The Doctor Gets a Visitor V
by: E Walk

(© 2007 by the Author)
Editor Radio Rancher

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...


Chapter 18

Call Me Brother Beau

On Tuesday morning, Beau found two bodies in bed with him.  He climbed out of bed and woke Jeremy and Spencer who disentangled themselves and got dressed while Beau took Ranger out to do his business.  He put Ranger on guard duty when Rick and Will arrived.  The five guys went running and they were joined by several young men and a couple of older gentlemen.

When the guys returned, Mr. Little was sitting on the porch.  “Beau, Ranger won’t let me in, to get the boys.”

Beau opened the door and gave Ranger the sign to relax.  The five young guys were still asleep.  Beau woke them and told them to take a shower.  Mr. Little watched as the five young guys did as they were told.

They came out and Beau, Spencer and Jeremy made sure they were dry.  Beau wrapped towels around the two Little boys and their Dad took them to their bunkhouse.

After breakfast, Beau was busy making plans for the rest of the week with Cookie, Kit and Rick.  He had a story time after lunch and he was mobbed with young people.  Chip, Roddy and Trey were lying against him as he read, even some of the parents were listening.  He closed the book and said, “That’s it for today.”

Chip said, “Just one more chapter, please Beau.”

“Nope, otherwise it will end before we leave.”  Beau said, as he stood.  “Besides, I hear Midnight calling me.  The pool is open and Kit will let you go riding if you want.”

Beau went to the coral and climbed on Midnight and they took off.  They went to their lake and Beau went skinny dipping.  Beau was lying there naked when S.Z.Q. pulled up and asked.  “Can we join you?”

Beau got up and put on his briefs and said, “Be our guests.”  S.Z.Q. took off her clothes but she had her swim suit on.  She dove in and Beau dove in even though he only had his briefs on.  They swam and when they crawled out, Beau said, “S.Z.Q., I know that you have some unwanted sexual contacts as have I.  I promise you that I will never hurt anyone sexually, and I will do everything I can to prevent anyone else from being misused.”

S.Z.Q. said, “Beau, I don’t know what it is about you, but I am not concerned about you trying to take advantage of me.  Otherwise I wouldn’t be here alone.  You are like a big brother even though you are younger.”

Beau threw up his hands and said, “Just call me Brother Beau.  Come on we need to get back to the ranch and make sure that everyone is okay.”

The two dressed and took off.  When they got to the Ranch, everyone was fine.  After they took care of the horses, S.Z.Q. went to Carole Anne’s room and changed.  Beau went to his bunkhouse and showered and changed and went to find his guys.

They and the Little guys and some friends were in the craft area making moccasins.  The guys were so proud.  Beau started to help the guys.  The instructor said, “People, times up.  It’s time to get ready for dinner.  We’ll finish up tomorrow and then we’ll make a belt on Thursday.”

Chip stole the young instructor’s heart when he hugged him.  Beau took his guys to the bunkhouse and had them get ready for dinner.  They went to the Chow Hall and were working their charms on the other guests.  When  Senator and Mrs. Gordon came in, they also began to circulate.

The people were all seated when the staff members assigned to each table brought the food for a family style meal.  No one but Beau and the kitchen staff knew what was happening.

Dinner was oven fried chicken and barbecued ribs with rice pilaf, peas and corn on the cob and a tossed salad with a house dressing and rolls and a plate of cookies.

Needless to say, no one complained and the food disappeared.  Rick got up and made the announcements.

After the Chow Hall was cleaned, the guys went to the area where the movie was to be shown.  Beau helped the kitchen staff bring the popcorn and the Chex Mix and drinks.

As soon as it started to get dark, the old time cowboy movie started and Beau sat with his guys.  They were watching an old Roy Rodger's Movie.  Everyone was enjoying the movie and the snacks.  When the movie was over, Beau sent his guys back to the bunkhouse to get ready for bed.  He helped the staff clean up the area and went to the bunkhouse to find the two Little boys there with the rest and they were listening as Spencer reading to them.

