The Long Road Home 22 - Home Changes, page 3
part #22 of The Long Road Home Series
Allison stifled a laugh, biting the inside of her cheek. “I know exactly what you mean, Edna. Exactly.”
A sharp metallic clang made them both jump. The sound of a trash can lid hitting the gravel behind the bakery echoed around the corner.
Allison lifted a finger. “Hold on, Edna. Something just knocked over my trash can.”
Edna was already backing toward the door. “Oh, girl, let me get out of here. You lock up. I know you’ve got your run with Kathy coming up. And now, remember, don’t you go spreading rumors. I’m just looking, not selling yet.”
Allison chuckled. “I got you, girl. I’m not saying a word.”
She followed Edna out the door, locked it behind them, and tugged the shade down to signal the bakery was closed.
Jogging back through the shop, she grabbed the old broom near the back door. If it were a groundhog, or worse, a raccoon, in her trash again, she would swat it clear to the next county.
She pushed open the door and froze.
The trash can lid lay discarded on the concrete. The bag she’d tossed in earlier, full of expired bread and pastries, was ripped open.
Carefully, Allison moved forward and peered into the can.
No raccoon. No groundhog. No critter in sight.
But the food?
Gone.
She glanced around the alley behind the store. Nothing else was missing or out of place. Nothing disturbed except the trash.
“What in the heck …” Kathy Marks jogged up just as Allison was circling the can. “You’re not ready yet?” Kathy asked, slowing to a walk.
“Just give me five seconds. Edna came in late, and then I thought I had a raccoon or skunk in the trash.”
Kathy took a quick step back. Then another. And another. “Raccoons and skunks? I don’t deal with either.”
Allison laughed, the tension easing from her shoulders. “We all remember what happened with your dogs and those skunks.”
Kathy held up both hands, fingers crossed. “Not for a long time, thank God.”
Allison sprinted up the back steps, tossed the broom inside, and grabbed her keys. Between the bread orders and Ken's visit, she’d already changed into her T-shirt and running shorts earlier in the afternoon.
Kathy stood by the back porch, recounting the details of a playground fight that had broken out earlier in the day.
By the time Allison had locked the back door and zipped her keys into her pocket, Kathy was still mid-story.
They took off down the street together at a comfortable jog, feet pounding the pavement in a steady rhythm.
It was just another day in paradise.
CHAPTER 3
Seth turned down the long gravel driveway that led to his childhood home. Gomer sat alert in the passenger seat, his dark gaze scanning the fields and trees as they approached the small, weathered house tucked against the edge of the property.
Damn, it hit him just how much the place needed attention. Desperately.
The white paint was peeling, flaking off in thin strips like dried leaves, and a few shingles were missing from the roof. He made a mental note to inspect the attic as soon as possible. If there was water damage up there, it could lead to a far worse problem.
Inside the house, his father had let things go. Seth wouldn’t call Chester a hoarder, but the man hadn’t thrown out anything that might one day prove useful since Seth’s mother had died. Stacks of cartons, bulging paper bags, old magazines, and random boxes cluttered the rooms. Bonfire fodder, all of it.
He’d work on it while he stayed with his dad. Seth had called as soon as he and Gomer landed in Rapid City to let Chester know they were on their way. Ken was stopping by later to give him a rundown on how his dad had been doing while he was gone.
As he pulled into the driveway, the front door creaked open, revealing Chester Hansen, squinting through the mesh of the screen door with his hands planted on his hips.
Seth got out and walked around the truck, letting Gomer hop down beside him. The old man watched them both with a mix of suspicion and confusion.
“What are you doing here, boy?” Chester growled, voice rough from years of hard living. “Aren’t you supposed to be in the military?”
Seth kept his tone steady, patient. “No, Dad. I’m retired now. I was here just a couple of days ago, remember?”
Chester frowned, eyes narrowing. “Of course, I remember.”
But Seth could tell from the blank look in his father’s eyes that he didn’t.
“What the hell is that?” Chester pointed toward Gomer.
