AN: Just wanted to thank all my readers :-) Apologies for the delay in updating.
The Oriental cook poured two cups of tea; one for his employer and the other for their guest.
After thanking Hop Sing, Ben then turned his attention to his friend. "It's been how long, Slade? Twelve years?"
"Fifteen, but who's countin' right?" McCoy chuckled heartily.
The two companions sat down and placed their steaming cups down on the table.
"So what brings you all the way down to Nevada?" Ben asked curiously.
"Unfortunately, business. I'm after a gang of bank robbers. Mr. Howard tracked them down this way."
"If there's anything my sons and I can do…"
"Appreciate it, Ben, but I think we got it under control. Speaking of which, I really should get going. I sent a wire to Sheriff Coffee a few days ago so he'll be expectin' to see me." McCoy reached for his tea and took several sips.
Ben leaned forward in his seat. "Listen, where are you stayin'?"
"I figured we'd check in at a hotel in town."
"Slade, we have plenty of room here on this ranch. You and your associate, Mr. Howard are welcome to stay. In fact, I insist," Ben offered with a smile.
"That's mighty generous of you." McCoy paused and rubbed his chin as he mulled Ben's proposal over. "Well, if it really isn't too trouble to put us up for a few nights?"
"You're both welcome to stay as long as you need to. I'll have my sons prepare the guest rooms for you."
Not a moment too soon after Ben's holler, Joe and Jamie raced down the stairs and happily greeted their visitor.
McCoy stood up and shook hands with Joe then Jamie. "Little Joe, your hair is longer than the last time I saw you! Other than that and a strong grip you got there, not a whole lot has changed. And Jamie? Ben, have you been holding out on me when you send me those letters over Christmas?"
Ben laughed and said, "No, nothing like that. Let's get you settled and we can go over the revised Cartwright family tree over supper later. What do you say?"
"I say it looks to me you've got a story to tell!" McCoy gave Ben a friendly slap on the back and winked at Jamie who shyly blushed as Joe ruffled his hair. "I'll go fetch Mr. Howard and let him know our arrangement. Thanks again, Ben."
"Don't mention it," said Ben. Little did he realize the trouble that was brewing and the impact that McCoy's arrival will have on the Ponderosa.
Griff's day went from bad to worse, when he fell behind in his chores and ruined his shirt. Still shaken up but not willing to admit it, the confrontation with Howard replayed in his mind throughout the day. He looked down at his torn and filthy shirt and shook his head. He was going to have to invest in another one but who knew when he would get the time to go into town. He rummaged in his sack and found a clean shirt. Shedding out of his dirty one proved to be a task in itself. He was weary and sore all over. He looked down at his tender side and winced at the sight of the angry bruise on his skin from where Howard had punched him that morning. He quickly dressed when he heard voices and laughter outside the bunk house.
The door opened revealing to Griff's utmost surprise, Howard, flanked by the guys he bunked with each night. They were laughing and carrying on as if they were long-time friends of Howard's.
"Hey, Griff! We was just tellin' Mr. Howard here how you whooped us in a game of poker last Friday night. Ain't that right?" Lucas called out jovially.
"Yeah, guess I did," Griff replied with a forced smile.
"Well, maybe he and Griff should…" Jake started to suggest that the two men should have a play-off but Howard, to Griff's relief, declined.
"Oh, that's mighty temptin' but I have an early start to the day tomorrow and the Marshall will have my hide if he catches me staying out late tonight," Howard responded with a grin.
"Ain't that a real shame," Griff muttered, locking eyes with Howard's steely gaze.
"What's that, boy?" Howard asked, cupping his ear mockingly.
"I said, that's a real shame," Griff repeated in a stronger voice. He knew he was risking riling up the man but he didn't care.
Howard let out a laugh that didn't reach his eyes. A round of goodnights followed. Griff made his anger and dislike known by turning his back on Howard without another word. Amid the commotion no one noticed the tension between the two men. Howard smirked and left the bunkhouse, vowing to teach the ex-con a valuable lesson when the opportunity presented itself.