... (foreverwild) wrote in the_dome, @ 2013-12-11 14:38:00 |
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Entry tags: | 04-15-2017, frankie, frankie and riley, riley |
More Responsibility
Who: Frankie and Riley
Where: The cattle ranch
When: Late afternoon
Riley had spent a very enjoyable afternoon with Lia. He was still grinning when he emerged from his room to keep his meeting with the vet who was sure to be there at any moment. He ran into Tom as he was fishing out a cookie but the cookie went uneaten as Tom told him about the people found dead over night. “They looked like animal attacks. Like them wolves that blew through here a while ago,” Tom said and shook his head.
“I’m going to go out and check the fences. Make sure the barn doors are secure before dark. The vet’s coming as well. I want you to take care of it. And Tom, I’m not kidding. Get it done.” He caught Mrs. Haggerty leaving her quarters with Sophia in tow. He kissed the little girl on the top of her head and sent her to play so he could explain things to Mrs. Haggerty. “We need to be sure the house is shut tight. I’m checking the fences but I’m sure Savannah or one of the other boarders can help you. Lia needs to know too but I need to run. Keep Sophia safe.”
Mrs. Haggerty assured him she would guard Sophia with her life and he believed her. He hustled out toward the horses to saddle his up and nearly ran smack into Frankie. He took a step back, putting a hand out to steady her in case she went off balance. “Sorry about that,” he said. “Any chance you’re free to come check fences with me? I think it would be better not to have anyone do it alone, all things considered.”
Frankie had spent some time with Clementine before heading back to the ranch. She was feeling too restless to hang out in her room, so she pulled on her boots and went out to the stables. Frankie had faith enough in her co-workers - well, except for maybe Tim - that everyone would get done, but she double checked the hay stacks anyway, occasionally taking a break to chat with the horses as she brushed them down. They were generally the only ones who didn't seem to mind it when they rambled on, and the slight twitch of their ears every now and then assured her that they were listening to every word she said.
When she finished, Frankie started back inside, distracted by her own thoughts when Riley came out. He caught her before she could stumble back, and Frankie gave him a quick smile, releasing his arm once she was sure she was steady enough. "Hey, no problem. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. I mean, I knew where I was going, but I wasn't giving much thought to actually keeping an eye out for anyone coming out. You know what I mean. But yeah! Yeah, I'll go with you. I heard about what happened today, or this morning... or last night. I'm not entirely sure when it happened, but I heard about it. So yeah, just let me saddle up." Which is what she assumed he was getting ready to go. "Sophia safe inside?"
For as serious as he’d been a moment ago, Riley couldn’t help but smile a bit at her chatter. She reminded him a little of Sophia when she got going. “Mmhm, and Lia too. I’ve got Mrs. Haggerty making sure the house is secure and Tom is attempting to be a good person and get the barn closed before dark.” He glanced back in the direction he’d left Tom and hoped that the man would manage to come through. He knew he’d be going out to check the barn himself anyway though. Just to be sure. “Alright. Saddle up then. If those wolves are coming back they may come across our land and I’d like to deter them from that or the stock from stampeding out into town.” He hurried into the barn and made quick work of saddling up his dark brown mare. He walked her out and waited for Frankie to join him, getting up into the saddle in one easy movement. He always felt so much better on a horse.
Once Frankie was ready to go, she hefted herself up into her own saddle, readjusting her grip on the reins and guiding her horse to follow Riley's. She hadn't been able to ride in a few days because of the weather, and general busy-ness, so this was nice, even if the circumstances behind it were less so. "You really think the wolves are back?" Frankie asked, once they were riding side by side. "I thought I heard most of them were hunted down." There always rumors though. Frankie was more 'in the know' than most people thought, but she always liked having facts before making assumptions, especially about the more serious stuff happening in the dome.
Riley led outward toward the fence line. He didn’t want to believe the wolves were back. The last time had resulted in so much chaos and he was still recovering from it with Lia. He didn’t want to think about people’s houses being broken into by wild animals because he had a house and precious people to protect. “I don’t know. Tom said it seemed like animal attacks. People are apparently worried there are more wolves but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was anything.” He honestly could say that it wouldn’t surprise him of what was attacking people now was a rabid unicorn herd. With the way things were going in the dome, nothing was going to surprise him anymore it seemed. “What’s your take, Franks?”
