Chapter Ten

When he returned before noon, Nate frowned at the dusty old pick-up truck parked under the portcullis. Large rust spots covered the faded blue paint like a bad case of leprosy. Several large coolers waited in the bed to be unloaded. Artie Barber had delivered on his promise to bring him lake trout for his guests.

He entered the kitchen and pointed at the cat. “Get that animal out of here. He’s got to learn not to prance through my kitchen. The last thing I need is cat hair on my counters.”

He held the door open when Hercules stalked toward him. The huge cat sniffed at him as if he were one of the vermin he hunted in the cellar.

Liz and Emily clung to each other and smothered their laughter while Artie dug in a cooler for a piece of fish. “C’mon, boy. See what I go for you,” he called and held the piece out.

Hercules gave a final sniff before he followed Artie to the door then outside. Emily collapsed into the chair and Liz handed her a glass of water. “Calm down. He’s doing his job.”

“That animal was going to be the death of me.”

“Hey, Mr. Harte, sorry about leaving the door open and letting Hercules inside.”

“Not your fault, Artie.” Artie always seemed too young for his age, a boy in a man’s body.

Although he hadn’t been fishing since dawn, Artie still wore his fishing boots and gear belt. Lanky hair hung into his eyes. His long-sleeved green chambray shirt kept the sun from burning his arms, and his dark green crew pants had enough pockets to hold everything he required. He wasn’t tall, maybe five foot ten inches, but chunky. His round, untanned face reminded Nate of the Pillsbury doughboy. His tan Tilly hat was crushed into his back pocket.

“Cat can get in anyway. He uses the coal chute in the winter.” Artie nodded wisely. “So how many trout do you want today?”

“How much do they weigh? I need enough for my reservations and employees, and family.”

Artie lifted the cooler to the granite counter. He spread out some newsprint paper, then counted out a dozen trout already cleaned. Nate examined the fish and nodded with approval. “These are what I wanted. Do you have any more?”

Artie nodded excitedly. “Two more coolers. I like to pack them with the same number so I don’t forget. I can’t give you them all ’cause the other restaurant wants ’em.”

“Let me have two coolers then.” After washing his hands, Nate separated out the larger specimens. “These will serve two people. They were fresh caught this morning and the flavor will be fantastic.”

Liz paid Artie for the fish and gave him a muffin. He shuffled around the kitchen for a few minutes before he left.

Before Nate had the chance to open a cookbook, another vehicle pulled into the drive. The heavy motor shook the windows. Liz checked outside to see where Jenny had the kids. They were playing in front of the cottage and stopped to watch a polished red fire engine stop near the pond depression.

“Did you know the guys were coming over?” she called to Nate.

“What guys?” He washed his hands and awkwardly donned an apron.

“Looks like the volunteers from the fire department,” she explained. “I’d better get the kids out of the way. Here comes another truck.”

Nate checked the clock. He had plenty of time to prep before the meal was to be served. He had several choices for preparation: bake; broil; or fry. Then the options for sauces had his head spinning. This was his favorite part. Planning a meal around a good base. The noise from outside caught his attention. He’d prepare a meal for the crew when they finished. He had a couple hours.

Nate washed the fish and quickly made three slices in each side. In a large bowl he mixed lemon juice and sesame seeds, laid the fish in baking pans and poured the marinade over them. With a flourish for Emily’s entertainment, he slid them into the refrigerator.

Emily clapped her hands and laughed. “I’ll tell Jack we’ll be serving grilled trout to the crew. Is there anything else we need to do?”

“Not now. They should marinate for a few hours.”

“What about the reservations?”

“There’s plenty. And those I’ll bake.”

****

Nate couldn’t resist checking what everyone was up to.

“Hey, Jack, what are you doing? I thought you’d be sleeping.”

“I got a few hours, but I know how nervous Liz is about fire and figured getting the pond filled was important. When I asked about using a roto-rooter, the guys said we’d try both that and a back wash using the largest hose we have.”

The company tanker drove onto the yard and Jack waved it over to the pipe. The local plumber’s truck followed and he called hello.

“A scuba team from the lake is coming over to check the quarry end. They’ll be here any minute if you want to go with them. It might be as simple as leaves blocking the pipe.”

