Deception Creek Read Online Free PDF

across the middle of Pine Creek Mountain like a belt made of cotton balls. The nearer he got to town the less fog obstructed his view.
    St. Matthew’s Church, where he was to start work, stood out as the tallest building at the north end of town.
    â€œShe-it!” Hillman Stutz yelled and did a little jump step to get out of Billy’s way.
    Billy opened his door before turning off the ignition. “Hey, I wasn’t that close to you.”
    â€œNo, but you sure scared the hell outta me,” Hillman said. “So how are ya, kid? You haven’t got one of them easy college jobs yet?” He held out his hand and Billy took it.
    â€œNot yet,” Billy said. “Upper classmen have first pick. Besides I like you guys.” He slapped Hillman’s shoulder, then walked with him to the group congregated at Harry’s truck, where the job list would be posted.
    â€œGood,” Harry said when he saw Billy. “You’ll be working with Mel.” He taped the list to the passenger side window.
    â€œWhat, no hello? How are you?” Billy said.
    Harry turned and Billy noticed deep bags under the man’s eyes and the lines around his mouth. Harry smiled. “Well, hello, Billy. How’s it hangin’?” His smile disappeared. “And by the way, you’ll be workin’ with Mel.”
    Billy nodded.
    Before he could meet up with Mel, Scott Pierce grabbed his shoulder. “How are you, Billy? It’s good to see you again.”
    â€œHow’s your house going? Finished?” When Billy left for school the first time, Scott had started clearing land for a house on some property his grandfather had left him. The property lay back in thewoods; it had taken Scott over a year just to remove the trees and stumps. The next year, Scott had laid the foundation and framed it out.
    â€œNot finished, but going great. Come out and see it,” Scott said, backing away.
    â€œWill do.” Billy waved his hand and headed toward Mel.
    Melvin Hammer was stocky, short, and bushy headed. As Billy remembered, Mel wasn’t the hardest worker on Harry’s team but was one of the most skilled. Billy figured he could outwork Mel but first would have to learn the job. “What are we up to?”
    â€œCollege kid miss the assignment ‘cause he was talkin’ in class?” Mel joked.
    â€œIt’s my first day, Professor Hammer. I’m confused.”
    Mel pointed at him. “Well, don’t let it happen again, or I’ll use the switch on you,” he said. “Do they still use switches?”
    â€œDon’t know. What do your kids tell you?”
    â€œTeachers are scared of my kids,” Mel said, guffawing. “They takes after me.”
    â€œBilly shook his head and smiled. He followed Mel to the back of the church.
    â€œWell, there it is,” Mel spread his arms at the broken facade of the church’s back wall. “Got hit pretty bad by the storm.”
    â€œShit,” Billy said. “Who the hell’s that up there?”
    A man in a harness was walking along the edge of the highest peak. He held the tie rope in his hand.
    â€œSome crazy idiot Harry hired.”
    â€œThat takes balls,” Billy said.
    â€œNo fear. That’s what it takes,” Mel said.
    Billy shook his head.
    â€œCome on, let me show you what needs to be done.” Mel walked over to the sand pile and began to mix a batch of mortar, showing Billy how it was done. “Look here. The mud’s got to have the right consistency or it’ll run down the side of the brick.”
    â€œI get to help with skilled labor this year?” Billy said.
    Mel gave him a sideways glance, then began to show him how to apply the mud and integrate the old bricks with the new.
    Billy worked hard to keep up with Mel. Either Mel had toughened up or Billy had weakened sitting on his butt studying. By the time noon came along, Billy felt