As soon as the two sheriff’s cruisers appeared on the dusty road, a cloud of dirt billowing behind them, the men straightened up. The vehicles rolled to a stop, and two officers emerged and strode toward Deke, Killian, and Rawley. After a briefintroduction and a firm handshake, the three men from Deke’s truck were handed over to the law enforcement officers, who ushered them into the back seats of the cruisers. Deke bent down to peer into the vehicle, a smirk playing on his lips when the men inside averted their eyes.
“I’ll be in touch,” he declared, his voice carrying a hint of amusement, before turning to the deputies. “Thanks,” he added, with a nod of appreciation.
“No problem. We hate rustlers as much as you guys do,” one deputy replied with a grin.
Deke returned the gesture with a nod. “I’ll be in to talk with them soon.”
“You know where they’ll be. Take care,” the deputy assured him.
With that, the cruisers revved their engines and kicked up another swirl of dust as they departed. Deke, Killian, and Rawley climbed back into Deke’s truck, the familiar creak of the seats beneath them.
“Damn, can we go home now?” Rawley grumbled, his voice tinged with exhaustion.
“Yes, once we get back to Killian’s truck, you two can go. I’m going to stick around a while to see if they’ll talk,” Deke replied, starting the engine.
“Let’s hope they didn’t tow your truck for being there too long, Killian,” Rawley quipped with a sly grin.
“Man, that is not even funny,” Killian muttered, though his words only prompted laughter from Deke and Rawley.
As they drove, Deke mused aloud, “I’ll call Mr. Hollister once I get back. I have to let him know there’s a process we have to go through before Ican get the cattle back to him, but being a rancher, he probably knows. We just have to verify his brand. It’s too bad the ear tags were removed.” His words hung in the air, a reminder of the challenges that lay ahead.
****
Saturday evening, Ava sat in the passenger seat as Joella drove them toward town, the evening air crisp against their faces. The glow of the streetlights flickered as they moved silently through the streets.
“Was Jeanie okay with watching Ellie?” Joella asked.
“Yes. She loves having Ellie spend time there.” Ava shook her head. “I don’t know how she does it. Of course, Tyler helps her.”
“Tyler is gorgeous. I had such a crush on him a long time ago,” Joella confessed, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush.
“I know you did,” Ava said with a smile.
“He was dating Jeanie then. I am glad he’s happy though,” Joella said, her voice soft with sincerity.
“He’s very happy. Jeanie is amazing,” Ava agreed, her tone warm and genuine.
“She always has been,” Joella said with a knowing smile.
“Yep. So, after Tyler, is that when Eddie came along?” Ava inquired, curiosity lacing her words.
“About a year after Tyler got married. Eddie was the biggest mistake of my life,” Joella admitted, a rueful chuckle escaping her lips.
“We’ve all made those,” Ava sighed, a note ofunderstanding in her voice.
“That’s life,” Joella said, as they entered the parking lot of the bar. “It’s packed.”
“I can’t wait to get inside.” Ava looked at her with a mischievous glint. “Then you can look for a cowboy.”
“I never have any luck finding a good one. Most are just passing through town and want a one-night stand. I’m not into those. I want a relationship.”
“I know.” Ava thought about her one-night stand and felt guilty for not telling Joella that’s what it had been. But, just like she had done to her family, she lied to her best friend that it had been a man she’d been involved with for a short time. Mentally shaking her head. When Joella found out, Ava was sure the shit would hit the fan.
They sat in the idling car in the parking lot, headlights painting the lot in pale yellow as they watched people going in the door. Warm light and laughter spilled into the dusk. Joella eased the car into park. Before either of them could stir, Ava’s phone buzzed against the leather seat.
“Hold on,” Ava said, as she removed her phone from her pocket. She drew out the phone and her breath hitched when Deacon’s name glowed on the screen. She met Joella’s curious gaze. “I have to take this.” Ava tapped Answer. “Hello?”
His voice came through the phone, low and tense. “Hey. Where are you?”