“Is there room for Emily?” Nate remembered her wish to see the granite works. At Jack’s agreement, he called into the house and quickly explained to Emily and Liz what was happening.

Emily grabbed her sunhat, filled a backpack, and talked to the men until the water rescue truck from the lake arrived. She and Nate hopped into the rear. The men seemed to know where they were going. The truck bounced over the rough gravel road like a batted ping-pong ball. After Emily lost her balance several times, Nate pulled her under his arm and braced his feet on the far side. He ignored the fact she fit perfectly. He swallowed to moisten his throat.

After a few minutes forest surrounded the track and shaded the ground. Broken granite stone lined the flooded area. The truck jerked to a halt and the guys spilled out. Climbing into their wetsuits took a few minutes, but they laughed and joked.

“We haven’t sent anyone up here for years. The kids know they’d be in big trouble if they went swimming here. It’s impossible to climb out the smooth sides and the water is ice cold.” The older diver checked both tanks then turned so his partner could recheck. They tied off climbing ropes.

Curious, Emily wandered along the edge of the rock. She picked up a small chunk of granite to examine and held it up to the sun. Flecks of silver gleamed in the light. The woods smelled like dry leaves and water. The maple trees stood ten or more feet around, showing their age. All of them had the same damage: a deep vee cut through the bark on one side. She frowned at a narrow trough fastened under the cut.

“Nate, come look at this,” she called and he joined her.

He touched the tin piece and smiled. “Looks like an old sugaring site. I buy maple syrup from a local. I can’t remember his name but he has a bushy beard. And the flavor is incredible. Watching them boil the sap into syrup is a spring attraction.” He rubbed his shadowed chin.

“Only you.” She grinned and counted over two dozen trees in one group.

While she did, Nate crouched on a section of broken granite at the pit’s edge. Watching the two men drop to the surface and go under had him wondering how deep the water was. Bubbles broke the surface like those filling a bathtub. Emily put a hand on his shoulder and leaned forward, too.

“Not something I want to try,” she murmured and shivered. “That water looks cold and I can’t see the bottom. Could be anything down there.”

“I was thinking the same thing, but they are professionals. And they were joking about the dive.”

A thick blob of rotted leaves floated to the surface, followed by two more. The water gurgled and churned in a small whirlpool that quickly widened. Emily gasped. Her hand tightened and he patted it.

“They found the pipe and it looks like they have it unblocked.”

“Bet it doesn’t take long for the water to reach the inn. It’s closer than the maps show. I’d say a quarter mile?”

“Still a long way to run a clay pipe.”

“Draining the quarry with a pipe was easier than digging a deep ditch. And helped both owners.”

The divers broke the surface. They were laughing when they removed their masks. “That old pipe has a grate over it but layers of leaves blocked it. It hadn’t been cleaned in years. Something you need to put on your list for next year.”

“Looks like farm business is going to be a priority, too.” Nate scratched his chin. “How many priorities can one man have?”

Emily giggled, a soft pleasant sound he’d like to hear again.

The divers took their time cleaning their gear and the water had already dropped a couple inches before they were set to leave. Emily had brought a thermos of coffee and the men drank the warm liquid gratefully. She handed out buttered rolls, too. He recognized the ones from this morning and enjoyed the taste.

At the rate he was eating his own cooking, he’d be plump as a partridge by Christmas.

****

The divers couldn’t stay, but promised to return for a free meal. Everyone in the area was familiar with Nate’s cooking skills. They dropped Nate and Emily near the barns, beeped at the others, and drove away.

The hot sun encouraged the men to play in the rapidly filling depression. Pressure sent the water jetting across the pond and splashing everything close. The kids ran through the spray, shouting when the cold drops splashed them.

It dawned on Nate he didn’t know where the water would overflow if it got too deep. He scratched his chin. The quarry had been full. He walked along the pond’s edge. The deep grass and wildflowers had attracted butterflies that scattered at his approach. Part of the crew was working on the stable. They’d already built a sturdy corral fence and hauled the moldy hay away. With the mess gone, the place smelled like wet grass.

