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by Dustin Stevens

  Hall smirked. Turned back in the direction he had come from.

  “There are easier ways to get a burger you know.”

  Drake opened his mouth to respond. Stopped. Smiled. Watched as Hall retreated into the darkness.

  “Thank you!” he called out.

  Heard Hall’s pace slow.

  “You’re welcome,” Hall replied. “And keep doing what you’re doing for Lukas. We appreciate it.”

  Drake waved a hand in affirmation. Said nothing.

  “Oh,” Hall said. Voice already growing further away. “And I trust you’ll find some way to make Paula Goslin pay for that little speech she gave this morning too, huh?”

  An involuntary smile spread across Drake’s face.

  “Be my pleasure, General.”

  Chapter Forty-Four

  Slow.

  Painfully, excruciatingly slow.

  And cold.

  Bone chilling, frozen solid, cold.

  Those were the only two words that came to mind as Drake hand-led a cow across a windswept patch of open pasture. Inch-by-inch over uneven ground. Stopping every fifty yards to let her grab up another bite of grass.

  The first hundred yards, Kade and Sage fell in beside him. Walked along at an agonizing pace.

  After that, Drake sent them on to the truck. Told them to call ahead and have Sara, Rink, and Ajax meet them.

  To have the Sheriff waiting there too.

  They put up only a token defense, at best. Left Drake one of the flashlights. Took off at a brisk job across the field.

  Drake watched until the last beam of the other light disappeared into the darkness. Went back to tugging on the cow.

  For the first time in two days, Drake was left to his thoughts. Alone to think about the last week.

  Of how violently Lukas Webb’s life had swung like a pendulum. Of the people he’d never met a few days ago.

  The side of Rink he didn’t know existed.

  How long it had been since he’d slept.

  With each step, the cold sapped a bit more of his strength. Pushed down on his eyelids.

  “Come on girl,” Drake said. Flexed some feeling back into fingers. Reached over and dug his hand into the skin folds between her ears.

  In the darkness he could see the moist disc of her eye roll over to look at him. By daylight, the eye would be warm Chesnutt brown.

  Now, nothing but inky black, deep and serene, staring back at him.

  A beef eater his entire life, it was the first time he’d ever been face to face with a cow. There was something peaceful about walking along beside her. Drinking in her calm demeanor.

  Deep inside, some small part of him got a little sad. Not for the species of cows as a whole. He was old enough, wise enough, to know how things worked.

  He didn’t like for anything to ever be killed. Understood the necessity of it though.

  In this instant, it was a sadness for this particular cow. One that had contracted a disease through no fault of her own.

  She had the misfortune of standing next to a tainted cow. Eating some hay with a bit of bodily fluid on it.

  Now she carried a disease that would be her undoing.

  Had been branded twice. Would no doubt be poked and prodded in the coming days for the absolution of his client.

  “Sorry, old girl,” Drake said. Hooked his arm around her neck. Gave her a little squeeze.

  She seemed to sense the thoughts pouring out of him. Understand what he was trying to say. Nuzzled back against him.

  Blew out a hot breath of air.

  Together they crested the ridge they were on. Looked down through a sloping meadow. Saw his truck and Rink’s. The barn.

  Everything illuminated by the flashing red and blue strobes of a Sheriff’s Department cruiser. Around them, a half dozen shadows moved back and forth.

  Drake kept one arm around the cow. Led her towards the cluster. Let her stop as often as she wanted to graze.

  The walk in total took forty-five minutes. By the time Drake arrived, his fingers were numb. His face was prickling with sensation.

  Seven shadows stood in the headlights of the automobiles waiting for him. As he got closer, Drake recognized Sara and Rink, the Crew.

  Picked out Keogh and Sheriff Pratt.

  Neither looked pleased to be there.

  “What the hell is this all about?” Pratt asked as he approached. Anger in his voice. “We got a call for an emergency out here. So far all I’ve seen is a bunch of kids and a cow.”

