Equine Empire

By Judy Lennington

Equine Empire is the fourth of a four-book series about Carly Brooker, a thoroughbred horse breeder, and his dysfunctional family.  Like “Snow”, “Daffodils”, and “Bluegrass Dynasty”, the story of Carly’s insecurities and inadequate abilities to cope with everyday life on a thoroughbred horse

• Language: English
• Publisher: TOPLINK PUBLISHING, LLC
• Release date: Dec 7, 2017
• ISBN: 9781948262576

Judy Lennington

Deb’s Alienation is the 19th novel written by Judy Lennington, a retired factory worker of thirty-eight years. Growing up in a family of storytellers, she continues the family tradition. Only now, she hopes to tell her stories to the world.

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Equine

Empire

Judy Lennington

Copyright © 2017 by Judy Lennington.

HARDBACK: 978-1-948262-56-9

PAPERBACK: 978-1-948262-55-2

EBOOK: 978-1-948262-57-6

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

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Printed in the United States of America

I would like to dedicate this book to my Great-grandchildren, Nikolas, Nathan, Adrianne, Vaira, and Kai Baker, and Luke, and Jack Hostetter.

I want to extend a special thank you to Dave. Without your support, this would not be possible. I want to also thank Debby Mora, and Craig Andrews for your assistance and unrelenting patience.

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Carly sat bouncing his right leg as he stared at the white tiled floor. He looked upward at the corridor beyond the door where the white floor continued down the wide hallway. The highly-polished floor glistened from the bright overhead lights, leaving the floor with a wet appearance. He became aware of Julia wringing her hands. He reached over, taking her hand in his and squeezed it gently. Everything will be fine, he said, smiling over at her. This waiting is the hardest part.

I know. I suppose I have forgotten what it was like when Jeremy had his tonsils out, Julia said, smiling back at him. That was so long ago.

Well, Carly began, At least Richie won’t have to spend the night in the hospital. He began to place his arm around her when his cell phone rang. He looked down at the screen. It’s Murph, he said, smiling at his wife. He spoke into the phone, Hello Murph. What are you up to this morning?

Hi Uncle Carly; I am on my break and I wanted to check on Richie. How’s it going there? Murphy asked.

Murphy II was Carly’s nephew. He had been named after Carly’s father, Murphy Brooker. Carly’s younger brother, Paul, was married to Darla and had three children, Murphy II, Paul Junior, and Sara. A few years ago, Darla had a brush with breast cancer. Murph was currently doing his internship at a teaching hospital in Chicago. He has expressed a desire to specialize in treating cancer patients.

They were running a little behind schedule this morning. He’s only been in there twenty minutes, Carly responded while glancing at his watch.

I know Aunt Julia is worried, but it isn’t that complicated of a procedure. Would you like for me to talk to her? Perhaps I could help, Murph suggested.

Carly smiled as he glanced over at Julia. Thank you Murph. She’s right here, he said, before handing the phone to Julia. He went back to staring at the tiled floor as he listened to Julia’s side of the conversation.

She handed the phone to Carly. It was nice of Murph to call us, Julia said. He said it shouldn’t be much longer. Julia folded her hands in her lap. Murph was on his break. He’s hoping to make it home for Thanksgiving, she said.

Carly smiled and said, It will be good to see him again. It seems like he’s been gone such a long time.

He has been gone a long time. It seems like only yesterday Murph and Robert graduated high school, Julia said. She crossed her knees. Robert’s finished college and working with the family business. Marla and Daryl are married and doing quite well. Jeremy and Junior are lawyers; just where did the time go? she asked, looking over at Carly.

It goes, Carly responded, with a smile. Imagine how the old man feels, he said, resting his head against the wall behind him. He’ll be having his ninetieth birthday in February.

Ninety, Julia repeated softly.

The phone rang at the receptionist’s desk. Carly and Julia watched the receptionist intently. Carly became aware of the silence that fell upon the room as other family members waited to hear word on their loved ones.

Phillip Culler family? the receptionist announced. An older man stood to his feet. A younger woman who appeared to be his daughter held onto his arm as they made their way to the receptionist’s desk. Carly smiled over at Julia. It appeared they would have to wait a little while longer.

