His Last Rodeo. Claire McEwen

you have against him? What did he do to you? Is this about how he taught me to ride a bull?”

      His father flinched and Tyler knew his guess had some merit.

      But no way would his father admit it. “I’ve done nothing wrong. Garth Hayes retired with all the money that was due him. I met my obligation to him.”

      “You fired him for no good reason. The least you can do is give him a comfortable retirement. You can certainly afford it.”

      His father shook his head, his entire face drawn into a defensive mask. “You’re a businessman now, son. And you’ve got to learn to keep emotions out of your work if you’re going to have any success.”

      “If success means turning my back on the people who work for me, then I’ll take failure any day.” Tyler turned away from his father’s narrow worldview, shoulders aching from the tension. He started back through the barn, disappointment weighting his steps.

      “Tyler,” his father called.

      A flicker of hope rose in his heart, but sputtered as soon as Tyler saw the bitter line of his dad’s mouth.

      “You’ll see that I’m right.” His father clenched his fists at his sides as tightly as he’d clenched the warmth out of his soul. “The best thing you can do for your employees is to run a tight ship. Expect a lot from them, give them what they’re due and nothing more. Everyone will benefit.”

      “What I see is that you and I are different,” Tyler said. “And I don’t believe your view is one I want to live by.”

      He headed for his truck, refusing to look back again. He couldn’t control his father’s choices, but he could make amends. He’d find a way to repay Garth the debt his family owed him. That he personally owed him. And if he made Kit feel a little better about things in the process, well, that would ease his mind, too.