Manny’s Mission (Broken Wheel Ranch #7)

Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

“You’re sure?” Manny looked over at his best friend and former SEAL teammate with a furrowed brow.

“Yes, I’m sure,” Scott nodded as he answered. He shook his head slowly as he reached up and scrubbed his face with both of his hands. “I haven’t told another living soul about this, but after what we went through, I’m finding myself not liking people much these days.” He shook his head again and then rubbed the back of his neck as he looked at his friend. “I figure if I’m out looking for Patrick Clemmons, then I won’t have to deal with people. Not like I would if I worked at The Double A.”

“I can understand that, but what else is bothering you? I sense there’s something.” Manny looked at Scott and waited for the other man to speak. When he didn’t, he sighed heavily, and told him, “Scott, I’ve known you for sixteen years, thereabouts. We met on the first day of boot camp, and have been best friends ever since. Sure, we lost touch that first year after we got out of camp, because we were deployed on different ships, but we picked up our friendship again when we met on the beach for SEAL training. I trust you with my life, we’ve both been to hell and back. I’m saying this as your friend. I want to make sure you are in the right head space before you leave to go find this Patrick Clemmons guy.” Manny held up his hand and shook his head at Scott when it looked like he was going to speak. “I’m not done. We are both leaving this parking lot and driving to Yellowstone to meet with Carter Manning. He will in turn, tell us what we need to know. Once we leave Yellowstone, I’ll be going to Naomi’s ranch, and you’ll be going to God knows where to look for this Clem person. I need to know that you’re okay with this.”

“I am,” Scott quickly answered, then shook his head at Manny. He drew in a deep breath and let it out in a rush. “Fine, yes, we are best friends, yes, we’ve been through hell and back. However, I am a little leery about this mission we’re going on.”

“Why? Break it down for me. If you’re not on board, then we’ll have to go back to Colorado and talk with the others.”

“It’s nothing.”

“Scott,” Manny drew his name out and knew when the other man would talk.

“Fine. Okay, this is probably going to be the longest time I’ve talked at once, but here goes. I know Jammer. He was on Echo, then that mission went FUBAR, he was burned, and Kid died in his arms. Then Jammer was discharged. It took almost a year to get that mission straightened out, and we were shipped over to Delta team. Garret was gone by then, Jammer was out, and so was Lewis. I know Jammer, like I said, but I don’t know Garret or Lewis like I know the others.”

“Technically, our first mission with Delta was when Lewis got his bell rung.”

“Well, if you want to go with technicalities, then no, it wasn’t our first mission with Delta. We were there with the dredges of what was left of Echo. When we got back from that mission, Lewis was discharged, three of our guys had a mental breakdown and you, Broome, and I were all that was left of Echo and that’s when it became official that we went to Delta. Appleton got out because he didn’t want to re-enlist for another six years. Riceman got out because he said he was done and came home. Carter was discharged right along with us because of what we went through.”

“Okay, but what aren’t you telling me?”

“Do we trust Garret? I’ve only seen him at The Rusty Nail when we were in. I never went on a mission with him. I never did BUD/s or any training with him. I know he’s dating Riceman’s sister, but can we trust him?”

“Are you doubting his ability to back us up if we need it?”

“Not really.” Scott sighed heavily and scrubbed his face again. “I don’t know, the way I feel I might as well find this Clem person, deliver him to the new Double A, pack my shit and climb into the mountains and find a cave to live in. Live off the land.”

Manny smirked, but wiped it away when Scott scowled at him. “That wouldn’t work, because whenever I came up to spend time with you, you’d shoot me or something. I know you hate people. I’ve seen it’s been worse since we were rescued. I do too at times, especially after what happened to us, to Carter, and Broome. I’ll back you one hundred percent if you want to go off by yourself after this, but can you do me one favor?”

“What’s that?”

“Hold it together enough to find Patrick Clemmons and get him back to Colorado with both of you in one piece? Once this situation with Naomi and The Double A are taken care of, then you can do anything you want. I will support any decision you make.”

“I can do that. I owe Erin Riceman for allowing us to stay at her place rent free for the last few weeks.” Scott shook his head and looked out at the ocean from where they stood beside their trucks.