Julia’s phone rang. Carly listened as she spoke to her oldest son, Robert. After ending the call, she said, Robert’s on his way. Darla and Paul are holding down the fort.

Carly smiled. Paul had joined the Brooker and Sons thoroughbred breeding a few years back. Murphy Brooker had taken Julia’s oldest son, Robert, under his wing; and together they expanded their small stable into one of the largest breeding facilities in Kentucky. After Darla’s cancer treatments, she found herself bored with sitting at home every day. She began working part time in the office; only to sign on full time after a short while. She loved working with the family business. Sara had graduated, and Carly’s sister Dana made some calls to a few friends and, Sara was now a model and designer for Dana’s clothing line.

The receptionist’s phone rang again. Once again, the room became quiet with only the soft drum from the television that hung on the wall overhead. Richard Charles Brooker family, the receptionist announced. Carly and Julia both jumped to their feet, and hurried to the desk. Carly placed his arm around Julia’s waist.

Your son is out of surgery. Dr. Mathis will speak to you in the surgical consult room to my right. If you’ll wait in there, he should be along directly, the receptionist said.

Carly took Julia’s hand as they followed the receptionist. She held the door open for them and smiled before closing it behind them.

This room was much smaller. There was one padded bench and two chairs. There was a lighted screen which hung on the wall. Carly gestured toward a chair. Julia shook her head and said, I’d rather stand.

Carly had time only to sigh before a door opened and Dr. Mathis entered the small room. He smiled as he shook their hands. Richard is fine. He went through the procedure without any complications. The tonsils were bad, as we suspected, but they came out without any trouble. He is in recovery now. He’ll be in there for about an hour and then you can take him home, Dr. Mathis explained.

Can I see him? Julia asked.

Dr. Mathis smiled, as he shook his head and explained, No, I’m afraid you can’t see him in recovery. Don’t worry, Mrs. Brooker. We have a full staff monitoring him. He’s in good hands and he’s sleeping soundly. He isn’t in any pain, now. You go have a cup of coffee and come back to the surgical waiting room in about an hour. We will call for you when he’s ready to go. Other than a sore throat and drowsiness, he will be fine. This time tomorrow he should be more like his old self.

Carly shook his hand. Thank you, Dr. Mathis, he said.

You are welcome, Dr. Mathis said. I’ll give Dr. Phelps a call to let him know how it went. He’ll no doubt stop by the house to check on the boy.

Thank you, Julia and Carly replied, in unison. Dr. Mathis opened the door and waited for them to pass through it before hurrying down the hall for another surgery.

Carly and Julia walked hand in hand toward the cafeteria. Carly picked up a piece of pecan pie to go with his coffee. He smiled over at Julia and said, Don’t tell Janet.

Janet had been the Brooker’s cook and housekeeper since Carly was seven years old. At that time, Janet’s mother was the Brooker’s housekeeper. She was getting up in years and Janet was hired to help. When her mother passed away, Janet stayed on assuming the position of head cook and housekeeper. Carly’s parents experienced some marital problems during that same time. Carly’s mother, Allison, began to travel to avoid contact with Murphy and all other reminders of her marriage. Janet became the mother figure to the four Brooker children Allison left behind. Carly couldn’t love Janet more if she were his mother. Carly’s mother, Allison, ended up dying from Cirrhosis of the liver, brought on by years of drinking. Murphy Brooker stood at her side, enduring years of verbal abuse and neglect to pay for an act of adultery that took place when Carly was seven years old.

Carly and Julia found a table in the cafeteria. Julia’s phone rang, as they were sitting down. Carly knew it was Robert calling back. He sipped at his coffee until Julia ended the call.

Robert is here Julia said. He’s going to meet us here in the cafeteria.

Carly smiled. That will make Richie happy. He loves his big brothers, he said, pushing the pie toward her.

Julia shook her head as she said, No thank you. I’m watching my weight.

Why? Carly asked. You are thin as a rail, Julia. Your weight isn’t a problem. It never has been a problem. He laughed as he pulled the plate toward him. Your loss is my gain, he joked.

I hope so, Julia said. You are too thin Carly. I feel fat standing near you.

