Page 40 of Silos and Sabotage

“The thought crossed my mind,” the sheriff admitted, “but my gut says it’s more than that. We left your passenger out of the official report, and he hasn’t said one word to indicate he’s even aware you had a passenger. His sole aim appears to be getting face time with you.”

“Interesting,” Gage mused.

“I thought so, too.” Luke cleared his throat. “I offered to set up an appointment here at the police department, but he said a simple thank you didn’t qualify as official police business. Told him I’d let you know that he’s requesting to meet you.”

“Appreciate the heads up.” Creston Bolander didn’t strike Gage as a fellow who took no for an answer. If he wanted to speak to someone, he’d find a way. Until that happened, Gage intended to remain focused on the case. “Did you ever figure out how his unmanned truck almost plowed into me?”

“We’re still investigating it, but I can tell you this.” The sheriff’s voice grew hard. “A cinder block was resting on the gas pedal, and the steering wheel was jammed into place. My theory is that someone drove the truck to the crash site, sabotaged it, then escaped through the passenger door. We found skid marks where a four-wheeler took off.”

“Foul play, then.” Gage wasn’t surprised to hear it.

“Definitely foul play,” the sheriff agreed.

“Any fingerprints in the cab?” Gage pressed.

“Lots of ‘em,” Luke affirmed. “It was a company truck. We’re following every lead, and Creston Bolander is cooperating.”

Either that, or Mr. Bolander was only pretending to cooperate. Gage was reserving the right to question everything and everyone at this point. “Did any of the fingerprints belong to Billy Bob?”

“Nope.”

Gage felt a stab of disappointment. “He could’ve worn gloves.”

“We’re not ruling anyone out yet,” the sheriff assured. “In the meantime, it might not hurt to go ahead and give Creston Bolander a few minutes of your time.”

“In other words, don’t wait for him to call me, eh?”

“Something like that.” Though Luke sounded amused, Gage was betting he wouldn’t be pushing for such a meeting if he thought it would be a waste of time.

“Fine. I’ll set it up,” he acquiesced. “After I run it past Gil, of course.”

“Already did,” the sheriff drawled.

Of course, you did.The two of them were as thick as thieves. “Why am I not surprised?”

“Gil has been my mentor for years, and now he’s yours,” Luke retorted mildly. “Trust me. You’re very fortunate.”

“Agreed.”

“The appointment between you and Creston Bolander will take place this afternoon,” the sheriff continued in a sly voice. “In your office at Lonestar.”

Gage snorted. “You’re a funny guy.”

“I can be,” Luke agreed. “But I happen to be serious this time. Three o’clock sharp. Bolander wants to speak with you and you alone. No witnesses and no recordings.”

“It’s starting to sound like more than a simple thank you.” Gage wondered if his digging into the Bolanders’ background was what had gotten him on the guy’s radar. It probably wasn’t a good thing.

“Yep.” The sheriff sounded grim. “So put on your game face and stay sharp.”

“Will do.” Gage burned with curiosity and no small amount of foreboding. “Did he say if he was coming alone?”

“Nope, but there’s only one person I can imagine him bringing along.”

Gage’s mind raced through the likeliest possibilities. “His older son?”

“Yep. The one that’s named after him. They call him by his middle name, Raleigh, to avoid any confusion. Hey, uh…” There was a murmur of voices in the background. “Gotta run, but good luck.”

Gage lowered his phone, knowing he was going to need more than luck for the upcoming meeting. He glanced around his sparsely furnished office that he’d never gotten around to decorating, trying to see it through a visitor’s eyes.

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