Page 81 of River Ride

“Look at all those guys in uniform,” said Virgil. “I can’t believe so many of them turned out on a fuckin hot day like this.”

“Show of respect,” said Billy. “Cops do it too. Firefighters, as well.”

“Bikers,” mumbled Travis. “Thousands of bikers will turn out when one of their own has fallen.”

“You sound sad, Dad,” said Virge. “Did that happen to you?”

“Couple of times,” said Travis. “Long time ago.”

“Will you tell me about it sometime, Dad?” asked Virge in a whisper.

“Yeah, I might.”

Virge nodded and I knew he wouldn’t forget about it. My brother was always prodding Dad about his biker days. Seemed to fascinate him.

“After what happened to Joe, Linda and now Kody,” said Travis, “I’m convinced being a game warden is a helluva dangerous job.”

“Worse than being a cop?” I asked.

“Think about it, Harlan,” said Billy. “In hunting season, the wardens are checking the licenses and the count of drunk hunters who all have high-powered rifles in their hands. Usually they’re in pairs or in groups of four and that makes them even more dangerous. A terrible situation to walk into.”

“I see what you mean, Billy. Fuck that.”

After the lengthy, heart-wrenching service for young Kody, everyone moved to the reception room at the back of the funeral home.

The funeral director, Harry Burke, had seated Mrs. Kollard in an armchair in the corner of the room. Dozens of wardens in uniform were lined up to offer their condolences.

Travis figured they’d skip the lineup in favor of speaking to her at home in a few days when she was feeling better.

The big boss from Montana Fish and Wildlife, Oscar Fillmore, asked for a minute of Travis’s time and they moved into the hallway for a private conversation.

“Sheriff, what can you tell me about the men who murdered Kody?”

“We have the two young men responsible for Kody’s death in custody and we have enough evidence for the DA to support a solid case against them when we go to trial.”

Fillmore was a big guy. Six four. Gray buzz cut.

“I’d like to see them for myself, Sheriff Frost. I want to speak to the two boys who murdered one of my game wardens.”

“I’m afraid that’s not possible at our jail, sir. We have no visitation facilities. The boys will be transported to the county courthouse tomorrow morning for their arraignment, and you will be able to see them then. That’s the best I can do.”

“I see. You wouldn’t make an exception?”

“I’m sorry, I can’t let you into the run.”

“Do you think the boys will be freed on bail tomorrow, Sheriff?”

“I don’t. The Arnott boy will have an attorney with him, and I’m not sure if Trevor Carpenter will have legal representation. I’ve petitioned the DA’s office in Cut Bank to argue against bail for Trevor Carpenter in particular. He is the instigator in the murder, and I have strong suspicions that he may be guilty of other crimes as well. I just don’t have the evidence to charge him with the other felonies at this time.”

“He sounds like a bad one.”

“Indulged to the extreme by his doting father and this is where it led,” said Travis. “It will be up to the judge whether he feels bail is justified. I can’t predict what will happen tomorrow morning.”

“I thank you for your candor, Sheriff. Appreciate it, greatly.”

“Happy to help, sir.”

Wild Stallion Ranch.

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