Rough and Ready

"You were quite a sight, all covered in snow and ice. I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. It wasn't my intent."

"Oh no. It was a good thing. Any discomfort you had, gave me leverage, so that I could get you to help me. I am devious that way."

Tom couldn't help but to smile at the brassiness of his table guest. The waitress brought two coffees and they sat, silently, watching the two boys load the cycle on the trailer, as if they had done it a hundred times before. It was equipped to carry dirt bikes and ATV's, so getting the small Harley fastened down was a breeze. Ten minutes later, the two boys came in, and Bradley returned the keys to Tracey. He seemed proud of himself and the lady in distress noticed.

"Okay Bradley. Now get the Jeep warmed up so we can get out of here."

By the time Tom and Tracey got out to the car, Greg had all the snow cleared from the windows, and the inside was starting to get warm. Tracey gave the bike tie downs a quick visual check, before settling down in the shotgun seat. She held her helmet on her lap with the goggles and gloves inside.

For the most part, the roads in this area were usually clear, so there were no teams of snowplows available. By noon tomorrow it would all be gone, except for small patches that lay in the perpetual shaded areas. Tom kept his speed down and avoided braking, the best he could. Just as he expected, both motels had 'No Vacancy' signs flashing out front.

Tom pulled over to the side of the road. The snow was still coming down, a bit slower but the flakes were larger. "Where were you trying to get to?"

"I have an Uncle in Rough and Ready. I don't exactly know where his place is, and I am not even sure he is there. In fact, I don't even have his phone number. I figured somebody up there could help me find him."

"Well Rough and Ready is about four miles West of here, and our place is four miles East of here, in Nevada City. Under the circumstances, I think it will be better to go to our place. We have plenty of room and you would be more than welcome. Tomorrow, or the next day, we can help you find your uncle."

"Are you sure I wouldn't be imposing? Will your wife mind?"

"No wife to worry about. I even think we might have some dry clothes for you."

Tom couldn't help but notice that his sons were both sporting big grins. Suddenly he realized that he was smiling also. His guest also noticed.

Ten minutes later, Tracey was watching her host make coffee in his rustic cabin. It wasn't rustic in a romantic way, but it was cozy. She was trying to clean herself up a little, without making too big a mess on the large, hand knitted, rag-rug. Her socks were wet, so she slipped them off and laid them over the boots she had set by the door. By that time, Tom had got the hot coals in the fireplace started again, and small flickers of fire were starting to rise up. She moved closer to wait for the impending warmth to come. The lack of conversation between the two of them was just starting to become noticeable, when the door burst open.

"Your bike is in the shed." Bradley seemed proud of himself. It appeared that he wanted to say more, but couldn't think of anything. Tracey was pleasantly amused by his discomfort. Both boys shed their jackets and left their boots by the door, before coming up to the fireplace.

"I got some milk warming up for cocoa. Why don't you go see if you can dig out some dry clothes for our guest? There should be some sweats, or something like that, in the green trunk in the attic." It was the first thing Tom had said since they entered the cabin. "Find some slippers or warm socks too."

There was no hesitation, as the boys raced to the area off the master bedroom that was used for storage. "What would you like first: hot coffee or a hot shower?"

"The shower wins, hands down. I think I'll enjoy the coffee more, after I get warmed up."

The water was hot and Tracey enjoyed it for far longer than usual. The last part of her trip was rough, and she was just starting to feel it. The steaming warmth made everything better. As she stepped out of the shower, she noticed that all of her clothing was gone. It had been replaced with a set of olive-green sweats, and some wool socks. On top of an oversized towel was a no frills hair dryer. She felt bad about monopolizing the bathroom, but it seemed to take forever for her hair to get dry. She appreciated the attention and was glad that they had not offered any used underwear to go with the other items. The sweat pants were a little short, but they did the job.

Bradley and Greg insisted that Tracey sit on the couch, between them. Tom had a mug of fresh coffee in her hands, before she got settled.

"Your clothing is in the washer. It should be dried and ready to wear within the hour. Sorry for sneaking them out of the bathroom while you were in there, but it seemed like the practical thing to do, under the circumstances. I didn't know what to do with the leather stuff, so I just hung them over some chairs."

