Page 45 of Nomad

“You drinkin’ on the job?” Brant asked.

Russ gave him a look. “Somebody don’t like it. They can call the Rangers.”

Brant laughed and shook his head. “Yeah. Like that’s happenin’.”

They sat down on the picnic bench furthest away from the truck and other benches. If they talked in conversational tones, it would be private enough.

“This about your boy?” Russell asked. Brant nodded as he took half a taco in a single bite. “Heard he went across even with shots fired in the air and orders to stop. Left a dually in the middle of the river, but when we went back to fish it out and get the VIN, it was gone.”

“Imagine that.” Brant chuckled as he finished chewing and swallowed. “We need to manage gettin’ him back in, Russ.”

“What’re you askin’, Brant?”

“I want you to go on down to Del Rio and be the one to take him into custody. You put him someplace safe while we handle the legal side of it.”

“Brant, I don’t get to pick and choose my assignments like I was the goddamn president of a goddamn motorcycle club.”

Brant nodded. “You’ve collected favors just like me. I’m callin’ one in. You do the same.”

“It’s that important.”

“I’m sayin’ so.”

Russell was quiet for a couple of minutes while he ate. “This here is good food.”

“Always has been.”

“So happens I might have somethin’ to call in.”

“Thought you might.”

“But it’d mean I might call on you one of these days.”

“Not goin’ anywhere.”

“Okay then. It’s about a four hour drive down there. What time do you want him to come across?”

“Noon.”

“The girl’s father has to be informed. He’ll be there.”

“After tonight at midnight, she can make her own decisions. Garland and I’ll be there in case she doesn’t want to go home with him.” Russell nodded. “Gonna be TV cameras.”

Russell’s head jerked up. “Why’s that?”

“The so-called ‘kidnapping’ has been all over the news for a week. It’s only fair the story be set right. My boy’s a champion of the unborn. Hero to millions of true believers.”

“Christ, Brant.”

“Just lettin’ you know to shave extra close. Margie’ll want you to look your best.”

“You’re the devil.”

“Been called worse.”

CHAPTER Nine

For the first time since they’d been traveling together, Bud woke first.