“Then what?”
“Traveled the rodeo circuit for a bunch of years.”
“Really? What was your event?”
“Barrel racing.”
“I’m embarrassed. I’ve never been to a rodeo. What’s barrel racing?”
“It’s the main event at rodeos for women. They set up three barrels in the arena and you race your horse around them. The fastest time wins.”
“I see. And how much can you win?”
“Purses range from $2,500 to $25,000, depending on the rodeo.”
“Okay, then. You were a professional rodeo rider.”
“Yes, until I retired from riding.”
“What are you doing now?”
“I inherited a fourth generation fishing resort on Summer Lake in Okanogan County.”
“Is that where Bart stays when he comes out of the mountains?”
“Yes, he pitches a tent in the federal campground. Currently, he’s staying at my cabin.”
“I see. And how many employees does the resort have?”
“About sixty in the summer. That drops to about thirty five in the winter.”
“Impressive.” She paused, “So how’s Bart doing.”
“I’m sitting right here, Gloria.”
“I know. I want to hear Molly’s perspective. She seems to be in a position to know how you’re doing.”
“I think he’s doing great.”
“Have you talked about his military experience?”
Molly paused, then decided there was no reason to not be honest. “We’ve talked about the PTSD and the fact he’s on a military disability. I researched independently his Silver Stars and military awards. I’ve seen where eight bullets entered his body. We’ve explored a little why he’s living off the grid, and we’ve talked about his family. I’ve become an internet friend with his sister, Kitty, who’s also a barrel racer.”
“Do you have any advice for Bart or me?”
Molly thought about that for a few moments. “I think Bart is doing great. He has a wonderful family in Montana that cares about him. I think he should make a greater effort to be in touch with them. They’re concerned about him, and I think it would be healthy for him to make an effort to be closer to them.” She paused. “We had breakfast in a busy restaurant this morning. Bart did it for me, but he couldn’t relax. He kept surveying the room for a person carrying a bomb or an enemy ambush that might be coming from the kitchen. He has bad dreams in the night, tossing and turning. I understand he continues to carry anxiety from his military service.” She paused one more time. “I think it’s really sad that the army isn’t making a greater effort to help soldiers like Bart. A disability isn’t the answer.”
Gloria pondered that. “Well, Molly, I couldn’t agree with you more.” She paused. “Any other thoughts?”
“Not really. I’m glad he has these appointments because it brings him out of the wild to see me.” She looked at Bart, giving him the elbow. “Maybe you could increase the appointments.”
“I’m glad you found each other. It’s nice seeing Bart with someone and I know it’s good for him.”
“Do you have any advice for me? Any ways I can help Bart?”
“It sounds like what you’re doing is the best.”
“Lots of sex?”