“This is my military working dog. He’s retired now, so he’ll be staying here with us.”
“Dogs don’t belong in the house,” Chester snapped. “You can put him out in the barn.”
“Dad, this one belongs in the house. He’s a drug detection dog and one of the best trackers in Europe.”
Chester crossed his arms and looked down at Gomer, who sat calmly beside Seth, his ears forward, posture obedient and proud.
“Then why the hell ain’t it in Europe?”
“He’s got some arthritis. They’re putting him out to pasture because he’s slowed down.”
Chester’s arms fell to his sides as he stared at the dog. His voice dropped, quieter now. “They do that to dogs and humans. Slow down, and the world just forgets about you. Leaves you behind. What’s his name?”
“Gomer.”
Chester snorted. “What in the name of muddy water would you call a dog that for?”
Seth grinned, remembering having the same thought when he’d first heard the name.
“I didn’t name him, Dad. The Air Force did.”
“Well, then, the Air Force is stupider than muddy water.”
“If you say so, Pops.”
“Well, I do,” Chester muttered, then added, “I suppose you want me to be nice to it now, don’t you?”
Seth nodded once. “Well, sir, I would appreciate it.”
Chester reached down and gave Gomer a rough pat on the head. “Come on. I’m hungry. You probably could do with a bite.” He cast a look back over his shoulder at Seth. “You can fix your own food.”
Seth rubbed the back of his neck and laughed. “Yes, sir. I’ll do that.”
He grabbed his backpack and the large bag of dog food he’d picked up in Rapid City, slinging both over his shoulder. Once inside, he dropped them near the entryway and headed for the kitchen, where he froze in the doorway.
Chester was sitting at the table, breaking off chunks of sharp cheddar and feeding them to Gomer one piece at a time.
“Dad, I’ve got dog food for him. You’re gonna spoil him giving him people food.”
“You said he was put out to pasture,” Chester said without looking up. “Seems to me that pasture ought to be lush. All us old cantankerous farts want a lush pasture. Whether we get it or not.”
Seth rolled his eyes. “Just don’t give him too much of that, Dad. I don’t want him to get sick.”
Chester reached for another piece of cheese. “No promises. You just go tend to you,” Chester said, waving Seth off like he didn’t have a care in the world. “I’ve had dogs before. I know how much is too much.”
Seth didn’t argue. He knew better than to push when his father had that look in his eye.
He went to the sink, turned on the faucet, and washed his hands. Through the window, he caught sight of Ken’s cruiser easing down the gravel drive.
“Dad,” he called over his shoulder, “Ken’s coming down the drive. I’m gonna go see what he needs.”
Chester didn’t respond, just waved one hand in a dismissive circle as he continued breaking the cheese into small chunks, popping one into his mouth, then giving one to Gomer.
Seth shook his head. At this rate, Gomer would need double his exercise. Too much weight on a dog with arthritis wasn’t just uncomfortable; it was dangerous.
Ken parked in front of the house and stepped out of his SUV, nodding a greeting as Seth came outside. “He was fine every time someone came to check on him,” Ken said, reaching out to shake Seth’s hand. “Got angry at us for disturbing his peace, though.” He chuckled. “He’s doing better now. Not as mean. For a while there, I wasn’t sure what was going on.”
Seth leaned against the SUV, arms crossed over his chest. “He forgot I came home. Asked me why I was back and thought I was still in the military. I’ll take him to Belle Fourche and get him a full physical. Make sure we know where we’re starting from. I’ve been reading about treatment options. Some meds can help clear the fog a bit.”
Ken nodded slowly. “I know this has to be hard on you.”
Seth exhaled through his nose. “I never thought I’d see the day Chester Hansen wasn’t in full control of everything around him.” He hesitated, then added, “I’ll need to find a lawyer, too. I talked to Dad a few days ago, during a lucid moment. He doesn’t have a will. No power of attorney. Nothing is set up for medical or financial decisions.”
“My wife’s a lawyer. Family law,” Ken offered.
Seth frowned. “Allison’s a lawyer? I didn’t know that.”
