AlsobyCraigJohnsonTheColdDish

DeathWithoutCompanyKindnessGoesUnpunishedAnotherMan’sMoccasins

TheDarkHorseJunkyardDogsHellIsEmpty

AstheCrowFliesASerpent’sToothSpiritofSteamboat

AnyOtherNameWaitforSigns

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LIBRARYOFCONGRESSCATALOGING-

IN-PUBLICATIONDATAJohnson,Craig,1961–

Drybones:aWaltLongmiremystery/CraigJohnson.pages;cm

ISBN978-0-698-15751-41.Longmire,Walt(Fictitiouscharacter)—Fiction.2.Sheriffs—Fiction.3.Wyoming—

Fiction.I.Title.PS3610.O325D792015

813’.6—dc232015001102

Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentseitheraretheproductof

theauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously,andanyresemblancetoactual

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Version_1

CONTENTS

AlsobyCraigJohnsonTitlePageCopyrightDedicationEpigraph

ACKNOWLEDGMENTSCHAPTER1CHAPTER2CHAPTER3CHAPTER4

CHAPTER5CHAPTER6CHAPTER7CHAPTER8CHAPTER9CHAPTER10CHAPTER11CHAPTER12CHAPTER13CHAPTER14CHAPTER15CHAPTER16EPILOGUE

ForJoeTuck,becauseHeavenneeds

drivers,andtheLordlikestokeephis

blacksmithsclose...

Thembones,thembonesgonnawalkaround

Thembones,thembonesgonnawalkaround

Thembones,thembonesgonnawalkaround

NowhearthewordoftheLord

Disconnectthembones,themdrybones

Disconnectthembones,themdrybones

Disconnectthembones,themdrybones

NowhearthewordoftheLord

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

IwaswanderingthroughtheNaturalHistoryMuseuminLondonwithmygranddaughterwhenwestumbledontoaT.rex—fromallplaces,Wyoming.IaskedmyfriendpaleontologistBillMattesonandheinformedmethatthemajorityof

Tyrannosauripopulatingthemuseumsoftheworldwerefromaroundourarea,hereintheNorthernRockies.

Ivaguelyrememberedasituationinthe’80sthathadescalatedamongtheBlackHillsInstituteofGeologicalResearch,anIndianrancher,histribe,andtheFBIoverthelargest,mostintactT.rexfossilthathadeverbeenfound—allofwhichseemed

rifeforaWaltLongmiremystery.

Attackingthesubjectwithhalf-rememberedscenariosandforty-year-oldpublicschoolsciencewould’vebeenamistake,soIjumpedintothedigwithbothfeet,readingasmuchasIcouldaboutthecreatureitself,thehistoryofthedinosaurwarshereinWyoming,andfinallythetitanicclusterthattookplacerightacrosstheborderin

SouthDakota.Manybooks,includingPeterLarsonandKristinDonnan’sRexAppealandSteveFiffer’sTyrannosaurusSUEwereessentialtounderstandingwhathadhappenedinthetinytownofHillCity,SouthDakota,alongwiththemarvelousdocumentary,Dinosaur13.Twomorefabuloussources,whichconvincedmehowlittleI

knewaboutdinosaurs,wereRobertT.Bakker’sTheDinosaurHeresiesandPeterLarsonandKennethCarpenter’sTyrannosaurusrex:TheTyrantKing.

TodigupagoodstoryyouneedateamandminestartswithGail“Hylaeosaurus”Hochman,andMarianne“Mosasaur”MerolaattheofficeinTimesSquare,oneofthemostunpredictable

huntinggroundsintheworld.DownislandintheWestVillageepochresidethefiercelyloyalKathryn“Carnotaurus”CourtandherhuntingpartnerLindsey“Stegosaurus”Schwoeri.Barbara“Compsognathus”CamporeadsthefossilimprintsandVictoria“Spinosaurus”Savanhhandlesthedetails,bothlargeandsmall.Carolyn“Conchoraptor”Coleburn

keepsaneyetothehorizonwhileBen“Parasaurolophus”PetroneandAngie“Megalodon”Messinakeeptheherdmovingintherightdirectionandawayfromextinction.

There’salwaysabigthankstoMarcus“Rhabdodon”RedThunder.

Thenthere’sJudy“Tyrannosaurusrex”Johnson,whomakesmycoldbloodrunwarm.

1

Shewasclosetothirtyyearsoldwhenshewaskilled.Abiggirl,shelikedto

carousewiththeboysatthelocalwateringholes,whichofcourseledtoalotofillegitimatechildren,butbyallaccounts,shewasapretty

goodsingleparentandcouldtakecareofherselfandherbrood.Onenight,though,agangmusthavejumpedher;theywereallyoungerthanshewas,theyhadnumbers,theymight’veevenbeenfamily,andaftertheybrokeherlegandshewasontheground,itwasprettymuchover.Therewasnofuneral.

Theykilledherandleftwhat

remainedtherebythewater,wherethesedimentfromtheforgottencreekbuiltuparoundher,layerafterlayer,compressingandcompactinghertothepointwherethebonesleechedawayandwerereplacedbyminerals.Itwasasifshe’dturnedto

stonejusttokeepfrombeingforgotten.It’sinterestinghowher

remainswerefound;her

namesake,JenniferWatt,wastravelingwithDaveBaumann,thedirectoroftheHighPlainsDinosaurMuseum,whentheygotaflat—notanunusualoccurrenceontheredroadstheranchersusedforthemoreinaccessibleareasoftheirrancheswherethelargerchunksofshaleattackedsidewallsliketomahawks.Thebiggerrockischeaper,

butit’salsothesizeofbricksandhaslotsofsharpedges,edgesthatliketomakemealsofanythinglessthanten-ply.Davehadbeentryingto

squeakanotherseasonoutofthetiresonthe’67LandRover,buttheretheystood,staringatarightrearwithadistinctlackofround,inthemiddleoftheLoneElkRanch.Whilehefishedthejackandsparefromthehood

andbeganthearduoustaskofreplacingthetire,JenniferunloadedBrody,herTibetanmastiff,andwentforawalk.Hopingtomeetafriendontheplace,shefollowedaridgearoundacornice,butthedog,whowas150poundswithaheavycoat,beganpanting.BeforelongJendecidedthatitmightbeaprettygoodideaforthetwoofthemtotryandgettosome

shade,notaneasypropositionoutonthePowderRivercountry;luckily,therewasarockoverhangalongtheridgewithplentyenoughroomforherandthedogtogetoutofthelateafternoonsun.Sheworeherblondehair

inaponytailthatstuckthroughtheadjustmentstrapofherHole-in-the-WallBarballcap,and,pullingthe

collapsibledogbowlfromherpack,sheslippedoutaNalgenebottle,tookaswig,andthenpouredthemastiffadrink.Jenniferlookedoutonto

thegrassthatundulatedlikeagigantic,rollingsea.ItwaseasytoimaginetheWesternInterior(Cretaceous)SeawayortheNiobraranSeathathadoncecoveredthisland,splittingthecontinentof

NorthAmericaintotwolandmasses,LaramidiatothewestandAppalachiatotheeast.ThegreatseahadstretchedfromMexicototheArcticandhadbeenovertwothousandfeetdeep.Jensettledundertherockandpettedthedog,hergreeneyesscanningthelandscape.Shepulledhervideo

camerafromherpackandpannedthedistance,seeing

thingsoutthereonthehighplains,thingsthatdidn’texist,atleastnotanymore—predatorymarinereptileslikelong-neckedplesiosaursandmorealligator-likemosasaursalmosteightyfeetlong.SharkssuchasSqualicoraxswamthroughherimaginationalongwithgiant,shellfish-eatingPtychodusmortoni.Whenshe’dbeensix,her

fatherhadbroughthertothiscountryfromTucson,Arizona,andhaddraggedheralongonhisprivateexcavationsthathelpedsupporthisrockshopontheoldhighwayoutnearLakeDeSmetbetweenDurantandSheridan.Shestillrememberedwhatshe’dsaidonedayasthey’dgottenoutofhisbatteredpickup,herfingersclimbinguphispant

leguntilshefoundthereassuringhandwithgloveswornlikesaddleleather,theadjustmentstrapswiththetransparentredbeads.“There’snothingouthere,Daddy.”Hesurveyedtherolling

hillsthatledfromtheBighornMountainstotheendlessPowderRivercountry,smiledashepushedbackhisstrawhat,andspoke

gentlytoher.“There’severythinghere;youjusthavetoknowwheretolook.”Jenniferhadlearnedto

lookandhadneverstopped;DaveBaumann’shandsandherswereintheexcavationsthathadledtothedisplaysthatcrowdedtheHighPlainsDinosaurMuseuminDurant,andattwenty-six,shewasstillsearching.Truthbetold,Jenliked

deadthingsbetterthanliveones—theywerelesstrouble,theconversationsbeingone-sided.Alotofinvestigatorsandpaleontologistsaremorecomfortablethatway,abletoaccepttheconsensusoftruth,disregardingtheabsoluteassomethingthatalwayscarriesthedangerofbeingoverturnedbysomenewandextraordinarypieceofevidence.

Sheloweredthecamera,tookanothersipofwater,andpouredherdogmore.Brodysighedandshookhismassivehead,andJenleanedbackundertherockoverhangtotrytodecidewhatshewasgoingtodowiththeoldman’srockshop,aramshackleaffairnearthelakethathadstartedoutasatrailerbutthroughtheyearshadevolvedintoalabyrinth

ofwoodenfenceslinedwithgeodes,gems,quartz,androcksamples,mostofthemworthless.Hehaddiedtheyear

before,andsheknewthelandwasmorevaluablethanthestructureitself,butshe’dgrownupthereandlovedtheoldplace,asclutteredandtackyasitmightbe.Shepulledthecapoverhereyesanddozeduntilshebecame

awareofaprotractedgrowlinherdog’sthroat.Sheswattedathim,buthecontinuedtorumbleawarninguntilshefinallyliftedthebillofhercaptolookathim.Hewaslookingdirectlyup.Jen’seyesfollowedtowhereatwo-fingeredtalonstretchedoutoftherockceilingdowntowardher,almostasifitwereimploring.Shegrabbed

thecameraandbegantofilmwhatwouldbecomeoneofthegreatestpaleontologicaldiscoveriesinmoderntimes.

•••

VictoriaMorettisippedthecoffeefromthechromelidofmythermos,leanedforward,and,peeringthroughthewindshield,watchedthemanwithanintensitythatonlyher

tarnishedgoldeyescouldcommand.“Isthatsomeweird-assWyomingfishingtechniqueIdon’tknowabout?”

IcouldseethatOmarwastossingsomethingintothewaterfromthebanksoftheman-madereservoir.

“Whatthehellishedoing?”

Ruby,mydispatcher,hadreceivedacallfromhimearlyinthemorningandhad

bushwhackedDogandmewithitwhenwecameinthedoor.IhadfilledupmythermosandinturnbushwhackedVicbeforeheadingouttotheten-thousand-acreLoneElkplacetofindoutwhatwasup.

Outdooradventurer,outfitter,andbig-gamebonvivant,OmarRhoadeshadcontractswithallthebigranchersandsometimesusedtheirpropertyforextended

huntingandfishingjunkets.Usuallyhekepthisspotssecret,butthistimehe’dtoldRubywherehewasandthatImightwanttocomeoutandmeethim.

MosteverythingwasinbloominlateMay,andIbreathedinthescentsfromtheopenwindowsofmytruck.AsIstaredattheaspensandcottonwood,theyallbeganstretchingtotheskylikethosecypressesinItaly

thatlookedlikethumbsmudges.

Myundersheriffturnedandlookedatmesomemore.“IthoughthewasinChina.”

“Mongolia.”TheCusterlook-alikewas

dressedinastate-of-the-artfishingvest,waders,andhisever-presentblackcowboyhatwithmorefliesstuckinitthanOrvishasinitscatalog.Allinall,Iestimatedthetotalworthofhisoutfitat

somewhereclosetotwothousanddollars,andhewasn’tevencarryingtheflyrod,whichwasstickingouttherearofhiscustom-madeSUVthatdwarfedmythree-quarter-ton.

Ileanedforwardandstaredthroughthewindshield.Wewatchedashedrewsomethingfromonehand,carefullytookaim,andtossedwhateveritwasontothesmoothsurfaceofthe

water,blacklikeanoilslick.Victurnedtolookatmeas

shereachedbackandscratchedthefurbehindDog’sear.“Doyouthinkhe’sfinallylostit?”

Ipulledthehandleandclimbedoutofthetruck,carefultokeeptheSaintBernard/Germanshepherd/plainsgrizzlyinside.“Let’sgofindout.”

ThebeautyofItaliandescentfollowedwithmy

thermosasweglidedourwaythroughthemorningdewinthebuffalograss.“Youknow,thelandedgentrygetlikethiswhentheyspendtoomuchtimealone.”

Iwhisperedovermyshoulder,“Likewhat?”

“Fuckingnuts.”Sheincreasedherpaceandcaughtupwithme.“He’snotarmed,ishe?”

“Ifhewere,Idon’tthinkhe’dbethrowingrocks.”I

stoppedatthewornpathsurroundingthereservoir,curious,butstillattemptingtoabidebytheprotocolofthehighplainsanglersoastonotupsetthefishing—if,infact,thatwaswhathewasdoing.

“Hey,Omar.”Hestarted,justvisibly,

andspoketousoverhisshoulderashecontinuedthrowingpebblesintothewater.“Walt.Vic.”

“Whatareyoudoing?”

Heglancedatusbutthentossedanotherstone.“Tryingtokeepthosesnappingturtlesoffthatbodyoutthere.”

Wetiptoedtotheedgeofthebankinanattempttokeepthewaterfromseepingintoourboots,andVicandIjoinedOmarinhistargetpractice,Vicshowingheracumenbybouncingaflatstoneofftheshellofasmallturtlethatskitteredandswamintothedepths.“Anyidea

whoitis?”Omarleanedforwardand

liftedhisOakleyRadarlockyellow-tintedshootingglassestopeerintothereflectivesurfaceofthewateratthehalf-submergedbody.“I’mthinkingit’sDanny.”

Istaredatthecorpse,whichwasagoodfortyfeetfromthebank,andtriedtofigureouthowweweregoingtoretrieveit,inthatwehadnoboat.“Himself?”

Myundersheriffsquinted.“Howcanyoutell?”

“Noteverybodyhashairlikethat.”Omarnailedabigturtlethathadrisenbesidethebodylikeasurfacingsubmarineandhadgottencaughtinthemassofsilverlocksthathadfannedoutfromthebody.“Dannyalwayshadnicehair.”

Omarreachedbehindhimand,pullingoutafancy,stainlesssteelthermosofhis

own,pouredthetomato-redcontentsintoacut-glassdouble-old-fashionedtumbler.“Libation?”

Shestaredathim,onehandonherhip.“It’seighto’clockinthemorning.”

Heshruggedandsipped.“Sun’sovertheyardarmsomewhere.”

OmarandIwatchedasVicexpertlyskippedapebbleacrosstheglossysurfaceofthewater,thepellet

deflectingoffanotherturtle.“Howmanyturtlesarethereinthisdamnthing,anyway?”

Omargrunted.“DannyandhisbrotherEnicprotectthem;nobodyisallowedtohurtthem—they’resacredtotheCrowandtheNorthernCheyenne.”

Vicshookherheadandnailedanother.“Isthereanylivingthingthatisn’tsacredtotheCrowandtheNorthernCheyenne?”

Itossedastonebutmissed.“Nope.”

OmarsippedfromhisBloodyMary.“They’reatotemforfertility,protection,andpatience.”Heturnedtolookatme.“Howareyourdaughterandgranddaughter?”

TherewasasilenceasIformulatedananswer,butbeforeIcouldspeak,Vicchimedin.“Excuseme,butdidImissatransitioninthe

conversationhere?”Itappedmyshoulder.

“Cady’sgotatattooofaturtle—reminiscentofherwillfulyouthatBerkeley.”Iglancedbackathim.“Shouldbeherethedayaftertomorrow.”

Henodded.“Lookin’forwardtomeetingLola.”

Ismiledandpickedupmythermos.“Anyideasonhowwegethimoutofthere?”Iglancedatthebig-game

hunter.“You’vegotyourwaderson.”

Heshookhishead.“Oh,no.Thebankdropsofftenfeetout,andthereservoirisaboutsixtyfeetdeep—usedtobeashalepit.”

InoddedanddranksomecoffeeasOmarrefilledhisglassandVictossedarock,thistimemissinghershelledtargetbutcausingittoduckitsheadandsilentlyretreatintothedepths.“CanI

assumethatnine-thousand-dollarOysterflyrodofyourswilldothetrick?”

Viccrouchedataninletontheothersideofthepond.“I’mtryingtoresistsayingsomethingabouttheironicaspectofaguywhoprotectstheturtlesbutthenfallsinhisownpondandbecomessnapperchow.”

“Wedon’tknowit’shim.”“Surewedo.”Sheheldup

apaperbag.“Ifoundhis

lunch,andit’sgothisnameonit.”Sheread,“Daddy-O.”

“Topflightdetecting,that’swhatthatis.”IwatchedasOmarflippedtheflyrodbackandforth,trailingthelineincyclicalpatterns,reflectinginthemorningsunshine.“Thinkyoucangethimonthefirsttry?”

Heignoredmycrassremarkandflippedtheflyforward,yankingitbacktosetthehookinwhatappeared

tobethesleeveofagreencanvasshirt.TheoutdoorsmancarefullywalkedthebanksandreeledinthebodyaswewatchedwhoweassumedwasDannyLoneElkspinslowlywithhisonearmextendedlikeasuperheroinflight,atrailofdisappointedturtlesinhiswake.

Asthebodycamealongsidethebank,Ireachedin,grabbeditbythecollar,

anddraggedtheupperpartofhimontothegrass.“Heweighsaton.”

“Lungsareprobablyfullofwater.”Vicleanedoverandgrabbedtheothersideofhiscollarandwebothheavedthedeadweightontothebank,aforty-poundsnappingturtlewithacarapacethesizeofawashbasinattachedtothedeadman’slefthand.

Vicdroppedhersideandbackedawayfromthe

radiallysetiridescenteyes,thecolornotunlikeherown.“Whatthefuck?”

Theaquaticmonsterreleasedthedeadman’shand,hissedlikeasteamtrain,andextendeditsnecktowardus,evidentlynotwillingtogiveupitsbreakfast.

Vicdrewhersidearm,butIpusheditaway.“Don’t.Itdoesn’tmeananyharm.”

“Thehellitdoesn’t;lookathim.”Sheconsidered.

“I’veshotpeopleforlessthanthatshit.”

Ikneeleddown,andthebeaststretchedoutitsneckevenfurtherandstruckatmewithsnakelikespeed,thereachsurprisinglyfar.“Youknowthesethingsareseventymillionyearsold?”

Vicreluctantlyholsteredherweapon.“Thisoneinparticular?”

“Theyappearedbeforethedinosaursdiedout.”Ipicked

upastickandextendedtheendtowardtheanimal’sopenmouth.“Seethelittlewigglyredthingattheendofitstongue?”

Vicraisedhereyebrows.“What,thatmeanshe’spopularwiththeladies?”

“That’swhatheusestoambushfish—theythinkit’saworm.”

“That’sdisgusting.”Iwalkedarounditand

raiseditsrearend,placingmy

handunderneaththeplastronandliftingthecreature,ratherawkwardly,fromtheground.Itsheadswiveledback,anditsnappedwiththesoundofasmallfirecracker.

BothOmarandmyundersheriffsteppedback.“He’sgoingtobitetheshitoutofyou.”

“No,theycan’treachifyou’reholdingthemfromthebottom.”Astreamofsomethingdribbleddownthe

lengthofmyjeansontomyboot.

Theystudiedme,Vic,ofcourse,thefirsttospeak.“Didthatthingjustpissonyou?”

“Ibelieveitdid.”Iswungthebigbeastaround,lowereditbackintothewater,andwatchedasthecreaturesettledinthemudandlookedbackatme,apparentlynowinnogreathurrytogetaway.

“Iguesshelikesyou.”

Ishookthewaterfrommyhandsandstudiedtheroundeyesthatwatchedmewarily.“Mightbeafemale.”

“Well,anytimeyou’rethroughturtlediddling,we’vegotworktodo.”Sheapproachedthecadaveragainandrolledthebodyover,lookedatwhatremainedofDannyLoneElk’sface,andimmediatelyturnedaway.“Ohshit,hiseyesaregone.”

Omarkneeledbythedead

manandturnedhischin.“Crittersalwaysgoforthemfirst.”Hesighed.“Thoseturtlessuredidanumberonhim.”TheybothturnedtolookatmeasIstaredatthebody.“Walt?”

ItwasamanI’dseenbefore,inmydreams.

“Walt?”Inthedreams,healsohad

noeyes.“Walt.”Theman’swordscame

back,anditwasalmostasifhewerestandingbesideme,repeatingthemantraofwarningI’dstowedaway:Youwillstandandseethegood,butyouwillalsostandandseethebad—thedeadshallriseandtheblindwillsee.

“Walt.”Itookadeepbreath.

“You’resureit’sDanny?”Omarnoddedandlooked

backatthebody.“HisbeltsaysDanny.”Hepausedforamoment.“AndIrecognizewhat’sleftofhim.”

“Doeshehaveawalletoranythingelseonhim,likeafishinglicense?”

Checkingthepocketsofthedeadman,Omarshookhishead.“Nothing,buthe’sonhisownproperty.Idon’tcarrymywalletwithmewhenI’mfishing—alwaysafraidI’lldunkit.”

IglancedatVic.“Didyoucheckhislunch?”

“Mightaswell;I’mabouttolosemine.”Shereacheddown,pickedupthebrownpaperbag,and,rummagingthroughthesack,calledouttheitems.“Daddy-Ohadonecanoforangesoda,onecheesesandwich,onebagofLay’spotatochips,anassortmentofceleryandcarrotsticks,and...”Shefumbledinthebag,finally

pullingoutawithered,handmadebillfold.“Onewallet.”

“IsitDanny’s?”Shehelditupforusto

lookat.“Well,seeingashowithasDANNYengravedontheoutside,I’dsayyes.”SheopeneditandstudiedtheWyomingdriver’slicenseandthefaceoftheelderlyCheyenneman.“Helikedputtinghisnameonstuff,didn’the?”

Omarreachedoutandstraightenedthecollarofthedeadman’sshirt.“Hewasagoodoldguy—letmebringclientsoutherewheneverIwantedandevenletmeflymyhelicopterintothisplace.”

Iglancedaround.“Whereistheranchhousefromhere?”

Heignoredmyquestion.“There’sgoingtobetrouble.”Hepointed.“Theeyes—themedicinemenwillhavetodo

somethingaboutthisorDannywillwandertheearthforever.”Helookedup,andIcouldseetearsforhisoldfriend.“Lostandblind.”

Inodded,fishingmykeysfrommyjeanssothatwecouldloadthemanintothetruckbedandtakehimtoDocBloomfieldandroom32,theDurantMemorialHospital’sadhocmorgue.“I’llgetintouchwiththefamily,Henry,andthe

Cheyennetribalelders.”Walkingbacktomytruck,IthoughtaboutmyvisionandwhatVirgilWhiteBuffaloandthestrangerhadsaid—thatstranger,thestrangerwithnoeyes,whoendedupbeingDannyLoneElk.

•••

ThelasttimeI’dseenDannywasattheMooseLodgeat

theendoftown.Ithadbeenafewyearsback,andhehadstillbeendrinking.I’dgottenaradiocallthattherewasadisturbance,butbythetimeI’dgottenthere,nooneseemedtorememberwhohadbeeninvolvedinthealtercation.

AskingwhyhewasaMooseandnotanElk,I’dgrabbedaRainierformyselfandjoinedhim.

“Theygotabetterbar

downhere.”Helookedupatmeand

smiled.Linedwithmorewrinklesthanaflophousebed,theoldman’sfacewascraggedbutstillhandsomeandcarriedthewisdomoftheages.Hereachedovertosqueezemyshoulderwithahandaslargeandspideryasakingcrab.

Wellintohiscups,hespoketomethroughclinchedteeth;DannyLoneElk

alwaystalkedasifwhathehadtosaytoyouwasaveryimportantsecret,andmaybeitwas.“Youoffduty,Sheriff?”

“Endofwatch.Icameherelookingfortrouble,butthereisn’tany.”

“CanIbuyyouabeer?”Igesturedwiththefull

can.“Gotone.”Heclosedoneeyeand

lookedatme.“YoutoogoodtodrinkwithanIndian?”

“No.I—”“’Causeyougottahavea

reservation.”Hekepthiseyeonmelikeaspotlight,guffaweduproariouslyathisownjoke,andthenleanedinclose.“Youwannaknowwhytheycalledyou?”Hegestureddownthebarwhereasmallcontingencyofmendidtheirlevelbesttoignoreus.“Youseethatsharp-facedmanwiththeballcap?Thatfellainthecowboyhatbesidehimasked

himwhathewasgonnadoonhisvacationandhesaidhewasgonnagotoMontanaandgofishing.Well,cowboyhattoldsharp-facehecouldn’tunderstandwhyhewasgoingfishinginMontana’causetherewasnothingbutabunchofdamnedIndiansupthere.”Dannysippedhisbeerandlookedpastmetowardthemen.“Thensharp-faceaskedcowboyhatwhathewasgonnadoonhisvacationand

cowboyhatsaidhe’sgoin’huntingdowninArizonaandsharp-facesaidhecouldn’tunderstandwhyhewasgoinghuntingdowninArizona’causetherewasnothingbutabunchofdamnedIndiansdownthere.”

Inodded.“Wasthatalltherewastoit?”

“No.”Hegrinnedthesecretsmileagain.“ThatwaswhenItoldthembothtogotohell,’causetheresure

wasn’tanyIndiansthere.”Hisvoicerose.

“Bartender.”Helookedbackatme,againsmilingthroughtheill-fittingdentures.“Ithinkthat’swhenthisguycalledyou.”

Themanapproachedsomewhatwarily.“CanIhelpyou?”

Helip-pointedatsharp-faceandcowboyhat.“Yeah;IthinkIbetterbuythoseguysdownthereabeer;I’mafraid

Imight’vespooked’em.”Asthebarkeepwentabout

distributingtheconciliatorybeverages,Dannyleanedinagain.“Iknewyourdaddy.”

“Really?”“Yeah,madethemistake

oftryin’togethimtogotoIndianchurchonetime.”

“Uh-oh.”“Yeah.”Hegrinnedagain

andnodded.“IwasworkingdownatFortKeoghandlivedoutyourway—hadthiswife

thatthoughtsinceyourfamilylivedsocloseweshouldgoandinvitethemtogotochurchwithus.”Heleanedinagain.“Well,justmyluck,yourfatheransweredthedoor,andboydidhegivemeanearful.”

“I’msorry;mymotherwasthereligiousone.”

“HesaidhefiguredIwasjusttradin’onesuperstitionforanother.”

Itookasipofmybeer.

“Hewasn’tabigoneforchurches.”

“TheystillhavethatplaceoutnearBuffaloCreek?”

“Ihaveitnow—they’vebothpassed.”

Henodded.“Iamsorrytohearthat—theyweregoodpeople.”Hewassilentforamomentandlookeddownathislap.“Doyoueverseethem?”

Iturnedandlookedathim,thinkingthatIhadn’tmade

myselfclear.“They’redead.”Henoddedagainandthen

staredatthecaninhishands.“Yeah,butdoyoueverseethem?”

“Umm,Idon’t...”“WhenIamalone,hunting

orfishing...”Hebreathedalaugh.“...AndthatistheonlytimeI’malone,bytheway...”Helookedatme.“...Iseemyancestors,theoneswhohavewalkedtheHangingRoadtotheCampof

theDead.WhenIseethem,theyarefarawaybutwatchingmeliketheeyesofthestars.”

Notquitesurewhattosaytothat,Inodded.“That’snice...thatthey’relookingoutforyou.”

“Idon’tknowifthat’swhatitis.”Hetookoutsomeantacids,shookafewofthechunkytabletsintohishand,andwashedthemdownwithsomebeer.“Mmm,

peppermint,myfavorite.”HestartedhummingthethemetoDragnet,whichwasalsothejingleforthepills.“Tum,tum,tum,tum...”Thenheopenedaprescriptionbottlethathetookfromthepocketofhisshirt,shookoutafewpills,andswallowedthem,too.Helookedatmeblankly.“WhatwasItalkingabout?”

“Family.”“Oh,right...Iamold,

andIknowIamstandingon

thebrinkofthelifenobodyknowsabout,andIamanxioustogotomyFather,Ma-hayoh.Toliveagainasmenwereintendedtolive,evenonthisworld,butIfearfortheremainsofmyfamily.”

Iknewthathisranchwasvastandtherehadbeentalkofgas,oil,andfossildeposits,butIstillcouldn’tunderstandLoneElk’sconcerns.“You’vegot

children,right?I’msureyourfamilywilllookafterthosethingsafteryou’regone,Danny.”

Itwasalongtimebeforehespokeagain.“Maybethat’strue,butIwouldtakesomethingsbackifIcould.”

•••

“Isaid...”Myundersheriffraisedaneyebrowandsighed,

stillholdingherendofthenowblanket-wrappedbody.“Didyouhearthat?”

WithDannyLoneElk’svoicestillresonatinginmyhead,Iturnedandlookedaround,fullyexpectingtoseethemanandhisancestors.“Hearwhat?”

SheglancedatOmar,andthentheybothlookedatme.“Agunshot.”

Itookadeepbreathtoclearmyheadandmyears.

“Close?”“What,youwerehaving

somekindofout-of-bodyexperience?”

“No,IwasjustrememberingwhenIhadseenDannylast.”Ithoughtaboutaddingmore,butIhadn’tsharedmyexperiencesinCusterParkwithanyone.“ProbablythehandswhoworkedforLoneElk,chasingoffcoyotesorplinkingprairiedogs.”Ilookedaround.

“Wherewastheshot?”Viclookedtowardthe

ridge.“Notfar.”WehurriedtogetDanny

loadedasquicklyaswecould,havingdecidedtouseOmar’smassiveSUVsinceithadbettercoverforthebodythantheopenbedoftheBulletand,ofallthings,aslide-outgamerack.

Hegesturedtowardthepassengerside.“Getin.”

Iglancedatmytruck.

“Maybewe’dbetterleaveDannyinyoursandtakemine.”

Heshookhishead.“Thisthing’sfaster—besides,it’sbulletproof.”

UsheringVicintothefront,Iclimbedinthebackandgapedattheleatherandburl-woodinterior.“Omar,whattheheckisthisthing?”

Hefireduptheengine,slappedthetransmissioningear,andtoreupthetwo-

tracktowardtheridge,thethreeofusthrownbackintothebutter-softbucketseats.“AConquest,KnightXV—it’shandcraftedoutofToronto.”

Asweflewacrosstheprairie,Iglancedupthroughtheskylight.“Whatdoessomethinglikethissetyouback?”

Heshrugged.“Couplehundredthousand,Idon’tknow—theaccountantsaidI

neededtospendsomemoneyfast,soIdid.”

Whenwemadethetopoftheridge,Omarwheeledtheglossyblackfortresstotheleftandstopped;werolleddownthewindowstolistenbutdidn’thearanything.Vicleanedforwardinthepassengerseatandpointeddownthevalley.“Therearesomevehiclesparkedatthefencedowntherethroughafewcattleguards—youwant

togocheckitout?”Spinningthewheel,Omar

drovedowntheslopetoabetter-maintainedroadandstartedofftowardtheareaVichadindicated.

Sheturnedtolookatme.“So,youknowthedeceased?”

Thinkingitbesttokeepthevisionstomyself,ItoldherabouttheMooseLodgeencounter.“Ihadacoupleofbeerswithhimonetimea

fewyearsago.”IcouldfeelherlookingatthesideofmyfaceasIlookedoutthetintedwindows.“TherewasadisturbanceatthebarandwhenIgotthereithadsettleddown,soIhadabeerwithhim.Hewasworriedaboutsomethings,sowetalked.Ittookawhileformetorememberhim.”

Shenodded,notbuyingawordofit.“Whatwasheworriedabout?”

“Nothing,gettingold,theland,family,theusualstuff.”

“Heshould’veworriedaboutlearningtoswim.”

IrecognizedDaveBaumann’sweathered,light-blueLandRover,emblazonedwiththelogooftheHighPlainsDinosaurMuseum,drivingathighspeedtowardus.HeslidtoastopalongsideOmar’srollingfortress.Aquarterofamileaway,Icouldseeanothergatewhere

twoflatbedswereparkednosetonoseblockingtheentrance,withsomepeoplemillingabout;beyondthatwasaworkingbackhoe.

Irolleddownthewindowandwasabouttospeakwhenthepaleontologistbeganyellingtotheyoungblonde-hairedwomaninthepassengerseat.“They’reusingabackhoe!”

IstaredatDave,anathletic-lookingfellowwith

glasses,curlylight-brownhairandbeard,blueeyes,andaneasysmilethatmadehimpopularwiththeyoungfemalescientistswhosometimescametointernattheprivatemuseum—theycalledhimDino-Dave.

“Excuseme?”Hetookadeepbreathto

calmhimselfandcontinued.“They’redigginguponeofthemostvaluablesitesinrecenthistorywitha

backhoe.”“I’mnoexpert.”Isighed

andglancedatbothVicandOmar.“Butthat’sprobablynotgood.”

“No.”“Who’sinchargehere?”“Iam.”Hestudiedmeand

revisedhisstatement.“Whatdoyoumean?”

Ihadbeeninvolvedinthesekindsofconflictswheretheuniversity,thecolleges,themuseums,andthe

landownersquibbledabouttheexactlocationofdigs,andIlikedtogetthefullstorybeforemobilizingthetroops.“Isthisofficialorsomethingmorelooselystructured?”

“It’sastraight-aheaddeal;Ipaidthirty-seventhousanddollarslastyearforthefossilremains.”

Iopenedthedoor.“Iguesswe’dbettergooverandtakealook.Whydon’tthetwoofyoujumpinherewithus,

Dave?”TheydidasIrequested,andIthrustahandtowardtheblonde.“WaltLongmire.”

Shedidn’ttakemyhandorreturnmysmile.“JenniferWatt.”SheraisedhersmallvideocameraandbeganfilmingthroughOmar’swindshield.

Ishruggedandsatoppositethetwoofthem—thebehemothvehiclehadlimousine-stylerearseating—

feelinglikeIwasinsomesortofexecutiveconferenceroom.“Tellmeaboutthedeal.”

DaveleanedforwardasOmardrovesouth.“ItwasthestandardarrangementwiththelandownerandtheHPDM—thatwewouldsearchforfossils,andanythingwefound,wewouldsharetheprofits.”

Victurnedandlookedathim.“Ithoughtthemuseum

wasanonprofit?”Henodded.“Itisatthe

endofthefiscalyear,butwhenwefirstunearthedthejawbonelastAugustandweneededmoretime,Ithoughtwe’dbettercementadealwiththelandowner.”Hepointedtowardthebackhoe.“Justtomakesurethatexactlythistypeofthingdidn’thappen.”Hepausedforamomentandpointedlysniffedtheair.“What’sthat

smell?”Victhrewachintoward

me.“Oh,thesheriffheregotpissedon.”

Itwasaboutthenthataroundfromsomesortofsmallarmsfirecaromedoffthecab,leavinganarrowbutnastygashonthewindshield,andDaveducked.“MyGod,they’reshootingatusagain!”

IstaredatthegrooveasOmaryelledbackoverhisshoulder,“Ballisticarmor

glass.”Hehitthegasandbarreled

downthemakeshifttwo-tracktowardtheroadblockasIturnedbacktoDave.“Theyshotatyoubefore?”

“You’redamnrighttheydid!”

AnotherricochetandOmarfishtailedtothesideandgunneditagain,inhopesthatifwemadeitclosertotheparkedvehiclestheshootermightbelessinclined

tofire.Westoppedinfrontofthetwoflatbeds.

VicdrewherGlock,butIheldoutahand,roseup,andgotouttheotherside,justasanIndiancowboychargedupthehillsidetoslapwhatlookedtobeabolt-action.22fromthehandsofateenageboy.

Iwalkedaroundbothtruckswithmyhandsraised,quicklycoveringthetwentyyardsbetweenus.“Allright,

I’mnotsurewhosepropertywe’reon,butweneedtostoptheshootingrightnow.”

Withonelast,hardlooktowardthekid,theIndiancowboyturnedasanother,oldermaninablackflat-brimhatjoinedhim.“Sorryaboutthat,Sheriff...”

Theteenagerinterrupted.“Youtoldmetostandguardandnotletanybodyin!”

TheIndiancowboypickeduptherifleandthrewittothe

oldermanwiththeblackhatasVicandDavejoinedus.“Ididn’tmeanforyoutoshootthesheriff.”

“What’sgoingonhere?”Hesmiledawidegrin.

“Protectingourinvestments.”Heslappedtheteeninthebackofthehead,knockingoffhisstrawhat,andgesturedtowardDave.“YoucanshootDaveifyouwantto...”Thekidactuallyreachedfortherifleontheolderman’s

shoulder.“Leaveyourunclealone;Iwaskidding.”Hethenthrewthebeardedpaleontologistaglance.“Kindof.”

IlookedatwherethebucketofthebigCASEbackhoewasscrapingawaythesideofthehill.“Youneedtostopexcavating.Daveheresaysthatyou’regoingtodoirreparabledamagetothedig.”

TheIndiancowboylifteda

handandwhippedoffhisownhat,raisingitinawidewave,hisdarkhairswoopingaroundhisheadlikeaflightofcrows.Thesoundoftheheavyequipmenthaltedalmostimmediately.Heturnedbacktolookatus,hisperfectteethcontrastingwiththetanskinofhishandsomefaceasheextendedhishand.“RandyLoneElk,Sheriff.Idon’tthinkwe’vemet.”Hegesturedtowardtheolder

manholdingtherifle.“ThisismyUncleEnic.”Helip-pointedtowardtheteenager.“AndtheAll-AmericansniperhereisTaylor,mynephew.”

IshookthehandandgesturedtowardBaumann.“Davehereisconcernedabouttheintegrityofhissite.”“Hissite,huh?”He

continuedgrinning.“Thenhedoesn’tknowexactlywhere

hissiteis.”Hespreadhisarmsandhalfturned,exemplifyingtheopencountry.“Wearetryingtodrawsomeattention,andIguessitworked.”HegesturedtowardDave.“Theseguysareattemptingtogetthisfossiloutofherebeforeanybodycouldfindout,butwe’rerenegotiatingthedeal.”HelookedatmeandthenatOmar’svehicle.“Whatthehellisthatthing,anyway?”

Iignoredthequestion.“Daveheretellsmethatyou’vebeencompensatedtothetuneofthirty-seventhousanddollarsonthisdig.”

RandyLoneElkpointedafingeratBaumann’schest.“That’sbullshit,andevenifitwasn’t,thirty-seventhousanddollarsisajoke,ifnotaninsult.”

Thepaleontologistspokeup.“It’safairpriceforwhatwe’veuncoveredsofar,more

thananyonehaseverbeencompensated...Andthere’stheprofitsharing.”

Randylaughedandreturnedhishattohisheadwithatug,settlingithardonhisforehead.“Sheriff,doyouknowwhatshe’sworth?OnesmallerthanthisintheBlackHillswentforovereightmilliondollarstwentyyearsago.”

Ishookmyhead.“Idon’tevenknowwhatwe’re

talkingabout.”Baumannlookedalittle

embarrassedbutthenprovidedthemuch-neededinformation.“ASaurischia,suborderTheropoda,genus...”

“AT.rex.”Therancherbeganyellingagain.“Maybethelargestandmostcompleteeverfound.”

Baumannshookhishead.“Wedon’tknowthatuntilwegettherestofher.”

Unabletocontainhisenthusiasm,Randyyelped,“Wemeasuredtheexposedfossilbones,andJen’salotbiggerthantheoneattheFieldMuseuminChicago—probablythebiggestintheworld!”

Icouldn’thelpbutask,“She?”

Baumannanswered,“Wecan’ttellwhatsexitis,butgenerallythelargeronesarefemale.”

Viclaughed.“WhyJen?”Davegesturedtowardthe

youngwomanstillfilmingwhileleaningagainstthefrontoftheSUV.“Jenniferwastheonewhofoundher,andusuallyyouuseeithertheLatin,oraplacename,orthenameofthepersonwhodiscoveredthespecimenforitsname.”HecontinuedtoshakehisheadasheglancedbackatRandy.“Anyway,itreallydoesn’tmatter.I

alreadypaidforthefind,andI’mnotpayingagain.”

Randyapproachedhim,stickinghisnoseinchesfromDave’sface.“Well,whothehelldidyoupay,’causeitsurewasn’tme.”

“Yourfather—IpaidDanny.”

Hetookadeepbreathandswungaroundtolookatallofus,hisfistsplantedathiships.“ThenIguesswe’llhavetowaitfortheoldman

togetbackfromfishingtofindoutaboutthat.”

2“It’sthetypeofasphyxiathatisthedirectresultofliquidenteringthebreathingpassagesandpreventingairfromgoingintothelungs—inotherwords,allyouneedtodoissubmergethemouthandnose.”

Afulltwenty-fourhourslater,Ileanedagainstthewallofroom32andwatchedasIsaacBloomfieldcontinuedexaminingthebodywe’dfound.“So,hediddrown?”

“Notnecessarily.”Peeringatmethroughthicklenses,thedocadjustedhisglasses.“Thesequenceofeventspertainingtodrowningarebreathholding,involuntaryinspirationandgaspingforairatthebreakingpoint,lossof

consciousness,andfinally,death.”

Vicfoldedherarms.“Andthenfeedingtheturtles.”

IsaacmovedsomeofthehairawayfromDannyLoneElk’sface,revealingthemissingeyesandotherassortedmutilations.“Andfeedingtheturtles,yes.”Thedocwasapproachingninetyandsosatonastoolhe’dwheeledovertotheexaminationtable,ahabit

he’dpickedupinhisdotage.“Randysayshisfather

wentfishingtheothermorningandthathedidn’tcomehomelastnight.”

“Thatwouldcoincidewithmyfindings.”Isaacreachedoutandliftedthedeadman’shand,damagedwheretheturtlehadattemptedtomakeamealofit.“I’dsayhewentintothewaterataroundsevenp.m.thedaybeforeyesterday.”

Vicleanedforwardandlookedatthedevastation.“Sotheturtlestooktheirtime,huh?”

“I’mnoexpertonherpetology,butthereseemstobeagreatdealoffleshremovedfromthefingers.”IsaacexaminedthebitemarksonDanny’shand,theringfingerhavingbeenalmostsevered.“Buttheyprobablywouldn’thavebegunfeedingonhimuntil

hisbodybegantocool.”Helookedbackupatme,annoyancewritonhisface.“Weren’ttheyworriedthathe’ddisappearedovernight?”

Ishrugged.“Iguesshediditalot;theysaidtherearesevendifferentfishingspotsontheranchandnobodyeverknewwherehewentuntilhegotback.”

“Seemsirresponsibleforamanhisage.”

Isighedandrestatedmy

question.“So,hedrowned?”Heloweredthehandand

sighed.“Fromtheinitialexamination,Iwouldsayreversiblecerebralanoxia.Notethefrothysubstanceemittingfromthemouthandnostrils?”

“Yep.”“Hemorrhagicedema

fluid,theresultofmucusinthebodymixingwiththewater;thepresenceofthiscontributestotheprevention

ofairintakeandthefinalasphyxia.”

IglancedatVicandthenbackatIsaac.“So,hedrowned.”

Hestaredatthemarredfeatures.“Theonlything,Walter,wasthatDannywasaverygoodswimmer.”

“Howdoyouknowthat?”“He,likemyselfatone

time,wasamemberofthePolarBearClub.”

Vicglancedatmewithan

eyebrowarchedlikeaflyrodatfullstrike,andIfiguredI’dbetterexplain.“It’swherethesecrazypeoplegettogetherandjumpintofreezingcoldwaterinthemiddleofwinter,usuallytosupportacharity.”

Shelookedatme,incredulous.“Youmeanlikeafrozenlake?”

“Exactly.”DocBloomfieldstoodandredirectedanexamination

lightoverDanny’sface.“OurchapterusedtoholdeventsoutatLakeDeSmetonNewYear’sDay.Therewasaninstancewhereoneoftheyoungermembersjumpedintheholeintheiceandbecamedisoriented.Thechannelsaredangerousnearthecliffs,butDannyheredoveinandbroughthimbackuptosafety—asIsaid,hewasanexcellentswimmer.”Hefocusedthelight,the

contrastmakingthedamagetotheman’sfacethatmuchmorehorrid.“So,howisitthathecould’vedrownedinoneofhisownreservoirsonabeautifuldayinMay?”

VicglancedatmeandsteppedforwardtostudyDanny’sface.“Whydidhestopdoingthejump-in-and-freeze-your-ass-offparty?”

Isaaccarefullybrushedmoreofthehairback.“Hewasgettingolder,andhewas

havingdrinkingproblems.”“So,maybehegot

plasteredandthenfellinthewater?”

“Hetookpills.”Theybothturnedand

lookedatme.RememberingthenightI’d

mettheman,Ipushedoffthewallandstoodoverthebody,reachedtowardtherollingtablethatheldthedeadman’sclothing,andunbuttonedthebreastpocketofthesamesort

ofgreencanvasshirtwhereI’dseenhimgethispillsallthoseyearsbefore.Fishinginside,Ipulledoutaprescriptioncontainerandrattledthecontents.Handingthewaterproofbottletothedoc,Iwatchedasheadjustedhisglassesandread,“Omeprazole.”Helookedupatme.“Nothingsurprisinghere;it’saprotonpumpinhibitorthatblockstheenzymeliningofthestomach

anddecreasesacid.”“Hewasalsochewing

TumswhenIfirstmethim.”“Dannysufferedfrom

stomachtroublehiswholelife.”

Igesturedtowardthebottle.“SothisstuffisjustprescriptionTums?”

“Prettymuch.”“Whogavethemtohim?”Hereadfromtheplastic

containerandhandeditbacktome.“AdoctorinHardin

named,ofallthings,FreeBird.”

“You’rekidding.”IshookmyheadasIreadthename.“NotCheyenneorCrow,forthatmatter.”

Vicpipedup.“Maybehe’saLynyrdSkynyrdfan.”

Isaaccontinuedtostudythebody.“There’ssomethingelsethatbothersme,Walter.”HereachedoutandturnedDanny’sface.“Thereddishcoloringinthecheeks,

fingers,andtoes.”Heexaminedthedamagedhandagain.“Andthereissomeexfoliationonthedigits,butit’spossiblethatthatwastheworkoftheturtles.”

Istudiedthepillcontainer.“CanyougetintouchwiththisFreeBird?Inmyexperience,doctorstendtobealittlemoreopenwiththeirownkind.”

“Certainly.”HesuddenlynoticedsomethinginDanny’s

otherbreastpocket,andheunbuttonedit,producingalargeflaskwithabeadedleathersleeve.“Hmm...”

“Washesupposedtobedrinkingwithhisconditionandtakingthoseprescriptions?”

“No;asfarasIknow,hewasarecoveringalcoholic.”Heturnedthecapandsniffedthecontents.“I’mnotsodiscerning,sinceIdon’tdrink,butit’scertainly

alcohol.”Itookitfromhimand

inhaledthesweet/sourfragrance.“Whiskey,andI’mnoexpertbutI’dsaythegoodstuff.”IpocketedtheflaskinmyjacketasIsnaggeditfromthehookonthebackofthedoor.“ButIknowanindividual...”

VicfollowedmeasIheadedout,DocBloomfieldcallingafterus,“Whatabouttheautopsy?”

Icaughtthedoorasshebreezedundermyarmintothehallway.“Let’sholdoffuntilwegetpermission.”

•••

VichandedhermenutoDorothy.“I’llhavewhathe’shaving.”

TheBusyBeeCafé’schiefcookandbottlewasherlookedatmeasImadea

showofreadingmyownmenu.“Whydoyouevenbother?”

Iglancedupather.“What?”

“Youalwaysorderthesamething.”

“MaybeI’mfinallychangingmyways.”

“It’salittlelateforthat,isn’tit?”

“Hey,didyouhearI’magrandfather?”

Shesmiled.“Months

ago...Ialsoheardthey’recomingforavisit.”Shepeeredatmethroughthesalt-and-pepperbangs.“Youevertraveledwithafive-month-old?It’slikemaneuversoftheEighthArmy.”

Ihandedherthemenu,andwesaidittogether:“Theusual.”

Vicwatchedhergoandyelledafterher,“Andacoupleoficedteas,ifyouwouldbesokind?”She

turnedtolookatme.“So,deadbodiesinthemorningandtheusualforlunch—justanotherdayinAbsarokaCounty,Wyoming.”

“Ijusthopeit’snotturtlesoup.”

Shesmiledandnodded.“So,howisthelittlefamily?”

“Iguesseverything’sfine.I’mnotquitesurewhyCadyiswantingtobringLolaouthereasyoungassheis,butI’mnotarguing.”

VicsippedoneoftheicedteasthatDorothyhadbroughtoverandthenputitonthecounter.“Maybetheyneedachangeofscenery.”

LenaMoretti,Vic’smotherandCady’smother-in-law,hadbeeninclosecontactwithmydaughterandhadbeenhelpingoutagreatdealoverthepastmonths,andIwasbeginningtowonderifsomethingwasup.“Whatdoyourspiestell

you?”Shesighedandstudied

Dorothy’sbackastheowner/operatorlaboredtofixourtwousuals.“Masaysthatthey’rekindofoverwhelmed.”Shefiddledwithherstraw.“Personally,Ithinkyourdaughterisgettingtiredofbeingjustamomandislookingforwardtogettingbacktoworkonamorefull-timebasis.”Sheshookherheadandcontinued,“Iknow

mybrother,andIfigurehe’sonlysomuchhelpwiththebaby.”I’dnoticedthatVicrarelysaidLola’sname,continuallyreferringtoheras“thebaby.”Sheturnedandsmiledatme.“Imean,assoonasshe’soldenoughtodrink,playcards,andgotoPhilliesgames,thedynamicmaychange.”

Vicliftedhericedteainatoast,andIwasrelievedwhenshefinallysaidmy

granddaughter’sandherniece’sname:“ToLola.”

Iliftedmyown,havingfinallyacceptedthefactthatmygranddaughterwasnamedafteraBaltic-blueT-birdconvertible.“ToLola.”

Shesetherglassdownandstudiedme.“So,whydidn’tyouorderanautopsy?”

“TheCheyennearetouchyaboutthat.”Isippedmytea.“AndDannywasabigdeal,afriendofLonnieLittleBird

andatribalelderwhoheldthemedicinefortheNorthernCheyenneSunDance.”

Shenoddedandlookedoutthewindow.“So,whatarewegoingtodoaboutthedinowarsoutattheLoneElkplace?”

Ismiled.“Youknow,thisisnotthefirsttimethistypeofthinghashappenedinthispartofthecountry.Justabouteverytyrannosaurusskeletonintheworldcomesfromthis

area.”Itwirledmyglassintheringofcondensationithadmade,turnedtowardher,andtippedmyhatback.“Asamatteroffact,therewasabigfightbetweentwoofthefirstpaleontologistsinthecountry,OthnielCharlesMarshandEdwardDrinkerCope,righthereinWyoming.”

“Jeez,withthosenames,didn’ttheyhaveenoughtoworryabout?”

“Marsh’sUnclePeabodyboughthimamuseumatYalesotheyoungmancouldstartthestudyofdinosaursinthiscountry.Upuntil1866therereallyhadn’tbeenallthatmuchscientificstudyonthesubject,althoughtherearesomewhobelievethatfossilremainsmighthavebeenresponsibleforformulatingsomeoftheNativeAmericanmythologies.”

“WehavetocallHenry.”

Ignoringhersarcasm,IcontinuedwithmyWyomingdinosaurhistory.“MarshandCopestartedoutasfriends,butIguessthefriendshipevolvedintoacolossalpissingcontest.”

Shethoughtaboutit.“WasoneofthemfromPhiladelphia?”

“IbelieveCopewas.”“Figures.”“Anyway,Iguessthe

competitiongottobetoo

muchforthem.Backin1872downintheBridgerBasinwherethetwohadcompetingdigsonthesamesite,CopeusedtogouponaridgeandspyontheMarshgroup.Well,Marshgottogetherwithhisdiggersandfabricatedafakedinosaurfromabunchofpartsandburiedit;theyactuallyhaveatermforthisbitofskullduggery—it’swhattheycallsalting.ThentheMarshgroupmadeabigfuss,

talkingaboutthisincrediblefind;Copecouldn’tstandMarshgettingcredit,andlaterthatnightCopeandhisgroupsnuckoveranddugthefakedinosaurupandthenpublishedpapersaboutthissignificantfind.”

“Theseweregrownmen?Ithoughtscientistsweresupposedtobeabovethatkindofthing.”

Ishrugged.“Copehadrecurringnightmareswhere

hedreamedthatthecreatureshewasuncoveringcamebacktolifetoattackhim.”Irestedmyelbowsonthecounter.“TherearerumorsthatwhenCopedied,MarshattemptedtobuyhisbonesfromtheMuseumofAnthropologyandArcheologyattheUniversityofPennsylvania,buttheysaidno.IguesstheyfinallyloanedhisskullouttosomescientistdowninBoulder,andhehaditsitting

onhisdesk.”“Oh,gross.”“WhenPenndecidedthey

wantedCope’sheadback,theguyinColoradosaidhe’dbehappytoaccompanytheskull,butthemuseumtoldhimtojustsenditFedEx.”

Sherestedamarvelouscheekboneonafistandstaredatme.“Areyoutryingtoruinmylunch?”

Ismileddownather.“Nope,Ijustthoughtyou

wereinterested.”“Iwas;theoperativeword

hereiswas.”Ourtwoopen-facemeat

loafsandwichesarrived,andIlookedatmyplate.“Sincewhenisthistheusual?”

DorothyglancedupatthevintageBESTOUTWESTclockadvertising“EnrichedFlourTomahawkFeedsforLivestock&Poultry”thathadbeenuptheresinceI’dbeenakid.“Aboutthirtyseconds

now.”Thephonebesidethecashregisterrangandsheanswereditaswedugin,butamomentlatershewasholdingthereceiverinmyface.

Iswallowed.“What?”“It’sforyou.”Itookit,fullyexpectingto

hearthevoiceofmydaughter,but,keepingitprofessionalforpropriety’ssake,Ifinallycroaked,“Longmire.”

Ruby’svoicesoundedmorethanalittleconcerned.“Walter,theFBIishereintheoffice.”

IthoughtofoursobriquetforbigIndians.“WhichFBI?”

“No,therealFBIasinFederalBureauofInvestigation,a.k.a.theDepartmentofJustice.”

Isighed.“Whatdotheywant?”

“Iamjustthelowly

dispatcher,andtheyhavenotdeignedtotellme.”

Istaredatmyfood.“DoyouthinktheycanwaituntilIeatmylunch?”

TherewasapauseasRubycuppedthereceiverandspokewithwhomIassumedwasthefederalgovernment,thencamebackontheline.“Theysaythey’rehungry,too.”

“Send’emondown.”IstartedtohandDorothythe

receiverbutthenpulleditbackandaskedRuby,“It’snotCliffCly,isit?”

•••

Itturnsoutitwasn’t,butthatdoesn’tmeanIdidn’trecognizethesuitedindividualwiththecrewcutwhowalkedintotheBusyBee,casedthecafé,andthenstrolledovertothecounterto

extendahand.Weshook.“Agentin

ChargeMcGroder.”Heremovedhissunglasses

andsmiledabroadsmile.“Iwasn’tsureifyou’drememberme,Sheriff.”

Ireturnedthesmile.“You’relookingbetterthanthelasttimeIsawyou.”

Heshrugged.“Youmeanalmostbleedingtodeath?”HeleanedpastmeandextendedhishandtoVic.

“MikeMcGroder,outofDenver.”

Iinterrupted,“IthoughtyouwereSaltLakeCity.”

“Transferred—moreworkinColorado.”Heturnedandsweptahandbacktointroducethetwosuited,sunglass-wearingindividualsatthedoor,onemaleandonefemale.“ButmystaffisoutofthefieldofficeinSaltLake.”

Vicnoddedandlooked

pasthim.“Theyonamission?”

Heshookhishead.“No,buttheyarevegetariansandone’savegan.”

Iglanceddownatthemeatloafonmyplate.“I’mbettingthatthey’reabouttogointored-meatproteinarrest?”

“Somethinglikethat;youknowofanyplacewheretheycaneat?”

Vicbarkedalaugh.“Boulder.”

“Notexactlywhatwe’reknownforhereinWyoming.”Ithoughtaboutit.“IguesstheycouldgouptothedeliattheIGAandputsomethingtogether.”

Henodded.“BackupMainandthenaleftonForttowardthemountain?”

“Yep.”Ashesenthisteamofftograze,Iscooteddownonesothathe’dhaveaplacebesideusandlookedatVic.“McGroderwastheAICon

theprisonerexchangeupthemountainlastyear.”

“Iremember.”Shemock-salutedhim.“Theclusterfuck.”

Theagentsat.“Yeah,thecluster...”HelookedatourplatesasDorothybroughtoveramenu.“I’llhavewhatthey’rehaving.”Mikesmiled.“I’velearnednevertoarguewithmyIndianscoutsinthispartofthecountry.”

Iforkedoffasection,

steereditintomymouth,andchewed,givinghimtimetotellmewhyhewashere,butheonlysippedhiswaterandmadesmalltalkwithVicaboutherconnectionswiththeDepartmentofJusticeinPhiladelphia,heroldstompingground.

Hefinallyturnedonhisstoolandplacedhisbackagainstthecounter,crossinghisarmsandlookingatMainStreet.“Itwasanicelittle

townyouhadhere,Sheriff.”“Whyareyousayingthat

inpasttense?”“Becauseit’sabouttoturn

intoacircus.”Iplacedmyforkonmy

plateandturnedtowardhim.“Andwhyisthat?”

Hesighed.“YoueverhearofSkipTrost?”

“Nope.”“Youknow,youneedto

getoutmore.SkipTrostistheactingdeputyU.S.

attorneyfor,amongotherstates,Wyoming,andwassworninaboutfivemonthsagowithlittleornofederaltrialexperience,buthehadservedasalegislativeaid—”

“Igetthepicture.”“Well,Trosthereis

suddenlyinthecatbirdseatanddecidesthathe’sgoingtomakeanameforhimselfwiththeAmericanpeoplebyinstitutinganinvestigationintonationwidefossil

collectionandevengoingsofarasinitiatingastingtoexposeillegalcollectionsandsalesofstateproperty.”

IwasgladI’djustaboutfinishedmymeal,becauseIwasrapidlylosingmyappetite.“Oh,no.”

“Oh,yes.”“Adinosaurbythename

ofJen?”Hepulledapieceofpaper

fromhisbreastpocketandexaminedaPost-itattached.

“‘TheHopeDiamondoffossilswithunlimitedscientificvalueinresearch,exhibition,andeducationandaspecimenwithaqualityofpreservationandcompletenessofstructureunlikeanyeverbeforeseen.’”Heshruggedandlookedoutthewindow.“Assoonastheygetallofitoutoftheground.”

Isetmyforkonmyplate.“Jen.”

“It’sgoingtomaketheScopesmonkeytriallooklikealemonadestand.”Heswiveledbackaround.“TheHighPlainsDinosaurMuseumcametotheattentionoftheDOJwhenagraduatestudentinvertebratepaleontologywhoworkedasapart-timerangeroverinYellowstonewasapproachedbyaprivatecollectorwhotoldhimhecouldsupplementhisincomebysellingfossils

fromtheparktotheHPDM.”“Whathappenedwith

that?”Mikesmiledashisusual

arrived.“Aseventy-five-dollarfine.Asitturnedout,theoldguyhadsoldstufftothemuseumandhadliedaboutwherehe’dgottenit.”

