Читать книгу Montana Madness: A Novel - Sioux Dallas - Страница 11

Chapter Five

Ginger had a letter from the NWHA (National Wild Horse Association) offering their help. She thought everyone contacted her because they were accustomed to conferring with her Grandfather. She made the determination to continue his efforts and do her best to be helpful to all the people around her.

Before the morning was over, Ginger had another surprising call. A Jacob Rittenhouse called to say he was one of the Amish farmers. He didn’t have anything the thieves and rustlers would want, but he wanted to be a good neighbor. He told her that a few years ago her grandfather had offered them much needed friendship and he wanted to return the favor.

Ginger was humbly impressed and understanding more what an impact her grandfather had on the community. He truthfully accepted and loved people because, as he said, “The Great Spirit created all of us and we are here to help each other.”

Frank Royce came to the house for the purpose of conferring with Ginger about what they would do and what they could afford.

“Ginger, I’m willing to do anything that is required. This is my home, also. I’ve lived here all of my adult life and have raised a family here. Hank has been like a big brother to me and I want to clear everything up and make it secure when he returns to work.”

“Frank, you’re a lifesaver to me and I know, for a fact, that Hank values your work and friendship. He doesn’t know it yet, but he isn’t coming back to work. I was appalled to discover his age. I intend to give him ten acres of my land and build a house for him. He can keep his horse in the stable as usual and he’ll be near for us to consult about the ranch work. I don’t intend to kick him out and make him feel useless. After all, he’s been like a second parent to me and I’ll always love him and take care of him.”

“We know you will do everything possible for all of us, Ginger.”

“Frank, why do you suppose the Guest Ranch cottage was threatened with fire and the other place that has nothing to do with cattle and mustangs?”

I don’t know unless the lawbreakers want attention to go one direction while another group will attack in the opposite direction.”

“I’ve never wanted to shoot a person before, but I sure won’t hesitate if I catch them on my property again. Frank, will you be willing to go to the hospital with me and talk to Hank? I want to include him in the planning so he won’t feel as if he’s not needed.”

“I will love to go with you. Hank will be pleased that he’s included.”

They separated and Frank went out to work while Ginger discussed plans for the house and meal menus with Juanita.

There was too much work for Ginger to be idle long. She was up before the sun and in bed long after the sun had set. Juanita was concerned to see Ginger losing weight and staying under so much stress.

“Darling Ginger, you can’t continue working so many hours with so little rest and not eating most of the time. You gobble a breakfast and then you’re gone all day. When you come home you’re too tired to eat and just shower and crawl into bed. The human body can’t take that punishment long.”

“I’m fine, Juanita. Please don’t worry about me. I have to keep an eye on everything that’s going on. Frank does a great job, but he can’t be everywhere.”

“That‘s why the hands have been hired. They need to be assigned tasks and you just supervise. Learn to delegate.”

“That’s the ideal situation, but we must be realistic. Of the hands, six of them have been with us for a long time and I’m sure Grandfather trusted them. The others have been hired in the last couple of years as someone got too old or too sick to continue working, or just plain wanted to leave and go somewhere else. I’m telling only you, Juanita, I’m not sure I can trust all of the comparatively new hands.”

“Goodness, is there one you are suspicious of for sure?”

“No. I haven’t nailed anyone, yet. The invaders are getting information from someone who tells them where they should work and when it is going to be safe for them. If I had not ridden out the other night to see why someone was messing around my barn, those hoodlums would have gotten away with stealing thirty or forty head of mustangs. That reminds me. I need to go to the summer grazing ground and see if my cattle are still safe.”

“There are four men staying there in a line shack for the summer. Don’t you think they’ll keep careful watch over the cattle?”

“I don’t know. I am the owner and I need to see for myself.”

“Okay. I see you’re determined. I will pray every day and hope and pray the men can be trusted. It would kill me if anything happened to you. Do me a favor. Call the ranch attorney and write your will. I wouldn’t want this ranch, my home, to go to someone who wouldn’t love it as we have.”

“That’s morbid, but I understand what you’re saying. I’ll call tomorrow. There’s some other changes I want made.”

