Page 55

Staying in the shadows, we quietly moved to the door of the bunkhouse. A lot of noise was coming from inside and made me think the boys were having a few beers after a hard day rustling horses.

When we were in position at the door, I gave a nod to Harlan, opened the door, and walked right in with my gun in my hand.

Only took a second to sort him out. I pointed my Sig at the guy with his leg propped up and a pair of crutches next to him.

“Let’s go, buddy. You’re under arrest for rustling wild horses and resisting arrest. Who was the guy with you that I didn’t shoot?”

I hoped when I asked my question that the shot guy would glance in the direction of the guy who’d been with him, but he didn’t turn his head and didn’t even blink.

Harlan cuffed the guy with the wounded leg and handed him his crutches. We hauled him outside amid a lot of yelling and cursing and threats of payback from the other hired hands.

They followed us outside and I figured they might start a fight to defend their buddy, but they didn’t. Best for them not to push me too hard.

Next stop was Hannah’s house. I banged on the door and when she opened it, I smiled at her.

“Hannah Hargrove, you are under arrest for aiding and abetting a fugitive.”

“You are such an asshole, Travis. I want a lawyer.”

“I bet you do. You knew I’d be back, Hannah.” I cuffed her and sat her down on her own porch steps beside the shot guy.

We sat on the top step for ten minutes while Harlan rode the bike down the road to our ranch and picked up the Bronco. Just long enough for me to have a smoke.

Sheriff’s Office. Coyote Creek.

It was late and we were beat after making another trip to the station. Not bothering with the bookings, we locked up Hannah and her hired hand. I locked the run and the back door of the station and called it a night.

On the way home Harlan mumbled, “We should be bringing all her guys in.”

“Yep. Let’s save that for when Annie-girl gets here, and we have some backup.”

Harlan laughed. “Your wife gonna give us protection?”

“That’s what she does, Harlan. She’s in the protection business.”

“Who’s she protecting?”

“Can’t tell you. It’s classified.”

Harlan laughed.

Chapter Twelve

Friday, June 1st.

Wild Stallion Ranch.

The house was spotless, thanks to Tina and the hundred bucks I paid her. It looked and smelled so good Harlan and I didn’t want to touch anything. Laundry was done and beds made. I still hadn’t figured out where everybody was going to sleep, but I’d worry about that later.

“The house looks pretty nice.” Harlan sniffed the air. “Smells nice too. What’s that cleaner she uses?”

“Umm…I saw it in her hand one day when she was cleaning the cells, and it was purple.”

“Yeah, purple. That makes sense. Smells like lilacs. You got a list for the market?”

I laughed. “You know I don’t. You’ve been with me every minute. Did you see me writing anything down?”

Harlan chuckled. “Nope.”