KETCH

he was born into a family of rope competiters. his great grand father was a tough roper. his grand father was right there. his father went down the road to the rodeos with that rope talent. and now this young 20 year old is stepping into the arena with some of the toughest ropers the world of rodeo has produced. but those men know what he is bringing, he is bringing the heat. from the day he was born he was pointed in this direction. his earliest toy was a peice of nylon catch rope. as he grew everything was a potential target stationary or moveing . the rope became a extension of his arm. jr. rodeos fell behind him, he entreed college, but at this, the highest paying event for timed event cowboys he passed up a college rodeo and entered this one. he was the yougest competiter, he was rideing a green horse in one of the events, he hadnt competed in one of the events he was green to it. but as things progressed it became clear he was there to win the big pay out. the other ropers may not of feared him, but they respected him they knew that name he was born with stood for something. he didnt miss, and he did it quick. through out the event he consistantly placed in go rounds in different events. in the fourth round he set a record for the fastest time on 5 events. it put him with in 9 seconds of the leader, he was tromping on his heels, in the fifth go round he kept the pressure on up to the last event the steer tripping, the event he didnt work at. but that quick catch and the good horse under him posted a 13 second run. more pressure. the leader had a bobble in his run but was still able to hold on to the win by ONE SECOND! and like his ancesters he quietly loaded his horses and went back to school and then ime sure he will return to the ranch in arizona. ketch did the family name proud. 20 years old and competing with veteren roprs and only missing first place by one second. he s a roper of the truest form.

ENTANGLED 15

cassie didnt ask where zanes mother and sister lived. she knew it was on a small ranch accros the valley on the other side of town. when they drove into town zane pulled into the parking lot of the bank. cassie waitted in the truck while he went in. when he came out he had a hand full of cash. they then drove down town to a western wear store. he and cassie went in and with cassie helping he bought a few things for his mother and sister. then it was back on the road headed out of town. cassie was haveing a ball. she was for once feeling like someone actually liked her compaany.and with each passing hour zane seemed more comfortable being with her. the road they were on made a sharp turn at the base of the mountains that bordered the town. but a dirt road continued straight ahead up into the mountain. zane herded the truck up onto the dirt road and they roared ahead. five miles up into the canyon a ranch entrence appeared on their left. zane spun the wheel and turned into the drive way, bouncing over the cattle guard. up ahead cassie could make out a white house and a set of corrals. when they drove up in front of the house she saw it had a clean yard and floweres planted around the yard fence line. zane sat there a moment then looked at cassie. "it isnt much but its what dad left us." cassie turned to him" it looks like plenty to me, it looks like your mom must work herself hard keeping it up." "emily home schools, so she helps a lot. come on, lets go see whats for lunch." zane opened the door only to be met by a blue murel colored dog wagging its tail" this is jack, he s in charge of security" zane was rubbing jacks ears . when cassie got out of the truck jack walked around her sniffing. then settled down and followed them to the door of the house. just as zane got there with his arms full of packages the door flew open.a tall thin girl with brown hair stood there, " this is emily, my sister.em, this is cassie" zane introduced the two girls. emily smilled a brilliant smile and started takeing packages from zane " moms out horse back checking the cows. she should be in any time. come in? the house was spotless tho not furnished very well. emily placed the packages on a table went in the kitchen. " ill start lunch" caaie followed her and asked " can i help?"zane could see these two girls were going to get along well. he hoped it went this well with his mother when she got in. a hour later a gray horse with a rider shuffled into the yard. zane walked down to the barn where his mother was stepping down from the horse. as he approached she pushed her hat back onto the back side of her head. zane felt a surge of pride as he stepped closer she was still a very attractive woman in her late fortys. she was bright eyed and had a big toothey grin she still had a trim figure under her chaps and denim shirt. zane pushed between her and the horse" let me unsaddle him mom." he started pulling the latigo loose to uncinch the horse. margarita stood back a extra step" when did you get in son?"she asked. " oh we got here a while ago." zane pulled the saddle from the sweaty back of the horse and started carrying into the saddle room." how the cattle look" he said over his shoulder. " we" margarita asked." who is we?" " cassie , shes in the house with sis. you will like her. how do the cows look?" zane asked again. he pushed his mom around and started walking to the house. " how do the cows look?" he asked again. " the cows are fine. now who is cassie?" margarita was holding to her question.