Page 79 - Homestead By Ann Newhouse

she had the strength to follow up on what we had started. I would ask Johanna to monitor the situation and inform me of John’s progress. I would miss Sophie, but I was prepared to give her time to sort out her situation. I would be busy in the hotel painting and trying to get ready to reopen. The cattle drive was also due, so to keep in Sofie’s good books I would offer my services to Tom, explaining about Josh’s arm and Mitch moving out. I didn’t think he would have the luxury of turning me down . . . with two hands short.
Tom invited me to join him for a bit of grub, his description of the evening meal, at his place. His cabin was a typical bachelor pad. It had a smell of stale cigarettes and beer. There was a wooden platform for a bed with a sleeping bag for bed covering. He was not out to impress the ladies or indeed encourage them to stay over. My thoughts made me giggle. I ate cautiously as Tom informed me, he had cooked the meal before going away! It did taste of beef, although he did admit to acquiring the meat some weeks ago. I was sure I would know later, if I couldn’t leave the bathroom for more than five minutes! He listened to my explanation regarding Mitch and Josh being absent and was glad to have me on board. I left him three sheets to the wind after he lowered down at least a dozen beers, (I had three). I laid him sideways on the bed, with his back to the wall, in case he became ill in the night. I would then be accused of sabotage by John Tirrell!
For the next two weeks I kept busy painting and repairing damaged furniture, as well as helping Margarete lift and carry. Josh’s arm was on the mend and he would be ready to be of use in the near future. I had not been back to the Homestead since John’s heart attack, although Johanna had kept me up to date with the situation there. Josh did not want to see his father until I was available to go with him, as he couldn’t drive with his fractured arm. I was preparing to return, to go on the cattle drive tomorrow. While I was away, Josh was going to have a serious talk with Sofie. I was hoping Sofie had consulted her father on the selling of Mrs. O’ Neilson cabin. We really needed to know what money we had to play with, after we had settled up with Mr. Choo for the purchase of the hotel. Mr. Choo seemed to be in a permanent state of intoxication. I’m sure he had already drunk away almost every cent we had given him as a starter payment, all of five thousand dollars. I feared he would not live to complete the sale. This might or might not work out well for us. I would have to consult a lawyer, sooner rather than later, to sort out the legalities.
I spoke to Margarete who gave me a little more information about the kidnapping of the baby by her husband, Buck. She was very upset and confused after losing her own baby so early. She said the