Both men had ended up staying in Colorado for the next week and a half discussing what Ducky wanted done with his farm. He hadn’t realized how much pull Erin Riceman had until he saw her in action. After they had gone to the ranch with Ryan, and explained the situation to him, he was on board. Everyone had agreed that with Ryan dating Pru, it would be best for him to stay in Colorado and work with Ducky on getting the chicken barns converted into horse stables. Since both Manny and Scott were single, it made perfect sense for them to go to The Double A, and to go find Patrick Clemmons.

The day after everyone had walked Ducky’s ranch, the architect was there and two days later, he came back with the plans to convert the chicken barns into horse stalls. Both Manny and Scott had stayed to help unload the lumber that had been delivered three days after that. Ryan and Ducky had discussed what barn they would start on, and stored the supplies in a different barn. While they had waited for the arrival of the lumber, Erin had inspectors come in to make doubly sure that the electric and plumbing were up to date as well as up to code. It had been Appleton that had taken Manny and Scott to the airport so they could fly to California to pick up their things.

During everything that was going on with the New Double A, that was what they decided to call it, Erin had even contacted Scott’s brother-in-law, Duane, and he went to his boss to tell him the situation. Because Duane had already met everyone at the Riceman ranch, his boss had worked his magical fingers to have Duane temporarily transferred to Yellowstone so he could work the case federally. Everyone would find out later that Mr. Big was on the FBI watch list, hence Duane’s speedy involvement and transfer. Instead of working out of the office of the FBI, Duane was offered an office at Yellowstone Brotherhood Protectors. Right now, Manny and Scott were at the beach waiting for Duane to join them so they could caravan to Yellowstone.

Scott looked up and tapped Manny’s arm. “He’s here.” The two men rose from the log they’d been sitting on at the beach and headed toward the parking lot. When they reached Duane, they shook hands, and he studied the two of them.

“One, you look better than the last time I saw you. Two, how do you want to do this?”

“What do you mean, how do we want to do this?” Manny frowned at him. “We get in our vehicles and drive.”

“I know that, but it’s a twenty-four-hour drive. I’m not being a bastard here, but can you guys sit that long to drive?”

“Shit,” they both said and shook their heads. “What do you propose?”

“Okay, it’s after one in the afternoon now. Las Vegas is about four maybe five hours from here. We can stop there for the night, then Salt Lake City is about nine hours after that. Stop there, then finish the trip to Yellowstone, which would be another nine hours.” He studied the two men before him and saw their looks of concern. “If this helps, Manning at Brotherhood isn’t expecting you until Monday.” He nodded when he saw the look of relief on their faces. He didn’t know all they had gone through, but he knew it had been hell. One time while they had been on the mission to take Royal out, he’d caught sight of the two men at different times with their shirts off, and he almost threw up at the sight of the scars on their chests and backs. He hadn’t said a word, and thought if they wanted to talk, they would. He did let them know that he would be there for them if they needed anyone, especially Scott, since he had been married to his sister at one time.

Duane had also taken it upon himself to inform Carter Manning at the Yellowstone division of Brotherhood Protectors a brief rundown of what these two, along with Ryan Carter had gone though, and Manning had told him to take their time to get there. It was Tuesday now, so they had plenty of time to get to their destination by Monday.

“Have you guys eaten?”

“Yeah, you?” Manny asked.

“Yes. I just want to top off my tank, and fill my thermos before we head out. I’ve got water in a cooler on the floor of the front seat if you want anything.”

“We’re good, but a top off and a large coffee would be good.” They didn’t waste any time after that and after they climbed into their respective vehicles, they nodded as Duane led the way out of the city and they didn’t stop until they’d cleared the city limits, then stopped for gas, and coffee. Not that it mattered, but saving seven cents a gallon would help in the long run. When they were underway again, they didn’t stop until they reached the outskirts of Las Vegas to fill up again. At that gas station, neither of them really wanted to go to the Strip, so they opted to get a hotel on the other side of that city and stop for the night. They traveled at their leisure and made it to Yellowstone by Saturday and decided to take in the sights of the famous National Park before reporting to work on Monday. It was the time they needed to relax before they settled on their next mission.

Ryan looked at the progress being made on the barn and nodded in satisfaction. He finally felt like he was pulling his weight for Erin to earn his paycheck. He looked up when the woman in question arrived, and he walked toward her. He opened her door and helped her out.

“How’s it going?”

“Great, it’s great that the construction crew you and Clark hired for Broken Two could get over here and do this while they waited for the buildings to be built.”

“Broken Two?” Erin looked at him with a scowl.

