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“Wish I could, Wyatt. There is time for me to meet any new ranch hands. Assuming someone’s available to introduce me.”
“There are just a couple,” Virgil said. “I’ll be glad to introduce you. It’s always a good idea for them to know who the deputies are.”
“One more bale and we’re done for today, Quinn.”
Logan unloaded the last of the bales of hay for storage in the stack yard. “That’s it.”
“Benny Takada will be here in about an hour. I’d like you to join us, Logan.”
“He’s your expert on Wagyu beef, right?”
“Yep. Benny’s an expert on other ranch operations besides the beef. He’ll be spending a couple nights with us before returning to Spokane.”
“I thought he worked in Idaho.” Logan closed the gate to the stack yard.
“He goes wherever there’s work. The guy works seven days a week if he can. Benny doesn’t do well with off time.”
“A few days with me and he’ll change his mind.”
A deep laugh burst from Quinn. “Right. You spend most of your free time reading and playing video games.”
“Hey. Sam and I went for burgers and music last Saturday night.”
“I bet it about killed you to ask if she wanted to tag along so you could get out of the house.”
Logan walked behind Quinn as they stepped into his brother’s mudroom. “It wasn’t a date. Sam is a friend and nothing more.” He leaned against the washing machine to remove his dirt-encrusted boots, setting them beside Quinn’s.
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. Besides, Sam’s older than me.”
Quinn grabbed two water bottles from the refrigerator, handing one to his brother. “By how much?”
“Three years.”
Recapping the bottle after a few swallows, Quinn set it on the counter. “That’s nothing.”
Logan was saved from answering when someone rapped on the front door. Walking past Quinn, he opened it to find a man he guessed to be Benny Takada.
“You must be Benny.” Opening the door, he motioned him to enter.
“And you must be the brother. Logan, right?”
The men shook hands. “Right. Hope you don’t believe everything my brother says.”
“Not me.” Benny smiled. “I’m pretty discerning.”
“Glad to see you, Benny.” Quinn joined them in the living room, clasping his friend on the shoulder. “What lies are you two sharing about me?”
“No lies. Just truths.” Benny offered a wide smile.
“I’ll take you at your word. How about something to drink?”
“Water would be great, Quinn.”
The foreman’s house Jake built for Quinn and Abigail had been expanded during construction. Another two hundred square feet, mostly in the kitchen and living/dining room, had been added. It allowed more space for a mudroom and for meetings, such as the one with Benny.
Quinn handed out bottles of water before taking a seat at the dining room table. “So, what was so urgent about getting together?”
