At the creek as lunchtime comes to an end Duke informs Heath and the men its time to return to their work. As Heath gets up Duke tells him to stay away from the water. Responding, “I will,” Heath moves towards the bridge while Duke quickly douses the fire he made. Finishing out the project the men each grab one of the railings and taking them over to the nearly completed bridge they begin installing them.
Returning to the Roadside Market Nick sees his wagon now loaded with the sacks of grain. Going inside, “You made it back,” Hal says to him, “Did you finish all your errands?”
“I did,” Nick replies, “Am I good to go?”
“You are,” Hal says, “I had a couple of my workers take the rest of your sacks over to your place. They should be there shortly if they haven’t arrived there yet.”
After thanking him and having a quick chat Nick walks out and after climbing in the driver’s box of the wagon parked outside he drives away heading in the direction of the ranch. Meanwhile back at the creek, the railing is now completely affixed to the bridge. Ron says, “Well look at that,” admiring it with pride, “The bridge is finally completed.”
“Indeed it is,” Duke then tells them, “You all did an excellent job with it; you could be very proud of yourself.”
“I must say,” Jim brings up, “The railing was a perfect added feature to it. It’ll make crossing over it so much easier now and not having to worry about anyone falling in” also proudly admiring it.
“Indeed it has been,” Duke then says to Heath, “That was a nice touch there Heath, very well done.” Heath replies, “Yes Duke.”
“What do we do now?” Johnny asks, “It’s just after three.”
“Why don’t you men,” Duke suggests, “Take the rest of the afternoon off and do whatever you would like. You deserve it.”
As each of the men thank Duke Ron suggests, “How about we go into town for a bit?”
“That sounds like a good idea,” Bobby then says, “Heath would you like to come with us?” Heath answers, “Don’t know.”
Duke says, “No, I want Heath to go back to the house and get some more sleep.”
“What about you Duke?” Ron asks, “Would you like to join us?”
“I’m thinking about it,” Duke replies “Sure, why not? I suppose I could go for a little bit, but I will meet you there. I want to check on a few things here. If you don’t see me there within so much time then I wasn’t able to make it. If all goes well then you will, okay?”
Replying, “Okay,” the men quickly go and saddle up their horses and while Duke
remains behind hitching up the wagon and taking care of the tools etc, Heath also remains behind assisting as well as driving the wagon back to the ranch while Duke follows along on his horse. Reaching the barn Duke asks Heath if he wouldn’t mind taking care of the wagon while he goes checking on a few things.
After Heath answers, “I don’t mind.” Duke then tells him, “After you take care of the wagon, go inside the house, have your dinner and then get some rest, some sleep. Silas will help you. Okay?”
“Okay,” Heath replies.
Duke then tells him, “I’ll see you later. Remember what I told you.”
“I remember,” Heath answers and while he takes care of the wagon Duke goes inside the bunkhouse.
Returning from his trip in town Nick sees the sacks of grain stacked against the wall of the barn. Going inside and seeing Heath unhitching the team he asks, “Heath, what are you doing here?” Heath replies, “Taking wagon apart, sir.”
“I could see that,” Nick says annoyed, “You’re supposed to be over at the creek working on the bridge.”
“Yes sir,” Heath replies. Nick asks, “Then what are you doing here?”
“Unhitching the wagon,” Heath mentions.
“I could see that,” Nick irritated asks, “Why are you back so soon?”
“Duke said sir” Heath says “Done. Bridge finished. Duke said take care of wagon.”
“The bridge is finished?” Nick inquires surprised. Heath replies, “Yes sir.”
“Well,” Nick says, “Why didn’t you say that in the first place?”
“Wasn’t asked, sir,” Heath replies.
“I see,” Nick then inquires, “Where’s Duke?”
“Bunkhouse,” Heath answers, “Had to check on a few things.”
“Did you see the sacks of grain outside here?” Nick motions.
“I did sir,” Heath admits.
