The Rogue

By Sally A Allen

Winston is a gentleman farmer who has a penchant for bourbon and fast women. Follow the story to see how his life completely changes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483673639

Sally A Allen

Sally A. Allen is originally from Wisconsin and currently lives in West Central Florida with her schnauzer, Sibby. While her novels are fiction, she draws from the many experiences she’s had in her life. Visit her website at www.sally-allen.webs.com.

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Copyright © 2013 by Sally A. Allen.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2013913194

ISBN:      Hardcover    978-1-4836-7582-4

                Softcover      978-1-4836-7362-2

            Ebook         978-1-4836-7363-9

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Rev. date: 07/26/2013

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris LLC

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

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Contents

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 26

CHAPTER 27

CHAPTER 28

CHAPTER 29

CHAPTER 30

CHAPTER 31

CHAPTER 32

CHAPTER 33

CHAPTER 34

CHAPTER 35

CHAPTER 36

CHAPTER 37

CHAPTER 38

CHAPTER 39

CHAPTER 40

CHAPTER 41

CHAPTER 42

CHAPTER 43

CHAPTER 44

CHAPTER 45

CHAPTER 46

CHAPTER 47

CHAPTER 48

CHAPTER 49

CHAPTER 50

CHAPTER 51

CHAPTER 52

CHAPTER 53

CHAPTER 54

CHAPTER 55

CHAPTER 56

CHAPTER 57

CHAPTER 58

CHAPTER 59

CHAPTER 60

CHAPTER 61

CHAPTER 62

CHAPTER 63

CHAPTER 64

CHAPTER 65

CHAPTER 66

CHAPTER 67

CHAPTER 68

CHAPTER 69

CHAPTER 70

CHAPTER 71

CHAPTER 72

CHAPTER 73

CHAPTER 74

CHAPTER 75

CHAPTER 76

CHAPTER 77

CHAPTER 78

CHAPTER 79

CHAPTER 80

CHAPTER 81

CHAPTER 82

CHAPTER 83

CHAPTER 84

CHAPTER 85

CHAPTER 1

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Winston Clark III looked over his many acres of farmland. It stretched as far as the eye could see. He was an imposing figure, six foot four with black curly hair and eyes that could see right through you.

He was rich, courtesy of his grandfather, who left the land to his favorite grandson. Winston was a rogue, drinking and chasing women. He spent his wealth on gambling or any whim he might have.

A storm threatened and Winston knew he had to put his sleek Arabian in the barn. He was skittish and afraid of thunder and lightning. As he started walking up to the horse, a voice from behind him yelled, I’ll get him, boss. It was Benson, Winston’s butler and all around handyman.

No, Winston replied. I’ll get him myself.

When Winner heard the whistle, he ran to the gate to await his master. Winston patted the horse’s nose and opened the gate to lead the horse to his stall. At the same time, a gray Schnauzer shot out of the sprawling farmhouse, ready to nip at Winner’s legs. Get out of here! Winston shouted. One good kick and you’ll end up in dog heaven.

Boozer heard the tone of Winston’s voice and stopped dead in his tracks. Go back to the house, he commanded. The dog turned around and slowly walked away.

The rain started as Winston walked the horse to his stall. When he got there, he wiped the horse down and gave him some fresh water. He slapped Winner on his haunches and said, See you in the morning, old boy. The horse was the only thing in the world that Winston loved and everybody knew it.

It was raining hard by the time he got back to the house. Millie, Benson’s wife and Winston’s cook and housekeeper exclaimed, My goodness, you’re all wet! Take off those soaked clothes and I’ll get you some hot coffee and a slice of my blueberry pie.

I don’t want any, Winston said. Give it to the dog.

Millie winced at the harsh words, and then shook her head. She was used to his sharp tongue.

I’ll try some of your pie, Mom, a blonde young lady of nineteen said as she entered the kitchen. She grabbed a fork and a napkin before she sat down at the table. Would you get me some coffee too?

Millie looked at Jenny and realized what a beautiful woman she had become. No wonder the phone was busy with young men calling. Her mother knew she only had eyes for Joey, the neighbor’s boy. They had grown up together.

Mother and daughter heard steps stomping down the stairs. Oh dear, Winston’s going out on the town again. I suppose he’ll come home drunk as a skunk at six in the morning and sleep until noon, Millie said.

What else is new? Jenny asked.

Her mother shrugged her shoulders and replied, It is what it is.

CHAPTER 2

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The next morning, Jenny was having breakfast with her mother when a horn honked in front of the house. Who’s that? Winston shouted from upstairs. It’s loud enough to wake the dead!

Jenny pushed her plate away. It must be Joey, he wants to show me his new car.

You’d better go before he makes any more noise, but come right back. You have to muck out Winner’s stall.

Jenny made a face at her mother and ran out the door. For God’s sake, Joey, keep the noise down! she said as she approached the car.

Just trying out the horn, he said laughing. How do you like my new chariot?

For a ten year old Chevy with a crumpled fender, it’s not bad.

Joey’s face fell. It’s wheels, Jen. Now we can go to the movie or down to the quarry for a swim.

