The Longest Road by Jeanne Williams Read Free Book Online Page A

and kind of sick. In spite of herself, Laurie felt sorry for him, though she was glad that now he’d surely change his mind.
    â€œMr. Field,” said John Morrigan, “I’m afraid there isn’t any right place in California. After I visit my mother, I’m tryin’ the oil patch again, maybe go down to Texas. And this time, I’m not blowin’ what I make as fast as I get it like I always done before. Goin’ to save up and buy a spudder, talk some of them old Panhandle farmers whose topsoil’s roostin’ over in New Mexico into lettin’ me drill to see what’s under the hardpan.”
    â€œThat’s likely the best idea for you seein’ as how you’ve been in the oil fields all your life,” Daddy said. “No offense to you, John, but I’ve heard so much about California that I guess I’ve just got to try it. There’s no work here of the kind I’m used to.”
    He gave Buddy a little shake. “Wake up, son. Time to eat before we hit the road.”
    Buddy was still flushed. His eyes were glassy when he opened them. “I’m thirsty.”
    Laurie took a water jar around to him, propped him against her, and helped him drink. He didn’t push her away. That proved he didn’t feel good. His eyes closed again.
    â€œBuddy—” He liked the fried, crusty part of rabbit, and she broke off a little and tried to get him to taste it. “You better eat.”
    â€œDon’t want to.”
    â€œHe looks kind of feverish,” Morrigan said. “You got any aspirin?”
    They didn’t have anything in the way of medical supplies except a bottle of Mercurochrome and a thermometer. “Don’t matter,” Morrigan said cheerfully. His voice calmed the fear-induced nausea churning in Laurie’s stomach. “There’s some willow along the wash. It’s mighty good for lots of ailments. Get a pot of water boilin’, honey, and I’ll fetch some bark.”
    Daddy broke up some dead limbs and had a fire going by the time Laurie unearthed a cup and the teakettle and tipped water into it. “We sure don’t need Buddy gettin’ sick on us,” Daddy said heavily.
    â€œMaybe he’s just hot and tired,” Laurie consoled. “It’s lucky we’re close to some willows and Mr. Morrigan can make fever medicine.”
    â€œThat’s how your mother would talk.” Daddy’s voice was gratified and sad at the same time. “Wouldn’t surprise me if Morrigan’s part Indian. They know a lot about plants and curing.”
    Laurie was washing Buddy’s face and arms to cool him when John Morrigan came up in an easy swinging stride. He dumped a handful of white inner bark shavings into the boiling water, let it come back to a full boil, and set the kettle on the ground. His neat, quick, way of doing things didn’t waste a motion.
    â€œIt’s none of my business, Mr. Field, but the kids might hold up better if you wait a couple hours and travel after it cools down. Looks like you got your, bedding. You could sleep out tonight and get to your father’s place before it gets real hot tomorrow.”
    Daddy looked like he was going to argue. Then he looked at Buddy. “Reckon that’s good advice, John, but I sure hate to sit around when the old Ford could be makin’ miles.”
    â€œAnd flats. They’ll be easier to change when it’s cooler.”
    â€œGuess you’ll want to hitch a ride with somebody else,” Daddy said regretfully.
    Morrigan shrugged. “Liefer visit with you folks, play a few songs to pass the afternoon. I got some canned peaches and salmon we can have for supper and a sack of oatmeal cookies a lady gave me along with dinner yesterday for fixin’ her screen doors.”
    Laurie’s mouth watered for a cookie but Daddy said, “We can feed our company. Is that a guitar you