"That there hog will be cooked to perfection," declared Hannah. "I'll season it with maple syrup and spices. Now ya'll gather round, we need to decide on appetizers and side dishes and desserts."
Hannah, Kayla, Mary Lou and Brenda sat down to plan the rest of the menu, and then it was all systems go as they began to prepare appetizing salads of coleslaw, potato, pasta, and artichoke and mushroom. Brenda worked on her famous eggplant parmesan, while Mary Lou and Kayla got together the ingredients for side dishes of vegetable platters, cheese platters, and stuffed mushrooms. For dessert there were bowls of fresh fruit, and one of Hannah's special chocolate cakes.
"Ain't no one goin' hungry tonight," chuckled Hannah. "We've sure cooked up a mighty fine feast."
They had, and it was appreciated by everyone. They gathered around the back of the ranch close to the cook out area and the long tables that had been set up, laden with food and drink. Corks popped, glasses chinked, and the place was full of laughter and gaiety.
Because of the din, no one heard the station wagon draw to a halt at the front entrance of the ranch house. No one saw the man and woman get out of the vehicle and wander inside the house.
---oOo---
"Well lookee here - these rich bastards sure do know how to live." Johnny Myers strode into the entrance hall, his eyes taking in every detail of furnishings and décor. "This place must be worth a fortune. What's in here?" He walked into the family dining room and whistled. "Very nice. Get your ass over here and come see."
But Marie was nervous. "We shouldn't be snooping around in here Johnny. We should have called first to let them know. We -"
"Shut it, Marie. They're having themselves a big party out in the back yard, and we shall join them. But first, I'm gonna have a good look round." He opened a drawer in the sideboard and began rifling through it. "Let's see what we can find."
"Johnny, please! Don't touch anything, and for god's sake don't take anything." Clearly uncomfortable, she showed her agitation by clasping her hands together, trying to keep her trembling fingers still.
Johnny ignored her and continued to pry, but soon lost interest in the dining room. "Wonder where they keep the old safe, huh? A place this size - they must have one." He investigated two of the other rooms and then found his way into Isaac's study, Marie following nervously in his wake. "Now this is the place for me. I could get used to this." Johnny went behind the desk and sat down in Isaacs swivel leather chair. Opening the desk drawer he helped himself to a cigar out of a lacquered box, and lit up.
"Put that out! Jeez Johnny - someone will come and catch you. How the hell do we explain ourselves? They might call the cops."
"We're practically family. Ain't no way they'll call the cops. Hey - is this what I think it is? He pulled the stopper off a decanter and sniffed he liquid inside. "Holy moly - Bourbon. I'll have me some of this baby." To Marie's horror, he drank from the decanter, taking a big swig, spilling some of the spirit down his chin. He wiped his chin with his sleeve. "Fuck me- that's good stuff. Want some?"
Marie shook her head, although she was longing for a drink so badly her hands were shaking. The craving was back. She needed alcohol. She looked at the almost full decanter and with a superhuman effort tore her eyes away. "Let's get out of here Johnny. I'm going back outside. If you have any sense you'll come too."
For a moment, he stared owlishly at her. It was rare these days for her to be so goddam assertive. His eyes narrowed as his face darkened into an ugly look. "Go keep a lookout then. Let me know if anyone's heading this way."
As Marie left the study, he began opening Isaac's desk drawers and found a luxury black and silver fountain pen. He pulled off the cap and scrawled his initials on the cover of a notebook. "Nice. Always wanted one of these ink things." He put it in his pocket, then moved away from the desk and began scanning the room for any sign of a safe. Even if there was no safe located here in this room, he reckoned there would be money stashed somewhere. Didn't these folks take in paying guests out in the cabins? There would surely be money somewhere. He vowed to find it, but was interrupted a few minutes later by Marie.
"Quick! Johnny! Someone's coming!"
He cursed, took one last swig of the bourbon and headed out of the study and back along the corridor and into the reception area where Marie was waiting by the desk, an anxious look on her face.
"I looked out the window. There's some guy headed this way. I was starting to panic."
