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Finally, George yanked off his glove for a handshake, but I sensed he wasn’t going to be an easy man to win over. As if I cared.
“Which one of you is considered the lead ranch hand?” I asked.
“That would be George. He establishes the schedules.”
“Well, George, I’m going to need a full outline of the horses both owned by Black Horse Ranch as well as those being boarded here. In addition, I’ll need your thoughts on the employees working for you including strengths and weaknesses.” I rubbed my jaw, watching George’s reactions closely. I had a feeling I’d have trouble with the man.
“Why, so you know who to fire?”
“George. Give the man what he needs,” Luis encouraged.
“He’s just going to sell the place off. Didn’t you hear the news? He’s a slick boy from Miami, nothing more.”
Maybe I was still in a piss-poor mood from the flight in. Whatever the case, I wrapped my hand around his throat in a split second, squeezing until his eyes had started to bulge. “So you know, George, I’m not usually a violent man but it seems I need to remind you who’s in charge now. I need every scrap of information in order to make an informed decision about this ranch. I can do that by myself but quite frankly, you owe it to my grandfather to provide what I need.”
“We’ll get whatever you need, Mr. Cawthorne. I promise you,” Luis said, the anxiety in his tone evident.
I wasn’t going to tell the stupid asshole that I was capable of snapping his neck. That certainly wouldn’t endear me to any of the other employees. Hissing, I let George go, cocking my head as we stared at each other, the dislike evident. I had to curtail my anger, not alienate the only people who might be able to help me make a good decision. Fuck. What was wrong with me?
It would seem George finally determined it was in his best interest to back down, turning away and coughing. Without saying anything else, he walked away, leaving Luis shaking his head.
“I really am sorry about that,” he said. “George is a good guy. He’s just got a lot on his plate since his wife died last year. Being a single dad of three kids isn’t easy, especially when we’ve all been fearful of losing our jobs.” He moved toward Thunder, stroking the horse lovingly.
“I understand there have been hardships. I don’t what I’m going to do with the place just yet.”
“I understand. I’ll make certain you get everything you need.”
“Good. I appreciate it.” I continued petting Thunder as additional memories, ones I hadn’t thought about in years rose to the surface. “This horse is a beauty.”
“Yeah, he is. He’s from a champion bloodline. Thunder was your grandfather’s favorite. They rode together almost every day. The feisty stallion hasn’t been the same since Walter died. It’s funny how they know what happened. As soon as he lost his friend, the horse charged out of the barn, jumping the fence. It was the first time Thunder had ever tried to escape.” He pressed his face against the horse’s muzzle. “He’s yours now. Maybe you’d like to ride him.”
I half laughed. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been on a horse. I don’t think Thunder and I can have that same bond.”
“Nonsense, Mr. Cawthorne. I can already tell Thunder has taken a liking to you. That means you’re a good person.”
I shook my head. “Hardly and call me Sebastian.”
Luis smiled. “Sebastian. See, the thing is Walter taught me a long time ago when I was just a boy that animals know good people from bad and that’s how I could determine if I could trust someone.” When I didn’t respond, he took Thunder’s reins. “Sorry about that. Sometimes I get carried away. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
“No, but thank you. Just getting settled in.”
“Well, I’ll leave you to it. A few of the guys, myself included usually stay over the main barn if you need anything.”
“I appreciate that.” When he started to walk away, I did think of something. “You could answer me one question. I understand there’s a girl renting the caretaker’s cottage?”
“Ms. Logan. Yeah, she works with the horses. If you ask me, she’s a real life horse whisperer.” Luis laughed. “Nice girl. Down on her luck but real nice.”
“Thanks for letting me know.” I waited until he’d taken Thunder back through the broken fence before heading back to the truck. I could tell this wasn’t going be as easy as I thought.
I stood staring at the mountains, an exercise my grandfather had taught me as well, saying that when I was confused about making a tough decision to come outside and allow the mountains to show me the way. He’d also mentioned they were like the North Star, able to guide us to safety. I wasn’t certain about that, but I hoped being in this environment would provide answers that I’d likely been searching for my entire life.
Who the fuck was I and what kind of life did I want to lead?
It was insane to be thinking this way, although the cathartic event had brought more questions than answers to my world. “What should I do, Grandpops?” I knew what he’d say. Learn how to become a rancher. Laughing, I turned away, heading back to my truck. Yeah, it was going to be a tough decision to make.
As I jumped inside, I was determined to call it a night. I finished my drive, pulling up at the main house only a few minutes later. It had been far too long since I’d been there. At least Hank hadn’t lied that things had changed, the additions to the house unbelievable. I wouldn’t have recognized the place. It had to be at least six thousand square feet. What did a single man need with all this space?
It took me a few minutes to feel comfortable going inside. It was his house, not mine. While he’d welcomed me with open arms twenty years before, providing not only a safe haven but the kind of opportunity I would never have gotten otherwise, the realization of what a terrible grandson I’d turned out to be hit me harder than I’d expected it would.
