Page 24 of Final Ride

Chapter Six

Friday, July 26th.

Budget Inn. La Grange. Texas.

“I can’t believe how hot it is here, Dad,” said Virge.

“Not hot all the time. Only in the summer.”

I laughed. “Texas is hot, and Montana is freezing. We should live some place in the middle.”

“This is the middle,” said Travis. “I used to live down near the Mexican border at the bottom of Arizona. My place was so close to the line, I could sit on my back porch and look at Mexico.”

“You never mentioned living near Mexico before,” said Virge.

“Didn’t think of it.”

“Huh.” Virge had to think on that, and he made me laugh.

“Get showered and dressed, boys. We have a full day of ranch looking ahead of us. I’m going to call and see how Billy is doing at the station. I hope he and Ted don’t get new cases while we’re gone.”

“Ask him if he fed the horses,” said Virge.

“I am not asking him that. Billy won’t forget the horses, or anything else. He’s competent and totally accountable.”

“Wish Max and Sarge could talk on the phone. I miss them.”

“Get your ass in the shower, Virgil.”

Virge finally headed for the shower, Dad called Billy, and I texted Lucy while I had the chance.

“We’re looking at ranches today, then coming to your ranch for dinner.”

“I’m so happy y’all are in Texas.”

“Me too.”

“Pick a ranch close to us.”

“Try to.”

We were finished breakfast and drinking a second cup of coffee when Kevin Bennett came to pick us up.

Big grin on his face as we climbed into his SUV. “It’s going to be a great day for y’all. We’ll find y’all the perfect ranch.”

“Hope we can do it in one day,” said Travis. “I have a helluva lot to do at home to get ready for this move.”

“Moving ranches is a heavy chore,” said Kevin.

Holiday Inn. Washington. D.C.

“Our second day in the capital city, Tammy, and I have to say that yesterday was an uplifting experience. Just by being here and seeing all these historic buildings and monuments, my patriotism escalated by leaps and bounds.”

“I’m happy for you, Willy. I think mine stayed about the same.”

Willy laughed.

“This morning we’ll walk the mall and pass the reflecting pool and the good part of that is George and Gracie can come with us.”

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