“Do you see the sacks of grain in the wagon there?” Nick asks.
“I do sir,” Heath replies.
“Seeing there is still a couple more hours yet left til dinnertime” Nick commands “Why don’t you first take care of the barn, take care of the horses and then work on stacking them?” Heath replies, “Yes sir.”
“Come with me,” Nick then says, “I’ll show you where they go.”
Replying “Yes sir” Heath goes with Nick around back to the other side of the barn where they have the shed. After opening the door and informing him that is where they are to go Nick asks “Could you handle that?” Heath answers “I could.”
“Then” Nick says “That is your next project so, finish taking care of the wagon.”
Responding, “Yes sir,” Heath resumes unhitching the wagon while Nick heads for the front walk.
Going inside Nick goes up the stairs and changes his clothing. After he’s cleaned up and is coming down the stairs Silas greets him and then asks, “Are you going someplace?” Replying, “Yes,” Nick tells him, “Into town.”
“You’re not staying to have dinner?” Silas asks. Nick answers, “Not tonight.”
“What about Mr. Heath?” Silas inquires.
“He should be in shortly,” Nick mentions, “Right now he’s in the barn working,” reaching for the doorknob he says, “Bye Silas.”
As Nick is leaving, “What time should I expect you back?” Silas asks.
“Depends how it goes in town” Nick then says “If I am not back by 10 or so, don’t wait up for me.” Replying, “Yes Mr. Nick,” Silas closes the door behind him.
Returning to the barn Nick hands Heath a rake and after giving him a quick goodbye he grabs Coco and leaves. Minutes later walking in Duke sees Heath raking asks “Heath! What are you doing?”
“Raking,” Heath answers. Duke asks, “Why?” Heath mentions, “Nick said to.”
Duke says “Didn’t I tell you to go into the house?” with a slightly raised voice as he goes over to him. Heath replies, “You did Duke.”
“Come with me,” Duke says. Heath asks nervously, “Am I in trouble?”
“No,” Duke tells him, “Nick is when I get a hold of him, now come with me.”
Replying, “Yes Duke,” Heath goes with him while still holding onto the rake. Noticing Duke has him putting it down.
“Nick said take care of barn,” Heath informs him.
“Right now,” Duke says sternly, “You are to have some dinner and get some rest.”
Replying, “Yes Duke,” Heath puts the rake down and goes with Duke who takes the dried clothing of Heath’s from the back of the wagon with him and heads up the front walk.
Catching sight of them coming up the walk Silas is there quickly and promptly opening the door and greeting them as they approach and saying, “It’s good to see you Mr. Heath. I missed you at breakfast this morning.”
Duke asks of Silas, “Where’s Nick?” Silas answers “Went out Mr. Duke.”
Disgusted, “Out where?” Duke inquires.
“Not sure,” Silas replies, “Went into town and said not to wait up for him.”
“Well perhaps,” Duke says, “I will run into him when I get there but in case I don’t you tell him I want a word with him,” firmly.
“Yes Mr. Duke,” Silas replies, “Once he comes in.”
Duke then says, “And Heath,” handing him the clothing from the wagon, “You go with Silas here. He’ll help you with getting dinner.”
Replying “Yes Duke,” Heath reaches for the clothing Silas quickly intercepts taking them from Duke.
“Come right in, Mr. Heath,” Silas then says as Duke bids them both goodbye and leaves. Closing the door behind them Silas continues, “Mr. Heath, why don’t you come with me? I’ll help you get a bath together.”
“Thought,” Heath brings up, “Come in for dinner sir.”
“You will,” Silas mentions, “But first I think you could use a bath. You haven’t been in the house for a whole day and a half and I’m sure you could use one.”
Replying, “Yes sir,” Heath follows Silas who places the clothing on the bottom step while they go up the stairs.
Reaching the top landing, “Mr. Heath,” Silas says, “I heard about what happened this morning. You fell into the water, you okay?”
“Yes um,” Heath replies, “I okay.” Silas tells him, “You need to be more careful.”
