by Kieran York
Tickled, Faye winked. “Got my designer beers and beverages included in the Happy Hour prices. Come on back later.”
“I’ll bring Chance’s water bowl.”
Chapter 13
Royce had spent a part of the afternoon checking out various missing person sites on the Internet. She couldn’t find any similarity to cross-date, or description of what the woman called Jane Doe might have looked like. She was small in stature. Light brown hair. Clothing found at the sight had been disrupted, but reports said the probability was that she’d been buried fully clothed. Cloth from the burial site was deteriorated. That meant that the body could have been buried a month or two before speculated. Royce questioned if it might not have been there longer because of the clothing’s fading. Yet the decomposition hadn’t appeared to have been more than two or three months from when she was murdered until when she was found.
When the phone rang, she recognized Nick’s bells. “Royce, are you doing anything tonight?” he inquired.
“Probably just relaxing.”
“By relaxing do you mean pouring over files? Cut the relaxing bull, Sheriff. Tanner is going to be visiting Timber tonight. It just so happens that Bell Ringer is having two-for-ones. Maybe we could get a few of the deputies together. We never did give Tanner a going-away party. Boom! He was a fireman trainee.”
“Good plan. I’ll contact everyone. I miss Tanner.” She knew he had made a huge contribution to the force. “Nick. Have you got anything going on up there?”
“Only a threat from my better half. She said if I came home too late there would be a problem.” He chuckled. “I don’t mind problems with hardened criminals. But never with my lovely wife.”
“How about we meet up at six? That gives both shifts an overlap.”
“No beer for the graveyard shift,” Nick said.
“Right.” Royce remembered telling her mother that she was going to have an early night. “I’m going to go over to talk with Mom.”
“Invite Mrs. Madison over. I like your mother better than I like you.”
Royce laughed. “Everyone does. She bakes a heck of a lot better than I do.”
“And she gives me double helpings of everything in the bakery. Your mom is responsible for my needing the gym.”
“See you at six.”
***
Chance gave a whimper. Royce glanced up. Plato was signaling.
Royce nodded, then pointed to Chance. Plato called to the German shepherd. That left Royce free to go through Molly’s Pantry to the alley. She could give Molly the information about the party for Tanner, and then go out the backdoor to meet with Plato. Chance would not be by herself.
“Mom, there’s going to be a party tonight at the Bell Ringer. Sort of a send-off party for Tanner. Nick said to invite you.”
Molly grinned. “I need to be up early in the morning. But you all enjoy.”
“I’ve got to rush, Chance and Plato are waiting for me in the alley.”
Loading a sack of pastry, she handed it to Royce, “Give this to Plato.”
Royce exited. She witnessed Plato petting Chance. “Danged good dog you got here. Guess you’re having me watch after her ‘cause of the goings on with the vet’s little ‘uns. Chance goin’ missing.”
“Absolutely, I was terrified something bad happened. Look, Plato, keep an eye out for Luther. He threatened Chance and me.”
“I’ll watch, Sheriff. That guy is a hunk of waste. I got some information about him. It’s not my watching him. But I heard Rudy tell that Luther and Cal’s boy were havin’ words.”
“Words as in a fight?” Royce delved.
“Yep. The two of ‘em were getting ready to square off.”
“Did Rudy say what they were fighting about?”
“Naw. Just said they were keepin’ their voices down. Then it got heated. Maybe Rudy couldn’t hear.”
“I’ll probably see Rudy in the Bell Ringer tonight. Tanner is returning to spend his night off at a deputy goodbye party for him.” Royce dug around in her pocket and pulled out some money. She handed it to Plato. “Good work. You stay safe out here, my friend.”
The two nodded at one another. Royce gave her leg a slight slap, and Chance trotted after her. “Okay, Chance, I’m going to get changed into my civvies. Then we’re going to a party. Maybe Faye will give you a little buffalo burger, and your own dish of water.”
