.:Something's Gotta Give:.

[wildthing]

It was just another work day on the ranch. Matt woke up at 4:25, got dressed, grabbed a quick bite to eat and had a cup of coffee, brushed his teeth, and headed out to the barn to feed. After all the horses were seen to, he saddled up Tex and rode out to ride the fence line and keep and eye out for horses or cattle in trouble. It was a little cloudy, but the rain was supposed to hold off until late in the evening. He double checked that he had his slicker though because you never could trust the weather man.

He rode for about an hour, following the fence. He must have passed five hundred cattle, all peacefully grazing. He spotted a coyote once and reined Tex around the path of a rattlesnake. Most cowboys would have shot it, but the snake wasn't bothering anyone and it had been here first. The first sign of real trouble was when he started seeing fewer cattle than usual in an area that was a pretty popular grazing area. This section of fence also ran parallel to a pretty busy road. Rustlers weren't a thing of the past and this ranch could easily miss a thousand head of cattle until roundup time in the spring. He follwed the fence and swore when he saw the cause of the lack of cattle around. There had been a lot of rain lately and a flashflood, probably the night before, had taken out a ten-foot section of fence. Cattle were across the street in a farmer's wheatfield and more were crossing the road even as he road up.

He stopped Tex just outside the fence to survey the damage and plan the best strategy. He could ride back to the ranch, but the cattle bloating themselves on corn would be dead by then. It seemed there was an even more pressing danger. Several cattle were ambling across the road and a big semi was speeding around the blind corner. Matt heard it before he saw it. He pulled out the pistol every cowboy carried for emergencies, like rattlesnakes, and fired a shot in the air to get the cattle moving, but more were following them and it was going to be quick enough, so Matt spurred Tex from a standstill into the road, pushing the cattle faster. They might have made it except that Tex wasn't shod for galloping on asphalt and had no traction. The semi was coming around the corner at 60 mph and Tex had just nearly gone to his knees. Neither horse, nor rider, nor driver had time to react. Cattle, horse, and cowboy were blindsided.

The driver slammed on breaks, cursing as he fought to control the eighteen-wheeler. He just ran out of time. The truck plowed into the horse and rider that were suddenly in his view. Brakes squealing, the truck finally came to a halt. The driver immediately called for an ambulance and then went out to see if there was anything he could do. He wasn't prepared for the scene strung out in his wake. The first thing he saw was a big heifer standing on three legs, bawling. The other leg was ripped and blood spurted from a torn artery. The gore nearly made him lose his lunch, but it got worse. There were three still forms on the road, pools of red spreading around them. Another cow bawled on the side of the road. She couldn't get up, probably a broken back.

When the truck hit, Tex took the full hit on the side. With the impact, Matt was thrown over his gelding's shoulder and hit the pavement hard. His body rolled several times before coming to a stop in the other lane. For several seconds, everything was black and blessedly numb. The pain began to seep in and he groaned before even opening his eyes. After several deep breaths, he opened his eyes to a cloudy sky. He blinked several times. The scene of only moments ago came back to him and he looked around wildly. His body went completely still as a still form to his left came into focus. That silly blue eye was open. And had a glassy look to it. Tex's two-toned body lay at an unnatural angle, legs and neck. Matt lay back against the pavement, mind numb, his body shaking with pain, mental and physical. He'd trained that horse from a wild-eyed little BLM catch. He'd spent a lot of nights in the trailer with Tex when money was tight. He and Rebel and Tex. They hadn't needed anyone else.

He was losing blood from a dozen cuts and scrapes and there were multiple bones that were probably broken, but he just lay there and stared at the sky, his eyes nearly as glassy as those of his fallen comrade. He should have just ridden back to the ranch, cattle be d*amned. They might have lost a few, but...But his best friend wouldn't be gone. It was stupid to get so attatched to an animal, but Matt had always been more at ease with nature than people. Tex didn't care that he was a half-breed. Tex went for him out of loyalty, trusted him. Shouldn't have.

It was a big county and a small town, the ambulance would be slow in coming. The local vet had been called out as well. The sheriff had been apprised of the situation and called the Y Z to let Dan know what was happening.

