The Lost Emperor
Copyright© 2025 by A Well Traveled Man
Chapter 25
I woke up at four a.m., dressed in sweats, and went to the gym. After working out on the heavy bag and weights for an hour, I returned to my room feeling energized and pumped. After my shower, I dressed, went to the kitchen, and greeted Grandmother. We ate breakfast, and I drank my protein shake. Then Mom entered and asked when I was leaving for Arizona. I told them soon because I needed to stop by Paula’s townhouse and pick up the mail. I wondered if they were going to the cabin, and they said yes.
Then Paula called and asked what time I was coming to Arizona. I told her I was leaving soon and stopping by her place to get the mail. She said, good, and why don’t you ask your Grandmother and Mom to come? I asked them if they wanted to go to Arizona, and they said yes and left to pack. I told Paula we should be at the ranch before noon and said our goodbyes.
I went upstairs, packed, and then loaded my bags in the Tahoe. Grandmother and Mom brought their bags to the kitchen for me to load while they locked up the house. We drove to Paula’s townhome, picked up the mail, and then went to the airport. Grandmother and Mom were excited, having never flown in a small plane. I filed the flight plan, fueled the plane, and did the preflight check.
We were finally ready, and I taxied to the runway. If Grandmother and Mom hadn’t fastened their seatbelts, they would be bouncing in their seats. We took off, and they talked about how much they could see. The flight took almost two hours, and we landed at the ranch. I pulled into the hangar and then did the post-flight check. I heard barking and told Grandmother and Mom to be prepared to meet Cassy.
Cassy ran into the hangar and welcomed me with kisses. I gave her some lovin’, and then she saw Grandmother and Mom. Hank came into the hangar, and I introduced everyone. Cassy checked out Mom and Grandmother, then kissed them, causing laughter. We took our bags to the ranch house, and Cassy got treats. Then I showed Grandmother and Mom their rooms and went to unpack.
We met back in the kitchen, and I took them to the stables to see the horses. Midnight was happy to see me, then greeted Grandmother and Mom. Then they met Missy and Molly, and we returned to the house. Hank said it was Beth’s day off, so if you’re hungry, there’s plenty in the refrigerator. Grandmother and Mom got up and fixed everyone a late lunch. Hank said Paula’s flight arrived at 8 p.m., so I needed to leave by 6 p.m. laughing. After lunch, I gave Grandmother and Mom a brief tour of the ranch in the mule. Cassy came along and sat in the front with me, causing everyone to laugh.
At 6 p.m., I left for the airport and told Cassy to take care of my Grandmother and Mom. She barked, then laid down beside them, surprising everyone. The drive was the usual rush hour traffic, but I made it with 30 minutes to spare. I waited at the luggage claim, and finally, Paula arrived. We gathered her bags and went to the Esclade. On returning to the ranch, Paula told me she got David Lane to do her commercials. She said he’s a friend and a well-known director, so we’re lucky to have him.
When we arrived at the ranch, Cassy welcomed us and got her treats. Paula put her bags away, and then we sat in the den and discussed the schedule. She said we would film the commercials tomorrow. Then on Friday, I have to go to the capital. Your Grandmother and Mom can come with us or stay here and learn how to ride horses with Hank. They chose horse riding, to no one’s surprise. Then Paula said Saturday, we’re going to another rodeo and fair. There’s nothing for Saturday night except relaxing here.
We all said goodnight and went to our rooms. I sensed the area, went to bed, and immediately fell into a deep, relaxing sleep. Then in the middle of the night, I woke up to someone sucking my cock. When I looked down, I saw it was Paula, and I fell back asleep when I came. Then I woke up again, and Paula was riding me like a cowgirl in need. She collapsed onto my chest when we came, and I fell back asleep again.
I woke up early and noticed Paula was gone, so I dressed in sweats and went for my morning run. Cassy joined me, and I used my senses to guide us in the early morning darkness. When we returned, I gave Cassy treats, showered, dressed, went to the kitchen, and drank my protein shake. Beth arrived with the Phoenix paper, so I read it while she made breakfast.