Beau put the five smallest guys in bed and held Spencer and Jeremy as they talked about what was going to happen tomorrow.  “Guys, I’m sorry to leave the guys with you so much.  You aren’t being able to have a good time.”

Spencer grabbed Beau’s face and said, “Beau, we’re having a great time and everyone on the Ranch is taking care of us and besides Ranger isn’t about to let anything bad happen to any of us.”

The two guys went to bed and Beau took a shower and crawled into bed with his bunkmate.

Wednesday morning was normal except that Beau commandeered Kit ant they went to buy paint and cleaning supplies.  When they got back, he rounded up some help and the loaded two wagons with hay bales.

At lunch Beau announced, “We will be having a hay ride to and from dinner tonight.  Everyone meet here at the Chow Hall at 4:00.”

Beau, Kit, Dylan and Carole Anne went to the church. They set up serving tables and built a big fire pit.  They went back to the Ranch and Beau was helping the kitchen crew load an old time covered wagon with the food and the serving and eating utensils.  The fire was set and the stew was poured into a big iron kettle and put over the fire.

People started to arrive and Beau put them to work.  By 6:00 there were approximately 150 people there.  Beau did his patented whistle and announced, “Chow is ready.  Beau was dishing up a hearty stew and pretending to slap it on the trays.  Cookie was serving the corn bread and the rest of the cook staff was making sure the people had all they wanted to eat.

At 7:00, Beau announced okay, let’s get with it and finish painting and cleaning this church.  He had everyone working except the cook staff who was busy making it look like they had never been there.  At 8:30, Beau blew his whistle and everyone closed down and cleaned their brushes and Beau put them in the church basement along with the extra paint.  The local people packed up and the people from the Dude Ranch got on the wagons and headed back to the Ranch as Beau and Rick were leading the singing.  The two wagons had a competition to see which one could sing louder.

When they got back to the Ranch, everyone said, “Let’s just go to bed and do the rest of the cleanup in the morning.

On Thursday morning, Beau found that he had the two Little boys in his bed with him.  They had just come and crawled into bed without knocking. Ranger just reacted like they belonged there.

Beau dislodged himself and woke Spencer and Jeremy.  The three guys were outside when Rick and Will arrived.  They started to run and the entourage was getting larger.

At breakfast, Beau announced, “Tonight at the campfire, we are going to have a talent show.   All guests and staff are welcome to participate.  See Rick and he’ll sign you up.”

After Beau got his guys settled, he took off on Midnight.  He went to the church to make sure everything was how he wanted it.  He was trying to move the piano when Dylan and Senator Gordon arrived.

Dylan lit into Beau, “Beau, stop trying to do everything by yourself.  You’ll get hurt.  Ask for some help.  You also need to let someone know where you are going in case something happens.  Now what are you trying to do?”

Beau said, “I was just trying to move this piano so we could put the new one here since this is the only wall plug.”

“Beau, let’s go back to the Ranch and get some of the guys to help us, but where are we going to move it to?”  Dylan asked.

“I don’t know, I’ll think about it on the way back to the Ranch.  Meet you there.”  Beau said as he jumped on Midnight and they took off across the pasture.

When Dylan and the Senator got back, Beau said, “Let me get Kit and one of his guys and we’ll bring the piano back here.  We can put it in the Chow Hall for decoration if nothing else.”

Beau went and got Kit and his two stable hands and they rode in the back of his pickup while the Senator rod in the cab with Kit.  They loaded the piano on the truck and Senator Gordon said, “This thing is really heavy.  I guess it’s because it is a player piano.  It’s too bad there aren’t any rolls here.  It would make a great conversation piece at the Ranch.”

Beau asked, “What would the rolls look like and what would you do with them?

The Senator opened the two doors at the top and said, “They would be round and fit in here then they would be attached to the bottom and then there are pedals inside these two lower doors that make roll move and it activates the keyboard somehow.  I’m not exactly sure how it works.”

Beau said, “Follow me.”  He led everyone to the church basement.  He opened a box and asked, “Gordie, is this what you are taking about?”

“Yep, that’s the rolls I was talking about.”  Senator Gordon said as he looked at them.

