Page 78 of Dark Side of the River

They said little on the drive up into the mountains to the fire tower. They used to come here as kids after getting someone to buy them a six-pack of cheap beer. They would sit on the top deck, legs dangling over, and take in the view as they talked about sports, girls, school, girls, horses and girls.

Tonight they climbed the winding stairs up to the top as they had done so many times before. The wind rocked the large nearby ponderosa pines, playing a melody in the branches that was both familiar and at the same time a little melancholy.

As they sat down on the deck, their legs dangling over the side, Stuart was painfully aware that they weren’t kids anymore. They weren’t worried about things that now felt so irrelevant. The issues in their lives felt huge, life changing, scary.

Cooper popped open one of the cans of beer he’d bought and handed it to him. He opened one for himself. “To us,” Cooper said, holding it up in a toast.

They touched cans and Stuart repeated, “To us,” and took a drink.

Stuart looked out at the valley now shaded in twilight. He still loved it here in the Powder River Basin. His father used to call it God’s country. He could never see himself leaving, even though he probably should.

“Charlotte’s having CJ flown out to a special hospital for neck injuries,” Stuart said, wanting to be the one to give him the news. Cooper said nothing. “I guess some would say he’s paying a hell of a price for what he did.”

His friend scoffed and shook his head. “Whatisthe price for almost killing both of your sisters?”

They fell silent again as if neither wanted to get into the bigger issues.

“Do you remember when Dixon Malone disappeared?” Cooper asked.

He looked over at him in surprise at the abrupt change of subject. “Not really. Why?”

“That license plate number Tilly had you run for her? Jason Murdock is a private eye from Billings. Apparently, he’s in town asking questions about Dixon Malone’s disappearance. Rumor is that he was hired by Dixon’s daughter from another marriage.”

“After all this time, huh.” Stuart took a gulp of his beer and sighed as he looked out at the growing night. “It’s always something, isn’t it.”

Cooper chuckled. “I thought that was why you became sheriff. For the excitement.”

“That and the money.” He watched lights blink on across the valley. “You thought any more about asking to have Leann’s case reopened?”

“I’ve thought about it. I haven’t changed my mind.”

Stuart nodded. “I can talk to the prosecutor. He’s going to be inundated by Charlotte’s attorneys for a while, but after the dust settles, I’m sure he’ll be happy to reopen it.”

They drank, listening to night fall around them. Stuart leaned against the log railing, feeling his age. He remembered his father one time saying he’d felt old in his thirties. But it had passed. Stuart hoped it passed soon, as he finished his beer and Cooper handed him another one.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

“BUTTERCUP.” ITWASthe first word Tilly said to him when she opened her eyes and saw Cooper sitting next to her hospital bed. He’d sneaked into her room after her mother had left to find her still sleeping, but he hadn’t wanted to wake her.

Buttercup? He fought the feeling of déjà vu since that was exactly what Oakley had said. He figured it was the drugs talking.

“Hello, beautiful.” She had scratches and abrasions on her face, a cast on her right arm, but he’d never seen a more wonderful sight than those green eyes of hers open. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m groggy, but I’m okay,” she said, returning his smile. “You heard about CJ?” He nodded. “I can’t believe he shot Oakley or that he’s hurt so badly after wrecking the pickup. Mother says not to worry, that she’s taking care of everything, including having him flown out to a special hospital.”

“I’m more worried about you,” he said.“Buttercup?”

“That’s what I’ve been dying to tell you.” They both cringed at her use of the worddying. “I was on my way to the hospital when CJ insisted he drive. Oakley had asked me to pick up her list of passwords. She can never remember them, so she kept them written down on a paper in her desk drawer at home. I promised not to look at them, but CJ was driving so crazy. I’d forgotten I even had the list.” She looked at him, took a breath. “Sorry, I’m rambling.” She motioned to the cup and pitcher next to her bed. He got her some water and helped her drink it.

“It’s all right. You should be resting.”

She shook her head as he put the cup back on her bedside table. “I looked down the list and saw the wordbuttercup. It’s one of her passwords.”

A password? “For what?”

“That I don’t know. You need to take the list to her. I think I stuffed it into my jacket pocket just seconds before the pickup rolled. I have no idea where my clothes are. Maybe a nurse has them.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll find the list and talk to Oakley. You just need to rest.” He leaned over and kissed her.

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