Oh no. Nothing would surprise Frankie anymore, either. "I hear you on that," Frankie murmured, though loud enough for Riley to hear her. "Wolves are easy enough to shoot on sight if you have to, though I heard the ones that came through awhile ago were difficult to kill." She knew about Riley's wife, and how she had ended up in the hospital. Which meant Frankie knew what Mrs. Boss Man was now too, though she didn't say so. Frankie wasn't a fan of hunting or killing an animal at all unless it was for food, but she understood the necessity when an animal was attacking people. Frankie scanned the land around them, wanting to keep an eye and an ear out, just in case. "My take on it? I'm not really sure, to be honest. I didn't hear enough of the details to know, and I'm sort of glad for that. Sometimes when I see or hear something gruesome, it stays with me. You know, when you close your eyes, and it's there? Or you're eating dinner, and the image just pops into your mind out of nowhere? It's an awful feeling. I think there's something going on in the dome that can't really be explained rationally. You really think about it, and where did those wolves come from in the first place? Did they come in through the dome with the traders? What about all those bats? Surely people would've seen them. Then they all of the sudden show up when the dome doors get stuck?" Frankie shook her head and looked over at Riley, hoping he didn't think she was some crazy conspiracy theorist, or anything. "I think there's something weird going on, in general. I just don't know what it is. All I know is that a lot of people are getting hurt, or dying because of it."
Riley relived the moments at Lia’s house when the wolf had attacked and he shivered at the memory. The pure fact that the wolf hadn’t been interested in him at all was what had saved them. He didn’t think he’d have even had the chance to shoot it if he’d had his gun. “I’m glad they aren’t out roaming every night,” he said absently as he guided his horse sideways down an incline. So far the fences looked fine but they were far from done. He glanced over at Frankie when she spoke, thinking that she didn’t sound like a crazy conspiracy theorist at all. She was saying the things he’d been thinking. “Weird is the new normal here in Delphi, that’s for sure,” he agreed. “The wolves and bats and the ghosts that showed up right before the doors closed. You know, it’s been almost a month and they can’t figure out how to open the doors? How is that even possible? I’ve started to wonder if we all aren’t part of some crazy government experiment or something like that.”
“Ugh, I really don’t want to think about that,” Frankie said, although she would have been lying if she said she hadn’t considered it herself. How else were vampires, ghosts and werewolves suddenly real? Like, really real. “Weird has always been normal for me. I just don’t like this type of weird.” She managed a small smile at Riley before turning her gaze back toward the fence, searching for anything that looked like a breach, or even a weak spot. “But you’re right. I’m actually surprised more people aren’t demanding answers at the Town Hall. We’re essentially prisoners right now. I mean, yeah, it’s better than being out there, or at least it was. And the weather doesn’t seem to be regulated much anymore, either.” How could it be with all this rain and the dropping temperatures?
Riley grabbed his hat and settled it more firmly on his head when it was nearly knocked off by a low-hanging branch. He needed to get one of his men out here to get rid of it before it fell onto the fence. “Remind me to tell one of the guys about this branch,” he said in his bossman voice. He was mulling over what she’d said though and surprised she wasn’t rambling about it. He supposed it was a more subdued topic though. “I’m surprised there haven’t been riots and looting. People in here certainly have managed to stay calm considering everything that’s happened. I can’t believe there aren’t more stir crazy people in here.” Though perhaps that was what was behind the people who had been found dead. Maybe it wasn’t animals but people who had gone haywire. He didn’t like the sound of that and thought perhaps he might find Serge again and ask him about getting involved in patrolling at night or something.
Frankie nodded, making a mental note of the branch. She shivered a little against the chill. She never dreamed she would potentially need a heavy coat in the Dome, but it was starting to feel that way. "I think there are enough people here who want to keep the peace, that if there was looting or rioting, they would step up to put an end to it. We're already dealing with enough, you know? Simple stupidity can be quelled pretty fast. Besides,I know a few people on the police force, and they're tough as balls. Though, who knows what will happen a week from now, or longer. Thankfully the dome is big enough that it doesn't really feel like we're all suffocating yet." She trailed off and looked at Riley. "Well this is a depressing topic, isn't it?"
Riley appreciated her input. It told him he wasn’t alone in thinking things were a bit nuts. He supposed he could have brought it all up with Lia but they’d been dealing with other, more important issues. “It’s definitely not a fun topic, that’s for sure, mate. However, there are plans of a big to-do here on the ranch sometime in the near future. Me and the missus are planning something and you’re invited.” He didn’t think Lia would mind him inviting Frankie and he liked Frankie enough to have her there as he renewed his vows. She was a hard worker and a good person. He enjoyed their conversations. “Nothing fancy though but hopefully lots of beer and laughter. Good times.”
