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“She’ll be fine.”

“She might be upset when she hears Billy is hurt.”

“I won’t tell her right away. I’ll tell her you had to go straighten out the ranch. Stop worrying over her.”

“Okay, I’ll call you later.”

“Keep Max away from the bears. They’ll be coming out of hibernation and that’s a grumpy time for them because they’re hungry.”

“Yeah, there’s the bears. I’ll watch the dogs.”

After smoothing things over with Annie, I called the sheriff’s office to talk to Molly.

“Travis, is that you?”

“I’m on my way, Molly. I’m coming for Billy and for a few other reasons too.”

“We’ll all be so happy to see you, Travis. The new county supervisor is going bonkers trying to find somebody qualified to fill in for Billy while he’s off work.”

“Has the office been busy?”

“Not too many cases. Billy has all the petty crimes under control.”

“We’ll see how it works out when I get there. I’ll cross out of Texas before I stop to get some sleep, but I’ve still got a long way to go.”

“Are Max and Sarge coming with you?”

“They’re here in the truck with me and they’ll be excited to see you, Molly. Can you tell me how bad Billy is hurt? I only know what Jack told me and he didn’t have any medical information.”

“Billy almost severed his own leg. That’s what I heard from my friend Alma who works at Cut Bank Hospital. She wasn’t in the operating room, but she heard from one of the nurses that the surgeon—Doctor Kramer—pinned Billy’s leg together.”

“Jeeze, that sounds like he smashed it up good.”

“I’m worried about a long recovery period,” said Molly. “I’m going to see him on the weekend. I can’t go before then because I’m the only one in the office and I can’t leave during the day.”

“I’ll be there soon, and we’ll have a long talk. I’ll take you to dinner at Olivia’s Inn.”

“Ooh, I love that place…and the desserts are to die for.” She laughed. “Looking forward to it, Travis.”

“Lemon mousse, Molly. You can’t pass that up.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t.”

Vega. Texas.

After driving for hours, I stopped outside of Amarillo at the local Golden Arches to grab a burger and give the dogs a much-needed run. They’d been patient all day long and I had to park the truck and give them a break. I’d been sitting too long anyway and needed to stretch my legs as much as they did.

After using the facilities, I ordered a Big Mac, double fries and a coffee and took it to the truck. While I leaned on the tailgate eating, I watched the dogs run around at the back of the parking lot. I was pretty damned tired, but the break helped a lot.

I’m good for a few more miles.

Best Western Hotel. Raton. New Mexico.

When I crossed into New Mexico it was time to give it up and get a few hours sleep. I’d get up before dawn and get back on the road, but I had to lay my tired body down and close my eyes.

I let the dogs into my room and fed them right away. They were past their supper time and gobbled up their kibble in short order.

After a quick shower, I flopped into bed and texted Annie-girl to tell her I was done for the day.