Page 37

He asked a bunch of questions he needed answers to in order to put his story together. It didn’t go too badly. “How did you find out about Foster being in Great Falls?”

“His truck was spotted in the Walmart parking lot down there and when I checked, another vehicle had been stolen from there.”

“How did you locate him in the city?”

“An anonymous tip helped us out a lot. And we are always grateful for the help of citizens who want to do the right thing.”

Thompson smiled. “Good quote, Sheriff.”

“I try.”

“Both Foster and Purcell were wounded during the arrest?”

“Both were armed and threatening to kill Billy and me. We would’ve been completely within our legal rights to kill both of them in self-defense. Instead, I chose to knock them down with leg shots and bring them in so they could stand trial for their crimes.”

“Commendable, Sheriff. When the trial rolls around I’m sure it will have the full attention of every citizen in Harrison County. The people who knew Tim Morrison and know Savanna Larson will be anxious to see justice done.”

“I’m keen to see it too,” I said. “Killing Tim Morrison was a blow to the whole community. Anyone who had ever entered the feed store knew Tim and liked him.”

Wyatt was scribbling furiously on his notepad.

“I think I’ve got enough for a great story, Sheriff. I appreciate your time, and yours too, Billy. Learn all you can from this guy before the election in November. He’s a great Sheriff.”

“I intend to,” said Billy. “Thanks for putting me in the paper.”

“My job, Billy, and my pleasure.” He shook Billy’s hand and then mine.

Wild Stallion Ranch.

After leaving Cut Bank, we drove back to the station and picked up sandwiches and fries for the prisoners. We gave them their dinner and cans of Coke and locked them up until morning.

“I’m going to grab a couple hours sleep before we get ready to go to the roadhouse.”

It was the second night in a row for the band. After Jack realized he was making so much money on Saturday nights when he had the band booked, he added Friday nights too. At least for over the winter when folks didn’t have much to do for entertainment.

The locals had nothing better to do than drink and dance and gossip. Gossip being number one in Coyote Creek. Never seen anything like it.

With both dogs wedged in beside me, I slept for two hours and felt considerably better when I got up to go to the barn and feed Outlaw.

When I came in, Billy was showered and cleaned up, and he had done something to his hair. I couldn’t figure out what was different, then I trigged into it. He didn’t have his camo hat on.

“Let’s skip eating dinner here and eat at the roadhouse,” said Billy. “Jack doesn’t have bad food.”

I grinned at Billy. “You’re really anxious to get there, aren’t you?”

“Know how long it’s been since I had a real date?”

“Nope. But you’re probably going to tell me.”

“Too fuckin long. I don’t even have any decent clothes to wear to take a woman out. I mostly wear camo.”

“You’d better wear some cologne then, so she won’t be thinking about your clothes.”

“Don’t own any.”

“Wear some of mine.”

“Then we’ll smell like twins,” said Billy.