Cattle Valley 28 - Second Chances (10 page)

The bus stopped several feet from Drake and Mario grinned at him through the windshield. “I’ll be damned,” Drake said. “That’s Asa’s partner, Mario Benta.”
Drake walked over and knocked on the tall bus door. It slid open easily, and Drake ushered everyone inside as they disembarked. “Talk about hands-on,” he joked.
Mario shrugged. “Asa’s been on the phone for hours. I figured I might as well put myself to use.”
Drake sat in the seat directly behind Mario, thankful that Joseph chose a seat towards the back. He leant over and spoke for Mario’s ears only. “There’s not a kid in here that has a coat. Please tell me Asa thought of that?”
Mario nodded. “He sent Nate to Wynfield’s with a blank cheque. They’ll be the best dressed kids in school.” He looked in the long mirror overhead. “There’re blankets up top if anyone needs one.”
“Thanks,” the boy closest to them said, wrapping himself up.
“Hang on,” Mario called out. “It might be slow going, but we’ll get you to the ranch.”
Drake sat back in his seat. He’d been impressed by the young men and how they’d come together to take care of each other and Joseph in the wake of the tragedy. He wasn’t in the habit of wondering what his life could have been ‘if’, but secretly, he was jealous of the close-knit group.
Maybe the young men from Rainbow Youth House weren’t the only ones who deserved a second chance at life. He may be a hell of a lot older than the men in the back, but for the first time, Drake yearned to change, to be part of something much bigger than his own insecurities.

After checking the house and the dorm, Drake eventually found Oggie in the barn. “Hey.”
With dark circles under his eyes, Oggie still found the energy to smile. “Almost done.”
“What can I do to help?”
Oggie pointed towards a stack of hay bales. “You can put two flakes of that into each stall.”
While Drake did as he was asked, he couldn’t keep his gaze off Oggie. He’d worked tirelessly all day to get the group of teens settled, clothed and fed. “You should’ve called Smokey in to help with the animals.”
“The roads are too bad, and he doesn’t get around well enough to walk through snow drifts if he slides off the road.” Oggie spread fresh straw into the stall he’d just cleaned.
“Then you need to hire someone else.” Drake knew Oggie had a soft spot for the aging manager, but it was obvious he needed help.
“I know. I told Smokey I’d hire a new foreman. I thought I’d have more time, though.” Oggie chuckled. “Little did I know…”
Drake finished putting hay into the stalls, taking a moment to give each horse a scratch. When he noticed another stall that Oggie had yet to get to, he backtracked to the tack room and found another pitchfork and wheelbarrow. There was something about the slump of Oggie’s shoulders that worried Drake.
The moment they finished, Drake took the pitchfork out of Oggie’s hand. “I’ll put stuff away.”
“I’m capable—” Oggie tried to argue.
Already tired, Drake snapped. “Goddamnit. No one said shit about you being incapable. Just fucking let me do something nice for you without gettin’ pissy about it.”
Oggie slowly bent over and picked up the pitchfork. He handed it to Drake and leaned in for a quick kiss. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
Drake stole another kiss. “Thank you.” He put the tools away before turning off the light in the tack room. “Let’s get you to bed.”
“I need to mix together a casserole for breakfast first.” Oggie zipped his coat and put on his glove before opening the single barn door.
Drake followed him out. “Want me to turn off the lights?”
Oggie shook his head. “Leave ‘em on. They’ll help keep it warmer in here.”
Drake shut the door behind him and threw the latch to keep the wind from blowing it open. The drift outside the barn was already up to his waist and would only get higher by morning. “I’ll get a couple of the guys to help me put up a snow fence tomorrow.”
Oggie glanced back at him. “I already have the rolls of fencing in the equipment shed.” He shook his head. “I thought I’d have more time to get it staked out.”
“Don’t worry about it. I may not know a thing about cooking for a brood, but I’m pretty good with my hands.” Drake used the opportunity to reach out and squeeze Oggie’s ass.