At that moment, Robert came to their table carrying a tray. What have you got there? Carly asked. Robert had a carton of white milk, a piece of chocolate pie, and a brownie. Carly laughed as he looked over at Julia. What would Janet say? he asked her.

I hope she doesn’t find out, Robert said, as he sat down. You aren’t going to tell her, are you? Julia shook her head and smiled. When is the munchkin going home? Robert asked.

He has to remain in recovery for an hour after surgery, Julia explained.

Well that’s a good thing, right? Robert asked, looking from Julia to Carly and back to Julia again.

Julia nodded her head. I suppose. I’m just anxious to get him home, she said.

Robert took a bite of his brownie. After swallowing, he took a drink of milk and said, Janet sent Jeremy to town after popsicles and fruit pops. Richie doesn’t know it yet, but he’s going to love this recovery process.

Carly laughed and said, In a couple of days, maybe. Something tells me he isn’t going to be very happy about swallowing anything for a few of days.

I wouldn’t know, Robert said. Jeremy had his tonsils out, but I still have mine.

Well you certainly don’t seem to have any problem swallowing, Julia said, nodding her head toward Robert’s tray.

It’s not all that bad, actually, Robert said. Of course, it can’t compare with Janet’s cooking.

Here-here. Carly said, before taking a bite of his pecan pie.

You’re both impossible, Julia said, shaking her head.

The conversation became light as tense nerves began to mellow. After a while, Julia glanced at her watch and announced an hour had passed. They placed their trays in the appropriate place and began to walk back to the outpatient surgical waiting room.

They were showed to a room where Richie laid in the hospital bed dozing. Julia ran her fingers through his hair. He opened his eyes and winced in pain as he swallowed. His face puckered up as he began to cry. He noticed Robert standing at the foot of his bed and fought back the tears.

Are you ready to go home little brother? Robert asked. Richie nodded his head.

I’ll help you get dressed and we’ll take you home, Julia said. Richie pointed to Robert. Do you want Robert to help you get dressed? Julia asked. Richie nodded. Julia looked back at Robert, asking, Can you handle this?

Of course, I can. Robert said, moving up closer to Richie.

Julia retrieved Richie’s belongings from the locker, placing them on the bed. Okay; your father and I will be right outside in the hall, Julia said. Carly held the door for her as they left the room.

Carly placed his arm around her shoulders. Are you alright? he asked her.

Julia sighed and nodded her head. My feelings just got hurt a little, she said, smiling up at him.

Carly smiled back at her as he pulled her close to him. He said, He’s just putting on a front for Robert. You know he’s a big baby at heart.

He’s my big baby, Julia said.

That he is, Carly concurred.

Richie wanted to ride home with Robert, but Julia insisted he ride with them. Robert followed close behind as they left the hospital and drove to the Brooker estate. Carly pulled up to the front door. He carried Richie inside to find Janet waiting for them in the entrance.

Janet was a short stout woman in her mid-sixties. Her hair was nearly all gray. She wore a house dress with a clean apron tied neatly around her waist. She held her arms open as Carly lowered Richie to the floor. Richie ran into Janet’s open arms. Carly glanced at Julia who was fighting back tears. Janet also noticed Julia’s expression. She winked over at Julia as she said, Janet has a fruit pop for Master Richie if he wants one. She stood stroking Richie’s hair as she waited for him to respond. Richie shook his head looking up at her.

I have to get back to the stables, Robert said. He made two fists as he held his hands out in front of his little brother. Richie mimicked the action as they placed their fists together. Robert walked through the dining room, passing through a swinging door that led to the kitchen and back door.

I have to get out there too, Carly said, looking over at Julia. He knelt and asked Richie, Are you going to be alright, big fellow?

Richie nodded his head and rushed into Julia’s arms. I’ll take him upstairs for a nap, Julia said. She looked down at Richie and said, We’ll stop in to see Grandfather before we go to bed. I know he’s been worried. Richie nodded his head.

I’ll come up and check on you at lunch time, Buddy, Carly said, messing Richie’s hair. You get some rest. You do what your Mommy says and take your medicine. You’ll feel better tomorrow. Carly hugged Richie, kissed Julia on the cheek, and hugged Janet before following Robert’s route through the dining room, kitchen, and on out the back door.