Paula entered the kitchen, followed by Grandmother and Mom. Then Hank and Cassy arrived, and we ate breakfast. Paula said I’m taking your Grandmother and Mom shopping for Western clothes. We should be back in a few hours, so if David Lane arrives with the production crew, help him set up. Paula told me to wear my chaps, hat, gun, and holster. She also said to put the horses in the coral when they arrive.
Paula left with Grandmother and Mom to go shopping. Hank and I went to the stables to prepare the horses for the show. We had just finished bushing down the horses when David Lane and the film crew arrived. Hank and I went out to meet them, and a man got out of an SUV and looked around. Then started giving directions to the crew, so Hank and I stood and watched.
Then David saw us, and we introduced ourselves. David said you’re the cowboy Paula’s been raving about looking at me. Hank and I laughed, and I said that sounds like something Paula would say. Hank and I brought the horses to the corral and asked if they needed help setting up. They told us no, so we watched, and then Paula returned with Grandmother and Mom. Paula ran and hugged David, then introduced Mom and Grandmother. David said there was no way they were that old, and he got kisses from them, too.
The first shoot was Paula in front of the corral with Hank and I working the horses in the corral with Grandmother and Mom watching. The second shoot had Paula sitting on Missy outside the corral with us in the same setting. In the end, Paula rode away on Missy. The final shoot had Paula standing in the range, and I rode Midnight towards her with the bluff in the background. When I arrived, I saw a rattlesnake coiled and ready to strike Paula. I pulled my .45 Colt and shot the snake, and it flew up in the air, then landed next to Paula.
Paula was shocked, and I got off Midnight and approached the snake with my gun ready. It was dead, so I picked up the rattlesnake, which was almost six feet long. David yelled, cut, and Paula hugged me, and then everyone came to see the rattlesnake. David asked where I learned to shoot, and I pointed to Hank. Hank laughed and said I had a natural ability; all he did was give me the basics. Everyone gathered around the monitor and watched the replay.
David raved about how fast I reacted, drawing my gun and shooting the snake without aiming. That caused several more takes before and after the shooting. Paula worked with David and made three more commercials out of the event. We finally ended the shoot, and it was getting dark. Hank and I put the horses away, and the crew packed their equipment. David and Paula were in a deep discussion beside his SUV.
David said goodbye, and they left. Beth had dinner ready when we got inside, so we cleaned up and ate dinner. Paula gave me David’s business card and asked me to call him on Monday morning. She said David was impressed with your riding and shooting skills and wants to talk with you. I said aw shucks, ma’am, it ain’t nothing special causing everyone to laugh.
After dinner, Paula reminded me of our meetings at the Capital tomorrow, and we went to our rooms. I practiced my telekinesis, then sensed the area and went to bed. I fell asleep immediately and drifted into a deep, relaxing sleep. Then my vision started, and two men were in an office discussing meeting Paula Davis tomorrow. One said if we put two drops of this in her drink, holding up a small bottle, she’d be confused and look like a fool. They agreed to do it, and my vision ended.
I woke up at 4 a.m., put on sweats, and took off for my run. Cassy joined me, and I used my senses to guide us in the morning darkness. When we returned, Cassy got her treats, and I showered, dressed, and went to the kitchen. I was drinking my protein shake when Beth arrived with the newspaper. There was an article about our commercial shoot. It said Senator Paula Davis was shooting a campaign ad, and a rattlesnake coiled ready to strike the Senator. A fast-acting crew member shot the snake as it lunged toward Senator Davis.
We are told the event was captured on video, and we hope to obtain some photos soon. Paula arrived in the kitchen, and I showed her the newspaper. Grandmother and Mom came in, along with Hank and Cassy. They all wanted to read the article, and Paula laughed and said it helps to have connections. David thinks the footage he filmed will get national attention. He said you don’t get live-action like that even when shooting a movie. I groaned, and everyone laughed.
After breakfast, Paula and I drove to the capital, and our first stop was the Governor’s office. Governor David Bradford welcomed us and wanted to know about the rattlesnake incident. Paula swore him to secrecy and then showed him a video clip on her phone. Governor Bradford said shit, you came close to dying. Then he looked at me and said that’s one hell of a shot. Then David asked Paula to do some campaign events together, and Paula agreed.