Royce smiled. Everyone enjoyed being on Chances good side. While Luther was in town, Chance had a pass to enter the Bell Ringer. Royce hated that Chance was endangered. The only thing she could do was watch the dog closely. Sometimes even that wasn’t enough. Gran always referred to Luther as a sidewinder. Dora Madison was perhaps the best judge of character that Royce knew.
Luther was definitely reptilian.
***
The deputies had missed Tanner Morris, but Royce had missed him most of all. As they stood toasting, Royce told the young man that he’d been one of her favorite deputies. The ex-military man could be depended on to do an exemplary job. He would make contributions to his community by being a firefighter. Royce knew the two of them would always be friends.
“I take it you’re enjoying your change,” Royce commented.
“The firefighter’s uniforms are so much easier to wear, until a fire,” he joked. “Then they become impossible to get out of. If you need to piss, you’d better start getting the gear off an hour early or you will wet your pants.”
Chuckling, Royce mentioned, “I hadn’t considered that.”
“In the thick of it, we’ll use anything wet to douse the fire.”
Laughing, Royce knew that the young man had indeed been in the more dangerous red areas of the recently contained fire in Elk County. “Your commander said you’re already trained from your stints in the military.”
“You mentioned to him that I’d make a great firefighter, and arson investigator.”
“In case you want to expand, I just wanted to make sure he knew you’re multitalented.”
“Anyway, thanks for making my dream come true. Royce, first you gave me a chance. I recall I had an attitude when we met and I was a bartender. You still took a chance on me.”
“My pleasure.” She tipped her head.
“How’s the murder investigation going?”
Royce took a sip of beer from the long-necked bottle. “We’ve got enough suspects.” It occurred to Royce that the current mystery in Timber County had way too many suspects. The other homicide, the death of an unknown woman, had no suspects at all.
Tanner frowned, “You look troubled?”
“Luther Sumner is in town. I’d like to cut him loose so he could go back to Dallas, but he’s a suspect. A belligerent one at that.”
Deputy Terry Doyle was on duty as she walked toward them. She said, “I just heard you mention Sumner. I saw him a few minutes ago. What a goof. I think he was making a pass at me. The creep.”
Immediately Royce asked, “Did he threaten you or harass you in any way?”
“He doesn’t need to say the words. It was the way he looked at me.” Terry ordered a soft drink, then motioned to Royce. “I think he’s dangerous,” she confided when they were alone. “I see the way he looks at women. I know he hasn’t been out of prison for long, but heck, I’d have trouble fighting him off. And I’ve had training. Most of the women in Timber and Crystal wouldn’t have a chance against him.”
“Confidentially, he’s threatened both Chance and me. So be careful. He’s arrogant. I’ll give him a warning to stay away from you.”
“Most of my tours are in Crystal. I haven’t seen him up there. But I’d rather you not warn him. Guys like that take warnings like a bull seeing a red flag. I’ll be careful. I’m more worried about you. And Chance.”
“Keep me informed. And mention it to Nick.” With a concerned expression, Royce looked back at Terry. “We watch one another’s backs, so make certain you’ve got your partner nearby.”
“Will do, Sheriff. And I
can’t wait to workout with Chance. Can we set it up soon?”
“I’ll check the schedule. Soon.”
Knowing the morning would be coming way too soon, Royce left. On her way to her vehicle, she motioned to Chance to keep up with her. Chance was interested in the shadows waving across the street. “Stay,” Royce commanded Chance. She walked toward the shadows. From behind the bushes, she inhaled the smell of a cigarette. Rounding the brush, she saw Luther walking the path.
She called out to him, “Luther, wait up!”
“You following me?”
With irony, she answered, “Yes. I can’t get enough of seeing you in this town. I’ve got some questions.”
“Can’t it wait for morning?”
“No. These are easy questions. Tony Wagner. Are you and Tony pals?”
His insincere smile became a smirk. “I told you, I barely know him.”
“That’s what you told me, but we both know you aren’t always forthcoming. So tell me about your friendship with Tony.”
