There was no way Joel was involved. There was too much sincerity in his voice.
“Yeah, me too. She’s a good boss.”
“She’s the best one I’ve ever had. She’s fair and friendly with all of us. I just hope it’s not someone close to her.”
“You and me both.”
Wilder couldn’t say more. He couldn’t take the chance that if he let Joel know who he was, that he wouldn’t let it slip when talking with the other men. He’d just keep his mouth shut for now. It would all come to a head once he discovered who was in charge.
It was nagging at him who it could be. He had ruled out just about everyone. Hell, it might not even be someone here who was in charge. It could be anyone. That’s what bothered him the most. How would he ever find out if they weren’t on this farm? He knew he had to take his time until Bernie or Hal decided when to tell him. Patience was not one of his virtues.
“Do you want a cigarette, Wilder?”
“No, thanks. I don’t smoke. Though at times, I wish I did. Either that or be a drinker.”
Joel chuckled. “Not sure which would be worse. I know it’s a nasty habit, but I picked it up working here. You get working hard, and sometimes it’s a while before you can eat, so I just grab one of these.” He held the cigarette up.
“I know. I never knew how a place like this ran or how demanding it was, but it runs like a well-oiled machine.”
“It has since Rory took over. Her husband was never around. He stayed as far away from the farm as he could.”
“So, you knew him?”
“Not very well. I started the same year he died. It devastated Rory, but she put it behind her when she found out he left her the farm, and she made it what it is today.”
“Are his parents still living?”
“Oh, yeah. I can’t remember where they moved to, but they gave the farm to their son because Mr. Heston was in poor health, and when Clay died, he left it to Rory.”
“I see. Do they come around?”
“Once in a while. I haven’t seen them in about six months, I’d say.” Joel got to his feet, tossed the cigarette down, crushed it under his boot heel, then picked it up. “She’d fire me if she saw this on the ground.” He grinned.
“Sounds like her.”
“I’m going inside and get the coffee going. You coming?”
“I will in a few minutes.”
Joel nodded and then entered the bunkhouse. Wilder sighed as he sat there, listening to bullfrogs, crickets, and the occasional moo from a cow. He looked toward Rory’s house and couldn’t wait to be with her again.
After getting to his feet, he entered the bunkhouse to prepare for the day. He hoped Joel made that coffee strong.
Later in the day, Wilder tried to get away to himself because he wanted to make a phone call. It seemed like everyone was interrupting him every couple of minutes. He hadn’t seen Rory yet, and he wondered if she was okay.
He got his answer when he looked toward the doors when he heard them open and saw her enter. She headed for him.
“Hi,” she said.
“Hi, baby.”
“Do you have any idea how that makes me feel?”
“How what makes you feel?” He frowned.
“When you call me baby.”
He grinned. “Horny, I hope.”