Chapter 4
Jack sighed and carefully settled down into the hammock that hung between two aspen trees a short distance from the barracks. Relaxing into the netting, he kept his beer can as steady as possible. The hammock held his back just right, and he felt the strain of his first day at work drain away. He wondered who had hung the swinging bed, and figured it was probably Ennis, although if it belonged to him, surely he could have found a place closer to his trailer. He doesn't seem like the type to lounge around in a hammock. Must have put it up for us, and forgot to mention it.
Jack had noticed that it seemed to be an effort for Ennis to converse, his lips in a thin line and jaw held tight. He'd actually done quite a bit of talking when he'd shown them around, so Jack figured he'd probably just run out of words. Jack glanced down at the hammock and ran his hand over the netting. It was oversized, plenty large enough for two. He closed his eyes and conjured up the image of Ennis Del Mar lying next to him. He almost chuckled out loud. He looked over at Ennis' trailer and wondered if he lived there year round. He could just imagine the freezing, powdery snow falling around the bleak white trailer. Even his truck's white. Looking at Ennis' little trailer-house with all the curtains drawn gave Jack a sad and melancholy feeling. Wonder what he's doing in there.
He heard a couple of the girl's voices coming from the patio and wondered how long it would be until they discovered the hammock. He figured he'd have to tell them about it, but for now it was all his. It wasn't long until he was nearly nodding off when the sound of a vehicle jarred him into full consciousness. He wondered if someone was coming to visit Ennis. After the engine shut off, he heard the door open and close. He couldn't see who it was from his position, but they hadn't parked at Ennis' place.
He listened for a voice. It was faint, but he could tell that it was a man and it sounded familiar, but he couldn't quite place it. Then the girls started talking, and Rob even came out, so he decided he'd better go see what was going on.
"Hey, there, Jack," Gavin said when Jack joined them in the patio.
"Hi, Gavin."
"I just thought I'd stop by and see how it was goin' with all of you. See if ya have everything ya need."
"Would you like a beer or a Coke?" Liz asked.
"I don't wanna put ya out," Gavin answered.
"No trouble at all," Liz said.
"Sit down a spell and have a drink," Rob said.
"Yeah, sit down," Jack said. "What can I get you?"
"I'll take a beer since you twisted my arm, Jack Twist," Gavin said with a grin.
They all made themselves comfortable. Those without a chair leaned against the railing. By the time they covered the topics of the area, their work, and the fact that the buses would start coming in on Friday, they'd all finished their drinks.
Gavin stood up and crushed his beer can in his hand. "Well, I'd better be gettin' on. Guess I might be down to the center on Monday, so I'll see y'all then."
"Uh, Gavin," Liz said. "Rob and April are going grocery shopping tomorrow and we'll be having a barbecue tomorrow night. Would you like to join us?"
A smile spread across Gavin's face. "Well, Liz, that sounds real nice. Thanks for the invitation. I'd love ta come share supper with y'all."
Jack had to assume that Gavin didn't have a family. He figured that he must live alone since he didn't seem to have to check with anyone before accepting the invitation. He didn't wear a ring. Jack found it strange that he didn't appear to have any other obligations in his life. He was a good looking guy with a friendly, outgoing personality.
"Well, then, I'll see all of ya tomorrow evenin'," he said.
"I'll walk you to your truck," Jack said.
"Best offer I've had all day."
Jack wondered what Gavin meant by that. The offer of dinner or the offer of being walked to his truck.
On the short jaunt to Gavin's Chevy truck, Jack happened to glance over at Ennis' trailer and noticed one of the curtains move slightly as if he had just looked out. He wondered why Ennis hadn't joined them, or why Gavin hadn't gone over to say hello.
"So, ya think you're gonna like this summer gig, huh?" Gavin asked.
"Oh, yeah, I already do. It's incredible here."
Gavin snorted out a laugh. "Well, I'll bet it beats the hot, dirty, crowded city anyway."
"Yeah, that it does. I can't wait to see more, go exploring, hiking, and stuff."
"There's some breathtaking scenery around here that'll knock your socks off," Gavin said.