“There is no friendship.” Luther’s jaw clamped.
“Right. I’ve heard that you recently had a little misunderstanding with Tony. You’re both suspects. So are you two forming a little suspect club? Fighting over who get to be club president?”
Luther’s face creased into a grimace of hatred. “That’s right. We got us a little politics going on. Sheriff, I have nothing to say to you.”
“You’re out here skulking around. Now is a great time to question you.”
“No law against me taking a little evening walk.” His mocking laughter sounded stiff, and tense.
“I’m going to be asking the same question until you or Tony give me an answer.”
“I got no answer for you. We just had a little skirmish because he wasn’t moving off the sidewalk quick enough. I knock men over when they get in my way.” His eyes protruded as his face reddened. Fists were drawn to his side. “You’re in my way. If you weren’t a woman, you’d be on the ground.” His husky stance dared her.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s a woman or a man. Anyone getting in your way becomes your target. Luther, you’re basically a coward. Always have been, and always will be. Get this, I’ll take you out if you touch anyone in this county.”
“Your old man was killed because he didn’t stay out of what didn’t concern him.”
“My father was killed because he was protecting this county. Protecting this territory and its citizens was not only his concern, but it was his sworn duty. It is now my sworn duty.”
“And if you don’t stay out of my way, you could be the next to die snooping into what doesn’t concern you.”
He turned to walk away. Royce called after him, “Luther, remember this. I’m going to be in your way as much as I possibly can be.”
“Fuck off, bitch,” he muttered.
Her flesh felt singed with loathing and rage. Walking back toward Chance, she noticed her trusty companion was not only at attention; she was also poised to attack.
Chapter 14
Royce had her first two stops committed to memory. The morning would take her on a search to find the derelict, Rudy Smith. He hadn’t made it to the Bell Ringer last evening, so he probably had been at the pool hall. Then she would drive out to the Wagner Ranch for a few words with Tony. His sister had said he rarely showed up to work at the gun shop since his father’s death.
Royce’s rounds had taken her first to check out Rudy. She saw him walking through the alleyway. She motioned for him, as she approached. The elderly man was bent, and his clothing rumpled. Coils of unkempt gray hair jutted out from his cowboy hat. His face displayed massive wrinkles. Eyes were gray-green, and lips were liverish color. Rudy had often said he resembled a bucking bronco when he was young. Now he was a busted mustang that had been ridden too hard and put away mighty tired. He drank, smoked, only ate what Molly gave him, and lived for his next drink and smoke. He joked how he used to live for drink, smoke, and women. He bragged about his rodeo days. They had ended too soon, he’d commented. He also made mention that although those days ended too soon, he had lived too long.
Rudy was pleasant, rarely disorderly, and bothered no one. Royce liked him.
“What you doin’, Sheriff,” he asked. His gaze nearly always scrutinized the ground. Bashful, he never began conversing.
“I’m working on the murder case. Cal Wagner.”
“Terrible goings on. Guy just sittin’ there and gets killed.”
“You might be able to help me?”
“I never knew Cal very well. I don’t carry a firearm. I seen him in the bars, but usually only talked about weather, sports, and off-colored jokes. And he got him a new good-lookin’ young wife. He liked talkin’ about her.”
“What kinds of things would he say?” Royce quizzed.
Before answering, he averted his eyes from the sheriff’s stare. “Well there was stuff you shouldn’t be sayin’ about a wife.” He paused reflectively. “Like what she’d do to please him.” His words were careful, hesitant. “Nothin’ a woman should be hearin’ so I won’t be sayin’ ‘em.”
“I appreciate that.” Royce watched his complexion darken. “What I really wanted to talk with you about was something you might have heard. I’ve heard that Cal’s son, Tony, and Luther Sumner had a disagreement the other day.”
“Yep. They was both mighty pissed off.”
“Could you tell what it was about?”
He paused, recalling. “I heard something about lettin’ him down.”
