Page 57 of JoyRide

“Probably, but if we don’t get anything, at least we tried. From the hospital, it’s not far to the market. We’ll go see Travis and Harlan first.”

Cut Bank Hospital.

Ted left the strobes turning when he parked at the hospital entrance, and we ran inside to visit Harlan and then Travis.

I ran up to the ICU first and Harlan was awake. His breakfast tray was empty on the rolly table, so I figured he was feeling well enough to eat.

“Hey, Tammy. You get the other two guys?”

“Taking the dogs to the store next.”

“They’ll be gone, but the dogs will show you where they went. Maybe they stole another pickup. Wouldn’t be surprised.”

“Never got a call for another stolen. Molly would’ve told me.”

“Virgil okay?”

“Mean as piss when I left the house this morning.”

Harlan smiled. “I might have to show him a few of the house rules before Travis gets home. Might not work out well for him if he pisses Dad off.”

“Sure won’t. Doctor say when you can go?”

“Tomorrow, but no work until next week.”

“That’s okay. You can stay at the ranch with Virge until Monday. It’ll work out.”

“What about the arraignments? You and Ted take the prisoners?”

“Yep. All made bail but the two bikers. They had outstanding warrants and we got them back.”

“Shit.”

“Yeah, shit.” I laughed. “Ted was pissed too.” I leaned down and hugged Harlan and kissed him when nobody was looking.

“Got to run up and see Dad and then take the dogs to the market.”

“Hope you have luck finding a trail.”

“Yeah, me too. Billy’s not hopeful.”

Travis was out of bed when I got to his room. “I’m coming home, Tammy. There is too goddamned much going on for you to handle.”

“Did the doctor say you could go?”

“No. Isaid I could go, and I informed the nurses I was signing myself out. Not much they can do about it.”

“You coming now with me and Ted?”

“That’s the general idea, girl. I can’t stay here another fuckin minute. Harlan will be out tomorrow and at least we’ll haveeverybody at home. That will be step one towards getting back to normal.”

“Okay, if you’re sure. Let’s roll.”

Travis grinned. “Roll me out of here, girl.”

We left the hospital with Travis riding in the back of the squad with the dogs. Kind of unexpected, but I was happy about it all the same. I wanted him home from the hospital. That was for sure. And Max and Sarge were crazed to see him. They were licking him all over his face.

“Want us to take you home before we start at the market?” I asked him.

---