by Ali Spooner
“Finally, someone who can make gravy,” Harley said as she poured up a bowl of the milk gravy to go with the rice and steaks.
Lucas poured them all glasses of tea and they all sat around the table filled with food. “This looks like a real meal,” Harley said. “Thank you, Coal and Gene.”
“Coal did most of it,” Gene said with a bashful smile.
“You’ll know how to cook it next time,” she said.
“Dig in, boys,” Harley said.
They were just about finished with the meal when Melissa knocked on the door and stepped inside carrying another cake she had baked earlier. “Something smells delicious,” she said as she walked to the table.
“It was delicious,” Lucas said. “May I fix you a plate?”
Melissa fixed her eyes on the food on the table and knew immediately who had cooked the meal. “You know, I wouldn’t mind a bite, and all this looks delicious,” she said as Gene got up and offered her his seat.
“Coal and Gene cooked us a fabulous meal,” Harley said. “We haven’t eaten this good since the last time you cooked for us,” he told Melissa.
“This is very good,” Melissa said as she took a bite.
Coal finished her meal and stood to begin clearing off the table.
“You cooked we clean,” Lucas said, “so have a seat and relax for a little bit.”
“You have a deal, but I hope one of you guys can cook eggs,” she said. “Mine always turn out like rubber.”
“Harley is the breakfast wizard around here,” Gene said. “He makes one mean killer omelet.”
“That sounds really good.”
“Breakfast is at seven, so don’t be late or these hounds will have eaten it all,” Harley said. “Are you a coffee drinker?”
“Unless I can get it straight through an IV,” she said.
“It’s strong, but it’ll get you moving in the mornings.”
“In more than one way,” Gene said with a chuckle.
Melissa finished her meal and turned to her. “Are you ready to see your room and get a shower?”
“Yes, ma’am, if it’s not inconvenient for you.”
“No, not at all,” Melissa answered.
“I’ll see you boys in the morning then.”
“Thanks for a great meal, Coal.”
“You’re most welcome.”
They left the men to chatter amongst themselves as they walked up to the farmhouse.
“She’s a damned good worker.” Coal heard one of the hands say before they closed the door.
†
“You appear to be fitting in quite well with the boys,” Melissa said.
“A good meal goes a long way with hungry men.”
“It’s not just that. Stan told me that you worked as hard or harder as the rest of them all day in this heat.”
“I’m used to the heat and hard work, ma’am.”
Melissa waited to see if she would elaborate on her comment, but she remained silent as she gave her a tour of the house. Melissa opened a bedroom door and Coal found her bag sitting at the end of the bed.
“The bathroom is there,” she said. “Make yourself at home, and let me know if you need anything.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Conway.”
“Please just call me Melissa.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
†
Coal watched her walk from the room, then picked up her suitcase and laid it open on the bed. She took out the few items of clothing that she had and tucked them away in a small dresser. She left out a pair of shorts and another tank top of army issue and went in search of a hot shower. She showered, dressed, and then slipped on a worn pair of tennis shoes. She reached into the outer pocket of her suitcase, pulled out a small wooden object, and left the house.
Melissa heard the shower start as she walked into the living room to watch some television. She was deep into a program when she heard the back door open and close.
†
The moon was full and lit the yard as Coal walked over to the corral, where twenty or so horses were milling around, and climbed the fence. She lifted a wooden flute to her mouth and began to play. Several heads popped up from the curious horses to study her when they heard the music, and they slowly began to move closer to her.
Melissa had left a window cracked for some fresh air, and a haunting melody floated across the yard from the corral to soothe her senses. The music was refreshing and relaxing. Melissa found herself pulled toward it. She glanced out the window and saw Coal sitting on the top rail of the corral as the horses crowded around her. She listened for a half hour, and when she could no longer hold her eyes open, she walked to her room and climbed into the bed. She could still hear the faint sound of the flute as she drifted off to sleep.
Coal looked over the stock as she played and was very pleased with the confirmation of the horses. Strongly built, they would make excellent pleasure or working stock. She didn’t mind the labor of haying or fence work, but really looked forward to training the young horses. She preferred to use the techniques developed by her ancestors with Apache bloodlines to train horses. She was pleased to see a large lake behind the barn; it would work into her plans perfectly. She was sure the rest of the hands would train the young horses using traditional domination methods to break the spirit of the horse, but hopefully she would be able to train a large portion of them.
A beautiful black stallion caught her attention as he eyed her curiously. He was solid black except for a white star on his forehead, and if not for the star and the bright moonlight, he would have been almost invisible, moving like a shadow in the night.
Her body reminded her that she was exhausted from a long day in the heat, and it didn’t appear there was a break in the weather on the horizon. She climbed down and walked to the house, entering the back door and slipping quietly into her room. The cool sheets felt wonderful against her skin, and she was asleep seconds after her head hit the pillow.