We left the Governor’s office and attended the leadership meeting, where Paula was the guest speaker. I told her not to drink anything from a glass unless you got it from me. Paula looked surprised but agreed, and we entered the meeting room. Paula was warmly welcomed and asked several times about the newspaper article. I saw the men in my vision, so I headed toward them. I tapped my emperor crest once, paused, and then again, and told them the bottle contents were a male enhancement formula. They should share it and enjoy the benefits. I grabbed a bottle of water from a table and returned to Paula.
I gave Paula the water bottle, then stepped back and watched the show. Paramedics entered the room quietly, put two men on gurneys, and removed them. Paula gave her speech and received standing applause, and then she worked the room for another 30 minutes. Finally, we left, and she asked what the paramedics were doing. I told her that two men had collapsed, and they had taken them to the hospital. She raised an eyebrow, and I smiled, causing her to laugh.
We made it home for dinner, and Grandmother and Mom told us about their horse-riding experience. Then I asked Paula for her advice concerning my father. I told her he works at the Pentagon and divorced my mom three years ago when she caught him cheating. There’s been no communication from him in three years, and suddenly, I got an invitation to visit. I’m worried he’s planning something underhanded during my visit.
Grandmother said James, Chance’s father, never warmed up to him. My late husband and I and his mother raised Chance without his assistance. So now James’ sudden interest has everyone on edge. Paula said I’d make some discrete calls and see what I could learn. I would recommend Chance not to visit alone and maybe an unannounced visit to his work. It would prevent him from trying something underhanded.
Then Paula asked Dad’s rank and branch of service and smiled when Mom told her. She said Colonel James Reynolds has testified before my committee several times. I could call and arrange a meeting at his office, and Chance could accompany me. Grandmother said that would be great, and boy, would James be pissed seeing Chance with you causing everyone to laugh.
After dinner, Paula reminded us to wear our Western clothes to the rodeo and fair tomorrow. We said goodnight and went to our rooms. I was tired, so I sensed the area and went to bed. I immediately fell asleep and drifted into a deep, relaxing sleep.
Waking up early, I put on sweats and took off for my run. Cassy joined me, and I used my senses to guide us in the morning darkness. When we returned, Cassy got her treats, and I showered, dressed, and went to the kitchen. I was drinking my protein shake when Beth arrived, with Cassy following her. Beth gave Cassy a treat and then began cooking breakfast.
Paula arrived, saw the newspaper unopened, and laughed. While she read the paper, Grandmother and Mom entered the kitchen, and Hank followed a few minutes later. During breakfast, Paula told us the rodeo and fair weren’t political events. It was for her to be seen and mingle with the locals, so enjoy ourselves within reason, looking at me. I said that I would never cause trouble, causing everyone to laugh.
We headed to the rodeo, which was 20 miles outside of Phoenix. The parking lot was almost full when we arrived, so Paula had us park by the Barns. We picked up our VIP passes and then went to the barns first. Grandmother and Mom were taking in the sights, having never seen anything like this. After going through the second barn, we headed towards the fairgrounds. We bypassed the games and rides and went to the vendor booths.
It seemed we stopped at each one to inspect the goods. Grandmother and Mom bought several outfits, and then we came to a booth selling skins. It was leather pants, shirts, blouses, and skirts made from deer skin by a local Indian tribe. Paula, Grandmother, and Mom convinced me to get fitted for two pairs of pants and shirts. They didn’t have my size in stock, so I had to be measured. I went into the back, and an older lady measured me. Every time she touched me, it gave me a strange sensation. The lady talked to another lady in her native language while measuring me.
Finally, it was over, and they would ship them to us at the ranch. Paula, Mom, and Grandmother got skirts and blouses, and we moved on to the next vendor. I sensed we were being watched but didn’t see anyone. At the end of the vendor’s row, we headed to the VIP area to watch the rodeo. We ate lunch and watched the bull-riding contest while Paula socialized with the VIPs. After an hour, Paula returned to our table and said let’s go home.