Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 34931 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 175(@200wpm)___ 140(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34931 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 175(@200wpm)___ 140(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
Colt nodded slyly, causing Gage to furrow his brow. Ignoring Gage’s suspicions, he offered, “As soon as we get out of here, let’s grab a beer.”
“Sounds good. I need it.” Gage grabbed his paddle and lifted it into the air on the next lot of a dozen yearlings.
“Then we can talk about ranch hands. You’re going to need at least half a dozen. Several ranches were forced to go belly up with the last floods. You might be able to scoop up a few good ones from there.”
“Winning bid belongs to number 303.”
Gage’s mouth formed a grin, and the cousins shook hands.
“We’re racking them up. Let’s get going now.”
“I can get with that idea.”
They stood up and shimmied out of the rows of sports seating and headed out to square up their winning lots. It took another hour to get them all done and signed for. They managed to have all the lots scheduled for delivery tomorrow.
“What the fuck, Colt?” He took the form that belonged to Colt, and it had the delivery address Gibson Ranch on it in black sharpie.
“Consider it a housewarming gift. It’s great to have you back.” Gage pulled his cousin in a one-armed hug.
“You didn’t have to go fucking nuts like that, but thank you.” He nodded before the two cousins walked out of the large cattle auction and into the bright Texas sun. Even though the day had been winding down, the sun was still bright in the sky, drying up the sweat on their skin.
***
“Sign right here, and they’re all yours.” The man tapped his pen on the sturdy clipboard where Gage had to leave his Alex Hancock. The attorney in him scanned the documents to make sure there were no surprises. Feeling satisfied, he signed off on the delivery of forty-three heifers, fourteen yearlings, and one bull.
Gage shook the driver’s hand and then watched him climb into his cab and drive off the property.
“Boss, they’re all loaded in their pens,” Bill said, dusting off his hands on his jeans. Colt had sent Bill over to help set up the ranch for his cousin. He’d worked as Colt’s foreman for three years when an injury left him unable to walk for nearly a year. By the time he recovered, Colt had promoted a new foreman, and Gage had decided to return home. Bill was perfect for the job.
“Thanks, Bill.”
“Thank you for giving me another opportunity.”
If Colt trusted Bill, then Gage could do the same, although Gage made sure to run all the necessary background checks, getting information in hours with the help of some of his former colleagues. The man had proven to be upstanding and hardworking. Accidents happened and unfortunately Bill’s nearly cost him his life. Colt didn’t want to let him go, but he had too much at stake to just wait around for his recovery.
Gage clapped his hand on Bill’s back and said, “Well, hell. We all need second chances. How about we get them fed and head back inside to plan out the number of employees I need to maintain this business?”
“Sounds good to me.” He grabbed his bandana, swiping it across the back of his neck for some relief. The sun, even in the early summer, could be unbearable. Bill had extensive experience with the number of men they needed, so Gage relied on his judgement. They were already days behind, so finding men tomorrow was a must. There was too much work for two men to handle. With over fifty cattle to manage and feed, the day passed in a hurry and their bodies were beaten.
By seven, they’d squared away the details on what type of hands they needed and how many, as well as housing them in the bunkhouse a thousand feet from the main house.
“I’ve got to hit the road. I’ll be back first thing in the morning with a couple of hands that are looking for work outside the feed store.”
“We can test them out and see if we can make them permanent. You’re aware of I’m looking for.” They discussed the matter thoroughly, making notes of how much they would be paid by the hour and possible bunking if needed.
After a day full of hard work, Gage’s aching bones begged for the relief of a hot shower. He rolled his head, stretching his neck as he let the water wash over him. He needed a good massage, but he wouldn’t tell his cousin that because he’d bust his chops about being weak.
He quickly finished his shower and then turned off the water because his fatigue kicked in. Smiling to himself, he dried off, slipped on some boxers, and passed out, ready for another day.
Chapter Three
The ticking sound of an imaginary analog clock played in her head, waking Hope up in the wee hours of the morning. Her eyes widened as she observed the darkened room with just a hint of light coming from the moon. She stared at the bastard light with a vengeful mind. It marked how much time she had left of her innocence.