Puss 'N Cahoots

who will shovel shit and clean out water buckets. Americans don’t want to get their hands dirty. They’d rather sit on their sorry asses and collect welfare.”
    “He’s getting ugly,”
Tucker laconically said.
    “And you know what,” Charly’s voice rose again, “you find me some blacks who will shovel shit or some Koreans or Chinese or, hey, whatever you got. And even if they’ll shovel, they ain’t horsemen, brother.”
    “Those questions aren’t my concern.”
    “I guess not. If we solve this problem, you’ll be out of a job, won’t you?”
    Tilting his many chins upward, the official asked, “Who are these men?”
    “Never saw them in my life.”
    “He’s good.”
Spike chuckled.
    “Lies without batting an eye,”
Pewter agreed.
    “I found them at the end of your barn just outside. One was pushing a wheelbarrow.”
    “So?”
    “They don’t work for you?” His voice carried doubt.
    “They don’t work for me. But you do. My taxes pay your salary. If you want to stand here,” he handed him a pitchfork, which the INS man handed back with disdain, “work.”
    On that note, the roly-poly man left, glad to be out of the barn unharmed.
    The dogs moved closer to the stall as the cats nimbly walked overhead in time to hear with their incredible ears Charly, under his breath, hiss to Carlos, “Double cross.”

T he disruption caused by the INS agents delayed the ensuing classes, many of them junior classes, which outraged many people, not just Joan. They could have come in the daytime or after the last class. Some of the young competitors were crying.
    Larry, arms crossed over his chest, said, “I’m going over to Ward’s to congratulate him. Nothing I can do about this damned mess.”
    “I’ll stay here.” Joan sank into a director’s chair. “This feels like the longest day of my life.” She waited a moment. “Told Mom about the pin and, well, it’s been a long day.”
    Larry leaned over to kiss her on the cheek. “Some days you get the bear, some days the bear gets you.”
    Harry said, “Joan, do you mind if I tag along with Larry?”
    “No, go ahead.”
    “In that case, I’ll keep this beautiful lady company.” Fair smiled as he walked to the bar to fix Joan a gin rickey.
    As Harry and Larry left the barn, Joan glanced up. “Are you plying me with alcohol?”
    “Made it light. I know you’re not a drinker, but, Joan, a little relaxation at this moment is good for you.” He handed her the tall glass, the bubbles rising upward promising to pop on her tongue. “I’m fixing you a sandwich and one for me. How about turkey? High protein, low fat, not that you need to worry.”
    She took a sip, feeling better instantly, part of that being psychological. “I ruin the low-cal benefit by smearing mayo over everything.”
    He beamed. “You will always be beautiful, so if you want mayo, mayo it is.”
    “Fair, you’re so sweet. I’m glad Harry saw the light.”
    “I had to see it first.” He put crisp lettuce on the dark bread. “When I slipped out of the box, I managed to get to the jeweler without her knowing, and I bought the horseshoe ring she liked. She’ll be forty in a heartbeat. She should have a big present.” He grinned.
    “That is a gorgeous ring. You know, I had a bad moment when I turned forty, and then it vanished. I really don’t care, do you?”
    “Yes and no.” He held the knife aloft for a moment, the large mayo jar below. “I fear not being able to pull out foals if they need it or not being able to lift sixty-pound bales of rich alfalfa. I do worry about that. But you know, you do what you can, and if I can’t physically perform, I hope I can still serve. As long as the brain works.”
    “Mine has shut off.” She laughed.
    “Been a hell of a couple of days.” He handed her a plate, then sat next to her. “At least it’s quiet right now. No one’s here, they’re back on the rail or running away from INS.”
    Joan bit into the succulent turkey sandwich, then put it on the plate. “Mmm.” She swallowed. “Hey, where’s Cookie and the gang?”
    “I don’t know, but if they’re not back by the time we finish our sandwiches, I’ll go look. They’re Americats. Don’t need a green card.” He winked.
    “Cookie will jump in any open car. She loves her rides. One time a customer came to the barn, called a half hour after he left. Cookie was asleep in the backseat of his car and he didn’t know it until she woke up. Had to drive to