Chapter 7
Jack walked slowly toward the pasture where Ennis was working. The sky looked golden as the last rays of the sun were disappearing for another day. Jingles jumped up from where he'd been dozing and followed behind. Jack tried to go over the conversation with his mom back in January. He knew he hadn't talked about Snowball. He was totally dumbfounded to think his mom and dad had been at the farm...that it was their tire track and his dad's foot print that had been left there. It made no sense. Ennis and Lobo met him before he made it clear out to the pasture.
"Hey, I thought I might help ya with the posts. Ya callin' it a day?" Jack asked.
"Yeah, there's not much light left so I thought I'd head in." Ennis looked closely at Jack, and then put his arm around his shoulder. "Did you call your mama?"
"Oh, yeah," Jack said.
Ennis moved away to look Jack in the eye. "What happened?"
"Oh, nothin'...it was okay." They started walking in the direction of the house. "Like always, we didn't talk long." The dogs trotted ahead nipping at each other and enjoying the cool evening air.
Finally, Jack said, "Mom said somethin' really strange at the end of the phone call."
"Oh?" Ennis said. When no more was forthcoming he said, "Well, go on..."
"She mentioned Snowball. Said she wondered how the little white dog was fittin' in with the Labs, or somethin' like that."
"What's so strange about that...I'm not following you."
Jack stopped and faced Ennis. "I never ever mentioned Snowball ta her. How could she know about him unless she saw him up here?" Jack ran his hand through his hair. "See what I'm sayin'?"
Ennis looked out into the distance, then back at Jack. His eyebrows came together, and he made a slight grunting sound. "You're saying they were the ones who were up here?...Well, didn't you ask her?"
Jack looked down at the ground and kicked at the dirt. "Just as I was gonna ask, my old man called her and she hung right up. When he says jump she says how high, that kinda thing. I tried ta stop her from hangin' up but she was already gone."
They began to walk again. "Well, think, Jack. You might have mentioned Snowball last winter. We'd just gotten him and all..."
"I hardly tell her anything. We talk mostly about the damn weather. I had no reason ta bring up Snowball. I called ta thank her for my Christmas present and that was about the extent of it."
Ennis rubbed his chin. "It would sure be nice if it was them. Would be a load off my mind to know who it was."
"But why would they come here? And then just leave without seein' me?"
"And, would your daddy be running around the yard in the dark?" Ennis asked as he glanced at Jack.
Jack shook his head and looked down. "I can't picture him doing' nothin' like that..." Suddenly a different picture popped into Jack's mind, and it dawned on him what the real story might be. He felt like his face was pale as he experienced a wave of nausea. He hoped like hell that Ennis hadn't noticed. He tried to act normal and shake the feeling off. He realized that Ennis was talking.
"Well, you're just gonna have to call her back tomorrow and ask." By then they'd reached the driveway. "Bud, did you hear me?"
"Yeah, yeah...I heard." Jack was glad for an opportunity to change the subject. "We'd best get the dogs rounded up. It'll be dark soon."
...
That night in bed, Jack listened to Ennis' steady breathing. He was glad he'd been able to fall asleep so fast. If Jack hadn't known before, he certainly knew now...Ennis had been very nervous about the trespassing on their property. Now that there seemed to be an explanation, it appeared that Ennis felt much better.
The day had been good. Jack enjoyed it all, horseback riding with Ennis, and spending time with the family. He had a great life. Sure, there were a couple of little things that weren't quite perfect, but all in all, he was happy, and he didn't want anything to threaten that. On one hand he wished he hadn't called his mom. He always felt down after talking with her. But on the other hand, it was good he'd called. If something was going on he needed to know about it and nip it in the bud.
He tried to find a comfortable position without tossing and turning too much, but he was having a hard time. He tried to close his eyes and turn his brain off, but he couldn't stop thinking of that rainy fall day when the phone rang and that damn southern drawl and sarcastic laugh came over the line, the bad penny always turns up.
Jack awoke during the night and checked the clock, two forty-three. He quietly got out of bed and crept to the bathroom being careful not to step in the middle of any dogs. Would sure be nice ta have a bathroom off the bedroom, he mused.
Before leaving the bathroom, he looked at himself in the mirror. The small nightlight wasn't very bright, but he could see worry lines on his face. Should I tell Ennis what I'm thinkin'? I have no proof at this point, I'm only guessin', but it's a fact that mom and Pat have been in contact, at least they were, and probably still are. Pat sneakin' around in the yard makes a lot more sense than my old man. But why the hell now...What's goin' on...
As Jack slid back into bed, his gaze lingered on Ennis' peaceful, sleeping face. I'll wait and see what mom says before I say anythin' ta him. I'll call her tomorrow after work.
...
As they hurried to grab a bite for breakfast, Jack felt tired and knew it was because he had hardly slept a wink all night. He hoped his face didn't reflect how shitty he felt from lack of sleep, and from worrying about what his ex might be up to. Ennis, on the other hand, looked refreshed and as handsome and sexy as ever. Jack couldn't help but smile at the good looking man across the table from him. It's all gonna work out and be okay, Jack.
