The system was a tricky thing, especially in America. Teens and kids bounced around to bad people trying to do the government scheme and take kids for money, downright just monstrous people using the system for child labour and etc.

Group home to group home, Alex had been bounced around, she was about 14. Came from an abusive home, passed house to house. Never really stuck though. It was this way for a lot of kids. By the end she had a choice after making some dumb decisions with dumb people, shoplifting, stealing a few cars.

Juvenile detention or one last home. She chose the latter option, her friends arrested. She didn't really have a choice. On the way there the worker explained to her all about it.

Ravenstone Ranch. The largest ranch in Montana. All boys working there, from case files, Judi's and group homes. They had been in a similar situation to her, all offered the same choice, Juvi or Ravenstone. She was told all of their names..

Kaiser, Dusty, Ryan, Jason and Nickson. All of them around in their early to late 20's. They lived in the bunkhouse, then there was the main house. She would be staying in there. The guy who ran the place was Sean Cody. The worker explained he was a goodman, a worker. But silent. Everyone that worked with him said the same remarks.

When she got there she settled in decently. The guys were good, funny. A strict schedule. There was always work and honestly, she liked it. But when the guys had their shirts off she noticed the brands on each of their chests on their left peck. 'C'

It was the price for being a worker there. Only when they are 16 did they get it and they spoke about it proudly. Alex didn't really question it, minded her tongue about it. For once she was with good people. But she made them work for it. Her approval.

Alex noticed Sean. He was quiet, older than the rest but didn't look that old. He did his work, and was normally doing whatever needed to be done. He did the rougher tasks himself. Branding the bulls, and generally things that were more dangerous than putting what he deemed his sons and Alex and risk.

She had bene there for just about three months now. Once a month Sean handled all of their tax's, the books, so he would be in his study for just about a week. She tried to speak to him a few times, but the only time he really spoke was when he gave them things to do or meals were ready.

Alex was currently sitting around with the boys down by the pen, sitting on milk crates drinking water, taking a small break from their duties when Seans truck pulled up the long driveway.