Page 46 of Final Ride

Sheriff’s Office. Coyote Creek.

Just like Virge said at breakfast, as soon as we got to the station, he and Molly got to work on the employee names.

“We were on surveillance last night at the Big Bear, Molly, and me and Harlan scouted out all the employees working on that shift who had an ex-con look to them. These are the ones we need run through the database to see if they have records.”

“I don’t think the casino would hire ex-cons, dear. Not with all that money lying around. Too much of a temptation.”

“Billy said the same thing, but Dad said we’d run them anyway.”

“Okay,” said Molly. “Let’s see if we can catch a live one, Virgil.” She laughed.

Virge pulled a stool up next to Molly’s desk and watched her screen. After about half an hour of doing one after the other they caught a girl.

“Got one, Harlan. Come see.”

I ran over from my desk on the other side of the squad room and Virge was writing down an address belonging to Susan Mannington. “She lives in Shelby, Billy. Your hometown.”

“Doesn’t mean I know her, Virge. Give your head a shake.”

“Harlan, keep going on the names with Molly. Me and Billy are going to Shelby to talk to Susie-Q.”

Travis laughed. “Go get her, Virge.”

Billy shook his head. “I’m not sure about this, Travis. The girl might have only made one mistake and now she’s just doing her job and trying to make a living.”

Travis hollered from the door of the break room, “Molly, what did Susan do time for?”

“Let me check, dear. Here it is. Armed robbery of a convenience store.”

“Bingo,”said Ted. “Hope I catch another live one at the store today.”

“Call if you get something hot, Ted,” said Travis. “Your day will be long and boring. Make sure you take time for lunch at the diner.”

“Copy that, boss.”

Mannington Residence. Shelby.

Billy knocked on the door and a tall guy answered. He stared at their uniforms and his smile vanished. “Help you, Sheriff?”

“Does Susan Mannington live here?”

“She does. I’ll get her for you. Hang on a sec.”

A woman came to the door. Short, dark hair. Early thirties. Scar on her cheek. Cigarette in her mouth. “What’s up, Sheriff?”

“Can we come in and talk to you for a minute, Susan?”

She stepped out and closed the door behind her. “Better if we talk out here. My brother doesn’t need to know my private business.”

“That was your brother?”

“Yep. My brother Matt. What do you want to see me about? I’m not on parole any longer. Been clean and on my own for two years now.”

“There was an armed robbery in Cut Bank a couple of daysago, and we’re checking everyone in the county with a record,” said Billy. “Routine check. That’s all it is.”

Susan laughed, but her voice was a little shaky. “I ain’t robbed any stores, Sheriff. I’m living the quiet life now, like I told you.”

“What does your brother, Matt, do for a living?” asked Billy.

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