“Alright, Dave.”
Deke entered the tire information into the database and let it run its course.
“Hey.”
Deke looked up to see his brother, Hud, standing next to his desk.
“Hey, Hud. What’s going on?”
“Not much. Heading out to Hartland to investigate some missing horses. What is happening with all these thefts lately?”
“There does seem to be an increase.”
“Yeah. If I get back in time, want to grab lunch together?”
“Sounds good.”
“Good because I want to know what happened in Maple Ridge.”
“I’ll tell you.”
“Okay, I’ll text you when I know for sure about lunch.”
“Be careful out there.”
“Always.” Hud nodded and left the office.
Deke’s eyes were glued to the computer screen as it searched through countless files. Finally, it stopped when it found a match. He sat up straighter and stared at the tires. With this new information, he entered it into the search for what type of vehicle the tires fit.
Next, he scanned for where these particular tires were sold and who purchased them in or near Maple Ridge, Montana.
“Son of a bitch,” he muttered when he saw the name Winchester on one of the receipts. The tires had been bought in Missoula three months ago. Deke sent the information to the printer, pushedhis chair back, walked across the room to retrieve the paper, and then called Dave.
After discussing it with him, Deke made his way to his desk, grabbed his hat off the rack, and left the office. He stepped inside the elevator and called Hud.
“Hey, I won’t be able to make it to lunch,” Hud answered.
“Me neither. I’m heading back to Maple Ridge early tomorrow morning. I have to take care of some things at the house then get some rest. I’ve discovered who those tire tracks belong to.”
“Well, that’s good news. Alright, let me know if you need anything.”
“I will. I’m going to call Case to let him know. Talk to you later.”
“Okay, be careful.” Hud hung up.
Deke then called his younger brother.
“Hey, Deke. What’s up?”
“I just wanted to let you know that I’m going back to Maple Ridge in the morning.”
After explaining everything to his younger brother, Deke hung up and drove home to pack.
“Damn, you just got back,” he shook his head as he entered his house and headed toward his bedroom. “You shouldn’t have unpacked.”
Grabbing the duffle bag from his closet, he quickly stuffed some jeans, T-shirts, socks and underwear into it. He wasn’t sure how long he would be staying in Maple Ridge, so he packed enough to last for a while. He picked up his laptop, stuffed it inside the duffle bag, and placed the bag beside the front door. The only good thing about going back was that he would get to see Ellie again, and he was looking forward to that.
Chapter Three
