But Parker knew me, the old man, and when I'd come round looking for work he hadn't tried to put me in the kitchen.My daddy had worked his ranch the l...st few years before he'd died, so maybe Parker had figured he owed him something. I hadn't banked any of that though, and to tell the truth, I don't think Parker had either. He knew I could carry my own weight and then some, and after a few days he was sure of it.The boys took a bit longer was all.My dad was a Texan, his family going back to a. As an old manor house converted to a boy's only grammar school it had a detailed covenant what required the original buildings on the attached land to be maintained rather than replaced. So the old barn on the sport's field had to be kept in good state of repairs; so it was always used for extra-curricular activities; one of which was a weekly square dance.I was sixteen and looking forward to my last month at school when my world was rocked by the fact I was told I did not have enough credits. "Dad, I have a favor to ask. I need to bring a woman to your house and have her stay in my suite. I don't think she's in danger, but I don't want to take any chances. She'll be safe up there. Is that all right with you?" Yes, of course. I assume you can't tell me much more?" I can't and I don't want to. Just be sure she's taken care of when we arrive. She's had a bad shock and may need some people around her to help her recover. She's a good person, Dad. You don't have to worry about that.". Devers just nodded. “Thanks for coming to Hadiya’s rescue.”I shrugged thanks. “What did the guys tell you?”“I can’t tell you that. It’s part of a continuing investigation.”That let the wind out of me. I tried another tack. “Have you talked with Haddy?”I knew she must’ve. After all she’d been in the principal’s office with her, Andrews, two cops and...“Same answer. For now the less said about this whole thing the better.”“Yes’m.” I fiddled with my fingers. I knew I was pushing it.“In the future,.