“Yeah, I’ve learned that about you.” Oggie climbed the porch steps and stomped as much snow from his legs and boots as he could.
Drake planned to get Oggie into bed as quickly as possible, so he wasted little time brushing the snow off him. The moment they were inside the house and had shrugged out of their outerwear, Drake gathered everything into his arms. “How long will it take to mix the casserole?”
“I have to fry the sausage, so probably thirty minutes at least.”
“Forget it. They can eat cold cereal for one day.” Drake carried the wet load into the bathroom and spread them out as much as possible. He returned to the living room to find Oggie leaning against the back of the sofa. “Come on,” he said, urging Oggie towards the bedroom.
“I’m so tired I don’t have the energy to fight you on the breakfast thing,” Oggie mumbled.
“Good.” Drake pulled back the covers and started to unbutton Oggie’s heavy flannel shirt. “I like doing this.”
“What? Getting twelve people settled, fed and clothed?” Oggie asked.
“Taking care of you,” Drake admitted, throwing the shirt towards the straight-back chair in the corner of the room. He knelt at Oggie’s feet and went to work on Oggie’s jeans. “I thought I’d enjoyed it with mom because she was incapable, but I’ve quickly discovered it has more to do with the desire to take care of someone you love.”
The moment the words were out of his mouth, Drake wished he could suck them back in.
Shit
.
Oggie sat on the bed and fell backwards onto the mattress. “Funny, that’s the same reason I’m letting you.”
Oggie had said it with such ease, Drake wondered if he was aware of the gravity of the proclamation. After getting Oggie naked, Drake helped him under the covers before starting on his own clothes. Before he’d even reached for the zipper on his jeans, a soft snore came from the lump under the blankets.
Drake rubbed a hand over his chest as he continued to listen to the peaceful sound. A feeling of love swelled inside of him. He left his clothes on the floor beside the bed and climbed in. He reached over and turned the bedside lamp off before moving to spoon himself against Oggie’s back. “I love you,” he whispered.
Oggie rolled over and burrowed himself against Drake’s chest. Although Oggie didn’t wake up enough to speak, he did place a soft kiss on Drake’s neck.
With his arms wrapped tightly around Oggie, Drake closed his eyes. He sent up a brief prayer that what he felt was the real deal and wouldn’t vanish once the sun came up.

Oggie opened his eyes and stretched his arms over his head. Letting out a loud yawn, he turned to look at the clock and nearly jumped out of his skin. “Fuck!”
It was nearly ten and no one had bothered to wake him up. He threw the covers back and shivered as he climbed out of bed.
A few minutes later, he entered the kitchen, only to find it empty except for a note propped against the coffeemaker. “‘Don’t be mad. Love, D’,” Oggie read aloud.
Oggie moved to the sink and looked out of the window. The sun was shining and he spotted a group of people working. His gaze immediately landed on Drake, who was busy hammering metal stakes into the frozen ground along the long driveway. Mad? How the hell could he be mad at a man who obviously cared?
After turning off the coffee pot, Oggie found his coat, hat and glove on the hook by the front door. He hadn’t seen Joseph, but he assumed work was also going on inside the dorm. The only one who wasn’t being productive was him, and Oggie planned to do something about that. A freshly shovelled porch and steps and a small path to the barn met him. Oggie grinned. There was no doubt in his mind who was responsible for the thoughtful gesture. He flipped his coat collar up to shield the back of his neck and trudged through the snow towards Drake.
“Morning,” Oggie greeted, smiling.
“Good morning.” Drake stopped what he was doing and took off one of his gloves. He reached out and pulled Oggie closer with a hand to the back of his neck. “Can I take it from your smile that you’re not mad?”
“Kiss me and judge for yourself,” Oggie told him, stepping even closer.
Drake’s lips descended on Oggie’s with gusto, thrusting his tongue deep, completely mastering Oggie’s mouth. Pulling back, he grinned. “One kiss and you’ve got me hard as a rock.”
