Chapter six

Adam went into the house to make sure the boys had gotten off on time for the bus. Hannah was doing the breakfast dishes. She looked at her husband and still saw the worry creasing his brow. She saw a hint of aggravation too, and she prayed that he and Daniel hadn't had words.

"So how's it going out there?" She asked cheerfully.

"Oh that boy is so damned stubborn! I can't get anything out of him. He's sealed up tighter than a drum. Other than finding out that he did see her and that she's here for a few days to sell her grandparents' place, he ain't talking."

"Well, I was referring to the work, not Tally, but since you brought it up..." Hannah began.

"Girl, you know you weren't talking about chores, don't even try to sell me on that." Adam retorted.

"I was actually referring to you and Daniel. I was afraid you two would be arguing because he overslept." Hannah corrected him.

"Nah, I'm being nice. I let that go. He couldn't have got much sleep. I'd rather him get some rest and do me some good rather than wander around half out of it all day because he's sleepy." Adam replied. "Say, what do you take me for anyway? A tyrant?" He implored.

"No, not at all. I just know you get a little testy when you're worried. And I know he get's testy when he's tired, that's all." Hannah explained, getting irritated with Adam.

"Well, it sounds like she has a legitimate reason for being here. That's a relief. Maybe she was just paying him a visit since she was here anyway." Hannah offered, hopefully.

"Maybe so. I don't know. He seemed to be working too hard at not answering me. You know? Like he's trying to hide something from me? I swear Hannah, if something's up with her and him, I'm liable to go ballistic!" He exclaimed.

"No you're not. You're going to keep your head and let him handle it. Stop borrowing trouble Adam. Other than sleeping in a little, he seems perfectly fine to me." Hannah said.

"Yeah, I just hope you're right. Alright, I've gotta go back to work girl. This ranch won't run itself. Love ya. See ya at lunch." Adam said leaning in to kiss her.

"See ya honey!" Hannah replied cheerfully.

It was a warm day and Daniel was enjoying the warmth of the sun. He was underneath the tractor, repairing the thing for the fifth time this month and he thought how glad he was that they hadn't pulled it into the barn. He would much rather enjoy the warm sunshine than be stuck in that dark, smelly barn for hours.

Daniel had been working for a good two hours and had finally figured out what was wrong with the tractor, but he was having a fitful time trying to concentrate on what he was doing. His mind kept going back to his conversation with Tally. He was practically salivating over the thought of joining such an established band, but at the same time, found himself dreading getting tangled up with Tally again. Why did this have to be so hard?

He was also sleepy. Laying on his back with the warm sun beating down on him wasn't doing anything to help his drowsiness. He tried hard to concentrate on the task at hand but his eyes were getting really heavy and beginning to water. He needed to get this tractor going so he could get up and start moving around. This work was much too dormant to continue. He needed to get active.

Adam was chopping wood when he looked up and saw Brian and Crane riding in. He was surprised to see them back so soon. They were a couple of hours ahead of schedule, he thought to himself, which could be good...or bad. He started toward the corral to greet them.

"Well, you two made good time. How's it looking up there?" Adam asked.

"Strangely enough, everything looks good. We found the herd. They were up close to the Sandy Creek crossing. The grass looks good, fencing's all in good shape. It's all in order." Brian replied as he dismounted his horse.

Adam took note of Brian treating his right knee gingerly. "That knee acting up again?" Adam asked.

"Yep. I wrenched it again. Couldn't sleep all night. That's why we're back so early. We headed back before it even got daylight. Sorry boys, but I'm hitting the rack. I'm gonna take some tylenol and try to catch a nap...That is if y'all don't mind." Brian replied.

"Ok by me. I'll be glad to get a break from your whining." Crane laughed.

"You're so thoughtful." Brian said grumpily.

"Hey Adam, I'm gonna grab a cup of coffee and I'll be right back out." Crane said.

"Ok, uh hold back a second, I wanna talk to you first." Adam replied, stalling until Brian got out of earshot.

"What's up?" Crane asked him curiously.

"Well, Daniel got a visitor last night." Adam began.

"Oh yeah, who?" Crane replied.

"Tally Dean." Adam replied shortly.

"Uh oh. How'd that go?" Crane asked nervously.

"That's what I'd like you to find out. She showed up here last night, but Danny was at practice so she went looking for him. He saw her...and he came in really late, or should I say early...as in, this morning." Adam replied, wiping his brow with his sleeve.

"And let me guess. He's not talking." Crane replied.

"Nope...and I don't want any trouble with him. I also don't want Brian to know she's here if I can help it. He was pretty wrung out over the falling out he had with Daniel over her and I really don't want to upset him with it." Adam explained.

"Sure. So, does Hannah and the other guys know she's here?" Crane asked.

"Hannah does, but the rest of 'em don't. I'd just as soon we not talk about her in front of them either. You know how they all love to tease each other and I don't want them teasing Daniel." Adam replied.

"Oh Adam. They're not heartless. They wouldn't tease Danny about her." Crane said.

"Maybe not, but there's no need in letting them in on any of it if we can help it." Adam said.

"Whatever you say, you're the boss." Crane replied. "I'm gonna go get that coffee then I'll catch up with Daniel. Where is he?"

"Working on the tractor out back." Adam replied.

"Ok. I'll talk to him. I'm not making any promises. And Adam? If he talks to me in confidence, I can't really break it, you understand?" Crane asked.

"Yeah, I got it. Just make sure he has his head on straight where she's concerned. That's all I ask of ya." Adam said with a sigh.

"You got it." was Crane's reply.

to be continued...