Page 43 of Midnight Ride

“Ted and Virge, I want you to go back to the spot where Warden Tucker was attacked and see if you can find Jimmy Tucker. When you find him, take him home or to the hospital and tell him to stay there and let us do our jobs.”

“Copy that,” said Ted.

Before leaving, Tammy ran back and told Billy to take care of Travis.

Billy laughed. “I’ve got it, Tam. No worries.”

Boundary Road.

Virge rolled down his window and lit up a smoke as Ted drove. “You think we’ll find the game warden’s husband, Ted? Why would he go back there when he knows the assholes who did it are long gone?”

“He’s upset about his wife and he’s trying to pull it together. That’s my guess.”

“Okay. I didn’t think about that.”

Ted parked the squad on the shoulder of Boundary Road close to where they’d parked the last time they were there.

“That Jimmy Tucker’s truck?” asked Virge.

“Probably is,” said Ted. He and Virge leashed the dogs and set off into the thick woods.

Well into the bush, Virge asked, “Can we let the dogs run loose, Ted? They want to run.”

“Guess it won’t hurt. Don’t smell no campfires close.”

“If the guys who hurt the game warden vacated this area, they’ll be miles from here by now—if they’ve got half a brain.”

“Yeah, they won’t be hanging around here waiting to get caught,” said Ted. “Boss is worried that they’re the same guys Miss Tammy was liking at the roadhouse.”

“You mean like Bobby Ray and his buddies from Arkansas? Those guys?”

Ted shrugged. “Boss is thinking on them, Virge.”

“Shit. He say that out loud?”

“Said it to me.”

“Damn it, Ted. Tammy likes that Bobby Ray guy. If he turns out to be a warden beater and a raper, she ain’t gonna take that lightly.”

“She won’t, but it might not be them. Might be a different camp of guys and not them at all.”

“Hope so. I hate it when my sister cries.”

The dogs ran on ahead and disappeared from sight. It wasn’t long before they were both barking somewhere in the distance.

When Ted and Virge caught up to the dogs, they found Jimmy Tucker sitting on the ground under the tree where his wife had been strung up. Ted used his best cheerful voice. “Hey, there you are Jimmy. Time to go home. Linda’s waiting for you to come to the hospital and take her home.”

Jimmy looked up and his eyes were red-rimmed from crying. “Yeah, you’re right, Ted. I’d better get back to the hospital.”

“You’ve been out here for a couple of days, Jim. Long enough to get it out of your system. Time to wind it up.” Ted pulled Jimmy to his feet.

“You find them yet?” asked Jimmy.

“Working on it.” Ted held onto Jimmy’s arm and got him walking the first few steps.

Virge gave Max and Sarge each a biscuit for finding Jimmy Tucker.

When they got to the road, Ted pointed at the squad. “Virge, take the dogs and follow me to the hospital. I’ll drive Jim’s truck. Meet you there.”

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