It was September. The leaves were beginning to show signs of color. Carly loved the fall season. It was his favorite of all the seasons. Unfortunately, it was followed by winter. Carly hated winter and he hated snow.

He walked toward the stables. He passed the old stable barn which was on his left. This had been the focus of Carly’s entire life for many years until recently. He grew up hanging out and working in the stable. When he dropped out of college it was for the love of working in this stable barn. When Paul went off on his own, Murphy took Carly as a business partner. He should have been Murphy’s first choice, as he was the oldest son, but relations between Murphy and Carly had always been strained. Carly felt Murphy had always looked at him with disgust. Carly was a failure and Murphy had no time for failures. Carly dropped out of college and married his high school sweetheart. Shortly after that Marla was born. His marriage to Jennifer failed and Jen divorced him, moving to Tennessee; taking Marla with her. Jennifer did everything in her power to keep Marla away from Carly and his family.

Murphy focused his attention on Carly’s three younger siblings. Murphy was always bringing up Paul’s successes to Carly. Paul didn’t go to college either, but for some reason Murphy smiled favorably upon Paul.

Paul had also married his high school sweetheart. Darla was truly one of a kind. Paul and Darla complimented one another in every way. They were the perfect match, in a perfect home, two miles down the road, with three perfect children. Carly and Paul were always close. Paul was Carly’s rock. He was also Carly’s mediator when it came to Murphy.

Then there was Carly’s sister, Dana. A beautiful red head; much like her mother, Dana turned heads wherever she went. Dana went to modeling school after winning several beauty contests. It wasn’t long before she was featured on the cover of magazines all over the world and given the title of Super Model.

But the real love of Murphy Brooker’s life was his youngest son, Edward. Murphy sent Edward to Harvard. Edward was not to inherit the Brookers breeding skills. Murphy, felt he was destined for better things, so Edward was to be a successful lawyer.

Carly sighed at the vision burnt into his memory of his baby brother, Edward, lying cold and lifeless on the floor of his bedroom. Carly would never forget it. He remembered the belt around Edward’s neck. He closed his eyes and it came flooding back to him as if it were yesterday. It was a fad, the coroner said. Something Edward must have picked up at college. The belt was pulled tight around the neck and held there until just before fainting; then once the body relaxed, the blood flowed to the brain creating a rush or high. Only this time Edward fainted, and the belt was not relaxed. He died upstairs, alone, in his bedroom. Murphy’s bright shining star fell from the sky that day.

Carly waved at Randy as he passed the smaller stable that now housed their personal saddle horses. Randy was putting a new lock on the man door.

Randy was Donald Dillon’s youngest son. Donald was an old acquaintance of Murphy Brooker from his younger years. When Donald’s wife died at an early age, Donald was left alone with two young sons. When the mill closed, Donald found himself without a job, Murphy hired him on at the stable. As the boys aged, they also came to work for Murphy. Donald moved into an apartment at the back of the stables when Randy got married and left home. Donald was retired now, but he stayed on in the apartment.

Carly continued toward the stable. He heard a vehicle approaching from behind. He turned to wave at a man driving a dual wheeled truck. Carly was accustomed to seeing strangers coming and going. The man probably had dealings with the stables.

Carly passed the garage. An apartment above the garage had been remodeled for Janet and her husband Charlie Lock. When Charlie died, Janet moved back to her old suite on the lower level of the house. James, a marine vet Carly had hired on, lived up there now. Carly’s sister Dana shared the apartment with James after her divorce to Jason Hart. Of course, Dana was hardly ever home these days. She traveled most of the time since retiring from modeling. Now she had her own clothing line. She was beautiful; the spitting image of her mother. Dana appeared to have been born for the fashion world. Carly couldn’t imagine her doing anything else.

Carly walked through the open gate and past the white dual wheeled truck that had passed him earlier. He slipped along the side of the office and entered a side door that led to the kitchenette which they called the cafeteria. It was the custom for everyone to meet here every morning prior to starting their day. It had become the custom for as long as Carly could remember in the older stable and carried on to this day.

