Page 82 of Midnight Ride

“Thanks, Eldon. You’re my man.”

Sheriff’s Office. Coyote Creek.

Travis rushed into the squad room with the dogs and asked Molly if she’d seen the new prisoner.

“I saw him when I gave Trevor/Steve Oliver his breakfast. He seems to be hurt. Does he need medical care?”

“Possibly,” said Travis. “I’ll take care of it later. What time is Oliver’s arraignment?”

“Nine-thirty,” said Molly. She leaned closer and said in a whisper, “The federal agents are going to the arraignment, and then I believe they’re going back to Helena.”

“Fantastic news.”

“Nothing on Tammy?”

“Exhausted every lead we had, Molly.”

“Did you call her mama?”

“I had to.”

“I’m sure Annie will be arriving shortly from Texas,” said Molly.

Travis pulled out his phone and checked for a text and it was there. “Yes. She’s landing at four.”

“She’ll have some insight,” said Molly. “She runs a crime squad in Austin.”

Travis nodded. “I could use the support, Molly. I’m about done on my own.”

“I can see the stress on your face, Travis. Should you use federal assistance if this is a genuine kidnapping?”

“It was genuine, Molly. But Tammy got away.”

“From the man in the run?”

“Yes. She’s free from him, but not coming home and that’s what me and the boys can’t figure out. We don’t know what she’s doing or thinking.”

“Perhaps Annie can help when she gets here tonight.”

“I’m putting my faith in her, Molly. She’s my last hope…and my best one.”

Harrison County Courthouse. Coyote Creek.

Agents McBain and Chapman followed us to the courthouse and took seats inside while we handed Steve (a.k.a. Trevor) Oliver off to the bailiff at the back door.

When his case was called, Steve’s lawyer had joined him, and they stood together in front of the judge to enter the plea.

The clerk read the charges. Murder in the first degree. Four counts. Conspiracy to commit murder. Four counts. Stalking, sexual abuse and a whole lot of other charges Billy added to the list for good measure.

“Do you understand the charges against you, Mister Oliver?” asked the Judge.

“I do.”

“How do you plead to the charges, sir?”

“Not guilty.”

What a surprise. Everybody’s favorite plea.

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