Page 59 - Homestead By Ann Newhouse

I had a coffee break with Mrs. O’ Neilson, which was very pleasant, but I’d rather have had a beer, as the day was boiling hot. I was surprised when she made a comment about my asking questions about Mitch’s father and his connection with John Tirrell. She seemed a little annoyed. I bluffed my way out by showing sympathy for her loss, which she seemed to accept, but I felt she was still a bit suspicious of my motives. I went back to my duties, so I could finish up and have time to get ready for our dinner date.
Well, as I suspected, John Tirrell went pale when he first met Liz, and found out that her mother was formally Shelly Pincher. He recovered quickly and did not outwardly get flustered, but he didn’t initially smile and welcome her as he should. Josh and Sofie, though a bit embarrassed, took it as John being his usual self. Liz gave the impression that she had no clue as to who John Tirrell was, besides being Josh’s father. The night went as well as one would expect, being Liz’s first meeting with John Tirrell. He was polite and quiet, which was unusual, but he left immediately after the main course, with the excuse that he had a blinding headache. Mitch was the only one who put two and two together, as he had read the paper cuttings. He beckoned for me to meet him after the evening ended. We continued with the meal and everyone tried to act normally and to make Liz feel comfortable.
Later, I left Sofie to see to her father, and I made sure Johanna got home safely. I then waited in the shadows for Mitch as he escorted his mother to their cabin. Josh had to wait back, with Liz, for Sofie to chaperone them to the medical hall, so he could just say goodnight and then leave, on John Tirrell’s orders.
When I met up with Mitch, he had the same concerns about John’s reaction to Liz. There was something weird about the way he seemed to initially recognise her, but didn’t ask her anything more about her family, once she informed him that her stepfather was Bob Tully and her mother Shelly. He did not ask how they earned their living, or where they lived, which would have been normal conversation when first meeting a guest. Did he already know? Was there a connection with what happened all those years ago with the Ranch? What had the row been about and what was the secret John was carrying around all these year’s? What was he afraid off, and who was he afraid off? So many questions were on my mind. Josh would have to be careful when he told Liz who his father was. I wondered what her mother, Shelley’s reaction would be.? Maybe she knew already, and wanted a chance to meet John Tirrell again to maybe settle an old score? I was intrigued.