Oggie started to reach for the bulge behind Drake’s fly, but stopped himself when he noticed Cullen walking towards them. “Later.”
Drake sighed and gave Oggie a quick peck. “I’ll hold you to it.”
“Hey, Oggie, can you show me how to drive the tractor?” Cullen asked. “I thought I’d help feed the cattle and maybe clear some of the drive if I have time.”
Oggie reluctantly pulled away from Drake and turned to face Cullen. It was the first real interest Cullen had taken in the ranch—well, besides the horses, but all he’d wanted to do there was groom them. “Sure.”
Two hours later, large round bales of hay had been taken out to the cattle and the implement on the tractor changed to a bucket. Oggie had decided against using the blade. The snow was already too deep and too heavy to push without tearing up the tractor and the ranch yard, so Cullen was stuck with scooping and piling the snow in huge mounds around the perimeters. “You got it?”
Cullen nodded. “I think so.”
“Just leave the snow close to the barn and other buildings, and I’ll get that,” Oggie ordered. He stepped back and watched Cullen work for a few minutes before feeling confident enough to leave him to his work. He knocked on the door to the dorm before stepping inside, making sure to stay on the large mud mat just inside the door.
Seated at the long farmhouse table, Joseph glanced up. “You’re just in time. Lunch’ll be ready in about twenty minutes, and I could use your help with something.” He pushed a large dry erase board towards Oggie. “I’ve been working on the chore roster, and I’ve got a couple of questions. Do you mind sticking around?”
Oggie shrugged out of his coat and hung it on the rack beside the door before pulling off his snow boots. “Whatcha got?” he asked, taking a seat at the table.
“Well, I’ve got the dorm covered, but I’m not sure what kind of help you need outside.”
Oggie looked over the chart and was amazed. After the previous day, he’d begun to worry that he wouldn’t be able to do everything that needed to be done, but according to the roster, even his meals and laundry would be taken care of by the new residents. Although he was grateful for the additional help, he didn’t feel right about anyone else washing his underwear.
“First off, I can take care of my own house, so that’ll free up these two.” Oggie ran his thumb across the blue marker, erasing the laundry and cleaning chores from the board. “There, that’s better.”
Joseph’s dark eyebrows drew together. “Are you sure? I’ve found it’s easier to keep the kids out of trouble if they’re busy.”
“I’ve no doubt that’s true in the city, but there’s not a lot of trouble they can get into out here, especially this time of the year. I’d like Cullen to shadow Smokey as much as possible, though. He’s got a good attitude and an affinity for the work.”
“That’s good to hear. I’ve been worried about him,” Joseph confessed.
Oggie shifted in his seat. He’d told himself a hundred times to stay out of the situation between Cullen and Joseph. “Have you talked to him?”
Joseph shook his head. “Nothing beyond a passing greeting. I think he’s still upset with me.”
“It might be a good idea for the two of you to find the time to talk through your problems. From what I understand, it’ll be several months before the shelter’s liveable again. That’s a long time to avoid the elephant in the room, especially since you’ll be living in the same house.” Oggie rubbed the back of his neck. “Anyway, I should probably get out there and let everyone know lunch is ready.”
Joseph nodded and returned his attention to the white board, but Oggie had a feeling the priest was so lost in thought that he wasn’t seeing a damn thing.

Drake walked into Montgomery Enterprises in a foul mood. Sure, he was used to being called in to work at all hours, but for the first time he resented the interruption of his personal life. He stopped in the doorway of Shane’s small cubicle on his way to Asa’s office. “What’s going on?”

Shane spun around in his desk chair. “Asa has Fitzroy in his office.”
Drake had spoken to his boss briefly, earlier in the day, and had outlined Shane’s opinions of what should be done about the breach in security. Of course, he hadn’t expected Asa to call the team leader to task so soon. “What did Asa decide to do, do you know?”
Shane shook his head. “I’m not allowed to talk about it, but I’m glad you’re the one being called in instead of me.”
