Johnny Interviews With Kelp

“How did it go?” Johnny asked a little apprehensive.

“She’s a bit miffed at me but Auntie says not to worry, did you find something to eat?” Amanda asked.

“Oh yeah, I’m good. I’m sorry Amanda for causing problems with your Mum.”

“You aren’t the problem Johnny, where are your crutches?”

“Don’t need them. Are you going to need the car anymore today?”

“No I don’t think so. I thought we might join Auntie and Mum for dinner at Andy’s tonight if that’s okay with you.”

Johnny ran a hand over his face, “Meet the Mum eh?”

“Might as well get it over with,” Amanda sighed.

“I got a call from Mr. Kelp out at Glenridge Station; I’m going out and talk to him about the job.”

“That’s wonderful news Johnny are you sure you can manage driving?”

“I don’t see why not, I’ll be careful,” he smiled taking the keys from her hand.

It felt good to be behind the wheel of his car again almost like he was back to normal. He had to be careful of the gas pedal with the awkward boot on his foot.

Driving into the station he was impressed with the place. It would be cattle this time not sheep but he felt confident enough and he could learn. He drove up to the station office as Jimmy Kelp came down the steps.

“You must be Johnny Ryan,” He said extending his hand, he liked the young man’s grip.

“Mr. Kelp, pleased to meet you,” Johnny shook his hand.

“I ain’t Mister Kelp, I’m just Jimmy come on in and we’ll talk.” Jimmy led the way into the office.

“You’ll have to ignore the mess in here, the back of this building is where I live and during the flood we had a lot of stranded workers staying in here, I ain’t got around to mucking it out yet.”

Johnny had been surprised to find Jimmy was an American. “Could I ask where you’re from?”

“You could, yes you could, I’m from Arizona been over here about five years now. So tell me Johnny what can you do?”

“Oh well most anything I grew up on a sheep farm. I’m a quick learner Mr. um Jimmy.”

Jimmy smiled, “well cattle ain’t sheep but I reckon you could learn. Everybody here pitches in to whatever is needed at the time, mucking out cow pens, stables putting down feed and nursing the calves. They’re free range cattle and we cull ‘em out a couple of times a year. You can ride I reckon?”

“Oh yes sir grew up on a horse.”

“How long have you got to wear that fancy shoe?”

“A couple more weeks but I’m getting around on it fine now.” Johnny looked down at the blasted boot.

“Well Travis said put you to work as soon as you’re able, reckon you could start on Monday? We’ll find something for you to do, something to keep that boot out of the mud. I’ll have your paperwork all ready.”

“Oh yes sir, Monday would be great, what time?”

“About 7:00, now hours are not set, when we’re working we work till the job is done or its too dark to see what you’re doin’ sometimes we’re up before dawn if need be. You’re stayin’ in The Glen?”

“Yes, with Amanda Cochran, it took me about ten minutes to get to the main drive.”

“That sounds good Johnny, welcome aboard,” Jimmy smiled and shook his hand again, “see ya on Monday morning.”

Johnny felt so good about himself when he left; he had a job at last.