Ken burst out laughing. “I’m not married to Allison. My wife’s name is Sam. She was a state patrol officer before she became a lawyer. Runs a small family practice right here in Hollister. She stays busy writing cattle contracts in the slow season and takes on pro bono cases, too. We’re expecting our first, adopting a baby actually, and we think she’ll be here in April next year.”
“Holy crap, congratulations, man.” Seth extended his hand and shook Ken’s. The pride in his expression was priceless.
“Thanks, man. We’re really happy.” He added, “So, if you’re worried you can’t afford to get everything squared away for Chester, she can work something out with you.”
Seth shook his head. “I’m not worried about the money, Ken. I saved and invested pretty well during my time in the military. I’ve got a solid retirement. For what little we need up here, I can take care of Dad and me for a while. At least until he needs to go into a facility.”
Ken didn’t sugarcoat it. “That’s gonna suck.”
“It will indeed,” Seth agreed, his voice quiet. Pausing, he tilted his head slightly. “So … you didn’t marry Allison? How did that not happen? You two dated forever.”
Ken gave a slow smile. “That’s a long story. One of those you tell over a cold adult beverage.” Ken grinned. “Come to dinner sometime. Sam and I would love to have you over, and we’ll catch you up on all the town’s comings and goings.”
Seth reached out and shook his hand. “Sounds like a plan. Just let me know when and where.”
Behind them, the screen door creaked open, and Gomer trotted outside and came straight to Seth, sitting neatly at his heel, tongue lolling and eyes bright.
Ken looked down. “And who is this?”
Before Seth could answer, Chester shuffled onto the porch.
“That is Gomer,” he said, pointing with one hand. “He got put out to pasture. Just like me.”
Seth chuckled, patting Gomer’s head. “He’s my military working dog. I adopted him after we both retired.”
Ken frowned and looked at Seth with a raised brow. “You were a dog handler?”
Seth nodded. “More than that. Started as a handler, then trainer, and moved up to kennel master. Eventually, I ran the MWD Major Command program. Mostly pushing paper. I hated it. Took me away from the dogs.”
Ken lifted an eyebrow, considering that. “Good to know. Real good to know.” He glanced toward his cruiser, then back at Seth. “Well, let me know if you need anything. And, Chester, don’t forget about the Fall Festival next month.”
Seth glanced toward the house. “What’s that?”
He looked at his father, who just blinked at him.
“Hell if I know,” Chester grumbled. “What do I look like, Hollister Social Services?”
Ken stopped mid-step and stared at Chester, baffled. Then he shook his head. “Chester, you know everything about everything that happens in this town.”
Chester shrugged. “Don’t know nothing about no stupid festival.” With that, he turned around and shuffled back into the house, muttering under his breath.
Ken watched him go, mouth twitching with disbelief. “I’ve been in five or six conversations where your father talked about that festival.”
Seth nodded. “Figured as much.”
Ken let out a slow breath. “Well, just so you know, Declan Howard owns the Bit and Spur now, and he built a community center onto the back of it.”
“I noticed there was a big addition,” Seth said. “Didn’t realize it was a community space.”
Ken nodded. “Yeah. We do barbecues, festivals, and town gatherings. A couple of wedding receptions, Christmas dances. That kind of thing. Gives folks something to look forward to. We’re putting together a Fall Festival for mid-October. Pumpkins, haystacks, and wagon rides for the kids. Community barbecue. It’s taken over.” Ken sighed. “Flyers all over town, and all the businesses are supporting it. Well, most of it. Someone mentioned a greased pig contest,” Ken added with a laugh. “But I think that got nixed. The new vet was ready to strangle the guys who suggested it.”
“That’s Tegan’s new wife, right?”
Ken nodded. “Yeah, you know Tegan, don’t you?”
Seth shrugged. “All of y’all were a couple of years younger than me. But I remember Tegan. Quiet guy.”