“You know, the second half of Broken. And in case you didn’t know it, these guys are the framers, dry wall hangers, and inside workers. They couldn’t do anything over there until all the buildings were put in, and that can’t be done until the road is finished.”

“Yeah, Clark tells me about the snags he’s run into over there. Who knew that a creek bed that’s been dry for five to six decades would suddenly become full when the construction equipment drove through it.” She shook her head when she’d learned that little detail. It was great for the land, and the animals, but not so great for the construction. Luckily, she had been able to work with not only the engineers, but also the county and town and had been issued the permits to put a bridge in. Once that was complete, then regular construction could commence.

“How are you coming along?”

“Good, good. We’ve got five stalls almost complete. Come take a look.” He walked with Erin, and at the last minute he jogged over to a golf cart and came back with a gigantic grin on his face as he handed her a hard hat. “We’ve found it easier to build the loft first, then the stalls. This way, the stalls have something to attach to at the top.” Ryan walked forward and when he looked at her, he had to turn back and go to her because she’d stopped dead in her tracks as soon as they’d entered the barn.

“Are you okay, Erin?”

“Holy shit,” Erin said as she looked at him with wide eyes. “I never thought you’d be this far along. It’s only been a week. I also said that, because I had never really judged the size of the barns when we initially walked through them when Ducky told us his plans.”

“Yeah, but there was nothing for us to do but put in the stalls. With the electric and plumbing already done, we actually made the stalls around the faucets. At the end of each barn there will be an area that will be for either quarantine, or as Naomi pointed out, a foaling pen.”

“Ooh, I want to see,” Erin said excitedly.

Ryan led the way and when they got to the end of the stalls, she stopped and backed up.

“What’s this?” She had pointed to a room she’d spotted.

“Tack room. Each barn will have their own. Before I worked at Broken, I never would have thought of little things like that. And if I have any questions, I call Naomi and ask her. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. I like that you take the horses into consideration as you’re building this. You’re going a great job, Ryan.” She patted his upper arm, then frowned at the look on his face. “What?”

“I’ve been thinking about something, but didn’t know how to broach the subject with you.”

“Tell me,” Erin said as she turned and gave him her undivided attention.

“Before you interrupt me, hear me out.”

“I’m listening.”

“Okay, you know Pru and I are getting married this fall, correct?”

“Correct. Have you come up with an exact date?”

“We’re leaning toward the last weekend in September, possibly the first weekend in October. Pru wants the full bloom of the changing leaves as a back drop.”

“That would be beautiful. Okay, end of September beginning of October. What’s your problem?”

“I’m going to invite my former brother-in-law and nephew to the wedding.”

“Not your sister,” Erin blurted out. “Reid told me about some of the things she said and did to you. She will not be welcome on this ranch. Hell, and I apologize for swearing, but not only would she not be welcome, she won’t be allowed to step one foot on my property.”

“Thank you for that, but the last time I talked with Caleb, he said his mother was still in jail, or rather, back in jail. She was arrested when I was there. While in jail, Kevin had her served with divorce papers. All her things were put in the garage, and all the locks were changed on the house. When she got out of jail the first time, she arrived at the house and started taking an axe to the door before the neighbors called the cops. She was arrested again, and Kevin didn’t hesitate to press charges. That time, she was given ninety days with no bail, pending a hearing.”

“Damn.”

“Yeah,” Ryan said with a sigh as he rubbed the back of his neck. He looked at her sadly. “So, she won’t be here. Anyway, this next part is hypothetical, but it got me to thinking.”

“About?”

“What if when they’re out on their missions, Sanchez and Gould hook up with someone and bring them back here. Where will they live? Will they share one of the big cabins? Share with Ducky? Live here that will eventually house Clemmons and Mercury?” When she didn’t say anything, he stopped talking. He shook his head sadly then. “I’m sure that eventually all of us will be getting married like Pru and I want to, but where will our immediate guests stay? Can we expect them to find a hotel room over an hour away? I know with my brother-in-law and nephew, Pru has her parents she wants to invite. I don’t know what the others’ family situations are like, but I think we need more housing for humans as well as what we’re doing for the horses.” He paused and looked at her sheepishly.

“No, continue. I’m picturing it in my head. If you’re asking these questions, then you have a solution. I want to hear it.”

