you Dora and I'll give Billy your message.

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on May 05, 2016:

There's a lot o' good in Billy. Both Genna and Jade bring out his best. I wish him and his family the best, going forward.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on May 05, 2016:

I really appreciate you following along, Alicia. It means a great deal to me.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on May 05, 2016:

Thank you so much, Bill! Happy Thursday to you!

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on May 05, 2016:

Ruby, Bobby is on his way as we speak. That's my job today, to get him to New York!

Thank you for enjoying this so much.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on May 05, 2016:

The credo of a mystery writer, Rasma: always leave them wanting more. Thank you!

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on May 05, 2016:

Thank you Bill! I greatly appreciate it, my friend.

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on May 04, 2016:

This is a great way to end the series, Bill. Thanks for sharing the story with us.

Bill De Giulio from Massachusetts on May 04, 2016:

Hi Bill. Love the twists and turns of this. Great job.

Ruby Jean Richert from Southern Illinois on May 04, 2016:

I don't think I need to tell you how much I've enjoyed this story. I love it, and I will miss it. Poor Paula, she needs your help. Go fix it Bobby!

Gypsy Rose Lee from Daytona Beach, Florida on May 04, 2016:

Wonderfully done. Great way to end things. Always leave them wanting more.

William Leverne Smith from Hollister, MO on May 04, 2016:

Great job, you always live up to expectations! Thanks for that! ;-)

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on May 04, 2016:

Shyron, Billy has a ton of faults, but loyalty is not one of them. I will say that Genna is a saint to put up with him.

blessings my friend.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on May 04, 2016:

Well, Lori, I appreciate you stopping by.....blessings to you always.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on May 04, 2016:

Ahh, Linda, great question. Maybe I'll have to explore that at a later date in one of the novellas. Thanks for the thought and for always being here.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on May 04, 2016:

That means a great deal to me, Pop. Thank you so much.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on May 04, 2016:

Good afternoon, Buildreps. I appreciate your kind words and I hope your day was everything you wanted it to be.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on May 04, 2016:

MizB, you speak the truth. Let's hope Billy gets smarter with age....although somehow I doubt he will. :) Thanks a ton, my friend.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on May 04, 2016:

Janine, talk about loyal....Billy could take a page from your book. Thanks for always being here.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on May 04, 2016:

Eric, thanks a ton for following along. I appreciate loyalty as much as Billy does.

Shyron E Shenko from Texas on May 04, 2016:

Bill, I think we got an inkling of what was to come when Bobby/Billy was thinking about Paula and how he told her to put the ad in the paper. Just hope it is not too late.

Blessings as always.

Lori Colbo from United States on May 04, 2016:

I came to this series very late but love it. I'm going to go back and start at the beginning. Great story.

Linda Lum from Washington State, USA on May 04, 2016:

It's been a great ride--thanks for letting us come along on the journey. Loyalty is one thing, but I agree with MizBejabbers. Billy can't continue to put his life in danger when he has a family to take care of. He steps through the gates of Hell for his friends. I wonder if they would do the same for him.

breakfastpop on May 04, 2016:

To show you how much I am enjoying this series, I just now purchased novella number 2!

Buildreps from Europe on May 04, 2016:

Good morning, Bill. Great story, as always. I love your way of telling things. Feels good. Wish you a great day.

Doris James MizBejabbers from Beautiful South on May 04, 2016:

Billy just can't stay out of trouble, can he? But if I were giving him advice, which I'm not, I would tell him that he can't have two women even if he isn't sleeping with one of them. That man is walking dynamite, and he lights his own fuse. Anyway, I enjoyed this series and hope you don't bring it to an end. Good stuff, Bill.

Janine Huldie from New York, New York on May 04, 2016:

Happy that I have followed along and truly can't thank you enough for sharing Billy/Bobby's tale here for as long as you have. Happy Wednesday and enjoy the rest of the day now, Bill!! :)

Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on May 04, 2016:

Fantastic. Well it is sad to see the series end here. But I look forward to a new adventure by reading it in novella form. Thanks for a great series.

About that week at home -- he did real good to last that long!