"I can imagine."
"I'm gonna enjoy workin' with you, Jack. I can tell."
Gavin shook Jack's hand, his grip lingering a bit longer than Jack would have expected, then opened his door and climbed in. "See ya tomorrow night then. Have fun at work tomorrow. You'll undoubtedly be workin' with Del Mar."
Before Jack could answer, Gavin went on. "Ennis always works Sundays. Has nothin' better ta do with his time, and he likes Sundays and holidays so's he can get the extra pay." Gavin leaned out the open window toward Jack and lowered his voice. "He must have a shitload of money in the bank seein' how he lives...well...a meager existence. He tows that pile of scrap metal and plywood down ta his brother's place, who by the way is a brainless SOB." Gavin seemed to need to take a breath before he went on. "Anyway, in the winter he lives in it down there. Well, I guess between it and his brother's house. Has a job at a drug store for the months he's not workin' up here. By the way, I'm talking about Bishop. You passed through it on the way here. Climate is better than up here depending on how ya like your weather. Hardly ever snows."
Jack nodded. He'd stopped for gas in Bishop. Gavin looked toward Ennis' trailer and laughed mockingly. "Well, that's neither here nor there...none of my business how the Del Mar brothers wanna live." He started the engine and put it in gear. "See ya, Jack. Have a good night."
Jack shoved his hands in his jeans pockets, and feeling a little taken aback and a bit uncomfortable, he headed back toward the barracks. Evidently Gavin knew Ennis pretty well, or maybe he just liked to gossip. He passed Alma heading in the opposite direction. "Where you off to in such a hurry?" he asked.
"I'm going to visit Ennis," she answered.
Jack couldn't help but stop near the barracks and glance over at Ennis' trailer. Alma knocked on the door and he saw Ennis step outside to talk to her. Jack wondered if anyone was ever invited inside. For some reason he was glad that Alma hadn't been asked in.
...
Ennis opened up on Sunday morning. After punching the code in for the security alarm he quickly put his lunch away, and then started booting up the computers. He started in the main room, then proceeded into the bookstore. He was in the mediaroom when he heard the voices of the others arriving. When he returned to the main room he was thankful to see that Clark had arrived at the same time as Jack and the girls.
After they all greeted one another, Ennis took charge. "Clark, why don't you finish getting set up in here and help Liz and Alma get their bearings behind the front desk."
Ennis looked at Jack. "You, come with me," he said firmly. He was amused when Jack's face took on a worried expression. He wasn't going to make him sweat even though he was irritated at him for no good reason, so he smiled and said, "I'll show you how to raise the flag."
He and Jack headed out the front door. Ennis knew that it was really Gavin who had him riled up. None of it was Jack's fault. Seeing that arrogant son-of-a-bitch out at his place last night annoyed him to no end.
Throughout the lesson, Ennis took notice of how Jack concentrated and took it so seriously. He could tell that Jack was the type who'd only need to be shown once, and that impressed him. When they were finally ready to raise the flag, he let Jack do the honors, and afterward, he showed him how to secure the halyard to the cleat. "There, you think you got all that?" Ennis asked.
"I think so," Jack said. "Will you teach me how to lower it this evening?"
"Sure, if you want to learn," Ennis answered.
"Yeah, I wanna learn everything."
Ennis couldn't help but smile. "Good answer. Follow me," he said.
Alma was the only one at the front desk when Ennis and Jack passed by. "Clark says I'm ready to welcome visitors," she said.
"If Clark thinks you're ready, I believe him," Ennis said. "Did he take Liz to the mediaroom?"
"Sure did," Alma answered.
"Jack and I will be in the bookstore if you need anything," Ennis said. Just then the front door opened and three people walked in. Ennis heard Alma greet them as he and Jack continued on.
"As you can see, not only do we sell books, but tee shirts, stuffed animals, and other souvenirs," Ennis said.
"Cool shirts," Jack said, looking at one with mountain lions on the front. I'll probably spend some of my pay in here before the summer's up."
"That would please Helen for sure."
"Do you have any shirts from here?" Jack asked.