Viclaughed.“MayJ.EdgarHoover’ssoulrestinpeace.”

“Notexactlyapriorityforthebureau?”Isippedmyiced

tea.“Okay,sotheactingdeputyU.S.attorneyTrosthasitinfortheHPDM,andthewheelsofjusticearegoingtogrindexceedinglyfineuntil—”

“Oh,it’swaybetterthanthat.”McGrodercleavedoffapieceofhismeatloafandstarteditforhismouthbeforepausing.“It’snotenoughofapoliticalpowderkegforTrosttowanttosavethepoorpeopleofWyomingfromthe

rapaciousclutchesoftheHighPlainsDinosaurMuseum.”Hepointedhisloadedforkatme.“Thisrinky-dinkstatereallyhastwosenators?”

“Yep,sameasUtahandColoradoandtheotherforty-seven.Youneedtogetoutmore,Mike.”

“Well,thenetworksandlarge-circulationnewspapersreallydon’tgiveacrapifyoucowfolkaregettingripped

off,butyouthrowafewFirstPeople/NativeAmerican/Indiantypesintothemixandvoila,you’vegotyourselfanationalplatformfromwhichyoucandrawtheattentionofthepotentialelectoratetoyourself.”Heraisedafistinmocksupport.“SaveJen.”

“WhatIndiansareyoutalkingabout?”

“TheCheyenneConservancy,alandtrust

organization,hasfiledanordertodesist,citingthefederalAntiquitiesActof1906prohibitingtheremovaloffossilsfromanylandownedorcontrolledbytheUnitedStateswithoutpermissionfromtheCulturalCommitteeortheTribalHistoricalPreservationOffice.”

“Thesitewherethatfossilisbeingexcavatedisn’ttheCheyenneReservationor

federalland.”Hechewed,anditwas

almostasifhewasenjoyingmydiscomfort.“Actually,it’sboth.ThatportionoftheranchisonCheyenneConservancylandandyouhavetohaveapermittodigthere,andguesswhodoesn’thaveapermit.”

“TheHighPlainsDinosaurMuseum.”

Hecontinuedsmiling.“It’sallright,Walt,you’ve

stillgotaholecard;ifthepossessionholdsupwiththeNativeAmericanrancher,thenthetribeandthefederalgovernmentaregoingtobeleftoutinthecold.Yousee,therancherboughtthatparticularlandfromawhitehomesteaderin2000andexercisedhisrighttohaveitheldintrustfortwenty-fiveyearsbytheU.S.DepartmentoftheInteriorundertheIndianReorganizationActof

1934,whichallowedhimtonothavetopaytaxesonit.Theproblemisthatputtingyourlandintrust,eitherfederalorCheyenne,limitstheoptionsofsellingitoranythingonit.”

VicandIlookedateachotherforamoment,andthenIturnedtolookatMcGroder.“ThenallourhopesofavoidingthisarepinnedtoDannyLoneElk?”

Hechewedand

swallowed,wipinghismouthwithaknuckle.“Yeah,Ithinkthat’stheguyweneedtotalkto.”

Vicshookherhead.“Wellthen,you’dbettertalkloud.”

•••

“Thisisgoingtointroduceanunwelcomecriminalfacettotheproceedings.”

We’dfinishedourmeal,

andIwasexplainingtheeccentricitiesoftheLoneElksituationtoAgentMcGroderaswemadeourwaybacktowardmyofficeatabriskpace.“Probablynotgoingtocalmthingsdown,huh?”

Helaughedasweclimbedthestepstothecourthouse.“Allweneednowisabeardedladyandaguywhobitestheheadsoffchickens.”

Vic’scellrang,andsheanswered,talkingwithwhom

Iassumedwasmydispatcher,andthentuckedthethingbackinherjacket.“RubysaystheFBIisattheoffice.”

IglancedatMcGroder.“No,they’renot—they’rerighthere.”

Sheglancedatme.“No,ourkindofFBI.”

“Oh.”Ibeganwalkingagain.“So,whathappensnow?”

Hefoldedhisovercoatoverhisarmandpattedthe

insidebreastpocketofhissuit.“I’mgoingtothemuseumtodeliverawarrantandwaswonderingifyou’dliketotagalong.”

“Whatareyourintentions?”

“Justalook-see.TheonlyfossilI’minterestedinisJen,butIthoughtI’dgethereearlyandtryandnipsomeoftheseshenanigansinthebud,sotospeak.”

“They’vebarelygotten

anyofheroutoftheground.”Hehelduphishands.“So

muchthebetter.I’mjustgoingtomeetmyguysatyourofficeandthenheadovertothemuseumforatour,probablywiththedirector—what’shisname?”

“DaveBaumann.”“WithDave,andseeifany

ofthefossilshavestickersonthemthatreadPROPERTYOFTHEUNITEDSTATESGOVERNMENT,andthenmake

aphonecalltoTrost,sowithoutanyfurtheradohecanstartwarminguphisdulcettonesfortheinterviewstomorrow.”

“Interviews...Plural,huh?”Iglancedaroundatthecottonwoods,flowerboxes,andtheidyllicenvironsofoursmall-towncourthouse.“DidIfailtomentionthatI’mgoingonvacationthisweek?”

“Yes,youdid,andasof

nowitwouldappearthatyou’renot.”

Asweroundedthebackofthecourthouse,IcouldseeaverylargeIndianreclinedonthestepsoftheoldCarnegieLibrarythatservedasmyoffice;hewaseyeingthetwobureaupeoplewhowereeatingwhatlookedtobelettucewrapsanddrinkingbottledwater.“Uhoh...Lookslikeastandoff.”

Vicchimedin.“Wounded

KneeIII.”Bythetimethatwegot

there,BrandonWhiteBuffalo,possiblythelargestIndianonboththeCheyenneandCrowReservations,hadcrushedhiscigaretteoutand,standinghisfullsevenfeettwoinches,pushedofffromthestepstogreetus.“Ha-ho,Lawman.”

Igesturedtowardthegiant.“TherealFBI.”

Vicadded,“Fuckin-Big-

Indian.”IwatchedasBrandon

pocketedthebutt.“Don’tyouknowthose

thingsstuntyourgrowth?”TheoperatoroftheWhite

BuffaloSinclairStationheldoutahandwithfingersthatlookedlikeacollectionofPolishsausages,andenvelopedmyown.“It’sanastyhabit,butitiseasytoquit;Ihavedoneitmanytimes.”

Itriednottogrimaceasheappliedhislegendarygrip.“Howareyou,Brandon?”

“Myheartisheavy,Lawman.TheCheyennehavelostagreatleader,andit’snotatimewhenwecansparesuchmen.”Hesparkedaneyeatmyundersheriff.“MissMoretti.”

Sheputherhandonhersidearm.“Donottryandpickmeup.”

Brandonmadeahabitof

liftingpeoplefromthegroundasagreeting,butawell-placedkickhadpreemptedthetraditionwithVicafewmonthsback.

HenoddedandglancedatMcGroder,whoextendedhishandsandspokeupquickly.“I’drathernotbepickedupeither.”

Throwingathumboverhisshoulder,Brandonsmiledandturnedbacktome.“Theoneswhodon’tsmokeare

inside—includingboththechiefs.”

AsfarasIknew,theCheyennewereanautarchy,soIwasinterestedtoseewhotheotherchiefmightbe.“Henrywithyou?”

“No,theBearisn’tapartoftheparty—hepreferstoworkoutsideofficialchannels,butyouknowthat.”TheBuffalostudiedme.“Youaredisappointed?”

Ishrugged.“Ihaven’tseen

Henryinacoupleofweeks,andmygranddaughterisgoingtobeintown...”

“ThelittlebrotherisbacktoseeingthedivorcéeupatRockyBoy.”

Iglancedaroundanddroppedmyvoice.“Areweevergoingtogettomeether?”

“Whoknows.”Thethree-hundred-and-seventy-five-poundCrow/Cheyennehybridturnedandshook

handswiththespecialagentasheintroducedhimselfandthenshotalookattheherbivoresonthebench.“Thoseareyours?”

McGrodernoddedandstudiedthegiant,probablymakingtheconnectionbetweenhimandhisuncle,themanwhohadsavedmeonthemountain.“Yeah,Imade’emleavetheirtrenchcoatsathome.”

“Wedidnotcallyou.”

IhadtosmileasMcGroderflexedhisfingers,attemptingtogetthecirculationbackinthem.“No.”

“Thenwhyareyouhere,ifyoudon’tmindmyasking?”

Mikeadjustedhissunglassesandlookedupatthebigman.“AtthebehestoftheAmericanpeople.”

Brandongesturedtowardhimself.“ArewenottheAmericanpeople?”

“Certainlyyouare.”Helookedatmeforhelp,butIwasgoingtolethimtreadwateronhisown.Theagentlickedhislip,smiled,andbreatheddeep.“We’rejustheretomakesurethateverybodyplaysfair.”

BrandonWhiteBuffalo’sheadtiltedtoonesideasheconsideredtheAICbeforelaughing.Heturnedandmountedthestepstomyoffice,hisgiganticlegs

carryinghimuplikethedinosaursthathadheldmyimaginationrecently.“Youareabouttwohundredyearstoolate,AgentinCharge.”

McGroderturnedtolookatmeastheglassdoorswungclosed,thegoldandblacklettersofmydepartmentshudderingwiththesoftimpact.“Ihaveafeelingthatthenextweekisgoingtobeinterestingaroundhere.”

“Ihopeyou’rewrong.”

Hesmiled,wavedgood-byetoVic,andthencollectedhispeoplefromthebench.“Hey,whereistheHighPlainsDinosaurMuseum,anyway?”

Ipointed.“Southendoftown,acrossfromthehighschool.ItusedtobetheMooseLodgeandbeforethatacarpetoutlet.”

Hethoughtaboutit.“ThetinbuildingthatIsawonthewayin?”

IshruggedasVicandIstartedupthestepstoourdefunctlibraryoffices.“Wetakeourinstitutionswherewefindthem.”

HepulledouthisphoneasthetriostartedtowardtheblackTahoewithgovernmentplatesparkedatthecurb.“Idon’tsupposeitwoulddoanygoodtoaskforyourcellnumber?”

“Youcanask.”Heshookhishead,and

theyloadedupandstartedoff,catchingthelightonMainanddisappearingaroundthecorner.

Vicfinallyturned.“I’vegotaquestion.”

Igavehermyfullattention,thewayIalwaysdid.

“Skip?”Shepulledthedooropenandentered.“AdeputyU.S.attorneybythenameofSkip?”

•••

“ItoldBrandonthathecouldn’tsmokeinhere.”Mydispatcheransweredaphoneandaskedthecallertopleasewait,thenhittheholdbutton.

Ilookedaround.“Whereiseverybody?”

Rubynoddedherheadtowardthehallwaybehindherdesk.“Youroffice.”

IwalkedpastSaizarbitoria’sdoorandcould

seethatDoubleTough,myotherdeputy,whohadjustcomebackfrommedicalleave,wasstandingnexttoSancho’sdesk.Theskinonthesideofhisfacewasmottledfromhavingbeenburned,andIwasstillgettingusedtotheeyepatch.“Howyoudoin’,troop?”

HedidhisbestBlackbeardimitationasVicandIcrowdedinthedoorway.“Argh...”

TheBasquourgedmein.“Boss,weneedanopinionhere.”

“I’vegotpeopleinmyoffice.”

“It’lljusttakeasecond.”IenteredSaizarbitoria’s

immaculatebuttinyroomandstoodtherewiththeothertwomen,Vicholdingatthedoorway.“What’sup?”

SanchogesturedtowardDoubleTough.“DT’sgotaneweye.”

WhatwithDannyLoneElk,likewedidn’thaveenoughocularproblemsasoflate?

Iturnedandlookedathim.“Well,let’sseeit.”

Heglancedaroundtheroom,hisone-eyedgazeonVic,andthenpeeledthepatchback,leavingitonhisforehead.“It’safourteenmillimeter...”

Weallleanedinandlookedattheartificialorb,

DoubleToughstaringstraightaheadandasnonchalantasyoucanbewiththreepeoplepeeringintoyourfakeeye.

“Itlooksgreat.”Heseemeddoubtful.

“Really?”“Yep;ifIdidn’tknowany

betterI’dsayitwasreal.”IglancedatSanchoforalittlebackup.“Right?”

“Yeah,itlooksgreat.”“It’sthewrongcolor.”WealllookedatVic.

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”

ShesteppedincloserandstaredatDoubleTough.“Whatcolordidyouorder?”

“Ididn’torderit,theydid...It’shazel-blue.”

Shestudiedhimsomemore.“Yourrealeyeismoregreen.”ShestraightenedandlookedatSaizarbitoria,me,andfinallybacktoDT.“Takeitbackandhavethemorderupanotherone.”

DoubleToughclearedhisthroat.“Oh,Ithinkit’scloseenough—”

“Gobackandhavethemorderuponethatmatches.”Sheglancedatusagain.“Ican’tbelieveyouassholesweregoingtolethimwanderaroundherelookinglikeafucked-uphuskybecauseyoutwowereafraidofhurtinghisdelicatefeelings—shameonthebothofyou.”

Asshestalkedout,weall

stoodthereintheuncomfortablesilence,andthenIleanedinandstudiedtheeyeagain.“Maybealittlegreener,butitlooksgood,troop.”

Sanchonodded.“Reallygood.Alittlegreener,maybe...Imean,youmightaswellgetitright—theinsuranceispayingforit.”

•••

Thetribaldelegationwaswaitingformeinmyoffice,sittinginmyguestchairsandreadingfromtheplaquesandstudyingthephotosonmywalls.Brandonthumpedafingeronone.“Whatareallthesesheriffsdoinginfrontofthistrain?”

IturnedthecornerandsatatmydeskacrossfromCheyennechiefLonnieLittleBirdandTribalPolicechiefLoloLongasViclingered

nearthedoorway.“Theoldsheriff,Lucian—thatwasthelastrunoftheWesternStarbackin’72.”

Lolowasthefirsttoask,“TheWesternStar?”

“TheWyomingSheriff’sAssociationhadthisyearlyjunketthattheyusedtodo,atrainbythenameoftheWesternStarthatranfromCheyennetoEvanstonandback—twenty-fourdrunksheriffsshootingsporting

claysoffaflatbed.”ChiefLongpulleda

handfulofblue-blackhairbackfromherface,revealingthesickle-shapedscarathertempleandthedark,darkeyes.Outofuniform,shewaswearingjeans,ablackT-shirt,andaweatheredleatherjacket—allofwhichseemedtofitinremarkableways.“Soundslikefun.”

Shewantedtocontinuetheinterrogation,butIcutheroff

andgesturedaroundtheroom.“Thefewplaquesarehis,buthedidn’twantthem,andInevergotaroundtotakingthemdown.”

“Whatdoyouhavetimeforthesedays?”

Ismiledatmyreservationcomradeinarms.“Thejob,ChiefLong,thejob.”Itookmyhatoffandsetitonmydesk,crowndown,andintroducedVictothegroup.

“We’vemet.”

Lolo’sheadlifted,andshespoke.“Undersheriff.”

Vic’svoicecarriedjustalittleedgetoit.“Chief.”

Iaddressedtherestofthewarparty.“ChiefLittleBird.”

Lonnielaughed.“ToomanychiefsandnotenoughIndians.Mm,hmm.Yes,itisso.”

IglancedatBrandon,whowasstillstanding,andthenbackatLonnie.“Isthisaformalcall?”

“Iamafraidso.”“DannyLoneElk?”Henoddedandleaned

backinhiswheelchair.“Justsoyouareaware,wedidnotdothis.”

“Dowhat?”“CalltheFBI.”“SinceWoundedKneeII,

whentheDepartmentofJusticeshowsupIrarelythinkthatit’sthetribethathascalledthem.”

Loloplayedwiththe

wovenhorsehairzipperslideonherjacket.“DannyhadmadecommitmentswiththetribethatuponhisdeathhisranchwastobesignedovertotheCheyenneConservancy,andthatisouronlyconcernatthistime.Iamnotsureifthefossilinquestionispartofthatlandoranantiquitythatisdealtwithdifferently.Dannymentionedthatahomeforthedinosaurmightbemadeonthe

reservationinLameDeerattheChiefDullKnifeCollegeorthattheremightbeasaleofalimitednumberofreplicasoftheskeletonorthedonationofsomeofthebonestothetribalheadquarters,butthataboveall,theproceedsfromsuchasaleshouldgoexclusivelytohischildrenandgrandson.”

“What’syourinvolvement?”

Sheleanedforwardand

smiledadazzlingsmilethatmademytoestingle.“I’mthedirectoroftheCheyenneConservancy.”

“SoyouwereinasortofpartnershipwithDanny.”

“Yes.”“Hasanybodytalkedto

DaveBaumannaboutthis?”“Idon’tknow.”IglancedupatVic,who

rolledhereyes.“Well,it’sgoingtostartgettingcomplicatednowthatthefeds

areinvolved.”Lolostudiedme.“Didyou

callthem?”“No.”“Thenwhodid?”Vicsmiled.“Skip.”

3“Whatdoyoumeanyoucan’tpickusupinBillings?”

Glancingaroundthereceptionareaatmyassembledstaffaswetookonourgreatestchallengeattheend-of-the-daycoffeeklatch,Isighedthroughthe

telephonelineinanattempttogetoutoftroublewiththeGreatestLegalMindofOurTime.“There’sabigmessgoingonamongtheCheyenne,theHighPlainsDinosaurMuseum,andthefederalgovernment,andI’mbettingIwon’tbeabletogetfreetomorrow.TheactingdeputyU.S.attorneyisgoingtobehere,andthenI’llknowmore.”

“ActingdeputyU.S.

attorney—whatthehelldoesthatmean?”

“Idon’tknow;Iguessitmeansheactslikeadeputyattorneyorsomething.”Ihuggedthephoneinforalittleprivacy.“Can’tyouflyintoSheridan?”

“I’mtravelingwithafive-month-old,andtheydon’thavealeatherhelmetandgogglestofither.”Therewasapause.“Haveyouevertraveledwithafive-month-

old?”ThesecondtimeI’dbeen

askedthattoday—ItriedtorememberifIeverhad.“Ithinkyourmotherdid;Iwasjustgroundsupport.”

“DidyougetthePack’nPlayandthecarseat?”

Ilied.“Yep.”“You’relying.”Uncanny.“AsfastasDog

cantrot.”“Ifyoucan’tborrowthem,

thengetthemoverin

Sheridanwhenyoucometopickusup.”

“So,youareflyingintoSheridan.Whydon’tyourentacar?”ThephonewentdeadinmyhandasIhandeditbacktomydispatcherandmyguidelineforallthingsdomestic.“What’saPack’nPlay?”

RubylookedatSaizarbitoria,whoseemedtohaveaninnateabilitytodescribechild-rearing

accoutrementsintermsIcouldunderstand.“Portablesolitaryconfinement.”

“Ahh...”Ismiled,pressingthejoke.“Andthecarseat?”

“It’saseat.Thatgoesinyourcar,”theBasquogrunted.“I’vegotallthatstuff.”

Rubyhungupthephone.“Walt,youcanborrowthem,butI’mthinkingyoushouldbuy;thisisnottheonlytime

they’regoingtobehere—thatis,ifyoudon’tkeeproyallymessingthingsup.”

IglancedatLucian,whosometimesshowedupattheseunofficialend-of-the-daymeets,andthentherestofmystaff.“Everybodyseemstothinkthat,huh?”

Theyallnodded,butLucianwasthefirsttospeak.“You’renotofftoagoodstart,troop.”

Viclaughed.“Likeyou’re

aknowledgeablesource.”Icuppedmychininmy

palmandpostulatedasIlookedattheprevioussheriffofAbsarokaCounty.“I’mtryingtorememberwhatfive-month-oldsarelike;whattheycando.”

Lucianmumbled.“Theyshitalot.”

Vicbumpedhimwithhershoulder.“Whenwasthelasttimeyouevenheldababy—theEisenhower

administration?”Rubyagreed.“You’re

goingtoneeddiapers.”“Isthereaservicein

town?”“Theydon’tdothat

anymore;they’redisposable.”SheglancedatSaizarbitoriaagain.“ButI’mbettingSanchoisourgo-toguyonallofthis.”

Herolledhisshoulders.“LikeIsaid,we’vegotallthatstuffandyou’rewelcome

toit,butyoumightbebetterofftobuyallnew.Anthony’soverayearoldandescapesfromeverythinglikeaminiatureHoudini,butwestillusesomeofit.”Hesmiled.“You’vegotalongroadaheadofyou,Grandpa.”Hethoughtaboutit.“Atfivemonthstheycansitup,scoot,roll,andmaybecrawlalittle.”

“Cantheytalk?”“Babble,mostly—kindof

likeabaddrunk.”Rubysmiled.“AsIrecall,

Cadytalkedearly.”“Yep,andshe’snever

stopped.”DoubleToughventuredan

opinion.“You’regoingtoneedahighchair.”

Weallturnedtolookathim.

Headjustedhiseyepatch,havingputitbackon.“What?Igotnephewsandnieces.”

IpushedoffRuby’s

counterandstretched,glancingupattheSethThomasonthewallandwonderingwhyallthesepeoplewerestillhere,otherthantoantagonizeme.“Thisgrandfatherstuffiscomplicated.”

Rubylaughed.“Youhaven’tseenthehalfofit.”

IturnedbacktoSaizarbitoria.“So,Idon’tsupposeIcouldimposeonyoutohelpmebuyallthese

things?”Henodded.“Andputit

together?”“What?”“Youhavetoassemblethe

stuff,andI’mthinkingitwouldbebestifyouhadeverythingdone.”

Inoddedsomemore,gettingusedtotakingordersagain.“Atmyplace?”

Vicstaredatme.“Wherewereyouthinkingtheyweregoingtostay?”

“Ihadn’treallythoughtaboutit,butwouldn’titbeeasieriftheywereintown?”

Sheshookherhead.“Oh,no.”

“You’vegotabrand-newhouse.”

“Nicetry.”“Andiftheyneed

anything,theywouldn’thavetodrivetwentymiles...”

“Absolutelynot.”Iturnedbackto

Saizarbitoria.“Ifyouand

Mariawillhelpmeoutwiththis,I’llgiveyoutherestofthedayoff.”

Hemadeaface.“Thedayisover—how’bouttomorrow?”

Hehadmeoverabarrel,andheknewit.IpulledoutallthecashIhadinmywalletandhandedittohim.“Willthatcoverit?”

Henodded,stuffingthebillsinhisshirtpocket.“Ifnot,I’llgettherestfrompetty

cash.”“Deal.Leavethereceipts,

soIcanreimburse.”IturnedtoLucian,suddenlyrememberingtheflaskinmycoatpocket,theonethatI’dtakenfromtherecentlydeceased.“Hey,oldman,Ineedyouropiniononsomething.”Ipulleditoutandhandedittohim.

Hiseyesbrightenedattheprospect.“Nowyou’retalkin’aboutmykindofbaby.”He

unscrewedthetopandsniffedthecontents.“Bottled-in-bond.”

Hestartedtotakeasip,butIcaughthisarm.“Holdup.ItookthatoffofDannyLoneElk,andithasn’tbeentested.”BeforeIcouldreactfurther,hechangedhandsandtookastrong,twobubblepull.“Lucian...”

“Damn,that’sgood.”Helickedhislips.“Straightryewhiskey,afour-year-old,if

I’mnotmistaken—alittlemetallic,butthatcouldjustbefrombeingintheflasktoolong.”

“You’renotconcernedthatitmightbepoisoned?”

“Troop,I’vebeenpoisoningmyselfwiththisstufffornighonseventyyearsandI’msureintheenditwillgetme,butit’sbeenanelongatedandcheerfulterminus.”

“Brand?”

“E.H.Taylor.”Hetookanothernip,justtobesure.“Hundredproof,Ishouldthink.”

“Nothingwrongwithit?”“NotthatIcantell,butI

betterhaveanotherjusttobeonthesafeside.”

“Let’ssavesomefortheDepartmentofCriminalInvestigation,shallwe?”IturnedtotalktoDoubleToughandnoticedagroupofmenstandingatthetopofthe

stairs:twohighwaypatrolmennamedBobDeludeandRobertHall,akatheBobs,andasuitedmanwholookedlikeabadsmell.“CanIhelpyou?”

“AreyouSheriffWalterLongmire?”

“Maybe.”“I’mDeputyUnitedStates

AttorneySkipTrost.”Inoticedheleftoffthe

“acting”portionofhistitle.“Goodtomeetyou.”

“Areweinterruptinganything?”

“Oh,no.Justthecirclingofthewagonshereattheendoftheday.”

Hesteppedforward.“IwaswonderingifIcouldhaveaprivatewordwithyou,Sheriff?”Hedidn’twaitforananswerbutturnedanddismissedthetwopatrolmen.“Thankyou,gentlemen;IbelieveI’mSheriffLongmire’sresponsibility

now.”Robertrolledhiseyesand

Bobshookhisheadastheyturned,noticeablygladtoberidofhim,andtroopeddownthestairsandoutthedoor.IknewtheBobsprettywellfromdealingwiththemovertheyearsandwouldhavetotalktothemlatertogetthedopeontheADA.

Igesturedtowardthehallandmyoffice,thedayobviouslynotover.

•••

“YouknowwhyI’mhere.”Easingmyselfbackinmy

chair,Itookoffmyhatandsetitonmydesk,thinkingthethingspentmoretimetherethanonmyhead.“Ibelieveso.”

“ThisisaseriouscrimeagainsttheAmericanpeople.”

Itappedthebrimofmyhatandwatcheditspinonthe

overturnedcrown.“TheAmericanpeople,huh?”

Hefoldedhisovercoatinhislapandregardedmewithasetofverypaleblueeyes,thekindthatsleddogshave—thekindsofdogsthatifnotfedenougheateachother.“Wehaveanopportunityheretomakeastatementtotheseprivatecollectorsthattherelicsandfossilsonpubliclandsarenotforprivatesale.”

“Iwasn’tawarethatthe

HighPlainsDinosaurMuseumwasgoingtosellJen.”

Hewatchedme,probablytryingtogetareadonmypositioninallofthis,andthatgavemetheopportunitytostudyhiminturn.Hewasfit,andIwasguessinghewasnostrangertothegymnasiumsinCheyenne.“Thepointis,Mr.Trost,thatwedon’tknowifthefossilisonpublicland,andbesides,iftheymaintain

ownership,thentheycandowhatevertheylikewithJen.It’safreemarket,asnearasIcantell.”

Theshoestoppedbobbing,andhegrinned.“Theytoldmeyouweresharp.”

“Whodid?”Hedismissedmyquestion

withawaveofhishand.“EverybodyatTwenty-FourthandCapitol.”

“So,Iguessyou’relookingtoestablisha

partnershipwiththeNorthernCheyenne,theCheyenneConservancy,andtheLoneElkfamily.”

“Hisfamilyisactive?”Igavehimmywarning

voice.“Very.”Forthefirsttime,hebroke

eyecontactwithmeandstaredathiscoat.“Hmm...”

“Ifyoudon’tmindmyasking,whyisitthatthefederalgovernmentsuddenlyhasadeep-seatedyearningto

goaftertheHighPlainsDinosaurMuseum?”

“Theyarestealinggovernmentproperty.”

Iexpulsedabreathofairthatsubstitutedforalaugh.“PrivatecollectorsandpaleontologistshavebeendoingitallovertheAmericanWestformorethanacentury.”

“Allthemorereasonitshouldbestopped.”

“What’sthehurry?Imean

thethingisn’tevenoutoftheground.”

“Theheadis.”Istaredathim.“What?”Hegrinnedsomemore.

“Youdidn’tknowthat.”“No.I’mnotreallyprivy

toeverythingthemuseumdoes,norshouldIbe.”

“Ijustreceivedatext...”Hepulledouthiscellphoneandshowedittome—maybehethoughtI’dneverseenone.“...thattheheadison

thepremisesoftheHPDMandhasbeencratedforshipping.”

“Towhere?”“Atthistime,parts

unknown.”Hestudiedme.“SoyourbuddyDaveBaumanndoesn’ttellyoueverything.”

IwonderedwhatDavewasupto,thoughtaboutit,andthenleanedbackinmychair.“Iwouldn’tcallhimmybuddy,buthe’sfrommy

countyandthatdoesmakehimminetodefend.”

“Defend.”“Alongtimeago,the

previoussheriffhandedhisstarovertome.”Ithumbedmybadgeforhimtotakenotice—maybehe’dneverseenonebefore.“Andalongwiththisthree-inchpieceofmetalcametheresponsibilityoflookingoutformypeople,all2,483ofthem.”

Hecockedhisheadand

barkedashortlaugh.“So,it’sgoingtobetheUnitedStatesofAmericaversusAbsarokaCounty?”

Isigheddeeplyandbrushedthecuffofmyshirtovermybadge,wipingoffmyfingerprints.“Notnecessarily.YoutreatthepeopleofthiscountywiththerespecttheydeserveandI’myourstocommand,ActingDeputyAttorney.”

Heletthatonesettleinfor

abitandthenstood.“I’mafraidyouareminetocommandnomatterwhatorhowIdoit,Sheriff.”Helookeddownatme,enjoyingtheadvantage.“IthinkweshouldbegoingtotheHighPlainsDinosaurMuseum,butfirstoffI’mgoingtoneedpersonalprotection.”

ThistimeIwentaheadandlaughed.“Fromwhat?”

Hemadethenextstatementasifitwere

manifestobvious.“Whoeverofthe2,483citizensofthecountymust’vemurderedDannyLoneElk.”

IleanedbackinmychairandtriednottodisplaytheexpressionIreservedforpeoplewhoattemptedtotellmehowtodomyjob.“Atthistime,IhavenocredibleinformationleadingmetobelievethatDanny’sdeathisanythingmorethanaccidental.”

Hecarefullyunfoldedhistrenchcoat.“You’relivinginadreamworld;thatcollectionofbonesthatwasfoundonhislandisworthwaymorethantheeightmilliondollarspaidforsimilarfinds,andthatkindofmoneytendstogetpeoplethinkingbadthoughts—evenyourpeople.”Hecontinuedtostudymeandthenchangedtack.“Youhaveaveryhighprofilehereinthestate.”

“Iwasn’tawareIhadaprofile,highorlow.”

“Well,I’mpleasedtotellyouthatyoudoandthatkindofthingcanbeinstrumentalingettingthingslikethisdone.”Hewaitedamomentandthenleanedonmydesk.“AndsinceI’vedismissedmycadreofhighwaypatrolmen,Istillneedadetachmentforuseasbodyguards.”

Ipickedupmyhat,carefullystraightenediton

myhead,andgotup.Lookingdownathim,Ienjoyedtheadvantageandsmiled.“I’vegotjusttheperson.”

•••

“AndwhatifIdon’twanttofollowfuckingSkiparound?”

“IthoughtabouthavingDoubleToughkeepaneyeonhim.”

“That’snotfunny.”She

leanedagainstthecounterofthegiftshopinsidetheHighPlainsDinosaurMuseum.“How’boutifIjustactlikeI’mguardingtheactingdeputyattorney?”

“Finebyme.”IwatchedMcGroderandhisstaffexamineanddocumentallthepartsofJen’smassivehead,roughlythesizeofasofa,onanassortmentofclipboardsandformsundertheclose

observationofTrost.Hernamesakestoodbywithherever-presentvideocamera,recordingtheFBImenandtheactingdeputyattorney.“Quiscustodietipsoscustodes?”

“Excuseme?”IgesturedtowardJenand

thecamera.“‘Whowatchesthewatchmen?’FromtheRomanpoetJuvenal,usuallyassociatedwiththe

philosophiesofPlatoandpoliticalcorruption.”IgesturedtowardTrost.“Heseemstothinktheremightbeanattemptofviolenceuponhisperson.”

Vicfoldedherarms,theportraitofdisgruntled.“Well,he’srightaboutthat.”

“Ifiguredyou’dbethebestatlettingmeknowwhathisintentionsare.”

Shewatchedtheministrationsofthe

DepartmentofJustice.“Youdon’tthinkthey’regoingtotryandpickthatthingup,doyou?”ShelookedattheshelvesofplasticT.rexesandthenbacktome.“So,asIremember,accordingtoMrs.Tony,mysixthgradescienceteacher,thesethingshadabrainthesizeofawalnut.”

Jennifer’svoicecarriedovertous,confirmingshecouldhearwhatweweresaying.“Actually,theywere

thesmartestofallthedinosaurs,withthematureanimalshavingabrainaboutthesizeofacoffeecan—maybeassmartasmodern-dayalligators.”ShepointedattheVistaVision-likemuralsonthewallsthatpicturedembattleddinosaursandexplodingvolcanoes.“Buttheyhadsurprisinglypowerfulsensoryapparatuswithabinocularrangeoffifty-fivedegrees,betterthan

hawks,andavisualacuitytentimesgreaterthananeagle’s.”

Victhoughtaboutit.“So,she’dseeyoualongtimebeforeyou’dseeher?”

“She’dseeyoualmostfourmilesaway,butshe’dsmellyoulongbeforeyousawherorshesawyou.Tyrannosaurshadhugeolfactorymembranesandprobablythegreatestsenseofsmellofallthedinosaurs.”

ShereachedoverandpickeduponeofthetoyT.rexesandhelditouttomyundersheriff.“There’salotofargumentoverwhetherJenwasascavengerorahunter,butthere’sevidencethattheymight’veevenbeencannibalistic.”

Victooktheplasticdinosaurandflickedafingernailalongtheserratedteethwithinthegapingjaw.“Whatdoyouthink?”

“Jenherselfhasmultipletoothmarksonherremains,evidencethatsomeothertyrannosaurswerefeedingonheraliveordead—forallweknow,theymayhaveevenbeenfamilymembers.”Theyoungwoman’sfacewasremarkablyexpressionless.“Ithinktheyatewhatevertheywanted,aliveordead.”

ShewentbacktofilmingtheFBIasVicturnedtoglanceatme.

“What?”“I’mjustthinkingofthat

turtlethatpissedonyouyesterdaymorning.”HereyesfollowedafterJennifer.“Shedidn’tseemveryforgiving.”

“Idon’tthinkitwasaveryforgivingworldsixty-sevenmillionyearsago.”

Victossedthetoybackintothebin.“Judgingbywhat’sbeengoingonaroundherelately,ithasn’tgottenthatmuchbetter.”Shestudied

meforafewmoments,andIknewwhatshewasgoingtoask.“So,whatkindofvisionswereyouhavingyesterdaymorning?”

Ididn’tsayanything.“I’veseenyoufreezeup

likethatbefore,sowhatdidyousee?”

IshushedherasBaumannapproached—helookedalittleworseforwearhavingjoustedwiththestate,theFBI,andtheNorthern

Cheyennewithinforty-eighthours.Headjustedhisglassesandsighed.“Ican’tbelievethey’redoingthis.”

“Ican’tbelieveyoualreadyhadtheheadexcavatedanddidn’ttellmeaboutit.”

Heemittedaglottalstopandthenforcedthewordsfromhismouth.“Ididn’tthinkitwasthatimportant.”

“Wherewereyoushippingit,Dave?”

“Whatareyouimplying?”“I’mimplyingthatJen’s

headisinashippingcratewithyourreturnaddressonitbutnooutgoingaddress,andI’minterestedinwhereshewasheaded,nopunintended.”

Hecrossedhisarms,evidentlytryingtodiscernifIwasonhissideortheirs.“Youwouldn’tbelievemeifItoldyou.”

“Tryme.”

“NASA.”WantingtomakesureI

wasn’tmissingahighplainsacronym,Iasked,“TheNationalAeronauticsandSpaceAdministration?”

Viclookedathim.“Whatthehell—youweregoingtoputJeninorbitorsomething?”

“WewantedtodoaCATscanoftheskull,andNASAistheonlyplacewithamachinebigenoughforthe

job;theyuseittolookforflawsinspaceshuttleenginesandthelike.”

IgesturedtowardtheFBImen.“WouldIbecorrectintheassumptionthatyouweretryingtogetitoutofherebeforetheseguysshowedup?”

Baumannlookedalittleuncomfortable.“Ofcoursenot.”

“Inhopesthatdealingwithamorescientificallyoriented

branchofthefederalgovernmentmightbebetterthandealingwiththeFBIortheU.S.Attorney’soffice?”

HiseyeswidenedasIspoke,buthisresponsewasdefinitive.“No.”

Iputmyarmoverhisshoulderandsteeredhimfurtherintothegiftshop,whereimagesofatoothsomegenericT.rexadornedshirts,lunchboxes,posters,miniaturepithhelmets,and

otherassortedtchotchkes.“Dave,IjustgotthroughhavinganabbreviatedpissingcontestwithMr.Trost,whereImadeitcleartohimthatIwasonthesideofthepeopleofmycounty.”Ireleasedmyholdonhim,andheturnedtowardme,primedtointerrupt;Iheldafingeruptohisface.“AndthatisgoingtoprovedifficultifthepeopleI’mattemptingtoprotect,andthatincludesyou,arenot

forthcomingwithalltheinformationtheyhave.”

“I’mnotdoinganythingillegal.”

“Maybenot,butitlooksillegalandyoubetterstartthinkingaboutthat,becausethissituationisgoingtoendupinfederalcourt,andappearances,thoughdeceiving,canloseyouacaseandadinosaur.”Iheldoutahand.“YoumindifIhavealookatthewarrant?”

Hepulleditfromthebackpocketofhiskhakisandhandedittome.

Iread:“AsaviolationoftheAntiquitiesActof1906,allthefossilremainsofoneTyrannosaurusrexdinosaurskeleton(hereafterreferredtoas‘Jen’)andotherfossilspecimenstakenfromtheexcavationsiteonthepropertyofoneDannyLoneElk,includingallpapers,diaries,notes,photographs,

andsupportingmaterialsrelatingtotheexcavationofsaid‘Jen,’aretobeconfiscatedfromthepremises.”Ilookedupathim.“Basicallyitsaysthatyou’vestolenU.S.Governmentproperty,andsomehow,atthesametime,NorthernCheyennetribalproperty.”Ihandeditbacktohim.“Dave,asmuchasIeverhatetosaythis,Ithinkyou’regoingtoneedalawyer.”

IglancedbackatthecrateandcouldseeVicandJenniferengagedinaheatedconversation.

“BecauseIfuckingsaidturnitoff,that’swhy.”

Isteppednexttomyundersheriff,andJenniferturnedthecameratofilmus.“Miss,doyoumindturningthatthingoffforaminute?”

Sheignoredmeandcontinuedfilming.“Accordingtothelawin

thirty-eightstates,includingWyoming,IamallowedtofilmlawenforcementpersonnelaslongasIamnotinterferingwithyourduties.”

“Yep,but...”Sherefocusedthelensto

getaclose-upofme,andIturnedandlookedatthemuseumdirector.“Dave?”

Hesteppedtowardher.“Jennifer,really...They’reonourside.”

“Wedon’tknowwho’son

whatside,Dave.Ijustwanttomakesurewehaveplentyofevidencesothatwecoverourcollectiveasshere.”

Heleanedintoherandspokeinalowvoice.“There’snoneed...”

“Thehellthere’snot;yousawwhathappenedtothenegotiationswithDannyLoneElk.IfIhadn’tvideoedit...”

Iturnedandlookedather.“Youhavefilmofthe

negotiationswithDanny?”“Ido.”IglancedatBaumann,

whoseemedassurprisedasIdid,andthenbackather.“Filmofhimacceptingthethirty-seventhousanddollarsforthefossilremains?”

“It’sinthevideofilesonmycomputer,which,bytheway,I’mnotgivingtoyou.”

IturnedbacktoDave.“HowdidyoupayDanny?”

“Incash—itwasallhe

wouldtake.”“Idon’tsupposeyougota

receipt?”“Well,hewasgoingto

writemeone,butyouknowhowDannywas;hejusthadn’tgottenaroundtoit.”

IreachedoutandtappedthecamerainJennifer’shands.“Yourealizethatrecording,then,mightbetheonlyevidenceyouhaveofhavingpaidDanny.”

Heturnedtoher.“We

needthatfootage.”Sheshruggedand

continuedfilming.“Icangetit.”

Ireachedoutforthecameraagain,butshesteppedbackandkeptitonus.“Look,Jennifer,I’mtryingtohelphere,butI’mnotgoingtodoitontheSidCaesarShowofShows,okay?”

“Thewhat?”Iturnedbackandlooked

atDave,andhesteppedbetweenus.“Jen...”

Ashebeganspeakingtoherinhushedtones,McGrodercameoverwithhisclipboard,stuffeditunderonearm,andgesturedtowardthescientists.“TroublewithlittleMissZapruder?Wehavealotofinteractionwithpeoplecarryingphonesandstuff;youknowyoucanaskthemtostepbacktoareasonabledistancefortheirown

protection,right?”“Andhowfarawayis

that?”“Officer’sdiscretion;I’m

thinkingaquartermile,countyline...”

“Didyouguysgetwhatyouneeded?”

“Wehave,butnowweneedasafeplacetostorethefossils,includingthethousand-poundhead.”Helookedatme.“Asecureplace.”

Onanepoch-likescale,whathewasproposingdawnedonmelikethebeginningoftime.“You’rekidding.”

“No,I’mnot.”Hetappedtheclipboardwiththeendofhispen.“Idon’tsupposeyou’vegotaloadingdockatthejail?”

“No.”IthoughtabouthowIwantedtoplaythis,thinkingthatkeepingJen’sheadcloseathandmightbeoneofthe

bestwaystoestablishsomeone’sownership.“Butwedohaveoneofthoseextrawideutilitydoorsleadingintotheholdingareafromthestreetintheback.”

“Youthinkthiscratewillfitthroughit?”

“Idon’tknow—isitwiderthanforty-eightinches?”

“Withmyluck,probably.”HegesturedforoneoftheMormontwinstocheckthewidthofthecrateand

returnedtous.“Yougotsomebodyatthejail24/7?”

“Notgenerally.”“Well,you’regoingto

needoneorI’llhavetoassignoneofmine—IguessI’mgoingtoneedmoreagentsanyway.”Heglancedaroundatallthecratesandstartedaskingquestionsthathealreadyknewtheanswersto.“WhereisthefieldofficeinWyoming?”

“Colorado.”

Hegrinned.“Andwhoisinchargethere?”

Iplayedalong.“Thatwouldbeyou.”

Oneofthefieldagentscalledout.“Forty-seven.”

Hepulledhiscellfromhispocketandbegandialing.“I’llgetanotherhalf-dozenguysupherebytomorrow;rustneversleeps,andneitherdowe.”Hewasdistractedbyavoiceonthephone.“Kim?Ineedbodies...”Heglanced

atme.“KnowwhereIcangetaforklift?”

“JayoveratUPSmightdoafreelance,butwearen’tgoingtogethimuntiltomorrowmorning.”

“Anybodyelse?”“ThatIwouldtrustwitha

cratecontainingtheheadofafossilworthovereightmilliondollars?”

Henodded.“CallJayinthemorning,please.”Hefinishedhisrequisitionfor

anotherhalf-dozenagentsandthenturnedbacktome.“Somebody’sgoingtohavetoguardtheheadtillthen.”

IgesturedtowardVic.“We’realreadybabysittingtheADA.”

“Thewhat?”“Actingdeputyattorney.”“Oh,right...him.”He

thoughtaboutitasheglancedoverhisshoulderattheman,whowaswritinginhisownblackleathernotebook,the

footbobbingagain.“SkipTrost,ADA—soundslikeacharacteronthatshittytelevisionshow,what’sitcalled?”

“SteadfastResolution.”“That’sit.”Hesighed

deeply.“Hereallythinksheneedsabodyguard?”

“Hefearsforhislife...orsohetellsme.”

McGrodersparedaglanceatmyundersheriff,whowasgivingthefingertoJennifer

andtherecorder.“IhopeyougavehimMoretti.”

“Idid.”“Shecanguardmybody

anytime.”Hetiltedhishead.“Allright,I’llmakeyouadeal.We’restayingatthesamehotelasTrost—theVirginian.I’lljusthaveoneofmyUtahguysstandoutsidehisdoor,knockeveryhouronthehour,andaskhimifhe’sheardGod’sgoodnews.”

Ismiled,pulledahandfromthepocketofmyjacket,andstuckitouttohim.“Vicwillberelieved,andtheADAwillbesafer.”

Weshookhands.“Deal.”

•••

IhandedthecrustofmypreviouspieceofpizzatoDog,who,awaitinghisdue,stooddutifullybesidethe

crate.“Thanksforgettingdinner

andthebeer.”Vicpluckedananchovy

offherpieceanddepositeditbackinthebox.“Fishonapizza;Iwillnevergetusedtothat.”Shebitinwithherelongatedcaninetoothandchewed,smilingandwatchingme.“Itseemedlikeyouwerehavingalongday.”

“What,youruncleneverputanchoviesonhispizzas

backinPhiladelphia?”“Iwasworkingathis

pizzeriaonweekendswhenIwasateenagerandaguyorderedupapiewithanchovies,andwhenhepickeditupheopenedtheboxandcomplainedthatthereweren’tenough.”Shelookedupatme.“Alphonsejustlookedattheguyandsaid,“Mostpeopledon’tlikeanchovies,asshole.”

“That’saninterestingtake

youguysinPhillyhaveoncustomerservice.”

“Fuck’emiftheycan’ttakeajoke.”Sheglancedaround.“So,you’resleepinginthedinosaurgraveyardtonight?”

IsippedmybeerandtookanotherslicefromtheopenboxthatrestedonJen’scratedskull.“Yep.”

“Seemsfitting;you’rethebiggestdinosaurIknow.”Shewaitedawhilebeforeasking

thequestionIknewwasstillonhermind.“Okay,sowhataboutthatfrozenmomentyouhadtheothermorning?”

Iatemorepizzaandlookedattheboxtoavoidhereyes,butwhenIlookedbackup,shewasstillwatchingme.“What?”

“TherewasoneofthosevisionsorwhateveryouwanttocallthemwiththeOldCheyenne,right?”

Ireluctantlyagreed.“Kind

of.”Shefinishedhersand

tossedthecrustacrossthecratetoDog,whohititlikeagreatwhitesharkhitssealsoffthecoastofSouthAfrica.“So,give.”

Iclosedthetoponthelastpiece,restedanelbowonthecrate,andthoughtaboutwhathadhappenedthatnightandacoupleoftimesbefore.“IsawVirgilagain.”Shedidn’tsayanythingbutjustwatchedme.

“WhenIwasinthelodgeoverinSouthDakotainthesnowstormafewmonthsago,andhewasn’talone.”

“Whowaswithhim?”Ithoughtaboutthe

woman,whowasGraceCoolidge,ofallpeople,andthemysterymanwiththestarsinhiseyes.“You’renotgoingtobelievemeifItellyou.”

“Idon’tbelieveinyourmake-believefriendVirgil,so

whyshouldIbuyanyoftheOldCheyennefriendshehadtaggingalongfromtheCampoftheDead?”

“That’sthethirdtimeI’veseenhim.”

Shehelduptwofingersandlickedthem,thenwipedthemoffonapapernapkin.“Twice—thefirsttimeyoumethimhewasalive,nowtwotimesdead.”

“I’mworriedthatImightbelosingitalittlebiteach

time.”“Whatdoyoumean?”Isaidthenextwordsvery

carefully.“ThatI’mlosingmymind.”

ShelaughedbutthennoticedIwasn’tjoiningher.Shetiltedherheadsidewaysandleanedin,searchingmyeyes.“You’reserious.”

“I’veneverhadanythinghappentomelikeIhaveinthelastfewyears—seeingthings,hearingthings,people

thataren’tthere...I’mnotexactlygiventothisstuff,youknow?”

“Shit,youareserious.”“Iam.”Ireopenedthe

box,toreuptheslice,andfedthepizzatoDog,myappetitehavingtotallyretreated.“Normally,I’djustforgetit,markitoffassomekindofhallucinationorsomething,buteverytimeVirgilorwhoeverorwhateveritishasprophesizedsomething,it’s

cometrue.”Shestretchedahand

acrossthecrateandresteditonmyarmaswebothstoodthere.“Look,maybeyouneedtotalktosomebody.”

“IthoughtthatwaswhatIwasdoing.”

Shepausedforalongtimebeforecontinuing.“Imeansomebodywhoknowssomethingaboutthisstuff.I’mnoexpertonthesubject,butit’salwayswhenyou’re

byyourself;haveyoueverthoughtthatitmightjustbeyou?Maybeyoursubconsciousistryingtotellyousomething,huh?”

“No,it’sdissociative—thingsIchoosenottothinkabout.”

“Well,there’syouranswerrightthere.”Sheshookmyarm,anxiousthatInotgettooserious,andthenletgoandsippedherbeer.“Walt,asnearasIcantell,youthink

toodamnmuch.”“Uhhuh.”Shesettheemptycanon

thecrate.“WhatdidVirgilsay?”

“Itwasn’tjustVirgil;thistimeitwasalsoamaninthesnow.”

“Okay.”“Iwasfollowingsomeone

inthisdream,andwhenIgotcloserIcouldseeitwasabuffalo,butwhenitturneditchangedshapeintoaman,a

manwithnoeyes,justspaceswhereyoucouldseethestarsshininginthedarkness—likehisheadcontainedtheuniverse.”

“Andyougetallthisstuffwithoutthebenefitofcontrolledsubstancesoralcohol?”

“Prettymuch.”“Andtheguywithout

eyes,you’renotgoingtotellme...”

“DannyLoneElk.”

HermouthmadeaperfectObeforeshespoke.“That’ssometrippyshit.”Shecamearoundandsidledherhipandshoulderagainstme,forcingDogoutoftheway.“So,what’dBlindDannyLoneElkhavetosay?”

Itookadeepbreath—shesmelledreallygood—andthenrecited:“Youwillstandandseethegood,butyouwillalsostandandseethebad—

thedeadshallriseandtheblindwillsee.”

Shegaveashudderandthenslippedherarmaroundmywaist.“So,whydotheyalwayssaycreepystufflikethat,huh?Whycan’ttheyjustsayyou’regoingtowinthelotteryorthatyou’regoingtogetlaid?”

“Idon’tthinktheyoccupythemselveswiththosekindsofthoughts.”

“Well,fuckthem,Ido.”Shepulledmeincloser.“MaybeiftheOldCheyennegotlaideveryonceinawhiletheywouldn’thavetohaunttheonlysingle,smart,sexyguyIknow.”Shestudiedme.“Whatdidhesayagain?”

“Youwillstandandseethegood,butyouwillalsostandandseethebad—thedeadshallriseandtheblindwillsee.”Ilookeddownat

her.“DoesthefactthatI’mhauntedlikeanoldhouseturnyouoff?”

“Justtheopposite.”Shetuggedonmygunbelt,pullingmeinevencloser.“Itoldyou,youthinktoomuch.”Shepushedmeaway,satonthecrate,andbeganunbuttoningheruniformshirt,onlytopausehalfwaythroughtheoperationtobendonekneeovertheotherinaprovocativemanner.Then

shearchedherback,spreadherarms,causinghershirttogapeevenmore,assheassumedapinuppose.“Thisisabigcrate.”

Iwassuddenlyhavingahardtimethinking.

4

Iwasatthetopofaridgealongsideamanwhowasstandingwithhisbacktome,atallman,broad,withsilverhairtohiswaist.Inhisshirtsleeves,despitetheweather,hestoodtheresingingaCheyennesong.

Itwasaclearnight,thekindthatfreezestheairinyourlungswithnothingstandingbetweenyourupturnedfaceandtheglitteringcoldofthosepinpricksintheendlessdarkness,thewashofstarsconstructingtheHangingRoadasitarcedtowardtheCampoftheDead.Themannexttomehad

stoppedsingingandspoke

fromthesideofhismouth.ItwasavoiceI’dheardbefore,eventhoughIcouldn’texactlyplaceit.Iheardmecallouttohim.“Virgil?”Hehalf-turnedtowardme,

hisprofilesharp,andIcouldseethatitwasnotVirgilWhiteBuffaloashestudiedmefromthecornerofoneeye.“You’rebleeding?”Iwatchedmyselflooking

downatthebloodsoaking

throughmysheepskincoatandthegroundaroundme.“Um,yep...IthinkIam.”Hewalkedeffortlessly

towardme,hisfaceonlyafewinchesfrommyown,theemptysocketsshootingthroughhisheadliketwintelescopesmagnifyingtheblack,infinitespacewithonlyafewaberrantsparksofwarmthfromdyingstars.Slowlyhereachedupand

wipedthetearfrommyface.“Good—wecanusethehumidity.”

•••

Iawokewithastart.“What?”Iturnedmyheadand

lookedatVic,coveredintheblanketI’dbroughtinfrommytruck.“What?”

Sheyawnedandstretched

anarmout,thenhidhermouthwithherhand.“Youweretalkinginyoursleep.”

Irolledoverononeshoulder,closertoher.“Iknow.”

“Itwasabouttheblindguy.”Shestudiedme,thesparksinhereyesstillvisibleeveninthedimconfinesoftheHighPlainsDinosaurMuseum.“DannyLoneElk.”

Irestedmyheadonmyforearm.“Yep.”

Shewaitedbeforefinallyspeakingagain.“Imean,youweren’tsure,thelasttime.”

“Itwashim.”Sheputahandoutand

restedhercoolfingersonmyarm,nearasmallscarthatwasaleftoverfromanaltercationwithtwokidsoutofCasperwhohadrobbedaliquorstoreandhadbeenontheirwaytoCanadawhenIhadthefortuneormisfortuneofpullingthemoverfora

burnt-outtaillight.“Samedream?”Drawnbackfromwounds

past,Ilookedather.“What?”“Thesamedream?”“Yep,prettymuch.”Ilay

therelookingather,andourlivesseemedtobeswirlingjustthen,circlingwithorbitsthatwerebecomingsmallerandsmaller.“Iknow.”

Shelookedpuzzled.“Knowwhat?”

She’dbeenshotdefending

meafewmonthsback,andwhileshe’dbeenintheICU,DocBloomfieldhadmadethemistakeoftellingmeshe’dbeenpregnant.She’dlostthechild,anduptothismomentwe’dkeptourseparatepeaceaboutthat—somethingIcouldnolongerwithstand.“Youwerepregnant.”

Shestaredatme.“Isaactoldme.Hedidn’t

meanto,butitslippedoutwhenIfirstgottothe

hospital.”Herexpressiondidn’tchange,andIcontinued.“Ididn’tknowifyouknewthatIknew,butIdidn’twantthistobecomesomethingbetweenus,somethingbad.”

Therewasasuddenbangingsomewhereinthebuilding,andasDogvaultedfromthefloorbesidethecrateandbeganbarking,webothlookedaround;Ifoundmyvoicefirst.“Didsomething

falloverinhere?”Thebangingstartedagain,

andthistimeIcouldtellthatsomeonewashammeringonthefrontdoorofthemuseum.Itwasjustaftermidnight,andI’dlockedthedoor,whichwasagoodthinginthatitgavemetimetoclimboffthecrateandgetmyclotheson.

“Walt!”Itwasaman’svoice,muffledbytheheavyglass.

“Whothehellisit?”Vic

pulledtheblanketoverhershouldersasIhurriedlytriedtostraightenmyhatandmybackandstartedafterDogforthedoor.

“ItsoundslikeSaizarbitoria.”

Dodgingthroughthegiftshop,Imademywaypastthefrontdeskandwrappedmyfingersaroundthekeysdanglingfromthelockontheinside.IyankedthedooropenandcaughtDogbyhis

collarsothathewouldn’tmistaketheBasquoforanintruder.“What’sthematter,Sancho?”

HelookedaspanickedasI’deverseenhim.“It’sLucian—Ithinkhe’shavingastrokeorsomething.”

“What?”IstoodtherelookingathimandrealizedIwasaskingthewrongquestion.“Where?”

“Thehomeforassistedliving;hewon’tgotothe

hospital.”Iyelledovermyshoulder.

“Vic,staywiththedinosaur!”IlookeddownandshovedDogbackinside.“AndDog!”

IranwithSanchoanddoveintothepassengersideofhissedan.“Givemethelowdown.”

“Classic,non-movie-stylestroke.”Sanchobackedthecruiserout,spunthewheel,andflewthroughtheabandonedtownwithits

blinkingyellowlights.“Thehousekeeperfoundhimsittinginhischaircomplainingofpainanddiscomfort.”HeturnedtolookatmeasweflattrackeditontoFortStreetandhittheafterburnersagain.“Hehadhislegshotoff,forChrist’ssake—youwouldthinktheywould’vetakenthatkindofthingseriouslycomingfromhim.”

Iimmediatelyremembered

DannyLoneElk’sflask.“Yep,youwould.”

“Anyway,somebodyelsecameinafewhourslater—hewasstillinthatchair,buthe’dthrownuponhimselfandwassayinghewasfine,butthistimehewashavingamigraine-likeheadache,tremors,andslurredspeech.Well,theydialed911,andwegotthereatthesametime.TheEMTsgothimcleanedup,andhetoldCathiand

Christhathewasfeelingbetterandtheyshouldbeatit.Well,hewasthesheriff,sotheydid.”Santiagomadethenextturn,andwewerealmostthere.“Ididn’tthinkthatwastherightdecision,soIbullshittedwithhim,butthenhestartedmessinguphiswordsandsaidhewasfeelingsickagain.”HeslidtoastopattheentranceofthecenterbehindtheEMTvan,andweleaptout,runningforthe

door,metryingtokeepup.“Itriedtosithiminhischair,butoneofhisarmswouldn’tworkandIknewrightthenthatIhadtogettheEMTsbacktherequick.”

Weblewpasttheemptyregistrationdeskanddownthehall.“Andthen?”

“Hewasstillarguingwiththem,andyouknowhowheis—hecanarguewithastump.Sothat’swhenIcameafteryou.”

Whenwegotclosetoroom32,Icouldseeasmallcrowdofattendees,includingthedirector,MaryJoJohnson,standinginthehall.“Oh,thankGod,Walt...Hewon’tlistentoanyofus,andnowhe’sgotagun.”

SanchoandIslidthroughthegroup,CathiandChrissittingimpatientlyonthesofawiththeirequipment,andlookedatthemaninthehigh-back,steer-hide-coveredchair

withthe.38Smith&Wessonservicerevolverrestingonhisknee.

“Lucian?”Hedidn’tlookatme,but

whenIkneeleddowninfrontofhim,heraisedthepistolupandpointeditinmygeneraldirectionashisbreathcameinpants.

“Lucian.”Hiseyeswobbledtoward

me,alongwiththeSmith.“Ithink...IthinkI...Idone

myfortyandfound.”“What’sthegunfor?”“What?”Hemumbled

something,butIhadtroublefollowinghimashegesturedwiththebarreltowardtheterrifiedtwoonthesofa.“Keep’emfromdoin’anythingstupid.”

“Likekeepingyoualive?”Hesmiledahorrible,

death’sheadgrin.“Mustbemytime;everybodyhasone,yaknow.”

“Yep,well,thisone’snotyours.”Iglancedaround,lookingfortheculprit.“Didyoudrinktherestoftheryeinthatflaskyoustolefromme?”

Hetookadeeperbreathandshuddered.“What?”

“Theflask,Lucian.TheoneItookoffofDannyLoneElk,theCheyennefellowwhodied?”

Hedidn’tsayanything,hiseyescontinuingtowobble

alongwithhisbreath,asSaizarbitoriacircledaroundintothekitchenette.