  Drake bristled slightly at the use of the word kid. Unhooked his arm from around the cow. Led her over towards his truck.

  “Kade, can you give us some light?”

  Kade nodded. Wrenched open the driver’s side door. Flipped on the headlights.

  Harsh fluorescent beams shot out from the truck in a wide cone. The effect was blinding at first. Caused Drake to raise a hand to shield his eyes.

  The cow to pull a bit against the rope.

  “Easy girl, it’s alright,” Drake said. Turned her around so her left haunch stood perpendicular to the truck.

  “Sheriff, this is why we called you,” Drake said.

  He had seen the brand only once himself. Just for a moment before beginning the long trek back.

  One quick look was all that was needed.

  Still glaring at everyone, Pratt stepped up into the light. Keogh followed a pace behind.

  “Somebody better start making sense soon,” Pratt grumbled. “Or I’m taking you all into custody.”

  Drake waited as they approached. Turned on his flashlight to add extra wattage to the brand splashed across the cow’s haunch.

  “Actually Sheriff, I think tonight you’ll be letting someone out of custody.”

  The Sheriff paused a moment. Looked up from beneath the brim of his hat at Drake. Let his distaste flow through an elongated stare.

  Waited a full minute before shifting his gaze to the cow before him.

  Drake watched as the Sheriff reacted exactly the way he hoped he would.

  Exactly the way he had less than an hour before.

  Behind him, all five of his friends leaned in. Peered at the same thing as the Sheriff.

  Nobody made a sound.

  “Is that...?” the Sheriff sputtered.

  “Brand tampering,” Drake said. Shot a finger out and outlined the letters TR. “Pretty damn obvious this cow is property of the Tierney Ranch.”

  Moved his hand down, traced the new WB laid over them. “And was made to look like it belonged to the Webb’s.”

  Drake stepped back. Watched as Pratt reached out. Traced the same exact pattern he had. Leaned back.

  Even in the artificial light, Drake could see how pale he was. Could almost hear his teeth chattering.

  Something told him it had nothing to do with the cold.

  “As you can see,” Drake said. “The actions of Lukas Webb were not attempted murder. They were to point out what was really going on. Nothing more.”

  Pratt stood to full height. Shook his head.

  “He still discharged a weapon in a public place.”

  “Which is a misdemeanor,” Drake said. “You’ve had him in custody ten hours now. That’s pretty standard.

  “Besides, he’s in a hospital bed. Where’s he going to go?”

  Pratt worked his jaw up and down again. No sound came out.

  “This is the exact same brand and pattern you’ll find on the two cows that tested positive from the Webb Ranch. You can get official copies of the photos from the Department of Ag in Helena.

  “Something tells me if you test this cow, she’ll come back positive for brucellosis as well.”

  “Our cows are clean,” Sara said. Turned everyone’s attention her way. “Papa always insisted on it.”

  “Simple fact is, Holt Tierney wanted their land,” Drake said. “When they wouldn’t sell, he tried to run them out by tainting their herd.”

  Pratt glanced around the group. Shook his head.
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  “You realize-“

  “That you need to leave us here and go arrest Holt Tierney?” Drake finished. “Yeah, we know.”

  From the corner of his eye, he could see Sage smile. Ajax look away.

  Pratt pulled his hat back away from his head.

  “You know I can’t just release Lukas tonight.”

  Drake nodded in concession. He’d been expecting that.

  “I’ll talk to Paula Goslin in the morning, get the charges formally dropped. Like I said, until then, it’s not like he’s going anywhere.”

  Pratt cast a look around the group. Removed his hat again. Ran a hand back over his hair. Turned to Keogh.

  “Andy, do something about this cow will you? It just became evidence.”

  Keogh’s jaw dropped open. He stood rooted in place as Pratt walked towards his cruiser. Opened the door.

  “Uh, like what, exactly, sir?” Keogh asked.

  “Hell if I know,” Pratt said. “I have to go find Holt Tierney.”

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Caravan.

