Page 29 of Stormy Ride

“That’s okay. I didn’t expect you would. Please be cautious if they happen to come back, and don’t go out to talk to them without a shotgun in your hand.”

“Got it, Sheriff. I’ll be careful. Hope you catch them soon.”

“You and me both. The Cut Bank paper is going to publish the poster and an article tomorrow and that may get us more sightings. What I need is the tag and I’ve got highway patrol looking, but nothing yet.”

“The more people who are looking, the better.”

“That’s what I’m thinking, Larry. Thanks for the call.”

I hung up the landline and called Wyatt Thompson on my cell.

“Travis?”

“Am I too late to add something?”

“Nope. I’m working on the final draft right now.”

“Okay, I had another sighting of the truck and trailer so you could say,the truck and trailer in question has been seen at ranches east of Shelby and north of Ethridge. And then give my number to call. I’m setting up a grid here in the office.”

“Got it. Great stuff. I’ll add that right now. Shows where they’ve been looking for targets, and it’ll put the ranchers on alert.”

“Thanks, Wyatt.”

Dry Run Roadhouse.

I spent the day at the office trying to get a handle on the work that was too much for one person. When my brain stopped working, I locked up the station, woke up the dogs and headed for the roadhouse.

I plopped down on my usual stool and Jack took one look at me, filled a pitcher with Miller and he also brought me a shot of tequila. One of those days.

“What the hell is wrong with you?”

“Just one more thing I fucked up, Jack. I can’t get anything right.”

“Sure, you can. You’re fantastic at your job.”

“Way behind there. I spent all day at the station trying to get caught up.”

Jack poured me another shot of tequila and I tossed it back. He set the bottle next to me.

“Have you eaten today?”

“Can’t remember.”

“That means you haven’t. I’m going to order food for you.” He disappeared into the kitchen and while Jack was gone, I saw Marilyn Pellegrino come in and walk past the bar looking for a place to sit.

Jack returned, waited on a couple more customers, and said, “Your special will be ready in five minutes.”

“Thanks. I feel like shit. Maybe I do need to eat.”

“Want to tell me?”

I nodded. “Olivia is screwing around with the bank manager, and I didn’t know.”

Jack made a face. “Can’t see that happening.”

I shrugged. “I’m standing down.”

“You sure?”

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