“Sleep. Will be mighty nice to sleep on a big bed.”
“If you get lonely, honey, you let me know.”
“I’ll be working, Tilly. You know that.”
“I could drive you there. To the depot. What time does that train come in?”
“Says here around four o’clock.”
“Let me take you.”
Capp hesitated. He didn’t want to encourage her, but he would need a ride. “I guess it would be all right. But that’s it. Just to the depot.”
Capp placed the telegram in his rear pocket and wondered if he’d made a mistake accepting her offer. He really needed to be done with her. Opening the door to the backside manager’s office, he ran to find Bob Hench.
Bob was talking with a couple of other horse trainers about the upcoming Kentucky Derby. Capp excused himself for interrupting and then proceeded to ask if he could speak to Bob in private. Bob complied and followed Capp outside.
“Bob, my time here’s running out. My dad and the owner of Glidewell Ranch will be here this afternoon. We are going to be buying horses before the Derby,” explained Capp.
“I have some leads on some great horses running claim races,” replied Bob. “You can pick up a few that way. I also have a lead on a failing horse farm near Lexington. I hear the owner needs to trim his stock quick to garner cash or he’ll be foreclosed upon. This depression has affected people around here. Why, even George Coombs’s little farm is in jeopardy. Never mind the Prohibition and the ruination of the Kentucky whiskey business. And then of course there’s the drought. Cowboy can’t catch a break, it seems.” Bob chuckled, but his comments weren’t meant to amuse. These were bad times.
“Thanks for the tips. I’ll be staying at the Brown Hotel until we get ready to head back to Missouri in boxcars full of horses,” said Capp, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. “Can’t wait to introduce you to my dad. You’re a lot like him.” Silence ensued and finally Capp said, “I do have a favor to ask.”
“Sure. What’s that?”
“You know I was seeing Tilly. Just having a good time. But I don’t think Mr. Glidewell would like thinkin’ I’ve been messing around with her. You know what I mean?”
“Yes, I know. But dating Tilly didn’t affect your good work around here. Just gave folks something to gossip about.” Bob laughed. “You have been the brunt of a few jokes.”
“I know, but I am done with her. I’d just as soon have Mr. Glidewell not know I was ever seeing her.”
Bob slapped Capp on the back and laughed. “Got it, my boy. He won’t hear it from me. You got too much work to do to be thinkin’ about a girl anyways. Bring your dad and boss by after workouts tomorrow and I’ll set them up with some ideas about the afternoon claim races. If you get to claim or buy horses, you can put them in our barn until you get ready to leave.”
“That’s mighty nice of you, Bob.”
“Least I can do.”
Capp returned to his bunk, packed his things, and ran to the office to have Tilly drive him to the depot. He’d talk with her. He’d break up with her. Get it settled. He’d be headed back to Glidewell soon. She’d understand. Maybe when she gets her farm financed, he’d come and work for her. Yes, he’d say that and she’d get it. She’d get that a man had to look out for his own future. These were bad times.
When he opened the door to the office, Tilly was freshening her lipstick and pushing a few untamed blond hairs back into their proper place. She grabbed her red pocketbook, threw in her car keys, and closed the clasp. Moving around the counter she locked eyes with Capp and sauntered toward him. When she was within a few inches, she removed his hat with her free hand and kissed him firmly on the lips. Then she dropped her purse and his hat and reached her arms around his neck. “I sure did miss you, Capp,” she cooed. “You were gone to Arkansas way too long.”
Capp stepped back. “Look Tilly, I’ll be leavin’ soon. Going back to Glidewell. And so I guess this’ll be the end of you and me.”
“Doesn’t have to be. My plan is good, Capp. You know that. And you can help me get the money for the farm.”
“I can’t, Tilly. I have no business asking Mr. Glidewell for money. I told you that.”
Tilly pouted, but decided she’d drop it for now. She would not tell Capp about the bright red lipstick around his mouth. Hoping the entire Churchill Down backside would see her not-so-subtle claim on him, Tilly grabbed his hand and led him out the door.
Chapter 61
Brown Hotel
Tilly pulled up to the train depot, found a parking spot, turned off the engine, and said, “Want a stick of Wrigley’s?”
“No thank you,” Capp said flatly.
“All right, let’s go meet your daddy.”
“Tilly, you ain’t comin’. I’ll only be around the backside for a bit longer, then I’m goin’ back to Missouri. We are done. How many times do I have to tell you?”
“Come on, Capp.”
“Tilly, no. You and I are finished for now. I have work to do in Missouri. Maybe one day, not now, but one day in the future, I can come back. ”
“Ah gee, Capp. You’re bein’ mean just now,” whined Tilly as she put her hand on his left cheek. Capp grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her hand down. Not discouraged, she put her other hand on Capp’s thigh.
“Jesus, Tilly, stop it! I got to go.” He opened the car door and jumped out, then realized his suitcase was in the backseat. Slamming the passenger-side door, he opened the rear door, and quickly grabbed his things. “Bye and thank you for the ride,” he yelled and then closed the door. In the train depot the
