Page 42 of River Ride

“We don’t know that for sure, son,” said Travis. “Let’s give your sister the benefit of the doubt.”

“Didn’t we do that already, Dad?”

Travis leaned over and punched the border crossing into the GPS. “Stay on ninety-seven south, Harlan. Goes right to that crossing.”

“Copy that, Dad.”

Border Crossing. Osoyoos. British Colombia.

2:30 p.m.

We drove south to the border point where Tammy crossed with Dad’s Bronco and went into the office to talk to the border patrol officer in charge.

Travis showed his creds to the officer on duty at the front counter. “My squad, owned by Harrison County, Montana, was stolen a day or two ago from my ranch north of Coyote Creek and I received an alert that the stolen vehicle crossed here not long ago.”

“License plate number?”

Travis recited the tag number, and the officer typed it into his computer. “Yes, Sheriff Frost. That vehicle definitely crossed here at ten minutes after eleven.”

“Would it be possible to view the CCTV taken when the truck was sitting at the booth?”

“Sure. I can pull that up for you.” When the officer had the video on the screen, he motioned for Dad to come around behind the counter and look at it.

“Uh huh. That is fantastic. Thank you so much for your help.”

We ran back to the Jeep and Travis decided to drive.

“What did you see, Dad?” asked Virge. “Was it Tammy for sure?”

“Yep. For sure it was Tammy behind the wheel, and she had Bobby Prescott secured in the back seat. Seeing that with my own eyes made up my mind for me, boys. I’m not chasing her one mile farther. There’s no point. As soon as we get home, I’ll have her parole revoked and her status changed back to wanted fugitive. She’ll be caught, but not by us.”

“Copy that, Dad,” said Virge.

“Enough is enough. I can’t do it anymore. I’m gonna come unglued.”

“I’m relieved, Dad. If we can make it home by tonight—even if it’s late—we won’t miss Lucy’s barrel racing competition tomorrow.”

“You been worrying about that, Harlan?”

“Yeah. Lucy will be so sad if me and Virge ain’t there to watch her.”

“We’ll give it our best shot to get home, son.”

Virge nodded.

“We’re neglecting Annie-girl and the rest of the company at our ranch, and we should be there making sure they have a decent time in Montana. They’re on their vacation.”

I was so happy with Dad’s decision, I felt like hollering out the window.

Greenwood. British Columbia.

3:15 p.m.

There was a huge difference in Dad as soon as he decided that Tammy had blown her chances at parole. She had gone right back to stalking Bobby Prescott and was aiding and abetting a serial killer, if nothing else.

Dad had to let her go or he would lose it. That was the truth, and he realized it. I was so fuckin’ thankful he could see that for himself. Made all the difference.

Tammy was on her own from this moment forward.

---