Carly was late due to Richie’s tonsillectomy this morning. Everyone was off doing their chores. There was a half cup of coffee in the pot on the counter. Carly dumped it down the sink, rinsed out the pot, and proceeded to make a fresh pot. We use nearly as much coffee a day as they do feed for the horses, Carly thought to himself, as he pushed the button on the coffee maker. He smiled as the stream of dark liquid began to collect in the bottom of the glass pot. Carly smiled as the aroma from the fresh brew began to fill the air. Carly drank way too much coffee; at least that is what Janet always told him. Janet was always on him about things like that.

The door leading to the main arena opened and Paul entered the cafeteria. He smiled when he saw Carly standing there. How did the surgery go? he asked.

It went well, Carly responded. He’s getting the royal baby treatment from Janet right now.

Paul smiled as he said, There’s nothing wrong with that. As I recall, that always made me feel better. He began rinsing a cup that had been sitting in the sink. Coffee smells good this morning. It’s a typical fall day out there. You can smell the change in the air.

Yeah; Carly agreed. Maybe I’ll ride out by the lake later this afternoon.

Hey, what a great idea! Paul said, placing his clean cup near the coffee maker. Maybe I’ll ride out with you. He leaned closer. Maybe we could sneak a couple of poles out of the old tack room and do a little fishing. What do you say? Paul asked.

Carly smiled. That sounds good to me. He walked over to the chalk board. What do we have going on today? He asked. He began to read the list that Darla provided them with every morning.

Ray Wilson is here now; so, you can erase that one, Paul said, as he erased the post.

Is that his white dually out front? Carly asked.

Paul nodded his head. He’s here to buy a saddle horse. Phillip and James are out back with him. Hey; Robert is hiring a couple of boys off the football team to work a few hours after practice every evening. That’s a first, Huh? Paul said, leaning against the wall.

Do we need them? Carly asked walking back to the counter to stand near the coffee maker.

We’ve done well enough without them in the past, Paul said. I guess he talked to the old man about becoming more involved in the community. Pop thought it was an excellent idea.

Carly frowned. What are they going to do? he asked.

Paul shrugged. Who knows? I doubt they do much of anything, really. I don’t understand half of what goes on around here these days.

Carly snickered and asked, Why did Robert go to the old man about it? He’s supposed to be retired.

Paul sensed Carly’s disapproval. Murphy did retire years ago. Supposedly, Carly was in charge. Carly had always been very sensitive and insecure. He relied on Paul in times when he felt threatened or hurt. Paul sensed this was one of those times. I think he feels Pop needs some connection to give him a sense of self-worth or something. You’ll have to talk to Robert about that. It’s not that big a decision. I mean really; a couple of kids for a couple of nights a week, Paul said, shrugging his shoulders.

Carly smiled and nodded his head. I suppose you’re right. It’s just that I don’t like strangers lurking around. I suppose I’m too suspicious.

Paul walked over to the counter. He poured two cups of coffee from the pot. You know, He began, I heard Jason Hart is up for parole at the end of the month. With his father gone, he’ll most likely move back home with his mother. How are you going to feel with him living down the road again? Paul asked.

Carly turned and walked to the side door. He stood quietly staring out the glass window for a moment before saying, I don’t like it much. I can’t do anything about it, so I try not to think about it. As long as he stays clear of us and Dana I suppose there isn’t much we can do.

Dana will be fine, Paul said. He won’t touch her. Besides, she’s never here and when she is, she has James to look after her. He kicked Jason’s ass once, and I have no doubt he could do it again.

Carly turned and smiled at his brother. I wouldn’t want to tangle with James. That’s one lean, mean, ex-marine, Carly said, laughing.

Paul also laughed as he held a cup of coffee out to Carly. Let’s drink to that, he said.

The door to the arena opened, and Phillip and a short stout stranger stepped through it. Carly, Paul, this is Ray Wilson. Phillip said introducing them to the stranger. He just purchased McElroy and Totem.

Congratulations, Paul said. They are two of our finest.

He likes Royal, Phillip said, smiling.