For the next two hours, Tracey was bombarded with questions from Bradley and Greg. Where did she come from? Where was she going? Was she married? How long was she going to stay? How old was she? Why wasn't she married? It seemed to go on forever, but in a good way. It was like playing a game of twenty questions. Tracey was able to get in a few questions of her own, mostly directed at the boys, but some of them geared to give her a clue or insight into her host. She carefully avoided asking about the boy's mother. Tom sat to the side, watching the game, but not participating.

"Okay. Guys. That's enough of the interrogation. Get ready for bed and give the poor lady a break."

Reluctantly, they started to leave the room. "One last question - how do you like your eggs?" Bradley was beaming.

"I usually have fruit for breakfast, but if all you have is eggs, then scrambled is fine."

With the lads gone, the atmosphere in the room became a little more casual. Tom took the empty cup from Tracey. "This is the last of it. Should I make more?"

"Not on my account. I had plenty, and to be honest, I think I am ready for bed myself."

The dryer had long finished its job, so Tom carefully folded the cotton undergarments, long johns, and socks, and placed them beside her on the couch. "We can find some more appropriate clothes in the morning. It's my wife's old stuff, but some of it should fit you, if you don't mind wearing used stuff."

"I take it from the sweat pants, that she wasn't very tall."

Tom just smiled at her remark, and led her down the short hallway to the master bedroom. "I'll take the sofa. You need the bed after that ride." Tracey was in no mood to argue the point with him. She smiled, said "good night.", and closed the door.

It always feels odd to wake up in an unfamiliar house. Tracey felt the dampness and the lost heat as she got out of bed. A musty smell lingered, which cams from the remains of the fire that died out sometime in the middle of the night. The familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee quickly replaced the other, less pleasant ones. The first thing she noticed as she entered the living room was the new fire starting up on top of the dead coals in the fireplace. The next thing, was the smiling faces of the three male bodies sitting at the pine slab kitchen table. She felt slightly embarrassed at the attention, but also a little flattered.

Tom put down a mug of coffee as Bradley placed half of a cantaloupe in front of the seat that had apparently been designated as the one she was supposed to use.

"Good Morning." The sound came in unison from all three of them.

Tracey smiled and nodded to the group. "The melon is nice. I wasn't expecting it."

"Bradley was up early and went down to the market to get it. He also got a honeydew just in case." Tom looked a little different this morning. The five o'clock shadow was gone and the flannel shirt looked new or at least freshly ironed.

"I didn't think the stores would be open this early."

Bradley jumped into the conversation with a little juvenile pride. "They weren't open, but I went in the back with the milk delivery man. Mister Springer let me have the melons when I told him it was a special occasion."

"Very clever and I appreciate it."

"I wiped down your Harley. I got all the slush out of the spokes and blew everything clean with the air gun. It's ready to go, if you need it." Greg seemed happy to have something to contribute to the seduction scene.

Tracey was just getting a start on her breakfast when the school bus let out a short blast. They each grabbed a knapsack and as they headed out the door, Bradley turned. "You are going to be here when we get home aren't you?"

She just smiled and nodded in the affirmative.

After the boys left, Tracey and Tom found themselves sitting in silence. Tom was having an English muffin with honey on it. Tracey was smiling to herself, amused at her host's mild discomfort. She didn't want to appear forward or aggressive, but felt it was necessary to say something to put him at ease.

"Did you say that you might have some more appropriate clothing for me? I am not too anxious to put that leather stuff back on."

"No problem. I assume you won't mind wearing something used. It belonged to my wife. Some of it might fit, but as you said, she was a good bit shorter than you are. I washed it before I packed it away, so it is all clean."

There was an attic/storage room combination off the master bedroom. It was unheated, but dry. Tom showed her the two large steamer trucks, and left her alone to root though them. Twenty minutes later, Tracey had an armload of miscellaneous items that she felt she could be comfortable with. Tom seemed pleased that she had been able to find anything at all. All she needed now was some practical shoes that fit.

The snow was already starting to melt. It would only take a couple of hours and all that would be left were small patches that were in the areas that got no sun.