Beau and Dylan took the two boxes of rolls and loaded them into the truck.  When they got to Ranch, Beau grabbed some of the guys from the Chow Hall and they put the piano in the eating area.  Beau and Dylan put the rolls in a closet.  Beau thanked everyone for their help and started to polish the piano and people started to arrive for lunch.  He washed his hands began talking to the guests.  He hugged a lot of them and visited.

Everyone was eating when Beau, Rick and Will finally went through the line.   They were sitting talking to S.Z.Q. when a man approached the table and Beau looked up and said, “Hi, Mr. Archer, what’s up?”

Mr. Archer said, “I’ve been looking at the piano.  It is a great piece of early American furniture.  I don’t suppose you have any rolls for the player?”

Beau said, “Yes sir, we have 32 rolls in the closet over there.  Would you like me to get one?”

Beau got a roll and he and Mr. Archer went to the piano.  Mr. Archer showed Beau how to load the roll and said, “Sit here on the bench and push the pedals and the roll will move.”  Beau did as he was told and piano started to play Oh My Darlin’ Clementine.  Beau quickly realized that he could control the tempo by how fast he pushed.

The piano was badly out of tune and Beau showed Mr. Archer the other rolls which were still in their original boxes.  “Beau, who does this piano belong to?  Mr. Archer asked.

“I guess they belong to Carole Anne since she owns the Ranch.”  Beau answered.

They walked back to the table and Mr. Archer said, “Carole Anne, I’ll give $100.00 for each of the rolls.  That’s $3200.00 and then I’ll give $6500.00 for the piano.  We’ll round it to an even $10,000.00 and I’ll pay to have the things shipped to San Francisco.  It’s too bad that it is so out of tune otherwise it would be worth much more.”

Carole Anne looked at Beau who shook his head no and pointed to his head and made a circle.  She answered, “Sir, I’d like time to think about this.  This is all happening too fast.”

Beau blinked his eyes to show he approved.  Mr. Archer left and Carole Anne’s Mother said, “You just turned down an easy $10,000.00”

Carole Anne said quietly, “Mother, it wasn’t my money to turn down.  Beau bought the new piano and brought this one here with everyone’s help.  It’s his decision to as to what happens, but he isn’t ready to make that decision and he doesn’t want anyone to know what’s going on yet.”

Everyone looked at Beau and he just shrugged his shoulders and then he started, “Will, go call your Dad and Mother and see if there is someone who tunes pianos around.  Rick, we need to go to the church so we can be there when the new piano arrives.  S.Z.Q., are you going with us or are you going to stay with the guys or what?”

“I’ll go with you guys to the church.  I’m not very musically inclined so it might be good to get a little culture.” S.Z.Q. answered.

Will came back and said, “My mother says we should call Mr. Goodfellow.  He’s semi retired, but he should be home now.  He lives alone.”

Beau said, “Please go call him and I’ll talk to him.”

Will made the call and handed the phone to Beau who talked to the party.  He came and announced, “Mr. Goodfellow will be here about three.  Will you make sure to meet him and show him the piano and tell him we want him to do the best he can do with that old piece.  We shouldn’t be too long.”

Everyone got up and cleared their areas.  Beau called his guys to him and asked, “Guys, are you okay?”

Spencer said, “We’re going riding and then we have crafts.  Is it okay if we swim after that?

Beau held Spencer and said, “Of course, Spencer, you make sure that there are two lifeguards in the chairs at all times.  If not, get in touch with Will, Mr. Stephens or Kit.”

Senator Gordon said, “Beau, we’re not going to let anything happen to any of the guys, so chill.”

Everyone cleared their area and Beau cleaned the table.  The three teenagers had just arrived via horseback when the van arrived with the piano.  It was quickly installed and Beau signed for the delivery.  Rick sat down and started to play.

Beau asked, “Rick, do you know I Believe?”

“No but sing some it and I’ll see if I can pick it up.”  Rick said.

Beau sang and Rick started to play along.  When Beau finished, S.Z.Q. asked, “Beau, do you know The Impossible Dream?”

“Yes, but that is more a Tommy or Jeff number.” Beau answered as he started to sing.  Rick quickly picked up and followed along.