“It might not be a solution, but it might be a quick fix. Besides, where will my brother-in-law and nephew stay when they come for the wedding? I’m not putting any pressure on you, but what if we build another set of cabins like you did originally for the women.” He took the pencil from behind his ear, and had her walk with him over to the back wall. He started drawing and talking at the same time.

“These are the ladies’ cabins, these are the two big ones. This is the one that had the small physical therapy office attached.” He looked at her with wide eyes.

“What’s wrong?” Erin asked when she saw his expression.

“My nephew, Caleb, he will graduate from college in May.”

“Okay, but what does that have to do with anything?”

“As soon as he graduates, he’s going for his state license to be a licensed physical therapist. He will also have a degree in sports medicine.”

“Do you think he might want to get his license here? He can work here until the buildings are done at Broken Two?”

“It’s something we can talk to him about. I don’t know if Kevin would want to move here because the biggest part of his divorce right now is his house.”

“What about it?” Erin asked in confusion.

“His grandfather built it, and it’s been passed down from generation to generation. Karen wants that house, and Kevin refuses to give it to her. He even had it written in their pre-nuptial agreement that she wasn’t allowed any part of that house if they divorced. Her name was never on any mortgage, and it certainly isn’t on the deed. Eventually, it will be passed down to Caleb, but not for years yet.”

“Okay, we can put your nephew working here on the back burner. With the progress Naomi made, Jennifer, our current therapist, told me she will be leaving soon, probably next month when Naomi can walk without her cane. I hate to see her go, but I can’t see keeping her if there are no patients for her. It’s not fair to her.”

“I agree, anyway, I was thinking that with these cabins here, what if we built another six here?” He pointed to what he’d drawn on the wood and looked at Erin from beneath his lashes to gauge her response. When she didn’t say anything, he kept talking. “I’m not saying it will happen, but if Manny or Scott come home with someone, they each can have a cabin. Ducky can always move back in with Pru and me. Or, when Cole and Clem get here, he can move back into his home with them. I don’t know them, and I don’t know if any hands will be coming with them, but that might be the biggest issue before we build more cabins over at Broken.” He saw her shock and nodded. “Yeah, Ducky doesn’t have a bunkhouse for anyone who might come over from Naomi’s Double A. We’re also going to want to go through Ducky’s house to see if there is anything major that needs to be fixed. I didn’t see anything that screamed at me other than maybe a coat of paint or two when I stayed there while I was waiting for PITA to return with the guns.”

Erin looked at him in shock and grabbed the pencil from his hand. She walked a few feet down and started drawing. Ryan watched as she drew Ducky’s house, the chicken barns/horse stalls, then stepped back, closed her eyes, and drew something else.

“What’s that?”

“If memory serves, that’s the well.” She stepped back again and studied the drawing she’d made and looked at him with a grin. “I’ll have to get back to you on this, and that.” She pointed to both drawings with the pencil, pulled her phone out, and snapped a picture of their rough outline. “I’ll have to get back to you on this, but in the meantime, can you do me a favor?”

“What’s that?”

“Call your nephew and see if he wants to come here after he graduates. If he can help you out with these builds, and still wants to be a physical therapist, I’ll hire him once the buildings are done over on Broken Two.”

“As a therapist?”

“Yes, but only on the condition that if he doesn’t know it already, he works with Dr. Rob, Naomi’s doctor, to use the equipment in the therapy shed.”

“Deal, I’ll call him tonight when I get home.” Ryan looked at his watch with a scowl. “I think he’s still in class and he is Pacific time, whereas we are Mountain time.”

“Got it. Let me know, and I’ll let you know about the rest. Right now, I’m saying bunks or cabins for the New Double A is more important than over at Broken. We still have one room in Ducky’s cabin, and four rooms in the other one. If push comes to shove, we can take out the queen beds and put in twins.”

“And if need be, Caleb can stay with me and Pru. Somehow, I have a feeling Ducky will want to move back home to oversee everything.” He looked at Erin with a grin. “You know, put in his two cents’ worth, and with Cole and Clem living here he’ll have someone to talk with. I don’t know how old Cole or Clem are, but I’m thinking by the way Naomi talks, they might be the age of Ducky’s children, where I believe you and I might be on the age level of his grandchildren.”

“Yeah, so do I.” Erin laughed as she left the barn, and Ryan felt good that he’d been able to get his concern out in the open. It made him happy that Erin was willing to have an open mind about his ideas. It made him feel like he wasn’t mooching off of her. He felt like he was becoming a productive member of society again.