"Tracey, I don't know your last name, and I don't feel that I know you well enough to use your first name. What would you prefer to be called?"

"Tracey is fine. My last name is McMann."

"Okay, Tracey it is. I answer to Tom."

"Tom, I really appreciate all that you and the boys have done, but it's time for me to move on. I'll get these clothes back to you as soon as I can. Right now I need to find a place to stay."

"We can take the jeep downtown and see what is available, and pick up some shoes at the same time." Tom didn't really want her to go. Anne's clothing covered Tracey's body, but that was all you could say. Even though she looked a little like a bag lady, Tom thought she was still pretty cute. Cute was not a good word to describe her, but it was a word that Tom wanted to fit. If he thought of Tracey as gorgeous or beautiful, he would be too intimidated to even talk to her. She had to be cute. That was the only thing that would work for now.

The sun was bright and the sky was clear as they walked to the car. It was quite a contrast from the previous day. The bell-bottom jeans that Tracey wore were a little short, but since the waist was a little large, it evened out. Luckily, the sweater covered her exposed mid-section. Not that there was anything wrong with her torso, but she felt better not showing it to the world. She was looking forward to getting a replacement for the biker boots.

It was only a short drive to town. "Are you sure you wouldn't be better off staying with us? The boys and I would love to have the company. "

Tracey had to admit that she felt comfortable with the Henderson brood, but staying there any longer might get complicated. She smiled at the offer Tom made while she was trying to think of a graceful way to turn him down. The big problem was, that she wasn't really sure that she wanted to refuse.

"I'll make a deal with you. If I can't find my Uncle, or he is not available, I'll consider staying with you guys a while longer."

Things were quiet for a few minutes. "I might be a while picking up a few things. Could you drive down to Rough and Ready, in the mean time, and see if anyone knows where Tanner might be?"

"Do you have an address or phone number?"

"I have nothing except his name, Tanner McMann, and that it is somewhere in the Rough and Ready area."

"Oh look, Tom! Can you drop me off there?" The building was old, but the sign out front was new. 'Sierra Outfitters' was just what Tracey was hoping to find.

"Are you sure? The boys and I went in there right after it opened. They have good stuff, but it is expensive as hell. Some guy from San Francisco took over the building about six months ago."

As she jumped out of the Jeep, Tom waved and yelled. "I'll be back in about an hour. Is that Okay?"

"Make it two."

The store was perfect. It was Cabela's mixed with Land's End. Tracey was going to be right at home. The selection was small, but exactly what she needed.

"Good morning. Can I help you?" There was no doubt in Tracey's mind: that this guy was from San Francisco. She wasn't the type of person that stereotyped anyone, but this was obvious, and a pleasant surprise. She would not have to endure the discomfort of having to deal with a patronizing gawker.

"I think I need a cart."

"Hi. I'm Lance and I am your personal cart." He held out his arms and smiled, but not in a smart way.

She liked Lance, but didn't believe it was his real name. Nobody would name his or her kid Lance. "Okay, lets get started. First of all, I need some parkour shoes."

"I have a nice selection of Ariake's on the side wall. I am sure we will be able to find something that will work for you."

That was the beginning of a great shopping spree. By the time the two hours was up, Tracey had accumulated an impressive pile of goodies. She had a complete wardrobe and a few extra items that she could not resist. During that time, she got Lance to admit that his real name was Brian.

He moved from the city when his mother had a stroke. Brian had a partner who was a practical nurse and was helping with her, while Brian ran the store. He missed the lifestyle he had to leave behind, but he was glad to be home.

The bill came to over four thousand dollars. Good stuff costs money. Tracey was pulling out her American Express Card, when she had a sudden fear. If there were somebody looking for her, they would definitely have a way of tracking her credit card usage. She paused for a moment before handing the card over.

"Is there a problem, Miss McMann?"

"You know who I am? Why didn't you say something?"

"I didn't think it was necessary or appropriate. If something is wrong I would be glad to help."

The offer to help was appreciated, but Tracey couldn't actually pin down the type of help she needed. She noticed Tom parking the jeep and now felt forced to come up with a quick solution. Before she could say anything, Brian spoke up. "You don't have to pay for these things right now. Take them with you and pay me when it is convenient.