Beau said, “The new piano is working fine.  Let’s head back to the Ranch to see what is happening.”

The three of them rode back to the ranch on their horses.  After Beau groomed Midnight, he went to the Chow Hall where Mr. Goodfellow was working on the piano.  At 5:00, Mr. Goodfellow said, “Beau, I think I have done all I can for this old machine.  You are lucky it still works at all.”

Beau put in a roll and started to play.  The entire kitchen staff came out and was listening as Beau played.  It sounded like a different machine.  Beau stood and hugged Mr. Goodfellow and asked, “Now how much do I owe you sir?”

“How about 10 bills, Beau, to cover the cost of gas here and back home?”  Mr. Goodfellow asked.

Beau pulled out his wallet and handed Mr. Goodfellow ten $10.00 bills.

Mr. Goodfellow said, “I meant ten $1.00 bills not $10.00 bills.

Beau said, “Too late sir, now let’s go talk to Cookie.”

Beau yelled through the window, “Cookie, Mr. Goodfellow will be eating with us at our table.  We’ll need another place and chair.”

Cookie came out and said, “Hi Granddad, I see you have a new kooky friend.  Beau, don’t worry.  My Granddad will have a great time.”

Beau and Mr. Goodfellow went to find Beau’s boys.  They were all playing soccer in the field adjacent to the pool.  It looked like every child at the Ranch was there.  Rick and Will were monitoring the game since Ranger was playing.

Beau did his patented whistle and everyone stopped as he instructed, “Go get cleaned up for dinner.  You too Ranger.”

Mr. Goodfellow asked, “Are you the boss around here or what?  It’s like Beau speaks and everyone jumps.”

Beau said, “Sir, I’m just a guest, but I can’t say paying guest, because the owner Carole Anne Gordon invited the six of us.”

They went to the Chow Hall and when Carole Anne, Dylan and the Gordon’s came in, Beau introduced Mr. Goodfellow.   His guys came in and went to their table.  Beau, Rick, Will and S.Z.Q. were greeting the people.  At 6:00 Beau and Rick got people started through the food line.

Beau went to the piano and put in a roll and boy did the heads turn as he peddled through the roll.”

Beau finally got his food and sat down between Mr. Goodfellow and S.Z.Q.  Rick got up and reminded everyone to be at the talent show since there were ten people or groups signed up.  The judges have been selected and will be awarding prizes to the winners.  There is some terrific talent entered.”

Everyone was just about finished and Mr. Archer came up and said, “Miss Gordon, I’ll increase my offer to $15,000.00 for the piano and the rolls.”

Carole Anne looked at Mr. Archer and said, “I’m afraid the real owner doesn’t want to get rid of them.  But we thank you for your generous offer.”

Mr. Archer said, “Who is the real owner?  Maybe I could visit with him or her.”

Beau said, “Mr. Archer, I guess I’m the owner by default.  I bought the new electric piano for the church to replace this piece.  I will be presenting a check to the Trustees of the Church, based on your original offer, on Sunday.  This will be something that the visitors here will always remember.  Sir, I called two antique dealer friends – one in New York and the other in Chicago they were willing to top your offer sight unseen.  Thank you for being so generous, but I have plans for this dining room that no one knows about.”

Everyone was starting to leave and Beau had hardly eaten anything.  Mr. Goodfellow noticed and said, “Beau, you eat and I’ll stay with you.”

“Granddad, this young man is always worrying about everything. I’m afraid he’s neglecting himself.”  She pointed her finger at Beau and said, “Now eat.”

Beau and Mr. Goodfellow were talking and Mr. Goodfellow was telling Beau about growing up in this area when it was nothing but wilderness and wild animals.

Beau was thrilled listening to his tales.  Beau kept asking the correct questions to prompt Mr. Goodfellow into another tale about his life.

Chip came bursting in and said, “Beau, Rick says you need to come now.”

Beau and Mr. Goodfellow took their eating utensils to the young man who was obviously the only person around and Chip led them to the area where the talent show was being held.

