Page 57 of Stormy Ride

Molly rolled her eyes. “I hope she doesn’t make bail, Travis. That would mean we’d still be feeding her, but it would help bring the others in.”

“How?”

“I don’t know how exactly. Just a feeling.”

“I’ll get her ready to transport. Did she have a coat when we brought her in?”

Molly got up. “I’ll get it for you. Was it still raining when you and Harlan came in?”

“Yep.”

“Wyatt heard about Walt Clemson and the rescue, and he asked if he could have a copy of the police reports for a story.”

“Sure. There’s nothing criminal in the reports. Send him my statement and he can make a story out of it. Don’t mention Harlan being there. I don’t want his caseworker thinking I’m putting him in dangerous situations.”

“We ain’t met her yet,” said Harlan. “She might be a scary bitch.”

“Or” said Molly, “she might be a nice lady who cares about kids like you.”

“I guess,” said Harlan. “Ain’t had me one of them workers yet that gave a rat’s ass about me.”

“Aw,” said Molly. “You’re in good hands with Travis, Harlan. I’m sure he’ll handle whatever kind of caseworker they send your way.”

“Don’t think they ever send nice ones,” said Harlan.

“Bring it,” I said. “Send me the mean bitches. I got you covered, Harlan.”

Harlan chuckled and so did Molly.

Harrison County Courthouse.

We didn’t have to wait long for Mrs. Hubbard’s case to be called. She stood before the judge with Frank Wendover, her PD and he did all the talking. She was granted bail and seemed to have no trouble coming up with it.

When she came out of the bond office, a woman was waiting for her. Long auburn hair and sharp features, tall and thin.

Harlan and I casually followed them out to the parking lot and watched the tall lady unlock a dark green pickup. The two women got in and Harlan wrote down the tag before they drove away.

We sat in the squad, and I ran the tag through motor vehicle registration and came up with a name. “Norma Wilson.”

“Her address there too?” asked Harlan.

“Conrad rural route just like the Hubbards. They can’t live too far apart. Maybe on the same county road.”

“Want to check it out?”

“Need gas first and I’ll grab you a phone in the convenience store. Be handy if we get separated.”

Harlan laughed. “Or if Tammy is texting me like she said. What the hell is she gonna text me about? It’s kind of freaking me out.”

“Right now, she’s all about horses. Annie, my part-time wife and Tammy’s stepmom has a big Appaloosa operation and Tammy loves the horses.”

“You got a wife you’re keeping secret in Texas?”

“Yeah, something like that. My life is a little complicated at the moment.”

“Jesus, Travis. Youarethat dial-up stud.”

“I am sonotthat guy.”

---