“Didyoudrinktherestofthatstuff,becauseifyoudid,Ithinkyou’vebeenpoisoned.”

Thepistolwaveredabit,andIstartedtoreachforitwhenhepulledbackthehammer.“Somebody.”Heaimedthepistolatme,deadcenter.“Somebody...poisonedme?”

“WhoeverpoisonedDannyLoneElkputsomethinginthatwhiskey,soifyoudrankitwe’vegottogetyoutakencareof.”IlookedbehindhimandcouldseeSanchoholdingtheflaskthathemust’vegottenfromthecounterandshakingitnearhisear.Afterasecond,helookedatmeandhelditupsidedownwiththecapdisconnected—empty.

“Theliquorintheflask

waspoisoned,Lucian.”IgesturedtowardthetwohighlyinterestedEMTs.“Andthat’swhythey’rehere.”

Hiseyeswidenedalittle,andIwasthinkingthattheideamust’vegottenthroughwhenthepupilsrolledbackinhisheadandhisbackarched,slamminghimintotherecessesofhisancestralchair,thepistoljerkingupandaway.

Igrabbedhiswristasthe.38wentoffandshatteredtheslidingglassdoors,thecracksspideringtotheframeslikealightningstrike.

Thecrowdsuddenlydisappeared,butChrisandCathiscrambledoffthecouchastheBasquocaughtthebackofLucian’schairandsatitupright.

Tossingtherevolvertotheside,Iloweredtheoldsherifftothecarpetedfloor,the

EMTswaitinganxiously.OneofLucian’shands

cameup.“Damn,nowmyheadreallyhurts.”

“Youjustrelax.”Hiseyesracedaround.

“Where’smypistol?”Iwantedtopunchhim.

“Youdon’tneedyoursidearm—justliethereandbestill.”

IpunchedSaizarbitoriainthearm.“C’mon,let’sgogetthegurneyfromthevan.”As

weexitedtheroom,Ipointedbackattheoldsheriff.“You.Doasyou’retold.”

Wehurrieddownthehall.“There’snothingleftintheflask?”

“Notadrop.”“Hmm...Iguessthat’s

whatyougetwhenahigh-functioningalcoholicstealsevidence.”WeyankedtheEMTvandoorsopenandunloadedthegurney,meofferingtheBasquomyhard-

earnedadvice.“Dropthewheels;it’seasiertorollthethingthancarryit.”

Asweroundedthecornerandstarteddownthehall,athoughtoccurredtome.“Wasthereaglass?”

Backingintotheroom,Sanchoglancedintothekitchenettepastthepeoplewhohadreassembledaroundthedoorway.“No,notthatInoticed.”

“Healwaysdrinksoutof

oneofthoseWaterfordtumblers.”

WeplacedthegurneynexttoLucianandcollapsedthelegs,bringingthemountaintoMohammed.IsteppedbackoutofthewayandstartedforthekitchenjustasMaryJoliftedoneoftheglassesI’daskedSaizarbitoriaaboutandbegantopourthecontentsdownthesink.

“Stop!”Thesoundofmyvoice

shockedhersomuchthatshedroppedtheglass,butbythenIwascloseenoughtogetmyhandunderneathtocatchit.

IheldtheglisteningLismorecrystaluptothelightfixtureintheceiling;sureenough,abitoftheamberliquidwascapturedinthecorner.“Goodthinghewasdrinkingitneat.”

•••

WesippedourcoffeeandwatchedasJay,theUPSandall-purposedriver,drovetheforkliftandcarefullynegotiateditintothebackdooroftheholdingcell.

VicglancedattheColonelE.H.TaylorStraightRyeWhiskeyundermyarm.“Startingalittleearly,aren’tyou?”

“ScientificspecimenIliberatedfromLucian’sbar.”IpattedthebottleI’dtaken

fromthecornercabinetintheoldsheriff’srooms.“ThecontrolalcoholI’mtakingovertoIsaac.”

Sheraisedaneyebrow,andwewatchedasJayreloadedtheforkliftontohistruckandcameover,takingoffhisglovesandhandingmeaclipboardandpen.“ComplimentsoftheJaycoCorporation.”

Ilookedatthebill.“Twohundredandforty-six

dollars?”Heshrugged,hismustache

kickingtotheside.“Equipmentandlabor.”

Iwavedhimoff.“GofindaG-mantogivethatbillto.”

“Ididitasafavortoyou.”IstoodthereandthensignedthemanifestasheadmiredDaveBaumann’sworkmanship.“It’sanicecrate.”

Vicranahandoverthewood.“Yeah,itlookslikeit

cantakealotofpunishment.”Ihandedhimbackthepen.

“GetRubytowriteyouacheck,andyoucansaveyourselfastamp.”

Knowingwherethetrueseatofpowerresidedandnotwantingtopresshisluckconfrontingher,herippedtheyellowreceiptsheetoffthepadandhandedittome.“Atherconvenience.”

Heraisedafist.“SaveJen.”

Thenheturnedandwalkedawaybriskly;Iwouldn’twanttofaceRubythisearlyinthemorningeither.Iclosedthedoorandlookedattheassortedboxes,filefolders,andtheenormouscratethatallbutfilledtheroom.“Thegoodnewsisthatit’snotourresponsibilitytogothroughallthisstuff.”

“Amentothat.”Shetookanothersipofhercoffee,slidaroundthefarcornerofthe

enormousbox,andleanedagainstthewallasIsetthebottleofryeonthecrate’sflatwoodensurface.“So,how’stheoldfartdoing?”

“Fine.”Ithoughtaboutit.“Well,asfineassomebodywhoalmostmethismakercanbe.”ItookasipofthecoffeeVichadgottenforme.“Isaacsawhimthismorningandsaidthereseemedtobenolingeringsymptomsotherthanaprettygoodheadache,

whichseemstoindicatethathewaspoisonedbywhateverwasintheflask,andwhichleadsustothequestionofwhofilledtheflaskandfromwhat.”

“You’regoingouttoDanny’s?”

Inodded.“Theranchishuge,andI’mnotsurewhichhouseDannywaslivingin,butIsupposeI’llfinditeventually.”

“IsthereaMrs.Lone

Elk?”“Notforsometimenow.”Sheheldhercoffeeinboth

hands.“So,youwannatalk?”Iwaitedalongtimebefore

answering.“IwantedtolastnightbeforeSanchostartedbeatingonthedoors.”

Sheeyedmeovertherimofhercup.“Youhadsomethingyouwantedtosay?”

Iwaitedamoment,craftingmywordscarefully.

“Nothingspecific—it’sjustthatitdidn’tseemfairtoknowandnottellyou.”

Shenodded.“You’reabigoneforthetruth,huh?”

“Itrytobe.”Ofallthethingsshe

could’vesaid,nothingwould’vesurprisedmeasmuchashernextwords.“Well,whatifItoldyouitwasn’tyours?”

It’safactthattheplanetrotatesatapproximately

1,040milesperhour,buttherearethosemomentswhentheworldjuststops,magneticpolesbedamned;youjuststoptheworldwiththeweightofyourownsolitarygravitas.“What?”

Shesmiled,thekindofsmilecatsreservefortheirdealingswithmice,anddidn’tmoveforwhatseemedlikealongtime.Herheaddroppedandherfingersthreadedintoherthickhair,

hervoiceechoingoffthesixty-seven-million-year-oldfemaleskull.“I’mjoking,youasshole.WhoelsewouldIwanttofuckaroundhere,anyway;it’snotlikethebenchisdeep.”

Istoodthere,attemptingtoreacquirethepowerofspeech.

Herfacerose,andsheshookherheadatme.“WhatintheworldmakesyouthinkthatIsaacdidn’ttellmethat

hetoldyou?”Istumbledoverthewords.

“Hesworemetosilence.”Shelaughed,butitwasa

nicelaughandshelookedatmewithnothingbutpityinhertarnishedeyes.“Yeah,butitisn’tlikeyousworehim,right?”Sheleanedherelbowsonthecratewe’dusedmostexclusivelythepreviousnight.“Isaacisalwaysgoingtobeonthelady’sside,Walt.”

“Whendidhetellyou?”“AssoonasIwokeup.”

Sheproppedanelbowandrestedherchininherpalm,attemptingtolookpixyishandsucceedinginspades.“Besides,he’sJewish;alongwiththeIrishandusItalians,theyprettymuchcornerthemarketinguilt.Therewasnowayhewasgoingtoletsomethinglikethatsliptoyouandthennottellmeaboutit.”

“So,howlongwereyougoingtoletmetreadwater?”

Shestoodupstraightandsippedhercoffeeagain.“Iknewyouwouldn’tlast;deceptionisnotoneofyourstrongsuits.”

“Areyouokay?”Shelookedatthefloorand

wouldn’tmakeeyecontactwithme.

Itookadeepbreathandasked,unsureifIwantedtoknowtheanswer,“Wasita

boyoragirl?”Shestaredatthecrate.“I

didn’task;itjustwould’vemadeitharder,youknow?”Hereyeswerewetwithtearsandreflectedthelightintheroom.“IhavetoadmitthatI’veneverwantedanythinginmylifeasmuchasIwantthatBidartecharacter’sheadonaplate.”

Itookadeepbreathandslowlyletitout.“Yep.”

“Ishothimclosetoa

dozentimes,andIwouldliketothinkthathisremainsarescatteredalloverthesouthernpartofthecounty.”Shepushedoff,wipedhereyeswiththebuttofherpalm,andlookedatmeagain.“ButrightnowI’vegotajobtodo,andlifegoeson.Youknow?”

“Iknow.”Grabbingthebottleofwhiskey,IsqueezedaroundJenandsteeredVictowardthehallwaybyhershoulders.“Youknow

somethingelse?”“Hmm?”Iturnedheraroundand

huggedherinclose.“YouarethetoughestpersonIknow.”

Shepushedherfaceintomychest,hervoicemuffled.“Tougherthanyou?”

“Youbet.”“TougherthanHenry?”“Yep.”“TougherthanDog?”Ipaused.“Maybenot

tougherthanDog—nobody’s

tougherthanDog.”Shepunchedmeand

smiled.“So,what’sontheagendafortoday?”

Ipulledoutmypocketwatch.“Well,I’vegotanappointmentwithIsaactoseewhatelsehemight’velearnedfromthewhiskeysample.Thentheactingdeputyattorneyismakinghisbigspeechinfrontofthecourthouse,whereIamsupposedtobepartoftheset

dressingasthirdspearholderfromtheright.”

Shepulledbackandlookedupatme.“Andthenyou’redrivingouttotheLoneElkplace?”

Isighed.“Yep,totalktowhomeveritwasthatpackedDanny’slunchandflaskforhimtheothermorning.”

“Aw,hell...Let’sjusttalktoeveryone,shallwe?”

“Then,sometimelatertodayI’dliketogogetmy

daughterandyournieceattheairport.”

“IthoughtSanchowasgoingtodothat.”

“He’sonstandby,andbesides,hehastoassemblethePack’nPlay.”

“WhatthehellisaPack’nPlayagain?”

Islippedanarmoverhershoulderandsteeredherdownthehallway.“Seethekindsofthingsyoudon’thavetocloudyourmindwith

whenyoudon’thavechildren?”

AswepassedSaizarbitoria’soffice,theBasquocalledouttous,“Heyguys,weneedanotheraestheticopinion.”

WelookedinandcouldseethatDoubleToughwasleaningonSancho’sdeskagain.Vicshookherhead.“Isitanothereyeball?”

DTsmiledandnodded.“Igotacollection,andI’m

tryingoneouteachday.”Alwaysanaudiencefor

themacabre,Vicmovedintopositionandstaredupinhisface,“Toogreen.”

Heseemeddisappointed.“Toogreen?”

Shepulledback.“Toofuckinggreen.Jesus,DoubleTough,it’sfuckingLuckyCharmsgreen!”Shepulledmecloser,forcinganopinion.“Well?”

Ileanedinandcouldsee

thatitwas,indeed,kellygreen.“Um,it’salittleonthebrightside.”

“ItlookslikethePhillies’uniformsonSt.Patrick’sDay!”ShewhirledontheBasquo.“What’dyoutellhim?”

Sanchoraisedbothhands.“Isaidweneededasecondandlikelyathirdopinion.”

SheturnedbacktoDoubleTough.“Notgreengreener—hazelgreener.”

Hemumbled.“Yeah,okay,gotit.”

ShestormedoutasIglancedafterherandleanedintolookathisreplacementorb.“She’shadaroughnight...”Thethingwasthecolorofashamrockandathoughttraveledlightlyacrossmymind.“Hey,DT...Nooffense,but...um,areyoucolor-blind?”

Hesmiledandthencameclean.“Half.”

IglancedatSaizarbitoria.“Helphimoutwiththis,willyou?”

TheBasquonodded,andIglancedbackatDoubleTough.“Lessgreengreen,morehazel.”

AsIturnedthecornerintothemainreceptionarea,IbecameawareofalotmorenoisethanIwasusedtoandwastreatedtoamoboftelevisionnewspeoplefromallovertheregion—K2TV

andKCWYoutofCasper,KGWNfromCheyenne,KOTATerritoryNewsfromoverinRapidCity,andKULRandKTVQfromupinBillings.

InthefrenzyofarguingwithRuby,theydidn’tnoticemeorthebottleofryeinmyhand.TheonlyonewhodidwasDog,whocreptawayfromthemeleewithallthedignityofalionfromhyenasandjoinedmeasIbacked

downthehallwaybeforethefourthestatecouldcatchus.

Pushingopenthebackdoor,IhelditforDogandthenturnedthecornertofindErnie“ManAboutTown”BrownofDurantCourantfamesittingonthetailgateofmytruck.Busted.“Hi,Ernie.Howcomeyou’renotinsidewithalltheotherriffraff?”

“I’mafraidit’stoocrowdedinthere.”HepattedthebedofthetruckandDog

jumpedin,sittingatErnie’ssideasthenewsmanproducedabiscuitfromhisshirtpocket.

“HowcanIhelpyou,Ernie?”

HefedDogthetreatandglancedatthebottleofrye,stillhangingfrommyhand.“Whereareyouoffto?”

“GoingtoseeIsaacBloomfield,givehimthisbottle,andfindoutaboutthepreliminaryautopsyon—”

“DannyLoneElk.”Henoddedandpulledoutasmallspiralnotebookwithastubbygolfpencilshovedinthewire.“I’vegothisobituaryinthepaperthismorning.Youknow,hiswifediedabouttenyearsago,butheissurvivedbyonesonandonedaughter.”Hesmiledandadjustedhistrifocalglasses.“Youshouldreadthepaper,Walter.You’ddiscoverallkindsofthings.”

Figuringtherewasnowayoutoftalkingtohim,Ileanedagainstmytruck.“Yep,well,Ifiguremycopyislyinginthereatthereceptiondesk,andI’mnotgoinganywherenearthatplace.”

Hegesturedaroundhim.“JustasIfigured.”Helickedthepointofhispencil.“Now,aboutthisannouncementthattheactingdeputyattorneywillbemaking...”

“Doyouknowanything

abouthim?”“SkipTrost?”Henodded.

“ColoradoSpringskid,bornandbred;workedonanumberofelectionsdownthatwayandwaspickedupbyTomWheelertoheadhiscampaignwhenheranforthesenatehereinWyoming.”

“I’veheardTrostdoesn’thaveanytrialexperience.”

HefedDoganothercookie.“Hedoesn’t.”

Iedgedahalfseatonthe

tailgateandfoldedmyarmsaroundthebottlesoastonotdropit.“Alotofinteractionwiththemedia,though?”

Hepausedoverthepad,thetipofhispencillikeawasp’sstinger.“Ijustneedanofficialstatementfromyou,Walter.”

Allthewhilethinkingthatthiswholeshitstormofawitchhuntwasbeingmanufacturedbysomeunconfirmedpeontryingto

makeanameforhimself,Iswitchedintopublicspeak.“Thetheftofartifactsisanextremelysensitiveissue,andwe’rejustgladtohavethecooperationoftheU.S.Attorney’sofficeandtheJusticeDepartmentinthiscomplexsituation.”

“AnythingtosayabouttheHighPlainsDinosaurMuseum?”

“TheHPDMisafixturewithinthecommunity,and

I’msurethatanythingthatmightbeconstruedasanillegalactwillbescrutinizedtothefullestandeveryonewithintheorganizationwillassistusinanywaypossible.”

“AnythingtosayabouttheCheyennetribe’sinvolvementorthepassingofDannyLoneElk?”

GiventhefactthatIhadonedeadmanandanotherhalf-deadone,bothofwhom

hadsampledwhiskeyoutofthesameflask,Idissembled:“That’sanongoinginvestigationandunavailableforcommentatthistime.”

Heloweredhispencil,anditwasnotthefirsttimeI’dfelthemightbereadingmymind.

“How’sLucian?”Themoreformalportion

oftheinterviewover,Ipackedupmypublicspeakanddepositedit.“He’sokay.

I’monmywayovertherenowtocheckonhimandtalktoIsaac.”

“Nottochangethesubject,butdoyouhaveanyphotographsoftheT.rex’shead?”

“No,butI’msureDaveBaumanndoes.I’msuretheFBIdoes,too,butI’daskDave.”

“Thankyou,Walter.”“Youbet.”Henodded,placedhis

notebookandpencilintheinsidepocketofhissuitjacket,andraisedafist.“SaveJen.”

•••

“Youlookfit—foraguywhodiedlastnight.”

Hishandsfritteredoverthesheetsonthehospitalbed.“Well,that’sgood,becauseIfeellikelivinghell.”

“Iguesswhateveryoudrankgaveyouaprettygoodhangover.”

HeironedahandacrosshiswrinkledfaceanddiscoveredanIVconnectedtohisarm.“HowdidIgethere?”

“SaizarbitoriaandIloadedyouontoagurney.”Iplacedthebottleofwhiskeyonthefloorbesidemychairandgotup,walkingoverandputtinghisarmbackdownbeforehe

gottheideaofpullingtheneedlefromhisvein.Istoodbackwithmyhandsonmyhips,satisfiedthehospitalequipmentwassafeforthemoment.“Whatdoyourememberaboutyesterday?”

“Gotsick.”Hethoughtaboutit.“Hadahamsandwichforlunchandfigureditmight’vebeenthat,butthenIstartedthinkingitwastheflu.”

“Didyoudrinkallthe

whiskeythatwasinDannyLoneElk’sflask?”

Hesmirkedhisdefianceatme.“WhatifIdid.”

ItwasaboutthenthatIsaacandDavidNickerson,whohadjustbeenappointedtheheadofDurantMemorialHospital’snewlyrenovatedER,cameintheroom,bothofthemholdingoverloadedclipboards.

Iwalkedbacktomychair,reacheddown,andoffered

thebottletothedocs,whichdidnotgounnoticedbytheoldsheriffinthebed.

“Whatthehellareyoudoin’withmywhiskey?”

“Ipulleditfromyourbar;don’tworry,it’snotyourbeststuff.”Isaactookthebottle,andIturnedbacktoLucian.“Theyneedtotestitagainstthestuffyoudrankfromtheflask.”

“Becarefulwiththatbottle;thatstraightryeis

mightydear.”Davidquietedhim.“It’s

allright;allweneedisatest-tubefull—I’malightdrinker.”

Thedocgesturedtowardhisyoungerassociate.“He’sbeenabletouseourlabtoexaminethecontentsofthetumbler,andeventhoughtheresultsaren’tgoingtobeasconclusiveasthosefromDCI,wethinkwe’vediscoveredsomething.”

“What?”TheERdoctorclearedhis

throat.“Mercury.”Iglancedattheoldsheriff.

“Yousaidittastedmetallic.”Nickersoncamearound

thebedandlookedacrossatme.“I’mbettingthatifwedidanautopsyonDannyLoneElk,wewouldfindhediedofmercurypoisoning.”

“Whydidn’titkillLucian?”

“Becausethisparticular

formofmercuryabsorbsintothevictim’ssystemmoreinanacidicenvironment,andwithDanny’sulcers,hisstomachwaschronicallyacidic.”

“So,bothDannyandLucianweremostlikelypoisoned?”

IsaacputhisclipboardatLucian’sblanketedfeetandthencameoverandtookhiswristandcheckedhispulse.“Possibly,butitcouldbethat

themercurywasabsorbedfromtheflask.Wehavenoideaofitsageorhowlongthewhiskeyhadbeeninthere.”

5“Canapressconferencebeconsideredimpromptuifyou’rewearingpancakemakeup?”

LookingatthecrowdsofpeopleingreenandwhiteSAVEJENT-shirts,whowereprotestingtheperceived

jackbootactionsofthefedsbyholdingsignsthatreadSAYBYE,FBI!,Ileanedagainsttheredbrickofthecourthouseandsighed.ItappearedtomethatSkipTrostwasfacinganuphillbattle.

Istudiedthesideofhisface.“You’rekidding.”

Vicsmiled.“Andjustatouchofrougetogivehimthatruddy,cross-dresser-of-the-peoplelook.”

Iglancedatthehundredor

sotramplingthenewlysowngrassonthehillleadingtomyofficeandspokeoutofthesideofmymouth:“Hush,thisisbadenoughwithoutarunningcommentary.”

“Thankyouforbeingheretodayforthisoff-the-cuffannouncement,andthankyouforthepleasureofbeingherewithallofyouthismorning.”Theactingdeputyattorneycontinuedtalkingovertheshoutsofthecrowd.“Itisa

privilegetoseemyfriends,colleagues,andlocalleadersassembledheretodayforthismomentousevent—itisawonderfulopportunitytothankthemfortheirdedicationinservingasfaithfulstewardstothepeopleandthewonderfulplacewecallhome,Wyoming.”

“Doyouthinkhethinkstheydon’tknowwhatstatetheylivein?”

Trostadjustedthemicrophoneonthepodiumandstudiedtheonlookers.“Fromitsearliestdays,thisstatehasbeenboundtogetherbyasetoflawsandvaluesthatdefineit—equality,opportunity,andjustice.”

“Forall.”“Shhhh...”“Whenishegoingtostart

talkingaboutthedinosaur?”“Shhhh...”“Thesetraitsarecodified

inourgreatstate,andtherearethoseofuswhoarecalledupontosettledisputesbutalsotoholdaccountablethosewhohavedonewrong.IhavelongheldtheopinionthatIamacustodianofthelaw.”Heturnedaroundandlookedatthecourthousetovalidatehisworth.

“Howlonghashebeeninoffice?”

Imumbledundermybreath,“Hehasn’tbeen

confirmedyet.”Hegainedmomentum.“I

hopetogiveaclearandfocusedmessagetothosewhowouldtakeadvantageofourgreatstate’smagnificentbounty.”

Shebouncedthebackofherheadagainstthewall.“Oh,brother.”

“Yes,atreasuretroveofstateantiquitiesthatshouldnotbeallowedtofallintoanysingleindividual’shandsbut

shouldbesharedbyallthepeopleofWyominginacommunaldedicationtothecauseofjusticeandthecommongood.”

“ComingoffkindofWilliamJenningsBryan,isn’the?”

Feelinghe’dcapturedthethrong,Trostdecidedtogetliterary.“Saluspopulisupremalexesto.”

Shelookedatme.“What

thefuckwasthat?”“Cicero—thewelfareof

thepeopleistheultimatelaw.”

Vicstudiedthetelejournalists,allofthemlookingalittleperplexed.“Thinkthey’llsubtitlehim?”

Warmingtothesubject,Trostnoddedhishead.“Itistime;infactit’swellpasttimetoaddressthepersistentneedsandunwarranteddisparitiesbyconsideringa

fundamentallynewapproachtowardthefederalAntiquitiesActof1906,whichincludesaclearprohibitionagainstremovingfossilsfromanylandownedorcontrolledbytheUnitedStates.”Hepausedfordramaticeffect.“ImyselfwouldprefertoseeJenremain,ifnothereinAbsarokaCounty,thenwithintheconfinesofthestate.”Heraisedafist.“SaveJen!”

Therewerecheersonthat

one.“Thisisoursolemn

obligationasstewardsofthelandsothattheseantiquitiesmightbepreservedforourchildren...”

Vicmumbled,“Andourchildren’schildren.”

“Andourchildren’schildren.”Heglancedatusandgesturedtowardme,andIthoughtthathemight’veoverheardVic.“I’dliketoaskamanthat’swell-known

andrespectedbyallofyou,SheriffWaltLongmire,tojoinmehereatthepodium.”

Ipushedoffthewallandstartedforward,speakingundermybreathasIpassedher,“What,nosmart-assremarkonthat?”

Shesmiledandpattedmyshoulder.“Justwaitingtillyou’reoutofearshot.”

TrostpumpedmyhandasIjoinedhim;hewas,indeed,wearingmakeup.Hehad

stoppedmeonthetopsteptotryandkeephisheightopportunity,butevenwiththesix-inchadvantage,Iwasstillacoupleofinchestaller.Hesmiledbrightlyforthecamerasandheldontomyhand.“Arethereanyquestions?”

“Sheriff,haveanycriminalchargesbeenbroughtagainsttheHighPlainsDinosaurMuseum?”

“Um,notatthistime.

We’rehopingthat—”Trostreachedoverand

broughtthemicclosertohisface.“Actually,ourofficehasbeenplanninganinterventiontodiscouragethistypeofbehavior.”

ABillingsreportercalledouttome,“Sheriff,isittruethattheJenwasfoundonNativeAmericanland?”

“Well,itwasdiscoveredontheLoneElkRanch,andDannywasanenrolled

member—”Trostleaptinagain.“The

CheyennetribehasfiledanordertodesistunderthefederalAntiquitiesActof1906prohibitingtheremovaloffossilsfromanylandownedorcontrolledbytheUnitedStateswithoutpermit.”

TheredheadfromtheCasperstationyelledatme,“Doesthemuseumhaveapermit,Walt?”

Ishruggedagain.“Myunderstandingis—”

Thedeputyattorneyspokeintothemicrophone.“No,theydonot.”Heglancedaround.“I’mafraidthatthesheriffhasotherdutiestoattendto,butI’mgladtostayhereandansweranythingmoreyoumightwanttoknow.”

Asanotherflurryofquestionsexploded,ItookmyleaveandcollectedVic,

shortcuttingtoourofficethroughthecourthouse.Iheldtheglassdooropenandusheredherin.“So,howdidIdo?”

“Youwereaperfectlittlemeatpuppet.”Sheglancedbackwithmockconcern.“Youdidn’tmessuphislipstick,didyou?”

•••

TherearesignsontheLoneElkplace,butyouhavetofindthem.

Kickingattheboardslyingatthebaseofapostandtryingtofigureoutifanyofthemmightbepointingtherightway,Ikneeleddownandturnedafewover,readingthenamesofownerslongpast.

“Arewelost?”Iliftedmyface,narrowing

myeyesinthewindthathad

pickedup,andlookedattherollinghillsoftheeasternpartofmyjurisdiction.“Neverlost,justmightilyconfused.”

ShestoodattheforkofthegravelroadsandturnedaroundasDogtookaleakonhisforty-thirdpieceofsagebrush.“Howbigisourcountyagain?”

“Insquaremiles?”“Yeah.”“Justoverninethousand—

aboutthesizeofNew

Hampshire.”Iglancedaroundsomemore,makingsomecalculations.“IfIweretoguess,I’dsaywewerenearHakertDrawattheWallows,maybenearDeadSwedeMine.”

Shewalkedpastmetotheedgeoftheroad,Dogfollowing,andlookedatthePowderRivercountry,atthevastnessofthehighplainsthatseemedtodrawyoureyesfurtherthanyouthought

possible.“Questionnumberone.”Sheturnedtolookatme,scratchingbehindDog’searashesatonherfoot.“WhatisHakertDraw?”

“Well,adrawisformedbytwoparallelridgesorspurswithlowgroundinbetweenthem;theareaoflowground,wherewehappentobestanding,istheactualdraw.Hakertisthenameoftherancherwhousedtoowntheland.”

ShepushedDogoffherfoot,walkedover,andleanedagainstthepole.“TheWallows?”

“Afewsmalllakesouthere,fedbyanumberofcreeks.”

“Likethekiller-turtlepond?”

“Yep.”“DeadSwedeMine?”“Thatoneisalittle

complicated.”“What,there’sadead

Swedeatthebottomofashaft?”

Ipickeduponeoftheboardsandstood.“There’salegend...”

Shelaughed.“Whatisitwithyouwesterners?There’salwaysalegend.”

“SupposedlytherewerethreeprospectorswhosnuckintothisareaafterithadbeencordonedoffbythemilitaryasIndianterritory.Asthetalegoes,theyfoundgold,alotof

it,butasishumannature,theythenfellinoneachother.Afterthealtercation,theonlyoneleftwasaSwedebythenameofJonusJohanson.”

“Hewouldbethedeadone?”

Iexaminedtheboardinmyhands,runningmythumbacrosstheridgesmadebytheengravedletters.“Nobodyknowswhathappenedtohim,butamantravelingalone,

supposedlywithalotofgold,surroundedbyscoundrelsandprofiteersofeverystripe...Iwouldn’tthinkhisoddswereverygood,butit’sjustastory.”

Sheglancedaround,Iguesshalfhopingtoseeatimber-supportedopeninginthehills.“Ifthosemenfoundthemine,thenitmustbetrue.”

“Notreally—it’sprobablyjustanold,shallow-shaftcoal

mine,ararityintheseparts;butstill,asDorothyJohnsononcesaid,‘whenthelegendbecomesfact,printthelegend.’”NudgingmychintowardtheBighorns,IstartedbacktowardtheBullet.“Iftheyfoundgold,itwould’vebeenclosertothemountains,butactuallythere’sreallynotmuchgeologicevidenceofanygoldanywhereinthearea.”Iopenedthedoorandlookedbackatthetwoof

them.“Fool’sgold,I’dsay.”“Haveyouseenit?”“What?”“Themine.”“Once,whenIwasakid

outwithmyfather.”Sheopenedthepassenger-sidedoorandletDoghopin.“WewerefishingandIgotbored,soIwentforawalkoverafewridges.”

Sheclimbedinandstretchedthesafetybeltoverherchest.“Throughthe

draws?”“Yep.”Iglancedovermy

shoulderattheendlessseriesofhills.“Yougetinsomeofthesebigdrawsandyoucan’tseethemountains;Iwasyoung,maybesixorseven,andnotpayingattention,andprettysoonIwaslost.IgotturnedaroundandthoughtIwasheadingback,butthenIsawanopeninginahillsidewithtimbersandsupports.”Iclimbedintothetruck,setthe

boardwiththeetchednames,fadedwithtimeandweather,acrossthecenterconsolebetweenus,andfastenedmyownseatbelt.“IwasakidsoofcourseIwentoverandlookedintoit,butitwasdark.”Ishookmyhead.“Threwafewpebblesintheopeningbutcouldn’thearanything.Anyway,Igotboredagainandkeptwalking.”IclosedthedoorandstartedtheBullet.

“Arounddark,myfatherfoundmeheadingdownCookRoadinthewrongdirection.Hewasprettymad,butIdistractedhimbytellinghimaboutthemine.Wewentbackandlookedforitafewdayslater;sawanoldlineman’sshack,butInevercouldfindthemineopeningagain.”

Sheglancedthroughthewindshieldattheforkintheroad.“So,whereto?”

Ipointedmythumbatthearrowontheboardthatpointedtotheleft,nexttothewornwhitelettersinthereddishwoodthatreadLONEELK.“Theroadlesstraveled,Isuppose.”

Ipulledoutanddroveoverafewmoreridgesandthenhitastraightawaythatseemedtostretchtothehorizon.

“Butyousawit?Imean,it’southere.”

“Themine?”Ithoughtaboutit,butthememorieswerevague.“OrmaybeIjustdreamedit.”Ismiledather.“I’mgettinglikethat,youknow.IthinkIknowthingsfrommypast,butitturnsoutIjustthinkthatIknowthem;myyouthisbecomingamythologytome.”

Sheshookherhead.“Justfortherecord?Yousaysomeofthestrangestshitsometimes.”

Iwentbacktostudyingtheroad,becauseaheadiswherethetroubleusuallyiswaiting.“Comesfromhavinganoverlyactiveimagination.”

Vicleanedforwardinherseat.“Isthatsomebody?”

“Yep,Ithinkitis.”IbeganslowingtheBulletinanattempttonotpowderwhoeveritmightbe—beingafootwasadaringfeatthisfarout.

Ieasedtoastopandrolled

mywindowdown;Icouldtelltheyoungmanthoughtaboutmakingabreakforitbutthenrealizedthathemight’vewaitedalittletoolong—hemightoutruntwocops,buthewouldn’toutruntheBullet.“Howdy.”

Heshiftedthebackpackonhisshoulderasifitweretheweightoftheworld,andmaybeitwas,atleasttohim.Hisvoicedidn’tcarrymuchenthusiasmashestudiedthe

hills,oneeyeswollen,theskinunderneathblackened.“Hey.”

“Whereareyougoing?”Heshrugged.“Justheadedoutforthe

territories,huh?”Heturnedhishead,the

longtendrilsofblackhairwhippingacrosshisface.“What’sthatsupposedtomean?”

VicsnickeredasIexplained.“Oh,just

somethingtheold-timersusedtosay.”Iwatchedhimsomemore—onetoughcookie,asmyfatherwouldhavesaid.“Reno’snice;everbeentoReno?”

Theeyethatwasn’tdamagednarrowed,andhewasunsureifIwaspokingfunathim.“Where’sthat?”

“Nevada.”Hetookhistime

answering.“Isthatwhereyou’reheaded?”

“No,we’reheadedforyourhouse.”

HesighedandkickedatachunkofredshaleintheroadwiththetoeofaChuckTaylorsneaker.“That’stheoneplaceIdon’twanttogo.”

Inoddedandglancedatmyundersheriff.“Well,we’relostandwerehopingyoucouldhelpusout.”

Helip-pointedoverhisshoulder.“S’thatway.”

“Wemightmissit.”

Hesighedagain,biggerthistime,andthentrudgedinfrontofmytruckandaroundtoVic’ssidelikeacondemnedprisoner.Sheopenedthedoorandgotout,forcinghimtothecenter.Heclimbedin,settinghisbackpackonthetransmissionhumpasDogswipedatongueasbroadasadishwashingspongeupthebackofhishead.“’Thefuck?”

Dogsatbackandlookedat

himthewaydogshavelookedatboysforcenturies—half-feralkindredspirits.

“That’sDog;I’mhis.”Thekidnoddedtoward

Vic.“Areyouhers,too?”“I’mnotsosurethat’san

appropriatequestionforyoutobeasking.”Ipulledout.“Where’dyougettheshiner?”

“Thewhat?”“Blackeye.”Hetouchedhisface.

“Whatdidyoucallit?”“Ashiner.Thetermcanbe

tracedbacktoacoupleoforigins;somesayitwasanIrishtermforthebeatingyou’dgetifyoudidn’tkeepyourequipmentshiny,othersthatitwasbecausethediscolored,swelledtissueappearstohaveashinetoit.”

Heshrugged.“AllIknowisthatifyoumakeasmartremarktomyuncle,yougetonefreeofcharge.”

Idrove,andhecontinuedtostudyus;thenheturnedtowardVic,evengoingsofarastoshiftintheseat.

Shestaredbackathim.“What?”

“You’rehot.”“Um,thanks.”“MyuncleRandyandme

weretalkingaboutyou...hethinksyou’rehot,too.”

Vicglancedatme.“That’snice.”

“WewatchTV,andhe

alwayssaysthattheTVcopsaretoopretty,thatmakingthemlooklikethatisbullshit,buthesaidyouwereanexception.”

“Oh.”Shesmiledathim.“So,whatarecopssupposedtolooklike?”

Henoddedmyway.“Likehim.”

Inodded.“Thanks.”Idroveandthoughtitmightbeprudenttochangethesubject.“Youknow,Iusedtorun

awayalotwhenIwasakid.”“I’mseventeen,andI’m

notrunnin’,justgoin’.”Inodded.“Doesyour

familyknowyou’regoing?”“No.”“Well,then,withinthe

narrowpurviewofthelaw,thatwouldbetermedasrunning.”

Crossinghisarms,heslumpedintheseat.“What,andthat’sagainstthelaw?”

“Prettymuch.”Irestedan

elbowonthesill.“So,whyareyourunningaway?”

“I’mnotsosurethat’sanappropriatequestionforyoutobeasking.”

Vicsnickeredsomemoreaswemadeasmallrise;atthebaseofoneofthemanydraws,wherethetworidgesmet,alarge,Dutch-shoulderedhousesatnestledagainstoneofthehillswithasprawlingbarnandanassortmentofoutbuildings,

corrals,andchutes,alongwithasmallbridgespanningWallowsCreek.

“Isthisit?”Hedidn’tsayanything,

slumped,andlookedathislapasifweweretakinghimbacktoagulag.Islowedtolookatthemailbox,buttherewasonlyanumberandnoname.“Let’sgofindout.”

AsIdrovetheranchroad,Icouldseeamobofdogscomingouttomeetus,

mostlybordercollieandblueheelermixes.Islowedmytruck,tryingnottorunoveranyofthem,andcarefullyrolledtowardthehouse.Finallyparked,IlookedbackatDog,whoseemedanxioustogetout.“Idon’tthinkso.”

IpulledthehandleandsteppedontothegravelasVicandtheescapeedidthesameontheotherside.Thedogsbarkedandsnappedbutgaveroomwhenaloudwhistle

emanatedfromthebackofthehouse;theydisappearedwithoutasound.Awomanappearedbehindthescreendoor,onlytodisappearagain.

“Lookslikewe’renotwelcome.”Iplacedahandontheyoungman’sshoulderasweapproachedtheporch.“Maybeit’sthecompanywe’retravelingwith.”

Amomentlater,animpressiveandshirtlessRandyappearedatthedoor,

pushingitopenandsteppingontotheredwoodplanksinhisbarefeet;heleanedashoulderagainstthefacing,thedooropen.“Pévevóona’o,Sheriff.”

“’Morning,Randy.Didwegetyouup?”

Heyawned.“Calving.”Thetoughcookie

shruggedoffmyhandandtraveledunderhisuncle’sarmintothehouseasRandyduckedhisheadbelowhis

armpitandcalledafterhim.“Yourunawayagain?”Heturnedbacktolookatus,shakinghishead.“Kidrunsawayonceaftereverymeal.”

“Alittlelateintheseason,isn’tit?”

“Oh,hellno,hedoesitallyearlong.”

Wepulledupatthesteps.“Imeantcalving.”

Hegesturedtowardthesun.“Spring.Inevercouldfigureoutwhytheseranchers

aroundherewouldwanttobirthcalvesinknee-deepsnowinFebruary.”

Inodded.“Myfatherdid.”“Ibetyouranawayalot,

too.”Hegesturedbacktothehouse.“We’reoutofdonuts,butyouwantsomecoffee?”

•••

Wesatonthefrontporchswingandnursedthemugs

thatRandy’ssister,Eva,hadbroughtouttousasshehummedasongunderherbreath;itwasafamiliartune,butIcouldn’tplaceit.Randyregaledmyundersheriffwithtalesoftheromanticranchinglife.“Ascalvingdaysgetcloser,ImovethemintothesmallerpasturesjustsoIcankeepaneyeonthem.Igooutonhorsebackandrideamongtheminthemorningandusuallyatnight,too.”

“Oldschool?”Heglancedatme,butit

wasprettyobvioushepreferredlookingatVic.“Dadneverallowedfour-wheelersontheplace.”Heraisedahand,imitatingthethumbactionofanATVaccelerator.“Thisain’tthecowboyway...”Hishandsdropped.“’Course,ifit’saspringblizzardorsomething,I’llbeoutthereallnight,orattheleasteverytwohoursor

so.”Vicshookherhead.

“Whendoyousleep?”“Usuallyinthesaddle.”

Randylaughedandgesturedtoawhite-blazedbaystandingbyagate.“OnetimeonBambinooverthere,Iwokeupcoveredwithaboutthreeinchesofsnowandwewerestandingrighthereattheporch.Iswear,ifhecould’ve,hewould’veclimbedupthestepsand

takenmeinthehouseandputmetobed.”HeglancedaroundatthebucolicbeautyoftheBighornfoothills.“WhenDadwassober,Ithinkthatwasthethinghelovedthebest,theanimalhusbandryofit.”Hepaused.“Youjustdon’thearthatwordsomuchanymore,anditmeansalot,youknow?”HiseyeswentbacktoVic.“Anyway,theygetnervousandagitatedwhenthey’re

abouttogivebirthandstartlookingforasecludedplacetodroptheircalves.Theywalkandwalkwiththeirtailsspinninglikewindmillsuntiltheyfindthatplace,andthenwhentheydo—boom.”

Myundersheriffsippedhercoffee.“Justlikethat,huh?”

Ilaughed.“Ohno,notalways.”

Randysmiledandleanedbackinhischair,tippingthe

runnerstotherear.“Thecowscanhaveproblemssometimes;ifyouseeonecalvingandthepadsofthecalfareup,thenit’sbackwardsandyouhavetogointhereandpullit.”

RandywasenjoyingthelookonVic’sfaceashissisterjoinedusinarockingchairalittlewaysoff,stillhumming,anditwasonlynowthatIrecognizedthetuneas“DryBones.”

“Ibringthemintothecalvingshed,laythemdown,andthenpullthecalves,sometimesbyhand,sometimeswiththecalvingchains.Sometimesthey’recomingforwardandhavealegback;you’llseethatbecausethey’llhavetheshoulderpushedout.Thereareallkindsofthingsthatcangowrong,butmostlytheydon’tandthingsgoprettysmoothly.”Hiseyeswent

towardthebuildingwherewe’dseenhisuncle.“Enicisintherewithoneofthemifyou’dliketowatch.”

“Umm...nothanks.”Sheglancedaround.“Howmanycowsdoyouhave?”

Randylookeduncomfortable,glancedatme,andthensmiledashesippedhiscoffeesomemore.

InudgedVicwithmyelbow.“Youdon’teveraskthat.”

“What?”“Thesizeofaman’sherd

orthesizeofhisspread—it’sagainstthecodeoftheWest.”

“Why?”“Becauseit’slikeaskinga

manhowmuchmoneyhehasinhiswalletorhisbankaccount;it’sjustnotdone.”

“Oh.”SheglancedatRandy.“Sorry.”

Heloweredhismug.“That’sokay.”Helip-pointed,justashisnephew

had,towardacorralwherehishorsewastiedoff.Insidethepenwereacoupleofcalvesmillingabout,cryingoutnowandagain.“Seethose?They’rebums;theirmothersdon’twant’emandthebullsdon’tmakegoodfathers.”

Vic’seyeslingeredonthelittleones.“What’llhappentothem?”

“They’reworthalotofmoney,sowe’llbottle-feed

’emtilltheycanstarteatingsolidfood.”Heleanedbackandlookedathissister.“OrEvawill.”Heshookhishead.“It’sTaylor’sjob,buthecan’tseemtoignorethesirensongoftheopenroad.Hewantedtogetajobintown,andIthoughtthatmightslowhimdownalittle...”Herestedhisdarkeyesonme.“Wheredidyoufindhim?”

“UponCrookRoad,aboutthreemilesfromhere.”

“Hegoesandjustwandersthehillssometimes;Idon’tknowwhatthehellhe’sdoingoutthere—maybehe’sgotawoman.”Randylookedatthebroilingthunderheadsandinkyblacknessthatstretchedtheskytowardthemountainsliketheboy’sblackeyeandthenglancedatEva.“Hey,couldwegetsomemorecoffee?”Hewatchedasshedisappearedbackintothehousewithoutaword.“I’m

notkidding,herunsawayallthedamntime;doesitabouteveryotherday,butit’sgottenworsesincehisgrandfatherdied.”Herestedthemugonthearmofthechairandranaforefingeroverhisupperlip.“Theywerealotalike;heusedtogofishingandhuntingwiththeoldmanfordays.Hell,myparentspracticallyraisedhim.Evanevergotmarried—neversaidwhothefather

was.”“Whataboutyou?”“Whataboutme?”“Beenhereyourwhole

life?”Heleanedbackinhischair

againandsmiledasadsmile.“IgraduatedfromBozemanandtookajobasaconservationistbutfiguredoutbeforelongthatIjustwasn’tcutoutfortheacademiclife.Gotmarried,gotdivorced—nokids.”He

lookedattherollinghillsides.“DadgettingolderandEvahavingherproblems,Ijustdecidedtocomeback.”

Wesaidnothing.“So...”Hesettledinfor

therealconversation.“Whatcanyoutellmeaboutmyfather?”

Ileanedforward.“Randy,Iwashopingwecouldincludeyoursisterintheconversation.”

Henoddedandcalledover

hisshoulder,“Eva!”Therewasamomentin

whichIsupposeshewasattemptingtomakeitappearasifshehadn’tbeenlisteningatthescreendoor.“Yes.”Shepushedthedooropenabitandlookedattheporchfloorwiththecoffeepotinherhands.

“So,I’massumingyou’retheonewhopackedhislunch?”Ismiledjusttoletherknowthiswasn’tan

episodeofPerryMason,asIheldoutmymug.“Thehandwritingonthebagwassomewhatfemale.”

Shestudiedmeassheapproachedandpouredmeanother.“Whatareyousaying?”

“Thepreliminaryexaminationseemstoindicatethattheremighthavebeensomemistakesmadewithhismedications,butwehaven’tbeenabletoreachhis

physiciantoconfirmwhatallhewastaking.Ithoughtmaybeyoumightknowiftherewasmedicationinthesack,sinceyoufixedhislunch.”

Randyturnedtohissister.“Isthetraystilluponhisnightstand?”Shenoddedanddisappeared.“Andgetthestufffromthemedicinecabinetinthebathroom.”

Hervoicecarriedbacktous,justastheteenager’shad.

“Allofthem?”“Haáahe,wegotnothing

tohide.”Heloweredhisvoiceandturnedbacktolookatus.“HegotabottleofsomegenericViagra.Idon’tknowifheevertookthestuff,butthebottle’supthere—embarrassedmysister.Iguessshedoesn’tknowhowshegothere,orTaylor,forthatmatter.”

“Randy,Ihavetoaskaboutthepossibilityofan

autopsy.”Hishandsomeface

stiffened.“No.”“Itmightgiveussome

definitiveanswersonthe—”“Myfatherwasreligious,

almostasbadasmyuncle—he’saTraditionalandyouknowwhatthatis.”

“Ido,andIknowtheydon’tliketodisturbthebodyinanyway,but...”

“Wellthen,youshouldn’tevenaskme.”Helookedin

hisemptycup.“IworkedinahospitalasaninterninthesciencelabwhileIwasatMontanaState,andIknowwhattheydotoabodyinanautopsy,andIwouldn’thavethatdonetomyworstenemy.”Heglancedatthecorrals,andthebuildingwherewe’dseenhisuncle.“Anyway,Enicwouldneverallowforit—never.”

Iletthedustsettleonthatone.“YouknowIcan

overrideyouonthis.”“Onlyifyoususpect

something.”Hestudiedme.“Doyou?”

“Notyet,butImay.”“HenryStandingBearisa

friendofyours,right?”“Yep.”“Yougethimtocometalk

withus,andwe’llconsiderit.”

“Deal.”Ireacheddownandputmyemptycupontheporchrailing.“Speakingof

deals,doyouknowabouttheoneyourfatherhadwiththeCheyenneConservancy?”

“Yeah,Iknowaboutit.IthinkhewasjustfeelingguiltyaboutmakingitofftheRezandbeingasuccess.Hecarriedbigmedicineforthetribeand,asIsaid,wasgettingmoreandmoretraditionalashegotolder.Hewasgettingsostiff,heprobablywould’veendedupstandinginfrontofacigar

store.”Heglancedaround,hiseyeslingeringonthecloudsbuildinguponthemountainsasiftryingtopushthemeast.

Vic,figuringitwastimetochangethesubjectagainandeasierforherthanme,asked,“What’sthestoryonyoursister?”

Hiseyesreleasedmewitheaseandturnedtoher.“Howdoyoumean?”

“Hasshebeenhereher

wholelife?”“Prettymuch;shetookto

religionalongwithEnic.ThatandlookingafterTaylor.”Heglancedoverhisshoulder,loweredhisvoice,andbecameconfidential.“Shedidn’thaveagoodexperienceinschool,justtooshy.Nothingdrastic;it’sjustthatshelikesithereontheranchanddoesn’tlikeeverywhereelse.”Hetookabreathandsettled,lookingatthehills

wherethewindblewtheshortgrasslikewaves.“Shegetsworkedupaboutstuff,sotheyprescribedherthesepillswhichseemtokeepheronanevenkeel.”Heimitatedtokingajoint.“That,andalittlerockingtheganja.”

“Soshejuststayshere,ontheranch?”

“Prettymuch.”Hesmiled.“ImakehergowithmeintotownonceinawhiletotakeTaylortoworkorpickhim

up,justsosheseesthatthereareotherpeopleintheworld.”Helookedoverandcaughtusglancingateachother.“It’snotwhatyou’rethinking;she’snotpsychologicallyaberrant.She’sjustnervousandshy,reallyshy.”

TheconversationwascutshortbyEva’sreturn;shecarriedaplastictraypiledwithpillcontainersandaplasticIGAbag.“Wouldyou

likemetoputtheseinasackforyou,ordoyouwanttolookatthemnow?”

Ishookmyhead.“Thesackisfine—Iwouldn’tknowwhatIwaslookingat,anyway.”

Shedumpedtheminthebagandhandedthemtome.“Hisstomachpillsaren’tthere,soIthinkhemust’vehadthosewithhim?”

“Hedid.”Igotupandstraightenedmyback.“CanI

askafavor,Eva?”“Yes?”“CanIhavealookatyour

liquorcabinet?”Shesaidnothingbut

glancedbackatherbrother,whoshookhisheadatus.“Noliquorontheplace.Imean,thereareafewbeersintherefrigerator...”

“Butnohardalcohol?”“No,why?”“Yourfatherhadaflask

onhimwhenhedied.”They

lookedateachother,neitherofthemreallyseemingallthatsurprised.“Washedrinkingagain?”

Randysighed.“HeandEnicbothhadaproblem...Well,wethoughttheyhadhadaproblem.Myuncledrankhimselfintoahole—that’swhyhe’shere—andthenhebecameaTraditional.”Heturnedtohissister.“DoyouknowwhereDadhidit?”

Sheputherhandtohermouth.“No.No...”

“Itwasryewhiskey,atleastthat’swhatwasintheflask,andifmyexpertistobetrusted,itwasthegoodstuff.”Iwaited.“Doyouthinkhemight’vehadsomestashedaroundhere?”

Randystaredattheplanksontheporchfloor.“That’showTaylorgottheblackeye...He’stheonewhosnuckitinfortheoldman,

buthewouldn’ttellmewhere.”

“It’spossiblethatthere’ssomethingwrongwithwhat’sinthatbottle,sowe’llneedtotestitagainstwhatwasintheflask—besides,ifit’sbad,you’regoingtowanttogetridofit.”

“Wait.”Evastoodanddisappearedintothehouseagain,afterafewmomentsreturningwithTaylortheTruantunderanarm.“The

sheriffhassomethinghe’dliketoaskyou.”

Theyoungmanstoodtherenotlookingatme.

“Hey,youhelpedmefindtheranch—youmindhelpingmefindsomethingelse?”Thatpiquedhisinterest,andhelookedupatme,allofasuddenacarboncopyofhisgrandfather.“I’mlookingforabottleofwhiskey.”

Hestaredatme.“Abottleyourgrandfather

might’vehadhiddenaroundthehousesomewhere?”

Hecontinuedtostareatme.

Hismothernudgedhisshoulder.“Itoldthesheriffyoucouldfindanything;doyouknowwhereabottlelikethatmightbe?”

Heswallowedandlookedathisfeet,allofasuddenseemingtobefive.“IpromisedGrandpaIwouldn’ttell.”

Ileanedinalittle.“Well,yousee,theremightbesomethingwrongwithwhat’sinthatbottle.Weneedtotakeittothelabsothattheycanfindoutwhatmight’vehappenedtoyourgrandfather.”

Therewasalongpauseasthunderrumbledfromthewest.“Idon’tknowwhereitis.”

“Areyousure?”“Yeah.”

Randystartedtoreachover,butIshookmyheadathim.“That’sokay.”

Figuringhewasreleased,Taylorturnedandwalkedaway,theslapofthescreendoorhisfinal,teenageresponse—itwasalmostasloudasthethunder.

Randyturnedandlookedatus.“How’boutIgointhereandkickhisskinnyasslikearentedmule?”

“I’dratheryoudidn’t.”

Heshookhishead.“I’lllook,Sheriff.”Heglancedupathissister,whorestedahandonhisshoulder.“OrEvawill;onewayortheother,we’llcomeupwithit.”Hestudiedher.“YoueverseeDadwithaflask?”

“Hehadthatantiqueone.Youknow,itwassilver,old-timeywithaleatherbeadedcover?”

Inodded.“That’stheone.”IlookedbackatRandy.

“Doyoumindifwetakealookathisstudy?”

Heroseandstartedtowardthedoor.“No,comeonin.”

Heopenedthescreen,andwefollowedRandyintoanentryway,whereheturnedtotherightintowhathadbeen,Iwassure,DannyLoneElk’sinnersanctum.Twolargewindowslookedtothesouth,withamassive,hand-laidfireplaceinthecorner.Therewasasubstantiverolltopdesk

betweenthewindowsalongwithanoaklibrarychair.Therewerefossilizedbonesandtribalmemorabiliaeverywhere,fromdancefansandceremonialpipestowarshieldsandfeatheredlances,butovershadowingalltherelicswasahugehornedshellfromwhatmusthavebeenthelargestsnappingturtleeverseenintheterritory.Thecarapacewaspaintedanddecoratedwithfeathersand

beadsunlikeanythingI’deverseen,andmuchtoolargetohaveeverbeenusedasanythingotherthanastationaryobjetd’art.

Randycaughtmestudyingtheartifact,restingonacentertablewithaPlexiglasboxoverit.“Iknow,amonster,isn’tit?”

“Wherediditcomefrom?”

“Here,atfirst;thenitwasacquiredbytheCanadian

MuseumofHistory.Thetribewenttowar,legallythatis,andreacquiredalotoftheseitems.Dadkeptafewofthemwithpermission,butnowthathe’sgoneIguesswe’llhand’embackovertotheCultureCommission.”

Thereweresomesmalleritemssurroundingthemegalith—rattlesanddancesticks,allmadewithturtleparts,eachinitsownPlexiglasbox.“Thisstuff

mustbeworthafortune,Randy.”

“Iguess,butit’sthetribe’snow.Dadwould’vewanteditthatway.”

EvacarefullylifteduponeofthePlexiglasboxesandretrievedarattleadornedwithanintricatepaintingofaturtleshield,feathers,andstripsofhorsehairandbeads.“This...Thiswasoneofhisfavorites.Iwouldcomeinandfindhimasleepinhis

chairwiththisonhischest.”Therewasapauseasshehandledthepiece,hereyesfulloftears.“Iusedtofindhiminhereasleepwithiteveryday.”

ShehandedittoVic,whogaveitacursorylookandthenhandedittome.Runningmyfingersalongtheedgesofthebox-turtleshell,Inoticedasmellemanatingfromthething,somethingantiseptic.“What’sthat

smell?”Randysteppedintothe

roomfromthedoorwayandtooktherattlebackandplaceditonthestand,re-coveringitwiththePlexiglas.“TheydisinfectedthesethingswhentheywereinthemuseuminCanada.”Hehalfsmiled.“Iguessiftheyhadn’tthemitesandstuffwouldhaveeatenthemallup.Smellsfunny,huh?”

Ilookedaroundtheroom.

“Maybeyoushouldasktokeepthisone...Ican’tseehowthetribecouldbeupsetbyyoukeepingjustone.”

Henodded.“Imight,forEva,asaremembranceofDad.”Hegesturedtowardthecollection.“Hekindofhadaturtlefixation.Hell,heusedtobringthethingsbackandhaveEvaherecookhimupturtlesouponaregularbasis.”

Vicmadeaface.“I

thoughtheheldthemassacred?”

“Oh,hedid.He’dsitonthefrontporchandtalktotheturtlesandapologizeforeatingthem.I’msurprisedhedidn’thaveEvacookinguppinkelephantstew,whatwithhishallucinations.”

Iglancedaround,wonderingwhereI’dbeifIwereabottleofwhiskey.Luciankepthisliquorinacornercabinet,butIdidn’t

seeanythinglikethatinhere;themoss-rockfireplace,however,lookedremarkablycleanforonethatworked.“Isthatfireplaceoperational?”

Evashookherhead.“No.”Randysteppedupand

usedafingernailtopickatthemossgrowingonthestone.“Hehadaspraybottlethathefilledupwitholdbeerandsprayedonthemoldtokeepitalive—droveEvaherecrazy.”

“Whobuiltit?”Randyshrugged.“Idon’t

know,why?”“It’saRumforddesign,

uniqueinthisterritory.”FrommyperipheralvisionIcouldseeVicshakingherheadandplacingherfaceinthepalmofherhand,butIcontinued.“BenjaminThompson,a.k.a.CountRumford,designedthefireplacethatwasstate-of-the-artinthelateeighteenthcentury.”Ileanedinand

lookeduptheflue.“JeffersonhadthembuiltinMonticello,andThoreausaidtheywereoneofthemodernconveniencesmosttakenforgranted.”

Vic’smuffledvoicesoundedthroughherfingers.“So?”

Ireachedahanduptheflue,feelingmyway.“Thefireplacesweretallandshallowtoreflectmoreheatintotheroomandhad

streamlinedthroatsthatcarriedthesmokeaway,butoneofthetrulyinspiredaspectsofthedesignwasashelfthatredirectedtheincomingcoldairandthenreflecteditbackupwiththeheatedairfromthefire.”FindingwhatIwaslookingfor,Icarefullypulledthealmost-fullbottleofE.H.TaylorStraightRyefromtheflue.“Alsomakesforamagnificenthidingplace,

whennotinuse.”

•••

Underthegatheringgloomofthunderheadsandtheovercastsky,wesaidourgood-byes.“Hey,Randy,doyoumindifwetakealookatthedigwheretheyfoundJenonourwayout?”

Heleanedonapost.“Why?”

“Noparticularreason;it’sjustthatwithalltheexcitementtheotherday,wedidn’tgetcloseenoughtoseeanything,andwithalltheexcitementintownnow,I’dliketotalkaboutitfromamoreinformedposition.”

“Sure.”Hepointedafingeratme.“Nosouvenirs,though.”

“Ipromise.”“Youbetterhurry;that

storm’scominginandthe

washesfloodifthere’senoughrain,andthoseroadsgetlikeaxlegreaseoncetheygetwet.”Hestudiedtheangryskies.“Youthinkyoucanfinditfromhere?”

Westartedofftheporch.“Youcanloanusyournephew.”

Helaughedashissisterfollowedustotheedgeoftheporch,clutchingthecoffeemugstoherchestwithaworriedlook.“Iwantto

apologizeforTaylor.He’shavingareallyhardtimewithhisgrandpa’sdeath.”

Randydrapedhisarmoverhershoulder.“Youbettergetgoing.”

Evacontinued,“Eventothepointwherehethinks...”

Heinterrupted,“Theydon’tneedtohearthatstuff.”

Vic,neveronetoshyawayfromaskingaquestion,didn’t.“Whatstuff?”

Thewoman’shead

dropped,butwecouldstillhearhervoice.“Hekeepssayingthatheseesthings.”

“Eva,they’regoingtothinkwe’reallcrazy.”

Shelookeduppastuswherethethicksmellofozonepermeatedtheair.“Thathekeepsseeinghisgrandfatherstandingonthehillsouthere...watchinghim.”

6“Iamofficiallycreepedout.”

