“Oh, sure. Everybody knows about the telegram that brought you all tearing back from Chinle. Did the well come in?”
“It.... We....” Sandy almost swallowed his Adam’s apple and his face went white under its tan. What on earth could he say?
Cavanaugh misunderstood the reason for his hesitation and lost his momentary advantage by rushing on.
“Oh, come on, son.” He pounded the boy’s shoulder with a great show of affection. “You don’t owe a thing to that old skinflint Hall. Give me the real lowdown on the well and I’ll make it very much worth your while.”
Sandy jerked away, his fists clenched in fury, but Kitty stepped quickly between him and his tormentor.
“Mr. Cavanaugh,” she said in a voice that dripped ice water, “you’re new around the oil regions, aren’t you?”
“What do you mean?” The electronics man pulled in his dimpled chin as though the girl had slapped him.
“Out here in the Southwest,” she said slowly, “folks don’t pry into other folks’ business if they know what’s good for them.”
“Well.... I.... You....” His face turned scarlet. “You can’t talk to me....”
“I can, and will.” Her black eyes flashed fire. “Your truck is trespassing on school property belonging to the state of Utah. Remove it at once!”