“Yes sir,” Heath replies.
As they go down the hall Silas says, “I’m gonna fill the bathtub for you. While you’re enjoying your bath I will get your dinner ready for you. Mrs. Barkley told me to make sure I took care of you while she’s gone and I intend to do just that.”
Replying, “Yes um,” Heath goes with Silas into the bathroom who gets the tub filled up with warm to hot water. Silas then says, “You could do whatever you like after you had your dinner but I want to make sure you eat. I missed you this morning I don’t like it that you didn’t show up for breakfast. I had to throw out what I had for you.” Heath answers, “Sorry sir.”
“Forget it,” Silas then tells him, “Go into your room get out of these clothes and grab a robe then come back here. Mrs. Barkley has one for you hanging in the closet; when you return the bath should be ready.”
Replying, “Yes sir,” Heath obediently exits the bathroom and goes to his bedroom removing all his clothing and his boots. Grabbing a robe from the closet he walks back down the hall to the bathroom naked as a jaybird resulting in Silas gawking and saying, “Heath, you were suppose to wear it not carry it.”
“Sorry sir,” Heath responds. Silas tells him, “My fault. I should’ve been a little more specific. Put it on, you’ll catch pneumonia and that’s all we need.”
Replying, “Yes sir,” Heath quickly puts the robe on.
“Much better,” Silas informs him, “You could take it off once you’re about to go into the tub not before.”
“Yes sir,” Heath replies again.
Once the tub is ¾ full Silas says, “Okay Mr. Heath, I’ll leave you alone now so that you could enjoy your bath. When you finish, here’s the towels,” displaying them near the tub, “For you to use and I will have a clean set of clothes waiting for you on your bed. Once you’ve finished here make sure you are wearing your robe when you leave here and until you reach your room and change into the clothes I have laid out for you. Then come down stairs and I will get you your dinner, okay?”
Replying, “Yes sir,” Heath removes his robe as Silas closes the door and moving to the tub places his right foot in and feeling the warm water places his left food it and as he sits he begins taking his bath. While he dos that Silas retrieves the linens and clothing at the bottom step and goes in the direction of the kitchen with them.
As Sam and Austin walk into the sleeping quarters of the bunkhouse, “Whew!” Austin says, “Looks like no one is here yet.”
“I think we’re in the clear,” Sam surmises.
“You think so?” Oscar asks as he walks into the room hearing their voices, “Where did you go?” Austin answers, “No place special.”
“Does anyone know?” Sam inquires.
“Outside of me,” Oscar replies, “I don’t believe so. Barrett didn’t know or didn’t say anything if he did and the bastard didn’t say anything so I believe you are both safe.”
Coming in “Not so fast” Duke raising his voice says “WHERE THE HELL WERE THE TWO OF YOU?” with hands on his hips looking sternly at the two.
Swallowing hard, “Excuse me,” Oscar replies, “I think it’s a little crowded in here, I better go see what we are having for dinner,” quickly walking out.
“Just came from town,” Sam informs him.
“Where were you last night?” Duke sternly asks.
“Last night?” Sam innocently queries.
“You were supposed to be working,” Duke states.
Swallowing hard, “We were working,” Austin mentions.
“You were not,” Duke informs them.
“Who said we weren’t working,” Sam asks.
“Don’t start lying to me,” Duke says, “I know you didn’t show up for your shift when you were supposed to be. Do you still want your jobs here?”
“We do,” Austin answers.
“Then I suggest,” Duke recommends sternly, “You finish out your day today because from tomorrow until the end of this week you will both be riding double shifts on the West Ridge.” Doing double takes, “Double shifts?” both Austin and Sam ask.
“You heard me correctly,” Duke says, “Double shifts. From 7 am to 11 pm. Maybe that will teach you boys of thinking of trying that again. Do I make myself clear?”
“Perfectly clear” comes from Sam and “Quite” from Austin.
