Henry finished his coffee, then stood up and slung the last few drops out on the floor before putting the cup back on the shelf. He then walked to the door, but stopped short of leaving. Henry wanted to tell Jim about what he’d seen and heard during the night, but couldn’t seem to bring himself to do it. “Bad luck all the way around,” was all he could say.

“It’s been good working with you, Henry. If you ever get up near Durango, look me up.”

Henry nodded, and without looking back, walked out the door. He stopped on the porch. There was something that told him he should go back, even if it was only to tell Jim that he knew he didn’t leave the gate open. It wouldn’t make any of it right, but it might help Jim feel better. Henry stood a long time, but in the end, all he could do was shake his head in disgust at himself and step off the porch.

The morning dragged on forever, and a heavy cloud hung over the atmosphere at the barn. Jim was well liked by everyone and the crew hated to see him go. On top of that, however, everyone found they needed to fill in and do the things Jim would have normally done during the day. Nobody really understood all the work he had been doing until he wasn’t there to do it, and by lunchtime, everyone was ready for a break.

Henry had eaten half a barbeque sandwich, some coleslaw and drank a cup of coffee. He hadn’t been very hungry. Normally he would take his plate back to the kitchen himself, to save the dining room staff the extra work of cleaning up after him. They already had their hands full taking care of the guests and he didn’t want to add to it. But on this day, a little blond waitress named Sue came to his table just as he was getting up.

“All done Henry?” she smiled.

“I am,” he said, picking up his hat, which had been sitting on the chair next to him. “But I can get it.”

“I know,” she said, scooping up his plate and coffee cup. “I don’t mind. Have a good afternoon.”

“You too,” Henry said as she scurried off to the kitchen.

He put his hat on his head and turned for the door, nearly running headlong into Chad who had come up behind him. “Hey there, cowboy. Can you fix wire fence?”

A stupid question, Henry thought. But then, what else could he expect from someone like Chad.

“Well Chet,” Henry said flatly. “It ain’t my preference, but I’ve fixed a few over the years.”

“The name’s Chad,” he blurted. “And we got some fence for you to mend. About two-and-a-half miles worth toward the back of the property. You can get started on it right now.”

Just then Jessie walked up. Henry took off his hat. Chad didn’t.

“Say Chad, do you mind if I steal Mr. McBride for the afternoon? I need some help with that new corral.”