Peewee had his hands full with such a big operation and probably needed help in more ways than one. They went back to where Ballard’s workers hovered around his body.
Peewee waved a hand toward Del. “This here’s your new boss man.”
The men under Ballard appeared both relieved and nervous. They didn’t know Del. He half expected Crow to run his mouth, but his only reaction was to snort and spit a stream of tobacco juice on the ground.
Peewee said, “Go on and get Ballard’s horse, there. You might have to work something out with the missus. I got to break the news to’em anyhow, tell’em they can’t stay, not unless they can work. I can’t see it happening, not with them kids and all. Why don’t you come on with me and we’ll see what she’ll take for this ole nag.”
Del went over to the mare. The horse stood close to her previous owner, head down, and near Ballard’s shoulder. Del led her away and ran a hand over the white streak on her nose. He hadn’t been on a horse in a while, but was familiar enough with them, and liked them. He continued rubbing her while those who’d worked for Ballard watched him with wary eyes. Del gathered the reins from where they hung, and faced his crew. He felt he ought to say something to them.
He said, “It’s gonna take some time to get to know you, and vice versa. I don’t expect nothing from any one of you more than an honest day’s work. I’m fair-minded, and you’ll come to see that in short order. Long as you do the work, we’ll be all right. Any questions?”
Crow said, “I got one.”
Del said, “I ain’t directing that to you.”
Crow ignored him. “Wonder what you’ll find in Ballard’s tally log? Reckon there’s a problem noted anywhere?”
The man was like a dog with a bone, once he got ahold of something, he didn’t want to let it go.
Del said, “I know what you’re getting at, Sweeney.”
“Do you?”
Del faced his workers again, refusing to let Crow get under his skin. He made eye contact with Cobb deliberately, an attempt to reassure him. The kid remained wide-eyed and uncertain. Del left the men, leading the mare, and he and Peewee went along the path back toward the camp.
Peewee said, “Crow’s bound to test you.”
“It’ll be over the kid and his counts.”
Peewee grunted. “I been thinking of telling young Cobb he’s got to move on ’fore something happens to him.”
Del said, “I feel kind a bad for him. Got to be here for a reason.”
“Could be, but he’d be better off doing something else.”
One solitary yell came from behind them, almost like a scream, and Peewee said, “Now what.”
They stopped to listen, but nothing else was heard except the rapid fire tapping of a distant woodpecker.
Del said, “Reckon we ought to go back and see?”
Peewee didn’t seem concerned. “Probably someone shouting at the mule.”
Ballard’s place, which was next door to Crow, was whitewashed with flowers planted and chickens clucking and pecking quietly in the yard. There were a couple well-fed hogs and a milk cow penned in the back area. Mrs. Ballard was hanging out the wash, but her eyes quickly flitted to Peewee and then Del, a stranger leading her husband’s horse, and her face crumpled like she’d already heard the bad news. Del waited while Peewee spoke quietly, confirming what she’d already guessed. Del noticed Ballard’s children, a gangly boy of about twelve and two girls, twins, about four years if he was to guess. The girls huddled together, solemn-faced, while the boy stood by his mother’s side.
Mrs. Ballard hugged him and said, “Lord, help us. You got to be man of the house now, Jimmy.”
Jimmy pulled away from his mama and turned to Del, his face red with anger, his grief spilling out with it.
He said, “Give me them reins. That’s my Daddy’s horse.”
Del felt bad for the boy and carefully said, “I come to buy her. What’ll you take?”
Jimmy squared his shoulders, defiant.
He said, “She ain’t for sale.”
Peewee spoke to Mrs. Ballard. “Best not be too hasty about any decisions. I’d recommend you consider taking what you can for the horse, to tide you over. It’ll give you enough ’til you find you a new place.”
Jimmy looked at his mama. She gave him a single nod, and he faced Del again.
The boy glared at him, and with a tremble in his voice, he said, “Fifteen dollars.”