"I'll let him tell you the rest, but, as far as I know that judge granted him bail today."
"Go on and tell me what you know, Buddy. I don't mind, and I'm sure that Nash won't mind you saving his breath on the subject."
We walk to the back of the store, where there is a computer, a filing cabinet, desk, and several boxes with various labels on them. Buddy grabs a box cutter from the desk and breaks the seal on one of the boxes. "Word is that your brother's girl got him off easy. That she dropped the charges."
"Then why does he need to be let out on bail?"
"I heard it was a condition of Braylynn's to play it up, even though the charges were dropped. Give your daddy a few turds in his shorts if you know what I mean." He chuckles nervously. "Of course, if that were me, I'd a made him think she died. A man like that needs more than just a little scare. I'm hoping that after this, Brady down at the bar won't let him inside the doors anymore."
"I don't think that'll matter, Buddy. Daddy'll just find somewhere else to drink is all."
"Not in this town, he won't. And I think Braylynn also made the sheriff pull his license, even though he wasn't drinking and driving."
"That's smart. He's lucky he's never killed anyone yet, but he came close."
"Anyway, once he's done in rehab, he'll be coming home. Are y'all ready for that?"
"I don't need to be. I'm never there." I explain carefully but firmly. "If I'm not at the ranch, I'm at Shelly's."
"Shelly? Who's that?"
"My girlfriend. She doesn't live here. And I'll thank you for keeping that to yourself."
"Which part? About how you've got yourself a girl, or that she doesn't live here?"
"Both, if it's all the same to you."
He nods once for emphasis. "Fine by me. So, what can I do for you tonight, Levi?"
"Nothing much."
"Just looking for some company, are you."
"Sort of."
He studies my face for a moment. "Y'all want me to give Lennie a heads up that you came to pay her a visit?"
"Sure. If it's not too much trouble."
He winks. "Not at all. I'll take you on over."
I follow him to the door, and he unlocks the door to the other side, setting off the red light, prompting Lennie to lift her head from the computer that she's working on in the back. "Hi, Lennie. Levi here wanted to pay you a visit."
Lennie looks even more luminous than she did yesterday. Her blonde hair is all blown out, caught up only on one side with a small clip. The woman doesn't wear a stitch of makeup, but her lips are pink as punch. "Levi. Is there a problem with the picture?" She asks, concern washed on her face.
I lift a hand. "No, not at all. Nothing like that." I make up something quick. "I, um, I just wanted to find out when y'all wanted to come by for them riding lessons. And I don't have your number."
"Oh." She smiles. "The address and number are stamped on the receipt, Levi, and it's also on the box. You didn't have to make a trip all the way here for that."
"It's okay. I was just in the area, anyway."
Buddy interjects, clearing his throat. "I've got to get back and finish up for the day. Levi, you call me if you need anything, and I'll keep mum on all that talk about your daddy, too."
"Thanks, Buddy. I appreciate it." I nod and shake his proffered hand.
Once he leaves, I turn to Lennie. "Sorry if I'm intruding. I won't take up much of your time."
"That's okay. I was just finishing up for the day. I don't have much worry about inventory changes for today, I was justworking on my next project. I'm going out late tonight, anyway. It's a full moon tonight."