You’re right; I’m just being a brat. I have to go back in though; I haven’t mucked out Winner’s stall yet.

Joey looked disappointed. I wouldn’t want the lord of the house to punish you, he said bitterly.

Joey, please, Jenny pleaded. As soon as I’m done, I’ll come over to your house and you can take me for a spin then.

I guess that’s okay, he said. Joey never stayed angry for long.

Jenny frowned when Joey raced the engine and spun his wheels when he left. She checked the window upstairs to see if Winston was watching and breathed a sigh of relief when she saw it was empty.

She walked into the house and Boozer greeted her with excited barks.

Hello, honey, Jenny said, scratching him behind his ears.

Winston appeared at the top of the stairs and looked down at Jenny. Can’t a man have some peace and quiet in his own home? he bellowed.

You wouldn’t be angry if you got a good night’s sleep, she mumbled.

What did you say? he demanded.

I was talking to Boozer.

Have you mucked out Winner’s stall yet?

No, I haven’t.

Well get to it and wash him while you’re at it.

Without thinking, Jenny looked up at Winston and said, Aye, Aye, my lord,

When she was gone, Winston stifled a laugh. He liked spunky women. It wasn’t lost on him how beautiful she had become.

An hour and a half later, Jenny came out of the barn sweating from exertion. She saw her father bent over a small brown dog that was obviously pregnant. Jenny ran over to them. She hunched down and crooned, Who’s the little mommy?

The dog looked at her with big brown eyes.

You’re a little sweetheart," Jenny told her.

The dog thumped her tail in reply.

Where did she come from? Jenny asked Benson.

He shook his head. I have no idea. Somebody probably dropped her off.

Winston appeared in the doorway of the house. What are you doing with that cur? he yelled.

She must have just wandered onto the property. She looks like she starving, her ribs are showing.

I don’t give a damn what’s wrong with it. Get it out of here.

Benson tried to shoo the dog away, but she came right back to him.

Get the horse whip, Winston commanded Jenny. Give her a couple of swipes and she’ll be out of here soon enough.

Jenny stared at him with contempt.

Hurry up! Winston demanded.

Jenny walked slowly to the barn. She handed the whip to her father and covered her eyes. She heard the sound of the whip, followed by a yelp. She burst out crying. Jenny heard the whip crack again and again.

Winston yelled, Good job, Benson, that stray won’t come back here again! Jenny heard the door slam as he went back into the house.

Uncover your eyes, Benson said.

I don’t want to see it, she moaned.

Open them!

Jenny opened one eye, then the other. The dog was uninjured, but violently shaking. What happened? she asked, mystified.

I turned my back and whipped the dirt next to her. She was afraid of the sound, so she yelped. Winston thought she was in pain.

Just then, they heard Winston’s truck start up. Thankfully, he was leaving before he realized the dog was still there.

Jenny ran to the dog and took her in her arms. She looked at Benson hopefully. Will you take me and Lovey to the Blake’s? I’m sure they won’t turn her away.

I’ll do it for you, dear, but if Winston finds out, there’ll be hell to pay.

Millie had watched the scene through the window. Bring the little girl in here, she called. I’ll give her some dog food and water.

Thanks, Mom, I know she’s starving, but we have to hurry, Winston might come back.

No problem, Benson said. At the Blake’s, she’ll have all the food she wants.

When Benson’s truck pulled up into the Blake’s driveway, Joey ran out to meet it. I didn’t think you were coming! he exclaimed. He noticed the dog sitting on Jenny’s lap. Who’s that? he asked.

This is Lovey and she’s been hanging around the house. She’s pregnant and Winston ordered her beaten and…

Joey cut her off. Settle down, Jen.

We have to get rid of her. Could you take her? Jenny blurted out. Please, Joey, I’ll come over and feed her every day, I promise.

I’ll have to check with Mom and Dad, but things have been pretty quiet around here since Buddy died.

Mrs. Blake, seeing Jenny, called, Come on in. I haven’t seen you in a while.

Jenny carefully got out of the truck with Lovey in her arms. I’ll see you later, she said to Benson.

My, what do we have here? Mrs. Blake asked.

This is Lovey. She wandered into the ranch and Winston won’t have anything to do with her. She’s pregnant and starving and needs a home.

Roger Blake, hearing the conversation, walked over to join them. Of course we’ll keep the little mite. She needs a home and we need her. We’ll make her a comfortable bed in the old stable and she can have the run of the place.

Will you really? Jenny asked, delighted.

Yes ma’am, we will, he said, firmly taking the dog from Jenny’s arms. Joey can get her bed set up. Right now, I have to fire up the grill. Can you stay for dinner, Jenny?"

Joey looked at her hopefully.

Sure, Jenny answered. I’d love to. What can I do to help?

Even though the dinner was just hamburgers, corn on the cob and baked beans, Jenny loved it. It wasn’t only the food, but the closeness of the Blake family that added to her enjoyment.

Before she left, she went to the stable and said good-bye to Lovey. The dog raised her head in recognition when she saw her, and then settled down in her bed of straw. I’ll see you later, Jenny said and kissed the top of her head.