The suggestion of something fun coming up, something that included beer, had Frankie lifting a brow in pleasant surprise as a smile crossed over her face. She had really enjoyed the fair and community events the powers that be had thrown lately. It helped ease some of the boredom that came with crappy weather. "Oh yeah? A big to-do? In my neck of the woods, big to-do's generally mean a party. And I am all for a party, Boss Man, especially if it includes food and liquor. Obviously I am not a fancy kind of girl, so I don't mind that at all. Of course, now I'm just assuming it's a party, when it might actually not be a party. You could easily be implying that you've got something naughty on your mind with Mrs. Pollard, and you require a third person to take part, and while it's extremely flattering that you would think of me to join in, I'm more of a one on one kind of girl, you know?" Frankie grinned, clearly teasing. "But I'm going to go ahead with multiple choice A and just assume you meant a party or get together of some kind, right?"
Riley burst out laughing when she mentioned a threesome. He tipped his hat to her. "You're a funny gal, Frankie. No shenanigans of that sort are planned, nor do I think they ever will be. No, we're planning on renewing our vows and there'll be a reception of sorts afterward. Definitely a party." He was really looking forward to the whole thing. The positivity of a party in the midst of all the chaos was a very strong pull. Even stronger still was re-committing to Lia because he still wanted to be married to her and he wanted everyone they knew to see that. He hopped down from his horse as he came along a loose portion of the wire fence. He pulled a tensioning tool from his saddlebag and took care of the issue quickly, glancing back toward the field. "Shouldn't there be cattle in this paddock? What the hell did Tom do with them now?"
"Oh, wow! That sounds amazing. Count me in. You know, I've never been to a wedding. I know this isn't really the same thing, but it's close enough. If you guys need any help, let me know. I'm not sure what I could do, but even if it's like, setting up chairs, or making a salad. That much I can do." Cooking was not really Frankie's forte. Nor were decorations, or anything remotely girly. But that didn't mean she couldn't pitch in if they needed it. Frankie drew her horse to a stop, watching as Riley fixed the fence. A small breeze whipped her hair about her face, and she pushed it behind her ear with one hand before glancing around. "I'm not sure. Maybe he moved them until this part of the fencing could get fixed?"
Riley smiled happily at her enthusiasm for what was going to be the best day of his life in a very long time. “I’m glad all of you guys seem to have taken a liking to Lia and Sophia too. I know adding them into the mix was kind of abrupt but everyone seems to have adjusted well.” He wasn’t sure why they wouldn’t really. Lia wasn’t exactly a domineering mistress of the house or anything but it was really good to know that people accepted her position and didn’t mind Sophia when she got to chattering and begging them to play cards with her. He’d love it if he had someone as a right hand man who was better able to take more of the burden off him so he had more time with his family. Tom was worthless. “I’m supposed to know when cattle is moved.” Especially now with the possibility of them being attacked. He was beyond annoyed with Tom, knowing full well that he was definitely going to have to be sure he personally checked the barn tonight. “Tell me, Frankie. How do you not punch the guy in the nose on daily basis? Any chance you’d like some more responsibility on the ranch?”
There was really nothing not to like about Riley's family. Sophia was adorable, and chatty and Frankie had already had a couple fun conversations with her. She didn't know Lia all that well, but the woman was gorgeous, and seemed friendly enough. Riley seemed a lot happier with them around too, which was the most important thing. But right now, Frankie was focused on the fencing and Riley's obvious displeasure at the moving of the cattle. Had she seen Tom, or anyone else, doing it, she probably would have already informed Riley. Her lips twitched into a small, and Frankie shrugged lightly. "Most of the time when he talks to me, I only hear white noise. So that's probably part of it." Tom didn't take Frankie very seriously anyway, given that she was a woman. That alone was enough for Frankie to brush him off as anyone of significance. But Riley's offer of more responsibility had her lifting her brows in surprise. "If you're willing to give me more responsibility, I'm willing to take it." She had plenty to do around the ranch, but Frankie was always game to help out some more, if Riley needed her to. She liked feeling useful, after all.