You have good taste Mr. Wilson, Carly said. Royal is the first colt from one of our finest blood lines, Carly explained.

Yes, Black Onyx, Ray Wilson said. Your hand here told me. He let me have a look at him. He’s a beauty too. I’m afraid they are way out of my price range. I can’t afford a thoroughbred. I don’t have anything to breed her with either. But your line of saddle horses isn’t at all shabby. In fact, they are the best I’ve seen in these parts. He extended his hand to Carly. They shook hands and Ray Wilson turned to shake Paul’s hand.

Well Mr. Wilson, could I interest you in a cup of coffee? Phillip asked.

Naw, thanks for the offer, but I need to pay for those gildings and be on my way home, Ray Wilson said.

Of course, Phillip began. If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to Darla’s office. She’ll fix you right up.

It was a pleasure meeting you boys, Mr. Wilson said, as he followed Phillip through the door that led to the front office.

Cha-ching! Paul said, once the door was closed and Mr. Wilson was out of hearing distance.

Carly laughed. That guarantees the electric bill will be paid, He teased. Maybe a couple hours at the lake with a couple poles will be the perfect way to celebrate.

Paul placed his empty cup in the sink. I’ll finish up out there and meet you out back around two o’clock, he said.

Carly nodded and said, Sounds good to me. I’ll see if Janet will make us a couple of sandwiches to take along.

Paul went to the door. It’s sounding better all the time. Then he left Carly alone in the cafeteria with an empty cup. He began to rinse his cup out in the sink. As he stared at the running water his mind went to Robert and Murphy’s decision to hire a couple of football players to work evenings. Why had he been left out of the loop? He felt the back of his neck getting warm. Should he mention it to Robert or wait to see if he brought it up. Someone took the time to tell Paul about it. Why was Carly left out? He was the oldest Brooker son. He should have been consulted. Carly, felt he was being pushed out. He was hurt and even a little angry.

Carly stepped out into the arena to find it empty. He walked out the double doors to his right, to find Onyx grazing in a pasture to the left. All the best horses were kept in smaller pastures close to the stable. This was decided a few years ago, after Jason Hart gave Carly’s favorite mare, Gabby, a lethal injection that killed her and her unborn filly.

Jason Hart was a spoiled brat. Dwight Hart doted on his only son until he became a worthless, out of control, gambler and drug addict. Dwight defended Jason until his desperation for drug money resulted in a confrontation with his parents and Jason shooting his father one day, nearly killing him. After a stand-off with the police; Jason was found guilty of burning down the Brooker’s newly constructed stable, murdering Carly’s thoroughbred Arabian and her unborn foal, assault and attempted murder of his own father, and assault with intent to kill a police officer. Jason was sentenced to fifteen years in prison. Now Carly has learned he is expected to be paroled by the end of the month. He was getting out early. Carly couldn’t imagine Jason getting out for good behavior. He was an arrogant bastard. His mother must have paid someone off. Carly shook his head. That poor, stupid, old woman, Carly thought to himself. Then Carly wondered what he would do if it were Richie.

Luckily Dana was no longer in the picture. Dana had married Jason Hart to rebel against Murphy. They were only married a year when she had apologized to her father and left Jason. Of course, he was draining her bank account with his compulsive gambling and use of drugs. When she refused to give him any more money, he began beating her. Carly smiled to himself as he recalled the day James beat the crap out of Jason Hart and had him hauled off the property in hand cuffs. That was the day Dana had discovered her prince charming. Carly was happy for the two of them. He hoped her traveling wasn’t putting a strain on their relationship.

Carly heard Phillip coming up behind him. He turned and smiled. I didn’t know Mr. Wilson was buying two saddle horses, he said.

Phillip laughed and said, Neither did he. If he had the money, he probably would have cleaned us out; thoroughbreds and all.

Oh, I see; one of them, Carly said, nodding his head.

Yeah, Phillip replied. The more I showed him around; the more he wanted. I kind of got the impression his wife isn’t going to be very happy with him when he gets home today.

Did you tell him he could bring them back? Carly asked.

Yeah. I can’t imagine him parting with them though, Phillip said. How’s Master Richie feeling? he asked.

