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The three men laughed, and Sol had the feeling he’d just passed some kind of a test.
Zeeb gave a nod toward the rear of the bunkhouse. “The guests are getting acquainted with the bathroom. So if you need to take a shower, you’re in for a wait.”
“I’m good,” Sol told him. “Nothing wrong with a little sweat.”
That gleam was back. “Oh, I like you.” He gazed at Toby. “Teague went to talk to the boss. And Butch was in here a second ago. Don’t know where he went.”
“Yeah, I saw him. And when he gets back, tell him I want a word.”
“Who’s Butch?” Sol inquired. He hadn’t quite gotten over the shock of hearing that name.
When was the last time I thought about Butch Buchanan?
Decades ago.
“The guy from a moment ago. He’s the bunkhouse foreman. You’ll see him around at some point.” Toby’s scowl hadn’t faded entirely. “But not if I see him first.” He straightened. “Sol’s going to eat supper with us at the house tonight, but I’ll make sure we send him back early.”
“Gotcha.” Zeeb glanced at Sol’s bag. “I’ll put that on a bunk for ya.”
“Thanks.” Sol didn’t relinquish hold of his backpack. “I’ll keep this one with me.”
“That’s fine. Got any preferences for top or bottom?”
Sol blinked. “Excuse me?”
Zeeb’s eyes twinkled. “Bunk beds, dude.” He grinned. “Or are you happy with either?”
Sol couldn’t resist. “I’ll take whatever I can get, but I’m happy with a top bunk.”
“Yeah, I sorta got that feeling ’bout you.”
Toby coughed. “Zeeb.”
Zeeb held up both hands. “Just tellin’ it like I see it. He’s gonna fit right in around here, isn’t he?”
Toby chuckled. “And on that note, let’s go feed you.”
They walked outside, and Sol laughed. “He’s a character, isn’t he?”
“That’s one word for him.” Toby smiled. “Zeeb’s okay. They all are.”
“Even this Butch who seems to have pissed you off?”
“Yeah, him too. I just want to know why he disappeared.” Toby pointed to the house on the hill. “That’s where I live with Robert.”
Sol gazed at him, noting the relaxed stance, the air of contentment. “So it really is working out?”
“Better than I could’ve believed.”
There was something in his voice, a warmth Sol recognized.
“Oh my God. You’re in love.”
Toby’s smile reached his eyes. “And what if I am? No law against that, is there?”
“Toby Merrow, in love. Whatever happened to—”
“Okay, okay. I get it. Yeah, it must be the end of days or something.” He looked toward the paddock where a figure stood, leaning against the railing. “Ah,there’sButch.” He walked quickly in that direction. “Hey Butch. You got a sec?”