Chapter Two
Coal woke up just after sunrise and dressed, then slipped quietly from the house to walk to the bunkhouse. Melissa watched her as she walked quickly across the yard and disappeared.
“Good morning,” Harley said when he heard her enter the kitchen. “Grab you some coffee and have a seat.” He’d already cooked a large pile of bacon. “How would you like your eggs?”
“Over easy would be great,” she said.
“Did you sleep good last night?”
She shot him a smile. “I barely remember lying down.”
“This heat can be an ass kicker.”
“Yeah, it can, but I’ve been in worse,” she said.
Harley waited to see if she would elaborate, but instead she walked over to the counter and dropped some bread in the toaster. “The rest of the crew still sleeping?” she asked.
“Yeah, I usually get up early, eat and then cook for them as they get up,” Harley said.
“That’s very nice of you. Have you eaten yet?”
“No, so drop me some toast too. There’s homemade apple jelly in the fridge.”
Coal took him two plates and put utensils out on the table as she waited for the toast.
“You did a good job yesterday, and I think you even impressed Stan, which isn’t easy.”
“I try to give a hundred percent to every job. You want butter?” she asked when the toast popped up.
“Yes, please,” Harley said as he slid three fried eggs onto her plate and cracked more into the frying pan. “Go ahead before they get cold.”
She seasoned her eggs and spread some jelly on her toast. She had just begun to eat when Harley joined her at the table.
“So how did you come about the name Coal?”
“My mother was a full-blooded Apache, and when I was born I had a head full of coal-black hair. When my father remarked on it, she decided that would be a good name for me.”
“I bet you have confused quite a few people with that name. I know Stan was expecting you to be mal
e.”
“Yeah, I picked up on that pretty quickly yesterday when I arrived,” she said with a smirk.
“He’s a good man to work for and will treat you fairly as long as you work hard.”
“I don’t mind the hard work at all,” she said and took a bite of bacon. “Thanks for a great breakfast.”
“You are very welcome. I took out a pot roast for dinner tonight. Remind me to ask Melissa if she will put it on for us later today.”
“Will do. Do you guys like biscuits with your roast?”
“We usually make a few cans.”
“How about some homemade ones?” she asked.
“That would be awesome.”
“Did I hear someone mention homemade biscuits?” Gene asked as he entered the kitchen.
“Coal is going to make some to go with a pot roast tonight. Grab some coffee and I’ll cook you some breakfast in just a minute.”
“Take your time; I’m still trying to get my eyes open.”
She had finished eating and stood to place her dishes in the dishwasher.
“Did you get enough to eat?”
“Yes, I did, thanks. If you don’t need my help I think I’ll grab another cup of coffee and go check the stock until the rest of the crew is ready.”
“That’ll be fine. They should start rolling in now.”
“See you in a bit then,” she said and left the bunkhouse.
†
She walked across to the corral and climbed up to the perch she had the previous night. In the daylight, the horses eyed her with more curiosity. The black stallion approached her boldly and sniffed at her worn boots. “You are a handsome devil, and I bet you are as fast as the wind.”
His ears pricked forward as if he were listening to her every word.
Her attention was drawn away from the stock as Stan’s truck came bouncing down the drive. He saw her sitting on the top rail and smiled as he parked his truck.
“Good morning,” she said as he walked toward her.
“Morning, did you rest well last night?”
“Yes, I did, thanks, and you?”
“Slept like a baby. You like what you see here?”
“They’re some nice-looking stock. I especially like the young black stallion,” she said as the horse danced away from Stan’s approach.
“He’s a spirited one and is from excellent bloodlines,” Stan said. “You have a good eye.”
“I’ve had the good fortune to work with horses all my life.”
“I can tell you are ready to get on with the training.”
“First things first, we have to finish bringing in the hay,” she answered.
“We’ll be done soon at this rate. You pushed the boys pretty hard yesterday,” he said with a grin.
She was a little surprised at his comment. “I thought it was a productive day, but it didn’t seem to be all that hard.”
“I bet there wasn’t anyone in the bunkhouse that had a hard time getting to sleep last night. Come on, and we can go check while I get some coffee.”
“Right behind you, boss,” Coal said as she dropped down from the fence.
When they entered, Harley was hollering for the rest of the crew to get a move on so they could get started to work. “This danged heat has everyone feeling lazy,” he said to Stan as he and Coal entered the room.
“We could get an earlier start and then lay off during the heat of the day,” Stan said. “Don’t need anyone dropping from heat stroke.”
“Naw, I think we will be fine once we get to moving,” Harley said.
She placed her coffee mug in the dishwasher and said, “I’ll wait for y’all out at the truck.”
“She’s a good worker, and a great cook,” Harley said to Stan.
“I’ve been pleased so far,” Stan said as he refilled his coffee mug.
†
It took the crew four more days to finish the first cutting of hay and everyone was glad to be finished with that chore. There would be at least one more cutting, but that wouldn’t happen for many weeks yet to come.