  Three trucks. Nose to tail. Right through the center of town.

  Rink and Sara in the lead. Going first so Sara could direct them where to go.

  Drake and Sage behind them. Riding close.

  Kade and Ajax bringing up the rear.

  No more than a few minutes passed after Sheriff Pratt left before something clicked in the back of Drake’s mind. Remembered the newspaper article he’d read days before. Asked Sage for confirmation.

  Tonight was the night of the Winter Ball.

  Holt Tierney’s very own showcase for all of Ravalli County.

  Everybody was welcome. A night of well-intentioned fun and frivolity.

  Charged with the prospect of seeing Holt Tierney’s public downfall, the group moved into action. Corralled the cow into the back corner of the barn. Got it set up with plenty of alfalfa and water for the night.

  Had Deputy Keogh take photos in the off-chance somebody tried something before morning.

  The second the evidence was secure, they piled into the trucks. Ignored their odd attire. The aching cold. Their complete lack of sleep.

  Drove three deep in a line across town. Rolled through the deserted square. Headed towards the Tierney Ranch.

  All of them went a little faster than necessary.

  None of them cared.

  As they drove, Drake extended an arm along the back of the bench seat. Clasped Sage on the shoulder. Gave it a squeeze.

  “You doing okay over there?”

  Felt her hair whip across his knuckles as she turned to face him.

  “I’m good,” she said. Flashed her teeth at him in the darkness.

  “Listen, I’m really sorry about-“

  “Don’t,” Sage said. Lowered her cheek against her hand. “You don’t have to do that with me. I’m not Ava.”

  The comment drew a laugh from Drake. A second squeeze.

  “No, you definitely are not.”

  Ahead in the darkness, the main hall of the Tierney Ranch was lit up like a Christmas Tree. Originally a barn, it had long since been converted into an entertainment hub.

  Tonight, it threw light in every direction. Shined like a beacon through the cold Montana evening.

  “Not one for modesty, is he?” Drake asked. Alternated glances between the barn and Rink’s bumper in front of him.

  “Kind of makes you wonder what he’s compensating for, doesn’t it?” Sage added.

  “I’d rather not,” Drake replied. Followed Rink into the parking lot. Slid to a stop at an angle less than thirty feet from the front door.

  Disregarded the even rows of parked cars.

  Handfuls of people stopped what they were doing as the six piled out. Looked them up in down in their ski clothes and boots.

  Some of the women laughed. A few of the men sneered.

  The Crew ignored them all.

  Bright light pushed its way out through every window in the barn. Through the glass doors on each side.

  Greenery with red bows decorated the outer walls, twinkled with white lights.

  The sound of a band could be heard carrying through the air. The din of voices in conversation.

  The smell of food.

  “How do you want to handle this?” Rink asked. Stopped and waited for the group to gather in.

  “Sara?” Drake asked.

  She shook her head. Pointed a bony index finger towards him. “You’re doing great. Going ahead and finish it.”

  Drake ignored the compliment. Leaned back and looked the length of the barn.

  Put together a rough plan in his head.

  “I don’t see Pratt’s cruiser or any flashing lights yet, so I’m guessing he’s not here. Has to be just a matter of time though, right?”

  Several heads nodded.

  “That’s what the man said,” Ajax added.

  “So the question is, do we wait for him? Or go mess with Tierney a little bit first?”

  Drake looked around the group.

  Sara stared back at him. Rink scowled. The rest of the Crew wore mischievous grins.

  The same smile grew on his face.

  “Yeah, that’s what I thought.” Leaned in close. “Alright, Sara, you stay here with me. We’ll give each of the other four a minute to get into place. Then we’ll go in.

  “The rest of you take an exit. Make sure he sees you. Knows he’s not going anywhere.”

  Kade and Ajax nodded. Moved off for the far doors.

  Rink squeezed Sara on the shoulder. Headed for the opposite side.

  Sage waited an extra moment. Walked three across with Drake and Sara through the front.

