Page 76 of Cougar Point

“Dreams can do that,” I say. “But you can’t make decisions based on a dream, Rebecca.”Like hell we can’t.

Ronnie says, “I called the jail and Duke is still missing. A judge is issuing a warrant for his arrest. I looked into Thundercloud this morning. He’s living in Bellingham. Guess where?”

Here we go. “Ronnie, I’ve only had half a cup of coffee.”

“Sorry. I checked with the post office and the address he’s using is the same as Missy’s. They are living in her mother’s house. If we can’t find Duke or Uncle Vinnie, we can go to Bellingham and see what those two have to say.”

I suck down the rest of the mug and pour another. I hold up a finger to shush Ronnie. Rebecca grins and says, “Ronnie said you were a bear in the morning. You remind me of Dad. He’s unapproachable until he’s loaded with caffeine. Then he’s just hard to approach.”

Ronnie nods. “He gets in his own world for sure. He’s usually up before us. I’ll see if he wants to join us.”

Jack comes into the kitchen and says, “Not necessary. I smelled the coffee.”

Rebecca pours another mug and hands it to him.

“And don’t believe everything these two tell you. I’m not unapproachable. They are.”

Rebecca asks, “Do you want me to make some breakfast?”

I’m hungry but Jack says, “Let’s not take the chance.”

“I can make eggs and toast,” Rebecca says defensively.

“You can’t even find them,” Ronnie teases.

Rebecca makes a face at her. What they’re going through has a way of dividing a family or bringing them closer together. It’s good to see them at least reacting to each other in a positive way. Even if it’s making fun.

Jack asks, “What is this Thundercloud I heard you talking about?”

“Not what,” Rebecca says. “Who. He worked at the resort.”

“I seem to recall a guy named Thundercloud from a long time back,” Jack says. “Now I remember. He helped blackmail someone who works at the resort. That was a mess. What’s he done? Is he involved with this?”

I tell him what we know about Roger and the connection between Missy and Duke and Thundercloud.

“It wasn’t Lucas’s place to tell you about Roger,” Jack says.

Too late.

“So Vinnie is involved with these people?” Jack asks.

I say, “We can’t prove anything.”

“Have you discussed this with Sergeant Lucas?” Jack asks.

“Lucas is the one that told us,” I say. “Duke, the trusty from the jail, is missing. Lucas is trying to track him down.”

Jack looks frustrated. “I can’t believe they would let a felon just walk around outside. He should stay behind bars.”

My take exactly, but I say, “They said it’s not unusual for a trusty to be missing for a while but they have a warrant out for his arrest. I’m sure Lucas will find him.” I’m not sure at all.

Jack surprises me by saying, “You and Ronnie should find Duke. If Lucas finds him, he may not tell you. I’m glad Rebecca called you.”

Ronnie beams a short-lived smile when Jack adds, “Don’t let it go to your head, honey.”

Just when I was starting to like this asshole.

I say, “I want to run an idea by you, Jack.” Actually I’m going to do it whether he agrees or not. “If we find Vinnie, I want to bring him here.”

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