When they finished unloading the final truck, Stan passed out the weekly paychecks. Coal intended to cash hers and use it to buy some extra clothing for work as her few pairs of jeans were starting to look threadbare. Gene asked for a ride into town so together they piled in her truck and headed off the ranch for town.
Gene gave her the ten-minute tour of downtown, and then directed her to the bank so they could cash their paychecks. “Man, I can taste some cold beers now,” Gene said as he tucked the cash into his wallet.
“I need to pick up some jeans, and then we’ll head back,” Coal said. Earlier in the day, she heard the boys discussing going to town for a few cold beers and knew that they would head back in after supper to kick up their heels. The boys had invited her, but she hadn’t made up her mind yet if she was going to join them.
“McCoy’s is the best place for jeans,” he said, giving her directions.
They walked in together and Gene noticed a few of the customers eyeing her closely as she walked over to a rack of jeans. He smiled to himself as he joined his new friend. “Finding what you need?”
“Yes, my old Levi’s are beginning to fall apart,” she said as she selected three new pair.
“You should take your old ones into the flea market. People will pay an arm and a leg for worn-out jeans,” he joked. “It’s beyond me to understand why they would pay good money for jeans with holes and tears, but they do.”
She smiled up at him. “You got me on that one. I prefer breaking in my own jeans.”
She paid for her purchases and they returned to the truck. “Have you given more thought about coming out with us tonight?” he asked as they drove home.
“I just spent most of my paycheck, but I may drop in and see what you fellows are up to,” she answered.
Gene smiled broadly. “You wouldn’t have to worry about buying beers. Me and the boys would keep you flowing.”
“Actually, I’m not much of a drinker, but I do enjoy a good game of pool.”
“Harley is actually pretty good and makes a few extra bucks when we go into town,” Gene said, “so don’t let him hustle you.”
“Thanks for the warning,” she said as they turned back down the dusty drive. “I sure hope we get some rain soon, all this dust is making my truck look bad,” she teased.
“It’s supposed to rain like crazy starting sometime tomorrow,” he said. “We have the weekend off so we will probably be stuck inside the whole time.”
“At least we don’t have to load any more hay for a while.”
“Amen to that, I can’t wait to start training the stock.”
“Me too,” she answered. When they arrived at the ranch, she turned to him. “Who’s cooking tonight?”
“Lucas is making spaghetti and garlic bread. It’s usually not too toxic,” he added with a grin.
“I’m going to go shower. I’ll be out soon,” she said as they went their separate ways.
†
There was no sign of Melissa when she entered the house so Coal went straight for a shower. She felt like she rinsed several pounds of dust from her skin, and when she emerged from the shower she felt renewed and relaxed. She would have dinner with the boys then join them for a few drinks and a game or two of pool. It had been a long week though, so she would not stay out long. She returned to her room and got dressed in a pair of her new jeans, a relatively new shirt, and her better pair of ropers. She walked out of her room to return to the bathroom and saw Melissa coming down the hall.
“Not you too,” she said with a voice filled with mock disgust.
“What?” she asked with a genuinely confused look on her face.
“You are one of those folks who can walk in a store and wear new clothes out without alterations. I always have to have my new jeans hemmed after I cut about four inches off them.”
Coal laughed softly at her humorous comment. “I’m just lucky like that. Besides
if I didn’t get some new jeans soon you were going to be seeing a lot more of me than intended.”
“I’m sure the boys wouldn’t mind. Are you going into town with them tonight?”
“I thought I’d join them for a short while. I’m tired, though, so I won’t be out late. Are you going?”
“Heaven’s no. I intend to curl up with a good book and pray for some danged rain.”
“Just let it hold off until I get home, will ya?” she asked.
“I’ll try my best.”
She walked through the kitchen to leave the house. “I’ll try to be quiet and not disturb you when I get back.”
“No worries, when my head hits the pillow these days I’m out for the night.”
“See you tomorrow then.”
“Have fun, and try to keep the boys out of trouble.”
“Yes’m, I’ll try, but no guarantees.”
She walked across the yard, into the bunkhouse and to the kitchen. Gene had just entered the room also.
“You clean up pretty well,” he teased.
“I wish I could say the same for you,” she said as she ruffled his hair. The rest of the crew burst out in laughter.
“That was cruel,” Lucas said as he took a cookie sheet of garlic bread from the oven.
“Smells good,” she said. “Do you need help?”
“Nope, I’ve got it under control. Pour a drink and have a seat,” he answered.
“So you are going to come into town after all?” Harley asked.
“Gene talked me into a few beers, but I won’t be out late.”
“Would you mind if I rode back with you then? I can’t keep up with these wild young’uns.”
She laughed softly and said, “Not at all.”
The spaghetti dinner was actually tasty and within an hour, the kitchen was clean and the crew of the MC2 was on their way to town. Harley and Gene climbed into her truck while the rest piled into Lucas’s truck.
“Where are we going, boys?” she asked as she started the truck.