Drake opened his coat, showing Shane his shoulder harness. “If Asa can’t get what he wants, maybe this’ll persuade Fitzroy to talk.”
Shane laughed. “An even better reason to be out here with my nose stuck in a computer.”
Drake released his jacket. “I’d better get in there.”
“Good luck,” Shane said.
“I’m not the one who needs it,” Drake answered. He knocked on Asa’s door and waited.
“Come in,” Asa called.
Fitzroy was white as a sheet when Drake entered the office. Drake narrowed his eyes and stared at the man, letting Fitzroy know without words that he wasn’t someone to be messed with.
“I need you to follow James home and personally witness his disposal of all files, both physical and electronic, pertaining to Montgomery Enterprises and DX12. He’s already sworn out and signed an affidavit of his crimes against the company, and he knows those papers will be turned over to the police if he doesn’t cooperate fully. If he gives you an ounce of trouble, you’re to let me know.” Since partnering with Mario, it was rare to see Asa in a bad mood, let alone angry, but he appeared livid with his ex-employee.
“Yes, sir.” Drake didn’t ask questions, it wasn’t his job to second guess his boss, but he couldn’t help but believe Asa was going too easy on the weasel.
Fitzroy got to his feet. “I have a few jump drives hidden in my office.”
Drake rolled his eyes.
Dumb fuck.
“Let’s go.”

Oggie was in bed, leaning against the headboard, when Drake walked into the room. He glanced up from his pad of paper. “Everything okay?”
“You didn’t have to wait up.” Drake started undressing. “Mind if I grab a shower?”
Oggie moved to the opposite side of the bed and put the paper and pen down. “I was making lists for Thanksgiving, and you can take a shower if you’ll let me join you.” Drake nodded. “Sure, just give me a few minutes alone first.”
Oggie backed off immediately. He didn’t want to come off as pushy. “Oh, yeah, of course. Go ahead, I won’t bother you.”
Drake pushed his jeans down and off. “It’s not you. I just witnessed a good man ruin his entire career today, and I don’t want to bring that into our bed.”
Although Oggie knew very little about Drake’s duties at Montgomery Enterprises, it was obvious he took his job to heart. Oggie wanted to go to him, but held back. During his years on the police force, there had been times when he’d felt so raw after a particularly harsh day that the last thing he wanted was to talk about it. “I took a shower earlier, so I’ll just finish my lists while you decompress.”
The lines in Drake’s forehead softened. “Thank you.”
Oggie shrugged. “I was a cop, so I get it.”
Drake walked over and cupped Oggie’s cheek in his palm. “You’re the most amazing man I’ve ever known.”
Never one to feel comfortable with compliments, Oggie pulled back. “There’s absolutely nothing special about me.”
“You’re wrong about that.” Drake leant down and kissed Oggie. “Come on, I need someone to help me wash my back.”
“You sure?” Oggie climbed out of bed, but made no move to follow Drake into the bathroom.
“Get your ass in here,” Drake called, turning on the water.
Oggie opened the drawer and removed a condom and the bottle of lube before joining Drake. “Did you get a chance to eat dinner?”
Drake moved the shower curtain aside to admit Oggie. “No, but sometimes business makes me lose my appetite.” He handed Oggie a bar of soap and turned to brace his hands on the tiled wall. “Can I tell you something?”
With his hand full of lather, Oggie set the soap back onto the narrow ledge and pressed himself against Drake’s back. He began to wash Drake’s chest, feeling closer to the man than he’d ever been. “I’d like that.”
“Even knowing I wasn’t fit company, I couldn’t stay away.” Drake tilted his head down. “I’ve never felt like that before.”
Oggie rested his cheek against Drake’s broad shoulder. “I love you,” he whispered, “and I always want to be here for you.”
Drake pushed off the wall and turned around so fast the movement almost caused Oggie to land on his ass. Drake reached out to steady Oggie before pulling the man into his arms. “I feel greedy, but I want it all with you.”
“Then you’ll get it all,” Oggie declared.