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“We’re looking for horse thieves who killed a rancher. I’ll tell you all about it. We’ve got to catch them pronto.”

“You gonna call my sister? You said as soon as you got to the station.”

“Yep, calling her now.”

“Can I listen to her talk?”

“Okay, sure.” I scrolled to the number and called wondering about the time in Texas. Ahead of us a little?

“It’s me, Tam. How you doing?”

“Travis. Hi. I miss you so much. When are you coming back to Texas?”

“I can’t come for a while, Tam. Billy is hurt bad, and I have to fill in for him. You knew that already.”

“Yeah, Mama told me, but I still miss you.”

“Want to fly up here and stay with me for a while? I could use help with Billy, and I got you a foster brother to hang out with. His name is Harlan.”

“What? Does he have a horse so we can ride?’

“Not yet, but I’m thinking about it. I need Outlaw. I’m missing him like crazy. The barn is so empty.”

“If I come, can I bring Bonnie Grace?”

“I’ll have to have the horses trucked up here, Tam. Annie’s boys can’t spare the time to drive all the way up here and back again.”

“When can I come?” asked Tammy.

“I’ll get you a flight and call you with the details. In the meantime, you ask Annie if she’s okay with you coming to stay for a while and tell her to call me.”

“I’m excited for it, Travis. When are the barrel racing lessons starting? I want to go to that course at Marilyn’s ranch.”

“You do? I’ll find out for you today. Talk to you later.”

“Send me a picture of Harlan, please. I want to see what he looks like.”

“Hang on, I’m taking his picture right now.”

Harlan put his hands over his face, then laughed and let me take his picture.

Tammy giggled. “Send it.”

I fiddled with my phone. “I’m so bad as this.” I sent the picture and Tammy squealed. “He is so cute. Can’t wait to meet you in person, Harlan. I’m coming to Montana.” She screamed for Annie and ended the call.

“Wow,” I said. “She’s excited.”

Harlan chuckled. “This is gonna be fun.”

“Remember everything I said I was going to do and write it down. I promised Tammy I’d do a lot of stuff and I’ll forget if I don’t have a list.”

“I need a paper and a pen.”

“Office.”

I spent an hour catching up on reports that had fallen behind, then took a break to stretch my legs and drove Harlan to the feed store at the end of the street.

Coyote Creek Needs and Feeds.