COVID-21 by Joe Nobody

Author:Joe Nobody
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kemah Bay Mareting LLC

Chapter 7

To say the Mantis clan was enthralled with Levi would have been an understatement.

As the entire family gathered around the first welcomed guest to their camp in years, both Levi and King were the center of attention.

The striking image of a man in western garb atop a powerful stallion was part of the attraction, the cowpoke’s warm smile and polite mannerisms adding to the allure. Levi tipped his hat when introduced to a lady, offered a firm but friendly handshake to each of the men. For his part, Clay settled to the side, watching the animated reception, unable to wipe the grin off his face.

Maggie, as usual, found an excuse to fuss, at one-point throwing Clay a dirty look while grumbling, “I wish you had let me know company was coming. I’ve not put on anything special for supper, and now my best efforts won’t amount to a hill of beans.”

Before Clay could comment on her protest, Levi again stepped in and saved the day. “Actually,” the cowboy began, “I brought along a special treat, a gift from my family’s ranch.”

As everyone watched with fascination, Levi headed toward one of the bulging saddlebags hanging from King’s flank. After flipping off the leather tie, he began pulling out several paper packages and stacking them in Clay’s arms.

Taking the top parcel from his host, Levi unwrapped the bundle and soon produced a massive steak, the thick chunk of meat marbled with a white border of fat.

Holding up the prize, Levi explained, “I see y’all have a fire going. If you don’t mind, I’d be happy to start grilling these. I think I’ve got enough for everybody.”

He didn’t have to ask twice. Three middle-aged men even offered to assist with the char-broiling duties.

A flurry of activity followed, Maggie issuing orders to anyone within earshot, coordination of the surprise gala suddenly her responsibility.

A few minutes later, the scent of seared meat waffled through the Mantis compound, Clay’s own mouth watering at the aroma. Maggie, evidently enchanted by the opportunity, had pulled out all the stops as well, producing a bag of potatoes from some hidden cache. “It’s like Christmas and Thanksgiving combined!” she declared.

While the meal was being prepared, Gooch approached his nephew. “I take it your trip went well?” the older man quipped, himself now the master of sarcasm.

“You could say that, Uncle,” Clay replied with a cocky smirk. “I learned a lot, and from the look of things so far, I’ve made a new friend… perhaps even an ally.”

Grunting at Clay’s humility, or lack thereof, the older Mantis responded, “I suppose that’s a fair assessment.”

As the young and old rushed around in preparation for the unscheduled feast, Clay filled his uncle in on what he had discovered.

“One mystery has been solved,” Gooch nodded upon learning about the relationship between the company town and the ranchers. This Dylan Sawyer seems like a man I could like and respect. He was smart to send his son down here to check us out.”

“He didn’t want to send him,” Clay countered.

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