Page 52 of High Density

Agent Wilcox had to drill out the basic back door lock in order to get into the clinic, but apparently Janey hadn’t even noticed. Her eyes had been fixed on me.

I give her smaller hand in mine a squeeze.

“Done,” Bo rumbles, clapping me on the shoulder. “Take a couple of ibuprofen for the headache and you need someone to check on you from time to time. I’d tell you not to wash your hair or wear your hat for a couple of days, but I won’t bother since I already know you’re gonna do whatever the hell you want anyway.”

I let go of Janey and get to my feet, ignoring the brief wave of dizziness as I bump his fist.

“Appreciate it.”

“Anytime.” Then he turns to Janey with his signature grin. “Stay safe, Doc, and call me if this idiot steps out of line.”

I have no trouble identifying myself as the idiot in question. Bo likes to tease, rattle cages, but I think I’ve been rattled enough for today, because I don’t even react.

“I should let the dog out and call my assistant,” Janey announces. “And you should come with me, so I can feed you and give you something for the pain.”

I’m not going to argue that, my head is throbbing and, although I’m not hungry, I could probably do with something in my stomach.

“There’s one bedroom and a small bathroom with a shower in the barn, through that door,” she points out to the agents. “You’re welcome to use them.”

Then she takes my hand in hers and leads me to the door.

I follow willingly.

Chapter Sixteen

JD

I stiflea yawn as I watch Janey and Logan try to control a squealing pig.

The unfortunate young animal was injured in his attempts to evade a crowd of seven-and eight-year-olds trying to catch him in this morning’s main event—pig wrangling.

Pig wrangling always draws a good crowd. The event takes place in several rounds, each of which sees a slightly older group of children try to catch a slightly bigger, greased pig. The kid who catches the pig, gets to keep it.

I remember being ten or eleven and winning one of these at the Lake County fair on the Flathead Reservation near Polson, when we were still living near there. At the time, Pa was on active duty and stationed out of a base near Seattle, but with two young kids, Ma opted to stay closer to the reservation where she had the support of her family. There’d been some lean years, and I recall feeling like a hero when I was able to catch that pig for my family.

Another yawn has me shielding my mouth with a hand.

I didn’t sleep that much last night, and not because of any fun activities. Even if I’d been in any condition for those, Janey would’ve shut me down in a hurry.

Instead, I was lying awake half the night, wracking my brain to try and remember any little detail that might help identify who the hell blindsided me behind the auction arena. Then, when I’d finally exhaust myself and doze off, Janey would wake me to make sure I was still alive.

All in all, a rather restless night, leaving me seriously sleep deprived. The persistent headache isn’t helping much, and I’ve already downed more than my quota of painkillers. It’s going to be a long-ass day.

But you won’t hear me complaining, at least not out loud. Janey didn’t want me to come in the first place, insisted I stay at her place and rest, but that was not an option. To my surprise, Stephanie Kramer agreed with me. She pointed out that whoever was responsible might show a reaction when they see me up and around.

Janey isn’t too pleased though, and has been giving me a bit of a cold shoulder ever since.

“James Dean!”

I turn my head at the sound of my mother’s voice. She’s marching straight for me, a stern expression on her face.

“What the heck are you doing here, Ma?”

“Been waiting for you to get your head outta your ass and call your mother, but we both know that wasn’t happening.”

“Geeze, Ma. I was giving you some time.”

She plants her hands on her hips and tilts her head. “Lemme guess, your father’s suggestion?”

---