“You’re about as far off of politically correct as anybody I know,” laughed Sharon, “and I love that about you.”
“It’s pretty simple really,” Mabel continued. “Back in my day, if it’s a nail, it’s a nail, and there’s no disrespect to the screw or bolt. It’s gotten so bad that regular folks can’t say nothin’ for fear of offending someone.
“How does anyone know what’s going to set off someone else, anyway? I’m offended if someone doesn’t like me smoking, but it doesn’t give me the right to be up in arms about it. But what do I know? I’m just an old lady, set in her ways is all. I love everyone just the same. ‘Live and let smoke’ is what I say.”
“You are one of a kind, Mabel…one of a kind,” replied Sharon, giving Mabel a hug.
* * * * * * *
Chapter Eighteen
Saddle Ranch
Loveland, Colorado
Cory once worried about how he would get everyone safely back without being seen but was calmed by the heavy drumming of the song “We Will Rock You,” by the ’70s band called Queen.
“I can still hear the music over the generator,” said Cory to an agitated Mr. MacDonald.
“That’s my generator, but it damn sure ain’t my music they got playin’ so loud. Now they’re just using up all my gas to listen to that crap. Could have at least put on some Waylon or Cash out of respect.”
Drake didn’t mind; he was a closet Freddy Mercury fan and knew every Queen song by heart, although he would never tell his father or brother. Only his mother really knew him, and she was gone now. “I miss you, Mama,” he said silently.
Drake gave up his four-wheeler just for today, so the MacDonalds could ride back down the mountain together. He preferred walking most places anyway.
Mac was waiting for Cory and the rest of the group, eager to hear more details of what they observed. He also wanted to speak with Mr. and Mrs. MacDonald about what they knew firsthand.
* * * *
Rico headed down to John’s house on foot and was passed by Samuel’s truck, although he couldn’t make out the passengers.
He arrived to find John, Bill and Samuel sitting with a nervous Patty, still wearing her Chef’s apron.
“Good afternoon, Rico,” said John. “How are things up in the kitchen?”
“Going good, sir. My crew is doing a great job with their training. I will need to get back soon to prepare for tonight’s dinner.”
“Sure,” replied John. “This shouldn’t take long. As I’m sure you already know, Rico, we have spoken briefly with Mac and Dr. Melton.
As you both are most likely aware, those two are in a crossover relationship as it pertains to our two communities. Samuel and I had known each other for a long time, even before I came to lead this Ranch. In all of our years, neither of us have seen a crossover.
Of course, we realize that things are different, and the old normal doesn’t always apply now. With that being said, we have had quite a time dealing with your husband, Patty.”
“Ex-husband,” she stated firmly.
“Yes, I suppose so. Ralph has repeatedly accused Mac of having some sort of relationship with you that we all know is false. Nevertheless, he has proven a challenge for Mac, even insisting on an old-fashioned duel that you have probably heard about. We have reason to believe he is staying somewhere close to here, with the exact location to be kept secret for now. I have concerns, Rico, of him finding out about you, too, and causing more trouble. We would rather have our head of security, Mac, dealing with a man like that than our head Chef. I’m not sure what Ralph was like before all of this.”
“I do,” interjected Samuel. “I saw the bruises on both her and her son Joshua, as did Bill. I would venture to say he’s been like this for quite some time.”
“So, are you asking me not to see Patty?” asked the Chef.
“No, Rico. I’m not saying that exactly. I just want to be assured of two things,” continued John. “First, you both hold prominent positions in our communities, not unlike Dr. Melton and Mac, so I would like to know if you plan on seeing where this thing goes. Secondly, I would ask that if you are planning to move forward, you do it discreetly, so as not to draw attention from Ralph or his followers.”
“Followers? What followers?” asked Patty, surprised.
“We have reason to believe he has survived his encounter with our southern perimeter guards the other day and is being cared for by about 50 people who look to him as their leader,” said John. “They are residing within walking distance of this valley, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him again, asking to get you back. Lastly, we would ask that you keep this information in confidence, so as not to incite concern for our other residents.”
“Can we agree on those points?” asked Samuel.
“That sounds fair to me,” replied Rico.
“Yes, me as well,” chimed in Patty.
“If you two wouldn’t mind excusing us for a moment?” asked Samuel.
“Sure, we’ll be right outside,” announced a relived Rico, happy with the outcome.
“You know, if this keeps up,” Samuel told John and Bill, “we’re going to have to join our communities.”
“It’s not far off, old friend,” replied John. “We have already claimed the valley.”
John poured three glasses of whiskey.
“Ghost Owl!” declared Samuel after a sip.
“How did you guess that?” asked Bill.
“It’s Pacific Northwest Whiskey from Sumner, Washington,
