Dah Dead!Bob Challenge

[nowlive.livejournal.com]

These Challenges are grabbing me by the ear lately - the last one I got into late :insert frowny face here:, but this one, man, an hour ago I had nothing, now I have 554 words and a satisfied feeling. This one came from MR's "Haunted" story about Bob and Mort. She said it was a shame that only Ben and Maggie could see him, but I said, what about Buck? What about Buck indeed.

This story comes from All the Queen's Horses and is called



A Man and His Horse © March 30, 2004
By Bridget Cochran

Rated G

Benton Fraser did not want to disturb Buck Frobisher, not to the extent that the man was already disturbed. The day had been awful in the extreme. Nuclear waste on a collision course with the erstwhile Musical Ride. Ray and Diefenbaker dropping onto the train. Kissing Inspector Thatcher on the top of the train.

A day for the books.

Now, resting in the passenger car on a (so far) placid trip home, Benton tried to relax in the seat next to his father's friend. However, with adrenaline slow in subsiding, he was unable to do so. He needed something to occupy his attention. Darkness had set in over the Illinois countryside and even his unusually keen eyes could make out very little in the way of interesting landmarks.

The inspector was sitting toward the back of the car, no doubt causing some young constable chagrin. Better that young constable than Benton himself. He'd debased himself enough for one day. Quite possibly a lifetime.

It was sometime before Benton realized that Buck held something in his hand – a photograph. Not wanting to intrude, but unfailingly curious, Benton angled his head for a better view of the picture. Thinking he was going to see a photo of Buck's daughter, Julie, he was surprised to see a photo of Buck and a horse.

The photo was obviously old. Creased and bent at the edges, it had apparently been through a few campaigns, apparently in Buck's wallet. Several years younger, Buck wore a hide anorak with a big fluffy ring of fur around the aperture of the hood, native in origin, but of what fur, Ben was uncertain. The horse – Ben frowned. The horse looked like one he'd seen today. The markings on it's face were quite distinctive.

Buck noticed Ben's attention and shrugged his embarrassment away. "Best damn horse I ever had."

Had?

"Some horses, well, they're better partners than some humans," Buck continued, then thought about what he'd said. "Your father notwithstanding."

"Of course," Benton said by reflex. He blinked as it dawned on him and his eyes raised to Buck's. "It was good to see him today, Benton, looking trim and ready."

Benton nodded. How did one respond to reminiscing about a ghost horse?

"Odd to see him, make no mistake," Buck added. "And your father. Quite a shock. Quite a shock."

"He can be."

Buck looked at Fraser. "He was a good partner, Benton." There was a pause. "Your father. I mean, your father."

"Thank you for saying so, Sergeant."

The older man continued staring at Benton, thinking heaven knew what before returning to stare at the picture of the horse. "But sometimes a horse knows your heart better than a partner."

Benton didn't know how to respond to that either. After a moment, Buck sniffed, dismissing the memory and slid the photo back into his billfold.

"I better use the facilities," he said, hoisting himself out of the seat. Benton rose to allow him to pass into the aisle when Frobisher passed something of his own.

Blinking rapidly, Fraser let the older man head aft in the train compartment to the facilities while Ben and Dief headed to the open train platform and the welcome smell of diesel fuel.

End.

Like it? Hate it?




Thanks to JenBoo for Buck's daughter's name (we think it's right), AKite for the quick once over. Any errors are mine.

Comments

[akite.livejournal.com]

I'm still laughing. Thanks for the sneak preview.

[nowlive.livejournal.com]

No problem. Wouldn't put anything anywhere without you. *g*

[tikiaceae.livejournal.com]

I loved the first line for some weird reason. ^^

Yay! Dead Bob, Disturbed Buck... and erm Fraser Fraser.

Thanks!

[nowlive.livejournal.com]

Glad you liked it. Always hard to come up with a start that makes people want to keep reading. Thanks for liking the story.

[chesamus.livejournal.com]

That was kinda sad. I don't know who I feel more sorry for - Benton and his dad or Buck and his horse?

[nowlive.livejournal.com]

Hard to say. In the long run, Benton. But there's something compelling about a man that keeps a picture of his dead horse in his wallet. Not sure if you liked the story, but thanks for commenting.

[nowlive.livejournal.com]

I know. Their interaction is the best thing about All the Queen's Horses, IMO. I mean, I consider the Ice Queen/Dragon Lady as one of the Queen's horses. Bob and Buck are just left of center enough to appeal to me. And, yes, Buck *would* have a picture of his horse in his wallet. Wonder if he kissed his horse good night.

[mergatrude.livejournal.com]

Definitely liked it - very, very much! I thought it was really rather poignant, and loved the idea of Buck's ghost horse! I have to admit that my favourite version of Buck was from 'Manhunt', before he became a walking fart joke, and this piece gives him some lovely depth.

[estrella30.livejournal.com]

Great job on this!