Low on the winter horizon, the sun was nearing its midday peak when Warner walked to the edge of the cabin’s unfinished second floor. Looking across the slick frost covering the expanse of wood decking destined to become the upstairs loft, he felt tired despite his night’s rest. As he glanced up at the bare roof joists, he wanted to feel proud of the meager progress. Instead, he felt like he was standing inside the skeletal ribs of a huge beached whale.
First, Mom and Dad delayed their visit because of early snow in the mountains, and now Russ is late—again. Maybe Kendra’s right and I don’t think things through like I should….
He was thankful his wife had retreated to the workshop by the time Russ arrived. As the contractor sauntered up to the west edge of the cabin, Warner’s fists rested on his hips and a deep frown creased his face.
“You were supposed to be here four hours ago,” Warner said sharply.
“Brought you a Christmas ham sandwich my wife made for you,” Russ replied cheerfully, wearing a new Mariner’s ball cap.
“I already ate,” Warner said, feeling his tension increase. “And I didn’t pay you to bring me lunch; I paid you to help build my cabin, and to be on time.”
“So’s that a no?” Russ replied, unaffected by the criticism. “Least it won’t go to waste.” He pointed over his shoulder to where two men were putting on tool belts near his rusted orange Ford.
“What are they doing here?” Warner asked.
“I haven’t been able to work much lately ‘cause of another job, so I brought a few guys to help make up the time.” Russ broke into a grin.
“Oh.” A confused look crossed Warner’s face. Maybe he’s more responsible than I gave him credit.
A teenager soon approached the building with a bounce in his step and hopped to a stop, clanking together the tools hanging off his work belt; a price tag still clung to the boy’s hammer. Behind him, Abe Tollman strode up with a similar, but well-worn, work belt; his tools looked as old as the man that carried them.
“This is Nick,” Russ said. “He’s worked with me on a few jobs. And you know Abe, of course.”
The kid nodded, darting out his hand to shake the empty air. Warner nodded without smiling.
“Figure with three of us we can get this dream a yours whipped into shape in no time,” Russ said. “They’re willing to lend a hand, same rate as you paid me.”
Warner jutted his head forward in disbelief. “Are you kidding? I already paid you for the work.”
“But I’ve given ya all I got. Now I’m trying to make it right.” Russ turned to face the two men behind him. “I’ll pick you boys up at the end of the day.”
“You’re not staying?” Warner asked in surprise.
“I gotta line things up for the week. But don’t worry, I’ll be out this weekend—”
“Hell no!” Warner said. “I’ve had enough.”
Nick glanced at Abe, and the older man shook his head for the kid to remain silent.
“Mr. Renshaw,” Abe interrupted, “winter’s knocking and your cabin needs covering quick like. We’re more’n happy to lend a hand, seeing as we sorely need the work.”
“Sorry guys, but I already paid Russ in advance for the job. If he wants to pay you out of his own pocket, that’s his business, but I’d be a fool to pay twice for the same work.”
“Let’s sort this out when I get back,” Russ said, turning to leave.
“Unless you’re paying them, they’re leaving with you,” Warner said firmly.
With an exasperated sound, Russ snatched his ball cap off his head. “You want help or not, city-boy?”
Warner’s face hardened. “Talking like that, my answer’s easy—You’re fired! Now get the hell off my property!”
Warner tried to slow his breathing. Spring better come early and get Dad out here quick.