After Duke exits, “Hmmm” Sam says “I wonder how he found out. If Oscar didn’t say anything and if Barrett didn’t know or didn’t say anything and the Bastard I don’t think said anything, I just don’t understand how he could possibly know.”
“Duke,” Austin notes, “Has a way of finding out anything. Let’s just be thankful we still have our jobs, at least for the moment.”
“Agreed,” Sam snickers, “And you and your brilliant ideas. You were the idiot Austin thinking no one could notice.”
“How was I to know” Austin says “They’d find out and you went along with it too? So if I was an idiot then so were you.”
“How about we just forget it,” Sam insists. Austin responds, “Agreed.”
Going to check on Heath and after kn0cking at the door Silas walks in upon not hearing any response and finds that Heath has fallen asleep inside the bathtub. Glancing down at him Silas has a huge smile on his face, then reaches down and gently shakes him awake calling out to him, “Mr. Heath, Mr. Heath!”
Feeling being touched and shakened Heath quickly opens his eyes saying, “Huh?” and seeing Silas standing over him asks, “What happened?”
“You were taking a little nap,” Silas replies, “I didn’t hear you come out and thought I’d check on you. I knocked but you didn’t answer. Do you want to continue your nap in the bathtub?”
Shaking his head, “No sir,” Heath says, “Sorry; didn’t mean to.”
“That’s quite alright,” Silas tells him, “Why don’t you climb out of there get dried put this here robe on and the go get into some nice clean clothes waiting for you on your bed okay?” Nodding his head, “Okay,” Heath replies.
“I’ll see you downstairs,” Silas informs him, “As you get out, pull that plug there so the water could go down the drain.”
Replying, “Yes sir,” Heath is left alone and upon doing as instructed gets up, pulls the plug out and then climbs out grabbing one of the bath towels and as he is drying himself off he watches in amazement as the water goes down the drain.
Taking the robe and putting it on Heath goes down the hall to his room and seeing the clothes laid out on his bed removes his robe and begins dressing. After he finishes he goes down the stairs to where he is met by Silas coming out of the kitchen saying, “Well Mr. Heath, how do you feel?”
Heath answers, “Fine sir.”
“You look juz fine,” Silas informs him, “And I bet that bath you juz took did wonders for you.” Heath replies, “Not know.”
“Are you hungry?” Silas asks of him, “Would you like some dinner?”
Replying, “Yes um,” Heath is then escorted to the dining room and is asked to take a seat to which Heath inquires, “Where sir?” glancing at the chairs.
“Anyone you like,” Silas tells him, “Pick one out.”
“Never did this before,” Heath mentions.
“Okay then,” Silas offers, “How about if I pick it out for you, will that be alright?”
Replying, “Yes sir,” Heath is given Mr. Jarrod’s chair being informed by Silas, “Seeing no one is home it’ll make you the head of the table.”
“It’s alright to?” Heath asks with Silas answering, “It is. Now sit” a little more forceful. Responding, “Yes sir,” Heath does as instructed and sits. Silas then inquires, “How’s it feel?” Heath replies, “Okay sir. Not use to this.”
“What’s that?” Silas wanted to know.
“No one,” Heath replies, “At table but me.”
“I must admit,” Silas notes, “It doesn’t happen too often, now let me go and get your dinner. I’ll be right back,” and quickly leaves the room to retrieve his dinner. Meanwhile Heath sits there both nervously and patiently for him to return. Placing his plate before him, “Here we are, Mr. Heath,” Silas says, “A dinner fit for a king.” Heath replies “I no king.”
“Tonight you are” Silas states “Tonight you are the guest of honor and head of the table. You have everything you need I think at the table so enjoy and eat up. I’ll be back with a biscuit and drink. Which would you prefer coffee, tea or milk?”
“Don’t matter,” Heath replies.
“Then” Silas says “I will bring you in a cup of coffee” and leaves the room. Heath begins eating his dinner starting with the potato, then moving to the carrots and finally taking the knife and starts cutting up the steak.