"See you after work. Anxious for you to call your mama back," Ennis said as he gave Jack a quick kiss on the lips, then gently nibbled on his neck.
Jack snickered and pulled back. "Hey, that tickles," he said.
Ennis looked startled. "Doesn't usually affect you like that," he chuckled as he hurried out the door, leaving Jack to do the last of the chores before he too had to go.
Jack loaded the dishwasher and finished getting himself ready, then rounded up the dogs. He couldn't get his mom and Pat out of his mind. He continued thinking the situation over on his way to work teetering on whether to even bother calling his mom, or to call the person he was convinced was responsible for disturbing his peaceful little world. He wondered if Pat still lived in their old apartment and had the same phone number. If not, he'd have to get it some other way if he decided to call him.
The first thing Jack did when he arrived at the clinic was pour himself a cup of coffee. "I don't see you drink coffee very often, Jack. Rough night?" Lureen asked as she put on her smock.
"Just feelin' a bit sluggish this mornin'. Thought it might help."
"I need a cup too. That's one reason I brewed it up," she said. "Gonna be a sad morning. We've got the Clarkson's bringing their dog in to be put to sleep."
"Sonny? That's too bad. He must be in his teens at least."
"Yeah, thirteen years old. He hasn't been very well for some time. It's always real sad though."
Lureen poured her coffee and took it with her to the front office. Everyone was filing in to begin their day. Jack went outside to start with the dogs that were being boarded. It took him quite some time as they had more than usual in residence. He was tired and hot when he stepped into the backroom to get himself a Coke from the machine. After a long drink, he glanced through the open door into the front office and noticed Lureen stooped down talking to a young boy who was sitting in a chair. She looked serious, and the boy's eyes were red and puffy like he'd been crying, and he looked on the verge of tears again. Jack realized that he must be the Clarkson boy. Yeah, he'd seen him before. Just then, Lureen looked up and made eye contact. She smiled and motioned with her head. Jack joined her and the boy.
"Jack, this is Brandon Clarkson. Brandon, meet Jack. He works here, and he's a good friend of mine."
Brandon looked up at Jack and said, "Hi."
"Hi, Brandon. How's it goin'?" Jack said in a quiet voice, squeezing his shoulder.
Lureen stood up and said to Jack, "Brandon's dad is making arrangements for getting Sonny's ashes back. It'll be awhile." She looked down at Brandon. "Brandon, how would you like to go out back with Jack and see the dogs we're baby-sitting? Fresh air would do you some good."
"Okay," Brandon said with little enthusiasm. He stood up and followed Jack, his head hanging down, his feet dragging.
Jack glanced back at Lureen. She smiled and winked, mouthing the words "Thank-you."
On their way through the back room, Jack stopped and got Brandon a Coke from the machine. As they stepped into the yard Brandon perked up a little, and as they walked toward the kennels, his eyes lit up when he heard the dogs barking.
"We got about ten dogs bein' looked after while their owners are on trips," Jack explained. "I have the kennels cleaned up already. Was gonna get them out a few at a time for exercise. Ya wanna help me?" Jack asked.
"Yeah," Brandon said. As they let the dogs roam and play, Brandon told Jack about Sonny, and pointed out a couple of the dogs that most closely resembled him. Jack could see that Brandon was a real animal lover. By the time they had exercised all ten dogs, Jack had told Brandon about his dogs too, and answered questions about the work he did. They also talked about Brandon's school. They had become fast friends.
Soon Jack noticed Lureen outside the back door, a man standing by her side. He recognized him as Allen Clarkson. "Looks like your dad's ready ta leave," he said to Brandon.
Jack wasn't the only one who Brandon had made friends with that day. A couple of the smaller dogs wouldn't leave him alone and were chasing after him and pulling on the legs of his jeans. As he tried to break free, Jack walked closer to Lureen and Mr. Clarkson and overheard him gruffly ask, "That's the guy who lives with Ennis Del Mar, isn't it?" Lureen seemed to be taken aback by the question so Mr. Clarkson went on in a bitter tone. "I know what they are, and I don't appreciate my son being sent out here with a queer." He hollered to his son, "Brandon, get over here, we're leaving now."
Jack hung back busying himself with one of the dogs. Brandon called out, "Bye, Jack," as he was ushered quickly through the back door by his father.
Lureen walked up to Jack and said, "I guess you heard that...Pay him no mind. Damn, I almost fainted when that came out of his mouth. I had no idea...poor Brandon. Shoot, I feel so bad."
Jack put his arm around her. "It's not your fault, sweetheart. There are people like that, we can't do anythin' about it. Truth be told, I knew about him anyway. Ennis was workin' for him, and after we moved in together, Mr. Clarkson fired him from the job."
"You're kidding," Lureen said.
"Not only that, but he even sent a rude note ta Ennis' sister declining her weddin' invitation, and they've all known each other for years."