“Still is. But his wife?” Ken whistled low. “She’s not quiet. Former Army. Smart, tough, and not afraid to speak her mind. And frankly, she’s exactly what this town needs. Doc Macy’s only doing large animals now, and Kate handles the small ones.”
“I’ll need to set up an appointment,” Seth said, glancing down at Gomer, who had settled at his feet. “I’ve got his full medical records. She’ll have a solid base to work from.”
“Not sure you need an appointment. Most people just pull up. Her office is at the stockyard where Tegan works. How bad is the dog’s arthritis?”
Seth lifted a shoulder. “Well, if he were still working, it’d be bad enough to be a problem. He couldn’t deploy. It’s tough to medicate a working dog in the field, so they pulled him. Gave him an honorable retirement. He’ll have a long, happy life here. He’s eight now, so I figure I’ve got four or five good years left with him.”
“That was good of you, taking him in.”
“You don’t get it.” Seth shook his head. “It was good of the Air Force to give him to me.” Ken looked confused. Seth crouched slightly, resting a hand on Gomer’s back as the dog leaned into his leg. “I’ve made attachments to five or six dogs over the years. You work with them, trust them with your life … It’s a bond. I knew Gomer when he first came to the kennel as a green dog. I was managing the kennel at the base level. I kept track of him even after I promoted myself out of that job.
“I’ve got a buddy, Reid, who feeds me info about the MWDs getting retired. Who’s going home and who’s getting put down.” Seth’s voice tightened. “I made a few calls when I saw Gomer on that list. There was no reason to euthanize him. He’s friendly, stable. Still got so much life left in him. So, I pushed, and I got my dog.” He reached down and rubbed the tops of Gomer’s ears gently. The dog closed his eyes and pressed closer.
“Even if I’m not working a dog, I need one around. In the military, I couldn’t. Too many logistics, too many moves. But now I can. Where I go, Gomer goes.”
Ken watched the pair, something quiet passing behind his expression. Then he straightened and gave Seth a nod. “Well, I’d better get out and make my rounds. I’ve gotta run out to the Marshall Ranch and see Frank for a few minutes.” He paused. “You do realize Frank Marshall has ties to Guardian Security, right?”
Seth lifted an eyebrow. “No. Why should I? It’s not like I’ve been back for anything other than Mom’s funeral.”
Ken shrugged. “Just a comment in passing. Hell, everyone knows it, even if no one in this town would ever admit to it. We take care of our own around here, Seth. And this town? It’s growing, mostly because of the Hollisters and the Marshalls. We’re in a bit of a boom right now. I don’t know what’s gonna happen when the economy takes a dive, but I’ve seen this little town stretched thin. People pulled together to make sure no one went hungry. That’s who we are. Right now, we don’t have to do that. And we’ve got those two ranching families to thank for it. So, yeah, we take care of our own.”
Seth tilted his head slightly. “Is that a warning?”
Ken barked out a laugh. “Warning? Hell no. Just a bored sheriff talking to someone who ain’t been around in a while. That’s all.” He gave a short nod and headed back to his cruiser. “I’ll let you go, but don’t forget about the Fall Festival. You’ll see flyers at the diner or in Allison’s bakery. Mrs. Sanderson’s General Store expanded a little. You can get most of what you need there. But if you need to stay close to home with Chester, just ask around. There’s always someone making a run to Belle or Rapid. You need something we don’t have up here, someone’ll grab it for you.”
“It’s just like it used to be, just with a few more people now,” Seth said.
“Yup.” Ken climbed into his SUV and started it up. He leaned out the window before backing out. “You take care of yourself and that old man of yours.”
His eyes dropped to Gomer, who stood at Seth’s side like a statue.
“And you … You take care of them all.”
Seth waved as Ken backed out, made a slow three-point turn, and headed down the long driveway toward the road. As the cruiser disappeared over the ridge, Seth looked down at the dog beside him.
“Yep,” he muttered, scratching behind Gomer’s ear. “Some things never change.”
CHAPTER 4
Allison closed her eyes as the physician assistant gently pulled the final staple from her incision. It didn’t hurt. But watching it happen? That was another matter.