"Keep your cool, you stupid woman," he snapped. "We've been waiting patiently right here seeing as there was no one around to welcome us. And here he comes... Howdy, buddy." He stepped forward, hand extended, an oily smile on his face.
It was Isaac who walked in as he'd previously arranged to make a quick but important business call. Seeing the strangers standing by the reception desk he strode forward, intent on finding out what they wanted. The woman looked vaguely familiar, and the man... he was good looking but there was a slyness about him that Isaac took an instant dislike to. Nevertheless, he extended his right hand and briefly shook hands with the stranger.
"Isaac Armstrong. What can I do for you people?"
"Hey Isaac." Johnny reached up to slap him on the back. "Good to meet 'ya buddy. Johnny Myers is the name. And this here is my lady friend, Marie Odell. Could be a name you recognise, huh?"
Marie gave a frightened smile that looked more like a grimace. "Pleased to meet you, Mr Armstrong. I'm sorry we arrived without calling first."
"Don't apologise to the man. These Armstrong's will always be pleased to see family - ain't that so, Isaac?"
Isaac looked appraisingly at Johnny Myers. The guy stank of bourbon. He also stank of Onyx Reserve Torbusto cigars - an aroma he recognised immediately as it was his favourite brand. Turning away from Johnny, Isaac addressed Marie. "Marie Odell?"
"Yes sir. Carla is my daughter. We watched the TV programme about your ranch. When I saw her - well... it's been such a long time since we were last in touch and I wanted... I wanted to..."
"We wanted to be reunited with our sweet Carla," cut in Johnny. "Hey - you guys having a party out there? We could smell the hog roast as soon as we got here. Sure smells good. We've arrived at the right time, huh?"
Ignoring the odious Johnny, Isaac shook Marie's hand. "I thought you looked familiar. Now I see why. Right - if the two of you would take a seat over there, I'll go and tell Carla you're here. From what you've said about not being in touch, it will come as a big surprise."
"Yes. I'm... a bit nervous." Marie bit her lip.
"Understandable. I'll go get her for you."
Isaac returned to the gathering which was in full swing with plenty of music, chatter and laughter.
Carla smiled as he approached. "Connor's going to play his guitar for us soon. I've been hearing how good he is."
"Yeah, he is good - he can sing too." He paused. "Carla..."
There was something in his tone that made Carla ask, "What is it, Isaac. Anything wrong?"
"No, nothing's wrong... but you do have a couple of visitors."
Carla looked puzzled. "Visitors? For me? Who?"
"Your mother, and someone called Johnny Myers."
"My mother?!" Carla reeled. "Did you say my mother?" Isaac nodded. "But... but that's not possible. We've not been in touch for almost ten years."
"She's in reception. You look like her. Listen, Carla, I can send them away. I don't want this to spoil your evening."
"What's spoiling the evening?" asked Scott. He came over and put his arm round Carla's waist. "What's going on?"
"Your pa says my mother is here, with Johnny Myers. I can't believe it. Oh my god - what am I going to say to her after all this time?"
"Do you want to see her? You don't have to. We can ask them to leave. How did they know where to find you?"
"They saw the TV programme," said Isaac.
"Well, I... I don't think it would be right to send them away - at least until I've spoken to my mother. It's just a shock, that's
all."
Scott nodded in agreement. "Come on then, hon. I'll be right beside you."
The three of them slipped away from the merrymaking crowd and walked back to the ranch house. Carla walked in stunned silence. She suddenly felt very nervous. Her hands were shaking.
"It'll be ok, hon." Scott squeezed her hand reassuringly.
"I hope so," she whispered.
Isaac led the way and approached the two unexpected guests. "Here's Carla, and her fiancé, my son Scott."
"Oh, fiancé is it? Little Carla's getting' herself hitched, huh? Good to see ya babes." Johnny's eyes roved over her body appreciatively. "You sure have grown into a damn fine looking woman." He stepped forward and kissed her full on the lips.
It took all Scott's resolve not to punch this slimy little toad on the nose. As for Carla, she pushed Johnny away and stared bleakly at her mother.
"Mom?"
"Carla. Oh Carla - I am so pleased to see you!" With a tremulous smile and tears in her eyes, Marie Odell stepped forward to embrace her daughter.