Returning with Heath’s biscuit, Silas asks, “How is it?” Heath replies, “Good sir.”
Upon telling him to keep eating up, Silas goes to retrieve his cup of coffee while he tries a bite of the biscuit. Placing the cup before him, he asks, “Do you need anything else?” Heath replies, “No sir; this is plenty.”
Silas then asks of him, “Do you like cake?” Heath replies, “Yes sir.” Silas then asks, “What kind do you like: carrot, chocolate, white or yellow?”
“Don’t matter” Heath answers, “Take what is given.”
“I believe you had chocolate with Miss Audra, “Silas asks, “Right?”
“I did sir,” Heath replies.
“How about if I give you small slices of each one?” Silas offers.
“If you like sir,” Heath answers.
“I like,” Silas says and once again walks out of the room carrying the finished dishes with him into the kitchen leaving Heath to enjoy his dinner.
In the kitchen Silas slices up small pieces of each of the cakes and returning to the dining room serves them to Heath saying “Here we are, Mr. Heath, eat up and enjoy!” As Heath replies, “Yes sir,” Silas brings him in another cup of coffee.
Eating the first piece of cake he has in front of him he skips the frosting. Then moving to the second and so on he does the same with each of the frostings saving them for last until they are all gone. Once he finishes his dessert and coffee he remains seated.
Returning, “Mr. Heath,” Silas inquires, “How were they?”
“Good sir,” Heath answers.
“Glad you enjoyed them,” Silas then says, “Could I get you anything else?”
“No,” Heath replies “Had more than enough sir.”
“Well” Silas then says “Seeing you’re now finished here you may go and do whatever you like.” Replying “I like sir” Heath gets up out of his seat.
“Where you headed?” Silas asks of Heath who replies, “Barn. Must do what told.”
“Very well” Silas sighs “If that is what you like, go ahead. I’ll see you when you come back in.” Responding “Yes sir” Heath walks out.
Watching as he leaves “That boy is sure a strange one Mr. Barkley” Silas notes “Lord if you could hear me, I like him. Please watch over him, make sure no harm comes to him. He’s had enough in one lifetime already he doesn’t need anymore,” as he resumes clearing the table.
Returning to the barn Heath resumes working. After taking care of the horses he begins stacking the sacks of grain inside the shed. Nick returning from his later night out into town doesn’t notice Heath still in the shed moving the sacks of grain as been instructed. After taking care of Coco and upon wiping his weary eyes and not thinking anything being out of the ordinary Nick goes inside the house while Heath continues doing his work.
Once again Nick checks each room downstairs making sure everything is okay before going up the stairs to his room. After using the bathroom and changing into his nightshirt he climbs into his bed, gets in under the covers and closes his eyes.
Tuesday, January 24th, 1871
It’s well past midnight and while both Nick and Silas are fast asleep in their beds Heath is outside stacking sacks of grain neatly one by one inside the shed as instructed. Returning from his long night into town Bobby going inside the barn and not seeing Heath anywhere and believing he went inside doesn’t think anything out of the ordinary and heads for the bunkhouse. While Silas and Nick are both asleep in their beds, Chad and Davy are busy patrolling the West Ridge while the rest of the men on the ranch have all turned in for the night.
The next morning over roughly 5:25 a.m. Nick comes down the stairs all dressed and ready to start the day enters the dining room and greets Silas who is busy placing breakfast on the table. Silas asks of him, “Are you ready for breakfast?”
“I am,” Nick heartily answers.
“Have you seen Mr. Heath this morning?” Silas inquires, “I was hoping he’d come in and join you.” Nick replies, “No! Sorry, I haven’t.”
“Your mother,” Silas states, “Would like it if he came in and had some breakfast.”
“Yes she would,” Nick notes, “But if he’s not going to come in he won’t be getting any special treatment from me. I promised I wouldn’t do anything that would send him away and keep my distance from him and that is exactly what I am doing. The little I see of him the better it is for all around. And he must know how I feel about his coming in late so he stays away anyway.”
