Farm Story Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Darryl walked back to the homestead measuring each step deep in thought when Fran called, your Dad's on the phone. That’s just what he needed to finish the week! an argument, with George, his Dad.  They could not see eye to eye on much at all, and even less these days.

 It seemed things were different when George ran the farm, he always had enough to pay for what was needed and save a little and make payments on the farm as well. George was unable to understand that if extra money was needed then Darryl should do extra work, manage things better, was what he would say.

In stocking feet, he called to Lionel, and grabbed the phone, tried to be pleasant.

How'd the day go son, did you keep them busy,  have you had a look at the cows down on the river, I've arranged a  good deal on the tyres from that other crowd. That was about all Darryl  could take, Dad I'll talk to you later I've got someone here,  then hung up, he had never done that before, it felt good, secretly he  hoped the phone didn't ring because he wouldn't know what to say, it  didn't ring.  

In the lounge room Lionel sat telling the kids some sort of story that was amusing, do you want another beer Darryl inquired as he walked passed the door on his way to the kitchen, a sort of yeah came back to him, he kept walking, said hi to Fran with a regulation kiss, reached into the fridge grabbed two Fosters and headed back to the lounge room.     

Have you kids done your homework, the reply was yes, then go and watch some TV. Lionel and I have some talking to do, then he fell into the other big chair. 

The Kids wanted to stay, Lionel was so funny, Lionel supported Darryl, with a promise, after tea he would tell them more perhaps out on the verandah if it was warm enough.     

They both began their beers, Darryl noticed Lionel had a good start, had made himself at home alright.        

Well what's on your mind Lionel, he leaned forward looking him in the eye.       

Lionel was unused to people taking it to him like that, it made  him a little uneasy he had hoped they might work their way up to it,  but here it was, no use putting it off.

 I need a little piece of river frontage was his first attempt. He could see it was not going to be easy as Darryl continued to look directly at him with not a word. 

Well you see I do a bit of this and that fatten a few stores, grow a bit of new grain on test for different people, that sort of thing. I do alright out of it; the money would be right, up front all the way. He then changed his tact, and came up with, I want to get away from the old man, do something for myself, see what I mean.      

An embarrassing few seconds went by then Darryl said why here, so far from anywhere, and if there was a way of making an extra few bob how come he was the only one that has thought of it.

That's the beauty of it, smiled Lionel, you get into something while others are on to something else, then when they see you making a quid at it they want to have a go, by then you move into something else, with a small holding on the river a bloke could do many things, all you need is water and a bit of good soil.  The idea has been rolling around in the old head for some time. 

Fran’s call for dinner cut short Darryl's thoughts but he had plenty of time to go into that.

Dinner was a little better that usual, steak with a good claret,  table chatter was cheerful, it turned into a very nice evening, Darryl  had forgotten his phone call to old George, in fact Lionel could see  Darryl had relaxed, so took the opportunity to suggest a port in the  lounge room, where they could continue their talk.

Darryl agreed and  said you kids help mum clean up and then you might be able to listen  to some of Lionel’s tall stories, I'll get the coffee when we are ready love, Darryl to Fran, come  in and join us later. 

They settled into comfortable chairs after Darryl served the good port. 

Well lets get to it suggested Darryl, you’ve got me curious.

Lionel opened up saying there is a little risk in some crops he has developed so he wanted to make sure he had a place well out of the way.   The plan required security for some times he could corner the market and make a killing, then when the news got out he was already on to some thing else.

Darryl responded yes yes I've gathered that much so far but lets get down to dollars, how much land and how many dollars per acre do you want to pay. 

Lionel said well dollars are no real problem he and his backers know it will cost more to have good land on a river with pumping rights and security so its up to you to tell us what its worth, within reason, if you like we could let you have shares so you could make a little extra that the tax man would know about.

Darryl had to admit it sounds pretty good, I guess it’s legal.

Lionel through down the last of the port and with a great laugh stood up and said mate, what do you take me for, appearing a little embarrassed, Darryl moved quickly to remove any uncomfortable feelings  by offering another port.

Lionel agreed to the port and sat down, look, he offered, it’s a good thing and I grow crops that people want, all above board. 

The first of the kids ran into the room and sat on Lionel's knee, he had certainly made a hit with the family.  Ten minutes later all the family were in the lounge hanging on every word Lionel offered. 

Darryl stood and took orders for coffee, but Lionel thanked everyone and claimed he had an appointment in town and must be on his way, he would like to come out again.

This brought an immediate please from everyone even Fran who seemed a little smitten,  no, thought Darryl, its because we very rarely have company, yes that's it. 

Well I'll walk you to the car suggested Darryl

Hoped you might answered Lionel I've got to know tonight so I can fix it all up, and get on with the program. 

At the car Lionel pulled the door open slid in and slammed it looking through the window said you've got a nice family Darryl they need more than this,  what do you say mate.

Darryl’s mind was racing he felt it was too easy, things were never like this  before, maybe it was his turn to get a break, well life's a gamble, why  not, things could not be worse, yes he agreed.

Lionel stuck his hand through the window and Darryl grabbed it and held it tight, yes we need a little extra so I'll work out the size and money tomorrow.

Great, you won’t be sorry yelled Lionel, retrieving his hand for the steering wheel as he pressed the car to its limit spitting gravel and leaving Darryl in a pall of dust.

He is still the same old Lionel, thought Darryl, the life of the party as usual, still perhaps it was time we moved into the fast lane and began to live a little.