They sat down at the back of the group and Rick stood and announced.  “Our last contestant of the evening is Brother Beau Benson.  He will be singing I Believe and he will be accompanied by Dr. Goodfellow on the guitar.”

The two looked at each other and they went to the front.  Rick handed Dr. Goodfellow his guitar and he sat on the stool.  Rick handed Beau the microphone but Beau shook his head no.

Dr. Goodfellow started to play and Beau nodded and began to sing.  When he finished, the entire audience stood.

Beau went to Dr. Goodfellow and held up his hand.  Before they could leave Rick said, “While the judges are casting their ballots, Beau and Dr. Goodfellow will be performing The Impossible Dream by special request.

Beau looked at Dr. Goodfellow and nodded.  Dr. Goodfellow started to play when Beau finished everyone was standing and applauding.  Even Dr. Goodfellow was pounding the guitar.

Rick took the microphone and announced, “The judges for tonight were Cookie, Jake Colson, the lead life guard, Mr. Little, Mrs. Shaver and Mr. Archer.  Mr. Little, the envelope please.”

Rick opened the envelope; the grand winners by a unanimous vote are Beau Benson and Dr. Goodfellow.”  Will came out and out and put a purple ribbon with a medal around their necks.  The first place winners are the young five year olds from Fremont who sang Yankee Doodle Dandy, Chip Weaver, Trey Crosby and Roddy Wanamaker.  They came forward and got their blue ribbons.  The runner ups were Spencer Knight and Jeremy Wanamaker who sang a medley from The Sound of Music.  The guys got their red ribbons.”

Rick said, “It was a clean sweep for the guys from Fremont.”

Beau grabbed the microphone and said, “That’s it for you Ricky Ticky.  Just for being so mean to us, Chip, Trey, and Spencer are going to bore you all with two songs while Cookie and her wonderful staff bring the great dessert out here.”

Beau whispered to Dr. Goodfellow and he began to play.  Spencer led Chip and Trey in and sang Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and This Old Man.  The guests and staff went into hysterics and applauded.

Beau finished his dessert and helped the staff clean the area.  All of a sudden Beau said, “Rick, go get your Dad, Kit, Will and Carole Anne.  I’m hatching an idea.  Dr. Goodfellow, sit tight.”

When everyone was assembled including Dylan, Carole Anne said, “Beau, slow down.  There is smoke coming out of your ears.  So what are you planning now?”

“Well I was thinking, we need some additional activities for adults."  Maybe something like book talks, nature walks or exercise class or maybe even square dancing if we could find someone to call the dances.”

The Gordon’s had come in and were listening as was Cookie.  Cookie spoke, “Granddad, tell Beau what you do at the Senior Center each morning.”

“One day a week, I call some basic square dances, other days I have book talks or book discussions.  Sometimes we play cards or games sometimes we just have a sing a long.”  Dr. Goodfellow answered.

Beau said, “Dr. G., tell everyone what you did before you retired.”

“I taught Children’s Literature at Colorado State University.”  Dr. Goodfellow answered.

“So here’s what I’m proposing happen.  You should make Dr. G. an associate Activities Director.  He could work three days a week so Rick and Will can each have a day off.  Hey, pay him the minimum wages and feed him and he’ll be happy.  Otherwise he will sit home and be lonely.  Right Dr. Goodfellow?”

“Beau, I only met you a few hours ago and you have me figured out pretty well.” Dr. Goodfellow said.

Mr. Stephens said, “Dr. Goodfellow, we will discuss your employment tomorrow.”

Beau said, “Yep, why don’t you hold the first square dance time tomorrow night and maybe throw in a line dance or two.  I think that you, Will and Rick will make a good team to make sure that everyone has a great time here at the Ranch.  Now I need to check on my guys.”

Senator Gordon said, “Dylan and Carole Anne, we want to talk to you.  We have a proposal.”

Everyone separated and Beau went to get ready for bed and his guys had already been joined by the two Little boys.

To be continued...

Feedback always welcome:     

Editor's Notes:

Hey I like that Good fellow.  This was quite an interesting chapter.  What is with the Little family? I am thinking there is something strange going on there.

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher

Posted: 02/01/08