Chapter 151: Roof Repair
Early the next morning, after enjoying Aunt Molly's carefully prepared beef burritos with avocado and tomato salsa, along with eggs and bacon, everyone set out. Hannah led the way in an F150, followed by Walker driving a small truck loaded with building materials.
Half an hour later, they arrived at Hannah's small farm, where an elderly Mexican couple dressed in traditional attire were waiting at the gate.
Old Tiago wore a poncho-like "chamando" and a classic wide-brimmed straw hat, while the old woman was in a traditional "chinapoblana" dress, black with gold trim and embroidered with red, white, and green flowers.
"Dear, welcome home."
The wrinkled old woman held Hannah's hand, her eyes teary as she looked at her. Years had passed since the little girl left, now grown into a young woman.
Old Tiago stood silently beside her, a corn cob pipe in his mouth, his eyes also slightly red.
The elderly couple had been ranch workers for the Stephens family and had faithfully guarded the farm for many years, considering it their home as well.
A Lexus SUV sped from afar and parked nearby. A handsome young man, looking somewhat like Walker but younger, jumped out and shouted, "Hey guys, I'm not too late, am I?"
"I thought you weren't coming today. Get over here and help unload."
Bonham, the father, handed his younger son a pair of gloves without ceremony.
"Liam, you rascal, how long has it been since you came home?" Walker hugged his brother tightly.
In stark contrast to his rugged brother, Liam's clean-shaven face and work clothes made him look more like a corporate professional than a cowboy.
"You're the one to talk. Last time you went on a mission to the border, you were gone for three months. I've just been busy with my recent promotion."
Liam hugged his brother back with equal force.
"Well, well, looks like we've got the best assistant district attorney around, but I'm still your big brother."
The others laughed as the brothers playfully wrestled each other.
"Hey, if you two still want dinner tonight, knock it off and get to work."
Aunt Molly's scolding brought the brothers to a halt. Reluctantly, they gave each other a few more playful jabs before Walker obediently climbed onto the truck to start unloading.
"Howdy, Hannah. Long time no see. Is this handsome guy your boyfriend?" Liam joked after hugging Hannah.
"Sorry, I think you're not his type."
Hannah, seemingly more familiar with Liam, playfully punched him on the shoulder.
Jack extended a friendly hand. In the original series, Liam was portrayed as gay. Although Jack wasn't particularly fond of that, Liam's character was otherwise very normal and even somewhat conservative, especially regarding his family.
In the original series, when Walker retreated to seek vengeance after his wife's death, it was Liam who stepped in to help the elderly Walkers care for the children, whose mother was dead and whose father was nearly absent.
Perhaps in Texas, even minority groups like gays were unique compared to those elsewhere.
Hannah's house was well-built, a sturdy brick-and-mortar structure like the Walkers' villa, designed to withstand local tornadoes and hailstorms, unlike the wooden houses typical in California.
The large glass windows provided excellent lighting, and the low-sloped roof extended to offer ample open space, creating a long porch.
On the porch, a few rocking chairs overlooked the cattle on the farm, perfect for leisurely enjoying food and beer, a favorite pastime for Texas cowboys.
It was clear that Old Tiago and his wife had maintained the house diligently. Although the wooden columns and railings on the porch had aged, they were impeccably clean, and the wooden floor remained shiny and new.
The repair work focused on a section of the roof tiles, where internal structural damage had caused many of the cement tiles to fall off, leading to leaks—something beyond the elderly couple's capability to fix.
With five men, including Jack, Walker, and Liam, it took less than half an hour to unload all the building materials. Bonham then started assigning tasks.
The women were responsible for repainting the wooden doors, windows, and porch pillars, while the men gathered to plan the roof repairs.
"The roof here needs reinforcing before we can re-tile it. Walker, you and your brother measure the dimensions to see how much needs to be removed," Bonham instructed his sons.
Jack went inside to check the internal structure and then volunteered, "The damaged wooden structure is about seven or eight square meters. I'll handle these wood pieces. Once you've removed the damaged parts, let me know the exact measurements."
With all the necessary tools—circular saws, planers, sanders, and nail guns—Jack felt confident he could manage.
"Are you sure you can handle this alone?" Bonham looked at him skeptically. He had expected Jack to just assist.
"If needed, Augie can help. I remodeled my kitchen and bathroom in LA myself."
Jack showed photos of his enclosed kitchen and luxurious bathtub on his phone.
Bonham shrugged, joking, "Well then, get started. I thought you city folks were all talk. Augie, go help him."
Determined to impress the "in-laws," Jack gave his all. If he had enough System coins, he would have upgraded his carpentry skills to master level to really wow these Texans.
Although the cannibal incident earned him some gold and 2 System coins, adding to the 3 he already had, it was only enough to upgrade one proficient skill to expert level.
While his carpentry skill was nearly maxed out, upgrading still required 5 System coins, so he didn't waste any.
In great physical shape, Jack quickly prepared the wood for roof repair. By the time the Walker brothers had removed the damaged parts, he had efficiently prepped the materials.
"This kid's a good worker!"
Bonham praised Jack's work, running his hand over the smooth, splinter-free wood, patting Jack on the shoulder. His words were directed at the busy women.
The women's side responded with laughter, probably someone joking with Hannah.
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