“Why?”Sheshookherheadand

thenturnedtolookatmeasifIwerethesolememberandpresidentoftheAbsarokaCountychapterofstupid.“Umm...thatkidishaving

thesamevisionsyouare.”Withoutthinking,Ifound

myselflookingintherearviewmirrortomakesurethatTaylorwasn’trunningalongbehindus.“It’saprettygenericvision.”

“Maybethetwoofyouaretunedintothesamechannelfromstrange.”Shelodgedherbootsontomydash.“Inoticeyoudidn’twanttohangaroundanddiscussitwithhim.Youknow,compare

notes?”Iignoredherchatterandwatchedasshescannedthehillsintheavailablelightthatmadethemglowjustbeforethestorm.“Iwantavisionofmyown.”

“Well,yougoaheadandgetyourselfone.”

“Isthathowitworks?”Itriednottosmileaswe

spedalongwiththewindgustsbuffetingthetruck.“Idon’tthinkso.”

Sheturnedintheseatand

staredatme.“Well,fuckspecialyou.Howcomeyouandthekidgettorunaroundcommuningwiththenetherworldwhiletherestofusmeremortalsslogalong?”

Ihumpedmyshouldersinashrug.“HowshouldIknowhowitworks?”

“Becauseyouhavethemlikeclockwork,liketheeleveno’clocknews.”

IactuallygaveitsomethoughtasIslowedforoneof

thefewturnsontheroad.“MaybeyoushouldtalktoHenry.”

“Hecangivemeavision?”

“Idoubtit,butifyou’relookingtohaveone,hemighthelpyoufinditinyourself.”

Sheturnedfurtherintheseat.“Thatdoesn’tsoundhopeful.”

“Ithinksomepeoplearemoresusceptible.”

Hertonesharpened.

“What,I’mnotsusceptible?”“You’reprettyrational.”“What’sthatgottodo

withit?”“Ithinkyouhavetobe

opento...Iguess,influences.”

“Bullshit.”“No,that’snotwhatI

mean.”“No,Imeanit’sstill

bullshitthatyougettohavevisionsandIdon’t.”

Iglancedather.“You

mightdowelltokeepinmindthateverytimethesetypesofthingshavehappenedtomeI’vebeensomewhatimpaired.”

Shesighed.“Asinreadytodie?”

“Somethinglikethat.”Shewentbacktolooking

outthewindshield.“Yeah,well,I’mnotsosureIwantavisionifIhavetobebleedingtodeathtogetit.”

Iwatchedheraswesped

along,hereyelidsdroopingthewaytheyalwaysdidwheneverwewereononeofourextendedcountytours.Ibeganwonderinghowmuchsleepshewasgettinggiventhepsychologicaltollofthelastfewmonths.

Iwasfeelingalittleunmooredmyselfandwasthinkingthatevenwithallthecomplications,IwaslookingforwardtoseeingCadyandLola.Iwouldhavepreferred

amorequiettimewiththem,butthoseseemedtoberarerandrarerthesedays.

Ispottedthegatewherewe’dgonethroughthefirsttime,whenwe’dfirstseenthedinosaurdigsite,andslowedtheBullet,butnowthreestrandsofbarbedwireblockedourway.IpulledtoastopandclimbedoutasDogwhinedandIshushedhim,tryingtoletmyundersheriffgrabafewwinks.Thegate

wasanoldlevertype,andIflippeditanddraggedthepoleandwirewideenoughtodrivethrough.

Istoodthereforamomentwonderingifwereallyhadtimeforthiskindofgoosechase—thewindwaspickingupandthestormhadeatenthemountains.Itwasprobablylessthanahalfhouraway,butseeingashowwewerealreadyhere,Ifiguredwecouldtaketheextratime.

IwouldjustmakesureIparkedfarawayfromanywashes,sothatwe’dbeabletomakeitbacktotown.

IwatchedthecloudsandrememberedsomethingLucian,theoldDoolittleRaider,hadtoldmeonce,thatifwecouldseewhatthewindwasdoingupthere,noneofuswouldevergetonaplaneagain.

Momentarilydistracted,IhadafeelingIwasbeing

watched,andturnedonacowboyheel,floatingmygazeovertheundulatinghills.Maybethat’swhathappenswhenyouinvestsomuchofyourselfinsomething;whetheritisapersonoraplace,yoursoulisloathtoleaveit.IlookedforDanny’soutlineonthosehillsandthoughtmaybehisghostorspiritwasstillhere,lookingovertheplacethathadbeenhis.Maybeyoustayeduntil

yourealizeditwasn’tyoursanymoreandthenyouwentonyourway.

•••

VicstudiedmeasIgotbackinthetruck.“So,whataboutthedaughter?”Itwasasthoughshehadbeenreadingmymind;maybeshewasgettingclosertoavisionthanshethought.

“Cady?”“Eva.”Maybenot.“Whatabout

her?”Sheyawnedandcoveredit

withahand,singinginafinesopranovoiceshe’dinheritedfromhermother:“Dembones,dembones,demdrybones...Alittlestrange,wouldn’tyousay?”

Ipulledthroughthegate,gotoutandclosedit,and

drovetowardtheridgewhereTaylorhadtakenafewpotshotsatOmar’sarmoredSUV.“Iguess.”

“Don’tyouthinkweshouldfollowupandseewho’sprescribingherwithFukitolandwhy?”

“IwouldimaginethatFreeBird,DannyLoneElk’sdoctorupinHardin,isprescribingforher,too,andinanswertoyournextquestion,no,Isaacdidn’t

mentionhavinggottenholdofhim,soI’dimaginehehasn’tansweredhiscalljustyet.”

“ArewegoingtoHardin?”“Notunlesswehaveto—

it’snotexactlyParis.”Shespokephilosophically:

“Ihaven’teverbeen.”“Paris?”Shepunchedmyshoulder.

“Hardin.”“Well,likeIsaid,don’t

getyourhopesup.”Ieased

thetrucktoastopandthethreeofusclimbedout,carefullyfollowingthetwo-trackupthehillsidetoJen,thedinosaur’snext-to-lastrestingplace.

InoticedVichadleftherjacketinthetruck.“Areyousureyoudon’twanttobringyourcoat?”Igesturedtowardthedarkclouds,strunginfrontoftheBighornslikearoyalcurtain,tothepurpleborn.“Itmightgetalittle

roughbeforelong.”Shekeptcoming.“I’mnot

planningonspendingthenight.”

Theafternoonairwascoolingrapidly,andIwasstartingtothinkthatitmightnotberainbutratherhailthatwemightbegetting,asIstoppedbythelargewoodenboxthatthepaleontologistsusedtostoretheirtools.

Shepuffedupbehindmeandrestedanelbowonthe

crate,whichwasasbigasarefrigerator.“Well,wecanusethehumidity.”

Istarted,turned,andlookedather.

“What?Yousaythatallthetime...I’mtryingtogetwiththewesterncodething,okay?”Shepushedofftheboxandpassedme,andIwatchedthebackofherassheworkedherwayupthetrailtowardthedig.

WhenIcaughtupwith

her,shewasstandingnexttoadepressioninthetopoftheridgewherethegroundandsurroundingrockwasterracedinalldirections.YoucouldseethatthemajorityoftheT.rexwasstillthere,somewhatuncoveredbutverymuchintact,minusthehead,ofcourse.

Thegreatcreaturewasturnedinonherselfwiththemassivepelvisatthecenterandtheelongatedtailcircling

upandovertheback.Therewereafewotherbones,alargefemurandvertebrae,scatteredalittleaway,andIcouldn’thelpbutwalktotheoverhangwhereJenhadsurprisedJennifer.Itwasasiftheoldgirlhadtuckedherselfintoamodifiedfetalposition.Itwasdifficulttoimagineanythingthatcouldkilltheundisputedseven-tonqueenofhertime,butlifehadawayperhapseventhenof

humblingallofus.Frompersonalexperience,Iwasprettysureitmust’vehadsomethingtodowithheroffspring,oneofthemorethanafewthoughtsIdecidedtokeepfrompresentcompany.

IcalledVicovertoasmalltrailthatledtowardanarrowgapandtheundersideofthecliff.Shejoinedme,andIpointeduptowherethetwo-talonclawappearedtobe

reachingoutfromwithintherockandtimeandspace.“Look.”

“Holyshit.”Shestretchedoutahand,touchingthenearestclaw,anditwasalmostasifsomeinterspecieskarmawastakingplace.Itwasn’tareachtoseethatDNAstrandthatmight’vesomehowconnectedthem,nothardtoseeVic’smostancientlineagebeingatyrannosaur.Evidently,her

lineofthoughtwasrunningalongthesametrail.“So,ifIwasaT.rex,whatwereyou?”

Iplayedalong.“Probablyabrontosaurus—theycallthemapatosaurusthesedays—meansdeceptivelizard,bytheway.”

“What,theygotmarriedandchangedtheirnames?”

“RememberCopeandMarsh?”

“Oh,no.”

“Yep,MarshwasinsuchahurrytoscoopCopethatheclassifiedasmaller,juvenileversionofthesamecreatureasacompletelydifferentspecies;hecalledthejuvenileanapatosaurusandthenthemuchlarger,eighty-footadultabrontosaurus.”

“Theonethat’sontheSinclairOilsigns?”

“Yep.”IstoopedandpickedupafewstonesasDogcameoverandsniffed

thearea.“Toaddinsulttoinjury,in1970,paleontologistsdiscoveredthatMarshhadtakenaskullfromanotherdigandhadputitontheskeletonoftheapatosaurusatthePeabodyMuseumatYale.”

“So,whydowestillcallitabrontosaurus?”

“Becauseweareusedtocallingitthatandbecausethisparticularspecimenismorelikeathunderlizardthana

deceptiveone.Imean,ateightyfeetandthirtytons,howdeceptivecouldyoube?”

Shenoddedbutseemedrestless.“I’mgoingbackuptopside.Youcoming?”

“Inaminute.”Shedisappeared,andDog

startedtofollowbutthenlingeredwithme.

Thinkingaboutthepassageoftimeandwhatablinkwewereinthehistory

ofthisplanet,IreacheduptotouchoneofJen’sclaws.Dinosaurswalkedthefaceoftheearthforapproximately165millionyears,whereaswehavebeenhereforonlytwohundredthousand.Toputthatincontext,ifthedinosaurshadbeenhereaweek,wewouldhavebeenhereforonlythelasttwominutes.Andyetforalltheirlongevity,theyweregone,andnoonereallyseemedto

knowwhy.Ithoughtaboutwhat

Jenniferhadsaidaboutthebigbeastsandhowtheylikelyateeachother,evenfamily.

AsIlookedoutoverthehighplainsandfelttheweightoftheoncomingstormatmyback,itwasn’tdifficulttofeelsmall,transient,andephemeral.Ithoughtaboutthetenuousthreadsthatheldushere,thatkeptusgoing.I

thoughtaboutthewomeninmylifeandwhatmagnificent,life-engenderingcreaturestheywere.I’dliketothinkthatJenhadbeenlikethat—thatitwasmoreimportantwhatyoudidwithyourlifethanhowitendedorwhatsomebodydidwithyourboneslongafterward.Still,herheadrestedinmyjail’sholdingcell.Icouldn’thelpbutthinkthatshedeservedsomethingbetterthanthat.

IguessIhopedthatshe’dendupattheHighPlainsDinosaurMuseumorwiththeCheyenneConservancy—somewherenearherhome—butitdidn’tlookgood.

IwatchedasafewhailstonesthesizeofBBsstrucktherocksoutsidetheoverhang,andIcouldalmostfeelthesagebrushholdingitsbreathinanticipationofanicestorm.Inthedistance,lightningstruckapointdown

nearthePowderBreaks,andIstartedthinkingthatitmightbebestforustogetoutofthetwo-trackbeforethedelugebegan.

Ilookedaround,butDogwasgone,probablyfollowingVic,soIflippedupthecollarofmyoldcanvashuntingjacketandtuggedmyhatdowntightagainstthegustingwindandtheicepelletbuckshot.

Stumblingafewtimes,I

lookedtothewestandcouldseetheskywasawallofpurpleandblack,theonlythingdefiningitthediagonalstripingthatindicatedprecipitation.

ThinkingVicandDogmight’veshownmoresensethanIhad,Iwenttotheedgeoftheridgeandlookedatthetruck.Movingoveralittle,Ipeereddownthroughthetopofthewindshieldasthehailbouncedoffitwithan

unnatural,metallicping.Therewasnooneinside.Thewindwasreally

pickingup,andIlookedinalldirectionsbutcouldstillseenothing.Ipulledmyglovesfrommypocketsandslippedthemon—itwasMayinWyoming,butI’dknownspringstormstoblowinwiththeferocityofFebruary,soIdecidedI’dbettergatherbothVicandDogasquicklyasIcouldfindthem.

Therewasaknollatoneendoftheridge,andIfiguredthatwasthespotwhereI’dbeabletoseethesurroundingarea.Itwaspossiblethatmyundersheriffhadslippedandfallendownoneofthesteephillsides,butIcouldn’tbesureunlessIcouldspother,anditwasdoingnothingbutgettingdarker.

IzippedmyjacketandmademywayupwardasquicklyasIcould,slipping

onthewetsurfaceoftherocksasthehailmeltedintosleet.AsmallpanicwassettinginasIscrambledtheshortdistance,anditseemedtotakeforever.Theairfrommylungswasbillowinglikeabison’sandcloudingfromthedropintemperatureasImadeittothetop.

Nothing.Someofthehailwas

hittingtherocksandbouncinglikemarbles,while

someexplodedintotiny,icyshrapnel.VisibilitywasstilldroppingasIstumbleddownaslopeofscrabble,kickingsomerockslooseandwatchingthemfallsometwentyfeettothegroundbelowtheledgewhereIstood.

ItwasthenthatInoticedsomethingbesidemybootandstoopedtopickitup.Itwasapieceofcardboard,soppingbutstilllegible,andI

readCASHPRIZES,PLAYMONEYinold-fashionedprint;atthebottomwastheoutlineofacoinandthewordsMALLOCUP,5POINTS.

Asanotherlightningstrikeflashedtotheeast,thethundershooktheridgewhereIstoodwitharesoundingshudderlikethefootstepofasauropod,andIthoughtImight’veseensomethingorsomeonetotheeastontheoppositesideof

thenarrowcanyon.Itookastepforwardtotheveryedgeofthedrop-offasthehailcontinuedtobouncearoundmelikeIwasatargetinashootinggallery,theroaroftheimpactdrowningouteverythingelse.

Therewassomeonestandingattheverytopoftheotherridgewitharmsoutspreadlikeaneagleattemptingtotakeflight.Evidently,shewastryingto

summonupavisionafterall.Ilookedaroundbutcouldn’tseeDog.

Ibroughtmyhandsupalongsidemymouthandshouted,“Vic!”

Theshadowyfiguredidn’tmove.

“Vic!?”Whoeveritwasturnedand

lookedatme.Iwavedbutstoppedinmidmotionwhenitbecameclearthatitwasn’tshe.

Hewasbigger,muchbigger,andhishairwaslongerandhestoodtherelookingatme.Confused,IthoughtofthegiantCrowIndianwhohadsavedmylifeintheBighornMountainsafewseasonsback.“Virgil?”Ifeltrootedtothespotastheworldshiftedwithamaelstromofangryweatherthatcouldn’tdecideifitwantedtoblow,rain,sleet,hail,orsnow,sosettledonall

five.Iglancedatthedistance

betweenthetwoledges,butithadtobeatleasttwentyfeet;nowayIwasjumpingthat.Racingmyeyesaroundthehillside,Ispottedarutteddeertrailleadingintothegulleybelow.Itwasagoodeighthofamile,partofitdownhill,partofitup,butIwasdeterminedtofacehim.

Hehadn’tmovedwhenIstarteddown,butbynowthe

groundwasturningwhitewithsleet,andthesolesofmybootsactedlikeskisasInegotiatedthenarrowpath.

Istruggledtostayuprightbutfinallygaveinandbeganslidingalongontheseatofmypants.MyclothesweresoakedbythetimeIgottoevenground.Theviewwasobstructedbythefalloftheslope,andIcouldn’tseehimanymore,soIgrabbedstalksofsagebrushtohelppull

myselfalong.Thehailstrikingthegroundwasaslargeasgolfballsnow,thestrikesfeelingasifIhadtakenashortcutontoadrivingrange.

Therewasanotherrockshelf,andasIgotnearthetop,Icouldhearbarkingovertheincessantsoundofthestorm;maybeIwasn’tchasingghostsanditwasVicandDogafterall.

Iwastryingtofigurea

wayaroundtheledgewhensomethingshotoutfromunderneathitandrandirectlyintome,knockingmebackward.IgrabbedatitwithbothhandsandityelpedayelpIrecognized,soIeasedmygrip.“Goodboy,easy,easy...”

Istruggledupononekneeandcoveredthesideofmyfacewithmyglovedhand,reachingouttohimwiththeother,andhetookmyhandin

hismouthandbegangentlypullingme.“Whatareyoudoing?”

Hewhinedbutwouldn’tletgoofmyhand.

“Allright,allright,wherearewegoing?”Ifollowedhimtowardtheoverhang,givingonelastglanceupthehillsideinhopesofseeingthefigureagain,buttherewasnoonethere.

Duckingundertherocks,Iwasgladtogetawayfromthe

hail.Itwasdark,butIcouldseewheresectionsoftherockstratahadbrokenandbeenpushedtowardtheopening,leavinganalcoveofsurprisingsize.Somebodyhaduseditasacampsite,becausethereweretheburntremainsofafire.

Dogkeptpulling,untilIcouldseethathewastakingmetoVic,wholaycrouchedonherside,shiveringandholdingherhead,blood

drippingfromherhair.HereleasedmeasIkneltbesideher,huddledagainstthebackrockwall,pulledherintomychest,andsweptanarmaroundhershoulders.“Whatthehellhappenedtoyou?”

Herteethwerechatteringasshespoke.“Ifuckingfell.”

Ibreathedalaughandgatheredhercloser,tryingtofightthedropinhercoretemperature.“Youshould’vewornyourjacket.”

Sheclutchedme.“Noshit.”

“Didyoubreakanything?”“Myankle—IthinkI

turnedmyankle.”Sheglancedupatme.“Myheadhurts,butIthinkIjustbumpedit.”

Ilookedathermattedhair.“There’salotofblood,butit’saheadwoundandtheytendtodothat.”

Shestillshiveredhardenoughtobreakherteeth.

“Where’sDog?”“He’srighthere.You’re

luckyIcameoverthiswayandthatDogfoundmeandbroughtmetoyou.”Ilookedoutfromundertheoutcroppingandcouldseethatthehailhadsubsidedbutthatatorrentofathunderstormwasnowwashingtheairlikeachorusofverticalfirehoses.

“Whydidyoucomeoverthisway?”

Strippingoffmyjacket,IwrappeditaroundherbeforesteppingtowardtheopeningwhereIwasabletostandupstraight.IthoughtaboutthequadsheetsonthewallatoursubstationinPowderJunction,theonesthattoldmewherethemajorwasheswereinthispartofmycounty.

Iwaitedamomentbeforeanswering.“Youwouldn’tbelievemeifItoldyou.”

Themouthoftheoverhanglitlikeaflashbulb,andshesatupalittleinreaction,clutchingmywetcoataroundherasthethunderfollowed.“What’sthematter?”

“Ithinkthiscanyonisawash.”

Shestruggledupalittlemore.“Meaning?”

“We’relikelytohaveacoupleofmillionsofgallonsofwatercomerushing

throughbeforelong.”Ishookmyhead.“Thatwater’sbeencomingdownonthemountainsforhours,alongwithwhat’sbeendumpedouthere.”

Sheglancedaround.“Can’twejuststayinthisshelter?”

Weweresurroundedonthreesides,andIstartedmakingsomequickcalculations.“No.Ifitcomes,it’sgoingtoscourthiscanyon

likeatoiletflushing.”Icockedanear,buttherewasnowayIwasgoingtohearthewateruntilitwastoolate.“We’vegottogettohigherground.”

Imovedtothebackofthecaveandtriedtogetherontoherfeet,butitwasdifficult.ShebitherliptothepointthatIstartedthinkingshewasgoingtotakeahunkoutofit.

“Damnit.”Iwrappedmyarmaround

herbackandunderherfararm.“Howbad?”

“Notbadenoughtostayinhereandfuckingdrown.”IlimpedherforwardandlookedatDog,whohadstartedgrowling.ViclookedatmeasIstaredathim.“Thatcan’tbegood.”

“No.”Ireacheddownandpulledhisearinanattempttogethisattention.“Hey,youneedtogetoutofhere,too,doyouhearme?”He

continuedtogrumble.“Listentome:whenwegooutofhere,Iwantyoutojustclimbupthehillandgetaway.Don’tworryaboutus,butIcan’tcarrythebothofyou,allright?”

Hecontinuedtolookoutintothecascadingwater,thelow-pitchednoisestillrumblingfromhischest.

Vicbroughtherfaceforward.“Iknowyouthinkheunderstandseverything

yousay,butshortofahoney-bakedham,Ithinkyourbestbetistogetusoutofhereandhe’llfollow.”

“You’reprobablyright.”ItookastepforwardbutwasfrozenbywhatIsawinaflashoflightning;theimprompturiverwasonlyafewfeetbelowthelipoftheoverhang’sfloor.

Vicfollowedmyeyesasthethunderechoedofftherockwalls.“Oh,shit.”

Realizingwehadonlyminutes,Iturnedrightandthenleft,tryingtospotawayout,buttherockwassolidatthesides.Myeyeswenttotheoverhangingledge,andIcameupwithadesperateidea.“I’mputtingyouoverthetop.”

“What?”“I’llliftyouup,andyou

canclimbwithoutputtingweightonthatankle,andthenI’lleithertakeDogwithme

orlifthimuptoyou.”Shelookeddoubtful.“He

mustweighahundredandfiftypounds.”

Inodded.“That’sallright;I’llliftandhe’llscramblesobothofyouwillgetout.”

“Andwhataboutyou?”“I’llbefine.Icanclimb

mywayaroundthesideandscrambleup—Ijustcan’tdoitcarryingbothofyou.”

Asmuchasshehatedit,sheknewIwasright.She

hoppedforwardontheonegoodlegandturnedtolookatme.“Youdidn’tanswermyquestion.”

Ilacedmyfingerstogether,providingastirrupfromwhichIcouldlifthereasily.“Whichquestion?”

Sherestedherhandsonmyshoulders.“Whydidyoucomethisway?”

Iraisedmyfacetolookather.“Itdoesn’tmatter.”

“Yousawhimagain,

didn’tyou?”Thetarnishedgoldeyesboreintomine,andIcouldtellformaybeonceinmylifethatshewasn’tjoking.“DannyLoneElk—yousawhimagain.”

Istoodtherewithmylacedfingersandstoopedshoulders,staringatherandfinallynodding.“Idid.”

Shesaidthenextwordscarefully.“Isawhim,too.”

IthoughtImight’vemisunderstoodher.“What?”

“DannyLoneElk,dressedexactlylikehewaswhenwefishedhimoutoftheTurtlePond.HewasstandingontheridgeandIsawhim.That’swhyIfell—Icouldn’tbelieveitandwasn’twatchingwhereIwasgoingandslippedofftheledge.”

Ishookmyhead.“Ithinkyou’rehangingoutwithmetoomuch.C’mon!”

Sheslippedthedistressedlimbintomycuppedhands

butthenthoughtagainandusedherleft.“I’mthinkingI’llgetbetterpurchaseifItrywithmygoodankle.”

Inodded.“Let’sgo.”Shesteppedup,andI

liftedherskywardintothefallingrainasshetracedherhandsacrossthetopinanattempttofindsomethingtoholdonto.Afewpiecesofrockscaledfromabove,andIkeptmyfacedown,tryingtolimitthedamage.

“Ican’tgetanyleverage!”Ipushedherupfurther,

butitseemedasifIwasstillholdingallofherweight.Istoodthere,tryingnottomove,butIknewtherewasalimittohowlongIcouldholdher.

Dogstayedatmyside,buthisattentionwasstilldirectedup,almostasiftherewassomethinghewasfocusedon;Ijusthopeditwasn’tthefloodwaterspreparingto

washusawayanysecond.Therewasanotherflash,

andasIlookedpastVic’slegs,animageburnedintomyretinas—theblacksilhouetteofalargeIndianstandingontheledgeacrossthecanyon,hisdark,wethaircoveringhisfaceashebreathedwithanincredibleeffort,hisshouldersdrawingbackandthencollapsingwitheachbreath.

Iblinked,butwhetherit

wasfromtheblindingeffectsofthelightningortheinkydarknessofthestorm,Icouldn’tseeanything.“Vic?”

Herlegsmovedalittle,butIcouldfeelherslippingasthethundershooktheground.IhadtomakesureIpulledherinifshestartedtogobackwardintotherushingwater,whichwasnowlappingatmyfeet.

Dog’sbarkinggrewtoafrenzyasIstoodtherelikea

sittingandlikelydrownedduck.Istaredintothedarknessandlaughed,wantingtoscreamattheghostofDannyLoneElktohelpus.

Therewasanotherextendedzigzagoflightningthatrantheridgeoverhead,andIcouldseethattherewasnoonestandinginthespotwhereI’dseensomethingbefore.

Nothing.

Iwasabouttodropmyheadandconcentrateonthetaskathandwhen,intheverylastbitofillumination,Isawhimleapfromthefarledgeandseeminglyfloatacrossthecanyonlikeamountainlion,finallydisappearingoverheadasrockssliddownontous.

Unbelievable.Dogwasgoingcrazyas

thethunderprovidedacounterpointtothe

impossible,whensuddenlyVic’sweightvanished,andIwasstandingtherewithnothinginmyarms.Whateveritwas,ithadtakenher.

Therewasanotherblinkoflightning,andapowerfulhand,cakedwithmudandblood,thrustdownfromtheledgealmostasiffromagraveinthesky.Itwasaslargeasmyown,broadandmuscled,andwasflexingas

iftoindicatethatIbetterhandsomethingelseupandrightsoon.

Withoutpause,IgrabbedDogandliftedhim.Thehandgrabbedhiscollarwhiletheotherburieditspowerfulfingersintothethickfuroftheanimal’sback,andhetoovanishedwithayelp.

Afewmorerocksslidfromabove,andIlookeddowntoseearushofwaterflowingagainstmylegsand

figuredI’dbettertrymyluckwiththerockstoeitherside.Ihadjustwadedtomyleftwhenthehandappearedagain.

Ilaughed.Itwasonethingtoliftahundred-and-thirty-poundwoman,andevenanothertoliftahundred-and-fifty-pounddog,butIwassomethingaltogetherdifferent.Thehandflexed,andIfiguredwhatthehell—iftheghostofDannyLone

ElkthoughthewasstrongenoughtoreachoutfromtheCampoftheDeadandsavemefromawaterygrave,thenwhowasItoargue?

Throwingahandup,Ifeltthepowerfulfingersclaspminelikecablesand,unbelievably,feltmyfeetleavethegroundasifIwerebeinghoistedbytheskycraneofaSikorskyhelicopter.

Ijammedmyarmpitinto

theshale,astheotherhandgraspedmyupperarmlikeanumber6beartrapandpulledmeovertheedge.Therainpouredallaroundus,andthelightningflamedagainandglowed,illuminatingtheperfect,flashinggrininthedark,shroudedfaceofHenryStandingBear.

7IsetthebagfullofDannyLoneElk’sprescriptiondrugsbetweenmybootsandleanedforwardontheDurantMemorialHospitalwaitingroomsofa.PullingtheMalloCupplaymoneycardfrommypocket,Istudiedit.“So,it

wasn’tyou?”TheCheyenneNation

playedwiththebandageonhishandwherehe’dreceivedafewstitchesinhonorofhisroughlandingacrossthecanyoncliffs,andstretchedtheexpandablewrapsothatthebandagewaslooser.“Ofcoursenot.”

“Howdidyouknowwherewewere?”

“IcalledRuby,andshesaidyouhadgonetotheLone

ElkRanchtoaskRandysomequestions.IthoughtImightbeofhelp,soIwentthereandtheytoldmeyouhadgonetothedigsite.”TheBearreacheddownandthumpedDogonhisside,whichwasbuiltlikeabarrel.“WhenIgotthere,yourtruckwasparkedbutthethreeofyouweregone,anditwashailing,sleeting,andraining,soIhikeduptheridgeandthatiswhenIheardthisone

barking.”Icontinuedtostudythe

cardinmyhands.“Luckyus.”

Hesmiled.“Luckyallofyou,exceptforyourtruck.”

Iglancedoutatmydentedvehicle,thesheetmetalmarkedlikeakidwiththechickenpox.“Yep,IguessI’mgoingtohavetogetsomebodyworkdone.”Ialsolookedathisbatteredranchtruck,parkedbesidemine.

“GoodthingyouweredrivingRezdawg.Nobreakdowns?”

Heshookhishead.“No,therainputsoutthefiresunderthehood.”

Inoddedandeasedbackintothesofa,foroncetheonlyonewithoutwounds.“Soitwasn’tyououtontheridge,whichbegsthequestion.”

Henodded.“Yousaytheyoungman,Taylor,hashadthesesamevisions?”

“Yep.”“AndVic?”“Yep.”Heturnedtolookatme.

“Andyou?”“Yep.”Helookedatthemauve

carpet,themauvewalls,themauvefurniture,andthenbackatme,probablyjusttryingtofocusonsomethingthatwasn’tmauve.“Interesting.Yousee,withouthiseyes,Danny’sspiritis

condemnedtowanderthisplaneofexistencewithoutrest.”

“Well,he’sbeengettingaroundalotlately.”

Hegrunted.“Forablinddeadman?”

“Yep.”Isatforward.“So,thisistouchystuff,huh?”

“Itcanbe.”Helookedupattheceiling.“Randyisnowtheleaderofthefamily,buthisuncleEnicisthereligiousone.SinceRandydoesnot

careaboutsuchthings,hehasgivenhimthatmantle.WewillhavetodonumeroustransferritestoprepareDannyfortheHangingRoadandtheCampoftheDead,alongwithawakeforthewhiteman’sheaven.”

“Eveniftheblindingwasaccidental?”

“Doweknowthatforsure?”

Inodded.“AccordingtoIsaac.Butyoucanhavea

lookatthebodyyourself,seeingaswe’reinthehospital.”

Hisvoicetookonaserioustone.“Iftheblindingwasaccidental,itcouldbeevenmoreserious.”Hecockedhishead.“Actsofmanareonethingbutactsofnatureanother.Turtlesarebigmedicine,andtherewillbequestionsastohowthiscouldhavecometobe.”

“Autopsy?”

Hesmiledandshookhishead.“NotlikelywithhimbeingaTraditional.”Helookedatme.“Why?Yoususpectthatsomebodyalsotookhislife?”

“Maybe.”Ipickedupthebagofdrugsandtossedthemontothesofa.“So,weretheLoneElkssurprisedtoseeyou?”

“Why?”“Yournamecameupin

theconversationwhenwe

weredownthere.”Heflexedthehandthat

hadliftedallthreeofustosafety.“Ahhh...”

Istoodand,walkingtotheplate-glasswindow,gazedatthesteadyrain.“WhywouldsomeonebeimpersonatingDannyLoneElk?”TheBearturnedtolookatme.“Don’ttellmethethoughthasn’tcrossedyourmind.”

Heshrugged.“Itispossible,Isuppose.”

IturnedandshowedhimtheMalloCupcardthatI’dfoundnearthedig.“Isthissupposedtomeansomethingotherthanyouhaveaccumulatedfivepointstowardafive-hundred-pointtwo-dollarrebate?”

“WhenIwasonthemountainwithVirgilWhiteBuffalo,hewaseatingMalloCupsandsayingtheywerehisfavorites.HeevenleftmeoneatthetopofCloudPeak.”

HenryreacheddownandbrushedhisthumbonthefurbetweenDog’seyes.“Idonotsupposeyouknowifthisonesawhim?”

BeforeIcouldanswer,DavidNickersoncamethroughtheswingingdoors,spokebrieflywithJanine,mydispatcher’sgranddaughterandthehospitalreceptionist,andthenapproachedus.“Well,we’renotgoingtohavetoputherdown.”

“That’sgoodnews.”“Butshe’sgettingtheboot

andcrutches.”“Oh,that’snotgoingtobe

fun.”Davidsmiledandshook

hishead.“She’snotagoodpatient.”

TheCheyenneNationstoodandhandedmebackthecard.“Younoticed?”

“Whenwemanipulatedtheankle,I’mnotsureI’veeverheardlanguagelikethat

inthosecombinationssincehighschoolfootball.”

“Inthatparticulardiscipline,she’skindofanartistinherownright.”ThinkingitmightbewisetochecktheprogressoftheplanecomingintoSheridan,Ipulledoutmypocketwatch,thoughIwasprettysurethatitwaslikelytobedelayedbecauseoftheweather.“Canweseeher?”

“Sure.”

Istuffedthecandycardinmyjacketpocket.“CanIbringDog?”

•••

VicwassittingonagurneyintheopenareaoftheERwithsomecurtainspartiallypulledtoaffordheralittleprivacybutdoinglittletoprotecttheearsofherfellowpatients.

“Motherfucker.”

HerclassificationwasseeminglydirectedatHenry,whoplacedahandonhischestinallinnocence.“Moi?”

“WhatthehellwereyoudoingoutthereimpersonatingDannyLoneElk?”

“ItwasnotI.”“Bullshit.”“Itwasn’thim.”Iraiseda

handinhisdefense.“Whenhegotthere,hearrivedfromthesamedirectionthatwe

camefrom.”Iwalkedovertothegurneyandexaminedthebandagewrappedaroundherskull,Dogfollowing,placinghisheavyheadnexttoherhand.“Whenyousawthefigure,wherewasit?”

NottakinghereyesofftheBear,sheresponded,“Onthatridgeacrossthecanyon.”

“Well,whenIfirstsawhimhejumpedthecliffsfromthewest,andIdon’tthinkanybodyintheirrightmind

wouldmakethatjumponceletalonetwotimes.”

Henrygrunted.“Inallactuality,thewesterncliffisslightlyhigherthantheoneunderwhichthethreeofyouweretakingcover.Idonotthinkyoucouldmakethatsamejumpintheotherdirection—atleastIcouldnot.”Hehelduphisbandagedhand.“Ibarelymadeitonce.”

Shefoldedherarms.“I

takebackthemotherfucker.”“Thankyou.”Hesmiled.

“Ihaveaquestionforyou.”“Shoot.”Helip-pointedatDog.

“DidheseeDanny,too?”ViclookedatDogand

thenbackattheCheyenneNation.“Hedid;hebarkedatwhoeveritwaswhenIwasstandingthere—barkedmorethanonce.”

TheBearspreadhishands.“Human.”

Iglancedathim.“You’resure?”

“Ofcoursenot.”“Well,that’shelpful.”“Animalsreactdifferently.

Thereisanoldwives’talethatifananimalrespondstoaspirit,thenyoucanlookbetweentheanimal’searsandseethatspirit.”

Vicventuredanopinion.“Oldwivesarefullofshit.”

“AlotofthetimeI’mafraidtheyare,yes.”

IglancedattheERdoctor,whoseemedtobeenjoyingtheconversation.“Dr.Dave,isyouraccompliceinbillingaround?”Helookedatmeblankly.“Isaac?”

“Oh,he’stakinganapinhisoffice.”

“Couldyougogethim?I’vegotafewquestionsIneedtoask.”

Hewasdisappointedtoleave.

IturnedbacktotheBear.

“Sowhat’syourbasisforthinkingthefigurewasliving?”

Heshrugged.“Twodifferentspeciesseeingthesameapparitionatthesametimeisratherunlikely.”

“Butnotimpossible.”“No.”Hestartedtopush

hishairbackbutwasimpairedbythestitches,sohereacheddownandplacedhishandsontherailingofthegurneyinstead.“Butthereis

amoreimportantquestionhere.”

“WhowouldbenefitfromDannyLoneElkstillbeingalive?”

Hesmiledthepaper-cut-thinsignaturesmile.“Moreimportant,whowouldbenefitfromyoubelievingDannyLoneElkisstillalive?”

“WasEnicatthehousewhenyoustopped?”

Hethoughtaboutit.“WhyEnic?”

“Becausehe’sphysicallytheclosesttoDanny;helivesthere,andinthathemightnowbepartowneroftheranch,hemighthaveahandinthis.”

“That’squitealeap.Enic,likeDanny,wentthroughaperiodwherehedrankheavily,buttomyknowledgehehasneverdoneanythingillegal.”

“Randymentionedsomethingabouthimhaving

adrinkingprobleminhispast.”

Henodded.“Alongtimeago—thatiswhatledhimtothepathhewalksnow.HewasdrunkupinBillingsandgotintoafightwithagroupofmenwhobeathimsenseless.Hewasabletodraghimselftoanabandonedcarwherehesleptthatnight...”Hepaused.“...inJanuary,whenthetemperaturedroppedtominus

twenty-sevendegrees.”Heexhaledstrongly,asiftryingtogetthesmellofthestoryfromhisnostrils.“Andinanswertoyourquestion,no,IdidnotseeEnicwhenIwasthere.TheonlyonesIspoketowereRandyandEva.”

“Well,inhisdefense,hewassupposedlyinthecalvingshedwhenweleft,whichmakesithardtobelievethathecould’vegottendowntothesiteandpositioned

himselfinthetimeittookustogetthere.”

VicwaspettingDogandglancingbetweenthetwoofus.

“Hey,Henry,youeverheardofadoctorupontheRezbythenameofJosephFreeBird?”

Coveringhisfacewithhisgoodhand,hecroaked,“Oh,no.”Hepeeredatusthroughhisfingers.“Howisheinvolvedwiththis?”

“HewasDannyLoneElk’sdoctor.”

“NotIndian—heisanutcasedrugdealer,aplasticmedicineman,andacharlatanatthat.”

“Evidentlyhe’sdoctorenoughtohavealicensetowriteprescriptions.”

TheCheyenneNationshookhishead.“HelivesinHardinandhaswhathecallsaclinicthere.Hepretendstocareforpeoplewhoare

Traditionalandhasamail-orderbusinesswherehesellsbagsofbuffaloshitandotherassorteditemsasmedicinal.There’salsoarumorthathetrafficsindrugswiththeTreTreNomads.”

IglancedatVic.“Maybewecangetasecondopiniononyourankle.”

“Fuckyou.”“I’veattemptedtoreach

himbyphonefourtimesnow,Walter,buthedoesn’tappear

towanttotalktome,ormaybeit’sbecauseyouareinvolved?”IsaachadenteredtheroomandcontinuedaroundHenrytolookatthepatientasIhandedhimthebagofprescriptiondrugs.“Thisisn’tbuffalodung,isit?”

“Danny’smedications.”Thedocopenedthebagas

Nickersonreappearedatthedoor.“Didwegetaconfirmationonwhetherdogs

canseeghostswhenwecan’t?”

Ishotalookathim.Heraisedahand.“Just

wondering.”Heretreatedthroughthedoor.“I’vegotsomeryewhiskeytogotest.”

Isaaclookedthroughthebagofmedications,adjustedhisthickglasses,andmadeaface.“I’mnotsurewhathalfoftheseare,letaloneiftheyshouldbeprescribedincombinationwitheach

other.”Vicpokedmewithoneof

hercrutches.“We’regoingtoHardin,aren’twe,aren’twe?”

Isighed.“Trynottobesoexcitedaboutit.”

•••

Whenwegotbacktotheoffice,itwaseasiertojustcarryVicfromthetruckthan

lethermanageintherain,andwhenweapproachedthedoor,bothRobertHallandBobDeludehelditwideforthefourofus.

Robertshookhishead,steppingasideasBobusheredusin.“Isthisthekindofserviceyougetinthisoutfit,’causeI’msigningup.”

“IthoughtMr.Trostgaveyouguysyourwalkingpapers.”

Robertshutthedoorafter

Henry,whowascarryingthecrutchesandwasrewardedwithhavingDogshakeoffonhim.“Thecommandantsaystohang,sowe’rehanging.”Heshruggedtowardthecourthouselawn.“Therainappearstohavecutdownontheprotesters.”

“WhichofyouguyspissedTrostoff?”

Theyeachpointedattheother.

Icontinuedupthestairs

withVic,Dogintow,andpausedatthetoptocalldowntothem,“Well,comeonup,we’vegotcoffee.”

ThetrooperstroopedupthestepsasIdepositedViconthewoodenbench,and,turningtofacethepower-that-is,noddedtoRuby.

“Iheardyoualmostdrowned.”

IgesturedtowardHenryashegaveVicbackhercrutches.“Wasn’tmyidea,

butthanksforsendingthecavalry.”

TheHPshelpedthemselvestosomeofmydispatcher’scoffee,Bobpouringforthetwoofthem.

“Speakingof,whereareEliotNessandtherestoftheUntouchables,anyway?”

Rubyshookherheadindisgust.“They’reinthebackwithmorestuff.”

“More?Wedon’thaveanyroomformore.”

“That’swhatItoldthem,buttheycameinwithmoreandputitintherestoftheholdingcells.”

Ishookmyhead.“Well,that’sitthen,wemightaswellcloseupshopbecausewecan’tarrestanybody—wedon’thaveanywheretoputthem.”

Vicpulledherselfup,andHenryhelpedherwiththecrutches.“I’mgoinghomeandnursemyanklewitha

bottleofwine.Ifanybodywantsme,tellthemtofuckoff.”

Ispokeafterherasshecrutcheddownthehall,“You’renotgoingtotheairportwithme?”

Shecalledback,gesturingtowardtheHPs,“Ifigureyoucanhandleityourself.Hell,taketheDudleyDo-Rightswithyou.”

Whenwegotbacktotheholdingcells,therewas

nowheretostand,sowestoodinthedoorwayandwatchedasMcGroderandhismencontinuedtocatalogue,list,andtakepicturesofeverythingtheyhadconfiscatedfromtheHighPlainsDinosaurMuseum.“Youguysareputtingmeoutofbusiness.Idon’thaveanyplaceforthebadguys.”

Theagentinchargestood,stretchinghisback,andInoticedthatnowtheywere

wearingtheirpoloshirtsandrainproofwindbreakerswiththethree-letterinsigniaontheback.“Whataboutthejaildownstairs?”

“That’sforseriouscustomers.Itryandkeepthehoipolloiuphere.”

McGroder’ssmilegrewashenoticedmycompanion,struggledhiswaythroughsomeboxes,andstuckouthishandtotheCheyenneNation.“Mr.StandingBear,sir,good

toseeyou.”Henryshookhishand.

“Agent.”Hegesturedtowardme.“I

understandyouhadtosavehislifeagain?”

TheBearnodded.“Itisbecomingsomethingofahabit.”

“Sheriff.”Thevoicerangfromsomewherewithinoneofthecells,butIcouldn’tseehim.

“DeputyU.S.Attorney.”

“CanIhaveawordwithyou?”

Ilookedaroundforsomesortofpath.“Certainly,butyou’llhavetocomeouthere,sinceIcan’tgetinthere.”

Afteramoment,heappearedaroundthecorner,andInoticedthattodayhewasn’twearingmakeup.“I’dliketospeakwithyouinprivate.”

Iglancedaroundattheboxes.“Doesn’tseem

possible.”“Now.”IthoughtImight’ve

misheardhim.“Excuseme?”Heemphasizedeachword.

“Right.Now.”Istoodtherelookingat

him,awarethatnobodyelseintheroomwasmoving.“Well,goaheadthen.”

Asmuglookseepedacrosshisfaceashestaredatme.“Ithinkyoumightpreferwediditinprivate.”

“I’lldomyownthinking.HowcanIhelpyou,Mr.Trost?”

Heglancedaroundandthen,satisfiedthathe’dgivenenoughofadramaticpause,continued.“Idon’tthinkyou’retakingourcaseveryseriously.”

Iwaitedtheexactsameamountoftimebeforereplying.“Ourcase.”

Hegesturedaroundtheroomatthecopiousboxes

andfiles.“Jen.”Iwantedtolaughbut

figuredthatwasn’tlikelytomakethesituationanybetter.“ActingDeputyAttorney,Ihavemademytime,staff,andfacilityavailabletoyou.Whatelseexactlyisityouneed?”

“Yourcompleteattention.”“Oh,you’vegotitright

now.”“Imeanforthetenureof

theinvestigation.”

“Well,yousee,Idohaveotherresponsibilities,oneofwhichconcerns,asyouhavenoted,apotentialhomicide,andIthinkthattakesprecedenceoveryoursixty-five-million-year-oldcoldcase.”Hedidn’tsayanything,soIcontinued.“Whydon’tyoutellmeexactlywhattheproblemhereis,andthenwecanbothgetonwithourjobs.”

“Iwasnotimpressedwith

yourperformancethismorning.”

“Atthepressconference.”“Yes.”“Performance.”“Yes.”“Mr.Trost,incaseyou

aren’taware,myjobistoenforcethelawsandprotectthelivesandpropertyofthepeopleofAbsarokaCounty;anythingbeyondthatismyprerogative.Ihaveconveyedtoyouandyourdepartment

theutmostinprofessionalcourtesyandwillcontinuetodosoaslongasitdoesn’tinterferewiththeperformanceofmyswornduties.”

Hissmilefaded.“I’vegotanotherpressconferencewithafewnationaloutletsthisafternoon,andI’dlikeyoutobethere.”

“Ihaveotherresponsibilities.”

Thistimehepausedeven

longerbeforespeaking.“Isuggestyoureorganizeyourschedule.”

“Ihaveanappointmentthatcan’tbebroken.”Andwiththat,Iturnedandwalkedoutoftheroom.

•••

OnthedrivetoSheridan,theBear,havingdecidedtokeepmecompany,gavemehis

takeonthebriefexchange.“Ithinkitissafetoassumethatyou’vebeenremovedfromhisChristmascardlist.”

“That’sallright,I’mnotrealfondofhim,either.”

“IalsothinkyoushouldanticipateacallfromtheattorneygeneralofthestateofWyoming.”

“That’sokay,himIlike.”Heglancedoutthe

windowatLakeDeSmet,therainhavingletupabit,with

glimmersoftheafternoonsunreflectingoffthesurfaceofthewaterinabrassygold.“ThankyouforcaringaboutDannyLoneElk.”HereachedbackandscratchedunderDog’schin.“Iknowyouareunderalotofpressurerightnow,soifnooneelsehassaidit—thankyou.”

Ibrushedoffthekindness,slightlyembarrassed.“Well,itmightallbeapartofthesamecase.”

“Maybe,andthenagain,maybenot.”

Anxioustochangethesubject,Iaskedaboutthecursoryobservationshe’dmadeofDanny’sbodywhileI’dcollectedVicandherparaphernalia.“So,didtheturtlesdoit?”

“Theturtlesdidit.”Ithoughtaboutit.“I’mnot

surewhy,butthatmakesmefeelbetter.”

“Iamnotsosurewhy,

either.”Heturnedintheseattolookatme.“AndIamnotsurewhyyoudo.”

“Oh.”“Now,ontoimportant

matters.”Heglancedoutthewindshieldatthefresh,newlywashedlandscape.“IsViccomingtotermswithherlittlebrothermarryingandhavingachildwithyourdaughter?”

Ihadn’ttoldanyoneaboutthedamagedonetomy

undersherifforthefactthatshehadlostachildandnowcouldhavenone,butitseemedliketheBearwasintuiting,somethinghewasprettygoodat.“Shedoesn’thavealotofsayinit,andMichaeljustgoeswiththeflow...It’soneofhismanygoodqualities.”

“Thewholefamilyiscoming?”

“JustCadyandthebaby.Michaelwasscheduledfor

sometimeoff,butfromwhatIunderstand,he’sgotanewsergeantwho’stryingtomakethingshardonhim,sohe’shavingtopullsecondwatchforthenextweek.”

“LifeinthePhiladelphiaPoliceDepartment.”

“EspeciallyifyouarethesonoftheChiefofDetectivesNorth.”

Henoddedandtookadeepbreath.“Yourgranddaughterisfivemonths

old.Sheneedsaname.”ImadeafacethewayI

alwaysdidwheneverIwasremindedthatmygranddaughterwasnamedfora’59Thunderbirdconvertible.“She’sgotaname.Incaseyou’veforgotten,she’snamedafteryourdamncar.”

“Imeanarealname.”HenryStandingBear,

HeadsManoftheDogSoldierSociety,DogSoldier

Clan,wasofferingmygranddaughteraCheyennename.“Don’tyouthinkshe’salittleyoung?”

Heshrugged.“We’reallhere,andifyoumakearunuptoHardin,wecouldstopinLameDeerandarrangesomethingwithLonnieandthetribe.”Heturnedhisheadandlookedoutthewindow.“Areyouheadinguptomorrow?”

Ismiled.“That’swhatI

wasthinking.”“Iwillcomeandmake

arrangements.”“I’llbuyyoubreakfastat

theBlueCowCafé.”“Deal.”Cady’sCheyennename

wasSweetGrassWoman,andIwonderedifitwouldhaveaneffectonthechoiceforLola.“Haveyoubeenthinkingaboutaname?”

“Yes.”“Caretoshareitwith

me?”“No.”“Okay.”Wedroveon,

and,thinkingIwasmakingsmalltalk,Iasked,“So,whatdoyouthinkofmygranddaughter?”

“Sheisagreatdeallikeyou.”

Ifeltasharpwaveoffleetingself-satisfaction.“Youthink?”

“Yes,anditwillleadtoproblemswithhermother.”

Iglancedathim.“Huh?”“Yourgranddaughterand

youaretoomuchalike,andyouwillbesomethingofaburdentoherforthemajorityofyourlives.”

Ilaughedanddroveon.“She’sonlyfivemonthsold,andyouhaven’tseenhersinceshewasanewborn—youdon’tthinkyoumightbejumpingthegunherealittlebit?”

“Ihaveseenthetwoof

youtogether.”“Ithoughtwegotalong

prettywell.”“Yes,andshewillcometo

seeyouasthesun,themoon,thestars,andallthatis.”Hestilldidn’tlookatme.“Andthiswillbeveryhardforyoutoliveupto;eventuallyyouwillfailandshewillhavetoreassess,whichwillbedifficultforher.”

“Well,thanksforthevoteofconfidenceonbothour

parts.”Iglancedathimagain.“Sowhenisthiscataclysmiceventsupposedtohappen,whenshe’sninemonthsold?”

Heshotmealookfromthecornerofoneeye.

“Youknow,betweenyou,DannyLoneElk,andVirgilWhiteBuffalo,Icoulduseagoodwordeverynowandthenfromthegreatbeyond,okay?”

•••

Toeveryone’ssurprise,includingtheairline’s,theflightfromDenverarrivedontime.

HenryandIwerebothstandingtherewatchingtheturbopropunload.Notunexpectedly,mydaughterandgranddaughterwerethelastonesofftheplane,agentlemanIknewhelpingCadycarrytheparaphernaliadownthesteps.Lolawas

screeching,butIwasabletosayhellotoDennisKervin,anattorneyfromDurant.

HehandedHenryadiaperbagandotherassortedessentials,Cadyfollowing.“ThatgranddaughterofyourshasthelungsofaMetropolitanOperastar.”

“Sorryaboutthat.”Iwasn’tabletoaddmore

asatallredheadwithcool,grayeyesunceremoniouslyhandedmethescreaming

bundlealongwithhercellphone.“Here,takeher.Ineedaminute.”Sheturnedandmarchedofftowardthebathrooms.

“WhydoIhaveyourcellphone?”

“BecausetherearethreemessagesfromthePhiladelphiaPoliceDepartment,andifIansweritandit’smyhusband,inthemoodI’min,I’mgoingtogivehimanearful.”She

calledbackoverhershoulder,“Answeritifyouwantto,andwhileyou’reatit,tellhimIwantadivorceandhecanhavecustodyofEthelMermanthere.”

Idepositedthephoneinmyjacketpocketandconsideredmygranddaughter.Thelittlebundle’scriesbecamesoshrillthatIwassureshewasgoingtorupturesomething.IturnedtolookattheBearand

begantobounceupanddowneversoslightly.“Shedoeshaveasetoflungsonher.”

Hereachedoutandsettledmewithahandonmyshoulder.“Shejustcameinonaturbulence-riddenairplane,Walt,perhapsshewouldliketobeheldstill.”

Hehadapoint.IplacedtwofingersontheedgeoftheblanketandpulleditdownsothatIcouldseeherchocolate-browneyes,ananomalyin

myfamily.Shewassweatingfromexertion,butItippedherupabitmoreandbroughtheralittlecloser.

Theytellyouabouthowyourlifechangesinwaysyou’dneversuspectwhenyouhavechildren,butIthinkitmightbeevenworsewithgrandchildren.Maybebecauseit’sparentingonestepremoved,ormaybeit’sthenoveltyofitbeingapart-timejob,butwhateveritwas,

ithitmelikeatsunamiwhenIlookedather.“You’reupsettingyourmother.”

Instantly,shestoppedcryingandstaredatme.

“Idon’tmind.YoucanscreamallyoulikeasfarasI’mconcerned,butyoualsohavetostopwhenwegettothetruckbecauseyou’llscareDog.”

Sheblinkedhereyes,andabubbleofdroolcollectedatthecornerofhertinymouth.

“Youneedtobeonyourbestbehavior,especiallysinceyouhaven’tmetDogyet.”

Shecontinuedtostareatme,hermouthmovingjustalittleasifchewingmywords.

IglancedattheCheyenneNation.“See,wearesimpatico.”

Hestudiedthetwoofuslikespecimens.“Umhmm.”

Thephoneinmypocketbeganvibratingandsuddenly

startedplayingsomesortofhip-hopsong.IhandedLolatoHenryandbeganfishingthethingout.“Ibettergetthatandlethimknowthathisfamilyisheresafe,ifpissed.”

Lookingatthescreen,whichdid,indeed,readPHILADELPHIAPOLICEDEPARTMENT,evenIwasabletodiscernthegreenANSWERbutton.“Hey,isthisaboutthoseunpaidparkingtickets?”

Therewasalongpause,andthenanunfamiliarvoiceresponded.“Hello?ThisisChaplainAnthonyKeen,andI’dliketospeakwithCadyMoretti,ifIcould,please?”

Achaplain.“I’mafraidshe’s

indisposedatthemoment.I’mherfather,AbsarokaCountySheriffWaltLongmire.CanIhelpyou?”

“IneedtospeakwithMrs.Moretti,ifIcould,please?”

“Look,she’llbebackinjustaminute...What’sgoingon?”

“Yousayyou’reherfather?”

“Iam.”Thepausewaslongerthis

time.“There’sbeenanincidentinvolvingherhusband,PatrolmanMichaelMoretti.”

“Whatkindofincident,Chaplain?”

“You’reherfather,his

father-in-law?”“Yes,damnit.”“He’sbeenshotintheline

ofduty.”Ifeltthatquartershiftin

allpointsofreferenceasIformedthenextwordscarefully.“Howbad?”

Thiswasthelongestpausesofar,andIhadtimetolookoverandseeCadystandinganarm’slengthaway,staringatmeasshereachedforthephone.“SheriffLongmire,

I’mverysorry.”

8DoglayonthesofawhiletheBearandIsatontheflooroneithersideofthePack’nPlayandwatchedLolachewonthecornerofablanketSaizarbitoriahadbeenkindenoughtoprovide.“Howisthefamily?”

“Idon’tknow.”Iglancedtowardthebedroom,whereIcouldbarelyhearCady.“She’stalkingtoMichael’smotherrightnow.”

“Lena?”Iwashavingahardtime

concentratingandforgotthatthetwohadmetinPhiladelphiawhatseemedacenturyagobutwasactuallyjustacoupleofyears.“Yep.”

“Howdidithappen?”IthoughtaboutwhatCady

hadtoldmeaftershehadspokenwiththechaplain.“RoutinetrafficstopatFifthandLombard.Hepulledaguyoverforabrokenheadlight,walkeduptothewindow...”

“So,itwasarandomincident.”

“Yep,atleast...”Ilookedathim.“Whydoyouaskthat?”

Lolamadeanoise,andtheCheyenneNationreachedout

andgaveherastuffedhorserattlethatlookedasifitbelongedinamuseum.“Dotheyhavetheassailantincustody?”

“Idon’tknow.”IleanedagainstDog’ssofaand,withmyhandsinmylap,sattherethinkingaboutthelatenightsMarthahadsufferedthroughwhenIwasbeingpatchedupbyEMTs,inemergencyrooms,orworse,nothearinganything.It’spartofthe

contract,andthosewhoservearenottheoneswhoreceivetheworstofit;thosewhostandandwaitforthatphonecallortheknockonthedoorthattellsyouthattheotherhalfofyouwon’tbecominghome,ever—thosearetheoneswholivethroughakindofpainthatmostwillneverknow.

“Imadechickentomatillosoupwhilethetwoofyouweretalking.Iwillputitin

therefrigeratorifnooneishungry.”

Ifocusedmyeyesonhim.“Youshouldgohome—you’vedonesomuch.”

“Iwillwaituntilshegetsoffthephone.”

Iglancedatthedoorleadingtomybedroom.“Thatcouldbehalfthenight.”

“Ihavenothingbuttime.”Icouldn’thearhervoice

anymore.“MaybeIshouldgointhere.”

“Idonotthinkso.”Istaredatmyhands,

finallyreachingupandpettingDogsothattheyhadsomethingtodo.“I’mkindofataloss,Henry.”

“Icantell.”Hewaitedforamoment.“DoyousupposeanyonehastoldVic?”

Iwasjarredbythethought.“Idon’tknow...”

“Wouldyoulikemetodriveintotownandtellher?”

Ithoughtaboutit.“No,

she’sprobablyasleep—she’sbeenthroughsomuchalreadytoday,andIwouldn’tbesurprisedifherphonewasturnedoff.Shetendstodothatwhenshe’sdrinkingabottleofwine.”Ismiled.“Ithinkshegetsintotroublewhenshehasalittletoomuchandthephoneisavailable—I’vebeentherecipientofsomeofthosecalls.”

“Hmm.”Hegrunted,

pickeduptherattle,andwriggledit,furtherentrancingmygranddaughter.Lolagiggledwithdelight,whichmadethescenarioalltheworse.

“I’llgoovertherefirstthinginthemorning—sheusuallysleepslatewhenshe’snotonduty—afterwegeteverythingsettledhere.”Ilookedbackathim.“Ifthingsareeversettledhereagain.”

Thefloorcreaked,andI

lookeduptoseeCady,standingwiththephoneinherhand.Istruggledtoastandingpositionandstoodtherelookingatherlikeanarchwaywiththekeystonemissing.“Issheokay?”

Sheleanedagainstthebathroomdoorandwrappedherarmsaroundherself.“No,she’snot.”

WewatchedasDog,sensingthatsomeoneneededcomforting,slippedoffthe

sofaandapproachedher,buryinghisheadbetweenherlegsandstandingtherethreateningtoliftheroffthegroundifshedidn’tpethim.Shefinallybroughtahanddownandscratchedhisheadwithherlacqueredfingernails,tearsfallingontohisnose.

Henrysavedmewitharesponse.“Isthereanythingwecando?”

Shelookedatthewall.

“Lena’sbeentryingtogetholdofVic,butshe’sgotherphonesturnedoff.Couldsomeonegooverthereinthemorningandtellherwhat’sgoingon?”

“I’lltakecareofit.”Henryspokesoftly.“How

areyou?”“HowdoyouthinkIam?”Henoddedandstood,my

granddaughtercryingoutatthelossofhimandthehorserattle.TheCheyenneNation

reacheddownandscoopedherup,tuckingheronhishipandputtingthetoyonthekitchentable.

Cadycollapsedintoherself,takingasteptowardhim.“Henry,I’msorry.”