Sighing, “If you say so,” Silas answers disappointedly.
“Did he come in last night for dinner?” Nick asks.
“He did,” Silas admits. Nick says, “Alright then.”
“Mr. Duke,” Silas then informs him, “Would like to have a word with you.”
Replying “I’ll see him” Nick then asks, “Now how about breakfast?”
Sighing “I’ll bring it for you” Silas answers walking out disappointed; while waiting Nick starts on his juice and coffee. Seconds later, Silas returns with his breakfast and after placing it before him leaves again. Outside Heath is still out in the barn picking up sacks of grain and going around the back to the shed with them.
Finishing his breakfast Nick gets up and calling out to Silas tells him he will see him tonight as he goes out the door. Noticing Heath coming for another sack of grain, “Heath,” Nick calls out “You missed breakfast again; you making a habit of not coming in?” Heath answers, “Guess so.”
Noticing the sacks of grain diminishing, “I see you’ve started working already,” Nick says. “Yes sir, I have,” Heath replies. Nick tells him, “Well, I’m impressed. Thought you would try taking advantage of no one being here and sleep in longer. Continue on.”
Responding, “Yes um,” Heath resumes his work while Nick gets Coco saddled up and rides off.
Coming over to Heath and upon exchanging goodmornings Bobby studying his eyes asks “Did you sleep well?” noticing them slightly red and watery.
“Don’t know,” Heath answers. Bobby asks of him, “What you doing?” Heath replies, “Stacking sacks in the shed.”
“Is that what Nick is having you to do now?” Bobby inquires.
“It is,” Heath replies.
Bobby then asks, “Did he say how he liked how the bridge came out?”
“Didn’t say,” Heath answers.
“Well” Bobby then says “I better be going. I will catch you later.”
Responding, “Okay,” Heath resumes his work while Bobby heads out for his next assignment. Coming out of the bunkhouse next Duke goes and says goodmorning to Heath.
Duke then asks of him, “How was your dinner last night? Did Silas help you with everything?” Heath answers, “He did.”
“Nick is still having you do that?” Duke asks indicating the sacks of grain.
“He is,” Heath replies.
“Where is he?” Duke wanted to know, “I told Silas to tell him I wanted to see him.” Heath answers “Not know; left.”
Sighing, “Carry on Heath,” Duke irritated tells him, “I will see you later.”
Replying “Okay” Heath resumes his task while Duke grabs his horse and rides off.
Nick doing his morning rounds starts off with the bridge. Giving it a thorough inspection he checks everything right down to the railing making sure it’s all secured properly. Pleased in how well it came out he then rides off he then moves onto the Winery and catches sight of the roof needing to be repaired and decides to return to fix it. Meanwhile Duke goes to check on Austin and Sam patrolling the West Ridge. Seeing that they are alright as well as working he leaves them to their assignment.
After finishing the last sack of grain placing it in the shed with the others Heath is standing in front of the barn when Nick returns from his rounds. Seeing him, “Heath,” Nick asks, “Why are you standing there?”
“Not know sir,” Heath replies. Nick asks, “Where are the sacks of grain?”
Swallowing hard, “In shed,” Heath answers, “Finished sir.”
Doing a double take, “You finished all that?” Nick asks, “There were a hundred sacks.”
“I did what was there,” Heath notes.
“Let’s see if you did it right,” Nick orders, “Come with me.”
Replying, “Yes sir,” Heath obediently follows him to the shed. Looking around Nick sees the sacks all neatly stacked.
Pleased, “I’ll say one thing for you,” Nick mentions, “You do follow directions. You did exactly what I said and you did it right.”
“Yes sir,” Heath answers, “Do as told.”
“I’m surprised,” Nick mentions, “You got it all done already. I thought you would’ve taken half the day at least to finish it.”
Did as said sir,” Heath says “Stack sacks of grain in shed.”
