The Wild Bunch 3 Casa Read Online Free PDF Page A

good grasp on people stuff, which made his reaction important. And Spark wasn't as close to either Jared or Jason, so he ought to be a little more objective.
    For Casa's part, anything that made Jason feel happier, more comfortable or less alone would have a high priority in his plans. But was the idea sound or might they only make things worse? He knew Jason never spoke of family, except an occasional oblique comment about his father, who apparently had died years ago.
    Spark frowned, deep in thought. "I dunno," he said. "It might work, but it might cause a big dust up, too. Jason's a mighty proud man, not much of one to back down or make nice, you know? Not that he isn't a swell guy, good-hearted and all, but kind of stern and unbending. He could get mad as hell at all of us!"
    "I know," Stace said, a mournful tone creeping into his words. "But still, I have this hunch. They're both deep down sorry over whatever happened, but neither one will make the first move. If we got them together, they'd have to do something."
    "Like try and beat the shit out of each other?" Casa watched his concern sink in on the others.
    After a moment, Spark shook his head. "I doubt it would come to that. Jason's pretty civilized, and Jared seems to be, too. At worst, they might act like strangers and kind of ignore each other after a few mandatory words."
    Stace shrugged. "Yeah, could be, but then again... Anyway, I know Jared wants to do something to celebrate the fact we're really hooked up and looking to staying that way for a long time. We settled that this weekend. Spark, I bet Lou'd like to do something similar for the two of you.
    "I was thinking we could throw a barbeque in between guests, for the crew here and our friends, like this next weekend. I know Jared would be happy to kick in for food and drinks and stuff, maybe give Dough Boy a thank you gift if he'll do the honors of fixing up a real feast. I bet Lou would be happy to do his share that way, too."
    This time Spark nodded. "Yeah, that'd be fun and it could work. Kind of do it behind Jason's back since he's still not out and around too much with his bum leg. Let it be a surprise to be sure he doesn't try to take off. He's left us in charge until he gets back to normal, so it wouldn't seem like we've gone over his head. He might even have that cast off by next weekend, if I heard right." He looked at Casa for confirmation.
    "He seemed to think it was a good chance after his last doctor's visit." Casa grinned. "He sure hates not to be able to drive. I know he's getting antsy as hell and can't say I blame him. Dragging that chunk of fiberglass around has to get old fast, and he really misses riding and being out in the middle of everything from what he's said."
    "Well, that settles it. We've got lots of stuff to celebrate, so let's see what we can whip up here." Stace looked at his two friends. "Who's going to talk to Dough Boy? He can be a real SOB if you don't hit him right, but a little sweet talking should get to his pride and make him want to show off his gourmet cookin' with a little bonus to sweeten the deal."
    After thinking a moment, Casa grinned. "We can get Miguel to do it. He calls the old fart mi tio especial and flatters him all the time. He can get about anything he wants."
    "Special uncle, my ass! But if it works, I'm good with it," Spark said.
    Stace agreed. "As long as I don't have to do the honors. Catch him wrong and ole Dough Boy will chew you a new ass."

    * * * *
    Friday afternoon, Casa again drove Jason to Silver City. Waiting in the truck, he watched Jason stump into the doctor's office, each step heavy enough to bust the cast to smithereens. Casa shook his head. If he don't get that blamed thing off today, he's liable to take a chisel or a saw and do the job himself. He grinned. Not that he wouldn't be equally anxious and irritable in the same circumstances.
    However, when Jason emerged some forty minutes later, the cast was gone and he wore a grin that