The Blighted Mission by E. Chris Ambrose

Author:E. Chris Ambrose
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rocinante
Published: 2023-12-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

Stepping from the broad porch into the dim interior of the ranch's main building reminded Nigel, a little painfully, of stepping into one of the dark oak pubs back home. Honestly, given his efforts earlier, every step was a little bit painful. A stocky man in a ten-gallon hat appeared behind the counter with a broad smile for Nigel that faded a bit as he saw Nigel's companions. Carmen and Jorge each carried a child, collapsed in their arms, and the oldest boy clung to his father's arm. Devi remained by the door, looking behind—just in case.

"Afternoon, sir, what can I do you for?"

"Are any of the cabins available?"

"Well, sure." He grinned, revealing a gold tooth which Nigel suspected to be a prop for building the proper atmosphere. Should be filming the whole thing, really, but he'd be lucky to even lift a pint in a little while.

Nigel produced his platinum card and driver's license. "Excellent, we'll take one. And for myself and my producer, a pair of single rooms would be ideal."

The man's glance flicked over them again. "So which do you want, the cabin or the rooms?"

Nigel hoped he hadn't caught the subtext there, but he believed that he had. He continued his weary, cheery smile. "The cabin is for the Juarez family, the rooms for me and my producer."

The man's brow furrowed more deeply. "It's a little irregular, having an employee...y'know, in the guest housing."

Placing the credit card on the desk and sliding it forward with the tip of his very white finger, Nigel said, "For the next three nights, at least, Carmen and her family are my guests." He leaned one elbow on the wood, meeting the man's eye.

The man swallowed, dropped his gaze to the credit card, and finally took it in hand. "Seems like you could use some medical attention. We've got a nurse on staff."

"That would be greatly appreciated."

The man rapped a bell and hollered, "Larena! Bring the first aid kit." Now that they'd passed the first hurdle of his racism—or was it classism? The two were so tangled they could be hard to tease apart—the man relaxed and focused entirely on his paying customer. "My name's Buck, and I'm here twenty-four by seven for anything you need."

A woman appeared from the office behind him, carrying a large case. "Buenos dias. You need help?" Her eyes widened as she took in Nigel, the flare of recognition, or at least, the moment she thought she'd seen him somewhere before.

"Yes. My friends have been in an accident. I'd be most grateful if you'll take care of them."

Larena flicked a glance to Buck, clutching the nursing kit in her arms. They stood in the lobby of what was, for this area, a high-class establishment, and one where the locals were clearly less welcome.

"It's nothing, Larena," Carmen murmured, her head bowed.

An absolute lie, but if Nigel didn't pull back a little, at least, she'd find it hard to carry on with her job here. Nigel took up the key for the cabin and held it out to the nurse.

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