Chapter 2
CHAPTER TWO
ZANE
I back out of the kitchen, through the back porch, and I almost make it to the gate in the walled yard.
“Zane?”
Aunt Arlene’s voice holds a hint of steel which stops me in my tracks.
“What’s going on?”
How can I tell her that coming home to my kitchen, my family, and seeing the dark-haired stranger sitting there, drinking tea and eating cookies, made the red mist come down. I can’t even explain it to myself.
“Nothing.” I stick my hands into my pockets and shrug.
“Didn’t it go well in town?”
“Yes, it was fine. Hudson and Jack were great and we talked about how we can accommodate the needs of the town without treading on each other’s toes, and I learned some of the lines they stock so I can direct folk there if needed.”
“Then why were you rude to Devin?”
“I don’t know, I just don’t like him.” It sounds lame to my own ears, but it’s the truth.
“So you already know him?”
“No, it’s just a feeling.” One that confuses me. My eyes are drawn to him like there’s a magnetic pull, and it makes my insides churn. It’s unsettling and I don’t like it, therefore I don’t like him. Arlene gives me a look like she doesn’t believe my crap, and I don’t blame her.
“So you’re not going to find out anything about him to see if he’d be suitable for the job?”
“ No.” I press my lips together and Arlene crosses her arms.
“Let me remind you that it was your decision to take over the feed store and move it here, and you have a delivery on Wednesday. Also, have you forgotten that your dad has an appointment at the hospital that day and I won’t be here to take him as I’ll be out of town.
I promised I’d help Uncle Buck’s sister look at a new condo. I’m the only family she has left now.”
I sigh. I had forgotten Arlene would be away for a couple of days, and about the delivery.
There’s no way I’ll leave Nova to handle it alone.
There’s at least a hundred and fifty sacks of feed to be stacked as well as some other heavy items, some troughs and gates I’d ordered.
I really could do with some help, this week at least.
“Okay, but if he’s unsuitable, it’s still a no,” I say reluctantly, and Arlene gives me a nod. I lean against the wall as she disappears and returns a minute later with the stranger in tow. Immediately, the unsettling feeling returns and my stomach churns, but I ignore it for now.
“Devin, Zane would like to talk to you,” Arlene says pointedly, and I feel like I’m back in fifth grade being made to apologize for stealing Kevin Farley’s pen, which, for the record, I didn’t do.
I glance at her but it’s clear she’s not going back inside the house.
Then I look back at Devin. He’s shorter than me, but broader.
Arlene was right, he does look strong. But his dark eyes, which seem as deep as the well over at Lover’s Butte, are wary.
“Who are you? What are you doing in Foggy Basin? Why do you want a job?” I fire at him.
“Zane!” Arlene says sharply. I know I’m still being rude, but I can’t help it. He makes me want to snap.
“My name’s Devin Brookes. I’m originally from England but I’ve been over here for seven years. I’m a long-distance truck driver but currently unemployed. I didn’t want to stay in Sacramento, so I figured I’d look for work elsewhere. Foggy Basin seemed as good a place as any.”
His accent is smooth, quite melodic compared to the North Cali tones I’m used to, and completely at odds with his wide frame and heavy-featured face with its black beard and soulful eyes.
“Why aren’t you looking for a driving job?” My interest is piqued a little.
He winces slightly and drops his eyes. But to his credit he raises them again to speak.
“I got a DUI and lost my job. I’m on a twelve week program until I can get my license back.”
“You’re a drunk?” I blurt out and turn to Arlene. “He’s a drunk. I told you this was a bad idea.”
She rolls her eyes at me and faces Devin.
“Are you a drunk?”
“No ma’am. It was a one time mistake that will never happen again. I haven’t touched a drop since, not even beer.”
Arlene looks back at me waiting for my response, but he carries on in his damn English accent.
“Look, I’ve learned my lesson. It cost me my livelihood and I’m doing what I can to get it back. I have six weeks left of my program. My savings ran out and I could do with some work until I’m done. After that I’ll be back on the road. I don’t like to be tied down.”
“Seems unreliable to me.” I’ve never been fond of drifters. I can’t imagine not being with my family.
“I’m just telling the truth.”
I sigh again. His honesty increases my sense of disquiet.
“Have you any experience of working in a feed store?” Arlene frowns at me again for my tone, but if it bothers Devin, he doesn’t show it, and I can’t help but respect him a little for that.
“No, but I’m strong, honest, and good at following instructions.”
That’s pretty much all that’s required.
“I don’t know—”
“Zane,” Arlene cuts in. “Think about Wednesday.”
She’s right. I don’t have a lot of options right now, and he’s only looking for temporary work so it would buy me some time to look for someone else.
“When could you start?”
He looks startled that I might have changed my mind.
“Immediately, tomorrow. I would have to go back to Sac every Friday for my session, but I’m available for the rest of the time.
“How about a week’s trial?” I ask and he nods.
We agree on a pattern of Monday to Thursday and also a Saturday.
He also seems okay when I tell him how much the wages are.
When we finish he holds out his hand to shake.
Is this a British thing? I take it anyway, and his large warm hand grips mine.
For the first time he smiles. The flash of white teeth against the contrast of his black beard mixes my inside up even more, and I drop his hand quickly.
For my dad and Nova I can put up with this for a few weeks.
I’ve never shied away from responsibility when it comes to my family.
Even when I had baby Nova to look after when mom died. This should be a lot easier.
“See you tomorrow,” I say, and walk back toward the house to get away from those deep, dark eyes that see too much.