Heshookhishead.“Donotbesilly.”Hesteppedtowardherandtuckedherintohisotherhip,holdingmylittlefamily,afamilythatwasevensmallerasoftoday.“Weareallhereforyou,atthe

beckandcallofyourslightestwish.”Hepulledherinevencloserandkissedthetopofherhead.“Becauseweloveyou.”

Lolawrappedherfingersintohermother’sandtheBear’shair,andallIcouldthinkwas,hangon,littleone,hangontotheonesyoulovebecausethat’sallwe’vegotinthisworld.Neverletgo.

HisvoiceresoundedoffthetopofCady’shead.“Are

youhungry?”Theheadshook.“No,

thoughtoffooddoesn’tsitwellrightnow.”

“Understandable.”Looseninghimself,hehandedthebabytomeandsteppedtothecounter,openedtherefrigerator,andplacedthelargepotinside.“Rememberthatthisisinhere.”

Webothnoddedandwatchedashewalkedtothedoor.“Ifyouneedanything,

anythingatall,pleasecallme.”

Cadyresponded,knowingthesocialethicoftheNorthernCheyenneandthathewouldnotreturnagainuntilinvited.“UncleBear,comebackoverforcoffeeinthemorning.”

Hesmiled.“Iwill.”Thedoorclosed,andwe

wereleftwithourselves.Inudgedthebabyupand

smelledher,cleanand

powdered.Shegurgled,andIsmiledathermother.“How’boutacupoftea?”

“Tea?”Iraisedaneyebrowinan

attempttobefunny.“What,Idon’tseemlikeateaguytoyou?”

Shesmiled,humoringme.“No,youdon’t.”

IhandedherLolaandbeganaboutthebusinessofputtingthesteamkettleon.“Rubygaveittomefor

Christmas;shethinksIdrinktoomuchcoffee.”

“Youdodrinktoomuchcoffee—youhaveyourwholelife.”

Ipulledtheteabagsfromthetinboxthathadbeenkeptovertherefrigeratorsincehermotherhadbeenaliveandbroughtouttwomugs,bothofthemstolenfromtheRedPonyBarandGrill.“Yourmotheronceswitchedtodecafoneweekwithout

tellingme.”Isetthemugsonthetablebetweenus.“IthoughtIwasdying.”

ThewordswereoutofmymouthbeforeIcouldwhipthemback.“I’msosorry,Cady.”

Lookingatthesurfaceofthetable,sheswallowedandhuggedLolaalittlecloser.Shefinallysmiled.“WhatamIgoingtodo,Dad?”

“ComebacktoWyoming.”

Sheseemedshockedbythestatementandstoodtherelookingatme.“Imeantthisweek.”

“Oh.”Shakingherhead,shesat

atthetableandwhispered,“WhatamIgoingtodowithyou?WhatwouldIdowithme?”

“It’sselfish,Iknow.”“WhatwouldIdohere,

hangoutashingle?WaitforLolatogrowupandhopeshe

willdecidetobealawyer?”Shesadlybouncedheronherknee.“MorettiandLongmire?”

Iwasfrozenatthatmoment,thinkingaboutwhatVirgilWhiteBuffalohadsaidonthemountain,hiswordscarryingwiththerushingwindthatwoundtoascreech:“Sheistobemarriedthissummerandwhenshehasthedaughtersheisnowcarrying,

thatdaughter,yourgranddaughter,willcarrythewrongman’sname...”Ihadn’tunderstoodwhatitwashewastellingmeatthetime,butmaybetheothernamemygranddaughterwouldcarrywouldbemyown.

“Dad?”Ilookedather.“Sorry,I

wasjustthinkingofsomething...somethingsomebodysaid.”

Sheglancedawaywithafunnylook.“Thekettleissteaming.”

“Sorry.”Igotupandwenttothestove,tookthewhistlingthingfromtheburner,andbroughtitover,fillingthemugs.“MorettiandLongmire...Kindofhasaringtoit.”

Sheshookherhead,stillbouncingLola,thebabygigglingfromtheponyride.“So,whatdoyouthink,

Monkey—youwanttobealawyer?”Thebabyimmediatelywrinkledherfaceandcriedout.“Iguessnot.”

Automatically,Ireachedacrossthetableandtookher,restingherinthecrookofmyarm,pickinguptherattleHenryhadusedtodistracther.“C’mere,youSweetPea.”Shewhimperedalittlebutthensettleddownandstuffedthehorse’snoseinto

hermouth.“Maybeshe’llbeasheriff.”

RealizingwhatI’djustsaid,IlookedandfoundCadystaringathermug.

•••

Intheearlymorning,aftercallingHenrytomakesurehisarrivalwasimminent,Ilookedinonmydaughterandgranddaughter,warmand

cuddledtogetheronmybed.DogandIhadtakenturnsonthesofa;I’dhadatroublednight,findingmyselfstandingatthewindow,lookingoutattheWyominghillswithmyfingertipsagainsttheglass,halfwaitingtoseethegreathornedowlontheteepee.

Ikeptthinkinghowmucheasierthiswouldhaveallbeenifmywifewerestillhere,andhowIwould’vegladlytradedplaceswithher

ifonlyshecouldbeheretoconsoleCadyandcareforthebaby.Marthawaslikethat—shedidn’thavetosayanythingbutwouldsimplylayherhandonyouandsuddenlythingswereallright.

Grabbingmythermoswithtoomuchcoffeeinit,Ipushedthedooropenandsteppedoutside,pausingtoholditforDogbutfindingmyever-presentcompanion

nowheretobefound.Quietly,Iwhistled,buthestilldidn’tcome.

Icrossedbacktowardtheopenbedroomdoorandcouldseethatthegreatbeasthadcreptupontothebedandwasnowsleepingwiththegirls.

Abandoned.Saywhatyouwillaboutcanineintelligence,heknewwhoneededtobecomfortedandprotected.Ishookmyhead,wentoutthedoor,andheadedfortown

withamessageIsorelydidnotwanttodeliver.

WhenIgottothelittleCraftsmanhouseonKisling,Vicwassittingonthefrontstoop,barefootexceptfortheprotectiveboot,crutchesatherside,andacigaretteswirlingathinplumepastherfacelikethesteamkettlefromthepreviousnight.

“Needacupofcoffee?”Shetookastrongdragon

thecoffinnail.“Ineedtwo

daysofftogotoPhiladelphiaandkillacocksucker.”

“Theycatchhim?”“No,that’swhyIneedtwo

days.”Isatontheporch,spunoff

thetopofmythermoswiththewordsDRINKINGFUELprintedontheside,andpouredheracup.“You’resmoking.”

Sheflickedashintothewetgrass.“Thanks,Ithinkyou’rehot,too.”Shesipped

thecoffee.“I’mserious—Ineedsomedays.”

“Takeamonth.”Shenoddedwithacurt

jerkofherheadandtookanotherslugofcaffeine.Wesatthereforawhileasshealternatelyinhaledthecigaretteandsippedthecoffee.Onceortwicesheturnedandstartedtosaysomethingbutthenstoppedandwentbacktohertwo-partjob.

“Didyouturnyourphoneonearlythismorning?”

“Yeah.ThethingstartedringingassoonasIdid—scaredtheshitoutofme.”

Wesatthereforawhilemore.“Yourmother?”

“Father.”Knowingtherocky

relationshipbetweenVicandtheChiefofDetectivesNorthbackinPhiladelphia,IwasgladIhadn’tbeenhereforthatphonecall.“Whathave

theygot?”“Theguywalkedaway

clean.”Istudiedthesideofher

face.“Walked?Ithoughtitwasatrafficstop.”

Sheturnedandlookedatme.“Hepulledthisassholeover,andthenanotherassholesteppedupbehindhimandshothimintheback;thenwhenhewentdown,themotherfuckershothimintheface.”Shestoppedtalking,

andhernostrilsflared.“Imeanwhilehe’sfuckinglyingthereonhisback...Intheface.”

“Noarrests?”“No,Itoldyou...ifI

havemywaytherewon’tbeany,justabriefimpressiononthemuddybanksoftheDelawareRiverbeforethecurrentcarriesthebodyaway.”

“Plates?”“Stolen.”

“Driver’slicense,IDoneitherofthemen?”

Shepuffedthecigarettesomemore.“Asketchydescriptionfromataxicabdriverandawomanlookingoutherthird-floorwindow.”

“Yourfamilyonit?”Sheshookherhead.

“InternalAffairsandAdminwon’tallowforit,butifIknowmybrothersandmyfather...”Sheturnedandlookedatme.“Thirty-two

yearsold.”Itookadeepbreath.“I

know.”“Thatfamilything,it

neverletsup,huh?Imean,hereIamtwothousandmilesfrommine.IknowIactlikeit’snotreallyimportanttome,but...”Shesighed.“Thetiesthatbind.”Shestudiedmyface,andtherewasasparkoftriumph.“Ifinallycameupwithoneyoudon’tknow?”Shedrainedthedregs

ofhercoffee.“BruceSpringsteen.”

“Actually,it’sahymnfrom1872byJohnFawcett,‘BlestBetheTieThatBinds.’”

“Fuck.”Sheheldthechromecupouttome.“How’sCady?”

Irefilledherandthenputthecaponandsetthethermosbetweenus.“Aswellascanbeexpected,Iguess.She’sholdingontoLolafor

dearlife.”“Sheflyingbacktoday?”“Iwouldimagineso.”“MaybeIcanjust

piggybackwiththetwoofthem.”

“I’msureshewouldappreciateit.”

Shenoddedandstubbedthecigaretteoutontheconcrete.“I’mlookingforawaytothinkgoodthings.”

“Me,too.”Shestruggledup,andI

fetchedthecrutchesforher.“IguessIdon’tgettogotoHardin,huh?”

“We’llalwayshaveHardin.”

Iopenedthedoorforher,andshelodgedthepadsunderherarms.“Isitniceinthespring?”

“LikeParis.”Shenoddedandhopped

intothehouseasIstoodthereholdingthestormdoor.“Theydon’tgetsomethingon

this,I’mgoingtoneedyoutocometoPhiladelphia.”

Ibreathedalaugh.“It’sthefifthlargestpoliceforceinthecountryandthey’vegotreallygoodpeopleto...”Sheturnedtolookatme,andwestoodtherestaringateachother.“OfcourseIwill.”

Sheallowedtheglassdoortoclosesilentlybetweenus.

•••

RubywastheonlyoneintheofficewhenIgotthere,andIexplainedthesituationasshefollowedmetotheback.“Whatareyougoingtodo?”

“IneedtogotoHardinandlookupthisJosephFreeBird,but...”Isatinmychairandlookedoutthewindowattheskywithhard-edgedcloudsevaporatingintoshadesofearlymorningblue.“Idon’tknow—Idon’tthinkIcanleavethissituationwith

DannyLoneElk,Trost,theFBI...”

Shestoodinfrontofmydesk.“WhatdoesCadywantyoutodo?”

“Shehasn’tsaid.”“Thenyouhavetodothe

hardestthingandwait.”Inoddedandscrubbedmy

handsacrossmyface.“I’mtired,Ruby.”

“Whydon’tyoutakeanapbeforeeveryonegetshere?”

Ilaughed.“Oh,that’dlook

good:meinheresleepingonthetaxpayer’sdollar.”

Shestudiedme,thepictureofempathy.“Dime—thetaxpayer’sdime.Theydon’tpayyouenoughforittobeadollar.”Shefoldedherarms.“Walter,consideringthecircumstance,Idon’tthinkanyonewouldfaultyouinanythingyoudo.”

Isatthereforalongtime,butshewouldn’tgoaway.“IwishMarthawerehere.”

Shebrokeasobandthenstifleditquickly.“Oh,Walter.”

“ItjustseemslikeImadethisdealwiththeuniversetoserveandprotect,andinreturn,littlebylittle,IgeteverythingIcareabouttakenawayfromme.”

“Youneedtostopthistalknow.”

Istoodandwalkedtothewindow,clenchingfists,thesoundlikestuddedtiresona

roadway.“That’sfineifthefateswanttomonkeyaroundwithme—buttheremydaughteriswithabrand-newbabyandnohusband.”Iturnedtowardher.“I’lltellyou,ifIknewwhichcosmicofficeouttheretogoto,I’ddoitandgrabsomewingedorhornedson-of-a-bitchbyhisthroatandthrowhimouthiswindow.”

Shesmiledasadsmile.“Mymoney’sonyou.”

Itriedtostretchmyshoulders,feelinglikeonemassive,tangledknot.

Wecouldbothhearacoupleofpeopleenteringfromoutsideandthentroopingupthesteps.Rubyturnedtowardthedoor.“Ibettergodomyjob.”

“Earnyourdime’sworth?”Shenodded.“Yes.”She

startedtogobutstopped,andIcouldseethetearsinhereyes.“Pleasetryandkeep

yoursenseofhumor,Walter,forallofus,butespeciallyforyourself.Youbecomemostfrighteningwhenyoumisplaceit.”

Iturnedbacktothewindow,allatonceseeingtheghostlyimageofmyself.“Yes,ma’am.”

Icouldhearpeopletalkingintheoutsideofficeandfeltsomeonewatchingmeatthedoorway.IturnedtoseetheBobs,lookinglikeverylarge,

forged-steelandirons.“Hey,becausewe’re

gettingtowardtheendofourforty-and-found,thecommandantkeepsgivin’usthesebabysittingjobs,andwe’regettingkindofboredwithit.”Robertclearedhisthroat.“Let’sgotoHardin,Montana,Sheriff.”

Bobinterruptedhim.“Andlet’sgothereatahundredandtwentymilesanhour.”

Boyhowdy.

•••

Atahundredandtwenty,thesweepinghillsidesoftheLittleBigHorncountryseemedlikethebankedturnsonafictionalMontanaInternationalSpeedway.IglancedoverandcouldseeRobert’shandsrelaxedonthewheelasthemotoronthebigutilityInterceptorroaredlikeatreedcat.

Ispokethroughthesteel

gratingfromthebackofthevehicle.“Whatkindofmotordoesthisthinghave?”

“HellifIknow.Bob?”Hispartnerturnedtolook

atme.“Idon’tknow—youopenthehoodandallyouseeisplumbingandelectronics.Notassweetasthat’66LeMansofmine,butsheby-gawdmoves,doesn’tshe?”

“Yep.”Bothmenwerestudiouslyavoidingthesubjectofmydaughterorof

Michael’sdeath.“DideitherofyouguyscallMontanatotellthemwewereontheirturf?”

TheylookedateachotherandthenBobglancedbackatme.“Wereallydidn’tseeanyreasonforbotheringthem.”

“Right.”Travelingathighspeed

acrosstheCrowReservation,IthoughtaboutthetruncatedconversationI’dhadwithCadyandthoughtabout

callingherbackbutfiguredtherewasn’tanyreceptioneveniftheHPshadaphoneIcouldborrow.MydaughterwaswithHenry,thebestpersonIknewtobewithwheninatightspot,andIfigureditmightbebesttogiveheralittletimetomakearrangementswithoutmehoveringoverher.

IthoughtaboutLena,Cady’smother-in-lawandLola’sgrandmother,andVic

andMichael’smother,andthehardshipshemustbegoingthrough—thelossofachild.Icouldn’tthinkofanythingworse.

“So,whoisthisjaybird,anyway?”

IlookedatBob.“HisnameisJosephFreeBird,asupposeddoctor,butinvolvedwithillegaldrugsassociatedwiththeTreTreNomads,anIndianganguphereandoveronPineRidge.Henrysays

he’sNN.”“What’sNN?”“Non-Native,butallI’m

interestedinishisconnectiontoDannyLoneElk.”

Robertpassedaneighteen-wheelerlikeaSaturnrocket.“TherancherwhoownedtheT.rex?”

Bobmadeaface.“That’sanoddconnection.”

“That’swhywe’regoingtoHardin.”

Robertcalledoverhis

shoulder,“Surprise,we’rethere.”

Slowingthevehicletoasomewhatreasonablespeed,theHPduckedthenoseofthethingwithatouchofthebrakesandmadealeft,headingintothetownofChi-jew-ja,astheCrowcalledit.

WecruiseddownoldHighway87,thentookarightonNorthCenterAvenueandthenanotherrightaswesloweddownandarrivedat

theindustrialsectionoftown,theThreeRiversprisonfacilityloomingstraightahead.

Hardinhadalreadyhithardtimeswhenafor-profitprisonmanagementcorporationoutofTexasconvincedthepowersthatbethatahigh-securityfacilitywouldbeagoodideaforthetown’seconomyandcouldemployahundredlocalsinanareaalreadysaddledwith10

percentunemployment.Itsoundedtoogoodtobe

true.Itwas.Sittingongrazingland

usuallyinhabitedonlybypronghornantelope,ThreeRiverswasaghostfacility,96,000squarefeetofstate-of-the-artprisoncapableofholding464inmates,theglintingrazor-wirespiralsguardingonlytheanimals,thethingsittingemptyfor

morethantenyears.Hardinsuedthestateof

Montanaforitslegislativemixedmessageofsupport,giveneventhoughitisagainstMontanalawtoincarcerateprisonersfromoutofstate.Amazingly,thetinytownwonthecase,butnotsoamazingly,thesettlementdidn’tcoverthe$27millionworthofbondsthathadgonedefunct.

Therewasaglimmerof

hopethattheprojectwouldberesurrectedwhenthefederalgovernmentannouncedthattheGuantanamoBayfacilityinCubawastobeclosed,butthethree-manMontanacongressionaldelegationwasprettyquicktoputthekiboshonbringingal-QaedatoBigSkyCountry.

ReadingtheaddressfromtheslipofpaperthatIsaacBloomfieldhadgivenme,I

toldRoberttostopatwhatlookedtobeanabandonedtruckingport,probablybuiltaspartoftheprisoncomplex,completewithloadingbays,ramps,andafewabandonedvehiclesinassortedstatesofdisrepair.

Hewheeledintotheparkinglotnexttoablack,liftedhalf-tonwithheavilytintedwindows.“Thistheplace?”

Bobswiveledthe

computeronthecenterconsoleandbegantypingintheplatenumber;afteramoment,theinformationranacrossthescreen,alongwithapictureofasevere-lookingindividualwithlonghairandathinfaceandneck.“Ladiesandgerms,mayIpresentJosephFreeBird.”Heturnedtolookatme.“Whatthehellkindofbullshitnameisthat?”

Robertlaughed.“MustbeaLynyrdSkynyrdfan.”

Istaredatthetwocomicsthroughthesteelgrate.“Youguyswanttoletmeout?”

TheBobslookedateachotheragain.“Robert,Ithinkhe’stryingtokeepallthefuntohimself.”

“Sayitain’tso,Bob.”“Openthedoor.”Theybothturnedand

lookedatme,Robertnudginghispartnerinnoncrime.“He’skindofcranky;I’mthinkingweshouldn’tlethim

outoftheunit—he’slikelytododamagetothecitizenry.”

“I’mliabletododamagetothisshinynewInterceptorwiththis.45I’vegotonmyhipifyoutwojackbootsdon’tletmeoutofthisdamncar.”

Theygotout,andBobopenedtherearpassenger-sidedoor.

“Idon’tsupposeIcouldconvinceyouguystostayouthere?”

Boblookedathisbuddy

acrosstheshinyblacksheetmetal.“I’mbeginningtothinkhedoesn’tenjoyourcompany,Robert.”

“Ithinkyou’reright,Bob.”

Iglancedattheloadingdockandthewire-coveredglassintheofficedoor.“Gimmefiveminutesandthenyouguyscancomein.”

Robertshookhisheadathispartnerandthenatme.“Why?”

“BecauseIthinkI’mlikelytoexercisealittlebadass,andI’djustassoontherebeasfewwitnessesaspossible.”

Bobliftedhisspace-agechronographandpunchedafewbuttonsonhiswrist.“YougotfiveminutesandtwentysecondssinceIthinkit’lltakeyouthatlongtogettothedoor.”

Istartedwalking.Iftheplacehadeverbeen

athrivingtruckingport,ithad

fallenonhardtimes.Therewasn’tanysignthatindicatedtherewasabusinesspresent,butthenumbermatchedtheoneonthepaper,soIcheckedtheknob—itwaslocked.Ignoringthehideboundideasofbreakingandentering,inadmissibleevidence,andtheforty-oddcivilrestrictionsonwhatIwasdoing,Iusedtheever-handy13-Dsearchwarrant.

Thedoorbouncedoffthe

wall,butIcaughtitontherebound,palmingitbackopenandwalkingintowhatmust’veoncebeenareceptionordispatchingarea.Therewasnoequipment,notevenaphone,andtherewastrashinrupturedbagssittingalongthewallsandspillingontothefloor.

IfFreeBirdEnterpriseswasagoingconcern,itwasn’tevidenthere.

Therewassomekindof

old-timerockandrollplayingfromfurtherinsidethebuilding,soIwentaroundabatteredcountertowardanotherwire-glass-paneddoor,thistimeunlocked,and,pushingitopen,IsteppedintoashorthallwaywithanoldpunchclockonthewallandtwodoorsmarkedHISandHERS.

Themusicwascomingfrommyleftwherethehallwayopenedupintoa

massiveroom,builtlargeenoughtoholdthecontainersofatleastahalf-dozeneighteen-wheelers.InthenearestbaytherewasanonoperableconveyerbeltwithstacksandstacksofcardboardpackingsuppliesandfouryoungNativeteenagersworkingaway,puttingwhatIassumedwasthebuffalochipandlawnclippingsamplersinboxes.

Itookafewmoresteps

andloudlyclearedmythroat.Oneoftheyoungmen,

wearingado-ragandamultitudeoftattoos,lookedup,sawme,andfroze,butthennudgedtheguyworkingbesidehim.Thesecondguydisappeared,andsuddenlythemusicstoppedandanoldermancameoverandlookedatme.Hehadtheubiquitouspastyfaceofawhiteguy,aglazedlook,andtheponytailthatLucianwouldsaymadeit

easiertoidentifyagenuinehorse’sass.

“Hey,canIhelpyou?”Ipulledmyjacketbackto

revealnotonlymystar,butalsotheColtonmyhip.“I’mlookingforJosephFreeBird.”

Heglancedaround,andIwasn’tsureifhethoughthecouldmakearunforitorwasgoingtotrytofingeroneofthekids.“Um...that’sme.”

IfIwaslookingfora

toughguytoventmyrageon,hewasn’tit.“Ikindoffigured.”Itookastepforward.“WaltLongmire,sheriffofAbsarokaCounty,Wyoming.”

Itwasaboutthattimethatthesecondkidpulledsomethingoutofhispantsanddroppedhishandalongsidehisleg.

Dippingahandtomyownsidearm,Ilookedathimwithintent.“Attheriskof

soundingalittledramatic,howaboutyoushowmewhatyoujustpulledoutofyourpants.”

Heglancedattheothersandthenbackatme.

“Ifyoudon’tshowmewhatyou’vegotinyourhandrightnow,I’mgoingtohavetopullmine—andIbetmine’sbigger.”

Hestilldidn’tmove.“Didyouhearme?”I

waitedasecondmoreand

thenleveledthebigColtathim.“Showmeyourhands.”

Hefinallyspoke,hiseyeswide.“It’snotagun.”Heglanceddownathisside.“Um,itlookslikeagun,butit’snot.Honest,it’sapaintballgun,butitlooksreal.”

“Bringitupslowwithyourfingerawayfromthetrigger,gotme?”

“Yeah.”HedidasIsaid,andeven

fromthisdistance,Icouldseetheredplastictrimaroundthemuzzleindicatingitwasn’treal.Ashehelditinfrontofhim,Ibecameawareoftwoverylargemenstandingbehindthegroupwiththeirownweaponsdrawn.

“Whyintheheckareyoucarryingthatthing?”

“Protection.”Ireholsteredmysidearm

astheBobscameupfrombehind,slippedthetoyaway

fromthekid,andtosseditintooneoftheboxesfullofStyrofoampackingpeanuts.

“Morelikelyit’llgetyoukilled.”

“Damnkid.Ijustaboutsentwhatlittlebrainsyougotto...”Robertshookhisheadasheflippedtheflapononeoftheboxes.“AliciaHammonds,Wetumpka,Alabama.”

•••

“Yeah,he’sapatientofminebutmostofwhatIsellhimthesedaysisturtlefood.”

Weweresittinghalfwayinsideacavernoustractortrailerwiththesoursmelloffresh-cuttruckskidsinournostrils;atleastthat’swhatIhopedthesmellwas.HewassittingonastackofthemasIstood,glancingoutthebackwheretheBobspatteddowntherestofthegang.

“Turtlefood?”Henoddedhishead.

“Yeah,hebuysthestuffbythefifty-poundbag.”Hegesturedtowardhisaccomplices.“Oneofmyguysdrivesapickupfulldownonceamonth.”

“Buthewasapatientofyours?”

“Yeah,kindof.Ihadtoclosetheclinic,butIstillhavemymail-orderbusinessandprovidetoafewofmy

regularclients.”“Providewhat?”Hegrinnedathiswork

boots.“Whatevertheyneed.”“So,ifIweretocontact

theMontanaBoardofPharmacy,theycouldprovidemewithyourcertificationandlicensinginformation?”

HepulledatthecollarofhisstainedT-shirt.“Um,notreally...Imight’veletthatlapse.”

“Uhhuh.”

Henoddedhisheadagain.“MostofwhatIprovideisholistic,all-naturalremedies.”Heleanedbackagainsttheinteriorofthetrailerandglancedupatme.“Look,man,Dannywashavingsomeproblemswithlifeandstuff,andIwasjusttryingtohelp.”

“Whatkindsofproblems,otherthanthosediagnosedbylicensedphysicians?”

Hestaredatme.“Hewas...Thisisgoingto

soundcrazy,buthewasseeingthings.”

Istoodthere.“Seeingwhat?”

“Peopleandshit,man.”Ithoughtaboutthe

conversationDannyandIhadhadallthoseyearsago.“Deadpeople.”

“Yeah,deadpeople...Howdidyouknowthat?”HewatchedmeasIbrokeeyecontactwithhim.“Hey,Sheriff,ifyou’rehaving

problems,I’vegotsomestuffthat’ll—”

Icutoffthesalespitch.“WhatI’minterestedinarethemedicinesyouwereprovidingDannyLoneElk.”

“Were?”“He’sdead,andit’sa

possibilitythathewaspoisoned.Whatwereyouprovidinghimwith?”

Henoddedhishead—must’vebeenahabit.“Iwasgivingittohimforhisulcers;

itwastheChinesestuff,whichiswhatIselltoalotofmypatientsbecauseit’scheaperthantheAmericanstuff.Imean,that’swhereIgetmostofthedrugsIprovide.”Heranahandthroughhisthinninghairandtuggedonhisponytail.“Look,Sheriff,Idon’tofferdangerousdrugs;Ileavethattotherealpillpushers.”

“Wereyougivinghimanythingthatmight’ve

containedmercury?”“No.Look,Sheriff,Idon’t

knowanythingaboutDanny’smedicalhistory,so—”

“That’swhywehavethewholelegalprescriptionmedicinething,sothatthedoctorsandpharmacistscangettogetherandcometoaconsensusonwhat’ssafetogiveapatient.”Ileanedmybackagainsttheinteriorwallofthetrailer.“Whatabouthisdaughter,Eva?”

“Whatabouther?”Iglancedatmy

fingernails,perfectingmynonchalance.“Joe,ifIgetboredwiththisconversationI’mgoingtotakeyouovertotheBigHornCountyjailandhandyouovertomygoodfriend,SheriffWesleyBestBales.”Iwaitedashefoughtwithhimself.“Iunderstandit’sfishandTaterTotsonFridays.”

“Ium...Hey,it’slegalin

Montana.”Igesturedtowardsomeof

thebagsontheconveyerbelt.“Medicalmarijuana?”

“Yeah.”“I’mnoexpert,butit

lookslikelawnclippings.”“It’ssyntheticmarijuana,

butyouneedacarryingagent.”

“Lawnclippings?”Henoddedhisheadagain.

“Lawnclippings,yeah.”“Thisisthatstuffmadein

China?”Hestudiedme.“Hey,

yeah.Youknowaboutit?”“Enoughtoknowthatit’s

madefromlegalsubstancessothatcustomscan’tdoanythingaboutit.Everytimethegovernmentmakesitillegal,thechemistsjustchangethechemicalformulaandmakeanewdrug.”

Hesmiled.“Perfectlylegal.”

“Perfectlydangerous.

Nobody’smonitoringthisstuff;it’spartweed,partcocaine,partcrack,partLSDandnobodyknowsfromshipmenttoshipmentwhatthosepercentagesare.”

“Hey,man,it’sstilllegal.”“EvaLoneElklivesin

Wyomingwhereitisnotlegalatall.”

Hepickedataholeinhisjeans.“Oh,man,areyoureallygoingtobustmeonthis?”

“Notifyoutellmewhatelseyou’represcribingforher.”

“ChineseCymbalta—it’sjustanantidepressantandcheap.”

“I’llmakeyouadeal.”Ipushedoffthewallandtookafewstepstowardtheback,pausingamomentforhimtostandandjoinme.“Youdroptheprescriptiondrugsaltogether,andI’llturnablindeyetowardyourillegal

bullshitbusiness...”“Buffaloshit,man.It’s

sacred.”Idrapedanarmoverhis

shoulderandledhimtotherearofthetrailer,wherewestoodovertheothers.“AndifIgetwindofyoucontinuingtowritemedicationsforpeopleorsellingthisrobo-weed,I’mturningyouovertotheDEA,thePharmBoard,MontanaDivisionofCriminalInvestigation,and

anybodyelseIcanthinkof.Yougotme?”

Henodded.“Yeah,yeah.”WewatchedasRobert

keptaneyeonthehalf-dozenyoungmenandreacheddowntopickupafewofthedarkerbagstheyhadbeenstuffingintothepackingboxes.“Whatinthehellisthisstuff?”

JoeFreeBirdspokeupinfullsalespitchmode.“MedicinalBi’Sheepoultices

forspiritualandphysicalwell-being.”

Bobpickedupthenearestbagandreadabouttheall-naturalingredients,makingaquickassessment.“Bullshit.”

Ipattedhimonthebackasweclimbeddown.“Nope,butyou’reclose.”

9“Youknow...”Bobopenedtheziplockbagandsniffed.“IthinkI’vebeenhad.”

“Goodthingitwasafreesample.”

Therewasabreakintheseriesofcloudburststhatweremarkingtheday,and

Robertgotoutandjoinedhispartner.Weallbeganwalkingtowardmyoffice.“Youcanleaveyourpotpourriinthesquadcar,andthenwecanburnitifitgetscold—frontiersmenusedtodothatwithbuffalochipsbackintheolddays.”

TherewasalargeblackLincolnparkedatthecurbbehindtheotherLola,Henry’sBaltic-blue’59Thunderbirdconvertible,and

Iwasn’ttheonlyonetonoticethestateplatesaswedrewnear.Bobcloseduphisbagandstuffeditinhisjacketpocket.“Uhoh.”

Aswegotcloser,thetintedbackwindowwhirred,andJoeMeyercalledouttomemerrily,“Wheretheheckisthesheriffofthisdamncounty,anyway?”

“HewasinMontana.”Istraddledapuddleonthesidewalkand,leaningdown,

couldseetwolargeyoungmeninthefrontandtheelderlystatesmanseatedinthebackwithapileoffoldersinhislap.“What,youbroughtyourhomeworkwithyou?”

Headjustedhisglasses,followedbyahelplessgesture,andlookedatthepilesofpaper.“Don’teverletthemtalkyouintobeinganattorneygeneral,Walt.”

“Ineverwantedtobean

attorney,letalonetheguywholeadsthemintobattle.”

Helaughedandlookedpastmeatthetwomenonthesidewalk.“Mygoodness,it’stheBobs.”Heleanedforward.“I’vegottwoofyouryoungerandlessexperiencedcohortsinhere;isthereanywayIcouldgetyoutoassisttheminexploringtheculinarysplendoroftheBusyBeeCafé?”

Robertlookedathispartner.“Whatdoyousay,Bob?”

Theotherhighwaypatrolmanleanedin.“Aretheybuying?”

TheWyomingAGnoddedhishead.“Sure,lunchisonthestate.”Istartedtostraightenwhenhesaidquietly,“Canwetalk?”

“Youbet.”AsJoe’swatchdogsjoinedtheirfellowtroopersonthesidewalk,I

glancedatthethunderheadsgatheringintheskyagain,crackedopenthedooroftheTownCar,andslidintohismobileoffice.Ipulledthedoorclosedbehindmeandturnedtolookathim.“Joe,myson-in-lawdiedondutylastnightinPhiladelphia,soIaminahorriblemoodandlookingtotakeitoutonsomebody.Ijustthoughtyoushouldbeawareofthatfactbeforewestartthis

conversation.”“Walt.”Hefoldedupthe

papers.“I’mterriblysorryforyourloss.”Givingmehisundividedattention,heputthedocumentsaside.“How’sCady?”

“Shehadjustgottenherewiththebaby.She’sdistraughtbutdoingaswellascanbeexpected,Iguess.”

Henoddedandpattedthefoldersandlookedouthisownwindow.“Well,that

prettymuchtakesthewindoutofmysails.Icameupheretoreadyoutheriotact,butnowthatjustdoesn’tseemappropriate.”Hewatchedme,butIsaidnothing,continuingtostareattheblackleatherontheseatinfrontofme—saferthatway.

“Thekid’salittleheadstrong...”

Igrunted.“Iassumeyouarereferringtotheacting

deputyUnitedStatesattorneyandnottoCadyorLola?”

Joetookoffhisglassesandlookedatthebackoftheseatwithme.“It’struethathehasn’tbeenconfirmedyet,butitwouldbeniceifyoutwocouldworktogether.”

“Well.”Ipaused,butthengoodsenseabandonedmeandIspokemymind.“Thisisapublicitystuntsothatmancanmakeanameforhimself,andIdon’thavetimeforit,

especiallynotnow.”“We’retalkingaboutfossil

remainswithastreetvalueofovereightmilliondollars,andastheysay,amillionhereandamillionthere...”

“Prettysoonyou’retalkingaboutsomeseriousmoney.”IleanedbackintheseatandlookedoutatSaizarbitoriaandDoubleTough,whowerewalkingby,peeringinthetintedwindows.IwonderedidlywhatsortofeyeballDT

wassportingtoday.“Youmakegoodpress,

Walt.Thinkofitasgivingtheguyalegup.”

“How’boutIgivehimthebootoutinstead?”

Hefrowned.“TherearefolksinCheyennewhowouldappreciateyoutakingthetimetoworkwithhim.”

“Joe,youkeepleaningonme,andI’mgoingtocallMaryandhaveherleanonyou.”

Atthementionofhiswifehehelduphishands.“Oh,don’tdothat.”Hewaitedamomentandthenadded.“Inaweek,he’llbeoutofyourhair.Youknow,ifwecanestablishownershipofthatgiantbagofbones,it’llgotopublicauctionprettysoon.”

Istaredathim.“There’snowaythelegalshenaniganswillbeoverprettysoon,Joe.”

“Theywill,ifIcangetyoutohelpascertainwhohas

actualownership—thefamily,theConservancy,orthefederalgovernment.ThenIcandoit,andit’llbeoutofmyhairandoutofthepubliceye.”Hisshouldersslumped.“Otherwise,thisthingisgoingtodragoninthecourtsforever.Ihatetolightafireunderyouatatimelikethis,butthereitis.”

“SosomevenerableorganizationliketheSmithsonian,backedby

Exxon/MobilorBurgerKing/PizzaHut,canhaveJen?”

“Andtheownergetsthemoney.”Hesighed.“Tothewinnergothespoils.Weareacapitalistsociety.”Heleanedbackandlookedatme.“So,concerningSkipTrost,whatcanIdotomakethishappeninanamicablefashion?”

Ithoughtaboutitandstuckafingeroutlikea

baton.“Remindhimhe’sinmycountyasaguest.”

“Done.Anythingelse?”Ileftthefingeroutthere.

“Anddon’tyoucomebackupheretoslapmywristsoverthisagain.”

Hewaitedamomentandthendidalittleairclearing.“Youknow,thisisnotthewaythatasheriffissupposedtospeakwithhisattorneygeneral.”

Itookadeepbreathand

blewitoutlikeavalve.“Nope,thisisthewayItalktomyoldfriendJoeMeyer,butifyou’dliketoseehowthisconversationwouldgoinaprofessionalmanner,Icanstartoverfromthebeginning.”

“IthinkI’llpass.”Hestudiedmeabitlonger,thenpulledthepapersfromtheseatandsetthembackinhislap.“Besides,IhavetobeinEvanstonthiseveningfora

meetingatthestatepsychiatrichospital.”

“Checkingin?”Heopenedafolderand

beganreading.“Ithinkseriouslyaboutitsometimes.”

Ipulledthehandleandsteppedoutontothesidewalk.“Youwantmetogodownthehillandgetthetroops?”

“No,I’vegotenoughtokeepmebusytilltheyget

somethingtoeat.They’regoodboys—one’sinnightschooloverinLaramiegettinghislawdegree.”

“Whataboutyou?”“Believeitornot,Ihave

mydegree.”“Imeantlunch.”“Oh,Marymademean

eggsaladsandwich—it’sinheresomeplace.”Heglancedaround,finallyspottingabrownpaperbagathisfeet.“Hereitis.”Hepulledthe

waxed-paper-wrappedsandwichfromthebag,alongwithabottleofwater.“Wouldyoulikeahalf?”

“No,thanks.Notreallyhungrytoday.”Ileanedintheopening,drapinganarmonthedoor,lookingatthelastofabreed—astatesmanandtruechampionofthepeople.“You’reagoodguy,Joe.”

Hedidn’tlookupbutspoketothedocumentsinhislap.“Soareyou,Walt.That’s

whywedowhatwedo—somethingI’msureyourson-in-law,aftermakingthesacrificehehas,whereverhisspiritis,understandsfarbetterthanwedo.”Heturnedhisfacetowardme,andIcouldseethesadnessthere.“PleasetellCadyIamsosorry,andifthere’sanythingIcando,anythingatall,topleasecontactme.Asamatteroffact,havehercallmewhenshecan,ifyou

would.”Inodded.“NowshutthedoorsoI

canconcentrateonmywork.”Heraisedafistwithoutlookingatme.“SaveJen.”

•••

Cadywasseatedonthewoodenbenchinthereceptionareawithherbelongingsaroundher.I

joinedherasshetalkedwithRubyabouttheflightshewouldbetakingfromSheridanthisafternoon.“Iexplainedthesituation,andtheymadeaspotforme.”

Imovedacarry-onandsatinitsplace.“Shortvisit.”

SheturnedtolookatmeasDogplacedhisbucketheadonherlap.“I’msorry,Daddy.”

“Don’tbesilly.”Iputanarmaroundherandpulledher

intoinevitablelove.“Doyouwantmetogowithyou?”

Hervoicewasmuffledagainstmychest,andherfingersthreadedthroughDog’shair.“No,there’llbeallthepreparationstomake,andI’llwanttospendasmuchtimeasIcanwithMichael’sfamily.Anyway,Vicisgoingwithme.”Herhandcameupandstraightenedmyshirt.“Youdon’tmindmetakingyour

secondincommand?”“Notforthis—even

woundedshe’sawfullycapable.”Ilookedaround.“Where’sLola?”

“Inyouroffice,takinganapwithHenry.”Shepulledbackalittleandlookedupatme.“Iguesswe’llhavetopostponethenamingceremony.”

“I’msureit’llbefine.”Iglancedupatmydispatcherandcouldseeshewascrying,

soIfiguredI’dbettergettheballrollinginadifferentdirectionorwe’dallbefumblingfortissues.“Hey,what’sontheagendaaroundhere?”

Rubywipedthetearsawayandslappedherhandsinherlapasiftheactionwoulddisposeoftheemotion.Shetookadeepbreathandadjustedherglasses.“JoeMeyerishere,lookingforyou.”

“Alreadytookcareoftheattorneygeneral;hewassittinginhiscarandcaughtme—evidentlyeverybodythinkswe’readrive-through.”Cadybreathedalaugh,butitwashollow.“Speakingof,I’lldriveyouovertoSheridan.”

“That’sokay.Henrysayshe’lldoit.”

“IsawthathebrokeoutLola’snamesake.”

“Hesaidthatsheshould

gototheairportinstyle.”Cadyswallowedassheglancedoutthewindow.“ButIdon’tthinkwe’regoingtogetachancetoputthetopdown.”

“No,doesn’tlookgood.”IthoughtabouthowtheBear,knowingwhatwasforthebest,sometimessteppedinforme.Hewouldbeabletotalktoheraboutthepainofafreshloss,somethingIwasnotascapableofdoing.

“Ruby,what’stheweathergoingtobelike?”

AddictedtothemetallicNorwegianvoiceofourNOAAradio,Rubyalwaysknewthescore.“Rain,withthereallybadthunderstormshittingustonight.”

IturnedbacktoCady.“Gladyouareleavingthisafternoon,then.”

Shenodded.“IthinkMichael’sfamilyisgoingtoneedmebackthere.”

“Yep.”Iwaitedasecondbeforeadding,“Promisemeyou’lltakecareofyourself?”

“Iwill.”“No,Imeanit.”Shepausedamomentand

gavemeafunnylook.“Ipromise,Dad.”

Withafinalsqueeze,Istood.“Well,I’mgoingtogetonelastcuddlewiththatgranddaughterofminebeforethethreeofyoutakeflight.”

Shesmiledupatme,andI

tookmyleave,Dogstayingwithher.IquietlyapproachedthedoorwayofmyofficeandpeekedaroundthejambtoseetheCheyenneNationreclinedinmychairwithLolalyingonhischest,slowlyrisingandfallingwitheachofhisbreaths,hertinyhandstwinedintohislonghair.

Iwasabouttobackoutwhenhisvoicerumbled,“ThebestreasonIcanthinkoffor

havingchildrenisthatitisamarvelousexcusefortakingnaps.”

Isteppedintotheroom,satononeofmyvisitorchairs,andglancedaround,notusedtoseeingmyofficefromthisperspective.“YoumindifIaskyouaquestion?”Hestaredatme.“Lastnight,whydidyouaskifMichael’sdeathwasarandomincident?”

Hewaitedamomentand

thensaidthetwowordsIwashopinghewouldn’t:“TomásBidarte.”

Wesattherelisteningtothetickingofmywallclockandthebreathingofmygranddaughter.“So,youdon’tthinkhe’sthroughafterhiringDelgatostotryandkillme.”

“No,andifthisisstillAsociaciónPuntoMuerto,thenthecontractonyouisyetunfulfilled.”

Icouldsenseconflictingfeelingssurgingthroughthetectonicplatesofmyemotionslikelava.Iwasn’tsureIwantedtoheartherestofwhathehadtosay,butit’salong,redroadwithnoturnswhenyou’redealingwiththeCheyenneNation.“Justforthesakeofargument,whyMichael?”

“TohurtCadyandthereforeyou,andVic.”

“WhyhurtVic?”

“Sheistheonewhoshothim.”

“Twobirds,onestone,withouteverbeinginWyoming.”Ithoughtaboutit,lookingatthefloorasifexpectingittoswallowmeup.“Aplagueonbothyourhouses.”

“Yes.”“Continuingwithour

themeforargument’ssake—doyouthinkhe’sdone?”

“No.”

“WhatdoIdo?”Hecarefullystoodand

crossedaroundmydesktolowerLolaintomyarmsagainstmychestwhereshedidn’tevenstir.Heturnedhisbacktousandsteppedtowardthewindows.“Youhavetwochoices:youcaneitherstayhereandpresentyourselfandyourlovedonesastargets,waitingforhimtoshowagain—”

“Or?”

Heturnedtolookatmewithoneverydarkeye.“Killhim.”

Istaredathimforalongwhileandthengentlylaughed,soasnottodisturbthebaby.“Don’tyouthinkI’malittlelonginthetoothtobeplayinginternationalhitman?”

Hedidn’tblink.“Icantakecareofthisforyou.”

Thefullrealizationofwhathewaspreparedtodo

settledonourfriendship.“Iwouldneveraskyoutodosomethinglikethat.”

“ThatiswhyIwoulddoit.”

TherewasnothingIwantedmorethanTomásBidarte,themanwhohaddonemoredamagetomeandminethananybodyonthefaceoftheearth,dead,butnotlikethis.“No.”

Hesteppedbacktotheedgeofmydeskandsat,

crossinghisarmsandlookingdownatme.“Youdonothavetheluxuryofdoingnothing.”

“I’llwaitandseeifoursuspicionsaboutMichael’sdeatharecorrect,andiftheyare...”Isighed.“ThenI’lldosomething.”

“Whatwillyoudo?”“I’llburnthatbridgewhen

Icometoit.”Lolastirred,andIhuggedheralittlecloser.“Iamsworntouphold

thelaw,Henry—I’mnotahiredkiller.”

“No,butyouareupagainstone,andIamofferingtostophim.”

“Youknow,you’renotasyoungasyouusedtobe,either.”Ishookmyhead.“You’renotmyethicaldefault,Henry,you’remyfriend—oneofthelovedonesyouweretalkingabout.I’lldothis,butI’lldoitmywayorelsemywholelifehas

beenajoke.”Ilookeddownatthetiny,sleepingbodyonmychest.“IfIfindouthe’sbehindthis,IwillbringtheconcentratedeffortofeverythingIamandhaveagainsthim,butnotuntilI’msure.”

“Ofwhat?Thatheisakiller?”

“Thathe’sresponsible.”Studyingtheswirlsofbrownhairthatwere,attheageoffivemonths,justnow

creepingoverherears,Ikeptmyeyesonthetopofmygranddaughter’shead.

Hereachedoutoneofhispowerfulhands,thefingertipsgentlytouchingthechild.“Ifsomethinghappenstothisone...”Henoddedhisheadtowardthefrontoffice.“...yourphilosophywillnolongerholdsway.”

Ilookedupathim,makingsureheunderstood.“No,itwon’t.”

•••

WatchingtheThunderbirdpullawayinthedrizzle,Ifeltmyheartbeatagainstmyribcagelikeananimalfightingforitsfreedom.TheCheyenneNationwasgoingtopickupVicand,whilehelpingherwithhercrutchesandbaggage,talktoheraboutoursuppositions.IhadasuspicionthatshehadalreadyfiguredoutthatBidartewas

involved,butbettertomakesureshewasforewarnedandforearmed.

Alotofpeoplemightunderestimatemyundersheriffbecauseshewaswounded;alotofpeoplearemorons.

Dogwhined,andIpattedhishead.“Justyouandme,pal.”IbecameawareofsomeonestandingbehindmeandturnedtofindMcGroderadjustinghisumbrella.“And

theFBI.”“Ihearyouhadadeathin

thefamily.”Inoddedandturnedto

facehim.“Myson-in-law,Vic’sbrother.”

“I’msorry.AnythingIcando?”

Webothstoodthereforawhile,neitherofussureofwhattosaynext.“Well,doyouhaveanyconnectionsinMexicoCity?”

“Mepersonally?No.”He

tookhissunglassesoffandshovedtheminthecase,allthewhilepettingDog,whowaggedlikeawindshieldwiper.“I’madomesticguy,butI’vegotfriendsinhighplacesoverattheCIA,NSA,andState.”Hecontinuedtostudyme.“Yougottrouble?”

“Yep.”“Coptrouble?”Ibroughtmyeyesupand

lookedtowardthehorizonlikesomethirdleadinaB

Western.“No.”“Oh,realtrouble.”He

pulledDog’sear.“Seeingashowyoukeptmefrombleedingtodeathuponthemountain,Idon’tthinkIcoulddenyyoumuch.Whydon’tyoutellmetheentirestoryandI’llseewhatIcando.”

InoddedandbeganthesagaofTomásBidarteasthethreeofuswalkedbackupthesteps.

“Walt?Walt!”MikeandIbothturnedasahighlyagitatedDaveBaumannhurriedtothebaseofthestepsandputahandontherailing.“Jen’smissing.”

Dogbarked,andMcGroderandIlookedateachotherandthenlookedbackathim.“What?”

“Jen,she’smissing.”“Youmeanthebody?”Helookedconfused.

“What?”

“We’vegotthehead.”IturnedtolookattheFBIman.“Don’twe?”

Baumannflappedhishands.“NottheT.rex,myassistant,thepaleontologist,Jennifer.”

Isteppedbackdownandgotareadonjusthowupsethewas.“Whatdoyoumeanmissing.Sincewhen?”

“LastnightatthemuseumwasthelasttimeIsawher.

Shedidn’tshowtoday,soItriedcallinghercellandherhomephones,butnobodyansweredateitherone.ThenItextedher,andshealwaysanswers.”HeglanceddownMainStreet.“Iwasgoingtogoouttoherplace,butthenIgotworriedthatmaybeIshouldhavesomebodywithme.”

“Doessheliveoutatherfather’satLakeDeSmet?”

“Yes,theoldrockshop.”

IturnedtoMcGroderandgesturedtowardDog.“Youwanttogowithme?I’mfreshoutofsidekickswithopposablethumbs.”

“ButI’mhavingsuchagoodtimecatalogingallthisguy’scrapbackintheholdingcells.”Hepausedinmockquandary.“Youbetyourass.”Hepulledacellphonefromhisjacketasallfourofusjumpedinmytruck,pullingoutastherain

pickedupagain,andheadednorthoftown.“Jarod?Yeah,it’sme.”Therewasapause.“What?No.Look,I’mheadedoutoftownafewmilesandjustwantedtocheckin...Yes.Maybeanhour.”Therewasanother,longerpause.“Well,tellhimithastodowiththecase.No,don’tputhimon.”Thenthethird,andlongestpause.“Becausetheactingdeputydouchebagisapaininmy

ass.”Ashortpause.“No,don’ttellhimthat.”Heendedthecallandlookedatme.“Kidsthesedays.”

IglancedovermyshoulderatBaumann,lookingalittleuncomfortablewithDogsittingbesidehim.“Didyoutalktoheraftersheleftthemuseumyesterday?”

“No,butshesentmeatextmessagethatshewaslookingthroughhercomputerfilestryingtofindtheonewith

Dannyonitwhereweagreedtothearrangementsaboutthedinosaur.”

Inoddedandtooktherampontothehighway.“Doessheliveouttherealone?”

“Yes.”“Tryheronthephone

again,beforeIburnupthegastofindoutshewastakingashower.”

Hebegancallingunderprotest.“Shewouldneverjust

leave.”HeshotalookatMcGroder.“Notwiththemhere.”Hewaitedawhileandthenleftamessage:“Jen,thisisthethirdtimeI’vecalledyou,butIjustwantedtomakesureyouwereallright?Hello?Hello?”Shakinghishead,helookedatmeintherearviewmirror.“Nothing.”

“Wassheallrightwhensheleftlastnight?”

Heshookhishead.“Notparticularly,butshe’srarely

allrightsoit’shardtotell.”“Wassheupsetabout

anythinginparticular,otherthantheobvious?”

HeglancedatMcGroder.“YoumeanotherthantheseguystakingJen?”

“Yep.”Theagentinchargeglancedatmewithafunnylookonhisface,soIasked,“What?”

HeglancedbackatBaumann.“Um,thedeputyattorneymight’vedroppeda

subpoenaonherlastnight.”“What?”Heranahandthroughhis

crewcut.“Well,shewasthefirstonetoseethedamnthing;Imeanshefoundit,right?He’sprobablygoingtowanthertotestify.”

DavethrewhimselfbackinhisseatasDogshiftedawayandlookedathim.“Againstus?”

TheFBImanshrugged.“For,against,whatever.”

“It’snotlikeshewasgoinganywhere.”

“Look,subpoenasarelikehemorrhoids:everybody’sgonnagetonesoonerorlater.”Hegesturedtowardme.“Eventhesheriff,here.”HeglancedbackatDave.“Don’ttakeitpersonally.”

Baumannfoldedhisarms.“Iwon’t,butit’sJenandshewouldhave.”

ItooktheexitatLakeDeSmetanddrovetherestof

thewaypastthemarinaandthehousingdevelopmentsthatnowdottedtheshoreofthe3,600-acrelakenestledintheundrainedbasinbetweenPineyandBoxelderCreeks,itstwomajortributariesatthebaseoftheBighorns.NamedforFatherJeanDeSmet,thefirstrecordedCatholicpriesttovisittheregion,thelakeistheresultofamassivecoalseamfire.Aftertheseamburned,thebottomofthe

basincollapsedandslowlyfilledwithwaterfromthearea.

WedrovepasttheLakeStopstorewhereMcGrodernoticedalargesignadornedwithSmetty,thelong-neckeddinosaurthatcircledtheprintandwinkedatpassersby.“WhattheheckisaSmetty?”

“Thelocalmonsterthatsupposedlylivesinthelake.”IglancedathimasIpulledmytruckuptotherockshop.

“Inthelate1800sthelakehadasurprisinglyhighsaltcontent,andtheIndiansbelievedtherewasalosttunnelconnectingittothePacificOcean.ThelegendgaverisetoanumberofstoriesofacreaturesimilartotheLochNessmonster,Smettybeingthemostpopular.”

TheFBImanturnedtothescientist.“So,whatarethechancesthatSmettyisreal?”

DaveshookhisheadasIshuttheBulletdown.“None.”

McGroderlookedathimalittlequizzically.“Howcome?”

Davehuffed,“Allright,settingasidethefactthatthisthing,probablyanelasmosaurus,diedoffinthelaterCretaceousperiodmillionsofyearsago...evenifoneofthesethingssurvived,howthehellwould

ithavelivedinthereforsixty-sixmillionyears?”

McGrodertookontheroleofdevil’sadvocate.“Idon’tknow—what’sthelifespanofoneofthoseElmo-sauruses,anyway?”

Davepalmedhisface.“Aboutthirty,ifthey’relucky—reallucky.”

IheldDog’scollarasthetwoofthemgotout.“Youstayinhere,buddy.Atleastuntilwefindoutwhat’sgoing

on.”Mikethoughtaboutit.

“Maybeit’safamilyofthem.”

Davepalmedhisfaceagain.“Thesemarinereptileswereclosetosixtyfeetlongandweighedaroundfifteentons.”HegesturedtowardthewavesscalpedbytheWyomingwind.“Therearen’tandneverhavebeenenoughfishinthatbodyofwatertokeeponeofthose

damnthingsaliveforaweek,letalonefamiliesofthemformillionsofyears.”

TheFBImanlookedatthewaterthewaymenhavesincetheycrawledoutofit.“Well,youneverknow.”

Baumannlookedathimincredulously.“Yeah,youdo.That’sthethingaboutscience;youcanfigurethingsoutwithwhatwecallfacts.Iswearthat’sthereasonIdon’tspecializeinmarinereptiles.

You’dbehardpressedtofindasingle,mouth-breathingmoronthatbelievesthatsomewhereontheplanetthere’sprobablyatyrannosauruswalkingaround,butthevocalminorityofso-calledexpertsthatbelievethatsomespeciesofseaserpentshassurvivedtothemoderndayneverceasestoamazeme.”

AsDavebeganwindinghiswaythroughthemazelike

areainfrontoftherockshop,McGroderwatchedhimdepartandthengazedatthemassivelake,hisimaginationtransportinghimtoaplacewheresciencerefusedtocarrywater.“Youneverknow.”

IshookmyheadandfollowedDino-Dave.

BeginningasanAirstreamtrailer,theLakeDeSmetRockShophadbeenhereforyearsandhadgrown

exponentiallyfromitshumblebeginningstoafencedrabbitwarrenoftablesmadefromconcreteblocksandwidebarnplanks.Therewererocksofalltypeseverywhere,andsaywhatyouwantabouttheproduct,nobodyseemedtocarethatthethingsweresittingaboutintheweather.Iguessiftherockshadsurvivedformillionsofyearslyingaroundontheground,theycouldprobably

withstandalittlesunandrain.Thereweresignsallovertheplace,proclaimingGEODES$1APIECE,MINERALS&GEMS!

Baumannwasbangingonthewarpedscreendoor,paintflakesdroppingasheknocked.“Jen,it’sDave,areyouinthere?”

“KindofhardontheFBI,weren’tyou?”

“He’sanidiot.”Herappedsmartlyonthedooragain.

“Whataboutthatfishthat

theycaughtoffthecoastofAfricabackinthethirties?EverybodythoughtthosethingsdiedoffintheCretaceousperiod,right?”

“Youknow,youbringupsomeofthestrangeststuff.”Hecontinuedknocking.“It’snotthesame—thisisnotafish.”Heturnedbacktothedoor.“Youknow,Ialmostwishtheyhadn’tfoundthatdamnedCoelacanth—allit’sdoneisemboldenallthese

cryptozoologists,creationists,andsnake-oilsalesmenwhosomehowbelievethatfindinglivingdinosaurswillsomehowinvalidatethetheoryofevolution,whichitwon’t.”

Istudiedhim.“Wishingthey’dnotfoundaspecimen?Thatdoesn’tsoundparticularlyscientific,Dave.”

“Youknow,Sheriff,I’vealwaysthoughtofyouasbeinganintelligentman.”

Isighed.“Don’tgetmewrong;Iagreewithallthethingsyou’resaying.It’sjustthatthescientificmethod,liketheprinciplesofdetection,relyonthatmagnificentprocesscalledtheory—athoughtsupportedbyempiricalfact.Butthat’sthewonderfulthingaboutfacts—theykeepturningupand,liketheories,theyevolve.”

Hefinallysmiled.“Maybe

Ishouldhaveyoucomeanddothetalksatthemuseum.”

“No,thanks.I’vegotaprettygooddayjob.”Ireachedpasthimandbangedonthedoorwiththeforceofhavingdoneitagreatdealmorethanthecurator.“Jennifer,it’sSheriffWaltLongmire—canyoucometothedoor?”

Therewasnoresponse.Iknockedagainand

watchedasMcGroderwalked

up.“What’shappening?”“Sofar,nothing.”Hestoodtherefora

momentmoreandthenturnedandwalkedaway,continuingonaroundthebuilding.

“Jen,it’sthesheriff.Openup.”

Stillnothing.IpushedpastDaveand

placedbothhandsontheknobofthedilapidatedinsidedoor.

“Whatareyoudoing?”

“Openingit.”“Canyoudothatwithouta

warrant?”“Ifinvited,yes.”Icalled

out.“Hello,anybodyhome?”Avoiceshoutedfromthe

othersideofthebuilding.“Sure,comeonin.”

Ipressedmyshoulderagainstthefacingandpoppedthedoor,swingingthethingwideasDavestuckhisheadbackinmylineofsight.“Youcan’tdothat;thatwas

thatFBIagentthatsaidthat.”“Didyouseehimsayit?”“Well,no...”Isteppedintothecrowded

frontroom.“Thenit’satheory,huh?”

TheLakeDeSmetRockShophadperhapsseenbetterdays.Therewasanoldcashregisterfromtheseventiesthatlookedinoperablecrouchedonavintage,oak-frameddisplaycounterthatheldanumberofoldrocks,

minerals,agates,andafewofwhatappearedtobegold-panningkits.

Daveshrugged.“Jenkindoflettheplacegoafterherdaddied,butshecan’tseemtogetridofanyofthestuff.”Isteppedaroundthecounterandpickedupaphonebythecord.“Idon’tthinkit’sconnected—sheuseshercellphone.”

Ilistenedtoitforasecondandthenhungituponthe

wallcradle.“Well,it’scertainlynotconnectednow.”Imovedontothenoncommercialportionoftheplaceandusedanarmtopartabeadedcurtain.Thewindowshadmustard-coloredsheetsdrapedoverthem,givingtheroomadarkbutgoldencast.Thefurniturewasold,chenille-coveredstufffromthethirties,withtatteredIndianblanketsthrowneverywhereina

failingattempttoguardagainstthedoghair.