"That's just terrible. The worst part is he's probably poisoning his son's mind too."
"He's a nice kid. Loved the dogs. Asked me about jobs workin' with animals. I felt bad for him, just losing the dog that's been with him since he was born."
"Yeah, what a day. I'm ready for lunch. I'll see you inside," Lureen said.
"I'll get the last of the dogs put back in the kennels. I'll be right in."
...
Ennis had a smile on his face as he drove his truck up Lost Dog Road. He'd felt good all day, and working on the Humane Society's landscaping was relaxing. On breaks he enjoyed visiting with some of the dogs and cats. He paid attention to the folks going in, and especially the ones leaving, taking notice if they had adopted a pet or not. Even though it was a no kill shelter, he felt sorry for them having to spend so much time in cages while waiting for their permanent homes.
He smiled and spoke out loud to his companion in the passenger seat. "Guess that's why I said yes when they asked if we'd foster you, huh?" The dog looked into Ennis' eyes, then opened his mouth in what appeared to almost be a smile. "Don't look at me that way, you have to obey the house rules just like everyone else," Ennis told the dog. "Wonder what Jack's gonna think about you?"
Ennis didn't have long to wonder, because Jack pulled into the driveway before he'd decided what to do with their new house guest. He'd opened the runs and barn, and all the dogs had checked the newcomer out and all was going well. "Wonder if Jack will notice you," he said to the new dog.
"Hey," Jack said as he slid out of the SUV.
"You look tired, Bud. Long day?" Ennis asked.
"Got a lot on my mind, and yeah, it was a typical Monday only worse." Jack's eyes landed on the strange dog that was strange in more ways than one. He didn't say a word, just stared.
Ennis smiled. "Uh, this here is Shorty. He's part Rottie and part Basset Hound. Isn't that something?...From his face it looks like he should be a big dog but look at those legs." Ennis laughed.
Jack smiled. "What did ya do, Ennis? Bring us home another dog?"
"Oh, he's just a foster dog. He'll be leaving when someone decides to adopt him." Jack was quiet, not like himself at all. "Uh, it's okay I brought him here, isn't it? They asked me...said he was kinda depressed and thought he'd perk up being in a family setting..."
"Oh, yeah, that's fine. I don't mind. But, don't ever tell me how weird any dog I bring home looks after ya bring one that looks like this," Jack laughed. As he headed toward the house he said, "Best keep him on a tether till ya see if he's gonna stay around all right."
Ennis was glad that Jack seemed okay with the arrangement, but he could tell that something was bothering him. He figured it was having to call his mama again. Ennis had concerns about the whole episode too, but still, if it had been Jack's folks up there, it was a lot better than if it had been someone else.
Later, Ennis helped Jack fix ham salad sandwiches for supper. "Too bad we ate the left-over salads from yesterday for lunch," Ennis said, as he tore open a big bag of potato chips. Jack poured them each a glass of sweet tea.
Before sitting down at the table, Ennis stepped out on the porch to check the dogs. "Everybody's accounted for, even Shorty," he smiled as he came back in.
After eating a couple of bites Ennis asked, "I wonder if your mama's gonna be surprised to hear from you again tonight?"
"Yeah, I wonder. Been thinkin', I wonder if she realized she let that slip. Maybe my old man wasn't even callin' her, maybe she realized what she'd said and didn't wanna answer about it...I just can't figure why they would come here."
"Well, that's why you're gonna call and ask." Jack didn't comment, just ate in silence.
Ennis sensed that Jack didn't want to talk any further about it so he changed the subject. "You have an interesting day at work?
"Well, not as interestin' as your day obviously." Jack smiled, but Ennis could tell he was forcing it.
After washing the last of his sandwich down with more sweet tea, Jack filled Ennis in on the incident with Allen Clarkson. "I'm glad he didn't cause a scene, especially with Brandon there. The poor kid was already upset over losing his dog."
"Too bad Lureen had to hear his hateful comment," Ennis said. "We were just talking about their dog too."
"Yeah. It's not fun when pets get old and sick, that's for sure."
Ennis wished that Jack didn't have the chore of calling his mama after his already hard day, but he was anxious to hear what she'd say, and he knew that Jack was too. "I'll help get these dishes in the dish washer then I'm going out to work on the fence for awhile. Give you a chance to call your mama."
...
Jack looked out the window and watched Ennis head toward the pasture. He was a fine sight from behind. Lobo, Duke, Snowball, and Shorty followed along. Jack located Maya and Abby by the barn along with a couple of cats, and Jingles was keeping him company in the house. He didn't leave the window right away, rather thought back to the night when Leanna was frightened out of her wits by the form lurking in the yard.
"Shit..." he said under his breath. He couldn't put the call off any longer. He stepped over to the phone, lifted the receiver, and dialed. It rang three times before it was picked up.
"Hello?"
"We need ta talk," Jack said in a firm voice.
To Be Continued...