[Carhartt]

Dan was in the house surprisingly getting lunch going for Kelly and Trixie; as Trixie was out side doing something on Daisy—what else. Dan heard the phone go off as he set down the pate of hamburgers that still needed to be BBQ as he was just getting lunch started. Walking over he picked it up and replied, [Y Z Ranch, Dan Kelley speaking.] That’s how he always answered the phone, for business reasons. Listening to the Sheriff he cursed under his breath, [Shit.] He then replied, hastily, [I’ll be down there in five minutes. He yelled up the stairs to Kelly, [Kelly, there’s an accident. I’m leavin’, you better stay here. I don’t want you seein’. I’ll be back to get you.] He turned the burner off and ran to the door with his boots still on. Daisy was in the barn brushing Daisy as Daisy just stood in her stall as happy as could be as Trixie hummed softly. Life was perfect at the moment she had her lovely horse, life was great, it was the summer, and Matt—or was she gonna lose him?

Dan came running into the barn Yelling her name, [Trixie?! Trixie?!] Startling her both Daisy and he jumped as she looked out the corner and replied, [What? What’s wrong.] Dan stopped out of breath and replied, [Matt… Matt got and Tex got hit by a semi.] Trixie turned mortifyingly white as her mouth dropped instantly as she couldn’t breathe. [The truck driver said he’s still alive but Tex isn’t. I’m gotta leave now, are you com--] He was cut off as Trixie leaped onto Daisy as Daisy tossed her scullery as she bolted out of her stall about knocking Dan down as Dan yelled, [Trixie! NO!] He mumbled, [Fuck.] He didn’t know how bad Matt looked and didn’t want her going by herself. Dan ran to his truck and turned it on jerking the clutch as he floored ass out of the drive way as the dust piled behind. Trixie’s optics were letting the tears fall as Daisy bolted out into the filed she had seen Matt I Tex this morning. Trixie kicked Daisy one last time in the barrel as Daisy lurched forward into an amazingly fast bolt that Daisy didn’t seem capable of. Seeing the semi and a cow crying out she saw a large figure on the ground lifeless, Tex. As they neared the scene Daisy slowed down as Trixie kicked urging her on. Daisy could smell the blood of Tex and was rather fearful of that.

Throwing her scullery she slid to a stop as Trixie kicked her harder this time as Daisy threw her head once more. Pissed off Trixie jumped off and let Daisy go as she ran as fast as she could to the scene. She then saw matt. Daisy turned and bolted back home smelling the blood and the fear. Trixie neared it seeing Matt she about screamed in fear for him. The pool of blood was enough to kill her. She ran to him and stopped as she kneeled to him softly letting her hand touch his cheek as she cried and replied, [Matt? Matt baby?] She wanted to here him. A flooring Ford came to a stop as Dan didn’t bother turning it off and got out. Seeing Matt and Tex he glared to the driver and replied, [What the Fuck happened? This is Montana Ryegate, There is fucking cowboys ad cattle crossing the road 24’7 why were you hauling ass?!] Dan took a step towards the driver with an angry manner after he screamed at him he knelt to Matt and felt for a pulse.

OOC:: Oh so shitty sorry.

[wildthing]

Kelly had been upstairs, actually not reading. She found the kittens of a feral cat and currently had the three little furballs in a box in her room. She was bottle feeding the little grey and white female when she heard Dan call up. She was hoping she could talk him into letting the female be a house cat. The others could be barn cats, but the little one she'd dubbed Frisky was special. At least to her. She frowned when she heard Dan's statement. What sort of accident? Who was in an accident and what couldn't she see? She was tempted to ride out on Buzz, but she didn't even know where to go. And if Dan didn't want her there, it must be really bad. Waiting sucked. She finished feeding Frisky and picked up the black and white male that she had started called Tux.

Matt must have sank into unconsciousness at some point. A subconscious way to escape the pain of losing a friend and the pain of an ill-treated body. He didn't know how much time had passed when voices started breaking through the darkness. Through all the pain, he could feel a cool touch on his cheek. He didn't have to open his eyes, he knew her smell. His girl. It took too much effort to open his eyes and his mouth wouldn't seem to carry out his thoughts. He groaned softly. Tex was gone and he hurt worse even than when that mean roan had stomped him in Abileine.