Riley finished with the fence, returning the tensioning tool to his saddlebag before glancing around at the forest beyond. It was dark a little ways in and the shadows had lives of their own. He wondered if there was anything out there looking back at him and decided to stop riling himself up. He turned to Frankie and nodded. “White noise. That’s a good way to describe it,” he said with a soft grunt as he re-seated himself on his horse. He began them on their fence check again, sighing as he mentally made a list of things he needed to talk to Tom about. “I think I’m going to apprentice you to Tom for a few weeks under the guise of giving him an assistant. Then I’m going to give him the boot. I hope you can keep that under the radar and I trust you can get him to tell you a great deal of what you need to know. I can walk you through the rest when he’s gone. How’s that sound?” The guy was dead weight and Riley’d heard complaints from other boarders about his behavior as well. It was time for a changing of the guard and he had every confidence Frankie would do a good job.
It was an amazing opportunity and definitely a confidence booster that Riley wanted her to take over. Of course, it might be a bit awkward with Tom, especially once Riley let him go, but Frankie had to admit it was the right thing to do, even if Frankie weren't the one to take over. "I think that sounds great," Frankie said with a small smile. "If you're really sure! I mean, I'm sure there are others who would be just as good for the job. Not that I'm saying I won't be! I'm always willing to take on more responsibility, and hopefully I won't let you down. If I end up completely sucking, I won't blame you if you need to replace me. Or give my an apprentice of my own." She lifted her hands to air-quote 'apprentice' with a smile, and then grabbed the reins again. "I'm really looking forward to it, though. Learning what I can."
Riley glanced over to Frankie and chuckled. “Believe me, I don’t think you’ll fail. But if you do, I highly doubt I’ll feel the need to up and fire you entirely the way I do with Tom. You’re a good worker, Frankie, and a great part of this ranch. You’re pretty secure here.” He hoped that was as reassuring to her as he’d meant it to be. He liked having her spunkiness and chatter around. The hard working aspect of her was a huge plus but there were people on the ranch, like Savannah, who didn’t directly contribute to the running of it and they were still more than welcome. “How are you doing, by the way? Everything else okay here for you?”
“Well, that’s reassuring,” Frankie said with a smile. Not that she would let it push her into complacency. There were few things Frankie was really good at, but she thought her job was one of them. It helped that she actually enjoyed working at the ranch. Leaning forward a bit, she rubbed her hand over her horse’s neck before shooting a grin at Riley. “I’m great. Everything else is just fine. I’ve been getting out, seeing a few friends. I can’t complain. What about you? You seem to be a bit more chipper lately.” Though Frankie totally got why. It was nice seeing Boss Man happy.
Riley shot her a smile in return, grateful to have her along and that the fences were, other than the minor issue a few minutes ago, sound. They made their way into a paddock surrounded by wooden fences meant for weaning the babies away from their mothers. He hopped down to open the gate, letting Frankie pass through and guiding his own horse in before he closed the gate securely again and got back up on the horse. It was good to hear that she was good and didn’t seem to be encumbered too much by all the negative stuff happening around the dome. He couldn’t help but grin when she mentioned he’d been more chipper lately. “Ah well, that you could probably blame on being married to the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever met and discovering we made a beautiful little girl. Or maybe it’s just because I’m going to fire Tom.” He chuckled.
"I think maybe it has more to do with the first two options," Frankie said with a laugh. "The third is just a bonus, I think. In any case, it's pretty great for you." She was definitely a fan of seeing the people she liked and cared about happy. It was a difficult thing to achieve lately, but not impossible. Believing that was the only way Frankie could really get through the day sometimes. Everything had to have a silver lining, some sort of optimism. For Frankie, there had to be a reason to get out of bed every morning. Something beyond work. "You need me to do anything else?" she asked Riley, brushing some hair from her forehead as she looked over at him.
He grinned a little and nodded. “Yeah, you’re probably right about that.” It was strange to realize that people were observing him and taking note of the fact he was happier. He wondered if he wore his heart on his sleeve or if it was simply a very marked change in his behavior. Either way, he was definitely happy and he didn’t care who knew it. He thought on what she’d asked him, trying to decide if he needed anything else other than the fence check to be complete. They’d be at it a while longer. “I think the main thing is ensuring the animals are all safe. In the fields and in the barns. If you could take a run out to the herds when we get back that would be great. Tom should be out there with the vet with the sick cows. I hope.” He rolled his eyes.
"Absolutely. When we're done here, I'll go out and take a look." She had nowhere else to be at the moment, and this was part of her job anyway. It was chilly, but Frankie would brave the elements anyway. And she knew Mrs. Haggerty was making a big pot of soup, so that would be waiting for her when she got back inside. That and a hot shower. And clean clothes. And maybe sitting in front of the fire for a bit. No, Frankie couldn't really complain. She just had to focus on the job at hand and let the warmth and food coming to her later be enough motivation to get it done quickly.