“Whoever invented it sure knew what they were doing,” she replies with a smile. “It’s a game changer out in the field.”
“Are we doing herd checks now?” Caleb asks Sutton.
“Yeah, we’ll head out to the Nance Ranch and see if they’ll let us check things out. Doc Lucy said she was reaching out to all the owners to let them know that we’d be stopping by to collect samples and ask questions. So far, I’ve only been here and Dad’s.”
“Good, that’s good. Some of these guys are pretty particular about who they talk to,” Caleb says absently. “Most are more ornery than my dad.”
“Hey now,” I chuckle as I shake my head.
“It’s true.” Caleb smiles innocently.
“Why don’t you go inside and see Grandma? I’m sure she’s got a bag of snacks packed up for the two of you. I know for a fact that she’s got a piece of apple pie for you.”
“You want some, Doc?” Caleb asks.
“Your grandma made sure she stuffed me full at lunch.”
“She’ll make sure that you’re stuffed full of snacks, too,” Caleb chuckles. “You got any work you need me to do here, Dad?”
“Nope, you’re clear to go with Doc.” I smile. “I checked your chores this morning. I’m impressed. You didn’t rush through them like I thought you might have.”
“No, sir. I didn’t want anything keeping me from going with Doc.”
“Did you get all your homework done?”
“Yes, sir. All of it finished at school. I have a little reading to do, but I’ll do that before bed.”
“If your grades start slipping…”
“They won’t, sir. I promise.”
“Go inside and hug your grandmother and let her fuss over you,” I chuckle as I gesture toward the house.
He starts to run inside.
“Don’t forget your backpack!” I call after him.
He makes a quick pivot, sprints to pick up the backpack, and then scurries inside the house.
“He’s a little excited about helping you out,” I say to Sutton.
She doesn’t acknowledge me. She walks to the passenger side of her truck, opens the door, and pulls out what looks like a tackle box. She moves back to the bed as if I no longer exist.
Okay, so this is what we’re doing. I exhale slowly, standing a few feet away so I can give her some space. I’m not going to crowd her, but I’m also not going to let her continue to run away.
I make my way over to her; she is busy inspecting a box of equipment. Her movements are precise, almost mechanical, and she doesn’t look up as I approach.
Why is she blatantly ignoring me?
“Sutton,” I say, keeping my voice low. “We should talk about what happened.”
She doesn’t pause in her work, her gaze fixed on the contents of the box. “Nothing happened,” she says curtly. “So, there’s nothing to talk about.”
I take a step closer, lowering my voice even further. “You and I both know that’s not true.”
This time, she does glance up, but her expression is guarded.
“Wade,” she says, her tone clipped, “I’m here to do a job. That’s all. Let’s not complicate things.”