  Together they walked inside to a party long in-progress. The enormous barn sprawled out in front of them. Rough hewn wood. Exposed beams. Wrought iron chandeliers.

  Casual elegance.

  Christmas trees lined the walls. A brass band played on a stage along the back wall. Round tables encircled a parquet dance floor.

  Food and drink took up one entire side of the room.

  A menagerie of sound and smell hit as they entered. A few people turned to examine them. Looked away just as fast.

  “Alright, make us proud,” Sage said. Fell back. Waited by the door.

  Drake reached up and patted Sara on the back. Took a deep breath.

  Spotted Tierney talking to an older couple just off the edge of the dance floor.

  “You ready?” Drake asked. Started walking. Looked over to make sure Sara was doing the same.

  Sara ignored the question. Stared at her surroundings.

  “I had no idea this even existed. Must be over half the town.”

  Drake examined the crowd. Noticed most of them were older. Well-dressed. Giving he and Sara sideways glances.

  “Yeah, but which half?” Drake asked.

  Sara nodded. Followed Drake’s lead as they cut a path through the crowd.

  Tierney spotted them as they came. Did his best to keep the smile he was wearing in place. Glanced between the couple he was talking to and them as they approached.

  Drake made no effort to let him finish his conversation. Had no desire to let him save any face.

  Wanted every last person in Hamilton, in Montana, to know what he’d done.

  “Holt Tierney,” Drake said. Voice sharp. Loud enough that several heads turned to face him.

  Felt Sara press in tighter by his side.

  For his part, Tierney tried his best to look surprised. Raised his chin and eyebrows while being addressed.

  “Mr. Bell, Ms. Webb, so nice of you to join us. I’m so glad to see you didn’t let a little thing like a dress code stop you from coming out to have a good time.”

  Drake lowered his chin towards Sara. Kept his gaze on Tierney.

  “This is going to be downright fun, you know it?”

  “Agreed,” Sara said. Focused her stare on Tierney.

  The faux smile faded from Tierney’s features. He shifted his attention to th
e couple beside him.

  “Fran? Bruce? Would you mind excusing us for a moment?”

  Drake held out a hand. Spread his fingers wide.

  “Oh no, please, Fran and Bruce, stay. This will only take a minute.

  “See, Holt, the reason we’re dressed like this is we’ve spent all evening out in the Webb’s pasture. Care to guess what we found out there?”

  The color drained from Tierney’s face. Any sort of expression soon followed. His features hardened.

  “Judging by the smell, I’d say manure.”

  Drake snorted. Rolled his eyes.

  “True. We also found ourselves a cow. One very interesting cow. One that was wearing your brand, changed to look like the Webb brand.”

  Fran and Bruce stood silent. Looked at Drake and back to their host.

  Tierney met their glance.

  “That’s absurd. I’m quite certain I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “It’s also the same brand they found on two cows that tested positive for brucellosis this week,” Drake said. “Wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?”

  Tierney glanced around. Made an overhead motion with his hand.

  A pair of men emerged from behind the bar. Thick and dressed in flannels, they started across the dance floor.

  “Oh, I don’t think you want to do that either Holt,” Drake said. “If you look right now, you’ll see a few people dressed like us standing by each of your exits.

  “And trust me, you don’t want to see them mad.”

  “I bet he wouldn’t want us to start raising our voices either,” Sara said. Voice louder by several decibels. Venom dripping from the words. “Tell the whole town how he tried to steal my family’s ranch by framing us with brucellosis.”

  Several more heads turned. Conversations ceased.

  “Now then, young lady, I don’t know what it is you think you know, but you can’t come in here making these kinds of accusations.”

  “Kiss my ass,” Sara said. “I wish Lukas had shot more than just your picture.”

  Fran gasped. Reached out and grasped her husband’s forearm.

  A reflexive grin creased Drake’s face.

  “Alright, I think that’s about enough of that,” Tierney said. “Gentlemen, please escort these two out.”

  Drake looked at them edging closer. Almost dared them to try and lead him away.