Turn and Burn (Blacktop Cowboys 5)

“So what did you mean that Renner might be in over his head?”

“I’ve been working here almost four years. Renner is the most ambitious guy I’ve ever met. First he built the Split Rock. Then he moved his rodeo stock contracting operation up here. Those two businesses, plus we’re running a hundred head of cattle, are more than enough to keep Renner and me and Hugh busy. Hugh’s even replaced most of the guys who were involved with Jackson Stock Contracting in Kansas with locals. Works out well for these guys because they love rodeo, but they can’t afford to be gone from home for weeks on end.”

“Renner does have the reputation of bein’ more than fair with his wages.”

“That said, with the stock contracting business bein’ localized and with our current workforce, the maximum amount of distance Hugh is willing to haul stock is twelve hours from here. Keeps costs down across the board, keeps Renner’s rough stock in demand.”

Fletch nodded. “Which is why he hasn’t lost much stock.”

“Maybe he’s worried about that. The man can pick rough stock like no one I’ve ever seen. I’ve gone to auctions with him and he’ll buy a scrawny-looking bull and the next year, that sucker is huge. And usually mean.”

He laughed.

“Over the years Renner has occasionally sold se**n from his best bulls and horses to raise funds. So the idea has gotten stuck in his head that instead of buying bulls and bucking horses, he oughta be breeding them. Then he could act on the demand from other contractors and other breeders. There’s huge money in it, if it’s done right.”

“And that’s the part you’re worried about?”

Tobin sighed. “We’ve only talked about starting a commercial stock-breeding program loosely—I mean very loosely. We mentioned it to you. That’s it. The next thing I know, Renner had . . . some guilt or panic attack or something, because he’s leveling the ground to build this place, claiming it’s for our future endeavor.”

The place in question being a ten-thousand-square-foot metal pole barn. It was unused except for this large corner, which Tobin and Hugh had turned into office space. “My understanding was the reason he did it was because the contractors were already breaking ground on his and Tierney’s house.”

Tobin gave him a thoughtful look. “I know that’s what he says, but I think he had some kind of provider anxiety due to Tierney’s pregnancy. Hell, maybe this is his way of nesting. But I believe Renner wanted yet another financial fallback in case any of his other businesses went to hell. He didn’t want to be beholden to his wife making all the money.”

Damn insightful.

“And I get this building is only a few months old, but I just don’t know what the hell he expects to do with it.”

“Is he putting pressure on you to figure it out for him?”

“No. Maybe I’m putting pressure on myself because my background and education is in animal husbandry and genetics. But with Hugh bein’ mostly gone now that summer rodeo season is in full swing, I’m so damn busy dealing with the livestock and stuff goin’ on at the Split Rock, I don’t have time to think about it. Let alone come up with a viable business plan that won’t waste a whole lot of Renner’s time and his money.”

Fletch studied Tobin. He did seem stressed, which wasn’t the norm for him.

“Now you’re here, out of the blue, ready to get to work on what’s basically been an abstract idea— and it would’ve been nice to have a heads-up on that from my boss—I feel like I got caught with my pants down and I’m about to get spanked.”

He let the pause between them linger for a minute before he said, “I’m assuming this confidentiality thing goes both ways?”

Tobin nodded.

“Renner didn’t tell you about me showing up here because it wasn’t something either of us had planned.” Fletch rubbed the back of his neck, feeling oddly self-conscious about telling the truth, even when Tobin needed to hear it so he wasn’t questioning his position and future with Renner. “Here’s what happened.”

After he finished, Tobin pierced him with a look. “You’ve never taken a vacation.”

That’s what Tobin chose to focus on? “Besides a few days here and there? Nope.”

“Jesus, Fletch, you sound just like my dad.” He winced and clarified, “Not because you’re old, but that’s the same mind-set he has. It’s also probably why he’s had two heart attacks.”

“My old man mentioned that same scenario to me. The issue is I don’t know what the hell to do with myself when I’m not working.”

“Did you know when you went to vet school your career would be this demanding?”

Fletch shook his head. “Like most thirteen-year-old girls, I’d romanticized bein’ a vet just a tad.”

Tobin snickered.

“Besides, I went to college to play football.”

“So you didn’t have the burning need to become a veterinarian because you were constantly bringing home birds with broken wings and had a desire to help four-legged members of the animal kingdom?”

“Fuck off.”

Tobin laughed and Fletch was glad to see some of the shadows had cleared from his eyes.

“Like I said, I got a full-ride scholarship to play college football. My grades weren’t great; I was a little better than an average student—which probably ain’t a surprise to a brainiac like you.”