The next morning, Ginger worked four of the horses and then came in to make her call. She contacted the attorneys of Mark Shortt, Brian Mullins and David Red Fox who had represented her family for years. Mark Shortt’s father and Brian Mullins’ uncle had first opened the law office.

Both men had been very old when Mark and Brian graduated from law school and came into the business. They had been working less than a year when the elder Mr. Shortt died and Charles Mullins retired for good. Mark and Brian hired David to come in with them.

Grandfather Proudfoot had been friends with the elders and stayed with the new staff. One of grandfather’s goddaughters had been hired as receptionist and two other young women had been hired as secretaries. The ladies, who had been working with the original owners, had been with the firm for many years and were ready to retire.

David arrived on the Majestic Ranch the next morning. He had never met Ginger, but immediately ascertained that she was knowledgeable and a hard worker. After talking, he made the decision that she was going to be an excellent administrator of the estate. He was sure when he heard her suggestions.

“David, I want to deed ten acres to Hank and build him a house at the front of my property. He can continue to keep his horse in the barn. He’ll raise cane, but he’s worked long enough. Having him close will mean I can always count on him for advice and guidance.”

“Ginger, your grandfather would be so proud of you. It’s something he would have done for an old friend and a valued employee.”

“I think he would approve. Now for Juanita Yellow Bird. I want her to have this house and ten acres. She was born here and has lived in this house her entire life. She has been a loyal, faithful worker and deserves to know she’ll always have a home and be cared for. I’ll include, at a later date, how much money can be set aside for Hank and Juanita.”

“My partners are going to be impressed and pleased for you. I know that isn’t all. There’s hundreds of acres yet as well as horses and cattle.”

“I know and I want the land left for the mustangs. I’ll have to get with you later after I see what hands have been working several years. I’d like to establish a fund for any who are injured or too old to work longer.”

“You can add to or change the will at any time. Are you going to tell Hank and Juanita what you’ve done?”

“I didn’t intend to, but I’d better. Hank will splutter and argue, but it’ll do him no good. Juanita will also object, but will be relieved.”

“Good enough. Call on us at any time. I need to be going. I have other appointments later this afternoon and I need to prepare. Please call anytime.”

Ginger walked him to the door and then went to the kitchen to tell Juanita what she had done. Juanita was in her room adjacent to the kitchen. Her room was actually a suite. There was a sitting room with a sleep sofa, a plush lounge chair, a television, a table beside the chair with a telephone on it, and a small bookcase. In one corner was a tower of DVDs and a player.

In the next room was a lovely bedroom. A full-sized bed, a chest of drawers, a dresser and a small bookcase. There was a full bath with a glass enclosed walk-in shower and a shower spray. Carpeting was a soft beige with tan swirls and a deep nap on both rooms.

The windows, in both rooms, were four feet tall and six feet wide covered by cream vertical blinds. In the sitting room, there was a padded bench built in under the window. The top could be raised for storage or it could be used for a low seat to relax on and look out of the window. There were ceiling fans with lights in both rooms.

Ginger knocked at the door and waited to be told to enter. There was no answer, so she assumed that Juanita was taking a much needed rest before preparing for dinner.

Helen and Irene could be seen walking around the barn and looking over the property. Ginger was glad they had settled in so well. They shared a large room, twenty-five by twenty-seven, behind the living room. It had a full bath, twin beds, two chests of drawers and a large dresser. The same carpet and cream vertical blinds were on their two windows. They were thrilled with the privacy of their room. They had been so crowded at home and no way to keep anything of theirs private. This was pure bliss for them.

Bozo and Corker, her Border Collies, came to her wagging tails so hard they looked as if the back half of the body was curving. They were loving dogs and good guard dogs for the house.

Continuing to look out the kitchen window toward the barn, Ginger determined that she must take a couple of hands and ride up to the summer camp. She’d take a few of Juanita’s pies and some homemade bread to the working men staying up there.

Ginger was pleased to have a letter from BLM giving her permission to place a brand on the mustangs. It would be a freeze brand on the left side of the neck. The first numbers would be the date they were branded and then a number assigned to the horse with a MP to show it was the Proudfoot Majestic Ranch. This would be registered with BLM.

