Page 61 of Stormy Ride

I handed my phone to him while I gave the girl on cash my credit card.

Butch, the box boy, loaded all of my boxes and cases of beer onto his big blue cart and wheeled all of it out to the squad. I introduced Harlan. The boys loaded the hatch with our purchases, and I handed Butch five bucks for his trouble.

As we drove to the ranch with the siren on—so I didn’t have to watch the speed limit—I told Harlan, “I’ll give you an allowance so you can buy your own smokes and whatever else you want.”

“Do I need it? You pay for everything already.”

“The last couple of days I’ve been working you pretty hard.”

“Does Tammy get an allowance?”

“No. I buy her what she wants. She never asks for much for herself. She just puts it on the list on the fridge.”

“Okay. I want to be the same as her,” said Harlan.

“Okay. Same as Tammy. I’m good either way. You want something bigger, like a laptop or shit like that, I’m good for it.”

“You would buy me a laptop?”

“Course, I would.”

Wild Stallion Ranch.

Harlan and I hauled the groceries in and put all the bags and boxes in front of the pantry. “Sorry we’re a bit late. Got hung up at the grocery store.”

Harlan rolled his eyes and didn’t mention Olivia.

“Just put away the stuff that needs to go in the fridge and I’ll do the rest later,” said Tammy. “Dinner is ready. I’m trying out my pie making on you guys. Mama taught me how to make pies and I’ve been practicing.”

“I love pie,” said Harlan. “What kind did you make?”

“My favorite one that Mama taught me. Banana butterscotch.”

“Never had it,” said Harlan, “but I’m keen to try it.”

Chapter Twelve

Saturday, April 30th.

Wild Stallion Ranch.

At breakfast Harlan wanted to talk about surveillance on the Hubbard trailer and Billy was all for doing it himself. I argued against it and seemed to be losing. Before I knew what was happening, Billy and Tammy were going to do it during the day, and Harlan and I would take the late shift.

I refilled my coffee and was about to sit down at the table when a county department number showed up on my cell.

“Sheriff Frost.”

“Good morning, Sheriff. This is Haley Drayton, and I realize it’s the weekend, but that’s exactly why I thought it might be a good time for me to come to your ranch and pay Harlan a visit. Do you have a time that works for you?”

I mouthed the wordssocial workerto Harlan, and he scowled. “How about eleven?”

Harlan shrugged.

“Eleven is perfect for me, Sheriff. I’ll see you then.”

“Do you need directions, Miss Drayton?”

“No thanks. I’ll find your ranch.”

---