“I know,” Nick replies, “But I just don’t see how you finished so quickly,” baffled he then asks, “Did you do the ones in the barn that were in the wagon there too?”
“Yes um,” Heath answers. Nick asks, “What about the work in the barn?”
“Did sir” Heath replies.
Nick then says, “Come with me; let’s see how well you did with that.” Responding, “Yes sir,” Heath follows Nick inside the barn. Glancing about Nick sees wagon empty and observes how clean and neatly everything looks. Nodding, “Not bad Heath,” Nick impressed says, “I am impressed. This is still a little too much for me to digest and comprehend. I just can’t get over how well you did everything and in the amount of time that you did it in.”
“Do as told sir,” Heath mentions, “Take care of wagon, take care of barn, take care of horses, stack sacks of grain in shed.”
“I guess so” Nick says “Are you ready to work on the next project I have for you?”
“I am sir,” Heath answers.
“Do you remember my mentioning the fence being your next project up in the North Pasture?” Nick asks of him who replies, “I do sir.”
“Then come with me,” Nick tells him, “That will be your next assignment. I have everything ready to go. How about hitching up the team and I will show you where it will go.”
Responding, “Yes sir,” Heath goes with Nick inside and after getting the wagon hitched up Nick has him driving to the North Pasture with him riding alongside of him.
Arriving at the North Pasture Nick gives Heath instructions of where he wants the fence to go. Once he’s finished he asks of him, “Have you ever put a fence in before?” Heath answers, “I have sir.” Nick then tells him, “Very good! You have everything you will need inside the wagon. Just take care of the team and begin,” as he mounts Coco, “I will catch you later” and rides away.
Replying “Yes sir” Heath does as instructed. After taking care of the team he goes to the wagon grabs a shovel and two posts and starts digging his first hole of where Nick wants the fence to go and inserts the post into it.
Returning to the barn Nick places Coco back in his stall then gets out a wagon and after filling it what he will need to repair the roof of the winery he hitches up a team and then heads out in a westerly direction. While he does that Heath erecting the fence takes a long slat from the back of the wagon and uses it to measure how far the second post needs to go into and then proceeds with digging another hole and inserts the post into it.
Arriving at the winery Nick places the ladder against the building and climbing up begins work on repairing the roof. Meanwhile as it reaches lunchtime Heath continues digging holes, placing posts into them and after pounding them in grabs a slat and once again measures the distance from one post to the next. While he continues working Nick repairing the roof at the winery takes a break to grab a sandwich and starts eating; after eating a couple bites resumes eating while working in between. Meanwhile off at another section of the ranch Duke is having his lunch with Bobby.
While taking a bite from his sandwich, “Duke,” Bobby says, “Did you notice Heath being tired this morning?”
“His eyes did look a little bloodshot,” Duke notes.
“You know what I think?” Bobby says, “I think he was up all night stacking those sacks.”
“I was thinking that” Duke replies, “I don’t think Nick is aware of what is happening. I am trying to talk to him but right now he keeps avoiding me.”
“He probably doesn’t want to hear what you have to say” Bobby speculates “And Heath doesn’t say anything either. He just does whatever Nick or anybody says.”
“That is where” Duke notes “Nick doesn’t realize. Right now Nick’s head is off somewhere but he wouldn’t deliberately do that. He says he doesn’t like his being here but I don’t think he really means it. I think he’s just afraid to come out and admit it. And that is why he’s avoiding me and staying clear of Heath.”
“What are you going to do then?” Bobby asks, “If you can’t talk to him and he keeps avoiding you, how are you going to get him to listen? I like Heath being here.
“I don’t know,” Duke says, “There has to be a way of reaching him but for right now let’s stop worrying about Nick and get back to work. I will see what I could do afterwards.”
Replying, “Okay,” Bobby finishes his lunch and getting up he returns to his work. Meanwhile up at the North Pasture Heath continues digging holes, measuring the distance and putting the new posts in while Nick continues repairing the winery’s roof.
...Continued