Page 92 of Lawless Ride

“Really?”

“Sure. You were working way past midnight.” I ordered a cheeseburger and fries when Maryanne came back with our drinks and then unloaded the horse rustling story ending with Harlan’s kidnapping.

He recorded my story because it was so long, and he was afraid of missing important details. I wasn’t keen on beingrecorded, but I made an exception because it was too much for him to write down.

“Wow, that’s a story, Travis. How’s Harlan?”

“He’s sick this morning. The drug made him sick.”

“Give him my best,” said Wyatt. “He’s such a good kid.”

I nodded.

“Anything new on the Boyd Construction murders?”

“We have the gun matching the bullet that Doctor Olson dug out of Ray Dangerfield’s head. Definitely have the murder weapon. That’s a positive step.”

Wyatt made notes.

“I have a suspect in custody, and I was fairly sure I had the right person, but then I got a call from the DA’s office with new information. That call is causing me to have second thoughts. I can’t discuss the suspect at this time. Possibly tomorrow, I’ll have more evidence.”

“Okay. You’re making progress on the construction murders and the rustler story is a great one. Thanks so much, Travis. You made my day.”

“Through my investigation, I heard you used to fool around with Glenda Crandall.”

“Ancient history,” said Wyatt. “Before I got married. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t bring that relationship to light. Turned out to be a huge mistake.”

“I can see that being true.”

Twin Fashion. Shelby.

Brenda Crandall was busy in her little store with customers when Ted and I arrived. She took a moment to give me a sour look, then turned away and went back to her customers.

The ladies left with their purchases, and I followed them to the door and locked it. I pulled down the blind and went back to Brenda.

“Hey, what are you doing? You can’t close my store.”

“Listen to me, Brenda. The ballistics report came back on the gun that killed Ray Dangerfield and it is registered to you. The murder weapon belongs to you, Brenda.”

“Glenda borrowed it.”

“When?”

“Last week.”

“Uh huh. I’d like you to come to the station with us, Brenda. There’s conflicting information between your story and your sister’s. We need to sort it all out.”

“She killed Ray. It wasn’t me.”

“We’re going to talk about this a lot more at the station. You’re coming with us, Brenda. Cuffs or no cuffs? Your choice.”

“No cuffs. Wait until I get my purse.”

“I’ll go with you. Where’s your purse?”

“Under the counter.”

Brenda ducked back behind the counter and Ted yelled, “Look out.”

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