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Smiling, eyes holding silent conversations, but thankfully, without another word.
Des’s leg was still giving him grief. Despite the new skip in his step, his limp was worse, and he grimaced a time or two as they were seeing to their horses.
But Albie knew better than to mention it in front of anyone.
And they’d be home tonight, and then Des could rest easy for a day or two. They all could.
But first he had some business to attend to.
“I want you to come with me,” Albie had said quietly.
Percy gave him a serious nod. “Of course.”
* * *
They walked into Mr Flannigan’s office as soon as the door opened for business. The lawyer was surprised to see Albie and even more so to see he’d brought someone with him.
Percy stuck out his hand and gave him a confident smile. “Percy Collins.”
“Nice to meet you,” he replied. “Albie, what can I do for you? I hear you’re quite the talk around town this morning.”
Albie couldn’t help but feel a rush of pride. “Yes, it’s an unexpected visit, sorry for not giving any notice. We rode some wild horses in last night and decided to stay the night.”
“Fair call. There was much chatter in the store this morning. And some interest in that herd. Hopefully that equals a nice profit for you.”
“We can hope.”
“So, what brings you in?” He looked again at Percy, then back to Albie, waiting for an answer.
“Well,” Albie started. “What do you know about getting access through Crown land? Because I was thinking... what if I were to turn the bottom half of my land into a second farm?”
Mr Flannigan’s smile was slow to spread, his eyes fond. “You got some smarts about you, Albie. You are your father’s son. Easements through Crown land are one thing, but first, let’s dig out your title deeds and read that small print.”
Albie gave Percy a smile, hopeful this could actually be happening. Was it possible? Could he run sheep and cattle all year on the lowlands?
Albie wasn’t sure, but it couldn’t hurt to ask, right?
To try?
“Thought you’d be in the mountains forever, Albie,” Mr Flannigan said with a wink. “Now you’re looking at coming down the mountain?”
“I’ll always be a mountain man, sir. Echo Creek is in my blood,” Albie said. “But Percy here is the brains behind it, and he’s more familiar with farming lowlands.”
“Oh?” Flannigan cocked his head, aiming a concerned look at Percy. “Are you doing this for Mr Bramwell, Mr Collins? Or are you doing this together?”
It was Albie who answered. “Together,” he said confidently. “We’re doing this together.”
Flannigan turned his gaze back to Albie. “Am I adding his name to anything officially?”
Albie smiled at Percy, but Percy quickly shook his head, his eyes wide. “Oh no, I’m not a partner.”
Not yet, he isn’t, Albie thought.
There would be one way to have their names on a binding certificate.
“We’ll talk about that,” Albie said, trying not to smile. “But for now, no. It’s just my name.”
But it wouldn’t be, not forever, Albie realised. They’d be joined, equal partners for life, one day. He was sure of it.
