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🕑 Added 2025-01-09 05:20:10 +0000 UTCWind in the Smoke
Chapter 100 - Back to Routine
The advice Dante had always received from older men about making others think everything was fine was to show indifference to those around you.
That’s why the day after returning home, Dante put on his work clothes and a black hat, drove his truck, and had his brother Lee sitting in the passenger seat. Lee hadn’t mentioned anything about the murder.
The only thing he brought up was the day's plans, introducing Dante to his new helper, Tate, Kayce’s son, who had been spending more time at the ranch since moving closer.
Being Saturday, Tate usually stayed at the house.
The cowboys had already arrived early and were busy filling several empty feeders, loading wooden planks, various materials, and tools into the back of another truck. They planned to follow later to help repair the wooden shed intended to be used as a livestock observation post.
It was common for the cattle on this ranch to be accustomed to humans, but the new calves were not familiar with them, making it harder for them to adapt to this life.
Dante sat on the railing, watching Jimmy, one of the cowboys, feed a calf as casually as if he were sitting on a couch watching TV.
“How’s life as a cowboy, Jimmy?” Dante had done some research on all his family’s workers, and the one who caught his attention the most was this man, whom his father had personally hired.
Jimmy looked up, surprised that Dante had spoken to him, and quickly responded, “It’s tough, but at least I know I’m changing my life here.”
It was curious how this man, a former drug addict, had managed to turn his life around thanks to his grandfather’s last attempt to save him from certain death. Not everyone has Jimmy’s willpower to change, and it could be said that very few trusted him.
Jimmy tried to distinguish the bulls from the cows in the distance, but the calves’ shaggy coats made it difficult.
While there are obvious size differences between bulls and cows, some calves were several months older than others, making size an unreliable indicator.
Dante had to rely on the information provided by the more experienced cowboys. As for Jimmy, he was probably still in training.
“They don’t stay still for a second.” Jimmy struggled with the task because the new calves wouldn’t stop moving.
These little furballs looked a lot like dolls, but once they adapted to their surroundings, most of them developed rather unruly personalities.
They were like a group of restless bumper cars, colliding with each other at the watering trough.
The calves used their tiny hooves to find a good position, then headbutted their companions who were peacefully chewing grass. Lowering their heads, they used their underdeveloped horns to strike unsuspecting calves from the side.
Dante marveled at how aggressive these newborns were. No wonder Jamie always emphasized that they were wild animals.
Fortunately, their playfights didn’t cause injuries. While they played, Jimmy fed them more nutritious food from outside the railing. After feeding the calves, Dante and the cowboys worked together to guide them into the trailer one by one.
It was worth noting that everyone was surprised to see Dante jump right into work after returning from abroad, proving he was a true Dutton.
“We need to hurry. Moving these little ones to a safer area will take more effort than expected.” Ryan, one of the cowboys and a livestock agent, wanted to speed things up when he saw Jimmy wasting time.
In addition to feeding them, Jimmy was helping to care for the calves. Although still a novice, he imitated the actions of more experienced cowboys and occasionally tapped the trailer to encourage the calves being relocated.
Before getting into the truck, Dante surveyed the area to ensure nothing was left behind. He gestured to his brother and said, “Let’s go. I hope these little ones like their new home.”
Since the incident with the Indian reservation, the ranch had been more cautious about cattle relocation, especially with the youngest animals.
“Tate, how are you feeling?”
Tate, wearing a cowboy hat, was as excited as if he were embarking on an adventure. He couldn’t wait to hop into the truck. “Come on, Uncle Dante! You’ve got to speed up so these little ones can reunite with their moms!”
During the drive, Tate kept asking questions about the calves’ new home and whether they’d like the grass there.
Lee, sitting beside him, occasionally answered with a smile, imagining these little lives growing up in the special area they had prepared, free from predators.
Upon arrival, Lee confirmed there were no wild animals in sight. He and the cowboys carefully unloaded the calves from the trailer and placed them in the pen.
As soon as they stepped into the vast space where they’d live with their mothers, the calves began sniffing the unfamiliar ground before happily bounding through the grass.
Tate stood by the fence, shouting excitedly, “Look how fast they run!”
The calves frolicked on the grass, seemingly content with their new home.
These shaggy calves were highly adaptable to their environment, particularly enjoying the diverse and nutritious weeds.
Dante noticed them walking in groups, nibbling on the surrounding plants. Watching their behavior, he couldn’t help but smile. “Well, it looks like they really like this place.”
Finally, Jimmy unloaded a donkey assigned to care for them and found a shady spot to rest.
“Well, now that we’re here, we should start fixing the shed.” Lee nudged Dante, pointing to the newly built railings, and added, “Don’t think you’ll get away with doing nothing now that you’re back to real ranch work.”
“Of course not,” Dante replied, preparing to inspect the fences of the enclosed area to keep the calves safe.
Everyone worked independently, starting on the wooden shed repairs, while Tate watched the calves’ movements.
Although the wooden shed hadn’t been used for years, previous inspections showed the structure was still in good condition, needing reinforcement in certain loose areas.
They added metal braces at the joints of the wooden beams and posts, securing them with longer bolts.
Lee skillfully drilled holes in the wooden beams with an electric drill. Once Dante finished his inspection, he returned to help, starting by tightening the bolts one by one.
Dante carefully adjusted the angle of the braces, tightening the bolts to create a stronger connection between the beams and pillars.
Lloyd joked while sanding a board, “You’re pretty skilled for someone who doesn’t do this for a living. I’d say you’re not far behind the cowboys helping out today.”
Not wanting to be left out, Tate imitated an adult, attempting to hammer in one or two nails with a small hammer.
Dante noticed his nephew struggling with the hammer and paused to guide him. Smiling, he said, “Hammering isn’t just about strength; it’s about finding the right angle. Watch this—it makes the job more stable.”
Tate watched Dante’s demonstration attentively, his eyes wide, and then nodded, trying to imitate him. Though his movements were clumsy, he was full of enthusiasm.
After more than two hours of hard work, they finished replacing the wooden beams, installed several new pillars, and reinforced some walls.
Although there were still many details to address, the main structure was complete.
Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the roof, shining on their sweat-streaked faces, lending a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
Lee dusted off his hands and let out a relieved sigh. “Finally, it looks good.”
Dante glanced at the sky, then at the calves frolicking on the nearby grass. “At least it’ll hold up until the next inspection.”
He and Lee found a shady spot to sit and rest. Tate, still energetic, helped pack up the tools.
“It’s good to have you back. I heard from Dad that you’re in love,” Lee said, looking at his younger brother, who appeared to be in excellent spirits.
Dante smiled faintly, knowing their father often shared certain concerns with Lee. “It’s sudden, but I really think we connect—it’s not superficial.”
“Yeah, I get it…” Lee replied, understanding the feeling. “Something similar happened to Kayce. If you think she’s the one, bring her to the ranch.”
“She’ll come after sorting some things with her family. I just hope I can tell my sister about this…” Dante felt uneasy at the thought of Beth’s reaction to his fiancée living with him.
Lee understood and said, “Yeah, good luck with that…”
Comments
Nato J
Will be interesting Susie Glass meeting Beth Dutton
