PAPPIE RETURNS

Returning to work in the half of October, Rufus realizes that the men didn't have a problem taking orders from Courtney.

The only person was Carlos, but she was stern with him, in-fact she handles him pretty good, always sending him to do some deliveries or an errand for the mill.

When he objects she just leaves the office and goes and works outside or operates a saw.

She avoids me most of the time, but since I return to work she brings my breakfast and lunch every day.

She also had the men build me a bed and organize a mattress so I can rest during the day.

Every time I tries to bring up the topic she avoids me, so we never speaks about the evil spirit and I am afraid to look her in the face to ask.

But from what I observed, she leaves the mill every day for half four which means she is still taking all the necessary precautions.

I am just happy she cares a little bit to bring me my meals which I look forward to each day, and she lifts the heavy burden of managing the mill.

I only take the calls and send the orders and sign bills, every other thing she takes care of it.

Looking at his time, "The Doctor said I could ride my horse, but not too fast and not for long."

Walking out of the office to get his little exercise, hearing Courtney and Carlos in a serious argument.

I never really hear her raise her voice before, except for when she woke up that Sunday morning finding her body dishonored and desecrated.

Going closer to them listening, trying to figure out, what was causing the problem, "Carlos, what is wrong?"

"This," point to Courtney, "Feel she know it all."

"Carlos, tries to understand, she is fulling an order and if you continue to cut board then we will fall short for the order.

If you cannot take instruction and are tired, then go home or go and help Dad in the orchard."

"Are you mad, I am not going in that hot sun?"

"Hear what Rufus, I will go and help Uncle and let Carlos manage here with you."

"Courtney, you are doing an excellent job and you cannot go out in that sun, Pappie will become angry with me and dad?"

"Then you all can carry on, I don't need to be here anymore, you all are back to ease the strain from Uncle."

"I am going home Rufus, I must be tired as you say." Carlos replies.

"Tired," unable to believe her outburst, "You only complain, you are so lazy you won't put your mind to complete a simple task right.

You are not going anywhere. I want that order ready, so go and help the men fix it for tomorrow."

Turning to respond to her, seeing all the men looking at him, when he shouted. "You feel you can speak to me as you well please?"

"Yes, now get out of my sight."

Rufus observes how pale her face was, taking a few steps next to her, "You, my dear need to sit down and relax and forget about him."

"I will not, I want that order ready this evening, and tomorrow he will go with Uncle to help in the orchard."

"Who do you really think you are, giving orders to?"

"I am a Dawson, I have every right, now get going or I am going to speak with Pappie and he will fire you."

"Me, who is going to fire me, I didn't get hired so who is going to fire me?"

"You think you have all the answers, hear what Rufus, if you know what is good, you better get him out of here before I say something we will both regret, he is such a lazy fool."

"Who are you calling a lazy fool?" Courtney noticed how angry he becomes, but he never listeners to anyone.

"Carlos, will you just shut up please ,and go finish up your work."

Feeling the stinging pinch on his back when the person asks, "What is going on here?"

Every one turn, but Rufus recognizes Pappie voice immediately, turning to see Pappie and Dad.

When Pappie said, "Child, Rawlins told me you are doing a fantastic job, now will someone explain to me what was the argument about?"

Watching how swiftly Carlos went to Pappie, "Pappie, Courtney keeps pesterizing me, I cannot seems to do anything right in her eyes."

"Good Lord Carlos, I thought it was I alone."

"What do you mean Dad?"

"Carlos, I really can't believe you sometimes, it seems as though your ear is stuff with pieces of sticks. My Son you need to understand, that is not how we the business here?

First we full the orders, then we cut wood to full the tally, so when we get orders suddenly we always have it ready. Why do you think I have no patience with you?

You don't listen, Courtney still has the strength and patient to fight with you, I don't. Now if you cannot follow her orders, you will have to work with the men in the orchard."

"I am not going there dad, why is it no one can't seem to understand that?"

"Well if that is the case, you better follow her orders, as you know Rufus, cannot go and work in the orchard, and your mother said that the house is peaceful when you are not home, so you better get your act together."

When Courtney started to laugh and raise her hand, all the workers return to their task clapping as they go.

Rufus hearing Dad saying to Carlos, "You see that Son, they like their new boss, it's their word over yours."

"So you are siding with a stranger, instead of your own Son dad?"

"My Son, this is not who side I support, Courtney is doing an exceptional job. If you will just listen you will be amazed at what you are capable of doing.

Look at the men, they don't have a problem taking orders from her, and the mill is much more in order. Now be good, you won't get a better teacher."

When Courtney came and hug Pappie, asking, "Pappie, are you going home now?"

"Not yet child."

Seeing it was almost half four, "Then I will be leaving in a few minutes, and Uncle will drop you home, if that is alright?"

Turning to Carlos, Courtney said, "You make sure this order is ready for the morning, because the truck will be here for half seven."