Learnin' The Ropes Read Online Free PDF Page A

that clear?”
    Ty nodded again.
    The older man waved a hand toward the living area. “All hands are welcome to use the computer, but if the boss finds out anyone browsed or downloaded anythin’ of a questionable nature, ya’ll find yer backside full of buckshot and yerself unemployed. There’s also no drinkin’ on the job. If ya want to do that, ya’ll have to take it into town. The Rockin’ R is dry,” Swede said, gazing at Ty to gauge his reaction to this news. “There is also no cussin’ or swearin’ in front of the boss.”
    “Not a problem,” Ty said. He’d never been much of a drinker. His mother cured him of cussing by the amount of soap he ingested as a kid when she’d shove a bar of it in his mouth any time he said a word she deemed inappropriate.
    “Good. Ya work Monday through Saturday and have Sunday off to do whatever ya like. The boss also gives paid holidays includin’ four days fer Thanksgiving. Bet you didn’t expect that?” Swede waggled a gnarled finger at Ty. “Ya git health insurance and start earnin’ vacation time after ninety days. From mid-February to October, we need every one here unless it’s an emergency, so don’t go plannin’ a summer get-away. The boss pays us every two weeks.”
    Vacation time? Health benefits? Had Ty missed that part of the interview conversation? He was so excited at the prospect of being employed, especially with a job that provided room and board, he didn’t dream there would be other benefits.
    “That sounds great,” he finally said, nodding his head at Swede.
    “The boss has some paperwork for ya to fill out. It’s on the desk in yer room. If ya have it ready in the mornin’ that would be great.” Swede moved toward the front door. “We take turns cookin’ breakfast and supper. As soon as the boss finds a new housekeeper, we’ll be off kitchen duty. Generally, we eat a sandwich or whatever fer lunch. There’s a list in the kitchen by the wall phone that shows who’s responsible for cookin’ duty each day. I think the boys added ya in the rotation for the comin’ week, so ya might want to check that out. We eat breakfast and supper at straight up six. If it’s yer turn to cook, ya can leave yer work an hour early to git the meal ready. The days ya cook, ya also do the dishes. Any questions?”
    “How many other people work here on the ranch?” Ty asked, curious as to how many people shared the bunkhouse.
    “There are seven of us, counting Lex Jr. The boss is gone today, but should be back tomorra’ so you can meet then. The rest of the guys, ya’ll meet tonight at supper. I live in the foreman’s house, but do all my eatin’ here.” Swede opened the door. “When ya git yer things settled, come on down to the barn and I’ll give ya a quick tour then take ya to the shop.”
    “Thanks, Swede. It won’t take me long.” Ty followed him out the door and back to his pickup.
    “Take your time, son. No hurry.” Swede thumped him on the shoulder then walked back to the barn.
    Ty carried another load of his belongings to his room and returned for the final boxes, wondering about the age of the ranch foreman as he put away his things. Swede moved like a man in good shape, maybe mid-forties, but his face said he was closer to his late-sixties by the lines and weathered skin.
    His meager belongings didn’t take long to unpack. Ty changed into a set of older clothes and pulled on the lace-up steel-toed boots he used to wear to work. He sent a quick text message to Beth letting her know all was well before strolling out the door toward the barn. Although he felt like whistling, he refrained, afraid it would bring Baby running his direction. He wasn’t sure he wanted to get too friendly with the dog yet.
    It was too bad Baby had other ideas.
     

     
    Not wanting to oversleep his first day on the job, Ty set his alarm for five and was up, showered, and dressed long before breakfast was ready.
    The four other residents of the house