Carla burst into tears and threw her arms around her mother. "I've missed you so much, mom. I'm pleased to see you too."
"Aw - ain't that sweet? Mother and daughter reunited. Hey - I don't suppose a guy can get a drink around here?" Johnny waved his hand. "Nice big place you got here. Very nice. Wouldn't mind staying here awhile. Could do with a bite to eat to wash that drink down with, buddy."
Scott and Isaac exchanged glances. Both instinctively knew what the other was thinking. Scott's fingers were balled into fists. Isaac shuffled his right foot, as though testing out the toe cap of his boot ready to deliver a good kick.
Taking a deep breath, Scott completely ignored Johnny. Putting a hand on Carla's arm, he gently steered her into the lounge, saying to her mother, "This way, Mrs Odell. I'm sure you two have some catching up to do." Johnny followed. "Not you. Give them some privacy. You can wait out here."
"Suit yourself," said Johnny in an aggrieved tone. He had taken an immediate dislike to this rich bastard Texan.
"I'll be right outside the door, darlin'. Take as long as you like." Scott closed the lounge door behind him and gave Johnny a disparaging look
"What do you want to drink?" asked Isaac.
"Could do with a decent bourbon, bud."
Isaac said nothing. He went into the dining room, poured a small shot into a glass, and handed it to Johnny. Johnny stared at the offering in disdain and knocked back the drink in one go.
"Not bad. I'll have another."
"No you won't." Isaac drew himself up to his full height. "If you're thirsty you can have a soda or a cup of coffee."
"What?!" The ugly look crossed Johnny's features again. "This what you call Texas hospitality, huh? I'm not impressed."
"Too bad. We're not impressed with you either, so I suggest you shut your mouth and start showing some respect." Isaac's steel blue eyes gleamed. He was a fair man, and there were very few people whom he disliked, but one thing was certain - he didn't like this guy. What a louse.
Johnny sat back down and glared at Isaac and Scott. It rankled him that they both looked so smug. Rich and smug. Well, Johnny Myers was not a man to be kicked aside. He'd bide his time, and he'd show them just what he was made of. They wouldn't be so smug then.
Much to Johnny's annoyance, he wasn't invited to attend the party going on in the back yard. Making an excuse to get some air he went outside, fished out from his pocket the half smoked cigar he had taken from Isaac's study earlier, and lit up again. Strains of country music beckoned, and he began walking towards the sound, but after a few paces he felt a hand the size of a meat plate attach itself to his shoulder.
"Not so fast, Myers. Where do you think you're going?"
Johnny turned to see Scott. The bastard wouldn't slacken his grip and the big Texan effortlessly spun him around and forcibly marched him back inside the house. "Hey - gimme a break will ya - I just wanna join the party."
"The party is for family only," said Scott in a clipped tone.
"Family? But buddy - I AM family... now that our tasty little Carla's getting wed to you, we'll be related. Ain't that so?"
"No."
"Oh come on. Let up. Stop bein' so goddam -"
He got no further as Scott cut in, "Listen and listen good. You are no relative of Carla's and you will never be a part of this family. Got it?"
"Fuck you, Armstrong," spat Johnny.
Scott stopped walking. He didn't relinquish his hold from Johnny's shoulder. He simply balled his right fist and -
"Scott!" Isaac approached. "Hang on a minute, son. Seems some thieving jackass has been in my study and helped himself to a slug of bourbon and one of my cigars. Now who could that be I wonder?" He looked pointedly at Johnny and the fat cigar protruding from his mouth. "My silver pen is missing too. Any idea where it is?"
Johnny's eyes narrowed momentarily, then he tried to bluff his way out. "Hey, there was no one around so we just walked in. Can't blame us for that. I didn't think a wealthy man like you would begrudge a cigar and a drink to a guy. As for the pen, I was only admiring it. Must have forgot I had it." He pulled it out of his pocket. "Still, someone like you could buy another one easy enough. You wanna give this one to me? Carla would sure like to see you bein' nice to me."
"You low down thief." Isaac held his hand out for the pen.