"Oh, I've been known to wear a Smokey Bear shirt from time to time," he chuckled.
Jack looked at the brown Smokey Bear shirt hanging with the rest and could picture Ennis wearing it. The color would match his eyes perfectly.
Ennis began showing Jack the cash register and explaining how Helen did things.
"You know, Ennis, I work in the bookstore on campus, so I think I can jump right in and feel pretty much at home in here."
"Is that right?" Ennis smiled. "I had no idea. Well, that's real helpful then." Ennis cleared his throat. "You enjoy going to college?"
"Yeah, it's okay. A means to an end. Can't wait to finish and get on with my life."
"You studying to be a Ranger, or..."
"When I get my degree I'll be a Forester." Ennis could tell how much that meant to Jack by the twinkle in his eyes, and the hint of a smile expressing pride.
"Did you go to college?" Jack asked.
"Me...no...I was born and raised in the area, and sorta just fell into this job."
"Ah, so you're street smart rather than book smart, so to speak. That's cool," Jack said. "Must have been nice living around here."
"You live in Los Angeles all your life?" Ennis asked.
"Yeah, but I've done some traveling. I like the mountains best, so that's why I decided to go into forestry. I'm hoping to get a job as a forestry and wildlife manager."
"You live in the dorm back at college?" Ennis asked, and couldn't believe he was blurting out all these questions, but Jack was easy to talk to, so he felt comfortable, which was a rarity. He had wondered about these things, so for some reason the questions were rolling out of his mouth.
"No, I live in an apartment close to campus. Me and a buddy are roommates...it helps to share the costs, that's for sure. We found someone to sub lease for the three months that I'll be away."
Just then a man and woman entered the bookstore and began to browse. Ennis nodded to Jack to indicate that he should take it from there. Ennis said good morning to the tourists and stepped out.
When it was time to start the lunch breaks, Liz and Jack took theirs together. Out on the patio the lake provided a beautiful and tranquil backdrop. After taking a couple bites of his peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and a handful of potato chips, Jack washed it down with a big gulp from his can of Coke. "Hey, Liz...I wondered, shouldn't we invite Ennis to the barbecue tonight?"
Liz swallowed her spoonful of yogurt. "Alma asked him last night, and he said he couldn't make it."
"Oh...that must have been when I saw her going to his trailer."
"Yeah...she was really disappointed that he said no. She kinda likes him and would like to get to know him better."
"Is that right." Jack said.
Liz smiled. "I'm picturing Danny and Sandy in Grease. Can you see it? Ennis as Danny, and Alma as Sandy?"
Jack wasn't amused and changed the subject. "And, what about you? Do you have eyes for Clark?" he teased.
Liz covered her mouth, but that did little to stifle a shockingly loud laugh from bursting out. "Not my type," she managed to say through her laughter.
...
Jack pulled up to the barracks in his jeep and noticed that Ennis still wasn't home. After work, Jack had left again to drive back to town in search of citronella candles. That was the only thing that Rob and April had forgotten to buy for their little get-together. Jack felt that they were necessary, even at the price he had to pay for them at the market, so he arrived carrying a bag containing two. He had wondered where Ennis was when he didn't come home after the work day ended, and he had looked around for his white truck when he went back to town, but it was no place to be seen. Jack had the thought in mind that Ennis was making an excuse when he said that he couldn't make it to the barbecue, but it looked like he really must have plans. Ennis had the next two days off, so no telling what his plans might be, especially if he had a brother nearby.
When he got to the patio, Alma was shaking out a blue plastic table cover. She proceeded to situate it on the picnic table. She ran her hands over it flattening the wrinkles. Next to the table, Liz pulled a package of blue floral paper plates, white plastic utensils, and white paper napkins out of a shopping bag. April joined them carrying glasses from the kitchenette, and all three girls began to set the table. Rob was fiddling with the barbecue grill.
"I got the candles," Jack announced.
"You really think those are going to keep the bugs away?" Rob asked.
"Do you really think we need them?" April chimed in.
"Shit, pardon my language," Jack said while smashing a mosquito on his arm. "I gotta try something. The mosquitoes won't leave me alone."