Joey grinned at the scene. Come on, he said. I’ll walk you home.

CHAPTER 3

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At the Highland Farm, Winston was in a rage. They had settled down at the spacious dining room table and he noticed there was a place setting missing. Where’s Jenny? She knows we eat dinner promptly at six o’clock.

She called and said she was staying for a cook-out at the Blake’s, Millie replied.

How can she do that? Winston shouted. She needs permission!

She got permission—from me. After all, I am her father, Benson said, having enough of his attitude.

Winston left the table and his full plate of food. He stormed upstairs and soon came down dressed in a fine silk suit and tie. I’ll be back when I’m back, he told Millie and Benson. They couldn’t wait to get rid of him.

The next day, Benson said to Millie, You know, I think it’s time we moved out of this house.

What do you mean? We’ve lived here most of our lives.

It was different then. What would you think if we moved into the carriage house?

We’d have to clean it up. Do you think Winston will allow it?

We’ve been here for years. He won’t want us to leave.

What about Jenny? There won’t be any room for her unless we remodel it.

She can stay in our quarters until we’re ready. It won’t take long.

It was time to harvest the corn and soy beans, so Winston’s crew of migrant workers were due to arrive any day. He called the Blake farm and asked to talk to Joey.

He’s not here, Roger answered.

Where the hell is he? We’re ready to harvest and he’s always been my foreman.

Not this year, Winston. He’s taken a job with Blackberry Farm. They offered him a much larger salary.

Son of a bitch! I’ll get the bastard for this! he exploded.

Oh, you will? Then you’ll have me to deal with.

I can squash you like a cockroach.

Roger laughed. You can try. You can sure try.

Winston slammed down the phone. He was angry and decided he needed a drink. He poured himself a large glass of bourbon and then left to try to find a woman for the night.

The next day, the migrant workers arrived and moved into the shacks Winston provided for them. Winston was hung-over, so he greeted them curtly.

Most of the men worked for Winston every year, so they were used to his moods. They would begin harvesting the crops the next day and hoped Winston would stay away and let the foreman supervise them.

Jenny spent most of her time at the Blake farm, watching over Lovey and seeing she had enough food and water.

Her own dog, Boozer, missed her and moped around the farmhouse. The dog knew better than to go near Winston because he obviously didn’t like him around. When Jenny came home, Boozer leapt with joy. You can still sleep with me, little one, she told him.

When Winston arrived home, he was in a rotten mood. So you finally decided to come back, he declared.

I’m here every night, Jenny replied.

You spend the rest of your time at the Blake’s. What’s up with that?

Everyone’s civil over there. They act like human beings.

They’re just a bunch of cavemen as far as I’m concerned.

You have your opinion, I have mine. By the way, I think I should receive a salary for washing Winner and mucking out his stall. You’d have to pay someone else to do it.

You ungrateful little bitch! Winston shouted. I give you a roof over your head and this is how you act!

I’ll leave here as soon as Mom and Dad finish remodeling the carriage house.

Who said I’ll let them?

If you don’t want to hire a new butler and cook, you will.

Winston didn’t reply, so she knew she had gotten the last word. He stomped out of the room and Jenny heard his truck start and drive away.

She was eating a snack before going to bed when Winston came back. He threw his hat on the coatrack, where it landed on the top piece of wood, tottered, and then stopped.

Jenny couldn’t resist clapping her hands. Good shot! she exclaimed.

You’re just the person I wanted to see. Come in and sit down. I need someone to talk to.

She was surprised at his request, but went in the living room and sat down. What do you want, Winston? Is it about the argument we had before you left?

No, I’m just disgusted with myself and need to get it off my chest.

Jenny waited for him to continue.

My life is a vicious cycle, he said. I go out drinking and chasing women every night, then have a headache the next morning. I spend most of the day sleeping, and then I eat dinner and start all over again."

Only you can change it, Jenny replied. I sound like a prude, but the first thing you have to do is control your drinking. A lot of alcohol makes a man do stupid things.

Winston nodded. I must admit, I drink to feel mellow, not to be the son of a bitch I’ve become. Everyone hates me, and for good reason.

Why don’t you give some of your money to charity?

Winston frowned. I need a drink, he said, getting up and walking to the bar.

Stop! Jenny cried. You’ve had enough!

He turned around, gave her a lope-sided grin, and sat back down.

See how easy it is? she asked him.

Winston looked at her skeptically. Suddenly, he changed the subject. What do you see in that young Blake boy?

Jenny answered truthfully, We’ve been best friends since we were ten. Now that we’re older the bond’s still there. He’s a wonderful, kind man.

Do you love him? Winston asked.

I don’t know.

Have you ever had sex?

What? Jenny shouted. For your information, I never gave it a thought.

Sorry about that. It’s a natural thing, you know.

Not for me it isn’t! she exclaimed. This conversation is over. I’m going to bed and read.

She hurried out of the room, leaving Winston sitting there alone. He got up and poured the drink he wanted before. To hell with it, he said out loud. Once a rogue, always a rogue. He drank