Therewasanopeningtotherightthatrevealedakitchen,soIsteppedinthatdirectionbutstilldidn’tseeanythingthatlookedoutoftheordinary.Therewasadoorleadingtoanotherstorageareaandpossiblytheback,andanotheracrossthemainroomthatprobablyledtothebedroom.

Theonlyneweritemsin

thelivingroomwerealargeflat-screentelevisionandadeskwithsomeelectricalcordslyingonthesurface.Iglancedaroundbutcouldn’treallyseeanythingoutofplaceorsignsofastruggle.“Didshementionanythingaboutgoinganywhere—stayingwithsomebody?”

Davestoodinthedoorway,holdingthebeadedcurtaininhishands,evidentlyreluctanttoenter.“No.”

“Didyoucheckthemuseum?”

“Ididearlier.”Heshookhishead.“She’sbeendisappearingalotlately.”

“Callagain.”Hepulledouthiscelland

hitspeeddial.“Ifshewasthere,she’dhavehercellphoneonher.”

“Maybeshe’schargingitinhervan,which,bytheway,doesn’tappeartobehere.”TherewasaNorthern

CheyenneFancyDancefanunderaPlexiglascoveronasidetable,andIremovedthetoptolookatthething.Ancient,theseedbeadswereencrustedwithashandthefeatherstattered,butitwasstillbeautiful.

“Don’ttouchthat!”IturnedtoDave.“Sorry.

It’ssacred?”“It’spoisonediswhatit

is.”HeeyedmeasIcarefullyreplacedthetop.“Thatone

wasrecoveredfromthePeabodyMuseumatYale.Thethingsarecoatedwithdangerousamountsofarsenic,lead,mercury,andotherheavymetals.Backinthenineteenthandtwentiethcenturiesthemuseumsusedaboutahundreddifferentpesticidestokeepinsectsandrodentsfromeatingthethings.”

Istudiedtheartifact.“WheredidJennifergetit?”

“HellifIknow.”Hegesturedwithhisphone.“Nothing,justtheansweringmachine.”

Istartedtowardthedoortotheleftthathungpartiallyclosedandpushedthethingopenslowly—therewasanoldfour-posterbedthathadbeensleptinandanashtraysittingonthenightstand,fullofbutts.Therewasamess,butnothingtoindicatefoulplay.

Alargedogbedwasonthefloorbyadresser,afewchewtoyslyingabout.Iglancedbackthroughthedoorway.“ShehasaTibetanmastiff,right?”

Henodded.“Nothere,either.”“Hey,Sheriff?”Iglancedatthemuseum

curator.“WasthatyouoristhatMcGroder?”

“McGroder,andit’snotatheory;Icanseehim.”

Isteppedoutofthebedroom.Mikewasstandingbythebackdoor,hissunglassesinhishand.“You’dbettercomeseethis.”

IgaveBaumannalookasIpassed,butheseemedcontenttostaywherehewas.

McGrodersteppedbackthroughmoretablespiledwithrocksbeforestoppinginwhatappearedtobeamudroomthatwaslinedwithold,panedwindowsthathad

beennailedtogether.“Thedoorwasajar.”TheagenttuckedhisregulationRay-Bansinhisjacketpocket.“Honest.”Pointingtothestepsoutsidewhereitlookedlikesomeonehadtakenahammer,orarockforthatmatter,toapieceofelectronics,heleanedagainstthebackdoorjamb.“Ithinkthat’swhat’sleftofadesktopcomputer.”

Ikneeleddownandpicked

upthepieces.“Haveyougotpeoplewhocanpatchitbacktogetherandgettheinformationoutofit—videofiles,specifically?”

Heshookhishead,doubtful.“I’llhaveJarodlookatit,butIwouldn’tholdoutmuchhope.”

Myattentionwasdrawntoacollectionofbrowndropsonthechippedlinoleum,abouttheamountthatmightbeheldinaneyedropper.

McGroder’svoiceechoedmythoughts.“YouthinkingwhatI’mthinking?”Hetookasteptowardme.“ImeanIhaven’tbeeninthefieldforawhile,butthatiswhatIthinkitis,right?”

10“I’mtryingtofigureoutwhowouldbenefitfrombothDannyLoneElk’sdeathandJenniferWatt’sdisappearance.”

Luciansippedfromtheplasticcupthathadbeenonhistraybutignoredtheso-

calledfoodandglancedathisgranddaughter,LanaBaroja,whostoodwithHenry,bothofthemleaningagainstthewall.“I’mtryin’tofigureoutwhobenefitedfromyoulazybastardsnotbringingmeanythingtoputinthishorseshitorangejuice.”Heplacedhisbookonhischestandlookedatthecup.“God,thattastesnasty.Whatisthat,Tang?Damnedastronautsshould’veleftthatonthe

moon.”Heheldthecupouttome.“Here,tastethis.”

Cleverthatway,Ideclined.“No,thanks.”Isatbackinthevisitorchairandlistenedtoitsquealinprotest.“Iguessyoudidn’tlearnanythingfromthislastexperience,huh?”

“What,tonotdrinkpoisonedliquor?”HegesturedtowardtheBear,watchinghimwithabemusedexpression.“Indians’ve

knownthatforcenturies,right?”Theoldsheriff’seyesdroppedtohistray,andhemadeapeaceoffering.“Youwantsome...hell,Idon’tknowwhatitis,Ladies’Wear,butyoucanhaveitifyouwant.”

TheCheyenneNationshookhishead.“No,thankyou.”

LanapushedoffthewallandcrossedtoputahandonLucian’sshoulder.“I’m

gettingoutofheresothatyoufellowscantalkshop.”

Igotupwithmyhatinmyhands,uncomfortableathavingtakenherseat,evenatherinsistence.IguessIwaslookingtired.“How’stheBasquebakerybusiness?”

Shesmiledatmymentionofhergoingconcern.“Likeeverythingelse,pickingupwiththetourists.”

“Good.”“We’vegotanimpromptu

jazztrioonFridaynights,andIhearyoudoameanRamseyLewisimpressionof‘WadeintheWater.’”

Istretchedmyfingersasifcoveringafewoctaves.“Idon’tknow—myfingersaregettingalittlestiffthesedays.”

“Youshouldstopby.”Shemovedtogobutthenpausedandlookedatme.“DidyouknowIboughtthathousethat’sbeenforsaleforever—

theVictorianonthecornerofWestHartoverbythegolfcourse?”

Awarethatshehadreceivedahealthyinheritancefromhergrandmotherafewyearsago,Iknewhersolefinancialfuturewasnottiedtothebakery.“TheBuellMansion?”

Shelookedembarrassed.“Well,Iwouldn’texactlycallitamansion,especiallywiththeworkthathastobedone.”

SheplayfullyslappedmyshoulderandpointedawarningfingerattheBear,whopointedonebackatherliketheywereamatchedsetofcrossedsabers.“Takecareofmygrandfather;he’stheonlyfamilyI’vegotleft.”

Iwatchedherheadoutthedoorandturnedtolookattheoldsheriff.“She’scomingupintheworld,huh?”

Heshrugged.“Wantstoremodelthecarriagehouse

behindtheplaceandmovemeinthere.”

“Soundslikeagooddeal.”Hefrowned.“Ilikemy

freedom.”Istudiedthemanwho’d

beenbornwhenautomobileshadbeenanovelty.“Um,Idon’tthinkshe’llputacurfewonyou.”

“Iguessifyoucan’tgetridofthefamilyskeleton,thenyoumightaswellgiveitaplacetolive.”

Iwaitedamomentandthenasked,“Howareyoufeeling?”

“Fitasafiddleandreadyforlove.”HepickedupTheMiddlePartsofFortunebyFredericManning,andlookedatme.“Why’dyoucomeinhere?”

“IsaacsaidhecouldrunaquickanalysisonthebloodflakeswefoundattheLakeDeSmetRockShopandget

usapreliminary,soIthoughtwe’dcheckandseeifyouweredeadyet.”

“Notyet.”ThegimletgleamreturnedtohiseyesashesettheWWImemoironthenightstand.“Makeyouadeal?”

“What?”“Getmeoutofhere,and

I’llhelpyouwiththecase.”JustwhatIneeded.“I’ll

thinkaboutit.”Hesettheplasticcup

downonthetraywithaflairoffinalityandcrossedhisarms.“Thenthehellwiththelotofyou.”HeglancedaroundastheCheyenneNationmovedtothewindowandsatontheledge.“Where’smydamnleg?”

Henrysmiled.“Idonothavetheslightestofideas.”

Theroomwassilentforawhile,andthenLucianleanedtowardmeinaconspiratorialmanner.“C’mon,getmeout

ofhere.It’sjustthatobservationshit.Hell,youdon’tstayinhereformorethantwentyminutes,andIbeeninherebein’observedforovertwenty-fourhours.”

“No.”Hedidn’tmovebuthis

voicedroppedafewoctaves,andheattemptedtosoundinnocent.“I’mgonnastartcausingtrouble.”

IturnedandlookedattheBear,bothofusknowingthe

widthandbreadthofthetypeoftroubleofwhichLucianConnallywascapable.“Lucian,it’snotuptome.WhatifItookyououtofhere,andyouhadanotherattackonthesidewalk?”

Heworkedhisjaw.“There’dbeagreatdealofcelebrationinsomequarters.”

“Notfromyourgranddaughter.”Thefirstlessonofsheriffing—whenindoubt,defer.“IfIsaacsays

youcango,thenyoucango.”“Allrightthen.”Satisfied

withthetrackoftheconversation,heleanedbackontohisstackofpillows.“Lotofblood?”

“Afewdrops.”“Anyothertraces?”“Nope.”Hethoughtaboutit.“No

drip,spray,orsplash?”“Nothing.”Heruminatedonthescene

hehadn’tseen.“That’s

queer.”“Ithoughtso,too.”“Thinkin’somebodyjust

cutthemselvesbeatin’thelivin’daylightsoutofthatcomputer.”Inoddedandlethimcontinuetothink.“SoyougottheHighwayPatroloutonthegirl’svehicle?”

“Yep.”Heshookhishead.“Well,

itain’tgonnadoyouahellofalotofgoodeitherway;themtripleAwithgunscouldn’t

slaptheirasswithapatentedass-slappingmachine.”Hethoughtaboutitawhilelonger.“Youwantmylearnedopiniononthis?”

“Sure.”“Runner.”Icrossedmyscuffedboots

andstudiedhim.“Ithoughtaboutthat.”

“GotservedasubpoenabytheFBofIandfiguredshewasgoingtohavetotestifyagainstherfriendsoverthere

atJurassicPark.”“TheHighPlainsDinosaur

Museum.”“Pileofbonesinanold

carpetstoreiswhatIcallit.Whatever.Shetookthatvehicleofhersandhasitparkedinthemiddleofnowhere.Hell,she’soneofthosearcheologytypes,soshe’ssittin’outtheresomewherewithapithhelmet,apiñacolitis,andtoiletpaper.”Heglancedup

atHenry.“Inmyexperience,awomanwon’tgoanywherethereisn’ttoiletpaper.”

IlookedbackattheBear,whoshookhisheadatthemalapropism.

Theoldsheriffcontinued.“Ibetifyoucheckthegrocerystoresaroundhere,they’lltellyouthatsheloadedupandheadedoutfortheterritories.”

“Whatabouttheblood?”“Hell,Idon’tknow.

Maybethatdogofherskilledapackratbackthereorsomething.”

Ishookmyhead.“Therewouldhavebeenmoreofamess.”

“Well,maybesomebodybutcheredawesterncottontail.”

Thedooropened,andthechiefofmedicineenteredtheroomandadjustedhisglasses,butbeforehecouldsayanything,Lucianspoke.

“Isaac,Igottagetoutofhere.”Hegesturedtowardme.“Thecurrentsheriffandfull-timelayaboutandhisredskinsidekickneedmyhelp.”

Theolddoctorglancedatus.“Isthattrue?”

BothHenryandIansweredsimultaneouslyandwithagreatdealofemphasis.“No.”

HeshookhisheadatLucianandadjustedhis

glasses.“It’sblood,allright.”“Howold?”“Lessthantwenty-four

hours.”IturnedtolookatHenry,

whointurnlookedatIsaac.“Human?”

“WithintheABOgroupwithtwodistinctantigensandantibodies,B-type.Withmylimitedfacilitiesitcouldalsobeanotherprimate,buthereinWyomingmonkeysareraresothechancesofthatare

slim.”Lucianpushedhisrolling

trayaway.“Well,thanksalot,Doc.Youjustshotmytheoryintheass.”Helookedatme,snappedhisfingers,andpointedoneatmelikeagun.“Shegotapetmonkey?”

“No.”Hedroppedtheweapon

andturnedbacktoIsaac.“Whatthehellelsecanyoutellus?”

Isaacpulledhisever-

presentclipboardupandpretendedtoreadfromit.“Female,blonde,approximatelytwenty-sixtotwenty-eightyearsofage...”

“Damn,you’rekidding.”Heloweredtheclipboard.

“Yes,Iam.”Lucianturnedtome.“You

know,thesmart-assquotientinthiscountyhassuregoneupsinceyoutookover.”

Istood,andLucianclearedhisthroat,whichforcedmeto

directmyattentiontothedoc,asmuchasIwastryingtoavoidit.“Isaac,hewantstoknowifyou’llreleasehim.”

“Please.”Istaredathim,hopingI

hadmisheard.“What?”“Pleasegethimoutofhere

thisafternoon—I’vegottwoRNsinthiswingwhoarethreateningtoputhimoutoftheirmisery.”Hegesturedtowardthedoor.“Ifhestaysanylonger,Ireallycan’t

vouchforhissafety.”

•••

“So,whatareyougoingtodo?”

Sharingtheinformationthatmyson-in-lawhadbeenkilledmightnothavebeenprudent,butitdidn’tseemrightnottotellhim,asLucianwasCady’sunofficialgreatuncleandersatz

grandfather.“WaitforwordfromPhiladelphiatoseeifthere’sanythingoddaboutwhathappened.”

HesatbackinhisseatasImadetheturnonFortanddroveontowardthefirstgrocerystoreonthewaytowardthemountains.“Idon’thavetotellyouwhatI’ddoifsomebodyshotmyson-in-law.”

“No,youdon’t—you’dgotoPhiladelphiaandshoot

somebodywhetheritwastherightpersonornot.”

“Makesyoufeelbetterwhenyoushootpeople...Yououghttotryitsometime.”

Ipulledupandwaitedatoneofourthreestoplights.“I’veshotpeoplebefore,oldman,andthelastthingitevermademefeelwasbetter.”

HeturnedandlookedattheCheyenneNation.“Whatdoyousay?”

“Leavehimoutofthis.”Henoddedasheturned

backintheseat.“That’sjustwhatIthought.”

“WhenIfirststartedout,youtaughtmetomakesureIwasrightandthengoaheadwithallofmyabilities.Well,thisisthemake-sure-I’m-rightpart.I’mnotgoingtogokillamanbecauseI’mangryaboutlosingMichael.”

“Thesonofabitchhasalreadygotanirrevocable

contractoutonyou,andyoudon’tthinkthat’sreasonenoughtogoexterminatehisass?”

“IfIgoafterhim,it’llbeforaspecificreasonandnotageneralfeeling.”

“Well,tillthattime,youandyoursaregoingtobemarchingaroundliketinbearsinashootinggallery.”HeglancedbackattheBear.“Nooffense.”

Henryrumbled,“None

taken.”Ipulledmytruckintothe

grocerystorelotandsawtheSAVEJEN!banneronthesideofthebuilding.

Theoldsheriffleanedforward,lookingthroughthetopofthewindshieldintheotherdirectionandpointingtowardthetoweringforkandspoonwiththewordsSETTINGSFORYOURTABLEoutsidetheIGAwherewesometimesshanghaiedjurors

forcourtduty.“IrememberaroundtheFourthofJulybackin’60whenRobertTaylorbackedhisCadillacintothatsign.”

“No,youdon’t.”Heturnedtolookatme,

theindignationsharpinhiseyes.“ThehellIdon’t;itwasabigol’boatofathing,whiteconvertiblewitharedandwhiteinterior.”

Ipulledmytruckupinfrontofthesignandparked.

“Youmightrememberthecar,butyoudon’tremembertheincidentbecauseyouweren’tthere.”

Heunclickedhissafetybelt,pulledthehandleonthedoor,steppedoutwithhisnewfour-prongcane,andthenopenedthesuicidedoorforHenry,whoslippedoutbutleftDoginside.“Andhowthehelldoyouknowthat?”

Havingclimbedout

myself,Icamearoundthefrontandjoinedthemonthesidewalk.“BecauseIwasthere,anditwaslaterthanthat.IrememberbecausehewasfilmingamoviecalledCattleKing.”

Heshookhishead,lookingupatthebulbsthatranthecircumferenceofthekitschysign.“Nope,youdidn’tstartworkingformetillintheseventies,after

Vietnam.”“That’sright,butbefore

thatIwitnessedRobertTaylorbackingnotonlyintothissignbutalsointoIdaPurdy’shusband’s’57Apachepickup.”

Westartedtowardthefrontofthegrocerystore,andIslowedtoallowLuciantokeepup.

Helookedatme.“Youknow,I’mprettysurethat’sthefirsttimeIbecameaware

ofyou.”Aswestoodthere,theautomaticdoorslidopenandhewalkedinlikeheownedthetown,whichheprettymuchhadfornighonsixtyyears.“Wherearethepickledpig’sfeetinthisdamnedplace?”

Along-hairedteenagebaggeratthecheckoutraisedafist.“SaveJen!”

IraisedafistinreturnandwatchedasEvelynClymer,anelderlywomanwhoI

rememberedusedtoworkatthehardwarestorebutmusthavechangedjobs,smiledattheoldsheriff.“Hello,Lucian.Weheardyouhadastroke?”

Helimpedtowardthem.“Idid,butitmust’vebeenabackstrokebecausehereIam.”

Thecoysmileremainedonherlips.“Well,Iknowthattobethetruth.”

Theteenagerlooked

Native,andwhenheturnedIfinallyrealizedwhohewas,eventhoughhishairwaspulledbackandheworeanapron.HespoketotheBearfirst.“Nahkohe,what’sup,innit?”

“Justprowling,Taylor,andyou?”

TheyoungLoneElkleanedagainstthecounterandgesturedaroundhim.“Livingthedream.”

Heglancedatme.“Didn’t

knowIhadajobatthemarket?”

Ishrugged.“No,Ijustfiguredyouranawayforaliving.”

“Imostlywalkintotown.”“That’sclosetotwelve

miles.”Hesmiled.“Irunitmost

times.”Evelynrestedanelbowon

thecheck-writingstand,proppedupherpointedchinwithafreckledhand,and

glancedoverLucian’sshoulderatus.“Somethingtellsmethisisabusinesscall.”

Theoldsheriffturnedtome.“What’shername?”

“JenniferWatt,blonde,aboutfive-seven,midtwenties,might’vebeeninhereinthelastdayorso?”

Evelynshookherhead.“Nope,doesn’tringabell,butIdon’tknoweverybody—especiallythistimeof

year.”Shereachedbehindherandpickedupaphone.“Dan,thesheriffandhisbodyguardsaredownhere.”Shehungup,andwewatchedasamiddle-agedmaninglassesapproachedfromtheofficestoourleft.“They’relookingforayoungwomanbythenameofWatt.”

Themanager,DanCrawford,pulledupandraisedafist.“SaveJen!”

Ireturnedthesalute;this

stuffwaswearingmeout.“FirstnameJennifer,worksoutattheHighPlainsDinosaurMuseum.”

Hecontinuednodding.“Shewasinherewhenweopenedthismorningatsix.Ithoughtitwaskindofstrangeinthatmostpeoplearen’tusuallyinthatbigofahurrytobuygroceries.”Hemotionedtowardtheyouth.“Taylorwashereandspokewithheralongtime,asI

recall.”Weallturnedtowardhim,

andhelookedprettyunsettled.“Toiletpaper—sheboughtalotoftoiletpaper.”

IavoidedLucian’seye.

•••

“It’salargecounty.”Dino-Daveleanedforward

andlookedatthemapunfoldedonthehoodofmy

truck,thefuzzyedgesofwhereitwasfoldedbetrayingitsageanduse.“I’dimagineyouwanttoconcentrateontheareaswherewe’vehaddigs,theplacesshe’dbemostacquaintedwith?”

Thebreezewaspickingup,andthetailendofthestormthathadhitusthedaybeforewassubsidingonlytokickupitsheelsalittleattheend.Iglancedbackatthevagueshimmerofplatinum

lightthatwasbeingswallowedbythemountains,andbeganwonderingifitreallywasover.“ExactlywhatIwasthinking.”

“There’sthedigonthenorthernpartofthecountythat’sassociatedwiththeUniversityofMontana.”Hepointedtoadifferentareaonthemap.“Thisoneissouth,downnearPowderJunctiononpropertyownedbytheUniversityofWyomingin

thatredHole-in-the-Wallcountry.”Hestoodupstraight.“IfIwaslookingtogetawayfromeveryone...”HeglancedatMcGroder,hisarmhangingovermyside-viewmirror.“...youknow,tillthingscooleddown,that’swhereI’dgo.”

Lucianaddedhistwocents’worth.“Hell,it’swhereButchandSundanceholedup.”

InoticedDavedidn’t

mentionthesitewhereJenhadbeendiscovered.“WhynottheLoneElkplace?”

“That’saworkingranch—therearepeopleonit.”Hepointedbackatthemapandthesitefarthersouth,tappingitwithanail.“That’swhereI’dbe.”

“Yep,butisthatwhereyouwouldbeifyouwereJennifer?”

Helookedup.“Well,youhaveapoint;shedoeshavea

connectiontoJen.”Heglancedatme.“Thetyrannosaur,Imean.”

“Right.”“Shefoundit,afterall.”Ithoughtaboutthe

overhangwherewe’dtakencoveruntiltheflashfloodhadflushedusout.“Hassheevergonedownthereandstayed?”

Henodded,thoughtful.“Well,wepracticallyliveddowntherewhenwewereworkingthedig,butwiththe

animositythatRandyandhisfamilyhaveshownlately,Ifindithardtobelievethatshewouldbebackdownthere.”

Anigglingfeelingwasworkingatthebackofthereptilesteminmybrain,thepartofmethatwasclosestinlineagetoJen,thetyrannosaur.“Givemethoseexactcoordinates,andI’llhaveSaizarbitoriauseaGPStofindthisspotandwe’llgoaheaddowntotheLoneElk

place.”Inoticedtheactingdeputy

attorneystandingtothesideofmytruckandlookingnonetoopatient.“Sheriff,ifImight?Ineedaword.”

“Makeitashortone—I’vegotamissingwomanonmyhandsandalittleoverfourthousandsquaremilesinwhichtolookforher.”

Hesteppedcloserandlookedupatmewithasevereexpression.“Youmissedthe

pressconference.”“Excuseme?”“Thenationaloutletpress

conferenceIarranged.”“I’mnotawareofhaving

saidthatIwouldbethere,Mr.Trost.”IthoughtabouttheconversationI’dhadwithJoeMeyerandattemptedtosuppressmytemper.“I’msureyou’llunderstandwhenIsaythattheimportanceofamissingwomansupersedesanyobligationsImighthave

toyou.”“Somerandomwoman.”Istaredathim.“Excuse

me?”“Thisissomerandom

womanwho’smissing?”Istoodthereforamoment

moreandthenbeganfoldingmymap.“Notthatitmattersintherandomscopeofthings,butthewomanhappenstobeJenniferWatt,thepaleontologistwhodiscoveredJen,thefossil

remainsthatarethecenterpieceofyourinvestigation.”

HewasheldincheckbythisinformationforamomentandthenturnedtoMcGroder.“WhywasInottoldthis?”

Thespecialagentfrowned.“Um,becausewejustfoundoutaboutit.”

Heturnedbacktome.“Thepressconferencewasembarrassing.”

Istuffedthemapinthe

interiorpocketofmyjacket,nodded,andstartedforthedoorofmytruck.“Iknowthat;I’vebeentoyourpressconferencesbefore.”

•••

Lucianfumbledwithhispipeandtobaccobagbutthenrememberedhewasforbiddentosmokeinmytruck.“Whowasthat

asshole?”“SomebodyI’msupposed

tobeniceto.”Henodded.“Well,you’re

doin’ahellofajob.”Henryleanedupbetween

theseats.“WhyareyouthinkingtheLoneElkRanch?”

Inavigatedthetruckoffofthemainroadandheadedoutoftownsouthbysoutheast.“Because,whenyouhauledusoutofthatoverhanginthat

back-doorcanyon,Inoticedthereweretheremainsofacampfire,anditlookedlikesomeonehaddonesomeworktomaketheplacehabitable.”Iwheeledofftheroadandslowedmyacceleration.“Inalltheexcitementofpotentiallydrowning,Ikindofforgotaboutit.”

TheBear’seyeswenttothewindshieldandtheclouds,tingedmercuryofall

things,swellingabovethehillsofthehighplains.“Youarethinkingthatsheisstayingoutthereperiodically?”

“Somebodyis.”“Oryouthinkthat

whoeveritisthatisimpersonatingDannymightbelivingouthere?”

“That’satheory.AllIknowisthatsomebody’sstayingouthereandwe’relookingforsomebodywho

we’reassumingwantstostayoutofsight,sowhetherit’sherorsomebodyelse,maybewecangetsomeanswers.”

WediscussedthefinerpointsoftheinvestigationuntilIslowedandpulleduptothegatethatledtothedigandstopped.

Lucianlookedbetweenthetwoofus.“Well,whyarewesittinghere?”

Igesturedahead.“Somebodyhastoopenthe

gate.”Theoldsherifflookedat

theBear,whomadenoattempttogetout,andthenbackatme.“Youtwosons-a-bitchesaregonnamaketheone-leggedmanopenthething?”

Neitherofussaidanything.

“I’llbedamned.”Hepulledthehandleandclimbedout,takinghiscanewithhimandslammingthedoor.“I

wouldliketopointoutthatIalmostdiedandwasinthehospitalnomorethanadayago.”

“Iamassumingthereisareasonyouwantedtogetridofhim?”

“McGrodermadesomecalls,andhesaysthatTomásBidarteisinNuevoLaredo,Mexico.”

Henoddedhisheadandthenbecamemotionless,likeahunterinablind.“ShouldI

belookingformypassport?”WewatchedasLucian

madeashowofopeningthegateanddraggingitaside,eversoslowly.“Nope,I’mstickingtomyguns.Ijustwantedyoutoknow.”Ipulledthetruckforwardandstopped,watchingtheoldsheriffthroughtherearviewmirror.“Wecouldleavehim,buthe’dprobablyshootatus.”

AsLucianhobbledcloser,

Henrygotoutofthetruckandheldthedoorforhim,achivalrousactthatIdidn’tquiteunderstanduntilheletDogoutwithhimandthenclosedthedoor.

Lucianrolleddownthewindow,lookedathim,andthenatDog.“WherethehellareyouandRinTinTingoing?”

TheBearignoredhimandlookedaroundonthebrokenturf,grass,andsagebrush.

“Thegroundisstillwet,andtherearetrackswheresomeonehasdriveninhererecently.”

Iroseupandlooked,andindeed,thereweretiretracksgoingthroughthegateandveeringtotheright.Hekneeleddownandlookedinthedirectionofthetreadmarks.Myeyesplayedovertheareawherewe’dparkedandbeenshotatbefore.“That’snotinthedirectionof

thesite.”Hestoodandstarted

walkingtowardthehillstheotherwaywithDogintow.“No,andmoreimportant...”Heraisedahandandpointedtowardaplumeofdirtysmokethatwasspiralingupfromtheothersideoftheridge.“...thatismoresmokethanacampfirewouldmake.”

“Thatain’tsmokesignals.”Lucianinclinedhisheadtowardthedarkening

skyastheCheyenneNationandDogtookoffatagoodpace,andthenturnedtolookatme.“That’savehiclefire.”

IpulledthetruckdownintogearandgasseditinanattempttokeepupwithHenryandDog,whowereabletotakeamoredirectrouteovertherockledges.

Luciangrippedthedashandbracedhisgoodlegagainstthetransmissionhumpinanattempttostay

upright.“Damn,thisisroughcountry.”

“Whywouldyoudriveouthere?”

Heshrugged.“Toescapeaspeedingsubpoena.”

Aswepulledaroundtheedgeoftheridgeandstartedtowardthesourceofthesmoke,Icouldseetrackswherethevanmust’vebeenintentionallydrivenoffoneofthecliffsintothecanyon.“Oh,no.”

StayingtotherightIwasabletoparkprettycloseandwatchedasHenryandDogstoppedattheedgetolookdownandthendisappearoverthebrink.

Throwingthedooropen,IfollowedandcouldseetheoldChevrolet,billowinginflames,lodgedintherocksbelowwiththedriver’s-sidedoorhangingopen.IscrambledafterHenryandDogandthenfellonmybutt

andsliddownascrabbleheap.

Theheatfromthefirewastremendous,butthemajorityoftheflamesweretowardthefrontofthevehicle,makingitunlikelythatthetankhadblown.

Veteranofnumerousvehiclefires,Iwasawarethatthemajorityofthemaren’tliketheonesinthemovies;inactuality,thetankmeltsandthenthepropermixoffuel

andaircombustssinceit’sthevaporsthatburnandnottheliquid.Whentheygo,anexplodinggastankismorelikeaflash,notmakingit,atcloserange,anylessdramaticordangerous.

IyelledattheBearashetriedtogetclosertotheopendoor.“Henry,don’t!”Dog,hearingme,retreatedimmediately,butmyfriendwaslesswellbehaved.Raisinganarm,heattempted

togetnearer,butfrommyperspective,therewasnowayanyonecouldbeintheguttedhulkandstillbealive.

Slidingtherestofthewaydown,feelingthewavesofheat,IcollectedDogbyhiscollarandmoveddowntowheretheBearwas.“Youseeanybody?”

Heshookhishead.“Difficulttosay.”Hemovedtowardthefrontandtriedtoseethroughtheshattered

windshield,butlikeme,couldseenothing.“Shehadadog?”

“Yep.”Hescannedthe

surroundingarea.“Mostofthetimeanimalsarethrownfreeorfindawaytogetaway,buttheywillgenerallystayintheimmediatevicinity.”

IglanceddownatDog.“Iftherewasanotherdogaroundherehewould’vebeenaware

ofit.”“Yes.”Henrywatchedthe

fire.“Whatareyoudoing?”Hiseyesflickedtoward

mine.“Smelling.”Iimmediatelycaughthis

meaning.Thesmellofburninghumanfleshisparticularlypungent,andyoucanusuallymakeouttheonestenchfromallothers.Icouldn’tsmellit,butgenerallyhissenseswere

finertunedthanmine.“Anything?”

“No,butthatdoesnotmeansheisnotinthere.”

Imovednexttohimandgrippedhisshoulderinanattempttogethisattention.“Whenthattankmelts,we’regoingtobeinabadplace.”IglancedbackupthecliffandcouldseeLucianstandingtherewithhiscane,silhouettedbythelastraysofthedaymakingtheirfinal

eight-minutetripsfromthesun.Iraisedahandtothesideofmymouthandyelledtobeheardabovetheroarofthefire,“Callitinandgetthefiredepartmentouthere!”

Hekickedasmallrockfromtheedgewhereitbounceddownandslidtoastopjustbeforereachingus,andyelledback,“It’llburnoutbeforetheyshowup.”

“Callthem!”IturnedbacktoHenry.“Justincaseshe’s

inthere,IwanttosaveasmuchevidenceasIcan.”

Henodded,andwesteppedbackandbegantheclimbuptotherim,finallyreachingtheedgeandstandingthere,watchingthevehicleenvelopedintheundulatingflames.AsI’dfigureditwould,thetankletgoandtherewasagreatwhooshasitscontentsflushedunderneathandmushroomedinanorange

ballthatblewfrombeneaththevan,momentarilyliftingitandthenallowingittoresettleintherocksanddebris.

Isighed,regrettingthelossoftheevidencethatwascookingintheinfernobelow,andsteppedbackstillholdingDog’scollar.Heseemedtoshownountowardurgetogodowntothefire,soIreleasedhim.

Lucianwassmokinghis

pipe,seatedinmytruckwiththedoorproppedopen.Isupposehefiguredtherulesdidn’tapplywhenthedoorwasajarorthattherewasenoughsmokeintheimmediatevicinitythatitreallydidn’tmatter.“They’reontheirway.”

“Good.”“Shouldbehereby

Thursday.”

•••

Henryhadwanderedtotherightandwaskneeling,lookingatthetracksthatledtotheedge.FiguringitwastheonlywayIwasgoingtofindoutwhatwaswhat,Ifollowed,Dogtaggingalong.

“Something?”“Shedidnothither

brakes.”Helookedupatmeand

thenbackatthetracks.“Fortunately,youdrove

paralleltothesetreadmarkswithoutdisturbingthem.”Heplanedhisfacetooneside,readingtheimpressionsinthegrassandsagebrushinthefadinglight.“Thereisaspotalittlebitfurtherbackwherethevanstopped;itsatthereforanextendedperiodandthenrestartedbeforedrivingintothecanyon.”

Ilookedatthedistancebetweenthecanyonlipandus.“So,shediditon

purpose?”Hestoodandwalkedpast

me,stoppingagainabouttwo-thirdsofthewaytowardtheprecipice,andthenstoopedagain.“Sheswervedhere.”

LucianjoinedusfromtheotherdirectionandwatchedHenry.“Shehavesecondthoughts?”

Heignoredtheoldsheriffandstood,takingafewmorestepsforwardandthen,

lookingatthegroundtotheleft,walkedinthatdirectionandthenonceagainkneeled.Dog,takingitasaninvitation,approachedtheBear,whoreachedoutandscratchedthespacebetweenthebeast’sears.“IdonotknowifJenniferorherdogareinthere.”Heglancedoverthecanyonedgewheretheflameshadgrownsohightheylickedthecoolingair,almostasifthecrustofthe

earthhadopenedupandswallowedtheChevroletasatidbit.Thefire’sorangeswirlstastedtheair,anditlookedliketheflamewasinsideHenry’seyes,lightinghisface.“Butthedriverjumpedouthere.”

11Idon’teatdonuts.

Themassivetowtruck,designedtohauleighteen-wheelers,easilypluckedthevehiclefromthecanyonand,draggingitfromtheedge,pulleditbackasafedistance.Wesippedcoffeethatthe

firefightershadbrought,andHenryhadaglazedwithsprinklesasIexcusedmyselffromthegroupandcarriedmycupovertothevantolookattheburned-outinterior.Ithadachievedtemperatureshighenoughtomeltthemetal.

Humanskinburnsat248degrees,butbonesdon’tburnsoeasily.Crematoriumsuseovensapproaching2,000,butbone,containing

approximately60percentinorganic,noncombustiblematter,iscapableofsurvivingeventhosetemperatures.Itissotoughthatinmodern-daycrematoriums,afterburningthebody,theremainsaregroundinaprocessthatreduceswhat’slefttogranulessimilartothedriedbitsinfertilizer.

AccordingtoChaucer,murderwillout—andin

modernforensicsitusuallyoutswithbones.

Oneofthefirefightersbroughtusfreshcoffeeandthenraisedafist.“SaveJen!”

IraisedawearyonebackandthenwaitedforhimtoretreatbeforeaskingHenry,“Shewasn’tinthere?”

TheBear,havingretrievedtheblanketfrommytrucktouseasacape,waslookingparticularlyperiod,asidefromtheStyrofoamcupand

thedonut.“No.”“Neitherwasthedog.”“No.”Hewaiteda

momentandthentookabite,chewed,swallowed,andpronounced,“Theylandedaboutfortyminutesago.”

Iturnedandlookedathim.“What?”

“Yourfamily,theyhavearrivedinPhiladelphia,alongwiththeirbodyguard,who,tothebestofmyknowledge,hasnotkilledanyoneyet.”

Helookedthoughtful.“Evidentlytheundersheriffincurredabriefaltercationwithacaptainofindustryovertheallotmentofoverheadstoragespace,butcoolerheadsprevailedandthestewardessawardedthemfirst-classseats.”

Ipulledoutmypocketwatchandlookedatthedelicategoldnumeralsthatmygrandfatherhadstudiedinhistime.“Onlytenminutes

oldandalreadyagoodday.”Pleasedwiththenews,Irepocketedmywatchandstaredatthevan’sblackenedshell,notreallyseeingit.

“What?”Iturnedandlookedatmy

friend.“Hmm?”“Whatareyoulooking

at?”“Incaseitescapedyour

attention,theburnedhulkinfrontofus.”

“No,thatiswhereyour

eyesaredirected,butwhatareyoulookingat?”

Ismiled.IhadbeenlookingatthemoonrisingoverthePowderRivercountryandthecloudsthatpileduparounditintheblacknesswithtingededgesdulledlikeanoldcoin.Ismiledathiscatchingme.“IwasthinkingaboutwhatIwasthinking.Youknow,askingmyselfaboutwhatIneedtodo?WheredoIwant

toberightnow?”“Wonder.”Isippedmycoffee.

“Excuseme?”“Wonder.Thereiswonder

inyou,alongwithalittleimpatience.Youarestandingoutsideofyourself,lookingatyourself,consciousofarhythmwithinyourself,severalrhythms,andthesoundofdrumsfromfaraway.”

Iturnedandstaredathim.

“Howthehelldoyouknowthat?”

Hetookthelastbiteofhisdonut.“Youthinkyouaretheonlyonewhohearsthem?”

Itookadeepbreathandsighed.“Thinkwe’reheadedforsomethingbig?”

Helaughedasmile.“That,orsomethingbigisheadedforus.”

“Thinkwecantakeit?”“Wehavetakenitallup

untilnow.”Heshrugged.

“Butyouneedtobecareful.”“Ofwhat?”“Preparingforabattleyet

tobefoughtwhileinthemidstofanother.”

“Play’emoneatatime,huh?”Ismiledandshookmyhead,staringatthedestroyedvehicleandfinallyseeingit.“Whywouldshewantustothinkthatshewasdead?”

TheBeargesturedtowardmytruck,wheretheoldsheriffwasdeadasleep.

“PerhapsitisasLuciansays—sheisattemptingtoavoidbeingdrawnintothetrial—ormaybeitissomethingelse.”

“Yep,butthat’snothelpingDino-Dave,asnearasIcantell.”Itookadeepbreathandthenreleaseditasanelongatedandtorturedsigh.“Whatsomethingelse?”

“I’drathernotsayunlessitisconfirmed.”Helickedhisfingersandgrinned.“So,Iamthinkingweshouldbe

headingovertotheLoneElkplacetosnooparound.”

“Withoutawarrant?”“Everythinghastobeso

properwithyou.”Heshookhisheadandsippedhiscoffee.“Beatushomoquiinvenitsapientiam.”

Imadeaface.“Blessedisthemanwhoinventswisdom?”

“Blessedisthemanwhofindswisdom.”Heshookhis

head,dismissingme.“Youalwaysactasifyouaretheonlyonewhocuifromaclassicaleducation.”

•••

Itwasn’tdarkattheLoneElkplace;infact,everylightthatcouldbeon,was.Thelightswereglowingnotonlyfrombothfloorsofthehousebutalsofromthebarnand

outbuildings.“Idon’tthinkwe’regoingtobeabletosneakin.”

Heleanedforward.“No.”Lucianroseupfromthe

backandthrusthisheadbetweentheseats,movingDogtotheside.“Whatthehell’sgoingon?”

“Gobacktosleep.”Hisheaddisappeared.

“You’llwakemeifwegettoshootsomebody?”

“Ipromise.”

“Idon’twanttomissanopportunity.”

“Youbet.”IpulledthetruckintothedriveandgothalfturnedbeforethepackofbordercolliemixessurroundedtheBullet.IturnedtoDog,figuringitwastimetoreleasethehound.“Don’teatanyofthem,allright?”

Herespondedwithasinglewag,whichwasnotcompletelyconvincing.

Iopenedmydoorandwatchedastheassembledcaninemafiaswarmedforwardandbarked.IopenedthebackdoorandwatchedasDogboundedfromthetruckandlookedatthem.Thehalf-dozendogsfrozeatthesightofhim.Theonefarthestawayduckeditsheadandstartedoff,buttheothersheldfastjustabitlongerasthebeastturnedhislarge-muzzledheadandstartedtowardthemasif

inaJackLondonnovel.Thiswastoomuchforthepack,andtheyallwidenedtheareaaroundhim.Onebarked,butDogturnedtowarditanditjoinedtheoneonthefarendinmakingamovefortheporch.Alltheothers,feelingtheirnumericaladvantagediminish,startedbackingaway,quietlyretreating.

Doglookedupatme.“Onepolicedog,oneriot.”Henryjoinedmefromthe

front,andafterIputDogbackinthetruck,westartedtowardthehouse.Icouldhearalotofshoutinginside,andIwasbeginningtothinkthatwe’dstumbledintoadomesticsituation.

Beforewegotontotheporch,thefrontscreendoorflewopen,andRandylimpedout,pullinguptokeepfromrunningintous.“Youfoundhim?”

TheBearandIglancedat

eachotherandthenbackathim.“Who?”

“Taylor!”IglancedatHenryagain,

asheanswered,“WesawhimattheIGAthismorning.Hedidnotcomehome?”

Randywasmassaginghisknee,andhisbuttheldthescreendooropen.“Yeah,buthe’sgoneagain.”Hegesturedathumboverhisshoulder.“Evawentintocheckonhim,andhehad

disappeared.”Iinterrupted.“Ithoughthe

ranoffeverytwentyminutes.Whyisthissuchabigdeal?”

“Neveratnight;heneverrunsoffatnight.”

“What,he’safraidofthedark?”

“Yes.”Ilookedathim.“You’re

serious?”“Yes.”Randyyelled

inside.“Eva,thecopsarehere.”

Afteramoment,shearrivedatherbrother’sside.“Didyoufindhim?”

“Um,no.”Randytalkedoutofthe

sideofhismouthtohissister.“HesaystheysawhimattheIGA,butwesawhimafterthat...”

“When?”Hervoicewasurgent.“He

getshomeatseven;Iguessitwasaroundthen.”

“Wheredoesheusually

go?Imean,beforeitgetsdark.”

Shethrewherhandsintheair.“Everywhere,anywhere!”

Igesturedtowardmytruck.“I’llgocallitinandgettheHighwayPatrolandtheBobstostartwatchingforhim.Inthemeantimetherearereallyonlytwodirectionshecangoonthemainroadouthere,northandsouth,andwejustcamefromthesouth,soI’lltrynorth—sound

good?”“I’llgowithyou.”Randy

duckedbackinthehouse,probablytograbhisjacketandhat.

“Wedon’treallyhaveroom.”

Helookedatthetruck.“I’llrideinthebed.Istoveupmylegearlierfightingwithacow,anditfeelsbetterstandingupanyway.”Hesmiled.“Unlessthat’sagainstthelaw.”

“Iamthelaw.”Weloadedup,leavingEva

ontheporch,herhandsknottedinherdress,hummingtheoldspiritualagain.Iwheeledthethree-quarter-tonbackuptheroadasLucian’svoiceechoedfromtheback,“Idon’tmeantoalarm,butthere’sanIndianstandinginthebackofyourtruck.”

“We’reawareofthat.Gobacktosleep.”

HenryglancedatRandy’slegsintherearwindowofthecabandthendirectedthebeamofmyMagliteonthehillsacrosstheroad,asIturnedthespotlightonandfocuseditonmyside.“Amissingwomanandamissingyoungman...”

“Whatarethechances?”IglancedattheBear.

“Thatthetwoofthemaretogether?”

“Yes.”

Inoddedandtrainedthespotlightoverthehills.“Whatwastheotherthoughtyouhad?”

“Shewentmissingbeforehedid.”

“Andhedidnotseemoverlysurprisedthatshewasgone.”

“Didn’tshowmuchemotioneitherway.”

Thevoicerosefromthebackagain.“Inscrutable,thosedamnedIndians.”

Italkedovermyshoulder.“Oldman,ifyou’regoingtojoinintheconversation,situp.”

“Hush.Meandyourdogaretryin’tocatchafewwinks.”

TheCheyenneNationnodded.“WewillhavetoaskRandy.”

Itwasaboutthattimethattheaforementionedindividualbeganpoundingontheroofofmytruck.“Stop,stop!”

Ibraked,thetruckslidonthegravel,Dogyelped,andLucianslammedintothebackofourseatandhitthefloormats.“Damnittohell!”

IwatchedasRandycarefullyeasedhimselffromthebedandtookoffatahitchedpaceintothehillstoourright.IredirectedmyspotlightinthatdirectionandcouldseeanAppaloosagelding,saddled,bridled,andmunchinggrassontheother

sideofthefence—thesamehorsewe’dseeninthecorraltheotherday.Hejumpedandliftedhishead,hisreinstrailingontheground,hiseyesreflectinggoldinthelight,andpivotedtotheleftasRandyapproached.Therancher,realizinghe’dspookedhim,stoppedandspokesoftlyinCheyenne,whereupontheanimalambledovertohimlikeanoldfriend.

Bythetimewegottothe

fence,he’dledthehorseover.“Yours?”

“Yeah,Bambino.”Heglancedaround.“NotTaylor’sregularhorse,butthisonewasinthecorralandsaddled,sohewasconvenient.”Hebrushedhishandacrossthevelvetynose.“He’sgottheyips,though;everyonceinawhilehethinksthere’sagrizzlybearunderaSnickersbarwrapper.”

“YouthinkBambinodidthetwo-step,andTaylorgotgroundedouthere?”

“It’smorethanpossible.”“Ifyouwereheadedout,

wherewouldyougo?”Hepointedinaneasterly

directiontowardacrutchinthehills.“There’sagullythatleadsbacksouthandcirclesaroundtheranchpropertowardthepondsandthatdrywashandridgewherewefoundtheT.rex.”

“Wherewefoundthevan.”

“Whatvan?”“JenniferWatt’s,crashed

inthecanyon,burned.”Hisfacefroze.“Holyshit,

wassheinit?”Henryinterrupted.“No.”Hesighedinexasperation.

“Whatthehellwasshedoingouthere,anyway?”

“Wewerehopingthatyoumighthaveananswertothatquestion.”

HeglancedatHenry.“Andwhyisthat?”

Myturn.“Therejustseemstobealotgoingonouthereattheranch,andnooneseemstoknowwhat,who,orwhy.”Iwaitedamomentandthenasked,“Where’sEnic?”

Hestaredatme.“What?”“Youruncle,whereishe?

Withallthehubbubgoingon,Iwould’vesupposedthathewasawake.”

Randyshrugged.“He

neversleeps;atleastonlyanhourortwoatatime.”Hereachedoutandpettedthehorse.“Jeez-O-Pete.”

“Randy,what’sgoingon?”

Jammingathumbandforefingerinhiseyes,hescrubbedatthem.“Idon’tknow,andthat’swhat’sgotmeworried.Imean...youdon’tthinkIknowhowthislookswithpeoplerunningaroundanddisappearing?”

TheBearrumbledagain,“Howdoesitlook?”

“Guilty.”HeshiftedhisattentiontoBambinoandrubbedhiswithers.

“Imean,eversinceDad’sdeatheverything’sbeenkindofweird,andeverytimeIthinkI’vegotahandleonthings,somethingelsestrangehappens.”

Inodded.“Welcometomyworld.”

“Maybeitallstartedwith

thatdamndinosaur...”Hecasthiseyesonme.“Look,there’ssomethingIshouldtellyou.Dadwasdrinkingagain,andTaylorwashidingthestuffforhim.LikeIsaid,hewouldn’ttellmewhereandthat’swhenIhithim.He’sprettymuchconvincedthathe’sresponsibleforDad’sdeathbecausehekeptlettinghimhavetheliquor—thatmaybewhyitisthatheranoff.”Heheldthereinsout

tome.“Hereyougo.”Istaredathim.“What?”“Therearen’tanyroadsin

thatdirection,sosomebody’sgoingtohavetodoitold-school,andI’mhurt.”

IglancedattheBear,whoshookhishead.“Asmuchasitpainsmetosay,youarethebetterhorseman.”

Ishookmyhead.“It’sanAppaloosa.Isn’tthatthehorsetheCheyennetraditionallyrodeintobattle?”

“Itwas,becausebythetimeyourideanAppaloosasomedistance,youarereadytokillanything.”

Isighed,tooktheleatherstripsbetweenmyfingers,andstudiedthewhiteinBambino’seye.“Theyips,huh?”

•••

WealldecidedthatHenry

woulddriveRandybacktogethistruckandcontinuenorth;thenheandLucianwouldheadsouthandmeetmebackatthesitewhereJentheElderhadbeenfound.Asaprecaution,Itookahandheldradiofrommytruck,justincaseIfoundmyselfalonestandinginafieldinthedarkwithasorerump.

Therewasarufflinginthegrassasthewindpickedup,

andBambinosidesteppedtotherightandshookhishead,rollinghiseyesbacktome.Icountered:“Youknow,mygrandfatherhadahorsewithanervousdisposition,andwheneverheacteduphe’dreachoutandslapthelivingdaylightsoutofthebackofhishead.”

Werodealong,andIlookeddown,longingforDog’scompanionship,buthavingrealizedthatthe

presenceofastrangeanimalmightgiveBambinomoreofamotivationtomisbehave,Ihadlefthiminthetruck—besides,Lucianwasusinghimasapillow.“Goodthingweliveinmoreenlightenedtimes,huh?”

Bambinomadenocomment.

AttheridgeIlookedwesttowardtheBighornsandeveninthedarknesscouldmakeoutthetracingsofthe

mountainsthatsuddenlyhaltedatabouttwelvethousandfeet.Therewasaceilingoverthehighplainsasfarasthenighttimeeyecouldsee,athickconfectionofblackthathidthemoonandpromisedadeluge.

Ijusthopedthatourworkwasdonebythetimethatsomeoneturnedonthefaucetandstartedthinkingithadbeenprettysmartofmetorolluptheyellowslickerthat

nowrodeonthecantlebehindme.

Pullingup,IturnedustowardthewindandwatchedasastrikeoflightninghittheflatsbetweenPowderJunctionandhere,theboltholdinglikeaheavenlyfingerpokingtheearthforemphasis.“Waitforit,Bambino...”

Thethunderrolledupthewidevalleybetweenthemountainsandtheendless

oceanoftheplains,asoftrumblethatbuiltandthensubsidedlikeatidalvoice.

TheAppaloosabackedupahalfstepandsashayedtotheleftasIwrappedthereinsinafist,determinedtoavoidthehorseman’sgreatestfear,tobeleftafoot.“Easy.”

Hetensed,andIcaughtwindofoneofhistricks:gettingtherider’sweighttravelingbackward,hewouldlikelylaunchandleaveyou

tumblingoffhisrearasheracedforthebarnalone.

“Youcantrythatone,littleBambino,butI’veseenitbeforeandyou’llbedraggingtwohundredandfiftypoundsofveryunhappysheriff.”Ireacheddownandpettedhisneck.“Justsowe’reclearonthis—Iwillneverletgo.”

Neverletgo.ThosethreewordsechoedinmymindasIturnedsouth,ridingtheridge

andlettingtheAppaloosawatchthelightningstrikesandgetusedtotheaccompanyingthunderinsteadofitovertakinghimfromtherear.

Wejoinedupwithacattlepathandspookedagroupofmuledeerthathadbeddeddownforthenight.Bambinoshiftedbutstayedsteadyaswecontinuedon,thefirstsprinklesofthestormreachinguslikeadusting

fromthecloudsastheyshookthemselvesoff.Itfeltgood,andIthoughtbackathowmuchtimeI’dspentinasaddleinmyyouth,herdingcattlewithmyfatherandgrandfather,therealrancherofthefamily.

Myfatherhadrefinedtheranch,butmygrandfatherhadbuiltit,aggressivelybuyingpropertyfromadjacentfamiliesuntilhehadaccumulatedmanythousands

ofacres.Iwasonintimatetermswiththoseacresandkneweverysinglestand,swale,gully,andcanyonwhereacowandcalfcouldholeupandbrushpopintheveryworstofweather.

Mengetonedgedoingsomekindsofwork,whileothersdevelopanabilitytocontinueonwhereotherscan’t.Myfatherwasoutsideworking—Iwaseatingbreakfast,sittingatthe

kitchentableinthedimlightofmygrandfather’shome—whentheoldmantoldmehedidn’tparticularlycareformeandthatinhisestimationIprobablywasn’tgoingtoamounttomuch.

Calvingseason,andIwasfourteenyearsold.

StaringathimthroughthepewtercondimentsholderontheroundtableasIsippedaglassofbuttermilk,I’dmumbledanhonestresponse:

“That’sallright;asfarasI’mconcernedyouhaven’tturnedoutsogreateither.”

Hehatedeveryonebuthadaspecial,single-cask-strengthhatredheldinreserveforhisimmediatefamily.Hehadkepthisson,anatural-bornengineer,fromcontinuingwithhisschooling,insteadchaininghimtothosethousandsofacresandalifeofagriculturalservitude.Togivemyfatherhisjustdue,he

hadnotallowedthattopoisonhisownlife,hiswife’s,ormine.

Thebulwarkagainstthepoisonusuallyheld,buteveryonceinawhiletheoldbullandIlockedhorns.I’dbeenworkingseventy-twohoursstraightwithoutsleepandhadbeensteppedon,kicked,horned,butted,stomped,pinched,swatted,andcrushed—andI’dhadaboutenoughofhisvenom.

Heshowedmehisteeth.“Isupposeyouthinkyou’reamannow?”

Hewaseighty-twoyearsoldwitharecedinghairlineandlittletuftsofhaironthesidesofhisheadthatgavetheimpressionthathewasanowl—notawiseoldowl,butratherthekindthathearssmall,defenselessthingsfromagreatdistance.Heworesteel-rimmed,roundglasses,whichdidnothing

butemphasizetheimagery.Hiseyesweregray,agiftI’dreceivedfromhim,perhapstheonlyone.

InthepalelightofthatmorningI’dstudiedhim.

“Standup.”Isippedmybuttermilk.Hestood,andIignored

him.Stillinremarkableshape,

hewasbroadatthebeamandwinnoweddowntonothingbutstringymuscleandgall.

Hecamearoundthetabletolookdownatme.

Itriedtofeelsorryforhimjustthen,triedtounderstandwherealltheanger,recrimination,andbitternessthathadeatenuphislifehadcomefrom.Therewastalkofawomanotherthanmylong-deceasedgrandmother,rumorsofadalliancethathadsomehowbeensweptawaywiththeyears.Therewerealsowhispersofalostactof

violencesounspeakablethatitsutterancestillwentunvoiced.

Withthefirstswipe,theblue-willow-patternedcuphadflownfrommyhand,knockingoverthecondimentholderandthesugarbowlandshatteringlikethefragilerelationshipbetweenus,sprayingitscontentsacrossthetableandthepaperedwall.

Istood,therough-cut

joistsofthefloorcreakingbeneathme,mynosebrushinghisasIgatheredmyself,lookingdownathimfromafour-inchheightadvantage.

He’dforgottenhowbigIwas,howbigIhadbecome,didn’tknowthenhowbigIwouldbe,butthesurprisedidn’tlastandhestruckmeacrossthefacewithhisopenhand.

Itstung,butIdidn’tshow

it,onlyturningmyeyes,hiseyes,backonhim,myexpressionasneutralasthenickel-platedcolorweshared.

Athickforefinger,leatheryandstiffasatruncheon,bobbedagainstmychestlikeawoodpeckerhavingfoundasoftspotonanotherwiseimpenetrabletree.“WhenIsaystand...”

Theysayhe’dkilledaman,numerousmen,butIhadgrownupinaperiod

whentheghostsofapreviouserastillroamedtheplainsandhadseenenoughthatthosespiritsdidn’taffectmeanylonger.Saywhatyouwillaboutageandexperience,youthandindifferencecanengenderanannoyingstrengthofitsown.

“Don’teverdothatagain.”Ibrushedpasthimanddeliberatelywalkedslowlybacktothecalvingshedwheremyfatherstilllabored.

Laterinthemorningwhenwehadreturnedtothehouse,mygrandfatherwasgone,likelyononeofhisaberrantrideswherehewoulddisappearforhoursandthenreappear,barkingordersasifhe’dneverleft.Whenweenteredthekitchen,theremainsofthemuganditscontentshaddriedonthewallandthefloor,butwherethesugarhaddustedthered-and-white-checkeredtablecloth,

thatthickforefingerhadtracedthewords“NeverLetGo.”BeforeIcouldgetagoodlookatit,myfathersweptthewordsawayandcoaxedthembackintotheopencontainerattheedgeofthetablelikeascouringwind.

NeverLetGo.Thosewordshadhaunted

mefordecades,especiallyaftermygrandfatherdied,anditwasonlywhenmyfatherhadbeenapproaching

hisfinalrestthathetoldmethesignificanceofthewordsandthestory,astorythathadchangedthetrajectoryofmyfamilyforgenerations.

NeverLetGo.Bambino’searsperkedat

mywords;probablywonderingwhyIhadmadethesamestatementtwice,andIcouldseethewhitesickleinhiseye.Thelightningstruckagain,closerthistime,andhesidetrackedandsashayed

somemore,reversingintohislaunchposition,butIturnedhisheadtowardthestriketoshowhimthatIwasn’thidinganything.Ifheshotforwardhewouldhavetodoitwithoutthebenefitofseeingwhatwasaheadofhim,andinmyexperiencehorsesareloathtodothat.

“Easy.”Theresoundingthunder

shooktheground,andBambinocircledtotheright,

slippingoffthenarrowtrail,digginginwithhisrearhoovesanddrivinguptheslope.Igavehimhisheadjustabitandthenchangedtheleadonhiminanattempttogethimgoingintherightdirectionbutalsotodistracthimfromanyfurthermischief.

Therainwassteadynow,andIthoughtoftheslickerbehindmeonthesaddle.Itwastempting,butIwasn’t

surewhatkindofresponseBambinomighthavetomesuddenlyproducingalargeyellowraincoatandswirlingitabovehisheadinthepervasivewindlikeabanshee.Actually,IknewexactlywhatBambino’sresponsewouldbe,andIthoughtitbesttoavoidbeingknockedoutofthepark.

Therewasanotherflashbutfurtheraway,andthehorseseemedtosettleagain

asIleanedalittleforwardandnoticedhoofprintsinthedampenedearth,comingfromthedirectionwherewewereheaded,theglisteningwaterintheshoeprintslookinglikesemicirclesofmercury.

Mercury.IthoughtaboutwhatDaveBaumannhadsaidaboutthedangerousvaporsfromNativerelicsthathadbeeninthehandsofmuseums.

Thepathstretchedtothe

rightinacurvelikeawoman’ship,andIfiguredwe’dcoveredafewmiles.Beforelongwewouldcirclearoundandreachthearcheologicalsite,thenarrowportionofthecanyon,andfinallytheturtlereservoirwherewehadfoundDannyLoneElk.

Somethingwasnudgingattheperipheryofmyconsciousnesslikeaburrunderasaddleblanket,a

thoughtthatkeptintrudinguntilanimageappeared—theburntremainsofblackenedsandstoneandbrokenpiecesofcottonwoodandscrubpine.

Thumbingthroughthedog-earedRolodexofmymind,Isawacardflipup,andIcouldagainplainlyseetheoverhanginthechokedcanyonnearthesitewhereHenryhadpulledVicandmetosafety.

Itwasraining,you’rehurt,wheredoyougo?

IturnedtheAppaloosaintothewindandincreasinglyheavyrain,and,slappinghisrear,senthimdownthetrailbesideadrycreekbedwithabitmorepurposeandagoodamountofspeed,thegroundnotwetenoughyettoimpedeus.

