Page 38 of Midnight Ride

“Oh, I have a pretty good idea who it was.”

“Who?” Alison Oliver put her hands on her hips and gave Travis her toughest look. Laughable at best. “I have a right to know who the murderer was.”

“You’ll be advised as soon as I make an arrest, ma’am. Y’all have phones over there in Idaho?”

“Of course we have phones, Sheriff. How soon will you be making an arrest?”

“Sooner the better.”

“If it’s going to be today, Trevor and I will spend another night at the Inn. We’ve found the Inn is the most civilized place in this town.”

“Yes, ma’am. Miss Best runs a fine establishment, but I believe it’s time for y’all to go on home and hold a proper funeral for your departed family member. Steve has been on ice in our morgue for a record-breaking length of time.”

“I’ll be calling from time to time to check on your progress, Sheriff. In my opinion, I don’t think this is a murder or murders you can solve.” She smiled. “You may have to call in someone with more expertise to give you a helping hand.”

“That’s a dandy idea, Alison.” Travis turned to Molly who was listening to the conversation. “Molly, take a note of that suggestion.”

“Got it, Sheriff.”

“I may show up in Pocatello if I feel the need,” said Travis.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” asked Trevor.

“It means if I find the slightest trace of evidence that you or Alison here had anything to do with Steve Oliver’s death, I will show up on your doorstep and put you in handcuffs.”

“Don’t threaten me, Sheriff,” said Alison. “I don’t take threats lightly.”

“Neither do I, ma’am. And if I found out somebody was playing me,” Travis chuckled, “you wouldn’t want to hear about what happened to them.”

The Olivers left and Molly seemed glad to see them go. “I’m not fond of that woman, or her brother-in-law boyfriend. That is downright creepy.”

“Wouldn’t want her to be my mama,” said Tammy. “I’d run into the woods and hide like the twins are doing.”

“Huh.” Travis turned and stared at Tammy. “Do you think that could be it?”

“What?” asked Molly.

“We’re looking at this wrong. It’s the mother the twins are afraid of and the guys with them are trying to protect them from their mother.”

“Oh, I don’t know, Travis.” Molly seemed skeptical. “Possible, I guess.”

“Tammy, take the pickup and follow the Olivers. See if they do go to the interstate and head home or if they don’t leave town at all.”

“Copy that, Daddy.” Tammy caught the keys Travis tossed her and ran out the back door.

Travis was pulling out in the Bronco when Harlan and Virge came back from the courthouse.

Harlan hollered out the window. “He made bail, and his wife picked him up.”

Travis gave the boys a thumbs up and headed for the hospital.

Cut Bank Hospital.

Linda Tucker stared at Travis as he crossed the room to her bed. Her blue eyes were wide open and focused on him like she was trying to think of his name.

“Linda, you’re awake. That’s good news.”

“Sheriff, Jimmy said you were in to see me yesterday.”

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