Page 94

She smiled. “We’re taking it with us?”

“Yep. In the back of the truck.”

“I’m getting excited about leaving Montana.”

“Me too.”

There are things I’m not telling Tammy until we cross into Texas. That will be soon enough.

Chapter Sixteen

Friday, November 2nd.

Election Day.

Wild Stallion Ranch.

The week leading up to the election had been quiet. No new crimes to speak of and a minimum amount of work for Billy and me to do.

Molly had wondered a couple of times if it was the calm before the storm and I didn’t want that to be true. I wanted Billy to have a calm and slow start to his new career. Not to be shot his first day on the job.

While there was little to keep him busy at the station, he’d been campaigning furiously all around the county. Most of the time with Wyatt Thompson, who was slapping Billy’s face on the front page of the paper every chance he got.

The big day was finally here and Billy looked a little pale at the breakfast table. I couldn’t resist teasing him. “This is it, Billy. Your big day. Have you written your acceptance speech?”

“What? Do I need one?”

“You might if they send a camera crew from the TV station in Great Falls to cover the election.”

“Why would they? What do they care what happens in Harrison County?”

I laughed at him getting all flustered.

“Just giving you the gears, Billy.”

“Thanks, Travis. You almost made me shit myself.”

Tammy smiled as she set another stack of toast on the table. “Where do you have to go to vote for Billy?” she asked me.

“Our designated polling station is at the courthouse,” I said. “I’ll vote before I start my last day at the station.”

“I think Molly is going to cry today,” said Tammy. “She’s going to miss you and Max and Sarge so much.”

“She’ll get used to Billy and forget all about me. That’s the way life goes.”

“I fed Outlaw this morning,” said Billy. “I hope he doesn’t forget me. I love that horse.”

“He won’t forget you, Billy,” said Tammy. “and neither will I. You’ve been nice to both of us.”

“It’s been a pleasure getting to know you, Miss Tammy,” said Billy. “I wish you the best life in Texas.”

“I’ll be okay with Travis. I trust him.”

Sheriff’s Office. Coyote Creek.

Parking behind the station for the last time felt weird to me. I wanted Billy to win the election, but even if he didn’t, somebody was going to win and there would be a new sheriff in Harrison County.

I walked into the squad room with the dogs running ahead of me and Molly burst into tears.