Oncue,staticraisedthehairofbothhorseandhorsemanasaboltstruckthe

ridgeaboveus,andBambinoredoubledhiseffortsingettingusondownthetrail.Thethunderechoedofftherollinghillsandthecapofdark,dangerouscloudschasedthelightningasifwewereinaglassspecimendome.

Icrouchedinevencloserandpulledmyhatdowntight,awarethattheracewasindeedon.Itwasraininginearnest,andIknewby

experiencethatthelittlecanyonwasgoingtobefilledwithfast-runningwater.

Henrywasprobablyinthevicinityofthedig,buthehadn’tbeeninthecaveandlikelywouldn’trememberexactlywhereitwas.IthoughtIwouldpullthehandheldandcallinfromthenextridgewherethereceptionwouldprobablybebetter.

Bambino’smuscles

bunchedundermeand,watchingthewestwardskyandthechainlightningthatstreakedovertheBighornMountainslikewhite,electricveins,weheadedfortheridgethatrantomyright.Reachingforthehandheld,Icouldimaginetheprofilewecutagainsttheblackdiamondskies.

NeverLetGo.Ioncefoundmy

grandfatherononeofhis

horsebackjauntsonatallbluffnorthofBuffaloCreek.Hehadbeengonelongerthanusual,andmyfatherhadgrownworried.Theoldmanwasthenalmostninety-sevenyearsoldbutstillinsistedontravelingtheplacealoneonhorseback—thewayhesaiditwasmeanttobedone.

I’dcomeuponhimfrombehind,hadfollowedhistrackstoaspothemust’vecometooverandover,the

trailwellwornfromhispassingbackandforth.TherewasastandofpinesalongarockoutcroppingthatfacedduenorthtowardtheNorthernCheyenneReservation,andhe’dpulledhisoldhorse,Starbuck,abigbaystallion,upthereandtheystoodlikeaCivilWarstatue.

Itwasasiftheywerewaitingonsomething,orsomeone.

Theeyesofbothmanand

horsewerefocusedonthehorizon.

Istayedtherefortenminutes,watchingthem,untilthesorrelIwasridingthatdaysnortedandtheybothturnedtolook.Theywatchedusforamomentandthenturnedbackinultimatedismissal,theireyesreturningtothatmuchanticipatedsomethinginthedistance—somethingthatwascoming,orsomethingthatneverhad.

MaybeitwasthelightortheanglefromwhichIwasviewinghim,maybeitwasthesunortheever-presentWyomingwind,butIhadseentearsintheoldman’seyesthatday.

ItwasstrangelysilentasIunhookedtheradiofrommybelt,theclipspringingbackwiththetiniestofmetalsounds,likethedetonatoronaverylargebomb.Itwasatthatmoment,withmyhand

behindmeandmyweightbackwardandslightlytooneside,thatIfeltthehaironmybodypulsewithelectricityjustasaboltoflightningstrucktherocksaboutseventyfeettomyrightlikeanearth-shatteringpickax.

12Iwaslyingonthewetgroundwiththesoundofhoofbeatsrapidlydiminishingintothedarkness.

Isatupandshookmyhead,hearingahigh-pitchedwhinethateclipsedthethunderandeverythingelse,

truthtobetold.Scrubbingmyhandsacrossmyface,Idiscoveredthereinsstillwrappedinmyrighthand,soIdrapedthemovermyshoulderandlookedaroundformyhatandtheradio,discoveringbothunderneathme.Pullingthesmalldeviceout,Idiscoveredthesourceofthenoiseandexaminedthebrokenhousingandthefewwiresandpartialcircuitboardthathungouttheside.I

clickedthethingon,butnolightsilluminatedandnosoundemittedfromitexceptthescreech.

“Great.”Igatheredmyself.Itwas

slowgoing,standing,butIdidit,feelingaspasminthesmallofmybackanddeepwithinmyhorseman’sprideasIpulledmyhatbackon—allhatandnohonor.

Rainpulledlikecurtainsacrossthelandscape,andI

figuredI’dbettergetmoving.Settingoffatahitch—Ifavoredmyrighthip,whichwasprobablybruisedwhereI’dlandedontheradio—andstartedtowardthedinosaurridge.

Itriedtokeepitinfrontofme,althoughwhenIhadtocrosssomelowerhills,myobjectivedisappeared.Iwatchedwithconcernasthedrycreekbedatthebottomoftheravinetomyleftbegan

filling,remindingmeagainthatIhadlimitedtime.

Trudgingon,Istartedmissingtheslickeralmostmorethanthehorse,butthen,speakofthedevil,Ispottedsomethingonthetrailahead.Ibentandpickeduptheyellowpackage,crackedandrumpledbutstillwhole.

Iunrolleditandslippedmyarmsin.Fasteningitclosed,Iwasalittlemoreprotectedfromtheelements

anddecidedthatIwouldfollowthecreekbedratherthantraversethehillanddaleinmyattemptsatreachingtheridge.Theroutewouldbemorecircuitousandopportunitiestofallintotheknee-deepwatermoreplentiful,butwherethestreamwascomingfromwaswhereIwantedtoinevitablygo,andwiththelightningcontinuingtostriketheridges,Ifeltalittlesaferata

loweraltitude.Thegroundbegansucking

atmyboots,butIkeptmyfootingandonlyonceslidtowardthewater,partiallysubmergingasize13.WhenIrightedmyself,Icouldseesomethingbigaheadonthetrail.

“Bambino?”Itdidn’tmoveatfirst,but

then,inthemomentarylightofanotherstrike,IsawtheAppaloosatensethroughthe

thunderandthenambleovertomeasifallsinswereforgiven.Ifoundacrumblingsorghumtreatfromthepocketoftheslickerandhelditouttohim.

Hestretchedhisneckforward,andIslidahandupandtookholdofhismane.Feedinghimthecaketokeephimoccupied,Iexaminedthebridleandcouldseethattheringsthathadheldthereinshadopened.Ipulledthem

freefrommyneck,gladthatI’dsavedthem.

TheringsproveduselesssoIthreadedtheleatherstripsthroughthehalterportionofthebridleandbroughtmyfaceclosetohis,myhatbrimdippingforwardandreleasingasmallwaterfallthatcausedhimtostart.“Let’stryandnothaveanymoreepicdrama,okay?”

Imountedthehorseandstartedoffagain,perhapsat

notsoquickapacebutbothofushappyenoughtohavecompanyinthedownpour,myhipstillsorebutbetterinthesaddlethanthemuck.IledBambinoaroundanotherhillandcouldseetheslopeofthedinosaurridgeagainandthebacksidewherethesmallcanyontightenedandthewaterwasdroppinglikeaminiatureNiagaraFallsaboutastoryhigh,poundingintoapoolbelow,thewater

thunderingthroughthecanyonmimickingtheheavens.

Therewasonlyoneproblem—Iwasonthewrongside.

Idismounted,lookedatthethigh-deepwaterthatrushedby,andthenspoketothehorse.“Hey,partner,how’boutwetakealittleswim?”Anotherstrikeoflightninghittheridgeabovelikeareminder.

Withahorse,thekeyinthesesituationsistonotshowanyhesitationbutrathertoboldlystepforwardasifyouknowwhatyou’redoing,whichworksmarvelouslyifyoureallydoknowwhatyou’redoing.

“C’mon,boy,wedon’thaveallthetimeintheworld.”Hetookatentativestepforward,andIletoutsomereinandwatchedhimplantahoofintothedepths.

IguesshewasusedtothepondsandreservoirsontheLoneElkRanch,becausehefordedthecreekwithmelikeEstherWilliams.Wewereaboutthree-quartersofthewayacrosswhenInoticedsomethingupstream.AtfirstIthoughtitwasoneofDanny’sturtles,buttheshapewaswrong.Whateveritwas,itwasapproachingfast,andIjusthopeditwasn’taloosecottonwoodbranch.Bambino

sawit,too,andmovedtotheleft,butthistimeIhadholdofthereinsthatweresturdilywoundthroughhisbridle.Ihadachoice—eitherhangonorgrabwhateveritwasthatwasabouttoknockmedownstream.

ItwasjustaboutthenthatIsawthebranchhadanarm.Idroppedthereinsandlunged,twistingmyfingersintoadenimshirt.Iplantedmyfeetbutslippedandfellin

thepowerfulcurrent,watchingasthehorsebegantoclimbthebank,shakeitselfoff,andtrotaway.Itightenedmyonehandonthegarmentandpulledthetwoofusfromthecreekbedwithlessthanonehorsepower.

Ilaythereonthebankforasecondortwo,tookafewquickbreaths,andthenrolledover.ItwasEnic,lyingonhisback,hisfaceopentothedelugingskies.Turninghis

head,Ispilledthewateroutofhismouth,pushedonhischest,andfeltatremorofmovementinhisbody.Whenhishandscameupweakly,heyankedhisheadawaytotheside,coughingandspitting.

Iheldhimthereashecontinuedtoconvulseandfinallyemittedalongmoan.“Enic?”Hiseyeswobbledtowardmine,andIsmileddownathimasanotherlightningboltrantheridge.

“Lookslikeyoutookaswim.”

HiseyeswerewideandremindedmeofBambino’s.“Mmm...Mahkjchi.”

Ishookmyheadathim.“English,Enic.MyCheyenneisn’tthatgood.”

Heblinkedtherainawayfromhisface,andIleanedforwardinanattempttoshieldhimwiththebrimofmyhat,hishangingfromitsstampedestring.

“Theboy...”Hesputteredthewordsout.“Thecanyonwheretheyfoundthedinosaur.Gotthemoutbutthenslipped.”

“Doyouknowwheretheyare?”

Hecoughedandthennoddedhisheadashishandcameupandfingeredmyraincoat,histeethbrightinthepitchdarknessasifilluminatedfrombehind.“CanIborrowthatslicker?”

•••

“So,whydidtheyrunoff?”Maybeitwasthelightningstrikeorthefall,buteverythingwassoundinglikeIwasinabarrel.

Theolderman,insistingthatheknewwheretheymayhavegone,sloggedalonginthesteadyrain,keepingupaprettygoodpaceforaguywho’dalmostdrowned.“Maybehewasprotectingthe

girlfromyou.”Ihustledtokeepupand

wishedI’dbroughttwoslickers.“I’mtheonewho’stryingtofindthem,lostouthereattheendsoftheearth.”

Hegrunted.“Ortheonetryingtokeepthemfrombeinghappyeverafter.”

Withthispronouncement,heturned,trudgedtherestofthewayupthehill,andpausedatthetop.“Weshouldgetgoing.”

Hedisappearedovertheside,andIhadlittlechoicebuttofollow.Makingmywayinthegreasygrassonthefarsideofthehill,Icalledafterhimagain.

Hesaidnothing.Overhillanddalewe

trudgedalong,slippingandslidinguntilIdecidedtoswinghimaroundandask,“Enic,wherethehellarewegoing?”

Ournoseswereveryclose,

andIcouldseetheexpressionlesslookonhisface,muchliketheonethatIhadseenonTaylor’s.

“Takeyourhandoffofme.”

“NottillIgetsomeanswers.”Icouldfeelpressureatmymidsectionandlookeddowntoseethepointofadeer-hoofskinningknifepressedagainstmyshirt.Bringingmyfaceupslowlyinthesamerhythmas

thenowdistantthunder,Imergedthewaterspoutfromthebrimofmyhatwithhisandspokecarefully.“Yougoaheadanddowhatyouneedtodo,andwhenyou’refinishedI’mgoingtoshovethatskinningknifedownyourthroat,turnitsideways,andyankitbackout.”

Therewasanotherlightningstrike,whichalthoughdistantwasbrightenoughtoilluminatean

openinginthehillsideguardedbyafewhuge,ancienttimbersthatmarkedwhatlookedtobeanoldmine.

Enicsmiledslowly.“Youknow,Ibelieveyouwould.”

13Westoodattheopeninginthehillside,EnicrunningahandoverthehorsethatblinkedwithasleepyexpressiononhislongfaceastheoldIndiantiedhimoff,outoftherain.“Whenherunsawaythereareonlythree

placeshegoestoandthisisone.”

“Iknowhowhefeels.”Iglancedupattheheavy,rough-cuttimbersandfeltlikeDante,preparingtoenterhell.“Looksold.”

“Beforemytime,butDannyandme,wefoundit.”

“IthinkImight’veseenitwhenIwasaboy.”Iranahandonthewood,movingmyhipinanattempttogetitmobileagainandfailing

miserably.“Coal?”“Maybe.”IthoughtabouttheDead

SwedeMine.“Gold?”Heshrugged.“Wenever

foundany,andit’snotintherightplaceforthat,butIneverfoundnogoldnowheresowhatdoIknow?”

Hopingthesunwouldbeginshowingaglimmerintheeastthroughacrackintheironsky,Istaredintotheinkygloomoftheshaft,atleast

lookingforwardtogettingoutoftherain.“So,wherearethey?”

Heshookhishead.“It’sverydeep,andwhenDannyandIfounditweuseddynamitetoclearthedebrissothatwecouldhaveawayintothelarger,naturaltunnelinside,maybecarvedoutfromthereservoirs.That’sprobablywheretheyare.”

Justinsidetheopeningthereweretwobroom

handlesstickingoutofamedium-sizedplasticgarbagecanwithalidthathadaholeinitalongwithalighter.Enicpulledoutasawed-offfloormopthathadseenbetterdaysandpalmedthelighter.

Thesmellwasunmistakable.“Kerosene?”

“Yeah.”Heheldtheflametothemopheadanditslowlylit.“Oneofthetorchesismissing,sothey’reinthere.”

Enicheldhisup,andIwas

startingtofeellikeIwasinTheAdventuresofTomSawyer.Iliftedthelidandpulledtheremainingmopfromthecan,aimingittowardhis.

Hepulleditaway.“Youdon’ttrustme?”

Ithoughtaboutit.“Notreally.”

“Whatwouldthenextpersondo?”

“What,you’replanningon

ameeting?”Iheldthethingcloser,andhefinallylitit,albeitwithafrownonhisface.

Remarkably,therewasnowritingonthewalls,andthecavewasprettybroad.Icouldseewhereitnarrowedahead,soIattemptedtostayclosetoEnic;evenwithmyowntorch,Iwasn’tsureifIwantedhimtoofaroutofsight.

Heturnedsideways,

keepingthelightinfrontofhim,andcontinuedon,lookingbackonlyonce.“Well,c’mon.”

Fromtheangleoftherock,youcouldseeitwasthesameformationshelfastheridgethatcontainedJen,andIcouldn’thelpbutwonderwhathadhollowedthecaveoutotherthanhumanbeings.Iwatchedashesqueezedhiswaythrough,andasIattemptedtonegotiatethe

samespace,Icouldseehistorchturnaslightcornerandcontinueon.“Hey,Enic!Slowdown,wouldyou?”

Thepassagewasaboutaswideasahallway,andIsteppedoffatalopsidedjog,turningthecornerattheendofthethoroughfarejustintimetoseehistorchinthedistance.Iwentaroundanabutmentandfoundmyselfinaspaciouspassagewithasmoothfloormadeoutof

compacteddirt.Ilookedtotherightand

couldseethatthepathwasatleastaslargeastheoneI’djustbeenin,whereastheonetomyleftwasnarrow.Pickingtheoneofleastresistance,Iheadedright,figuringthatifIdidn’tseeEnicinastraightawayorhitaturnprettyquick,hemust’vegonetotheleft.

Icontinuedon,eventhoughIwasawarethatmy

shoulderswerescrapingbothwalls.Iwaspleasedtoseeanotheropeningaheadandfiguredthathemustbeinthere,buthewasn’t.Thechamberwasthesizeofaone-stallgaragewithacoupleofothertunnelsleadinginoppositedirectionsbutnothingthatlooked,oncloserinspection,promising.

Withjustalittlepanicsettingin,Iretracedmystepsbackintotheoriginaltunnel

andstruckoutbacktotheareawhereI’dbeen.Lookingupattherockceilingandhavingfaiththatitwassturdy,andstillhopingthatEnicwasonthelevelandthatitwasonlyhisfamiliaritywiththecavethathadcausedhimtoaccidentallyescapeme,Istartedallowingmythoughtstogrowdark.Whatifhe’dturnedthecornerandthendousedhistorch,leavingme,well,inthedark?

Therewasanotheropeningtomyright,thisoneevenbiggerthanthefirst,butitseparatedintotwotunnelsalsoanglingoffinoppositedirections.IchosethelargeroneandswitchedthetorchtomylefthandsothatIcouldholdmy.45—bettersafethansorry.

Settingoff,IsuddenlyfeltmybootssplashinginwaterandheldthetorchsothatIcouldseetheshinysurface

andtheimageofmyselflookingbackupatme.

Great.Withretreatbeingmyonly

otherrecourse,Istartedwadingforward,figuringthatifthewatergotthighdeep,Iwasturningback,nomatterwhat.

Therewasaseriesofbulbsocketsoverheadinthispassage,strungtogetherwithold,cloth-insulatedwiring,whichledmetobelievethat

theplacehadbeenelectrifiedbackinthedirtythirtiesorpossiblytheforties.“Toobadtherearen’tanybulbsoraswitch.”

IcontinuedtostudytheceilingandasIdidcouldseethatmytorchwasmakingblackmarksontheroofofthecave.StunnedthatIhadn’tthoughtofitbefore,IstoodtherelookingatmarksontherockwhenInoticedthatsomeweredarker.Thisonetimein

thecaveIwasthankfulformysize;Ireachedupandrubbedafingerontheceilingandwithdrewwithacompletelyfresh,blackfingertip.

Sighingabreathofreliefandtrustingmyblacksmudgetechniquetoatleastshowmewherethemostrecentoccupantsofthecavehadpassed,Iwadedahead,ignoringtheotherpassageways.

TomyrightwaswhatIwasprettysurewasahandmadeladder.AsIgotcloser,Icouldseethatthethingwasconstructedoflodgepolepine,andIwasjustasgladnottohavebeenresponsibleforcarryingthoseintothenarrowpassageways.

Iranafingerovertherungclosesttomyfaceandnoticeditwaswet;Enic,orsomebody,hadclimbedthisway.

Thetreadswereropedon,andtherailsofthethingshotupthroughabreakintherocksabove.Islippedmysidearmbackintoitsholsteranddecidedtoclimb.Placingmyboot,drippingwithwater,onthefirstrung,Ishiftedmyweightandlistenedtotheloudcrackasitspiltintwo.

Istoodthereinthesemidarkmuttering,whichhadnoeffectonthebrokenstepwhatsoever.Liftingmy

legalittlehigher,Irestedmybootonthenextrung,thistimegentlyapplyingmyweightuntilthemajoritywasontheladder.

Sighing,Iliftedmyselfup,holdingthetorchinmyrighthandalittleawayfromtheropessothatIwouldn’tsetthemonfire.

Therungheld,andIlistenedtothewoodsquealasIplacedmyotherbootonthenextandslowlyclimbedup

withmyhipstillaching.Therewasatrapdoorwithhingesandahandleatthetopoftheladder.FromthedistanceI’dclimbed,IcalculatedthatImustbeprettyclosetothesurface.

Ithoughtaboutpullingmysidearmagain,butIwassurethatifImadesomesortofdramaticentrance,theladderwaslikelytobuckleanddumpme,thetorch,andmy.45backinthecave.

Carefullytakingthehandle,IraisedthetrapdooraninchortwosothatIcouldseetheinteriorofwhatlookedtobeanoldlineman’sshack,asmall,rough-cut,woodenstructure.TheportionIcouldseehadanemptybunkagainstawall,acloseddoor,andEnicLoneElksittinginachairinmyslicker,asingle-barrelshotgunpointedattheopening.“Hi,Sheriff.”

“MindifIclimbtherestofthewayout?”

“Youbetter—I’mnotsureifthatladderwillholdyoufortoomuchlonger.”

Liftingthehatchtherestofthewaywithmyrighthand,Iclimbedoutandsatonthefloorwiththetorchstillinmyleft,andcommentedonthesmallpotbelliedstovecracklingwithafewburninglogs.“Youhadtimetomakeafire?”

Hekepttheshotgunonme.“Tookyouawhile.”

“ThereweremomentswhenIwasn’tsureIwasgoingtomakeitatall.”

Henodded.“Lotofcavesdownthere—weclearedabunch,butthereareabunchmore.”Hegesturedwiththesinglebarrel.“Stuffthattorchinthefirethere.”

Ididashesaidandwatchedastheflamesleaptalittleattheintroductionofthe

extrafuel.“YouandDanny?”“Wewereredoingthe

floorinthisplaceandfoundthetrap.Pulleditupanddiscoveredthecavedownbelow.Figuretheymust’veusedittogetawayorstorestuff.”

“Who?”“Don’tknow—found

emptybottlesofhoochfromthetwenties,soitmight’vebeenusedbybootleggers,andwhoknowsbeforethat—

maybeButchCassidyandtheSundanceKid,forallIknow.”Hegesturedwiththeshotgunagain.“Wannaclosethatthing?Causesadraft.”

Iclosedthedoorinthefloorandreachedouttowarmmyhandsnearthefire,noticingapotofcoffeeonthestoveandafewtincups.“Youknow,ifIhadn’tfoundmywayuphere,you’dhavehadalotofexplainingtodo.”

“Youwould’vejust

disappeared;peopledisappearinthiscountry.”

“LikeJenniferWatt?”Hesaidnothing,andIpouredmyselfacupofcoffeeandsetthepotbackonthestoveunderhiscarefuleye.“AndTaylor.”Istudiedhim.“What’sgoingon,Enic?”

Heunsnappedafewoftheclaspsonmyslickerandpulledadrenchedhatfromhishead,ignoringbadluckandthrowingitonthebunk.

“You’reasmartfella—youtellme.”

Isippedthecoffee,andittastedwonderful.“Iwasjustaboutconvincingmyselfthatyoudidn’thaveanythingtodowiththedeathofyourbrother.”

“Ididn’t.”Igesturedwiththecup

towardtheshotgun.“Thenwhyisoneofushavingthisconversationatgunpoint?”

“Justslowingyoudownso

thattheyoungonescangetaway.”Hedidn’tmove,buthiseyesdriftedfrommetowardthefire.“DannywashardonRandy,andnowRandy’shardonthatboy.So,I’mputtingastoptoit.”

“DannywashardonRandy?”

Theoldermannodded.“DannywasdrinkingandworkedRandylikeamulebutitmadehimtough,madehimcapable.Randy’sbeentough

onTaylor,butallit’sdoneisweartheboydown.IknewbothEvaandRandywouldn’twantthatboyrunningoffwithawhitegirl,soItookahand.”

Inodded.“Wherearetheyheaded?”

“Noneofyourbusiness.”“Actually,itismy

business.Someonemurderedyourbrother.”

“Theydidn’thaveanythingtodowiththat.”

“Thenwhodid?”Hedidn’tanswer—justsat

therewiththeshotgunpointedatme.Inoticedthehammerwasn’tpulledback.“Enic,I’mhavingahardtimebelievingthatyouwouldshootme.”

“Don’twantto,butIneedyoutostayputforawhile.”

“Thenwhat?There’sanAPBoutonthetwoofthemandeveryhighwaypatrolmanintheterritoryisgoingtobe

lookingforwhatevervehiclethey’rein.”

“Drinkyourcoffee.”Ididandthensetthe

emptycupdownonthekindlingbox.“Enic,I’vehadalittledramainmyfamilyjustlately,too.Myson-in-lawwaskilledadayago,shotinaroutinetrafficstopinPhiladelphiawherehewasapoliceofficer.So,nowmydaughterisgoingtohavetogothroughwhatI’vebeen

goingthroughforabunchofyearssincemywifedied.”Irubbedmyfacewithmyonehandandthendroppeditinmylapwiththeotheroneandlookedathim.“That’ssomethingIwouldn’twishonmyworstenemy,letalonethetwopeoplemoreimportanttomethaneverything.”Isighedandshookmyheadatthethoughtofit.“Butnowtheresheiswithabrand-newdaughterandnohusbandto

helpher.Sheneedsme,andifyouthinkI’mgoingtosithereandsipcoffeeandpassthetimeofdaywithyou,you’vegotanotherthinkcoming.”

AsIstartedtostand,heraisedtheboreofthebarreltowardmyface.“Holduprightthere.”

“Andit’sgoingtotakeahellofalotmorethanthatshotguntostopme.”Istood.“Besides,myhiphurtsand

mylegsaregettingstifffromsittingonthisfloor.”Iarchedmybackandstraightenedmyhat.“I’mstiffallover,butIthinkI’mmostlytired,tiredofeverything,totellthetruth.”Iwalkedpasthimashestoodandrestedahandonthedoorknob.“Youcangoaheadandshootmeifyouwant,butastiredasIam,Ican’tguaranteethatI’llfeelit.”

Itwasaboutthenthat

everythingwentblackandIrealizedI’dbeenwrongaboutacoupleofthings—thatEnicwasnotafraidtousethatshotgunandthatthatshotgunhadstoppedmeafterall.

•••

Numberone:thesuddendecelerationoraccelerationoftheheadisprettyimportantinaconcussion,generally

occurringwhentheblowisfromthesideorfrombehindwith,say,oh,thebuttofasingle-barreledshotgun.

Itriedtoriseupononeforearm,butitwouldn’tsupportme,soIjustlaythere.

Numbertwo:evidencesuggeststhatagoodconcussiveblowthatresultsinaknockoutgenerallyhasatwistingmotionwhichresultsinthebrainreactingwithin

theskullsomethinglikeaMixmaster.

Ifinallyopenedmyeyesandstaredatthefloor,expectingpoolsofbloodbutnotseeinganythroughthecrashingwavesoftsunamipainthatwereattemptingtooverturnmybraininitspan.Incapableofmuchelse,Irolledoverandlookedattheceilingandlistenedtomybreathrattle,thewarmairfrommylungscreatinga

cloudyvaporinthenowcoldinterior.

AsIthoughtback,Icouldonlycomeupwithahandfuloftimesthishadhappenedtome,whichisgoodbecauseIfeltlikemybrainswereleakingoutofmyears.

Sittingup,InoticedthatEnicmust’vecoveredmewithmyslicker.Ipickedupmyhatandcarefullyplaceditonmyhead,avoidingthelump,andrubbedmyface.It

wasstillraining,andthefireinthestovewasout,thetorchendhavingburnedoffandfallentothefloor,whichgavemeanindicationofhowlongImust’vebeenlyingthere:toolong.

Strugglingtomyfeetbyslidingmybackagainstthedoor,Istood,sortof,andlookedthroughthegrimywindows;itwasstilldarkout,earlymorningbeingmyguess—beforesunup,atleast.

Feelingthebilerisinginmythroat,Iswallowedandstretchedmyjawandfeltformy.45,relievedtofinditstillinmyholster.Takingafewunsteadysteps,Iwentovertothestoveandfeltthecoffeepot—cold,butstillhalffull.Ipickedupthetincup,refilledit,andtookaswigtoclearthetastefrommymouth.

Takingafewsteps,Idrapedtheslickerovera

shoulder,andthreadedanarmthroughasleeve,stoppingtorestbeforethreadingtheother.Iwaitedamomentandthenbuckledthethingclosed,flippingupthecollarandpullingmyhatdowninthefront.

Graspingtheknob,Iturneditandstumbledaroundthedoorasthewindandrainblewitagainstme,andItrudgedintothedark,notreallysurewhereIwasand

certainlynotsureaboutwhereIwasgoing.

Therainwasn’tashardasIremembereditbeingbefore,butthewindhadpickedup.Sinceitgenerallycamefromthenorthwest,Itackedintoitanddownahillontowhatappearedtobeanoldcowpath.

FiguringthatEnicmust’vetakenBambino,Idecidednottolookforhimandkeptwalking,assumingI’d

eventuallyfindaroadandstartmywaybacktowardcivilizationonfoot.

Thecowpathturnedtotheleftandstayedonthelowlandandoutofthewind,forwhichIwasthankful.Myheadwaskillingme,andallofasudden,whilewipingtherainfrommyface,Ifoundmyselflyingonthepath,strugglinginthemudtostand.

Ifelldownafewmore

timesbutthenmanagedtokeepmyfooting.ItfeltlikeIwaswalkingforahundredmiles,butIjustignoredtimeanddistanceandkeptgoing,hopingIwasn’tjustwalkingincirclesandnotknowingit.

Trudgingthroughthebarrowditch,Iclimbedupthehillside,andwhenIgotthereIkneeledinanattempttocatchmybreathandfightbackthevertigo.

Ibreathedheavily,again

watchingthevaportrailfrommynostrils,andstood,atfirstalittleunsteadilybutthenfeelingsomewhatbetter.Inoticedthattherhythmofmystepswasmatchingmybreathing,possiblytheonlythingthatwaskeepingmegoing.Ipushedmyhatupandgrippedmyforeheadinanattempttochaseoffthepain,butitstayedrighttherewithmeuntilIunexpectedlyranintosomething.

Mythighsstruckthebluntedgeofasolidimpediment,andwhenItriedtograbwhateveritwas,Islippedandfellbackward.IlayintheroadthinkingI’dbettergetupbeforeeitherIdrownedlikeaturkeyorsomethingranoverme.

Therewasalotofnoise,andIsworeIcouldhearvoicesassomebody,twosomebodiesactually,pickedmeup,trailedmyarmsover

theirshoulders,anddraggedmetothebackseatofacar.TheBobs.

Imumbled.“What’dhesay?”“Somethingaboutnot

lettinggo.”

14Iwasseeingdouble.Ishookmyhead,anothermistakeinthatnowmybrainfeltlikeitwasbouncingaroundlikeasneakerinawashingmachine.

“Goodthingyou’vegotahardhead.”BobDeludemade

afaceastheBobsstoodatthefootofmyhospitalbedlikebookends.

Sittingtherestofthewayup,IcouldseeHenryandDocBloomfieldatthesideofmybed.“Youknow,I’mreallygettingtiredofwakingupinthisplace.”IcouldfeelthebandageswrappedaroundmyskullasIrestedbackonacollectionofpillows.“HasanyonefoundJenniferandTaylor?”Henryshrugged,

andIlookedatthetwopatrolmen,whofollowedsuit.“WhataboutEnic?”

“Alsomissing.”TheCheyenneNationsatinthenearestchair.“Wewerehopingyoucouldtelluswhereeveryonewas,butwedidfindthehorse.”

“Domeafavor?”“Yes?”“Shoothim.”“Toolate.Wealready

returnedhimsafeandsound

tothecorralattheLoneElkRanch.”Hestudiedme.“Didthehorsehavesomethingtodowithallthis?”

“Well,kindof.ThebiggestproblemwasEnic.”Iyawnedandcouldhearcrackingnoises—probablynotagoodsign.“Myheadhurts.”

RobertHallspokeup.“We’vegotanAPBoutonthetwo—shouldweaddEnic?”

“Yep.”Iglancedaround.“Wherearemyclothes?”

“Lockedup.”Thedoc’svoicewasfirmashepulledathisnosewithathumbandforefinger.“DCIsentbacktheofficialreportonDannyLoneElk.”

“NowwhydoInotlikethesoundofthat?”

“AllindicationsarethatDannydiedofmercurypoisoning.”

Iglancedattheothermen

intheroom,buttheyseemedasconcernedasIwas.“Mercurypoisoning?”

Thedocnodded.“Yes.Ifyou’llremember,Iremarkedonthefleshsheddingatthefingertips?”

“Othersymptoms?”Isaacrecited:“Tremors,

emotionalchanges,insomnia,impairmentofperipheralvision,headaches,lackofcognitivefunction—allthethingsthatDannyhadbeen

sufferingfromthatlatelymight’vebeenmisconstruedasalcoholism.”

“Therattle.”Theyalllookedatme.“TheturtlerattlethatDannykeptgettingoutandplacingonhischestwhenhetookhisnaps—ithadastrongsmelltoit,andIrememberDaveBaumannsayingthatthethingsweredangerousbecauseoftheresidualchemicalsthatremainedfromthemuseums

cleaningthem.Hementionedmercury,specifically.”IhappenedtocatchHenry’seyesastheyplayedoutthroughthedarkpastthewindows.“What?”

Heturnedtolookatme.“Fish.”Hestood,placinghisfingertipsonthesurfaceoftheglass.“Highlevelsofmethylmercurycanberetainedinfishandshellfish.”

Istaredathim.“AreyousayingthatDannyateenough

fishthathe—”“Well,inDanny’scasenot

exactlyfish.”Heturnedtolookatme.“Turtles.”

“Oh,hell.”Ithoughtaboutit.“Didn’tRandysaythatEvafixedtheirdadturtlesoupallthetime?”

“Shedid,butstill,whereisthemercurycomingfrom?”

IwatchedasIsaacthumbeduphisglassesandmassagedthebridgeofhisnose,ahabitwhenindeep

thought.“FortypercentofmercurypoisoningintheU.S.comesfrompowerplants,butonceagain,there’snothinglikethatinthearea.”

IthoughtabouttheconversationI’dhadwiththeHardinhippy.“Turtlefood.”Theyalllookedatme.“Theherbalist/pharmacologistupinHardintoldmethathesoldturtlefoodtoDannybythetruck-load.”IturnedtotheCheyenneNation.“Whatdo

turtleseat?”Hesmiledthethin-lipped

smile,theonethatcutpaper...orredtape.“Fish.”

“MostofthatcrapthatFreeBirdissellingisillegalChinesestuff,andI’msureit’sprobablylacedwithmercurybecauseit’stoobadtoselltohumans.”

Bobshrugged.“Soyouthinkhisdeathactuallywasanaccident?”

“Iamnotsure,butif

somebodyknewaboutthemercuryinthefeedandsubsequentlytheturtlesincombinationwiththesacredrattle...Eva?”

IlookedattheBear.“Youthink?”IturnedtoIsaac.“Doc,Ineedmyclothes—now.”

Ashehurriedout,Ispoketotheassembledposse.“So,asnearasIcantell,TaylorandJenniferhaveathingandUncleEnicishelpingthem

along.”IlookedattheBobs.“CanyouguysgetdowntotheLoneElkplaceandarresteverybodywhoisdownthere?”

Theyspokeinunison.“Charge?”

“What,sincewhendoyouguysneedareasontoarrestsomebody?”Ithrewoutthefirstthingthatcametomind.“Probablecause.”

BobturnedtoRobert.“Iloveprobablecause.”

Robertnoddedandlookedbackatmeastheywentoutthedoor.“Me,too.So,notthatit’sanyofourbusiness,butwhereareyoutwogoing?”

“Lookingforthestarstruckloversandtheirguardian.IthinkIoweEnicapopinthejaw...”AstheHPsexited,IturnedbacktotheCheyenneNation.“WhereareTrostandtheFBI?”

Henryfoldedhishandsin

hislap.“TheywereboxingupmoreofJen,butitislateandtheygaveupwhentheycouldnotgetJaytoruntheforkliftintherain.”

“It’samanhunt—isn’tthatwhattheFBIdoesbest?”Ipressedmyfingersagainstmyrighteye,whichseemedtowanttopopout.“Wait,didyoujustsayitwaslate?”

Henrylookedathiswristwatch.“Closetoeleven;Mr.HallandMr.Delude

foundyoujustbeforedawnandyouhavebeenunconsciousallday.”

“Oh,no.”Henryfrowned.“Yes,you

cannotmoveinyourholdingcell.FromwhatIunderstand,TrosthasbeeninnegotiationwiththeDOJtohaveJenstoredintheofficialdepositoryinBozeman.”

“Whatthehellishethinking?”

TheBearshrugged.“I

guesshehashissightssethigherthantheBigEmpty.”

“I’mcallingJoeMeyer.”IglancedaroundforaphonebutcouldseeonlytheinternalonefortheICU.“AssoonasIgetmydamnpants.”

•••

Thereweresomeemergencyclothesinmyoffice,whichwasgoodbecausethedirector

oftheCheyenneConservancyandthechiefoftheNorthernCheyennetribe,alongwiththeirbodyguard,werewaitingforme.

Ire-dressedandlimpedbackintothedispatcher/receptionistarea.HenrywassittingonthebenchwithBrandonWhiteBuffaloandLonnieLittleBird,LoloLongsittingonRuby’sdesk,herlonglegsdangling.“Sheriff.”

“Chief.What’sup?”Shegesturedtowardthe

oldman,whosmiled.“I’mthinkingthere’ssomethingyoushouldknow.Umhmm,yesitisso.”

“What’sthat,Lonnie?”“Therewasameetinga

fewmonthsagowiththetribalcouncil,andthosemeetings,theygetlong,soIsometimesfallasleep.Mm,hmm.”Heshookhishead.“WhichishowIgotelected

chiefIsuppose;Iwasasleepandcouldn’tdefendmyself...”

“Whataboutthemeeting,Lonnie?”

“What?”Helookedatme,hismouthmovinginanattempttocontinuetheconversation,butnotquitesurewhatitwas.

“Themeeting?”“Oh,yes...Therewasa

meeting.Mm,hmm,itisso.”Istoodtherelookingat

himforaspellbutthenfinallyturnedandglancedatChiefLong,whoobligedmebyremindinghim,“Thegirl,Lonnie.”

Hisheadrosebackwithhismouthopen,thethoughtre-forming.“Thegirl,yes,therewasagirl.Shecametothefirstmeetingandstoodbythedoor,butthentheygotherachairtositoninthenextone,andthenbythetimewegottothelastmeetingshe

wassittingwithusatthetableduringthenegotiations.”

“Whois‘us’?”“Danny,thenegotiations

withDannyabouttheCheyenneConservancyandthedinosaur.”

“Yep,butwhowasthegirl?”

“Thegirlwiththecamera.Mm,hmm.Yes,itisso.”

Loloaddedinexplanation,“Thepaleontologist,Jennifer

Watt.”“Shefilmedallthreeofthe

meetings?”Brandonsatforward,his

gianthandslinkedunderhischin.“It’strue.Irememberthattherewasablondewomanatthemeetings,filming.EvidentlysheandDannywereverygoodfriends,andhehadherfilmeverything.”

“Yes.”Loloshrugged.“Ididn’tthinkanythingaboutit,

butthenshewentmissingalongwithTaylorandIthoughtitmightbepertinent.”

IlookedatHenry.“Weneedtofindthosetwoandgetthosefiles.AnywordfromMcGroderonthecomputer?”

“NotthatIknow.”IglancedbackatChief

Long,figuringsheprobablyknewtheanswertosuchthings.“Howmuchcanyousaveononeofthose

cameras?”“Small,digital?”“Yep.”“Theyrecordontoa

memorycard,soit’saccordingtohowbigthatis.Ifonefilegetsfilleditwilljustflipovertothenext.”

“Rememberingthatshefilmseverything,enoughsothatthefilesfromthatmeetingcouldstillbeinhercamera?”

“Iwouldthinkso.”

IturnedtoHenry.“Allright,we’vegotthetwostarstruckloversandtheirtrustycompanion;asmygo-toguyonallthingstracking,wherewouldtheybe?”

“Ontheranch—itistheonlyplacewheretheywouldbesafe.”

“Well,that’sonlyfifteenthousandacres—howwouldyousuggestdoingthat?”

“OmarandhisluxuriousNeimanMarcushelicopter.”

Mystomachflipped.“Tonight?”

“Ithoughtyouhadgottenenoughsleep.”

“Flying.”IlistenedtotherainpeltingtheroofoftheoldCarnegielibrary.“Inthisweather?”

TheBearsmiled.“Hehasflowninworse.”

•••

OnSeptember3,1996,RonBowerandJohnWilliamsbroketheround-the-worldhelicopterrecordinseventeendays,sixhours,andfourteenminutes.TheywereabletoaccomplishthisfeatduetotheBell430,whichhadafour-blade,bearingless,hingelesscompositemainrotorandclosetoeighthundredhorsepowerproducedbytwoRolls-Royce/Allisonturboshaft

engines.IwaslisteningtothesamesortofengineswhineasweduckedundertheswingingpropsandclimbedintoOmar’shelicopter,therainnowblowingsideways.

IenviedtheponchotheBearhadappropriatedfromthedutyclosetasIclamoredtowardaseat.“Thisfitstheparametersofmyworst-casescenario.”

Wethumpedintothesoft,butter-coloredleatherofthe

obsceneconveyanceastheCheyenneNationclosedthedoorbehindus.

“Wait.Itwillmostlikelygetworse.”

Omarcalledoverhisshoulder,“Wein?”

Iyelledback.“Forbetterorworse!”

Inrevenge,hethrottledup,andIfeltmygutssettleintothecradleofmypelvicbones,suddenlyrushingupandskyward.“Oh,hell.”

TheBearturnedandlookedbetweentheseatsatourpilot.“Youknowwhereyouaregoing?”

Henodded,mostofhisfacecoveredfrommyviewbythemassiveheadset.“Startatthedigsite?”

Henryshouted.“Wewilldoacircleout,andifwefindnothingthenwecanbeginagridpattern.”

Omarnodded,andweracedoverDurant’smain

street,headedsouth-southeast.Thelasttimethethreeofushadbeeninthisself-samehelicopterhadbeeninanattempttosaveayoungmanwhowasbeingstalkedbyanunknownsniperintheCloudPeakWildernessArea.Theweatherhadbeenmoderatewhenwe’dstarted,butthenafronthadcomeinwithsnow,sleet,andsixty-mile-an-hourwindsthathadsentOmarandtheNeiman

MarcushelicopterdownthemountainandHenryandmeonalife-threateninghikeonsnow-coveredtrails.“Don’tgetshotthistime.”

“Iintendtodomybest.”“Anddon’tsing.”“Ididnotsingbefore.”Iglancedoutthewindow

attherollinghillswetraversed,onlyahundredfeetorsoabovethewet,wavinggrass.“Can’tweflyhigher,sowedon’thavetogoupand

downsomuch?”“Ithinkheisattemptingto

avoidthewind,whichisworsehigherup.”

“Oh.”Heglancedoutthe

windowontheothersideofthehelicopter.“Italsomeansthehelicopterwillfallashorterdistanceshouldsomethinghappen.”

“Shutup.”Ifastenedmyseatbelt.“Howfastarewegoing?”

Heleanedforwardagain,readingtheinstrumentsoverOmar’sshoulder.“Onehundredandfortyknots.”

IthoughtabouttheroughknowledgeI’dreceivedbehindthecontrolseatsofaB-25MitchellbythenameofSteamboatyearsago.“Onehundredandsixty-onemilesanhour?”

Heshruggedandwentbacktolookingoutthewindow.“Ithinkhelikesto

gofast,andsinceitishishelicopter...”

Ilookedoutandwasbarelyabletomakeoutthecontoursofthelandnow.“Howarewegoingtosee?It’sasdarkastheinsidesofacowoutthere.”

“Omarhasassuredmethathehasenoughauxiliarylightingthatweshouldbeabletospotthemiftheyareouthere.Wecansearchforthemuntildawnandthen

refuelandstartoutagain.”Hestudiedme.“Howis

yourstomach?”“Flippinglikeatrout.”“Doesithelptotalk?”“Some.”“MMO?”Itwasagamewehad

playedforaslongasI’dbeeninlawenforcement,maybeevenaleftoverfromVietnam:Motive-Means-Opportunity.“Isitmyimagination,orwasitonthis

samehelicopterthatwelastdidthis?”

Heshrugged.“Breaksupthemonotony.”

“Andkeepsmymindoffmystomach.”Isettledmyself.“Suspects?”

“Jen,Taylor,Enic,Eva,Randy,andyourfriend,Dino-Dave.”

“Nooneelseontheranchasfarasweknow.”

TheCheyenneNationnoddedtowardOmar.“Him.”

“Hewasthere,buthedoesn’thaveamotive;anyway,we’llthrowhiminwhenwegettoopportunity.”

Avoicesuddenlysoundedinbothourheadsets.“YoutwoknowIcanhearyou,right?”

Henrysmiled.“Mightbeanopportunitytoask.”

SoIdid.“Hey,Omar,didyoukillDanny?”

“No.”Igesturedwithmyone

hand.“He’sinnocent.”Omar’svoicerangagain.

“Iunderstandyourhavingtoask.”

“Thanks.”IglancedatHenryaswebothremovedourheadphonesandhungthembackontheinteriorhooks.“Jen.”

“Lowonmotive—whatwouldshehavetogain?”

“Taylor?”“We’removingon?”Ishookmyhead.“No,she

hadTaylortogain.”“YouthinkDannywould

havepreventedthetwoofthemfromgettingtogether?”

“Possibly.”Itiltedmyhead.“ButshewasobviouslytrustedenoughbyDannytobeinvitedtoalltheCheyenneConservancymeetings.Two?”

Henodded.“Opportunity?”

“Zero,shedidn’tlivethereandwouldn’twanttobe

caughtnearthepond,asnobodyknewabouttherelationshipwithTaylor,orsotheysay.”Ishookmyhead.“Randyseemedgenuinelysurprised.”

“Allright,wewillgiveJenatotaloftwo.”

“Eva?”Ithoughtaboutthepsychopharmiccloudsurroundingthewoman.“Whotheheckknows?”

“ShewouldkeephersonfromJen,andEnicwould

sidewithherontraditionalism.”

“AndthetwowouldoverrideRandy?”

“Yes.”“Giveherathree.”I

lookedoutthewindowbutstillcouldseenothingbuttherainpeltingtheglass.“Means?”

“Shecookedforhim.”“Yes.”Isighed.“Three.”“Opportunity?”“Three.”

Henodded.“Wehaveanewleaderatnine.”

Imovedon.“Taylor.”“Hewouldgettheranch

eventually,buttherearetwosurvivinggenerationsaheadofhim.”

“He’dgetthegirl.”Heshookhishead.“Do

youthinktheobjectionstotheirMay/Septemberrelationshipwerestrongenoughtokillhisgrandfatherfor?”

“Seemslikeastretch.”“Givehimaone?Iamnot

givinghimazero.”“Means?”“Hehadaccesstothe

alcoholandtheturtlefeed.”“Hedoesn’tdrive.”“True.”“Two.”Heglancedback

outthewindow.“Opportunity?”

“Hewasaroundthehouseallthetime,whenhewasn’trunningaway,andhedidn’t

seemtohavetoomuchofaproblemshootingatusafterwefoundDanny.”

“Two,whichgivesusfive.”

“Dino-Dave.”“KillingDannywould

onlycomplicatethingsforhim.”

Iagreed.“One.”“Means?”“Hedoesn’tliveonthe

ranch;I’dgivehimanotherone.”

“Opportunity?”“Same,sowe’vegotan

all-timelowofthree.”SuddenlyIcouldfeeltheaircraftpullup,andwehoveredthereintheair,probablyahundredfeetorsoabovetheground.Omarmotionedtowardhisearphonesandthengesturedtowardours.

HenryandIpluckedthemfromthehooksandputthemon,adjustingthemicrophones

infrontofourmouthsasOmar’svoicesoundedinourears.“You’vegotacallfromtheFBI.”

“Yep,IleftamessageforMcGroderonhiscellphone.Mike?”

Hisvoicewasgroggy.Static.“Ijustgotthemessagetocallyou.”

“Anyluckonthatcomputer?”

Static.“No,it’sannihilated;anyinformation

ontheharddriveiscorrupted.Sorry...”

“Well,that’sadisappointment,butI’vestillgotoneaceinthehole.Hey,Mike,doyouguyshaveanykindofwhizbangsatellitegizmothatcanpinpointthelocationofsomesuspectsouthereonthe—”

Static.“Wherethehellareyou?”

“I’minahelicopter;we’relookingfortherunawaysand

Enic,andIwashopingtocallinafavorandseeifthebureauhadanywayofhelpingustrackthemdown.”

Static.“Tonight?”“Well,yep.”Static.“No.”“Whatdoyoumeanno?”Static.“Imeannoasin

you’reonlygoingtogetsatellitereferenceonatwenty-four-hourbasis,andthensomebody’sgoingtohavetogothroughthedata.

Besides,isitstillraining?”“Yep.”Static.“Thenyou’renot

goingtogetanythinganyway.”Hereadjustedthephone.“IcanlocateaguyinManhattanusinghismobileinathirdofasecond,butouthereinGod’scountry?You’vegottobekidding.”Helaughed.“Iftheywereusingacellphonewecouldgetanapproximatelocationfromthesendingtowers,and

byapproximate,Imeanacouplehundredsquaremiles,butsincethereisnocellservicealmostanywherehereinWyoming,theywon’tbeusingone—whichmeanswegetzippo,nada,zilch.”

“Thanksforyourhelp.”Static.“Anytime.”There

wasasilence,butthenhespokeagain.“Look,I’llcontactNSA,butI’mpromisinglessthannothing,okay?”

“Betterthannothing,Iguess.”

Static.“Overandout.”Ilistenedtotheradiogo

deadandglancedupatthemillionairepilot.“Omar,howfartothesite?”

Thenoseofthechopperdipped,andwejettedforward.“Abouttwominutes.”

Asweskimmedalongintotherainandthewindsweptsky,Irapidlymoveddown

thelist.“RandyI’mgivingatwoonmotivesimplybecausehewouldhavetokillhisuncleaswelltogetanythingoutofit.”Ithoughtaboutit.“ButtherewassomethingEnicsaidaboutDannybeinghardonRandy.”

Henryraisedafingerinresponse.“Also,EnicisaTraditionalandpossiblymoreopentotheideaofclosingoutsomethingnewfangledliketheCheyenne

Conservancy.”“Ijustdon’tseethosetwo

agreeingonmuchofanything.”

“Aroundeightmilliondollarscansootheoveranumberofdifferences.”

Ishookmyhead.“I’mstillgivinghimatwo.”

“Means?”“Gottagivehimathreeon

that.”Opportunity?”“Three.”

“Secondplaceateight.”“Enic.”“Heknewaboutthe

relationship,andhe’sbeentryingtohelpthem.”Ireachedoverandfingeredthedelicateglassofthebudvases,astrangethingtohaveonboardatwin-engine,light-mediumhelicopter,butithadcomefromNeimanMarcus.“HesaidsomethingaboutEvanotbeinghappyaboutthesituation.”Isighed.“He

getstheranch,hegetstheeight-million-dollarJen...Hegetseverything.”

TheCheyenneNationnodded.“Three.”

“Hejustdoesn’tseemlikethetype;Igetthefeelinghewouldn’tkillhisbrother.”

“Hestruckyouinthebackoftheheadwiththestockofashotgun.”

“Hecould’veshotme.”Iacquiesced.“Three.”

“Means?”

“Three.”“Opportunity?”“Three.”AneyebrowontheBear

creptuplikeablackcaterpillar.“NeedIremindyouthatthegameisnotMotive-Means-Opportunity,andFeelings.”

Boyhowdy.

15“Isitme,orhavewestopped?”

TheBearnodded.“Ithinkweareintheprocessofstopping.”

TheBell430easedtoahoveroverthedigsiteasthenorthwestwindbuffetedthe

fuselageandOmareasedusdownward,suddenlypivotingtotheleft,hisvoicealittletooexcitedformytaste.“Sorry,thatridgewasalittlecloserthanIthought.We’recheckingtheimmediateareafromtheairandthen,ifwedon’tfindanything,webeginthecircle?”

“I’mopentoideasifyou’vegotabetterone.”

“Nope—justcheckingbeforeIturnonthelights.”

Henryglancedatmeasweswepttheimmediatevicinity,oureyesgettingusedtothesuddenglaringlight.“Enicisarmed?”

Inodded.“Withasingle-barrelshotgunthatlookedasifitmight’vecomeoffaWellsFargowagon.”

“Doyouhaveanextrafirearm,justincase?”

Ishookmyhead.“No.”“That’sokay,Ido.”

Omar’svoiceassaultedus,

alongwiththebutt-endofatacticalshotgun,completewithablacknylonsling.“BenelliM4withallthebellsandwhistles—nothinglivesintwoequalparts,unlessyougetattackedbyearthworms.”

TheCheyenneNationtookthethingfromthefrontpassengerseatandhelditgentlyinhishands,morethanalittleimpressedwiththesleek,matte-black12-gauge.Hisfingerswrappedaround

theforestockneartheflashlightbelowthebarrel,andheflippedonthehigh-intensitylight.

“ShadesofVietnam?”Hiseyescameuptomine,

andhesmiledashisfreehandpulledthehoodoftheponchoupoverthecloakofdarkhair.“Justalittle.”

“Hey,Omar,nothingmovingaroundhere—let’sproceedsouthbysouthwestandseeifwecanfinda

linemaninahayshack,orsomethinglikethat.”

Ifigureditwasprettymuchanimpossibilitythatwemightstumbleontotheshackevenwiththelights,butIkeptmyeyesoutthewindows,asmuchasIdidn’twantto,adjustedthemic,andspoketoOmar.“Followthedrainages;whenwefoundtheopeningtothemineitwasonahillsidewiththeshackontheridgeaboveit.”I’djust

finishedspeakingwhentherewasaloudthump,theaircraftshuddered,andthesearchlightswereentwinedinamassofwet,wavinggrass.“Didwejusthittheground?”

Omar’svoicesoundedcompletelycalm.“Justgrazedahilltop.”

Myvoice,ontheotherhand,wasnotsocompletelycalm.“Let’snotdothatagain,okay?”

Henryglancedoveratme,

shookhishead,andcontinuedlookingoutthewindow.

“Iknowthisareaprettywell.I’vehunteddownhereandwe—”

Therewasanotherthump.“Damnit,Omar!Putanothertwentyfeetbetweenusandtheground,wouldyou?”Thisthumphadbeendifferent,though.Thehelicoptershudderedlikebefore,butnowthereseemedtobeanimbalanceinthevibrationsof

thething.“Whatthehellwasthat?”

“Shit.”IwatchedasOmarstruggledwiththecontrols,finallyeasingthecraftbackinanattempttohover,butthechopperwashavingnoneofitandpitchedtotheside.

Islammedmyshoulderagainstthedoor,clampedahandontotheseat,and,glancingatHenry,noticedhehadlostalittleofhisnonchalance.“What’s

happening?”“Wehitsomething,or

somethinghashitus.”Ipressedmyselfeven

furtherintotheseat,ifpossible.“Arewegoingdown?”Hedidn’tanswer,buttherewasanothershudderingthumpanditseemedasifthehelicopterwastippingforwardeventhoughwewerestillmoving.“Areweontheground?”

Omaranswered.“Weare,

butwearesliding—bettergrabontosomething.”

Ireachedfortheseatinfrontofme,butwehitthesideofthehillbeforeIcouldholdon.Iflewforward,takingHenrywithme,andwetumbledintothecockpitwithOmar,crushinghimintotheinstrumentpanelasweflippedoverthedashandlodgedagainsttheglass.

Thegoodnewswasthatwe’dstoppedmoving.

IyankedmyarmfreeastheBearcarefullyplacedtheshotgunontheseat,thenpulledhimselfintothecopilotpositionandlookedatOmar,whowaspiecingtogetherastripoffleshatthebridgeofhisnosethatwasleakingcopiousamountsofblood.

Henrydisengagedhimselffromthecopilotcontrols.“Areyouallright?”

Omarnoddedandstartedshuttingthehelicopterdown.

Hegesturedtowardme.“Yeah,Iguess.IwasfineuntilBigfootplantedabootinmyfaceasyoutwowentover.”Hereacheddownandhitafewmorebuttonsandthenspokeintothemic.“AbsarokaCountyControl,wearedown.Requestingassistance.”Hekeyedthemicagain.“AbsarokaCountyControl?”Helistenedforamomentandthenpulledhistrademarkblackhatfromhis

headandceremoniouslydroppedtheheadsettothefloorboards.“Eitherwe’reoutofrange,thereisnoreception,ortheradioisFUBAR.”

Lyingontheleather-covereddash,IdroppedmyheadbackandlookedattherainstrikingthePlexiglas.“Whatdidwehit—orwhathitus?”

Omargavetheflapoffleshonemorequickpinch

andwipedthebloodawaywithaGORE-TEXsleeve.Heputhishatbackon,thengrabbedahigh-intensityflashlightfromaconsoleandpulledtheleveronthedoor.“Let’sgofindout.”

TheCheyenneNationpiledouthissidewiththeBenelli,andascomfortableasIwasjustlyingthere,mysenseofdutycalledandIdraggedmyselfoffthecomfyshelf,fellintoOmar’sseat,

andslidoutafterthem.Theywerelookingatthechopper,but,likethem,Icouldn’tseeanythingbeyondthebendingoftherunnersandalittlecosmeticdamagetothefrontofthefuselage.

“Itlooksfine.”Iglancedatthemultimillionairebutnoticedhewaspointingup.

“Notreally.”HenryandIfollowedhis

eyesandthebeamoftheflashlightandcouldseelarge

chunksbrokenfromtherotors.“I’mnoaviationengineer,butthatlooksbad.”

“Itis.”“Idon’tthinkthecounty

cancoverthis.”“I’vegotinsurance.”Omar

walkedbehindmearoundthestabilizersastheBearandI,sayingnothing,lookedateachotherintherain.Afterafewseconds,ourpilotcamebackandheldoutashreddedpieceofwhatlookedlike

rubber-coatedcable.“Powerline?”Henodded.“Anoldone,

copper.”Heglancedaround.“Probablyaruralelectrificationfeedfrombackinthethirties.

“Whothehellwouldberunningelectriclinesallthewayoutherebackthen?”

“Let’sgoaskthem.”“Iwasthinkingyoushould

stayherewiththehelicopter.”“Likehell.”

IturnedtolookatHenryashepulledupthehoodofhisponchoagain.Iwatchedashestudiedtherotorsandthenlookedoverourheadstowardthehillsidebehinduswheretherewasasquareoutlineofalit,framedwindowthatcouldbeseenontheridgeaboveus,inwhatIcouldonlyassumewasthelinemanshack.

“Goodjob.”IpunchedOmar’sshoulderwithmyfist.

“Youfoundit.”Hereachedbackintoa

storagesectionoftheBellandpulledoutanothershotgunexactlyliketheonehe’dgiventheCheyenneNation.“Indeed.”

Wewalkedtowardthelight.“So,howmanyofthosethingsdoyouhaveonboard?”

OmartuckedthesecondBenelliunderhisarmandwipedtherainandmorebloodfromhisface.“Inmy

experience,youcanneverhaveenoughAsomBrosotequilaorshotguns.”

TheBearheldbackasthepilotstoppedforamoment,holdinghisnose.“TheReservaDelPorto?”

Omarshrugged.“Ofcourse.”

Henrycalledbacktohim,“Thebottlelookslikeapenis.”

Helookedupandsniffed.“Atelevenhundreddollarsa

bottleit’sfuckedmeupenoughtimes.”

AsIpulledupbesidehim,Henryplacedahandonmychest.“Justasaprecaution,IthinkyoushouldknowthatIbelievesomeonemayhavebeenshootingatthehelicopter.”

“Youseesomethingintherotors?”

“Maybe.”“Whydidn’tyousay

anything?”

“BecauseIamstillnotsure;itispossiblethatitwasballbearings,butsincetheenginesarebearingless,Iamthinkingitcouldhavebeenashotgun.”

“Sureaboutwhat?”Omarhadcaughtupwithus.

“Henrythinkswemight’vebeenshotat.”

Heshookhishead.“Bullshit—itwasthepowerline.”

TheBeardidn’tsay

anything.“Couldithavebeen

both?”Omarshookhishead.

“I’vebeenshotatbefore,andtheresultsaresimilarbutdifferent.”

IknewRhoades’sbackgroundandwasprettysurehehadn’tbeeninthemilitary.“Where?”