"Are you sure?"

"Miss McMann, I have no doubt that you will be good for the merchandise.

"Are you about done?" Tom wasn't being pushy or being a smart-ass. The inquiry was presented in a humorous way, as he looked at the large pile of packages. Brian and Tom nodded to each other, but said nothing.

"Would you mind taking these to the car while I pay for them?"

""No problem." Tom grabbed an armload, but it was going to take him several trips. When he was out of earshot, Tracey took a piece of paper and wrote down a number for Brian. "Call this guy in San Francisco and have him bring you ten thousand dollars in cash as soon as possible. I'll pick it up here at the store. Don't mention my name. It won't be necessary. Please, don't tell anyone that you saw me."

Brian smiled at the intrigue of the whole situation. He was flattered that Tracey McMann would trust him with the task.

As she turned to pick up some bundles, Brian handed her a business card. "I am not trying to butt into your business, but if you are trying to stay incognito, I suggest a new hair style and dye job." The card was for a beauty shop nearby. "Discretion is guaranteed." He added.

Tracey nodded a silent 'thank you' as she and Tom exited with the last of the bags.

"I am sorry, but I got carried away. Your wife's things were nice enough, but these will fit and feel better. I would also feel bad if what I was wearing reminded you of her."

Tom had found the house where Tanner McMann lived. He was on a weeklong trip to Mount Shasta, fishing for brook trout. Tanner loved the mountains and catching native brookies was a challenge that he thrived on. Tom got his information from the housekeeper, but he wasn't sure if she was being straight with him. After a couple of burgers, they drove to Rough and Ready, so that Tracey could see for herself.

Tom parked on a seemingly deserted section of the road. On the right side, about 100 yards away, on top of an uphill slope was a large stone lodge. It was partially hidden by a grove of pine trees. The driveway leading up the hill was graveled and grown over. It was not inhospitable, but it wasn't open to the world either. As they approached the house, it seemed to grow larger. It was definitely bigger than a single old man needed. Tracey smiled at the ambience that seemed to contradict everything else she knew about Uncle Tanner. It was a beautiful house.

Before they reached the front porch, the door opened and a middle aged lady emerged. She had on jeans and a flannel shirt, which didn't seemed to go with her gray hair and hefty body.

"Well, I declare. If it isn't Tracey McMann. Tanner will be excited to see you."

Tracey had no idea who this woman was, and was still trying to figure it out as they were escorted into the main room. "My friend tells me that Tanner is not here. Do you have any idea when he will be back?"

"Sit! Would you like something to drink?" The furniture was all made out of pine logs with multi-colored cushions. Indian blankets were hung on the walls, like pictures. It looked like the inside of a Bonanza movie set. It was Tanner all the way. Tracey and Tom both shook their heads 'no' to the drink offer.

"I am sorry. I did not introduce myself. I am Sarah, Sarah Weiser. I guess you could say I am Tanners life partner."

"Life partner?"

Sarah let out a little laugh and looked a little embarrassed at Tracey's attempt to get her to explain her relationship with her Uncle.

"It's a complicated story. Lets just say that I cook, clean house, do laundry, and provide companionship in exchange for room and board."

Tracey quickly realized what the situation was and found it humorous. She was happy for Tanner and it looked like she should be happy for his new playmate also.

"He has lots of pictures of you, and brags about you all the time."

Tracey couldn't help but to be a little embarrassed at the comment, especially, since she made it in front of Tom.

"Tanner left four days ago to go trout fishing. He should be back in the next few days."

"He is at Mt Shasta?"

"No. He is up around Paxton. I just tell people Mt Shasta because nobody knows where Paxton is. Sorry about that." Sarah gave Tom a wink. Tracey noticed that he seemed to blush a little.

"I assume he doesn't take a cell phone with him."

"You know your uncle well. Leave me a number, and I'll have him contact you when he gets back. Are you staying in the area?"

Tracey wrote down her cell number on a pad Sarah offered, and then pushed it over to Tom. "Maybe your house phone number would be good also." Looking back at Sarah, Tracey sheepishly said, " I'll be staying with Mister Henderson for the next couple of days. He has a small place in Nevada City, so I will be close."