"Huh - fuck you too, Armstrong!" Johnny pulled off the top protective casing, aimed the pen like a dart, and threw it at the wall, bending the nib in the process. The pen clattered to the ground.
A moment later there was a sickening crunch and he too was on the ground, out cold.
Scott whistled in appreciation. "Impressive punch pa. Very neat. Shame I didn't get to give him one as well though."
"Next time, son. There's bound to be a next time. I'm not a violent man, but - hell, that was real satisfying! He asked for it."
"He sure did, pa. He sure did," grinned Scott.
---oOo---
"I didn't want to come here Carla. It was Johnny's idea. But - now that I'm here with you, I'm so glad. It's so amazing seeing you again, all grown up and beautiful and happy. I'm real proud of you Carla." She squeezed her daughter's hand. "I know I've been a bad mother... a real lousy mother, and I beg you to forgive me Carla. Please."
"Of course I forgive you. Things... well, things just didn't work out very well for us, did they. And once Johnny came on the scene... I'm sorry but I didn't like him then and I don't like him now. There's no way I could have lived in the same house as him."
"I know. And I understand. I should never have left Newport and gone to live with him in Staten Island. I should never have left you. I'm so sorry. I was so messed up."
Carla listened, realising that this was probably the first real adult conversation they had ever had. Her mother sat clutching Carla's hands tightly, her face pale and drawn.
"I have things to tell you, Carla... stuff I should have discussed with you way back." She sighed and looked anxiously at her daughter.
"It's ok. You can tell me now."
"When you were a little girl, you used to ask why you didn't have any grandparents, and I told you that they were dead and gone to heaven. Remember?" Carla nodded. "Well that was a lie. Truth is I never knew whether they were dead or alive. You see, I was an only child, and when I was five, my mother left me and my pa. She ran off with a shoe salesmen. She left me a note telling me to be a good girl for my pa. That was it. Pa - he wasn't much good at being a parent either. He'd go to work and then go hang out in the bars, sometimes coming home drunk, sometimes not coming home at all."
"That's awful. And you were left alone?"
"Yeah - just me and my dolly, Ruth. I still have her." She paused and smiled. "I poured my heart out to that doll and cried myself to sleep every night holding her in my arms. She was a great comfort to me. She was all I had, and I missed my mother badly. I felt like I was being punished, as though it were my fault she left me. Anyhow, time went by and
I got sick. One of the neighbours reported my pa, and I was taken away from him and put into an orphanage."
"I never knew. I had no idea." Carla shook her head. "You should have talked to me about this before."
"I should have," agreed Marie, "but the time never seemed quite right and I never got round to it. I was cared for in the orphanage, but they were pretty strict, and as I grew older I hated it. Pa upped sticks and left town. I never saw nor heard from him ever again. When I was sixteen I met this boy in the park. His name was Guy. He was very handsome and he laughed a lot. He made me laugh too. He made me happy. We... we were foolish. But young love - you know?" She shrugged and sighed. "I fell pregnant. I was in disgrace. And once Guy - your father - was aware of my situation, he abandoned me. We'd arrange to meet in the park and he never showed. I waited for him every night for two weeks, but he never came. He never came." Marie began to cry, and then angrily brushed the tears away. "So I ran away. I hitched rides and found myself in Newport by chance rather than intent. For a couple of days I slept rough, then a woman - Bonnie - she was real nice and showed me great kindness. She said she needed help in the house and someone to mind her children. I could live in. She gave me a small room and I was so grateful."
"You must have felt so alone and frightened." Carla too was near to tears. "Did she know you were pregnant?"
"Yes. I told her. She let me stay until you were born. After that it would have been too difficult for us to remain there - she had her own children to worry about. She made enquiries and got some support for me from Welfare and I managed to get a tiny apartment. I had very little money. But I had you. You were a beautiful baby, Carla. When you got older, I got a few little jobs cleaning other folks houses, doing the laundry, anything I could get my hands on. Life was tough. I got very depressed and I started drinking. I'm sorry for my weakness, Carla."
"I can understand why you felt you needed a drink. You were bringing a baby up single handed, and you were little more than a child yourself."
Love on a Ranch Box Set Page 31