“Kyrgyzstan,huntingArgalisheep.WewereintheBatkenOblastnearthe

Kyrgyz-Tajikborderwherethelandminesarelikepavingstones.Theonlywayyoucangetthesheepiswithahelicopter,butwithallthepoliticalandethnicviolence,you’reconstantlyflyingintoonetribe’soranother’sairspace—sotheyshootatyou,andsometimestheygetluckyandscoreahit.”Omarstartedclimbing,andwefollowed.“Reallysucksgettingshotdownina

minefield.”“Ibet.”“Savedmylifeonetime

withabagofbite-sizeSnickersbars.”Hepaused,tippinghisheaddownandlettingtherainrunoffthebrimasIhaddonenumeroustimesinthelastseventy-twohours.“WewereabletolandthispieceofshitHindandavoidthelandminesandwhathappens?ThispatrolofIssyk-Kulpartisanscame

marchinguptousliketheminefielddoesn’texist.”Heshookhishead.“Iswear,therewasn’taoneofthemwithhairbetweentheirlegs.Theyweregonnashootus,butIhappenedtohavethatbagofcandyandIswearthat’swhatsavedourlives.”Helaughedandmovedahead.“TherewasaguyattheTransitCenterinManasneartheairportclosetoBishkekwhogavemethetip.Spooky

fucker,buthesaidyoucouldoffertheseteenagesoldiersyourRolexandthey’dlookatyoulikeyouwereanidiot,butpulloutcandyorsodaandyouhadfriendsforlife.”

Isteppedbackontheshelfalittle,rememberingthelightintheshack’swindow.“Ifwecutthepowerline,howcometheystillhaveelectricity?”

HenrynoddedandstartedafterOmar.“Fromthequalityoftheillumination,Iwould

saypropane.”Itrudgedinthemudafter

them.“Fromthatdistanceintheseconditionsyoucouldtellthat?”

“Yes.”Omarlaughedandcalled

overhisshoulder.“Bullshit.”Suddenly,therewasan

unmistakableblastofa20-gauge,andshotricochetedoffofeverything.IcoveredmyfacewithanarmasOmarfellontothegroundnexttome.

“Well,bullshit.”Iaskedthequestionyou

askinlikesituations,whichalwayssoundslikebaddialogueinaBwarmovie:“Areyouhit?”

Hegrimacedandclutchedathisleg.“No,IwasjusttiredandthoughtI’dliedownandtakeanap.”

Isathimonthedeertrailandexaminedthewounds,twosmallholesthatappearedtohavestrucktotheleftof

centeronthefemurandlodgedinthethigh.“You’relucky—eightincheshigherandyou’dbesingingsoprano.”

Hegrittedhisteethandspitoutthewords,“Well,ithurtslikeabitch.”

Ipulledabandanafromtheinsidepocketofmyjacketunderneathmyslickerandcarefullywrappeditaroundhisleg,tightenoughtostemsomeofthebleeding.I

helpedhimup.“Canyouwalk?”

“Ithinkso...”Ireleasedhim,andheimmediatelyfell.“Iguessnot.”

Sittinghimupright,Ilookedatthehill,butfromthisvantagepointIcouldn’tseewheretheshackwasorwheretheshootermightbe.Henryhadmovedtotherightandwasstudyingtherimoftheridgeaboveus.“Seeanything?”

“Maybe.”“Doyouwanttogoahead

andcleartheway,andI’llbringOmarupwithme?”

Withoutanswering,heslippedupthesideofthehillsidelikeablackribbon.

Iturnedbacktoourwoundedcomrade.“I’llhelpyouupthehillandoutoftherain.”

“Whatiftheykeepshootingatus?”

“They’llprobablyhitme

first.Anyway,I’vegotfaithintheBear’sabilitiesincounterinsurgency.”Rhoadesstrungtheshotgunoverhisshoulder,andwetrudgedupthetrail.“Butstopsayingbullshit;it’sbadkarma.”

“Bullshit.”IhadlosttrackofHenry

andjusthopedthattheshooterhadlosttrackofus.Thathopewasshort-lived,andpelletsricochetedoffarockoutcroppingtoourleft

butIwaslessworriedwhenthreeconsecutiveroundsfromtheBenelliM4riotgunreturnedthefire.

“Jesus...ItsoundslikeBeirutupthere.”Omar’svoicewasrightinmyear,justasithadbeeninthechopper.

IkeptworkingusupthepathandalmosthopedtobeshotsothatIcouldtakearest.Whenwemadethesmallbreakintherocksandtheflatareaattheprecipiceofthe

ridgewheretheshacksat,therewasnoonearound,andlightwascascadingfromtheopendoorway.

“Idon’tseealargeIndianwithashotgun,doyou?”

“No,andI’mhopingthatthat’sagoodthing.”Iwasreassuredbywhatsoundedlikevoicesandabarkingdogcomingfrominsidetheshack.Welimpedtothedoorandcarefullypeekedinside.HenryhadpinnedEniconto

thecotandwasattemptingtoholdhimsteadyasJennifer’smastiffstoodbarkinginthecorner.IenteredandlookedattheColemanlanternsittingandhissingonthesmalltabletoourleft—ofcourse,Henryhadbeencorrect.

Omarhadlimpedinbesideme.“DidyoushoottheIndian?”

Henrythrewthewordsoverhisshoulder,“IamanIndian.Iamallowedtoshoot

Indians.”Inoticedthebroken

shotgunthatEnichadhitmeintheheadwithearlier,lyingonthefloor,andshruggedOmarontotheonlyavailablechair.“Thatseemsexclusivelyracisttome.”

“Youcanshootasmanywhitepeopleasyouwouldlike.”

Enichadlookedbetter.“Howishe?”

TheBearhadpulledupthe

olderman’sshirt,andIcouldseewherethepelletshadhitjustabovethekidney,alonghissidewheretheyappearedtohavemissedanysolidorgans.

ImovedcloserastheBearpulledalargepacketwithafirst-aidemblemfromthefoldsofhisponcho.“Therearetwomoreintheundersideofthearm;hewasturningwhenIfired.”

Thedogcontinuedtobark

untilI’dfinallyhadenoughandyelledathim,“Shutup!”Hedidandpromptlysatandwaggedatme.“Gooddog.”IwatchedasOmarfilchedaBand-Aidandappliedittohisnose.“Wheredidyougetthefirst-aidkit?”

“Fromthehelicopter—itwasinthecompartmentnexttotheflowervases.”Heglancedatmeashebegansortingoutointment,gauzepads,andstripsofbandage.

“Generally,somebodygetsshotwhenweareinvolvedinthesetypesofadventures,soIthoughtitbesttobeprepared.”

IkneltdownandspoketotheoldermanasHenryministeredtohiswounds.“Howareyoudoing,Enic?”

Herepliedthroughgrittedteeth,“Hurts.”

“Ibetitdoes.”Igrunted,“Youshouldn’tshootatpeople;itpissesthemoff,and

thentheyshootback—it’salessonwelearnedinVietnam.”

“Ididn’tmeantohitanyofyou.”

“That’stheproblemwithshotgunsinthedark—they’rekindofanindiscriminateweapon.”Ipulledupthetinderboxandfedsometwigsandcrumpled,yellowednewspapersintothestoveinanattempttogetafiregoing.“Didyoushootatthe

helicopter,Enic?”Hewincedsomemoreand

thensettledasHenrystudiedthedamage.“Alittle.”

“Hmm.”Omarhandedmeafancylighter,andIstartedthefire,slowlyaddingafewlargerpieces,includingthebrokenstockofEnic’s20-gauge.“LasttimeIwashereyouhitmeintheheadwiththisthing,thenyoushootourhelicopterdownandfillOmarherefulloflead.”I

brokeofftherestofthestockandthrewitinthestove.“There,thatshouldslowdownalltheshooting.”

TheoldermanjerkedalittleastheCheyenneNationpokedathisside.“Ididit.”

“Didwhat?”Afteramoment,hespoke

again.“Killedmybrother.”“Andwhywouldyoudo

that?”“I...Igottiredofhim.”“Afterseventyyears,you

gottiredofhim?”“Yes.”Isighed.“Enic,youmay

betheworstliarI’veevermet,andthat’ssayingsomething’causeI’vemetsomedoozies.”Istudiedhim,buthewouldn’tmakeeyecontactwithmeanymore.“Whoareyouprotecting?Imean,thiscan’tbejustabouthelpingthetwoyoungpeople,canit?”

TheBearstoodandlooked

downathim.“Youneedpropermedicalattention,somethingyouarenotlikelytogetunlessyoustartansweringWalt’squestions.”

Enicturnedhisfaceawayfromusandremainedsilent.

TheCheyenneNationheldhishandouttome.“Doyouhaveyourpocketknife?”

“Actually,he’sgotaniftyskinningknife,don’tyou,Enic?”

TheCheyenneNation

extendedahand,andtheoldermanstruggledtosliptheweaponfromhisbackpocket.TheBearheldthebladeintothefireasEnic’scuriositygotthebetterofhimandheturnedbacktolookatus.“Whatareyoudoing?”

“SterilizingthisknifebeforeIcuttheleadoutofyou.”Henrywatchedtheolderman’seyeswidenjustabitandthenpulledhisownelk-handledbowiefromthe

smallofhisback.“OrIcanusethisone.”Enicstudiedtheeight-inchblade.“Itissharper,butIdonotthinkitismadefordelicatework.”

Ijoinedin,helpingtomakethecasemoreintimidating.“Wehavetogetthepelletsoutbecauseofleadpoisoning.”

EnicgesturedtowardOmar.“Whatabouthim?”

Ishrugged.“He’sgotonlytwopelletsinhimandyou’ve

gotfive,soyougettogofirst.”Ismiled.“ThatwayHenrycanpractice.”

HescootedalittleawayastheBeardrewthebladefromthefire.“IthinkIwouldratherwaitforaproperdoctor.”

Ishookmyheadandrose,implyingthatIwasgoingtoholdhimwhileHenrydidimpromptusurgery.“Wedon’tknowhowlongwe’regoingtobeoutherelooking

foryourfamily,soIguesswe’regoingtohavetogetallwesternonthis,asDocBloomfieldwouldsay.”

Henryapproachedwiththeskinningknifeheldattheready.“Timetogettheleadout.”

Theoldermanwassweatingandhadsomehowplasteredhimselfintothecornerwithhisbackagainstthewall,hisheavybootsturnedtowardus.“Itwas

Taylor.”“What?”Heswallowed.“Taylor

thoughtthathehadkilledhisgrandfatherbygivinghimthealcohol—Idon’tknowwherehegottheidea.”

IslumpedandlookedatHenry.“WhereareTaylorandJennifer?”

Hehadananswerforthatbutnotaparticularlysatisfactoryone.“Idon’tknow.”

IgesturedforHenrytotendtoOmarasIsatontheedgeofthecotandpalmedmyfacewithmyhand.“Enic,asI’vesaid,I’vegotalotofpersonaldramagoingoninmyliferightnow,andIhaven’tgottenalotofsleep,butthethingI’mreallytiredofisyourfamily,andifIdon’tstartgettingabsolutecompliancefromyou,I’mgoingtolockallofyouupfortherestofyoursquirrelly

lives.”Itookalongpauseandsnuckalookathimthroughmyfingers.“Now,I’llaskagain,wherearetherestofyourfamily?”

“Wecancallthehouse.”Istaredathim.“What?”Hefumbledinhispocket.

“IhaveTaylor’scellphone.”Itookitandlookedatthe

blueandwhiteCheyenneflagcover.“Whatgoodisthatgoingtodous?”

“Thisistheonlyspoton

theranchthatgetsreception.”Iturnedintimetoseethat

bothHenryandOmarhadtheirphonesoutandwerelookingatmewithaffirmationontheirfaces.“Itistrue,Ihavethreebars.”

Isighed.“Oneofyoucall911andthengetRubyandtheothertryandgettheBobsandfindoutwheretheyare.”

Quickonthedial,Omarhit911andlookedupatme.“Whoareyoucalling?”

IhandedthethingbacktoEnic.“Eva,please.”

HenrywasdialingasEnichitasinglebuttonandhandeditbacktome.“WhatwouldyoulikemetotelltheBobs?”

Holdingupafinger,Itookthephoneandheldittomyear.Itrangthreetimesandthenwenttoamessage,whereuponIdisconnectedandhandeditbacktoEnic.“Noone’sanswering.Where’sthenearestroad

leadingtothistrailhead?”Heraisedahandand

pointedovermyshoulder.“TheonetotheTurtlePond,fourmilesthatway.”

Backtothebeginning.IreachedforOmar’sphone.“Bobs?”

“Asperyourrequest.”Iheldthethingtomyear.

“Robert,areyouguysattheLoneElkplace?”

“Yeah.”“HaveyouseenEvaand

Randy?”“Yeah.”“Where?”Therewassometalkinthe

background.“Inthebackseatofourunit—Randygotalittlemouthy,soBobcuffedhim.”

“DoyouguysthinkyoucanfindtheTurtlePond?”

“TheTurtlePond?”Therewasmorenoiseinthebackground,andIcouldhearwhicheverBobitwasonthe

linespeaktothedetaineesinthebackseat.“Well,wecangothere,orwewillnotpassGoandnotcollecttwohundreddollarsandgostraighttojail.Whichwouldyouprefer?”Therewassomemoreconversation.“We’llmeetyouattheTurtlePond.Youneedanythingelse?”

“EMTsandsuch,butIthinkI’vegotRubyontheotherline.”

“Rogerthat.”

“OrBobthat,whichevercomesfirst.”IhandedthephonebacktoOmar,exchangingitforHenry’s.“Ruby,we’vegottwomenwithshotgunwoundsandneedmedicalpersonneloutattheTurtlePondwherewefoundDannyLoneElk—canyougetsomebodyoutthere?”

McGroder’svoicebrokein.“Whathappenedtothehelicopter?”

“It’s,um,indisposed.”

Rubycamebackon.“IsityouandHenrywhoareshot?”

“Amazinglyenough—”Iglancedatthetwowoundedmen.“—no.”

IlistenedasshespokewithMcGroderandthenreturned.“TheAICsayshe’spinpointedwhereyouarefromthefourcellphonesignalsandcanplotwheretheTurtlePondisexactly,sotherewillbenoproblemin

findingit.”Ishookmyheadatthefar-

rangingabilitiesofmoderntechnology.“That’dbegreat.We’llgetthereasquickaswecan.”IendedthecallandlookedatEnic,somethingnigglingattheedgesofmythoughtprocesses.“Okay.Theymustbearoundheresomewhereifyou’vegotherdog.”

“No,I’mkeepinghim,butthey’regone.”

“DoyouhaveanumberforJen?”

“No.”“Whendidyouget

Taylor’sphone?”Hepausedforalong

moment,toolong.“Hegaveittomesohecouldcallwhentheyweresafe.”

ThenigglingkeptworkingasItriedtogetanansweroutoftheoldcoot.“Enic,atthispointI’mnotaftereitherTaylororJenconcerningany

criminaloffense.Ijustwanttomakesurethey’resafeandmaybegetthemhome.”Hesaidnothing,andIwasstuck,standingtherewiththenigglingthoughtandnowheretogo.Itwassomethingonthephone,somethingMcGroderhadsaid.OrwasitRuby?OrmaybesomethingRubyhadsaidaboutMcGroder.

Fourcellphones.Iturnedandlookedat

Omar,thenatHenry’sphone

inmyhand,thenatEnic,andthendownatthetrapdooronwhichInowstood.

16“Ifhetriesanything,canIshoothim?”

IpulledthetrapdoorbutavoidedlookingdownintothedarknessI’descapedonlyadayago,listeningtotheraincontinuetopoundtheshack’scorrugatedtinroof.“No.”

Omarstraightenedhislegandmadeaface.“CanIshoothimifhedoesn’ttryanything?”

Idroppeddownononekneeandstaredintotheabyss.“No,Henrysayswecanshootasmanywhitepeopleaswewant,butnoIndians.”

Heslumpedbackinhischair.“Oh,allright.”

TheCheyenneNationcrouchedattheothersideof

theopening,hisBenellicradledlooselyinhishandsasIaskedEniconelasttime,“They’renotarmed,right?”Theoldermandidn’tanswer.“Idon’tsupposeyou’dliketogivethemanothercallandwarnthemthatwe’recomingdownjusttobringthembacktosafety?”

TheoldermanpointedatOmarbutstilldidn’tsayanything.

“Look,nobodyisgoingto

hurtanybody,okay?”Istoodandtookthe12-gaugefromthemultimillionaire.

“Hey!”Hereachedafterit.“Ineedit—it’sgota

flashlight.”“You’regoingtoleaveme

herewithoutanythingtodefendmyself?”

IglancedatEnic.“He’soverseventyyearsoldandhasbeenshotamultitudeoftimes.”

Henrylookedupatme.

“Whatarewelookingatdownhere?”

“Ithinkitwasanoldcoalmine,butEnicsaidthatbackinthedaytheHole-in-the-Wallboysusedittoevadethelaw.”Ithoughtaboutwhatithadbeenlikeinthetunnels.“Thereareafewnarrowspots,butImadeitthrough—there’swater,whichhasprobablygottenworsesinceit’sbeenrainingfordaysnow.”

“Howdeep?”“Uptoyourshins,butlike

Isaid,probablydeeperbynow.”

“Anybigdrop-offs?”“NotthatIsaw,butIwas

stumblingdowntherewithaflamingmopinmyhands,soit’spossibleImissedsomething.”

HenryturnedtowardEnicandspokeinCheyenneinwordsIdidnotknow,butinatoneIdid.

“Áahtomóne˙stse...Hena’háanehe,ma’háhkéso.Né’áahtovve˙stsenéstaéváhósévóomåtse.”

TheoldermanlookedathimforalongwhileandthenrepliedinalowvoicewithmorewordsIdidn’tknow.TheBearinterruptedhimonce,butthenEnicrepeatedwhathe’dsaidandafteramoment,Henrynoddedandbeganclimbingdownintothe

hole.“Becarefuloftheladder,

it...”Asthesewordscameoutofmymouththerewasaloudcrackingsoundandthesplashingthumpofmyfriendhittingthewater.“...hassomeweakrungs.”

Hisvoiceechoedup.“Hahóo,ma˙xhevéesevo˙htseooa˙hé’e...”

Ididn’tknowwhatthatmeanteither,butEnicwas

smilingasIloweredmyselfovertheedgeandeasedmyweightontotheladder,carefultonegotiatethebrokensteps.“Makeaholeandmakeitwide.”BythetimeIgottothebottom,Iwasknee-deepinthewater.IturnedandfacedthedrippingCheyenneNation.“Youallright?”

“Nothingishurtbeyondmypride.”Hebegancastingthebeamofhisshotgun

flashlightdownthecavernbehindme.“Wheredoesthatgo?”

“Idon’tknow,Igottohereandwentup.Iwasfollowingthesmokemarksontheceilingfromtheotherdirection.”

“Andwhatisthere?”Ithoughtaboutthelayout

ofthecavesandtriedtoremember.“Itcirclesaroundtotherightwherethere’salargerarea,butthenit

squeezesinandturnstotherightagainandcomesoutofthehillsidebelowtheshack.”

Heshonethebeamofthelightonthesurfaceofthewater.“Thereisacurrentmovingpastyoutowardtheareaofthecaveinwhichyouhavenotbeen.Ifthewaterisflowinginthatdirectionitmustbelowerandmostlikelyofalargercapacitythantheareayoudescribed.”

“Soyouthinkthecave

getsbiggerinthatdirection?”“Ihope.”Hemovedpast

me,shiningthemuzzleoftheshotgunandconsequentlytheflashlightaheadofhim.“Neitheroneofusareexactlytunnelrats.”

Ifollowed,shiningthelightbehindmeonlyonceandthenflashingmyownbeamtothesidesjustincasewemight’vemissedsomething,buthepulledupshort,andIalmostraninto

him.“What?”Hestoodthere,silent,but

thenfinallyspoke,“Doyouhearsomething?”Heleanedforward,pointingtheshotgundownthecavern,thelightbouncingoffthewallsahead.

“Nope.”Hetookanotherstep

forwardbutthenretreatedahalfstride.“Itisdeeperhere.”TheBearcontinuedtoshinethebeamintothedarknessbuteventuallythelightwas

swallowedup.“Didyouhearthat?”

“What?”Hesaidnothingbut

pointedthebeamalongonesideofthetunnelwhereanotherjaggedledgeprotrudedfromthesideliketheoneI’dencounteredbefore.Theledgecontinuedonintothedarkness.

Therewasasoundinthedistance.

“Didyou...”

“Yep,Iheardthat.”Iswallowed.“Someoneshouting.”Imovedpasthimontotheledge,thesharpedgesbreakingoffwithmyweightandfallingintothewater.Ipressedmybackagainsttherockandsidesteppedmywaydownthenarrowarea,alternativelyshiningthebeamattachedtomyshotgunontotheledgeandthenintothedarknessahead.

Henrymovedinbehindme,andaswemadeourwayslowlyforward,Icouldclearlyhearsomeoneyelling.Cuppingahandnearmymouth,Iyelledback.“Taylor,isthatyou?”Thankfully,theledgegotbroader,andIcouldconcentratethelightforwardwhereitappearedtohitawallofsolidrockonthefarsideofanopenpool.“Hangon,we’recoming!”

Thevoicecamefrommy

left.“We’reoverhere!”Creepingforwardalittle,I

couldseearoundanabutmentwherethetwoyoungloverswereclutchingeachotheronamuchlargerledgethatslantedbackintotherock,illuminatedbyanotherColemanlantern.“Whattheheckareyoudoingoverthere?”

Hestoodandnoddedtowardthewatertwentyfeetbetweenus,sipping

somethingfromaStyrofoamcupandholdingthefourthcellphone.“Wewadedoveralittlewaybackwhenthewaterwasshallower.”

Inodded.“Well,we’llgetinandbringyoutwobackovertothisside.”

Hepocketedthephone.“Youcan’t.”

“Why?”Inanswer,hetossedthe

whitefoamcupintothewaterbetweenus,andwewatched

asitcircledbrieflyandthensubmergedwithashudderanddisappeared.“It’sasinkhole—it’swhereallthewatergoes,andIdon’tthinkit’sagoodplace.”

TheBearsteppeduptotheedgeandthenkneeled,dippinghisarminasfarasitwouldreach.Therewasasuddentug,andIgrabbedhisshoulderwithmygoodhandtokeephimfrompitchingin.Helookedupatme.“The

currentisstrongjustbeneaththesurface,whichleadsmetobelievethattheholeisnotsmall.”

“Largeenoughtobesuckeddowninto?”

Hebreathedalaugh.“Possibly,possiblynot.”

Ilookedatthedistancebetweenthemandus.“Well,hell.”Onceagain,Ifoundmyselfwillingtonegotiateatimeshareonaportionofmysoul,thistimeforatwenty-

eight-foot,forty-eight-thread,right-twistlariat.Lookingforanythingthatwouldbehelpful,Iplayedthebeamofthelightaround,suddenlyreflectingonthewiresoftheoldelectriclightsthatdrapedacrosstheceiling,theemptysocketslookinglikeexclamationpoints.

IturnedtoHenry.“IfIboostyouup,canyougrabthatelectriccableandyankitdown?”Iheldthelightonmy

facewiththebarreloftheBenellishotgunalongsideitandlookedathim.“Ifyou’vegotabetteridea,I’dlovetohearit.”

Settingtheshotguntothesideandmakingastirrupwithmylacedfingers,Iwatchedashesteadiedhimselfbygrabbingarocknubandreachedoutanduptotakeholdoftheendoftheseventy-year-oldconduit.Heyanked,andtheclipsdriven

intotherockpulledaway,thelengthofwireholdingtogether.

TheBearheldthecableinhishandsandstartedloopingit.“Ifindithardtobelievethatthiswireisstillwhole.”

“Solid,braidedcoppercable—unlesstherewasabreakintherubberhousingitcouldn’tcorrodeanddegenerate.”

“Likewhatthehelicopterbladeshit?”

Inodded.“Wegooverthere,orthey

comeoverhere?”Ilookedathim.“Isaidit

probablyhadn’tdegeneratedtoomuch—Ididn’tsaythatitwasindestructible.”Iglancedattheyoungcouple.“Theyweighahellofalotlessthanthetwoofus.”

Istoopedbythewaterandlookedoveratthem.“Taylor,youtwoaregoingtohavetocometous.”

“Andhowarewegoingtodothat?”

“I’llthrowyouthiswire.Tieitoffononeoftherockoutcroppingsonyoursideandmakesureit’ssolid.Holdontothecableanddon’tletgo,nomatterwhathappens.”

“Okay.”“HaveJennifergofirst.”

Henodded,Itossed,andwewatchedashefastenedthecableandassistedheringettingaholdofitasIpulled

ittightandloopeditoveracornicetomyright.“You’regoingtohavetoworkyourwayacrossthewire,andwe’llgrabyouwhenyougetcloseenough,butmostofthetimeyou’regoingtobeonyourown.Youmightdipintothewater,butwhateveryoudo,don’tletgoofthecable—gotit?”

Shenoddedandthenlookedatme.“Whataboutmycamera?”

“What?”“Myvideocamera—I

don’twanttodropitinthewater.”

“You’vegotitwithyou?”Ithoughtaboutthrowingherinthewaterbutthenhadathought.“Justoutofcuriosity,doesthatthingstillhaveevidenceonit?”

“Yes.”“Tossittome.”“You’lldropitinthe

water.”

“WhywouldIdothat?”“Sothatthefederal

governmentcanhaveJen.”“Iwouldn’tdothat.”“You’reallworking

togetheragainstus.”Icockedmyhead.“Who

isus?”“TheLoneElkfamily.”“Andwhendidyou

becomeamemberofsaidfamily?”

Sheheldoutahandwith,whatIassumed,wasa

weddingringonit.“TaylorandIweremarriedyesterday.”

Isighedandthoughtabouthowevenmorecomplicatedthingshadjustgotten.“Throwmethedamncamera.”

Shelookedattherushingwaterforamoment.“Ican’t—I’mnotthatgoodatthrowingthings.”

“HaveTaylorthrowit.”Shelookeddubiousbut

thenhandeditovertohiminamomentoftrust.IwatchedasHenrymovedtotheedgeandpreparedtocatchit,catchingitemsbeinginhisbackground.Taylortossedit,andtheBearswipeditinmidair.Hegaveittome,andIcarefullyputitinthebreastpocketofmyjacketwiththethoughtthatbeingthehighestspot,itwouldbethesafest.

ImotionedforJennifertogetwithit.“C’mon,the

water’sdoingnothingbutgettingdeeperandswifter.”

Shewasinprettygoodshapeandrelativelyathletic,soshedidn’thavetoomuchtroubleshimmyingalongthecablewithonlyherbackandrearendgettingdipped.“Thiswateriscold!”

“Justkeepmoving.”TheCheyenneNationreachedoutahandandgrabbedherbythescruffoftheneck,thecollarofherjacketsafelyinhisiron

grip.Likeacrane,theBeareasilyliftedherontotheledgebesideme.

WeallturnedtolookatTaylor,whostoodtherewithoutmoving,andIcouldtellsomethingwaswrong.“C’mon,it’syourturn.”Hedidn’tmovebutjustkeptlookingattheswirlingwaterthatledtonowhere,andIwasgettingabadfeeling.“Let’sgo,Taylor.”Henoddedbriefly,asifheweremaking

hismindupaboutsomething,somethingthatwasembeddingaterribleresolutioninhim.“Taylor?”

Hisfacerose,andIwassurehe’dmadeuphismind.“Ikilledmygrandfather.”

Jensteppedforward.“No!”

IheldherwithonearmasHenry,lookingattheyoungman,stoodinfrontofus.“Whatareyoutalkingabout,Taylor?”

Heswallowed.“Igavehimhiswhiskeyjustthatonce.”Helookedatusforamoment,butthenhiseyeswentbacktothewater.“Ithoughtitwouldhelp,youknow,makehimfeelbetter...”

Hedidn’tsayanythingelsebutjustkeptlookingintotheswirlingdarknessandthenturnedhiseyestoJennifer.“Ireallyloveyou,youknow?”

Shepulledagainstmyarm,butIheldherfast.“Taylor?”

Iwatchedasheleanedforwardalittle,almostasifreadytojump.“Thewhiskeywaslacedwithmercury.Yourgrandfatherdiedofmercurypoisoning.Ithadnothingtodowiththeliquoritself,honest.”

“You’rejusttryingtokeepmefromdoingwhatIneedtodo.”

IgesturedtowardtheBear.“HenrywastherewhenIsaacBloomfieldtoldus,right?”

TheCheyenneNationstoodattheedge,andIknewwhathewascontemplating,butitwastoofar.“Yes.”

“Thewhiskeywasn’tthecauseofhisdeath,Taylor—wewouldn’tlietoyou.”

“TellmymotherI’msorry.”Withthat,hesteppedintothevoidanddroppedintothefast-runningwater.

Henryleaptinafterhimlikeawarlanceanddisappearedaftertheyoungmanfasterthanagreatwhitesharkcould’veeverhopedto.

IpulledtheloopfromthecorniceandletitdropintothewaterafterthemandthenreloopedthethinginhopesthattheBearwouldbeabletograbtheyoungmanandthecable.Jenniferwasscreaming,andIwasabouttomakethedivemyself.

Ipushedherbackandmovedforward,thinkingthatmynextbreathwasprobablymylastwhensuddenlyTaylorwasthrustfromthesurfaceinamilitarypressandhandedtome.

Igrabbedthewaywardyouthandextendedmyhandtothegiantthatroseupfromthedepths,thewaterathiswaist.Hestoodtherewithhiswethairdrapinghisheadlikeacloak.“Itisonlydeepon

thatend,andasnearasIcantellthedrainholeisaboutthesizeofasmalltrash-canlid.”

•••

WepulledmytruckuptotheTurtlePondjustasdawnbegantobreakandafewshardsofpewterbeganchippingawaytheironcladundersideoftheclouds.TheWyomingHighwayPatrol

cruisersatwithitswarninglightstracingthehillsidesandreflectingtheircolorsontothesurfaceofthepondasBobDeludecameoveranddrippedinmyrolled-downwindow.“Lookslikeitmightrain.”

Ithankedhimforthinkingofusandparkingmytruckontheroadasclosetotheshackaspossible.“IappreciatethatbothofyouupholdtheeightcorevaluesofIntegrity,

Courage,Discipline,Loyalty,Diligence,Humility,Optimism,andConvictionthatareintegraltothesuccessoftheagencyandahallmarkoftheWyomingHighwayPatrol.”

“JusttellLuciantostopreferringtousastripleAwithguns.”Helaughed.“McGroderfiguredthatifthegoinggotrough,that’swhereyou’dbecomingout.”Heglancedinthebackatthe

huddledLoneElks,andfinallyatOmar,whowassittingbetweenHenryandme.“Lookslikeitgotrough,allright.”

Ithrewathumbtowardtheback.”EnicshotthehelicopterandOmar,HenryshotEnic,andthenwehadtogospelunkingforTaylorandJennifer.”

Heshookhishead.“Hismotherisfittobetied.”

“Ibet.”Iglancedatthe

HighwayPatrolcar.“Theysayanythingelse?”

“They’vejustbeenbitchingaboutbeingheld,butItoldthemitwasfortheirownsafety.”Heglancedoverhisshoulder.“IsitallrightifIletthemoutsothattheycancomeseethattheboywonderissafeandsound?’CauseifthatprickRandykicksthebackofmyseatonemoretime,I’mgoingtofindaholetostuffhiminto.”

Ithoughtaboutitastherainsettledintoalightsprinkle.“Sure.”

AsIgotout,Iflippedthesafetystraponmyholster,checkedmy.45,andthenreholsteredit.Bobapproachedthecruiser,openedthebackdoor,andletEvaandRandyout.Thundersoundedoverthehighplains,andthesmellofthewetgrassandsagewasintoxicating.Iclimbedout,openingtherear

doorandinvitingtheLoneElkclantogetoutofthevehicle.“C’mon,let’shavealittlefamilyreunion.”

EvarushedoverandgrabbedTaylor’sfaceandhelditclosetohers.“Wherehaveyoubeen?”

Hesaidnothing,butasshepulledhisfacedowntohershoulder,shesawJennifer.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

Iinterrupted.“Um,therehavebeensome

developments,Eva.Itwouldappearthatthesetwohavegottenmarried.”

Yankinghimoutatarm’sreach,sheglaredathim.“You’reseventeen.Youcan’tgetmarriedwithoutmyconsent!”

Theteenagernoddedtowardtheoldermanstillseatedontheedgeofthebackseatofmytruck.“UncleEnicsignedthepapers.”

Iinterrupted.“Youthree

canworkthisoutlater,becauserightnowwe’vegotamorepressingquestionastowhyTaylorattemptedsuicide.”

Evaturnedtome.“Hewhat?”

“Taylorhereattemptedtodrownhimselfaboutninetyminutesago.”

Sheturnedtolookathim.“What?”

Isteppedbetweenherandtheboy,keepingmyrighthip

towardRandy.“Hesaidthatsomebodyadvisedhimtorunbecausehegavehisgrandfatherthewhiskeyandthat’swhatkilledhim.HealsosaysthatneitherhenorJenniferdestroyedhercomputerbackattherockshop.”

IfeltthetugasRandy,evenhandcuffed,deftlypulledtheColtfrommyholsterandbackedawayfromallofus.TheBobs

immediatelywentfortheirsidearms,butIraisedahandandtheystopped.

Itwasoneofthosemomentswhereeverythingkindofcomestoahalt;thebreezehadstoppedanditwasalmostasifthemisthadfrozeninmidair.“Whatareyoudoing,Randy?”

Heglancedatme,buthiseyesshiftedbacktotheBobs.“I’mnottakingtheblameforthis.”

Taylortookasteptowardhim,dumbstruck.“Youtoldme—”

“Shutup,Ididn’ttellyouanything.”

Isquaredoff,placingmyselfbetweenhimandtherestofhisfamily.“Thenwhyareyouholdingmygun,Randy?”

HebackedawaytowardtheTurtlePond.“I’mnotgettingrailroaded.”

Ishookmyheadand

steppedtowardhim.“You’renot—Ireallyalreadyknewitwasyou,becauseyou’retheonewhoalwaysplacedthatceremonialturtlerattleinyourfather’shandswhenhewassleeping,andyou’retheonlyoneinthefamilywhowould’veknownaboutthedangerousamountsofarsenic,lead,DDT,andmercurythatthoseartifactshaveafterhavingbeentreatedbythemuseums.”Itook

anothersteptowardhim.“ItwasonlyafterDavetoldmeaboutthecontaminationthatIstartedputtingtwoandtwotogether,buttheonlyonesIcouldthinkofwhowouldpossiblyknowaboutthatproblemwereDaveandJenniferhere.ButthenIrememberedthatyouhadworkedinthelabsupinBozeman.”

“Stayback.”Itookanotherstep

forward,forcinghimtotheedgeofthepond.“Andthetwoofthemwouldneverhavehadtheaccesstoyourfatherlikeyou.”

HeglancedattheBobs,bothstillwiththeirhandsontheirsidearms.“Don’teitherofyoumove.”

I,ontheotherhand,tookanotherstep,narrowingthetwelvefeetbetweenus.“Thoseyearsaftercollegeyousaidyouhadajobupin

Montana?I’vegotasneakingsuspicionitwasdoingarchivalwork.Whenyoutoldmeyoudidn’twantmetouchingtherattle,itwasn’tsomuchbecauseitwasatreasuredfamilyrelic,wasit?”

HeraisedthebarrelofmyColt,pointingitdirectlyatmyface.“Youdon’thaveanyproof.”

“Notalot,whichiswhyIdidn’tarrestyoubeforenow,

butonceTaylorheretellsusitwasyouwhotalkedhimintogivingyourfatherthepoisonedwhiskey,we’llbewellonourway—besides,innocentmendon’tgrabanofficer’sgunandpointitathim.”

HepulledthehammerbackonmyColt.“I’mgoingtodomorethanthat.”

Itookanothersteptowardhim.“Yougotgreedy,didn’tyou?Therattleandthe

mercury-lacedturtlefoodhadbeendoingtheirworkforayear’stime,eversinceyoufoundoutaboutyourfather’smeetingswiththeConservancy,butoncethedinosaurwasdiscoveredyouthoughtyou’dspeedthingsup,huh?TheConservancywasgoingtogettheranch,themuseumwasgoingtotakeJen,andyou’dbeleftwithnothing.Butwhatifyoucouldstopthatfrom

happening?Theclockwasticking.Dannycouldsignthepapersanyday,youthought,soyoudecidedtohelpthingsalongbyputtingmercuryintheflask.Luciandranksome,buthisstomachwasn’tacidicenoughtocausethemercuryorthearsenictoabsorbenoughtokillhim.”

“Idon’twanttoshootyou,Walt,butIwill.”

Itookanotherstep,bringingmewithinarm’s

reach.“Itmakesmesadtothinkofthatoldmanoutwanderingthecountrysidewithsymptomsofalcoholismevenwhenhewasn’tdrinking,talkingtohimself,andbeingbaffledbythefactthateverytimehewokeupinhischairhewasholdingthatmagicalturtlerattle.”

“Don’tcomeanycloser.”“I’mbettingthatyour

fatherwasonlytemptedthisonce.”Isighed.“Thefirst

timeImethimhetoldmethatheworriedaboutdisappointinghisancestors.”Itookthefinalstep,pressingmychestagainstthebarrelofmy.45andlookinghimintheeye.“Ithinkthat’ssomethingyoushould’veconsidered.”

Hepulledthetrigger,andwebothstoodtherelookingateachother,theloudclickofthehammerfallingonanemptychambersoundingliketheturningofakeythatcould

neverbereversed.“Youshouldhavetrusted

yourfathertonotdisinherityou,Randy.Hewasn’tgoingtocedetheranchtotheCheyenneConservancyandleaveallofyoupenniless.Heknewthatnoneofyoureallywantedtobehere,sohewasplanningtoselltheranchtotheConservancyandgiveyoutheproceeds.Thatis,untilJenwasdiscovered,andhedecidedtogivetheranch

totheConservancyanddividetheproceedsfromJenamongallfourofyou.Iguesshefiguredmorethantwomillionapiecewasprettygood.”Calmlyplacingmyhandovertheslideaction,Itwistedtheweaponawayfromhim,tookthemagazinefrommypocketwhereithadbeenallalong,replaceditinmysidearm,andslippedthe1911snuginmyholster.

Istartedbacktowardthe

others,butthelesserpartofmynaturetookholdandIstopped.Itookadeepbreathandexpulseditwithmywords.“Idon’tnormallydothesetypesofthings,butI’mreallytiredandI’vehadabadcoupleofdays.”

PuttingeverythingIhadintoit,Ispunaroundwithahaymakerthatcaughthimonhischin’ssweetspot,sendinghimbackwardwhereheflattenedoutwithhisheels

fourfeetfromthebank,hittingthesurfaceoftheTurtlePondlikeadepthcharge.

AsIwalkedpasttheotherstowardmytruck,Imademyfinalpronouncementonthematter:“Youcanfishhimoutoryoucanlettheturtleshavehim—Ireallydon’tcare.”

EPILOGUE

WewereallsittingattheRedPonyBarandGrill,becauseitwastheonlyplacethathadatelevisionwherewecouldallfit.TheauctionwasbeingheldinNewYorkandmostofthecomponentsofwhatwasthelargestandmostcompletetyrannosaurusever

discovered,namedJenfortheyoungwomanwhohadfoundher,nowrestedonredvelvet-cushionedmetalcradles.

Saywhatyouwantedabouttheauctionhouse,thelargestbrokeroffinegoodsontheplanet,theyknewhowtoputonashow.

AtleastI’dgottenmyholdingcellsback.

Ihadafront-rowseatatthebarbecauseI’dgottenthereearlyalongwithRuby

andLucian,mytwocohorts.Andthankgoodnesswe’dgottentherewhenwedidbecauseIwasprettysurethattheentirepopulationofDurantandtheNorthernCheyenneReservationwerenowinthebar,manyofthemwearingthegreenandwhiteSAVEJENT-shirtsthevendorshadbeensellingonMainStreet.

Itdidn’tlookgood.Therewereatleastfour

majormuseumsworldwidethatwereseekingtheacquisition,somewithsilentpartnersfromtheprivatesector,someprivatecollections,andevenaDubaisheikwhowantedherfortheentrywayofhismansion.TheHighPlainsDinosaurMuseumhadacontingencyinNewYork,buttheirhopesweren’ttoohigh—thelittlemuseumjustdidn’thavethepocketsneededforthiskind

ofendeavor.I’dcaughtaglimpseof

DaveBaumannandsomeofhisbackersfromtheWyomingoilandgascommunityinthecrowdinManhattan,buttheylookedsomewhatoutoftheirdepth.

TheCheyenneNationrestedacoldcanofRainierinfrontofme,andthenIwatchedashestretchedhighforthetopshelfwherehekeptthegoodstuff,including

thebottleofPappyVanWinkle’sFamilyReservetwenty-three-year-old.Iturnedtomyoldboss.“Areyousureyouwanttotrythatstuffagain?Thelastroundofryedidn’tagreewithyou.”

HewatchedastheBearturnedandpouredhimthreefingers,straightup.“Gottastayinpractice.”

TheCheyenneNationreturnedthebottletothetopshelfandthenpouredaclub

sodaforRuby,whoasfarasIknewhadneverbeenintheRedPonybefore.Sheloweredhervoiceandleanedintome.“WhatisDino-Dave’slimit?”

Itookasipofmybeerandresteditbackonthebar,alsokeepingmyvoicelow,sothatthefigurewouldn’tbecomepublicknowledge.“Hesaysheandhispartnerscangosixpointtwo,butnothingmorethanthat.”

Lucianspokeoutloudbeforesippinghisliquor.“Sixmilliondollarsforthatbunchofbones?”

Somuchforkeepingitquiet.

Rubysighed.“So,thatwon’tbeenough?”

Ishookmyhead.“Probablynot.”

Theauctioneerapproachedthepodiumandaddressedtheroom,welcomingallthebiddersandexplainingthe

rules,especiallythoseforthebankofphoneswithoperatorsinthegallerytotheright.ItwouldappearthattheauctionforJenwouldbeworldwide.

TheBearcontinuedtoservethelegionsasafewpeoplepattedmeontheback.“IspokewithDaveandsomeoftheothers,andtheyseemedsureitwouldgoovereight.”

“Maybenine.”Iturnedon

mystoolandfoundAgentinChargeMcGrodersmilingatme.Hewastrulyundercover,ifalittleincongruous,inapoloshirtandalightwindbreaker.Hehadleftaftertheruckushadfaded,butIguesswasbackfortheshow.Heraisedafist.“SaveJen.”

Ireturnedthesalute,butwithlittleenthusiasm.“Whattheheckareyoudoinghere?”

“Oh,IthoughtI’dcomebackup,takeafewdays,and

getalittlefishingin.”Ismiledathim.“And

watchadinosaurgetsold?”Weshookhands.“Whereareyourotheragents?”

“Theydon’tfish.”“Theyhardlyeat,asI

recall.”Henoddedandmotioned

totheBearforabeer.“Heardanythingfromyourbuddy,SkipTrost?”

“No—whenthemediadrieduphedisappeared.”

“Inmorewaysthanone.”Iturnedonmystooland

lookedathim.“Meaning?”Heleanedinbetween

Rubyandme,takingtheprofferedcanfromtheproprietor.“JoeMeyerrequestedthatheberemoved.”

Iwasstunned.“You’rekidding.”

“Asyouwellknow,JoeholdssomeswaybackinWashington,andIguesshe

didn’tgiveTrostthebestofreportcards—whattheAGgiveth,theAGtakethaway.”McGrodersippedhisbeer.“It’sapowerfulposition,evenonastatescale.”

“Well,I’llbedamned.”Overmyshoulder,Icouldseetheauctionwasabouttobegin,butHenrystoodbythecashregisterwiththephonereceiverinhishand,motioningtome.Foolishly,Ipointedtomyselfandhe

nodded,toomuchnoisetospeak.IstoodandsteppedaroundMcGroder.“Savemyseatforme,wouldyou?”

HeslippedinandsatasImademywaydownthebarandturnedthecornernearthebackdoor,Henrymeetingmewiththephone,whichhehandedtomewithoutcomment.IheldthereceivertomyearandgavetheBear’susualsalutation.“RedPonyBarandGrillandcontinual

soiree.”“Youmoonlighting?”Ilaughed.“Well,howdy,

Mr.AttorneyGeneral,wewerejusttalkingaboutyou.”

“Youandyourconstituencywatchingthisauction?”

IglancedupattheTV.“Lookslikeit’sabouttogetunderway.”

“Well,Idon’twanttokeepyou,butI’vegotaquestion.”

“Shoot.”“Doyouthinkyour

daughterwouldliketocomeworkformeasanassistantattorneyintheCriminalDivision?”

Ofallthethingsthehighestlawenforcementofficialinthestatecould’veasked,thatwasthelastI’dexpected.Iclearedmythroat,justtogivemyselfalittletime.ThinkingaboutwhatIwantedtosaynext,I

mumbledaresponse.“I’mnotsure.”

“Idon’twanttoofferittoherifyouthinkshewouldn’tconsidertheposition.”

IthoughtabouttheGreatestLegalMindofOurTime.“Well,she’sgotawillofherown.”

“Irealizeshe’sgoingthroughalotrightnow,andIdon’twanttoaddtothosepressures.”

“Howlongwouldshe

havetodecide?”“Longasshewants.”“Well.”Isighed.“Ithink

youshouldaskher.”“Iwaskindofhopingyou

would.”Ilaughed.“Oh,no.Idon’t

wanthertothinkIhadanythingtodowiththis.”

Hewassilentforamoment.“Ifyoudon’tmindmyasking,asoneoldbulltoanother,isitsomethingyouwouldbeinfavorof?”

IfeltmyeyestearandmybreathcatchinmythroatasIstoodthereleaningagainstthebarforsupport.Iwasthinkingthathe’dhadthisinmindsinceourconversationinhiscarinfrontofmyofficethatday.FacedwithaMachiavellianmaster,Ididtheeasiestthingandjustfellbackonthetruth.“Morethananythingintheworld,Joe.”

“IthoughtaboutstickingherinWaterandNatural

ResourcesorTortLitigation,butIthoughtshemightturnmedown.”Therewasapause.“Anyway,Iliketheideaofthetwoofyoulockinghornseveryonceinabluemoon.YougotanumberIcancall?”

IrecitedCady’scellphonenumberandlistenedastheattorneygeneralscribbleditdown.“Ishouldwarnyou,she’skindofapainintheass.”

“Likeheroldman?”Helaughed.“Getbacktoyourauction,andIhopeyouwinyourdinosaur.SaveJen.”Thephonewentdead,andIturnedtofindmyoldestanddearestfriendnexttomyelbow.

“WhatdidtheAGwant?”“Cady.”Hethoughtaboutitand

smiled,givingmetheimpressionthathe’dalreadyfiguredthatwaswhatJoe

Meyerhadhadinmind—theBear,alwaysfivemovesahead.“Hmm...Itwouldbenicetohavethetwoofthemnearer.”

Ihungthephoneupandleanedagainstthejuttingjawofthecashregister.“IguessCheyenneisnearer.Don’tknow,Henry,she’ssousedtothebigcity,andCheyenneisjustDesMoineswitharodeo.”

Hepattedmyshoulderas

hemovedpastwithanotherbeerandaglassofwine,pickeduptheremotefromthecounter,andturnedupthevolumeontheTV.“Trustme,she’llbefine.”

Thedulcettonesoftheauctioneer,withhisprimandproperBritish—possiblynotsoprimandproperAustralian—accentfilledthecrowdedconfinesoftheRedPony,andthecrowdgrewquieter.“Andheresheis,thestarofthe

evening,theundisputedqueenoftheCretaceousperiodandthemostrecognizabledinosaurinpopularculture.Jen,assheisaffectionatelyknown,wasfoundinAbsarokaCounty,Wyoming,byayoungwomannamedJenniferWattandherdog,Brody,andfromthesehumblebeginningshasbeendeterminedtobethelargestandmostintactspecimenofherkindeverto

bediscovered.”Lucianlookedacrossthe

baratme.“Didthatlimeyjustcallushumble?”

“Ibelievehedid.”“Cocksucker.”Rubyreachedpast

McGroderandswattedhim.“Watchyourlanguage.”

Theauctioneercontinued.“Theapexpredatorofhertime,Jenisoverforty-twofeetinlengthandweighedclosetoeightmetrictons.By

farthelargestcarnivoreinherenvironment,Jenis,simplyput,priceless.Butwewillattempttoputapriceuponherthisevening—andtheopeningbidis—”

TheBearreacheduptothetopshelfagain,andIwasgettingabitworriedaboutLucian’sintakewhenInoticedhepluckedthephallic-lookingoriginaleighteenth-centurydecanter-stylebottlefromthegood-

stuffshelf,thelegendaryAsomBrosoReservaDelPorto,insteadofthePappy’s.TherewasonlyonepersonIknewofwhodrankfromthethousand-dollarbottleoftequila,andIwatchedastheBearwalkedtotheendofthebarandpassedthetumbler,whichwentfrompatrontopatrontowhereOmarRhoades,talkingonhiscellphone,satatatablebyhimselfwithhislegpropped

uponastackofbeercrates.Iwaved,andhegestured

backwiththeexpensiveliquorandaraisedfist,mouthingthewords“SaveJen.”

“Whowillstart?”Theauctioneersmiledandcasuallymentionedafigure.“Onemillion,twohundredandfiftythousand?”Hepointedatanindividualintheaudiencewhoraisedapaddle.“Onemillion,twohundred

andfiftythousand—goodeveningMr.Gallmeister,goodtohaveyouwithus.”

Igrumbled.“Smithsonian.”

Thoseincloseproximitynodded.

Theauctioneerquicklypointedagain.“Onemillion,threehundredthousand,Mr.Matteson...”

“FieldMuseum,Chicago.Iguesstheywantapair.”

Hepointedagain,thistime

tothegalleryattheside.“Onemillion,threehundredandfiftythousand.”

Rubyarchedaneyebrowandaskedoutofthesideofhermouth,“So,whogetsthemoney?”

IleanedagainstthebarandhelpedHenrybypullingoutafewbeersandhandingthemtothepatronsasIturnedtomydispatcher/receptionist/moralcompass.“EvaandTaylor—

theranchgoestotheCheyenneConservancy,withEnichavingalifetimeinterestaccordingtoDanny’sdesires.”

“Wherearetheyounglovers?”

“I’dimagineseeingifbeingrichisgoingtoallowfortheirrelationship.IguessafterthevideoestablishedsoleownershipofJentotheLoneElkfamily,theydecidedtocontinuegivingit

atry.”Igesturedtowardthemillionaireinthecorner.“AndOmardecidedtonotpresschargesagainstEnicforshootinghiminthelegandthehelicopterintherotors.”Isippedmybeer.“We’reaforgivingfolk,hereinWyoming.”

“AndRandy?”“Notthatforgiving—he

goestothebighouseinRawlins.HewastheonewhoconvincedTaylorandJento

run—he’salsotheonewhodestroyedthecomputerinhopesofgettingridofthevideoofhisfatheratthemeetings,anditwashisbloodattherockshop.”

Rubyshookherhead.“Buthowdidhegettothepointofkillinghisownfather,Walter?It‘sapartofthisbusinessthatwe’reinthatIdon’tthinkI’lleverunderstand.”

Inoddedmyheadand

drewmyfaceinclosetohersinashowofsolidarity.“Dannywasadrunkforalotofhislife,acharming,funnyandentertainingdrunk,butadrunknonetheless.Thatkindofthingcandothingstofamiliesthatcan’teverberepaired.Inthelongrun,Dannysoberedupandbecameagoodman,butthedamagewasalreadydoneandRandyjustdidn’ttrusthim.”

WeglancedupattheTV

astheauctioneercontinuedtakingbidslikepickingposies.“Threemillion,twohundredandfiftythousandtoMs.Weisheit.”

Theyalllookedatme.“FernbankMuseuminAtlanta.”

Theauctioneerpointedatanotherpaddle.“Threemillion,fivehundredthousandtoMr.Baumann.”

Acheerroseupfromthecrowdinthebar,butthe

biddingwasoffandrunningagain.“Threemillion,sevenhundredandfiftythousanddollarstoMr.Aslanides...”

Icontinuedmyrunningcommentary.“IzikoMuseuminCapeTown.”

Lucianshookhisheadasthebiddingcontinuedataheatedpace.“Poorol’Danny.”

“Yep.”“So,whowasoutthere

wanderingaroundtheplace

thateverybodykeptseeing?”“MaybeEnic...”I

thoughtaboutthewarningsI’dreceivedinmydreamsfromtheeyelessmanandthumbedtheMalloCupcardinmypocket.Youwillstandandseethegood,butyouwillalsostandandseethebad—thedeadshallriseandtheblindwillsee.“Butthenagain,maybenot.”

Therewasanotherroaras

Dino-DaveandtheWyomingcontingencymadetheirlast-gaspeffortinobtainingJen.“Sixmillion,twohundredthousandtoMr.Baumann.”

Iswitchedtothebarsidebutwasdistractedbytwoindividualsattheendofthecounter.Iknewtheirplebianhabitsandlimitedincome,soIfishedtwoRainiersoutofthecoolerandsetthebeerinfrontofthem.“Who’smindingthestore?”

Saizarbitoriasmiledandheldupthepagerthatconnectedour911systemtothecarrier.“I’vegottherock.Wejuststoppedbytotakeintheactionforalittlebitandgetavote.”Hegesturedbesidehimtohiscompanion.

IglancedatDoubleToughandsliddown,leaningintoseethenewestadditionintheavailablelight,stunnedthatitwasanexactreplicaoftherealdealintheothersocket.

“Goodjob,troop.Vicwouldbeproud.”

Therewasataponmyshoulder,andIturnedtoseeHenry,thistimeholdinghiscellphoneouttome.“Youarepopularthisevening.”

TherewasaresoundingbooingofdispleasureasthebiddingcontinuedandthehopesofkeepingJeninAbsarokaCountyweredashedbyanotherbidfromthebackoftheTVhouse.

“Sixmillion,threehundredthousand.”

Itookthephoneandcuppedittomyface,knowingfullwellwhoitwas.“Hey,punk.”

“Ijustgotofferedajob.”Ididmybesttosound

nonchalant.“Really?”Shesoundedalarmingly

likehermother.“Nicetry.”Therewasanotherroaras

thecrowdbeganenjoyingtheBreadandCircusoftheovert

bidding,figuringthatifJenwasn’tcominghometoWyoming,thebidderswouldhavetopaythesteepestprice.

“ItwouldbehardonMichael’sfamily.”

Iturnedawayfromtheroomsothatshecouldhearme.“Hesaidtherewasn’tanyrush.”

“Iknow.”Therewasanotherlong

pause,andIfilleditbyasking,“How’sVic?”

“Likearock.”“Good.”“Likeapissed-offrock,

butarock.”Theauctioneercontinued.

“You,sir?Areyoubidding?”Anindividualraisedhispaddle,andthebidsaccelerated.

“AnythingonMichael?”“No.”Inoddedatthereceiveras

ifshecouldseeme.“Somethingwillbreak.”

“Youpromise?”Ididn’trespond,andshechangedthesubject.“Whowonthedinosaur?”

IglancedupattheTVscreenandcouldseetheauctioneerstillplyinghistradeatabriskrate.“Theauctionisgoingonrightnow,butwejustwentpasttheHighPlainsDinosaurMuseum’spriceceiling.”

“Ishouldletyougo.”“No,Idon’tcarewhogets

thedamnthing—Ijustcareaboutyou.”Istartedtowardtheback.“I’mtakingthephoneoutsidewhereIcantalk.”Ipushedthroughtheheavydoorandsteppedoutintothecoolofthenight,walkedpasttheparkedvehicles,andstoppedunderadawn-to-dusklightwhereafewMillermothsdancedoverhead,theasphaltofthelotstillglisteningfromthejust-departedshower.“Are

yougoingtotakethejob?”Therewasapause.“I

don’tknow.”Takingtheplunge,Ispoke

withallmyheart.“Iwishyouwould.”

“Whatdidyousay,Dad?”Itookmytimeformingthe

words.“IknowIdon’thaveanyplaceinmakingthisdecision,butIwishyouandLolawerecloser.”

“I’dhavetoliveinCheyenne.”

“Maybeyourbosswouldletyoucomehomeonweekends.”

Therewasaverylongpause.“Didyouhavesomethingtodowiththis?”

“No.”“Daddy?”“Ididn’t,Iswear.Iknow

betterthantotryandchoreographyourlife.”Thereweremorecheersfromthecrowdinside,andIwassurethepriceforJenwas

skyrocketing.“Whydon’tyouthinkaboutit.”

“Iwill.”“Iloveyou,nomatter

whatyoudo.Youknowthat,right?”

“Ido.”Hervoicechokedup.“Ihavetogo.”

“TellLolaIsaidgoodnight.”

“Iwill.”Ihungupandraisedmy

headasafewstrangerswho’donlybeenhereforthe

spectacletrundledoutofthebarandheadedfortheirvehicles.IcaughtBobBarnes,justashebeganbackingout.“Howmuch?”

Helookedatme,confusedandabitsurprised,butthenfinallyshookhishead.“Ninepointthreemillion.”Hesnorted.“Who’sgotthatkindofmoney,Walt?”

Ismiled.“Notus.”“That’sforsure.”“Whogother?”

“Idon’tknow,someguywithafunnyname,fromtheMiddleEast,Ithink.”

Iwasdisappointed,thinkingofJengracinganentryway,butatleasttheLoneElkfamilywouldbepartiallycompensatedforthelossofDanny—ifthatkindoflosscanbecompensatedfor.IpattedBob’sarmandsenthimonhisway.“Drivesafe.”

Henoddedandwaved,andIturnedtowalkbackintothe

bar,pullingtheMalloCupcardoutandstudyingit,thinkingaboutthegiantCrowIndianwhohadbeenhauntingme.MaybethevisitationswereoverandwhereverVirgilWhiteBuffalowas,hewasatpeace—butIdoubtedit.

IstoppedwhenIheardasound,somethingstrangecomingfromthebackoftheparkinglot.Outofsimplecuriosity,Isetoffinthat

direction.Ilookedaroundthecorner

oftheblackConquestKnightXVandsawamantossingpeagravelatasignthatreadNOPARKING.Hisaimwasunerring,andIwatchedasheleanedonthefrontfenderandcontinuedaconversationonhiscellphonewhileperiodicallypingingthemetalsign.

AsIwalkedaroundtheoutrageouslyexpensive

vehicle,IglancedatthetanleatherinteriorastheGeorgeArmstrongCusterlook-alikefinishedhisconversationwith“Sure,Icanhavethemoneytransferredimmediately.”Lookingalittleembarrassed,hepressedthedisconnectbuttonandglancedatmeasheunhookedhiscanefromthesidemirrorandadjustedhis100Xbeaverfurhat.“Finally,anicenight.”

“Yep.”Igesturedtoward

thecane.“How’syourleg?”Heshrugged.“Well,I’m

doingsomephysicaltherapy.”Hethrewanothertinystoneatthesign,onceagainhittingitdeadcenter.“WhenIwasgrowingup,IwasaprettygoodLittleLeaguepitcher.Iremembermyoldmanteachingme.”Hethoughtback.“IwaspitchingandhewascatchingandthenhestoppedandaskedmewhatIwasthrowingatandI

toldhimIwasthrowingathim.”Thebiggamehunterturnedtolookatme.“Hesaidthatjusthimwasn’tgoodenoughandthatIneededtothrowatthethirdsnap-buttononhisshirt.”

Ismiledathim.“Omar,didyoujustbuyJenfortheHighPlainsDinosaurMuseum?”

“Afterthat,Istartedgettingalotbetter.”Hethrewanotherstoneatthesign,the

metallicnoisestillringinginthesilenceofthepartiallyemptyparkinglotasherespondedwitharoguishgrinandraisedafist.“SaveJen.”

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