Interview with the Ranger

He sat right there at my kitchen table drinking a cup of coffee. White Stetson, blue shirt with laces, and a black mask. It can be hard to drink from a cup when you’re wearing a mask. His was getting soaked. He wiped it with the back of his hand.

I opened the bidding. “So, who’s your favorite western author?” I asked.

“Zane Grey.”

“Of course. Author of The Lone Star Ranger. His Thunder Mountain was the first western I read. Zane Grey had a way of tying his characters to their locales, bringing them to life.”

“To life?” The Ranger’s eyes stabbed at me through his mask.

“I mean….”

“I know what you mean.” He wiped his mask again. “You too, Dac, create some interesting characters. I like your Ranger Whitey Wilson; I could ride the river with him. Not so sure about his buddy Red Regan.” He pointed a finger at me. “Is that one autobiographical?”

I changed the subject. “My next novel will be released soon. By Oak Tree Press.”

“Oak Tree Press. Yes. They publish books by my friend Carol Crigger. And John Lindermuth. And a herd of others. You are in good company there, Dac.”

A car horn blasted from outside. Honk! Honk!

“That’ll be Tonto with the truck.” He leaped to his feet and shouted “Hi-Yo, Silverado!” And out he went.

My friend leaned in from the dining room. “Who WAS that masked man?”

Comments

[Elaine Faber]

The Lone Ranger was my FAVORITE hero as a child. What a fun day to actually have him at your kitchen table. Did he bring his horse, Trigger? Yet another favorite. Tonto? Not so much.

[Augie]

Dac, loved the interview. Augie

[Sharon Arthur Moore]

Very cute, Dac! Most enjoyable. And I, too, love the word play!

[Dac Crossley Jr.]

I feat that Brace is long gone - this one is just a kid..

[Dale Hoyt]

I meant Brace Beemer.

[Dale Hoyt]

Is that really Brace Beamer with you in the photo?

[Dac Crossley Jr.]

Don't mention it, John.

[John R. Lindermuth]

Love it. 'Hi-Yo, Silverado.' And thanks for the mention, Dac.