After over a week of discussions, meetings, and planning, we were ready to deliver the news to JW. During this past week, I had also discovered that what JW was keeping from me is how profitable our services have been for him. The news didn’t come as a surprise to me so much as the belief that there was need to conceal it from me. I guess if one were to consider how Mr. Asher prefers to do business, this mind-set would not be out of the norm for him. To use a poker term, “he likes to play his cards close to his vest and only show his hand if he has to.” This type of play makes a person feel more in control because they believe it gives them more bluffing power and creates misdirection for the other players. For me personally, I couldn’t care less how much money he was making, so long as he honored the deal that was struck between us. So when Joshua and I arrived at the ranch, I had long ago decided not to mention anything about what I knew. As far as I was concerned, his profits were none of my business.
“Hello, gentlemen, I hope you have some good news for me today. This is the deadline for you to render your decision to me,” JW said to us as he appeared out of the back of the house where Josh and I were tying off our horses. He seemed more cheerful than usual.
“Yes, sir, today is indeed the day,” I responded, looking at Joshua for any last-minute sign he may have changed his mind since I knew I would be speaking for the both of us.
“Well, do you have an answer or do you need more time to consider?” As he said that, a man stepped out from the house and stood by his side.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know you had guest, maybe you would like to discuss this later in private.”
“Oh, no need for that. This is just a good friend of mine from Texas, Governor Pollard. There is nothing about our agreement that cannot be discussed in front of him. Actually, all you need to tell me is yes or no.”
“I guess the answer is quite obvious. It is a mighty fine offer that I can’t turn down. So the answer is yes.”
“Splendid! Today is filled with good news,” he said, patting his friend on the back.
“I would like to keep the payment arrangement the same as last time, payout at the six month mark if it’s all the same to you.”
“Not a problem. We have ourselves a deal, that is assuming you are on board with all of this as well Joshua.”
“Yes, sir, Mr. Asher, we have all decided this is the best thing for our family and our future,” Joshua spoke with confidence and a hidden meaning.
“Speaking of the future, I hope your decision wasn’t based on being able to steal a glimpse or two at my daughter.”
“What do you mean, sir?” Josh questioned, trying to look unaware.
“Come on now, son. I may be an old hound, but I can still smell a fox in the henhouse. I see the way you look at her and the manner in which you speak. I have some idea of the thoughts that run through your mind. I was your age once you know.”
“Mr. Asher, I…” JW didn’t give him time to defend himself.
“I guess you will be disappointed to know that she will be heading off to school in Texas this fall.”
It’s a good thing JW did cut Josh off, for I feared he may have told on himself when all JW was doing was shooting off his mouth about something that was no secret to any of us. Once he made that statement, Joshua gained his composure and didn’t feed into the harassment anymore.
“That’s great news, sir. I’m sure you are proud and that is something that Chloe has always wanted to pursue.”
Well played, little brother, I thought to myself as his response seemed to steal some of JW’s thunder. I still felt the need to jump in and deflect some of the attention away from Joshua before JW’s enthusiasm gained the opportunity to come rallying back.
“Now that all that is settled is that shipment still on for tomorrow?” It was a halfhearted attempt to change the subject, but it was the best I could come up with.
JW was still looking at Joshua when he responded, “Yeah, so why don’t you boys get to work on ensuring everything is in order for tomorrow.”
He pulled out a cigar bit off the tip and lit it up. He and his guest stood there for a while talking as Joshua and I made our way to the stables to first check on the horses. Something about that exchange didn’t sit easy with me, but I knew JW was still clueless about Chloe and Josh, but his curiosity was growing. Had he known anything for certain that conversation would have gone completely different, of that I am sure. Joshua was treading dangerous waters, but he was a man now and I had to respect his decisions. So all I can do is offer advice and support him. One thing was for certain, that was not going to be the last time JW would feel his way around the subject.