Page 78 of Longest Ride

Travis parked at the back of the station, and they brought Wyatt in through the sally port. “We can talk in the office,” said Travis, and he hollered for Billy.

“Are you going to explain to me what this is all about?” asked Wyatt.

“Paula Fleming was found dead in her home, and I happen to believe you have information on that.”

“Are you kidding me? Paula is dead? I never knew a thing about it until you told me one minute ago.”

“You’re not a convincing liar, Wyatt, and I also believe you know a lot more about the previous three murders up in Sunburst.”

“No, I don’t. I didn’t even know those three people. I want to call my attorney.”

“You’ll get your phone call after you’ve been booked.”

“You’re booking me?” hollered Wyatt. “On what charge? I can’t believe you would go this far, Travis.”

Travis smiled. “You have no idea how far I’m going with this, Wyatt. I’m barely getting started and it will be one hell of an eye opener for you when I’m done. It will be a story you can write while you sit on your weasel ass in your cell.”

“You’re not getting away with this, Travis. We don’t want a vigilante ex-biker sheriff in Harrison County.”

“A little too late for that, ain’t it?”

“My paper has a lot of influence in this county,” hollered Wyatt. “You have no idea of the power of the press.”

“And you have no idea who you’re dealing with, Wyatt the Weasel. Book him, Billy. Suspicion of murder and suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. Four counts.”

“Got it, boss.”

“Give his phone, wallet and any personal stuff to Molly and she’ll seal it up for him.”

“Copy that.”

Travis left Wyatt Thompson with Billy and stepped into the hallway and hollered, “Ted, you’re with me. We have more work to do.”

“Coming, boss.”

Perkins Residence. Sunburst Acres.

Next on the list was Tim Perkins up north of town in the trailer park. Tim worked nights so Travis figured he’d be at his trailer sleeping.

Ted parked the squad behind Tim’s pickup, and they walked into the trailer. Wasn’t locked. Total silence in the trailer except for Tim’s cat meowing for food.

Travis walked down the short hallway to Tim’s bedroom and rousted him out of a deep sleep. “Party time is over, Tim. Paula Fleming is dead and I’m taking you to the station for questioning.”

“What?” Tim was barely awake, and Travis felt a bit sorry for him. He wasn’t the strongest suspect, but he was definitely on the list.

“Paula Fleming is dead, Tim. You’re the one she was leaning heavily on at Harry’s funeral.”

“I wanted her to lean on me, Sheriff. I liked her a lot and I would never hurt her. You’ve got it all wrong.”

“You don’t seem surprised she’s dead, Tim. Explain that to me.”

“I am surprised…and sickened. Come on, Sheriff, I was sound asleep. Give me a fuckin minute.”

“Take a minute,” said Travis.

Tim sucked in some oxygen then looked Travis in the eye, “I was trying to get something going with her and it was going pretty well. At least, I thought it was.”

“When we get to the station, you can straighten me out, Tim. I’m looking forward to our little chat.”

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