Read Online Death on the High Lonesome by Frank Hayes - Free Book Online Page B

night it was hard to distinguish its actual dimensions, but on the side of each window that looked out on the parking lot, red and white checkered curtains framed the light from within. When Rosie and Virgil stepped inside, a young hostess greeted them, then led them to one of the tables by a window.
    A waitress placed a beer in front of Virgil and a margarita in front of Rosie. “This is a nice change,” Rosie said.
    â€œI figured after today we both needed a break.” For the next half hour, they enjoyed their meal and each other’s company, avoiding any talk of the day’s events. They were sitting overcoffee when Virgil’s eyes widened in recognition of someone who had just entered the room. Their eyes locked. Then Virgil gestured to the young woman to come over.
    â€œHello,” the girl said tentatively as she stood by the table.
    Virgil smiled at her, then turned toward Rosita. “I’d like you to meet Rosita Brand. I told you Rosita pretty much runs the sheriff’s office and tries to keep me on the straight and narrow. Rosita, I’d like to introduce you to my daughter.”
    The girl smiled. “Nice to meet you. I’m Virginia. Virginia Dalton.”
    Rosita looked at Virgil, then at the young woman. “This has become the best part of my day,” Rosita said. “I am so happy to finally meet you.”
    *   *   *
    Virgil walked Rosita to her front door. The air was crisp, the night sky filled with stars.
    â€œVirgil, I’m so happy for you. We all need some special people in our lives. I think you’ve been shortchanged in that area.”
    â€œOh, I don’t know. I’ve always got you and Cesar. You’re special.”
    â€œVirgil, you’ve got to do better than an old Mexican and someone who’s trying to keep you on the straight and narrow.”
    â€œThat’s odd. I don’t think of you as old. I didn’t even know you were Mexican.”
    Rosita shook her head. “I’m serious, Virgil. Build a relationship with that girl. That’ll be good for you both.”
    On the way back to the ranch, the words stuck with him. He had become a father, but the knowledge of it did not come with a set of instructions. It was new ground for him. By the time he pulled off the driveway alongside of the corral, he was feeling theeffects of a long day. He looked toward the near barn to see if there was any sign of life coming from Cesar’s rooms. All was in darkness. The moon was full, casting a silvery glow over his world. A slight shiver rippled through him. There was no doubt that a new season had come. There was a slight glaze on the roof and the hood of the pickup that was parked nearby. He remembered what Kyle said, about change being the only constant.
    As he went toward the house, he wondered what the new season would bring.

9

    â€œA re you going to join us for the white man’s feast?” It was the only message on the answering machine.
    Virgil recognized his cousin Billy Three Hats’s voice right off. Virgil glanced at the calendar as he sat over his second cup of coffee. Thanksgiving, only a little over a week away. He was still staring at the calendar when Cesar came into the kitchen.
    â€œWatching your life pass by?” Cesar said as he reached for the coffeepot.
    â€œYou read my mind.”
    â€œYeah, well don’t dwell on it, take it one day at a time. That’s what works best. Live in the moment. The future will take care of itself.”
    Virgil set his empty cup on the table, sat back, a look of mock astonishment on his face, and crossed his legs. “Have you been hanging out with Dif lately?”
    â€œNot that you’d notice. Why?”
    â€œI mean, you two are turning into a couple of regular sages. In any event, before you ask, I think I might have gotten a line on a pretty good hay source, so maybe we won’t have to decimate the herd. Manuel