Bullheaded

you’ve been struggling these past few weeks, but you’re still ahead of the rest of the field in points. How important is it for you to kick off the finals with a good ride?” Rex asked, holding the mic toward Cody.
    “It’s very important. I’m here to show the bulls, my loyal fans, great sponsors, and most of all the other riders that I mean business.”
    “You’ve had a bad slump—”
    “I believe it might be the worst in history of bull riding,” Cody said with a grin, interrupting the reporter.
    “Yes, according to the stats, you set a new Top Cut record with thirty-four straight buckoffs. But lately you’ve managed to put together a string of good rides. You even broke ninety for one ride last weekend.”
    “And what a relief it was,” Cody said. “But I’ve been working out, getting on some practice bulls between events, and God willing, I think at least I might not embarrass myself at this event.”
    Rex laughed. “I hope you have a great ride. Thanks for stopping by and talking to us. Good luck this weekend.”
    “Thanks, Rex.” Cody shook hands, flashed his famous grin at the crowd, and waved before going back behind the fence.
    From where he stood, Johnny caught his expression change from the friendly one Cody wore for interviews to the intense concentration he displayed when he rode. Cody switched out his hat for his helmet and began to swing his arms to loosen up. Then came the ritual of pulling on the glove, taping it in place, and getting into the chute with his rope.
    When Bonecrusher burst out of the gate, he dragged Cody against the fence before settling into a spin, throwing in a few violent belly rolls for variety. He seemed intent on ridding himself of the rider on his back while Cody was equally determined to stay put. It made Johnny happy to see the fierce grin on Cody’s face again as he moved with the bull, his lean body stretched out with his free arm high in the air as the bull picked up speed with each spin.
    Then Johnny groaned when he saw Cody twist his body, just as the bull changed direction, and slap the bull’s shoulder with his hand as he strained to keep up. Instead of bailing when the whistle signified the disqualification, Cody bore down, staying up over his rope until a full nine seconds passed. The bull launched Cody up and into the air, and seeing its chance for revenge, lashed out with its hind feet, catching Cody’s body and slamming him into the signs lining the fence. Cody grabbed on to the top rail and hoisted himself up, and hung there waiting for the bullfighters to get the bull out of the ring.
    “And with that DQ for the slap we have another buckoff for Cody Grainger,” the announcer said. “Are we seeing the beginning of a new slump, or will that gritty determination Cody Grainger is famous for come into play? Only time will tell. Cody still has the points to move forward, but if he doesn’t get a score tonight, it might spell disaster for this year’s final for him. And just how long can this cowboy keep riding? You’ve probably noticed he’s got a new elbow brace on his riding arm, but he’s used to living with the pain. All the cowboys at this elite level are banged up and hurting at this time of year.
    “And there is no other rider on the circuit now who can make dust into diamonds like Cody Grainger can. Whether he wins this year or not, it’s always exciting to watch this cowboy ride, but fans will raise the roof if Cody pulls this one out. He’s ahead in points but the margin is slim and the other riders sense blood in the water.
    “Next up will be Juca Matos vs. Black Diamond.”
    Johnny could only hope Cody wouldn’t let the buckoff get to him as he watched his partner limp to the gate.

    C ODY bit his lip in pain as soon as the gate clanged shut behind him, but he managed a smile as the medic came over.
    “Need a hand? Notice you’re limping.”
    “No thanks, just an old foot sprain. I got stepped on a week ago.”
    “Well, you don’t need your feet to ride.” The medic slapped his shoulder and turned away to look at the ride in progress. “Good luck.”
    It took all he had to keep a smile on his face as he limped into the locker room. He should have been up behind the box, helping Rinque get ready to go, but there was something he had to do first and he knew someone else would step up. Cody stopped at his locker for supplies and went into a stall in the bathroom. He put the stuff on the floor. This was going to