Inspectors had been good to look over horses brought in for sale for dog food. If they found a freeze brand, they notified BLM and the ranch where the horse had been. If the horse was stolen, there would be in investigation.

If the rancher was selling them, he or she would have to face charges. It was surprising the small number of ranchers with a larcenous streak.

Ginger was innocently naïve about trusting people in general. She was learning fast that she must view everyone in a slightly suspicious manner until she had checked them out.

When she went out to the barn, she was greeted by Moose, a big man who had worked for her grandfather for years. He earned his name by his size. He was a gentle soul and loyal to the last breath. Moose stood a good six-five and weighed well over two hundred pounds. His mount was a big, rangy buckskin that was half Quarter horse and half draft horse. His mount, Cloud Walker, was a source of amusement to the hands. The horse had been raised and trained by Moose and was like a cuddly dog. He followed Moose around and kept his head over Moose’s shoulder when he stopped. He would lean and sigh as if he was so tired. Truthfully, Cloudy would follow anyone who had carrots or something that he liked to eat.

* * * * *

Frank and Ginger went together to visit Hank. He was bellowing at the nurses that he was not an invalid and could bathe himself. Ginger grinned at Frank and they went on in the room. Hank blustered about being treated like an infant, but he did settle down.

They talked about what was going on in the county and Ginger told Hank of the many concerned calls she had received. Frank told him what men had been assigned to various duties and how they were covering the work.

“But we don’t have enough hands to do all of that. It sounds as if the men are being worked to death and we can’t afford to hire more.” Hank was chomping at the bit to be up and back at work.

“I have news for you big man,” Ginger said hugging him. “The doctor told me you could come home shortly if you behave yourself and rest a lot. You must cooperate with the staff here and do as they say. Please don’t allow yourself to get upset. It will only hinder your recovery.”

“I’ll cooperate when they leave me alone. I’m going to have to plant my foot against some people to make them understand when I say No more!”

He glared at the nurse in the room. She pretended like she hadn’t heard him and continued checking his IV and then quickly placed a thermometer in his mouth when he opened it again to voice his displeasure.

“Leave that there unless you’d like to have it in your south end.”

Ginger walked to the window and looked out so Hank could not see her grinning. She turned as the nurse left the room. “We need to discuss some things with you. After all, you are my foreman.”

“Fire away. I know my buckaroo here is doing a good job though. I’ll be back soon and we’ll kick those cowardly night raiders.”

Ginger had intended to tell him he would not be working, but wisely decided to wait until he came home. “You will be in a wheelchair for a while when you come home, so, I’m keeping you in my house until you’re able to plant that foot where you want it.”

Hank started to protest, but Frank interrupted him. “Now boss, you know there’s no one in the bunkhouse to help you. Further more, they’ll all be gone most of the time. It won’t kill you to stay in the main house for a short time. It’ll make it easier on Ginger because she’ll have help. The two oldest Ming sisters live and work at the ranch now.”

“What! You finally got Juanita to admit she needed help?”

“She was happy to get the help. We’re feeding the men at the main house now. She’s doing more cooking, cleaning and everything that goes with it.”

“Ginger, you’re an angel. No wonder everyone thinks so well of you.”

“By the way. I had a call from an Amish farmer offering any help he could give. He explained that Grandfather had been a big help to him when it was needed and he wanted to return the favor.”

“That’s great,” Hank gave a big yawn. “I don’t know why, but I seem to sleep the days away a--nd th n--igh--” He was asleep.

“Good. They’re giving him something to keep him calm,” Frank observed.

“They probably learned quickly that the best way to get along with Hank was to keep him sedated,” Ginger laughed. “Let’s go. No telling how long he’ll sleep.”

They walked quietly out. Ginger suddenly came to an abrupt halt. “Oh, cheese it. I forgot to tell him that I’m going up to the summer camp.”

“Maybe it’s good that you didn’t tell him. You know how he would explode. He doesn’t need to lay and fret about it when he’s healing. I’ll send two reliable men with you and you can take a radio in case you need to call for help.”

“What would I do without you, Frank. Let’s get home. I have to make plans and pack necessary equipment.”