I sure hope the pizza cooks fast. Wait! He spun back around. Were you able to find a wolf book at the library? Sorry if you dont like me to call you Wolf Man.
Feeling a bit like hed been hit by a semitruck, Wyatt let the boys run-on chatter roll over him until Manny arrived, took in the scene and laughed. That boy can talk an ear off a flea. Ill take my order off your hands, Wyatt. Today was warmer. My joints feel some better. But I hope you found liniment. I can still use it.
Wyatt opened the back door to the SUV, ducked inside and found Mannys things. He passed them to the man and gave Tandy the two larger pizzas. He actually hoped shed go on in. Hed like to ask Manny about the hybrids.
She drew Mannys attention to the scratched paint. Any idea who might do something like this? The man had worked for her parents from the time theyd bought the ranch. You know everyone who lives around here. And probably most newcomers. People never used to even lock their houses or barns. I cant recall anyone ever having anything like this happen, can you?
In the fading light, Manny bent closer and studied the marks. Looks like you sideswiped a fence post or a telephone pole. What happened?
I dont know. I can only guess, he said, returning to slip out his book before lifting the remaining bags from the back seat. I notified my boss. Hes going to arrange for me to trade it for an unmarked vehicle. Its getting late. Shouldnt you both put your pizzas in to cook?
As if Tandy got the message that hed rather not discuss the incident, she tightened her hold on the pizza boxes and turned away.
He immediately felt bad. He certainly hadnt meant to dismiss her. He just thought itd be worse to turn wolf dogs into a big deal. Especially because he didnt want Scotty to grab hold of it and start asking endless questions. I was in the grocery store when it happened, Manny. Someone keyed my vehicle. It couldve been personal, or a random act by hoodlums. Say it is personal, like aimed at driving me away from staying to do my job with the wolves. Maybe the less attention given the act, the better. What I dont want is to bring more anger down on Tandy and Scotty.
I agree. Curtis would appreciate you caring about her and the boy. When she told me about how Preston Hicks ranted at the local ranchers meeting, I recommended she lay low and avoid that group. At my age, I cant help thwart any problems. I tried to help her hire a younger cowhand. Three times I thought we had someone, only to learn Preston Hicks or Jim Haskell swooped in and offered them higher wages. Im gettin stonewalled trying to buy her a bull, too. She ordered one from Stew Darnell. He keeps making up excuses about why he cant deliver.
Wyatt closed the back door to the SUV with his hip. So you think its deliberate? The not selling her a bull? Why wouldnt her money be as good as anyone elses?
Dunno. What if Pres Hicks warns Stew if he helps Tandy build her herd theyll freeze him out of the group that negotiates the best market prices come selling time? I dont know if thats a fact. Im set to see Darnell tomorrow. If he weasels out again, I plan to ask him point-blank, why. See if hell admit theres skulduggery afoot.
Shifting his load of grocery bags with the one from the bookstore, Wyatt gazed at the clouds rolling in. If Darnell agrees to sell Tandy a bull, great. If he dodges, I have a friend in New Mexico who sells a couple types. I have to drive up there to switch out my SUV. Im sure Loki would give Tandy a good price.
The old fellow chuckled. Thatd fox em. Why dont you tell Tandy? Im going in to bake my supper. Ill let you know what happens with Stew. If I get a bull Ill bring him home tomorrow. I want to see Tandy succeed in reviving the ranch to put down roots for her and Scotty. Curt would want that.
Well, good luck with Darnell.
Manny inclined his head, turned and limped off just as Scotty called from the house, Wolf Man...er...Wyatt. Mama wants to know if youre gonna come in for pizza? After we eat, can I have the library book?
Wyatt hurried into the house. I bought you a book that you can keep, Scotty. Help put groceries away for your mom, and after pizza, well look at it.
Tandy was so silent as he and Scotty bustled around the kitchen storing the milk, eggs and dog food, Wyatt was left with no doubt but that he needed to clear the air. After folding the sacks and setting them on the counter, he washed his hands at the kitchen sink. Ah, you fixed a salad, too. Great. That makes pizza less of an unhealthy meal. He winked at Tandy and saw her eyes widen, and he noticed her lips twitch like she wanted to smile. Or rather like she didnt want to give him a smile.
Wyatt pulled out her chair, clearly surprising her. Listen, Im sorry for sounding as if I was doling out orders out there. I thought Manny would want to take his pizza home and get off his feet. Instead he decided to chat.
Tandy put a helping of salad on Scottys plate. I guess Im touchier than I should be. A habit I developed in the service. New male recruits often overlooked the stripes denoting my rank. Im not in the military now. She met his eyes and issued an apologetic shrug. And you did us a favor by bringing supper and doing my shopping, which saves me a trip to town.
And Mama, he bought me a book about wolves. He said its mine to keep. Thats so cool. Scotty bit into his first slice of pizza. Oh, this is the yummiest supper weve had since we moved here.
Tandy and Wyatt exchanged silent mirth as they both tore off their slices.
Wyatt let a few moments pass before he spoke. Manny mentioned youve been trying to hire a second cowboy but havent found anyone available.
Tandy set down her pizza and wiped her hands on the paper towel next to her plate. It seems other ranchers offer to pay them more. I cant raise my offer until after I see what my first cattle bring at market.
I just wanted to say if you need an extra hand with anything while Im here, my work hours checking on the wolf pack are flexible. I think Manny will tell you I did okay cowboying when your dad was so ill. Before college I helped on a buddys family ranch.
Thats generous of you. I have a lot to learn about running a ranch. Manny should retire, but Im so thankful he agreed to lend me a hand. I feel bad, though, because I know riding, roping and even walking sometimes hurts his old bones.
When she said bones, the hound got up from under Scottys chair and padded around to gaze up at Tandy with soulful eyes.
Scotty laughed. Mr. Bones thought you were talking about him, Mama.
She gave the dog a piece of the ham from her pizza.
Hey, I thought you said not to feed him at the table, Scotty accused.
I did. That was a rare treat.
Scotty turned to Wyatt. If you help Mama with the cows, can we help you hunt for wolves?
Uh...probably not. Today I didnt find them near easy walking paths. My next trek will be higher into the mountains. Ill have to be on the lookout for paw prints, or follow noise on my homing device from the wolves collars. There may still be snow up there, too, so itll be cold as well as tedious.
Can you show me how you look for paw prints? Scotty asked as he took another piece of pizza.
I can show you how to recognize Mr. Boness prints, and how they differ from a rabbit, a horse or other creatures that may hunt mice around your barn. Uh, if its okay with your mom, he added.