He’s a little whiney, right now. Give Janet a couple of hours and he’ll be fine, Carly said, smiling. He looked over at Donald’s oldest son and asked, How’s Paula?

Phillip became quiet for a moment. She’s not good, Carly. She’s in a wheel chair now. I don’t know how I would have managed if it hadn’t been for her parents moving in with us. The sad thing is her mind is so sharp. I know she’s wondering if she’s going to live long enough to see the kid’s graduate high school. He swallowed the lump in his throat and coughed into his hand. He glanced over at Carly and said, That MS is a nasty disease, Carly.

Carly placed his hand on Phillip’s shoulder. If there is ever anything you need; or anything we can do, Phil…

I know; thank you, Carly, Phillip said. You’ve already done way more than expected. You pay me full salary and I’m gone half the time. I’m a lucky guy. Not every employer would do that.

Carly smiled. We aren’t your employer, Phil. We are your friends and your family. Hell, we grew up together. Family sticks together in times like this. Carly slapped him on the shoulder. I better get my hands a little dirty before lunch. Paul and I are going fishing this afternoon out at the lake, he explained.

Well, it’s a good day for it, Phillip said. I’m going to see what Pop is up to. I don’t know where Randy is.

He’s at the small stable. I saw him when I came over, Carly said, turning to walk around the side of the stables.

Carly’s stomach told him it was close to lunch time. He walked to the house, entering through the back door. He removed his boots, slipping his feet into his slippers. He washed his hands at the small sink near the back door. The kitchen was empty.

Carly looked around for signs of Janet’s presence before going to the cookie jar. He carefully lifted the lid, trying not to make any noise. From behind he heard, Just one, Pet. Carly jumped, dropping the cookie onto the kitchen island’s surface.

You startled me Janet, he said, retrieving the cookie. He took a bite quickly for fear she might take it away from him.

I know how you are, Pet, Janet said. You’d be going up those back stairs with six or eight cookies in your hand.

Well you are always telling me I’m too thin, Carly joked. How is Richie doing? he asked.

Oh, Master Richie is playing video games in the living room. He isn’t eating yet, but I expect it hurts to swallow. He’s had two popsicles since he’s been home, Janet replied.

Carly laughed as he asked, When did everyone start calling him Master Richie? I hear it from everyone.

He earned the title one day when he was barely out of diapers and he stood before Mr. Brooker with his little hands on his hips and said, No Pap-Paw!. Mr. Brooker nearly had a heart attack laughing. He was the one who started calling him Master Richie. I reckon it caught on, Janet explained. She began to chuckle. I don’t think anyone has told Mr. Brooker no in a long time. She shook her head and turned toward the pantry leaving Carly alone in the kitchen. Carly carefully lifted the lid on the cookie jar once more. Quietly he put his hand inside the jar. I know what you’re up to, Janet called out, from the pantry. Carly rolled his eyes as he removed one more cookie from the jar. Don’t you be letting Master Richie see you with that cookie when he can’t have any, Janet called out. Carly quickly ate the cookie before passing through the swinging door that led to the dining room.

Carly walked toward the living room. He found Richie on the sofa with a controller in his hands. He wore his pajamas. An ice pack lay on the sofa next to him. Julia was sitting in a chair reading a book. She smiled up at Carly as he entered the room. What are you reading? Carly asked her. She held the book up for him to see. The Old Brick. Carly read out loud. He raised his eyebrows. How’s he doing? He asked.

He’s doing just fine. He doesn’t want anything to eat, but it will come soon enough. Julia replied.

Carly sat down next to Richie on the sofa. He picked up the ice pack and said, This isn’t doing you much good here.

Richie did not respond; nor did he look away from his game. Carly looked over at Julia and asked, Would you mind if Paul and I rode out to the lake and did a little fishing this afternoon?

Julia smiled. I think that’s an excellent idea. It’s a beautiful day for a ride. It should be pretty out at the lake with the leaves beginning to turn.

Give it about two weeks and it will really be pretty. Maybe we could have one more family picnic out there before the, you know what, starts to fly, Carly said.

Julia laughed. Do you dislike it so much that you can’t even say the word? She asked.

