Page 35 of Long Pig
“I couldn’t agree more. Most folks in town know his reputation and who his father-in-law is. So far no one’s complained. Yours will be the first.”
“Well then, it’s time to get started. I doubt ours will be the last.”
“It will go better if you file online.” She turned to Willow. “If it happened to you and Dale wasn’t there, the complaint needs to come from you. Do you have the recording?”
“Yes,” Willow said. Dread had filled her as Lucia spoke about Wallard. “Are you sure I should do this?” she asked Dale.
“Damned sure. If you don’t, it will only get worse.”
“Okay.” Her gaze turned back to Lucia. “Can I do it from home?”
“You could, but why wait? I have everything you need at my desk. The Sheriff’s out of town, and the deputy Sheriff is in Round Valley today. Deputy Wallard is off duty, and the two deputies we have today are working a case in Concho. They’ll be gone for at least another two hours.”
She showed them her office, typed commands on her keyboard, and stood and gave Willow her chair.
“You’re Joan Morgan’s granddaughter, aren’t you?” she asked with a smile.
“Yes. Did you know my grandmother?”
“Didn’t know her well, but I liked her because she stuck up for herself and wasn’t cowed by the deputies. That includes this one.” She winked at Dale. “If you have half her feistiness, we could be friends.”
Willow wasn’t sure how to answer, so Dale did it for her. “She needs friends. Sticks too close to home and doesn’t know anyone her age in town.”
“Like I’m her age,” Lucia laughed. “My niece is getting married, and we’re having a party across from the church on Saturday night. You both need to come. You’ll make plenty of young friends there.”
“We couldn’t just come to a wedding party,” Willow said, her expression horrified.
Lucia laughed again. “Of course you can. Bring a twenty-dollar bill for the bride and groom, and everyone will think you’re a distant relative. They also like Dale. He went easy on them when these parties got out of hand. He can be your designated driver so you can have some extra fun. I’m footing the bill for the liquor, so believe me, no one will object.”
Willow sat down without answering and began filling out the form. She looked up halfway through the process. “I have no idea how to attach the file of the recording.”
“Send it to my email, and I’ll do that for you,” Lucia said and handed Willow her business card that had her email address. Willow sent the file. When she finished the report, Lucia took the chair back to look over it.
“Were you frightened?” she asked a moment later.
“Yes,” Willow said.
Lucia’s fingers were a blur on the keyboard.
“Read my changes and make sure they’re good.” The monitor was swung in Willow’s direction. Dale looked over her shoulder so they could both read it.
Dale cleared his throat when he finished. “I don’t have as much money as old man Benson, but I’ll support you in the next election.”
Lucia shook her head. “Who wants or needs the aggravation?” She clicked submit after Willow and Dale made no changes.
“Take care of yourself, Dale,” Lucia said and gave him another long hug. She wrapped Willow in one too.
“The chief deputy will contact you sometime in the next seventy-two hours. I doubt there will be a problem since the stop is recorded, but sadly, I don’t see much happening to him, but it’s a starting point. Now don’t forget the party. I expect to see you both there. Come in jeans so you’re comfortable.”
“Thank you,” Willow said and meant it. She really liked Lucia, and she had a feeling Lucia really liked Dale.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Hunting Ground
Butch
Cindy’s tragic ending brought no repercussions for Butch. In several ways, he was aware he’d been sloppy. There was no excuse for it. He had to stay smarter than the police.