Nate stopped to watch the fun. Emily ran with Sara and John, splashing Jenny as she passed. Her wet blouse outlined her curves and he frowned when a couple firemen turned to watch. A blob of muck flew from the pipe to splash water in the air. He exhaled a frustrated breath. Later.

He rubbed at his sore arm. Dr. White had said to keep it immobile for another day, then use a sling. The bone was healing fast, but the ache was tiring. Sixteen-hour days had been his norm in the city and only a little less since he’d taken on the inn and restaurant.

Working long hours satisfied him. He hadn’t noticed any lack until recently. His parents had a happy marriage and were enjoying their retirement to Arizona. They promised to return for a long visit shortly. One day he wanted what they had. He wanted a family. His recent dream about having a son drifted through his mind. He rubbed a hand over his heart.

Shaking off his thoughts, he continued around the pond. The thick grass needed trimming. Maybe he could leave the wildflowers for color.

Across from the barns he found a stone-lined channel and crouched to examine it. The smooth stone was broken granite. He smiled to himself. Yankees never wasted anything. He followed the course down the hill to a larger cut. That drained into a small stream and away.

Checking his watch, he noted it was time to make the rest of the volunteers’ meal.

Jack was rolling the water hose and loading it onto the truck. “I hear you’re cooking again,” he called to Nate. “The guys are looking forward to it.”

“Then I’d better get to work,” Nate replied.

“Nate, wait a minute. I want to ask you something else.” Jack didn’t meet his gaze and scuffed the ground with one shoe. “What you’re doing for my horses means a lot. And I appreciate it. So if this is too much tell me.”

“What’s too much?”

“I was thinking. I have two watch dogs. I could keep them in the barn at night for extra protection. They’d bark the roof down if someone came around.”

Nate scratched his chin. “What about during the day?”

“I was thinking about putting a kennel and run alongside the barn with a door into the barn.”

Nate exhaled and frowned. “I don’t know, Jack. Sara and John would try to pet them and I don’t want to risk them getting bitten.”

“They know the dogs already from being with Jenny at my mom’s place.”

“I’m going to talk to Liz first. This isn’t like the horses.” He nodded and headed to the kitchen where he felt in control.

No one was there. He filled the rice cooker and started it. He planned on using a rice bed under the trout. The ingredients for a garden salad came next and he washed, chopped and sliced the fresh greens. They went into the cooler. He stopped to think. These men had big appetites. Girlie food would never do. Hot potato salad sounded right. Steamed broccoli would only take five minutes, but he needed a dessert. Brownies tasted good and were popular. He mixed two double batches, one with walnuts. Baking them now would give him time later.

Making a fresh pot of coffee, he poured a cup and sat leaning on the counter. He needed a nap. The radio played softly and his head nodded.

“Hey, Nate, are you okay?” Emily asked. She rubbed his shoulders, relaxing his tense muscles. He yawned widely.

“You can keep doing that. It feels wonderful.”

She laughed and pushed on his good shoulder. “Maybe next time.”

“Yeah. I’ve been preparing a meal for all our helpers.” He gave her a coaxing look. “Got time to help?”

“I’ll leave you to it.” Emily backed out of the kitchen.

She bumped into Liz where she eavesdropped from the hall. “Don’t go in there unless you plan to cook.”

“Not me. I’m a housekeeper,” Liz noted.

A woman’s crying started upstairs. Emily and Liz stared at each other. No one was on the second floor. Or the third. The heartbreaking sound continued. They sprinted out the front door, not stopping until they reached the yard.

A bubble of laughter grew into a flood. They clung to each other until they could stop.

“Oh my, I think the inn has a ghost.” Emily brushed her hair from her eyes.

“Make that two. The other one laughs,” Liz solemnly added.

“Oh my. I’ve heard her, too.”

****

Nate muttered under his breath while he cleaned the broccoli for steaming. The potatoes were boiling and almost ready to mix. He exhaled and pushed his fatigue aside.

The tap of sharp nails on the floor drew his attention.

“Hey,” Jack called. “Do you have time to meet my babies?”

Nate paused, unable to take his gaze from the sleek dogs at Jack’s side. Both dogs strongly resembled German Shepherds except for their golden tan color and black facial markings. They were slim and wagged bushy tails. Their pointed ears followed every sound. He estimated they weighed about seventy pounds each.