The truck driver shrank back against the tirade. It was bad timing more than bad driving. It was a blind curve and the speed limit on these roads was 55mph. For someone unused to driving in cattle country, there was no reason to slow down around curves like that. He would never fly around a turn again. He didn't even try to respond to the cowboy. He was still overwhelmed by the grisly scene in front of them.

The vet showed up even before the ambulance. Karen stepped out of her work truck and quickly surveyed the situation. She hadn't seen a crash this bad in a while. It looked like the downed cowboy already had some attention, so she started looking over the animals. The fallen horse was obviously dead. There was a dead heifer not too far from the horse. There was nothing she could do for those two. The bawling cow was the next to get her attention. Karen was quick to bring her bag over to the bleeding heifer. A closer inspection showed her that there was nothing she could do. The cow had already almost bled out and would be dead before she could stitch her up. The leg wouldn't be able to be saved anyway. Karen took out a syringe of pink liquid and injected it in the neck vein of the cow. Three seconds later, she toppled. Karen double-checked with her stethescope. The cow's heart had stopped. One look at the last cow told her that this was just going to be one of those days. She went over for a feel and found that the steer's pelvis was crushed. Another pink syringe came out. She had eased all the suffering she could. The other cattle seemed fine, so Karen walked back over to where the injured rider lay. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

[Carhartt]

Dan would not minded at all about the kittens. Hell they could all be inside cats, just as long as she watched and cleaned up after them he would love to have a few kittens in the house. Dan was a great parent figure—though he could never say no. Well he said on thing that needed to say no but on animals he always said yes. Hell if Kelly wanted another horse he would gladly get her any one in the world but she had the perfect horse, her little pony. Dan wanted to her to be happy as he would do anything for her. He felt bad leaving her but he had a few cowboys working on some heifers and new born calves here so if she needed help she knew where to get it. Dan honestly wanted Kelly and Trixie to be happy.

Tears streamed down her face as she found his hand that didn’t seemed hurt and softly held it and held it close to her chest. She couldn’t stand seeming him in such a state of pain and what not. Softly she kissed his forehead and whispered, [Everything s going to be ok.] Dan felt his pulse and then stood straight and watched the vet arrive he replied hesitantly, [Howdy ma’am.] His vocals shaky. Trixie didn’t take her optics off Matt as everything else wasn’t even there just him. Hearing his groan she replied softly, [No I’m sorry. Don’t talk… It’s ok baby… Everything is going to be ok.] She was trying to reassure him and herself as she couldn’t believe he was like this and Tex was lifeless. She knew how much he loved his horse—it was his best friend.

Watching the truck driver Dan just sighed and walked to his truck slowly. There had been some damage on the semi but not much. Dan looked to it then looked to the three dead cattle and Matt the Trixie. [Shit.] He mumble under his breath letting his fingers pinch the bridge of his nose. He was pissed, worried, and scared all at the same time. He lost cattle, he could get sued by this truck drive(though he doubted it) and the worse of all he could lose his best worker and Trixie’s ever so loved boyfriend who was good to all three of his girls. Matt was good to Kelly, Daisy, and Trixie.

Watching the vet Dan sighed. Flinching as one of his best heifers was put down he sighed. Each cow that was put down were pure bred Black Angus with the heifers costing from 10-20 thousand and the one bull was about 35-40 thousand. Damn kids sold their 4-h market animal for 13k if not more. Monesy was not the issue though it was Matt. Dan looked up the road waiting for the Damn ambulance as he pounded his fist on the truck’s hood and cursed, [Fuck.] It was a little more hearable as Trixie let her head look up at Dan and then back to Matt and whispered once more, [It’s all gonna be ok. I promise, nothing bad will happen to you, I promise.] She replied softly as she pressed his hand to her chest as tears streamed down. She had forgotten all about Daisy in terms of going back as Daisy could have bolted anywhere it was good she ran right back to her stall.

