Life for our Annie has been one long party. We toughened up a bit - put her through college last year - thought it would focus her mind and make her knuckle down. It didn't. Sheesh!" Matthew shook his head.
"What went wrong?"
"She didn't turn up for most of her classes. She cheated in her tests by copying someone else's work. She repeatedly got drunk and got herself arrested for smoking dope on campus. And then yesterday, I got a call to say she'd lost her temper and thrown a chair at a member of the faculty staff. Man - I sent in a 'donation' of $3,000 to keep the peace and avoid them pressing charges. Even so, they've had enough of her. She can stay until the end of the semester and that's it. They don't want her back."
"I see." Tyler's eyes narrowed. "And when is the end of the semester?"
"Next Friday."
Tyler waited. He had a feeling there was more. There was.
"Thing is, son," continued Matthew, a sheepish look on his face, "Brenda and I will be leaving for Kenya next Thursday, so ..."
Tyler leaned back in his chair. "Uh huh. I get it. You want me to keep an eye on her."
"We'd appreciate it mightily if you would. I take you for a firm, no nonsense kind of guy, and that's just what our Annie needs."
"She needs taking in hand if you ask me," drawled Tyler.
"Hell yeah, that's exactly it: a firm hand is what's needed. You're gonna have your work cut out with her for sure, so I want you to deal with her as you see fit - and if that involves a trip to the woodshed, you have my full approval. It's about time that sassy daughter of mine learnt how to behave, and I think you're the man to motivate her."
Tyler smiled slowly. He hadn't expected that response from Matthew. The two men talked for over an hour, Annie Bellamy being the only topic on their agenda. When at length Tyler took his leave, he left the room with a smile playing on his lips.
He sure as hell was looking forward to the return of Miss Annie Bellamy.
Bratty Annie and the Ranch Foreman is available for Kindle from Amazon and in a variety of formats from LSF Publications:
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