by T Marie Allman

Created on: June 17, 2009

From: "Return of the Sun"

Harry gave his unruly hair one last pat then appraised his reflection in the mirror. He was wearing a dark red oxford shirt with a tie decorated in brightly colored rainbow trout. The shirt was tucked into a pair of Levi's jeans and a brown leather belt held it all in place. The tie was a gift from his father a couple of Christmases ago. Harry didn't dress up often, but he liked to make sure he had some decent clothes just in case. Actually, Rich's parties were one time he consistently dressed well. At least, he thought to himself, I don't look like a complete hick. I'll give sheep ranchers everywhere a good name. He smiled at that then headed downstairs. It was nearly six o'clock. He would be a little late, but that was fine. At Rich and Cassie's soires, people trickled in at all hours of the night.

He was brewing some coffee for the road when Pip growled low in his throat. Harry had moved him downstairs for the night since Stan would probably spend the evening in the kitchen, burning wood in the woodstove in the corner and listening to the radio. Harry thought they would both like the company. A knock sounded at the door that swung open as Harry was saying, "Its open."

Stan entered carrying a sleeping bag and duffel. Harry had tried to convince Stan to use his own bed while Harry was out, but Stan had insisted that it was his own bed or the bag, nothing else.

"Don't you look nice," smiled Stan. "I didn't know you cleaned up so well."

Stan took his things into the living room and returned with a newspaper and a pair of reading glasses. He looked at Pip on his comfortable-looking doggie bed and nodded, "Hello, Pip." The dog whined in reply and thumped his tail, earning a few pats from Stan.

Stan sat at the kitchen table, thanking Harry for the cup of coffee set before him.

"Sorry I'm a bit late. I checked in with Sharon before I left so you'd have an update on those sheep of yours."

Harry turned from the counter where he was filling a stainless steel thermos with coffee, "Stan, you didn't have to do that."

"Well, I did. She told me the ones that survived are still alive and are gonna be ok. All of them. She did a couple of autopsies on the couple that didn't make it and said they died from a combination of internal injuries and drowning." Stan gave Harry a sympathetic look, "I'm truly sorry for your loss,

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