Page 26 of Caleb’s Cause (Broken Wheel Ranch #12)

Erin grinned as she sat forward and set her coffee cup down.

“I have a barn half full of golf carts, ATV, gators, and what not. You are more than welcome to use whatever you want or need. I’m not saying this is the rule here, but I personally feel that after what happened on Sunday, I think you would be hidden more if you were at Broken Two. ”

“Okay, and you won’t have a problem with me using one of these vehicles?”

“Not at all. You can take your pick, and the keys are already in them. Whichever one you like, feel free to use it. I wouldn’t take it out on the road, because they’re not all road worthy, especially the golf carts, but they will get you from Broken Two to Broken, and over here.

I highly doubt they will get you over to New Double.

” She laughed and looked over at Julie, who also snorted a laugh.

“If Ducky has his way, he wants Ryan to put in a road from Broken to New Double.” She shook her head and chuckled.

“We’re talking that it would be roughly ten miles long. ”

“Okay on not going on the road, but holy hell, that would be long.”

“Go see Duane after you leave here. I have one other issue to discuss with you. Caleb, I’m done with you, you can stay or leave. I’m sure Katherine can find her way back to the cabins at Broken before moving over to Broken Two.”

“I don’t mind if he stays,” Katherine spoke quickly, and actually reached out and grabbed his hand.

“Are you sure?” Caleb asked her.

“I’m sure.”

“It’s nothing bad,” Erin said in a reassuring voice.

“Okay, what’s up?”

Erin took the next five minutes to explain what was happening all over the different properties, then she looked directly at Katherine. “I’m not mad, but I heard that you don’t like working with the horses. Please, be honest with me.”

“I don’t. It’s not that I don’t like them, but I’ve never been an outdoorsy type of person. I don’t know whether it’s because I grew up in Los Angeles and never had the opportunity, or if it’s just me.”

“That’s fine, and totally reasonable. Thank you for being honest. Tell me, what do you like?”

“You won’t think it’s stupid?”

“Only if you don’t tell me.”

“Oh, well, I love organizing things. Last week I was able to organize all the notes Pru and the others had written out about her wedding. I presented it to them last night, and Pru actually admitted that the entire wedding was clearer in her head after I laid it out for her.”

“Good, I’m glad for her. Now, I’ve talked this over with Naomi, just briefly, a few weeks back, but she came to me last week saying she thought our conversation back then needs to be brought to fruition.”

“Which is?”

“We need someone with some strong, and I mean strong, organizational skills.”

“I might resemble that comment,” Katherine said on a laugh, and looked at Caleb with a grin. She turned back to Erin quickly, and didn’t see the look Caleb had given her. If she had, she probably would have wondered about it.

“Please, bear with me here. You know that The Broken Wheel deals with trying to rehabilitate people with injuries. Most of these clients are doctor recommended.”

“Yes.”

“Well, Naomi and I discussed the possibility of her getting an assistant like I have in Julie. We need someone that knows the program inside and out and is willing to answer questions over the phone, or on the website. Plus, this person would work closely with Duane in order to make sure that these people are legitimate. I’m not saying anyone would lie about having a disability, or a challenge… ” She let the statement trail off.

“But you want to be sure that they’re not wanting to get onto your property for nefarious reasons. Or, using your clinic as some sort of means to defraud the insurance companies.”

“Exactly. I would like to offer you that job. I think while Duane is setting up the desk and computer in Naomi’s office this week, you can work with the women to get to know the horses, and know the program. One of the clients we have now is Laurie.”

“Duane’s wife?”

“Yes,” Erin said with a grin, not bothering to correct her. “I feel that once you know the small intricate ins and outs of what we are doing, then you can take over with organizing the clients to come here.”

“So, I would be Naomi’s assistant?”

“Yes, but it would only be for the clients at Broken. You would be in charge of them, and by that I also mean that you will have to make sure the bunktels are clean and ready for any new arrivals. Make sure the basics are stocked.” Erin shook her head and held up her stump.

“This will be only until what you’re going through blows over, you’ll make lists of supplies needed and give them to Laurie. She will be our runner into town.”

“I understand.”

Erin waited for a few minutes, then smiled. “So, are you interested?”

“I am, and I don’t have to leave the ranch?”

“Nope, you can do it all here.” Erin grabbed a small piece of paper, wrote on it, and handed it over.

“What’s this?” Katherine asked as she took it and opened it. She frowned at what she read.

“Your weekly pay.”

“No way.”

“Yes, if you accept the job, then you’ll go on the payroll today.

Until your situation is under control, you will be paid cash, under the table.

I don’t want to put you on the books just yet because we don’t know how long of a reach Grayson might have when it comes to your personal information.

We don’t need the FBI come knocking on our door because you’re being paid.

. However, you will have a paystub with the taxes and things taken out. The actual check will be blank.”

“Why?” Caleb asked in confusion and turned to Katherine when she answered.

“Because if I don’t have a bank account, then no one can trace me back here to Fool’s Gold.

I’m assuming that’s where the nearest bank is, and without a paper trail leading to me, Babcock, or Grayson, or whomever he is, won’t be able to find me.

I already left all my bank cards, credit cards, and any other forms of ID with my car that Lyle Anderson, Mom’s boss, parked on his property.

Along with my cell phone. Correction, the only forms of ID I have on me are my license and social security card, everything else I left back in California. ”

“Ah, and being paid in cash, that again is no paper trail.”

“Exactly,” Erin said, then chuckled. “Duane was the one that came up with that idea.”

“Okay, I’ll go see him when I’m done here.”

“Let me give him a call so you can get a golf cart or ATV out of the barn.” Erin reached for the phone and dialed.

From listening to her, there wasn’t much of a conversation, and when she hung up, she looked directly at Katherine.

“He’s in his office here at Erin’s Way. Go find him, get your vehicle, and then head on over to Broken to see Naomi. ”

“I can’t wait. Please, don’t think I’m ungrateful for not wanting to work with the horses.”

“I’m not, however, I am grateful that you know enough about yourself to be honest with me, and that I was also able to utilize your talents in different ways. Now go, get your vehicle, and then go see Naomi.”

Katherine and Caleb left, and because he still wanted to spend time with Katherine, he went with her to the barn, and after meeting up with Duane, they went to where the vehicles were stored.

After about thirty minutes, Katherine picked out a golf cart that had a windshield, as well as a roof, a two-seater with a space in the back for carrying things.

She parted ways with the men, and laughed as she took off toward Broken.