Randall Walker had been on the same wagon train as the Zieglers, the Lakemans, and many of the other families that settled here. The Oregon Trail wasn’t an easy journey, and their group—like so many others—endured much hardship and loss. Once they’d wound their way in between the Laramie and Bighorn Mountains in the eastern Rocky Mountain Range, Walker had seen the Green River and took his cattle south to settle. He didn’t see the sense in risking the rest of the mountain crossings when there was good grass and water available right there. Several others followed.
Walker Creek was established not long after. Joshua had been a boy at the time, but he remembered that grueling journey across the country.
Randall Walker wasn’t a leader. In fact, he wasn’t a man who ever seemed to enjoy being around other people. But over the course of the trip, they’d all learned his skill with cattle. He was the one people had scoffed at when he brought a small herd with him—risking their lives and his own—on the grueling trail. When others were lightening their loads over the mountains and leaving animals behind, Walker continued on. His herd not only survived but multiplied under his care.
He was the first to build an actual house. The first to expand his ranch by purchasing more land. The first to have a successful cattle drive and sell a large part of his herd. Every year, the man added to his success.
But those were the entire sum of positives. In these parts, he was best known for his cruelty. Known for yelling at his hired hands every day. Had a reputation for a temper that flared at a moment’s notice.
Joshua shook away the thoughts. He was here for Julian. Not to think awful things about the man’s father.
The reverend was done speaking and he motioned to a man with a shovel. Without a word, the man started covering the wooden coffin with dirt.
Mills placed a hand on Julian’s shoulder. “God has a plan for your life, Julian. He will direct your paths if you seek Him.”
The big man nodded. Shook the reverend’s hand and then turned to Joshua and studied him for a moment. Something flashed in his eyes, but Joshua couldn’t decipher it.
As Julian walked past, Joshua reached for his arm. “I’m sorry about your father.”
Blank eyes stared back at him. Julian blinked several times. “No one is sorry that he’s gone. Least of all, me.”
Not exactly what he expected to hear, but it was honest. “Well ... I didn’t want you to be alone.”
“I’ve been alone most of my life. Other than Damian.” With a shrug, Julian shoved his hat back onto his head.
Damian. The brother who rumors swirled around. People feared he was just as awful as his father. “Is your brother in town?” It was a shame the man wouldn’t even come to his father’s funeral, no matter how terrible Randall Walker had been.
“No. He left.” Julian’s feet shifted back toward the street.
Joshua stepped with him. “Does that mean you’ll run the ranch by yourself?”
“Yep. For now.”
Odd. Was there a rift between Julian and his brother? Or could the other man not stand to stay around what their father had built? No one knew much about Damian Walker. Thus the rumors.
Julian had been the one in school. Why he stuck it out, Joshua had no idea. Kids could be so cruel. Especially to a kid who was different. Julian’s mother had rarely been seen in town. His brother, never.
Julian pointed to the small trunk Joshua carried. “Did you just get back to Walker Creek, or are you headed somewhere?”
“My train got into Green River too late last night to catch the stage, so I came in on it today.”
“The railroad has done great things for this area.”
“Sure has.” Joshua nodded. Supplies were much easier to get, and building the railroad had boosted more than one family’s income while the men worked on it. But it had been ten years since its completion.
The awkward conversation stalled.
Joshua turned toward the mercantile. “It was good to see you, Julian. I best be on my way.”
The big man dipped his chin but kept on walking.
What heavy weight was the man carrying? Not grief over the loss of his father, but what about his brother? It couldn’t be easy to deal with the ranch, what with his mother gone to who knows where, his brother abandoning him, and his father dead.
Another reminder for Joshua to be grateful for his loving family, although he should kick himself for not coming home sooner.
He shook off the thoughts and walked into the small mercantile and went to the counter.
“Why, Joshua Ziegler, as I live and breathe.” Mrs. Jamison sent him a broad smile. “Are you done with your fancy schooling back East?”