"I haven't had any bites," Liz said.
"I've had them fly around me, but I don't think I've had a bite yet either," April said.
"Maybe you guys haven't been out much in the evening and at night," Jack said.
"There was one in the barracks flying around last night, but it didn't bother me," Alma said.
"The only thing that bothers you is the thought of a mouse," Rob teased.
"Don't mention those disgusting things," Alma warned.
"Someone got a rodent problem?" Gavin said, as he walked up and made his presence known.
"Hi, Gavin," Liz said. "Thanks for coming."
"I brought beer," he said, and held up a twelve pack of Coors.
The rest of the group said hello.
"We've only been here two days and already caught a mouse," Alma said. She made a face.
"Why are you complaining, I'm the one who had to throw it out," Jack said.
"Shoot, all these people know how to do is complain," Rob said. "Alma and her mice, Jack and his mosquitoes."
"And this isn't the best way to greet a guest, you guys...talking about rodents and bugs," Liz said. "Let me get everyone a drink. What do you all want?"
Liz and April disappeared into the barracks to retrieve the drinks. Jack opened the candles and placed them on the table. "Gotta get a match for these," he said.
"The mosquitoes gettin' to ya?" Gavin asked.
"Yeah, they all seem to head for me and leave the others alone."
"That must mean you taste good," Gavin said.
That was the second time that Jack wondered about Gavin's choice of words, and the way Gavin had just looked at him gave Jack pause. "Uh, I'll go get some matches," he managed to say and headed inside.
When Jack reappeared along with matches, he had the platter of hamburger patties with him. He made a beeline to the grill and handed them off to Rob who eagerly began positioning them onto the hot grate. "Need any help?" Jack asked.
"I got it for now, thanks."
Liz and April returned to serve the drinks. They also had chips and dip which they placed on the table. Alma and Gavin were discussing the wildlife in the area. She got on the subject of Hantavirus, which is carried by mice. Jack sighed inwardly but tried to look interested.
"As long as ya keep the place clean," Gavin said, "there's no danger of contracting Hantavirus. And wear gloves when disposing of the dead mice."
"Jack, are you listening?" Alma asked.
"Are you wearing gloves when you touch the mouse traps?" Liz asked.
"Yes, to both questions," Jack assured them. "While we're on this cheerful subject, what about West Nile virus?"
"Please tell me it's not in this area," Alma said in alarm.
Immediately Jack regretted bringing it up. He could just hear Alma going on about the mosquitoes now too.
"There haven't been any cases reported in this area, so relax," Gavin said calmly.
"I wonder if Ennis has mice at his place," Alma said, and looked over at the trailer that stood unoccupied for the evening.
"He has one of those ultra sonic pest repellers plugged in near his sink. Not his normal style, but they were practically givin' 'em away at the drug store he works at during the winter. He uses mouse traps in the underneath compartments. But yeah, just about everyone in these parts has mice from time ta time."
That got Jack's attention. It sounds like he's been in the trailer and seen firsthand.
The rest of the evening's conversations were on lighter subjects, and it seemed like everyone enjoyed themselves. The food was great. Maybe the mountain air made everything taste extra good. April's potato salad from an old family recipe was the best Jack had ever tasted, and Rob sure knew his way around the grill. After dessert of Rocky Road ice cream, Gavin surprised everyone by fetching his guitar out of his truck, and they had an old fashioned sing-a-long. They shared a lot of laughs and merriment.
When it was time for Gavin to go, they all walked him to his truck.
"We'll have to do this again soon," Rob said.
"Maybe next time Ennis will be able to join us," Alma said. He hadn't returned yet, and not a light had been left on inside or out.
Jack noticed Gavin's eyes narrow slightly just for a second as he snickered. "Guess he's out paintin' the town."
The vibes Gavin was sending out were anything but good. Jack wondered if anyone else picked up on it. He felt the same discomfort as the day before when Gavin had talked about Ennis and his brother. There was something not right there. Could be as simple as they just didn't get along, but things didn't seem to add up.
To Be Continued...