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“Thorn’s ranch where the body showed up?” I was surprised. “Uh oh. What the hell does that mean? When I did the notification, I asked Suzie if she knew Robert Thorn and she denied it.”

Billy shrugged and waved to Tessa to bring him a pitcher of Bud. “Can’t explain it, boss, but that’s exactly what happened.”

“Okay that means we have to pay another visit to Thorn’s ranch and to Miss Suzie tomorrow. I want to know what’s going on.”

Wild Stallion Ranch.

We went home and did chores and automatically looked for Tammy. This time when we checked the bunkhouse, the dogs scratched on the door and whined to get inside. They seemed really keen and interested for some reason.

They ran in ahead of me and Billy, sniffed around and then both of them ran into the bedroom. Max got down on his belly and tried to crawl under the bed.

“What are you doing, boy?”

Billy got down on his hands and knees and stuck his head under the bed.

“Tammy, come on out of there.”

He reached under, grabbed her thin arm, and slid her out from under. Her eyes were closed and she was limp—unconscious.

“Come on girl. Open your eyes. You don’t have to hide anymore.”

Billy picked her up and carried her to the truck. The dogs jumped in the back with Tammy and we drove straight to the hospital in Cut Bank.

Cut Bank Hospital.

Tammy was examined immediately because she wasn’t conscious and they began treating her for exposure. It wasn’t long until a nurse came to the waiting room and told me they were keeping her overnight. She told Billy and me to go home and come back in the morning.

On the drive back to the ranch, I called Molly at home to let her know Tammy had been found and she was in the hospital.

“Sorry to wake you, Molly, but you said you wanted to know.”

“I did, Travis. Thanks. I’m so glad she’s been found and I’m sure you are too.”

“A big relief.”

Chapter Twelve

Friday, October 19th.

Wild Stallion Ranch.

“I’m so fuckin relieved we found Tammy. I could picture her frozen to death like Garnet Booth and Chris Concordian. I can’t get those pictures out of my mind. Last thing I want to do is freeze to death. I’d prefer being shot in the head. Quick and simple.”

Billy chuckled. “Spoken like a true Texan. What are you going to work at when you leave Montana? Got something in mind?”

“Got a couple of ideas and I’ve got enough money saved that I could survive for a while until I get set up.”

“Set up?” Billy gave me a puzzled look. “You never said those words before. Like what are you setting up?”

I laughed. “Can’t tell a cop. That’s for damned sure.”

“Jeeze, Travis, don’t talk like that. You’re making me nervous.”

“Going to the dark side, Billy.”

“What are you talking about?”

I laughed at Billy, he was so freaked out. “Pulling your chain, Billy. You should see the look on your face.”