Page 120 of Five Mountain Daddies

“Hi, Samuel,” she says. “What’s goingon?”

I stare at the two of them and I feel my anger rise. These are good people, the kind of people that Roy betrayed by selling out our secrets to Ingram. I can take the hurt, but I can’t take him hurting our friends. I don’t think I can ever understand or forgivethat.

“We should sit,” Isay.

Vernon glances at Sarah. “I’ll give you two some privacy,” she says. “Gotta get ready for my shift soon,anyway.”

She leaves the kitchen, kissing Vernon on the way. I sit at their table, wringing my hands, and Vernon sits across fromme.

“What’s going on,Samuel?”

“Ingram came to Amelia’s this morning. Tried to attackher.”

He looks surprised. “Is sheokay?”

I respect him so much for asking that question. “She’sfine.”

“Good thing you werethere.”

I sigh, and appreciate him even more. Some other guys might question me being there, but not Vernon. He’s a good man, even if he’s notperfect.

“It was bad,” I say. “But we have a contract. The strike should be oversoon.”

“That’s awesome news,” he says, perking up. “But shouldn’t you be telling Roy aboutthis?”

My expression darkens and I look away. “We gotta talk aboutRoy.”

Vernon leans back in his chair. “What’s goingon?”

“Roy’s working withIngram.”

Vernon’s silent for a second. “You’re fucking kiddingme?”

“No,” I say. “It’strue.”

“No fucking way. Roy? Ingram? Roy hates thatbastard.”

“It’s true,” I say, harsher than I need to. “Believe me, I’d never say it if I weren’tsure.”

“Shit,” he says softly. “Man. I…fuck.”

“I know what youmean.”

We sit in silence together. We’ve worked with Roy down in the mines countless times, put our lives in his hands… and this happens. It’s almostunbearable.

“What do we do?” he asksme.

“Do you want a promotion,Vernon?”

He sighs. “Fuckno.”

I lean toward him. “But you’ll doit.”

He meets my gaze. “Of course I will. What else can Ido?”

“Good man.” I lean back, sure that I made the right choice. “Call some guys, people you trust. Have them watch Roy and watch him fuckingclose.”

“What are we going to do abouthim?”

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