[wildthing]

Kelly loved critters, of all sorts. At the moment she had several not so furry critters in containers. There was the little green grass snake she'd found in Buzz's pasture one day. There was a horned toad she'd caught on a trail ride one day. And there was a little gopher tortoise she'd found crossing the road. She would probably let them go soon, but she liked observing them for a while. The kittens were adorable and under Kelly's hand, they were quickly losing all fear of humans. Frisky would be enough to keep her busy with litter box cleaning and all that fun stuff. The kittens antics didn't make her smile for once. She was preoccupied with what could have happened. She hoped Dan got back soon.

Matt's pulse was weak, but steady. He was pale from the pain and blood loss and his body was beginning to go into shock. Matt could vaguely hear soothing words, but couldn't make them out. Things were beginning to hurt less, but in his condition, that probably wasn't a good thing. Total unconsciousness was stealing back over him. He was only vaguely aware when sirens could be heard in the distance.

Karen was out of her league with a human patient. He looked more than a little banged up and she wouldn't even know where to start. It was good that there was no major bleeding. There were a lot of nasty cuts and scrapes, but it looked like arterial bleeding had been miraculously avoided. She sighed with relief as the ambulance finally appeared and two EMT's hopped out of it. One brought a strether and something to stablize his neck just as a precaution. "Please step back ma'am." There weren't many questions to ask since it was pretty obvious what had happened. The first thing they did was stablize his neck and slide him onto a back board and stretcher.

[Carhartt]

Trixie could feel the very faint pulse as she held hi hand softly, but yet firmly not ever wanting to let go of him. She knew he was most likely to go into shock and she had to stay with him. Trixie knew he couldn’t make out the words as it was so easily assumable. She held him softly as she kept his hand closely trying not to over react any more then she was a she held him close, at least his hand. Hearing the sirens she let a sigh of relief surpass her lips as she softly held his hand more firmly.

Internal bleeding was horrible and Trixie was aware of that was one of many wrong things with Matt. Seeing the ambulance Dan straightened up more confidently feeling slight hope as he nodded to them and walked behind. Hearing them Trixie shook her head no. Dan sighed and replied softly, [Trixie.] She shook her head as she cried a bit harder and replied, [No… I won’t leave him!] Dan sighed as he knew she had to let go of him so the two EMT workers could do what they needed he softly grabbed Trixie and puller her softly. She protested but Dan was much stronger as she had to let go of Matt’s hand as she cried, [Let go!] Dan held her softly not letting her go. [Let go of me!] Dan kept a hold as Trixie tried getting away and struggled to get free but did not succeed.

OOC:: So what’s your plan?

[wildthing]

In such a small town, any happening big or small was quickly known by everyone. The sheriff had notified his to deputies, one who was a good friend of Andy's. As soon as Andy heard, he drove over, parking not too far from the scene and jogging over to where all the comotion seemed centered. He winced as he caught sight of several dead cattle and was even more upset to see the still form of the paint he'd often seen Matt riding. A good riding horse was always a tough loss. After spending so much time alone on the range riding fences, you got to be buddies with your horse. And Matt seemed to understand his mount better than most. It didn't take a genius to read the situation as he came to Dan's side. The two weren't on speaking terms at the moment, not his decision, but circumstances like these tended to make petty differences less important. Matt didn't look good, but his chest was rising and falling with regularity and the EMT's were on the scene. "Hey, I got here as soon as I heard." There wasn't much else to say. Asking if he was okay was kind of stupid. There was blood all over the place and his horse was dead. And his girlfriend was freaking out. Not that Andy was unaffected by the grisly scene, Matt was his friend too, but as a rodeo rider, Matt wasn't the first person he'd seen torn up.

Matt was still out cold, which the EMT's were glad of at the moment. If he came to, he would be in a lot of pain and would likely thrash around. Once he was on the stretcher and the girl was pulled clear, they lifted him into the ambulance where an IV line was immediately set up. One of the guys hopped in the driver's seat and the other stayed at Matt's side. "We're taking him to the hospital, you can meet us there, but it's likely he'll go right into surgery."