Carly nodded his head. He was teasing her. It was true he was not fond of winter and snow, but the truth was; it was because of a bad snow storm that he and Julia got together. He would always be thankful for that.

The phone rang. Carly sat patiently while Julia answered it. It’s Marla, Julia said, handing Carly the receiver.

Hi Baby; how are you today? Carly asked his daughter.

I’m fine Daddy. Julia said Richie was playing video games. He must be feeling alright, Marla said.

He’s fine. He’s going to have a sore throat for a couple of days. This time next week he will be back in school, Carly said.

Well, I just wanted to check on him. I’m on my way home from the bank. I think we are coming over for dinner Sunday. Janet invited us. Daryl said we could come if Richie was up to it and it sounds like he is, Marla said.

Well, I can’t wait to see you all. Tell Daryl we said hello and be careful driving and talking on the cell phone, Carly said.

Oh, Daddy, I have blue tooth. I’m not on the phone. Well, technically I am, but, you know what I mean, Marla said, laughing.

All the same, pay attention to the traffic around you, Princess. I love you. Give my love to Daryl, Carly said.

Bye Daddy. See you Sunday, Marla said.

Good bye Princess, Carly said, before he handed the phone back to Julia. They are coming to dinner Sunday, he said.

Julia smiled. I know. I spoke with her earlier when she was on her break. She said she worked a half day today, she explained.

It will be good to see them, Carly said, smiling. He rose to his feet and stretched before bending down to kiss her cheek. Are you sure you don’t mind my slipping off with Paul for a couple of hours? he asked.

You go enjoy this beautiful day, Carly, Julia said. I might take Richie for a walk in the garden later.

Carly looked over at Richie and said, You mind your mother and get some exercise away from those games for a while.

Richie nodded his head but did not look away from the game he was playing. Carly stood watching his son for a moment before leaving the living room. He remembered the cookies and hurried through the swinging door to find Janet standing in the kitchen. She smiled as he entered.

Janet, Paul and I are riding out to the lake around two o’clock to do a little fishing. Do you think you could fix us a little snack to take with us? he asked.

Why sure, Pet. I’d be happy to. Just like old times, huh? Janet asked. She pointed to the little table near the back stairs. I made you a sandwich and a cup of coffee for lunch. No cookies for desert. You already had your share, She said, with a smile.

Oh, you are a wicked woman! Carly said, shaking his head.

No, I ain’t the wicked on. I’m just taking care of my family. You can save that wicked woman title for Miss Jennifer. Now there is a wicked woman, Janet said, shaking her finger at Carly.

Oh, she is wicked all right, Carly said of his ex-wife, Jennifer Davis. But she has another title.

I know, I know. Janet said. Mr. Brooker calls her the Dragon Lady, Janet laughed. It fits her perfectly.

That’s not the title I was thinking of, Carly said, taking a bite of his sandwich.

Now don’t you be saying vulgar words in my kitchen, Pet, Janet said, shaking her finger at Carly again. You don’t need to let Master Richie hear that kind of talk coming from someone he admires. He might start to think it’s alright to say them kind of words. You mind your mouth around that boy, you hear me? She placed her hands on her hips as she waited for a response.

Yes Ma’am! Carly said, giving her the thumbs up gesture.

Don’t you be fresh with old Janet now. I’ve paddled your behind many a time and I’ll do it again if I think it’s necessary, Janet said, going to the refrigerator. She began to mumble to herself as Carly finished eating his sandwich.

When Carly went back to the stable he found Robert and Darla looking at something on the computer. Carly, come look at this horse, Robert called out to him. Carly went to the desk.

Carly smiled as he stood behind Darla looking over her shoulder at the computer screen. She looks a lot like Gabby, Carly said.

She does at that, Robert declared. In fact, she has been sired by none other than Jasper himself, Robert said, standing up straight. He smiled over at Carly as he waited for what he said to sink in.

She is Jasper’s offspring? Carly asked.

The one and only, Robert said.

That would explain why she looks so much like Gabby. She’s her granddaughter, Carly said, as he continued to stare at the image on the screen.

I’m going to make some inquiries, Robert said, placing his hands in his pockets.

Can we afford something like that? Carly asked, standing