Page 70 of Luke

“I am.”

“Mr. Waters, I was told you’re an acquaintance of Frederick Hancock, Jr.”

Waters laughed. “Used to be. I haven’t talked to him in months.”

Luke snapped the retainer button, leaned back against the front of his truck, folded his arms, and tilted his head.

“What was the last conversation about you had with him?”

“Look Mr.—”

“Agent,”Luke said.

“Agent. Hancock is a dick. He’s got a mean streak in him. I got tired of his bullshit.”

“Was that before or after he asked you for money?”

Waters’ eyes widened. “How did you know he asked me for money?”

“That doesn’t matter. What does matter is, I think when you suggested his father’s horses were worth a lot of money, he took it as a way out of his gambling debts.”

“Are you shitting me?”

“I have to prove it, but his father’s horses were stolen. Fifteen of them were taken from his property, and I mean to find them and arrest who stole them.”

“Son of a bitch. Come on in, Agent. Let’s have a chat.”

“Thank you.” Luke followed the man inside.

A woman came into the living room and her eyes widened atthe sight of his gun.

“Sharon, this is Agent Luke McCallister with the livestock department. He wants to talk with me about Hancock.”

“Junior?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“I hope that crazy son of a bitch gets what’s coming to him. What he did to Maggie was despicable.”

“The agent thinks he stole his father’s horses for money.”

Mrs. Waters gazed at her husband and then at Luke before bursting into laughter.

“I’m not surprised. You talked to Maggie, didn’t you?”

“Yes, ma’am. She told me about Hancock asking you for money and how Mr. Waters mentioned his father’s horses being valuable.”

“It was just a joke, Agent. I wanted him out of our hair. I can’t stand a man who abuses women, children, or animals. And as a livestock agent, I’m sure you feel the same way.”

“Yes, sir, I do.”

“Can I get you a cup of coffee?” Mrs. Waters offered.

“I would appreciate that, if it’s not too much trouble.”

“Please have a seat,” Waters said.

Luke took off his hat and sat in a wingback chair while Waters settled on the sofa.

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