“Letting who down?”
“Luther was sayin’ Tony better not let him down. He’d be mighty sorry. I remember that. I thought they were gonna be swingin’ at each other. Both of ‘em are pretty danged strong lookin’. Luther’s older and got him a little spare tire, but he’s mean. ‘Spect he learned being mean when he was in prison.”
Royce commented, “He was mean before prison.” She hesitated. “How did Tony react? Was he frightened?”
“Naw. He got right up in Luther’s face. He tells him how he better keep his blankin’ trap shut. Only he used the other word – not blankin’,” Rudy tattled. His chin dipped down. He fidgeted with his tattered western vest.
“Can you remember who started the conflict?”
“Seemed to me like Luther approached Tony. There wasn’t much goin’ on – like they were just guys in a parking lot jawin’. Then when it got loud, maybe they repeated things. Luther saying not to let him down. And Tony sayin’ to keep his mouth shut.”
“Thanks, Rudy. If you can think of anything more, let me know.”
“Sure, Sheriff. You know you can count on us old-timers to recount suspicious goin’ ons.”
***
The Sheriff immediately went to her vehicle. Chance jumped up into the passenger seat. Royce would head out to the ranch. Her best guess was that Luther would have been in touch with Tony by now. Luther would have given his rendition, and perhaps told Tony to stick to the story of bumping into one another. Royce knew some of the story now. She was going to believe Rudy’s version.
Maybe she could trap Tony. Catch him in a lie. The ranch looked tranquil and quiet with a morning’s spill of sunlight covering it. As she stepped out of her vehicle, she spotted Nita and Tony leaning up against the fence. They were talking about horses, yet Royce considered they might have been talking about keeping their alibis straight. They could have changed the conversation when Royce dove up.
“Hi, Sheriff,” Nita greeted her. “Here with more questions?” She appeared perturbed.
“I’d like to talk with Tony for a few minutes,” Royce answered. She motioned to him. “Let’s take a walk up the driveway.”
Tony followed after her. When they were out of hearing distance, Tony asked, “What’s this all about?” He crossed his arms. He glowered. “So why do you want to talk with me alone?”
“Tony, how chummy are you with Luther Sumner?”
“I told you, I’m younger than he is, and I don’
t know him all that well.”
“I’ve heard you had a dispute the other day.”
“Yeah, so Luther bumped into me and we had a little disagreement.”
“Did he tell you not to let him down?” Royce inquired.
There was a space of time. “He was trying to be a tough guy. I assumed he meant that I should stand clear and give him the right of way.”
“I’m just trying to get a take on the conversation. Do you recall warning him to keep his mouth shut?”
After another hesitation, “Hell yes. He can’t talk to me like that. I told him to shut up. I’d tell anyone that.” His scowl continued.
As Royce had guessed. They had gone over the scenario, and altered it to fit the occasion. Or it had been as simple as a couple studs facing off. Royce issued a deep sigh. “Tell me, Tony. Do you want me to find your father’s killer? I mean, most sons would be livid about their father being murdered. When my father was murdered, I wanted his killer found. That was my lifetime mission.”
“I’m not into revenge.” The sheriff’s question had unnerved him.
“But you did love your father?”
He turned his head from her scrutiny. “Sure. He gave me a good life. Anything I needed.”
“Yet you don’t feel any desire to help me find out who took his life?”
“Have you arrested Otis yet?” His chin jutted outward.
“I have not. But you can bet your boots the minute I get evidence, I’ll be arresting someone.”
“If it isn’t Otis, it’s some drifter. A botched robbery.”
Nonchalantly Royce leaned back against a post. “If Otis killed for the precious gun, why didn’t he take it with him? And if it were a robbery gone wrong, why weren’t there missing guns or money?’
“Things can be traced too easily now. Unless someone was drugged up, they wouldn’t have taken anything traceable. And the money was in the vault.”
“My point exactly. No one would kill your father before he’d opened the safe. They would want to get the cash.”
