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Checking the time, Slade switched mental gears and drove straight to the barn where the guys were scheduled to work this morning. Normally, he enjoyed interacting with his employees, having developed an easy rapport and friendship with all except the college part-time hires. When he first hired them, he’d hoped one or two would stay on, fill vacancies he had kept open. Now, instead of offering them the full-time positions when they graduated, they would be lucky to hold on to their current employment or get a referral from him.
Chace followed him inside the barn and ran over to Evan for the attention he knew he would get. All four paused in stacking hay bales, Evan bending to rub Chace behind the ears, his dog’s favorite spot.
“None of you are stupid. You’re well aware we have a problem.” Hands on hips, he slid his glower from one to the other. “Enough, Evan. Pay attention, or I’ll dock your final pay for this morning’s time and kick you out now.”
Evan straightened, the fondness he always showed for Chace and the horses changing to the familiar belligerence he saved for him and his brothers. Slade should have recognized that red flag from the beginning, as well as a few other telltale clues, if his suspicions proved true.
“I’m done punishing you for poor behavior and work ethics. You’re not kids. Either you agree to switch your hours to working ten on Saturdays and six on Sunday afternoons, no more weekdays, no weekends off, or you’re fired.”
From the panic and anger on their shocked faces, they weren’t expecting such stern repercussions. Even though they now put in time on weekends, they rotated hours and days, leaving them plenty of time to party and study. Ten-hour days of physical labor were exhausting, even for younger people.
“That’s not fair,” Jeff protested then turned on Evan. “Didn’t you ask them to switch with us for tomorrow?” He pointed to Keith and Riley.
“I may have forgotten.” Evan surprised Slade when he said, “I’ll work alone Saturdays. Let them off.”
Guilt could work wonders, he mused, hearing the change from insolence to sincerity in Evan’s words. But until he got to the truth about the vandalism, he wouldn’t let him off the hook. “Put in your two hours this morning and finish stacking the hay. I’ll let you all know before next weekend.” He hoped the pressure of waiting for his friends’ fate would prompt him to come clean about everything else as he walked out.
Chapter Eleven
“Are you sure you wantto start staying here?” Nicole asked Paul as they crossed the yard to the cottage. Jim Baker arrived first thing this morning with his crew, and Paul had shown up not long afterward appearing cautiously optimistic about taking this step. She understood grief and still couldn’t imagine getting through the depth of his loss.
“It’s ten times better than anyplace I’ve bedded down in a long time.” He eyed the small barn-shaped quarters with appreciation.
“Well, like I said, the heat works well. They went ahead and updated the plumbing in the bath and kitchen this morning, and replaced the commode and vanity while they were at it.” She opened the door, closing it against the cold breeze as soon as they got inside, and waved a hand toward the kitchenette. “I still want to have the cabinets refinished and the countertop replaced. Only apartment-size appliances would fit, and, as you can see,” she said, turning to face the opposite side of the single room, “there’s just that half wall separating the sofa from the bed. At least the one window is large and gives you a nice view to wake up to.” Other than a dresser and compact table with two chairs, no other furniture would fit in the eight-hundred-square-foot space. “Bathroom’s here.” She pointed to the one separate room behind her.
“It’s perfect, and much appreciated.” Paul held out his hand. “I’ll go see where I can help your workers first and get settled this evening. It’s not like I have much to unload from the car.”
No, she figured he’d spent more effort coping with heartbreak than replacing the material possessions he’d lost while unemployed. Nicole wanted to baby him a little, talk him into relaxing for the two hours of daylight left, but she understood the need to keep the mind occupied with busy work.
“Jim can probably find a task for you. I’ll leave you to it, then. Come to the house for dinner.” She held up a hand when he started to protest. “I insist on including dinner in your benefits. I mostly fix casseroles that make plenty for two for three meals, so it’s no big deal. You can eat here if you prefer. Trust me when I say I understand.”
He swiveled toward the window with a jerky nod. “Thanks.”
Nicole opened the door, saying, “Stop by when Jim’s done, and I’ll have it ready.”
She left before his emotional duress rubbed off on her. After Slade had gone from taking her with the dominant aggression she loved to slow tenderness she’d responded to as easily, she was troubled by her own topsy-turvy feelings. Not to mention her shocking response to his hard hand on her bare butt. This morning, while she showered and dressed, she swore she could still feel leftover tingles from that hot discomfort racing across her tender flesh. Inhaling a deep breath of cool air, she forced those thoughts aside.
