Page 37 of Stormy Ride

“Yep, you got it.”

“Coming up on the right we’ve got several choices,” I said. “I’m taking this exit so pick something.”

“Taco Bell,” said Harlan without hesitation.

“Billy?”

“I’m okay with Taco Bell. Don’t care.”

I got in line and Harlan hollered out what he wanted. Probably in juvie and in multiple foster homes, he’d learned to be aggressive.

“Steak burrito and a Coke,” said Billy.

I put in our order and paid for it, then moved to the next window. When we got our bags of food, the dogs whined when they smelled the meat.

“Don’t you feed your dogs?”

“Yeah, I do. They smell meat but I don’t let them beg for people food. Reach into the glove box and get them each a biscuit.”

Harlan moved my extra gun out of the way and grabbed two biscuits. He turned around and gave one to Max and then Sarge. “They got names?”

“Max and Sarge.”

He nodded and went back to eating his burrito.

Wild Stallion Ranch.

“Here we are, guys.” I shut the engine down and Harlan grabbed for the door handle. “Before you jump out, Harlan, I’m gonna tell you one thing. You run, I find you and your parole is violated. That means you do another year in the detention center. Billy and I will treat you good and take care of you. You got no reason to run from us.”

He nodded and jumped out, then opened the back door of the truck, and let the dogs out.

“What do you think?” asked Billy.

“Give him some time,” I said. “Tammy was skittish when I first got her. Remember?”

“Yeah, I remember. Wish we had her here. If we did, that kid would never run away.”

“That another one of your good ideas?”

“Sounded good, didn’t it?”

“Damned good. I miss her so fuckin much.”

“Make a call.”

“She loves her Mama too.”

“True, but she’s missing you. I’d bet on it.”

“I’ll call. First, let’s get you into the house. I’ll get the crutches and get the door open.”

“These his crutches in the back?” asked Harlan.

“Yep.”

“I got them.” He stood at Billy’s door and held the crutches until Billy got standing up.

“How many pins you got holding your leg together?”

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