“I forgot to ask Liz,” he protested. “And I’m cooking.”

“This won’t take long. Here’s Mark Anthony.” He pointed at the large male. “And this is Cleopatra. Both are thoroughbred Belgian Malinois, a shepherd breed used by law enforcement.”

Nate rolled his eyes and set aside the marinade he was adding thickener into. After removing his apron, he circled the counter to crouch in front of the pair. Mark panted happily and held out his paw. Nate laughed and shook it. Cleo’s black facial marking made her look like she was smiling at him. She waited patiently for his attention. He petted her an equal amount.

“Do you want me to put them through their paces? It won’t take long.”

“Don’t bother. You win. Put up the kennel.”

“Man, that was easy. How come?”

“Liz will love those faces,” he answered and rubbed their upright ears until they moaned in pleasure. “Now get them out of my kitchen. All I need is dog hair in my food.”

They scrambled for the door at Jack’s hand signal.

Nate shook his head before he washed and awkwardly retied his apron. He was such a sucker. Liz would laugh. He had the meal ready at five for the volunteers. Emily, Jenny and Liz lined up to serve the food after he plated the trout on a bed of rice.

The guys tumbled inside like a rowdy bunch of kindergarteners. Liz chased them to the restroom sinks to wash and pointed out where to sit. She passed the broccoli, salad, and hot potato salad. Jenny poured coffee and iced tea. Emily cut the brownies into neat squares and placed them on small plates.

“It was nice of you to keep the dogs, too.” Liz leaned over Nate’s shoulder while he plated the last fish. He drizzled the last of the marinade over the white flakes. “That smells so good. How do you know how much to make?”

He grinned at her curious expression. “How do you know how much soap to put in the washer? Experience. Move over. I need to prep the trout for our reservations.” He’d put aside salad, broccoli, and rice. Everything was ready for the paying guests.

When the men finished, they carried their plates to the kitchen. Chatting with her friends, Jenny rinsed the plates and loaded them into the dishwasher. The men thanked him before they left, and he returned their gratitude. He waited until the last of the vehicles left and rejoined the women in the kitchen.

“Where’s Jack?” he asked.

“He’s settling the dogs into their kennel. The guys finished that this afternoon. He cut a door into the main barn so they could run in and out. And he put latches high enough so John and Sara can’t open the doors.”

“Go tell him to eat. And you take a break, too. I can see we’re going to need more help when it gets busier. Didn’t you mention a local guy for the registration desk? Maybe he can help here, too. Jenny won’t be available once school is in session.”

“How about the part-time nurse? Anne? I know she irritates you but she is a good worker,” Liz suggested.

“We might need both, at least for the holiday. I’ll get their numbers and call them in the morning.”

Liz wandered around the nearly empty kitchen. She checked the last dish before splitting it into two servings and taking them to the café. Sara and John sat on seats piled with pillows.

Emily’s eyebrows shot up. “Well, there went my meal.”

He patted her shoulder. “I’ll make you another.”

“Yeah, yeah. Make some for Jenny, and yourself, too. Can’t have the cook fainting from lack of food. Or fatigue.”

“I’m not that tired.” He rubbed his forehead with the back of his hand. “How many of those brownies did you save?”

“Enough,” she said, wiggling her eyebrows.

His heart gave a leap. She did make him smile and he liked it.

The last of the volunteers was gone before the guests arrived. Despite having fifteen guests, the service went smoothly. Liz joked while she seated people. White linen tablecloths and napkins added a touch of elegance. Vases held bouquets of wildflowers, and tea lights cast a soft light. The baked lake trout was a big hit. Nate opened two bottles of white Chardonnay. The guests liked everything and said so.

Liz and Jenny took the kids home to put to bed after starting the dishwasher a second time. Emily poured the last of the wine into a glass and handed it to him.

“Congratulations. Sit down and relax.”

His shoulder ached, but the kitchen was clean. He didn’t need to do anything else. “I’m ready for bed. If I sit, I’ll fall asleep in the chair.”

“Then get out of here,” she urged. “I’ll lock the doors and turn off the lights.”

Without thinking, he bent and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.