Montana Madness: A Novel. Sioux Dallas

and what they could afford.

      “Ginger, I’m willing to do anything that is required. This is my home, also. I’ve lived here all of my adult life and have raised a family here. Hank has been like a big brother to me and I want to clear everything up and make it secure when he returns to work.”

      “Frank, you’re a lifesaver to me and I know, for a fact, that Hank values your work and friendship. He doesn’t know it yet, but he isn’t coming back to work. I was appalled to discover his age. I intend to give him ten acres of my land and build a house for him. He can keep his horse in the stable as usual and he’ll be near for us to consult about the ranch work. I don’t intend to kick him out and make him feel useless. After all, he’s been like a second parent to me and I’ll always love him and take care of him.”

      “We know you will do everything possible for all of us, Ginger.”

      “Frank, why do you suppose the Guest Ranch cottage was threatened with fire and the other place that has nothing to do with cattle and mustangs?”

      I don’t know unless the lawbreakers want attention to go one direction while another group will attack in the opposite direction.”

      “I’ve never wanted to shoot a person before, but I sure won’t hesitate if I catch them on my property again. Frank, will you be willing to go to the hospital with me and talk to Hank? I want to include him in the planning so he won’t feel as if he’s not needed.”

      “I will love to go with you. Hank will be pleased that he’s included.”

      They separated and Frank went out to work while Ginger discussed plans for the house and meal menus with Juanita.

      There was too much work for Ginger to be idle long. She was up before the sun and in bed long after the sun had set. Juanita was concerned to see Ginger losing weight and staying under so much stress.

      “Darling Ginger, you can’t continue working so many hours with so little rest and not eating most of the time. You gobble a breakfast and then you’re gone all day. When you come home you’re too tired to eat and just shower and crawl into bed. The human body can’t take that punishment long.”

      “I’m fine, Juanita. Please don’t worry about me. I have to keep an eye on everything that’s going on. Frank does a great job, but he can’t be everywhere.”

      “That‘s why the hands have been hired. They need to be assigned tasks and you just supervise. Learn to delegate.”

      “That’s the ideal situation, but we must be realistic. Of the hands, six of them have been with us for a long time and I’m sure Grandfather trusted them. The others have been hired in the last couple of years as someone got too old or too sick to continue working, or just plain wanted to leave and go somewhere else. I’m telling only you, Juanita, I’m not sure I can trust all of the comparatively new hands.”

      “Goodness, is there one you are suspicious of for sure?”

      “No. I haven’t nailed anyone, yet. The invaders are getting information from someone who tells them where they should work and when it is going to be safe for them. If I had not ridden out the other night to see why someone was messing around my barn, those hoodlums would have gotten away with stealing thirty or forty head of mustangs. That reminds me. I need to go to the summer grazing ground and see if my cattle are still safe.”

      “There are four men staying there in a line shack for the summer. Don’t you think they’ll keep careful watch over the cattle?”

      “I don’t know. I am the owner and I need to see for myself.”

      “Okay. I see you’re determined. I will pray every day and hope and pray the men can be trusted. It would kill me if anything happened to you. Do me a favor. Call the ranch attorney and write your will. I wouldn’t want this ranch, my home, to go to someone who wouldn’t love it as we have.”

      “That’s morbid, but I understand what you’re saying. I’ll call tomorrow. There’s some other changes I want made.”

      The next morning, Ginger worked four of the horses and then came in to make her call. She contacted the attorneys of Mark Shortt, Brian Mullins and David Red Fox who had represented her family for years. Mark Shortt’s father and Brian Mullins’ uncle had first opened the law office.

      Both men had been very old when Mark and Brian graduated from law school and came into the business. They had been working less than a year when the elder Mr. Shortt died and Charles Mullins retired for good. Mark and Brian hired David to come in with them.

      Grandfather Proudfoot had been friends with the elders and stayed with the new staff. One of grandfather’s goddaughters had been hired as receptionist and two other young women had been hired as secretaries. The ladies, who had been working with the original owners, had been with the firm for many years and were ready to retire.

      David arrived on the Majestic Ranch the next morning. He had never met Ginger, but immediately ascertained that she was knowledgeable and a hard worker. After talking, he made the decision that she was going to be an excellent administrator of the estate. He was sure when he heard her suggestions.

      “David, I want to deed ten acres to Hank and build him a house at the front of my property. He can continue to keep his horse in the barn. He’ll raise cane, but he’s worked long enough. Having him close will mean I can always count on him for advice and guidance.”

      “Ginger, your grandfather would be so proud of you. It’s something he would have done for an old friend and a valued employee.”

      “I think he would approve. Now for Juanita Yellow Bird. I want her to have this house and ten acres. She was born here and has lived in this house her entire life. She has been a loyal, faithful worker and deserves to know she’ll always have a home and be cared for. I’ll include, at a later date, how much money can be set aside for Hank and Juanita.”

      “My partners are going to be impressed and pleased for you. I know that isn’t all. There’s hundreds of acres yet as well as horses and cattle.”

      “I know and I want the land left for the mustangs. I’ll have to get with you later after I see what hands have been working several years. I’d like to establish a fund for any who are injured or too old to work longer.”

      “You can add to or change the will at any time. Are you going to tell Hank and Juanita what you’ve done?”

      “I didn’t intend to, but I’d better. Hank will splutter and argue, but it’ll do him no good. Juanita will also object, but will be relieved.”

      “Good enough. Call on us at any time. I need to be going. I have other appointments later this afternoon and I need to prepare. Please call anytime.”

      Ginger walked him to the door and then went to the kitchen to tell Juanita what she had done. Juanita was in her room adjacent to the kitchen. Her room was actually a suite. There was a sitting room with a sleep sofa, a plush lounge chair, a television, a table beside the chair with a telephone on it, and a small bookcase. In one corner was a tower of DVDs and a player.

      In the next room was a lovely bedroom. A full-sized bed, a chest of drawers, a dresser and a small bookcase. There was a full bath with a glass enclosed walk-in shower and a shower spray. Carpeting was a soft beige with tan swirls and a deep nap on both rooms.

      The windows, in both rooms, were four feet tall and six feet wide covered by cream vertical blinds. In the sitting room, there was a padded bench built in under the window. The top could be raised for storage or it could be used for a low seat to relax on and look out of the window. There were ceiling fans with lights in both rooms.

      Ginger knocked at the door and waited to be told to enter. There was no answer, so she assumed that Juanita was taking a much needed rest before preparing for dinner.

      Helen and Irene could be seen walking around the barn and looking over the property. Ginger was glad they had settled in so well. They shared a large room, twenty-five by twenty-seven, behind the living room. It had