“Heading home. What’s up?”
“I spotted that truck. It swerved off the berm, so I pulled them over, but when I asked for IDs, none of them had theirs. It seems strange to me that five grown men didn’t have them. They gave me their names and social security numbers.”
“Did you run them yet?”
“Oh, yeah. But, unfortunately, they’re all fake. I gave them until Monday to give me their real ones. I could have fined them for it, but Sam said to let them go. He didn’t want them to be arrested until it’s proven they’re the rustlers. I acted like everything was fine.”
“Who is the truck registered to?” He grinned when he heard Declan sigh.
“It’s registered to a local woman, Terry Martin. Jack took photos of the tags and of the tires, while I kept them occupied. I can email them to you. Then they drove to Dewey’s. Jack and I kept an eye on them once they pulled out, then followed them there. They went inside but I kept an eye on them. They didn’t leave there until it closed.”
“I appreciate it, Declan, but I want them on the thefts.”
“Yeah, we all agree. Thing is, they could take off before Monday.”
“That is very possible. I want those bastards. So, we don’t know who the truck is registered to?”
“No. Jack is working on that. They’re checking out stolen vehicles in Montana, but without the vehicle registration or insurance, it’s going to be tough.”
“Yes, it will.”
“I hope you get them for rustling, otherwise we’d have to find another way to bring them in. They’re breaking the law by not showing me their IDs, but they said they’d be in Monday with everything I need. I doubt they’ll show but if they do and show me real IDs and documentation, the only thing we can do is just keep an eye on them. I called Sam and he wants them for thetheft too. About all we can do is wait and see but giving them tickets would be way too light a punishment for cattle rustlers.”
“I’ll do my best to catch them, no matter where they go. I appreciate your help, Declan. Thanks.”
“Anytime.” Declan disconnected.
Rawley sat in his truck on the berm. He knew he had to get those men before they caused more trouble, or disappeared, and he was going to keep an eye out for them so he could let them know he was around. Aggravate them a little.
With a heavy sigh, he checked for traffic then drove home. He had three days to track them down. He was sure they’d never show up at the Sheriff’s Department come Monday.
As he pulled into his garage, he shut the engine off, stepped out, strode along the walk, then entered the house. He reached down to pet the dogs, then hung his hat up, sat on the bench and leaned his head back to the wall and sighed. Damn he was tired.
And he still had to shower, pack up the dogs and head to Skylar’s place.
“Shit,” he muttered when he realized he hadn’t picked up their burgers. Hell, he didn’t even order them. This case was kicking his ass. He stood, removed his clothes, then headed for the bathroom with his phone and sent Skylar a text.
I just got home and I forgot to get the burgers.
I’m sure we can come up with something. I have lunchmeat. We could have sandwiches.
That sounds good. I’ll be there after I get a shower.
Okay. See you soon.
Rawley grinned, then headed upstairs to get a desperately needed shower.
****
Skylar smiled. She didn’t care about the burgers; she just wanted to be with Rawley. She was hungry so she hoped he got there soon. She looked at Cosmo.
“We’re having guests this evening, and you’d better behave because it’s two dogs.” She laughed when the cat gave her the evil eye.
“I know, but they’re great dogs—” She stopped when the cat walked away, tail held high. “Fine. I could stick you in my office,” she yelled, then laughed when Cosmo jumped on his windowsill and stared out the window, ignoring her.
She shook her head and decided to take a quick shower, then wait for Rawley. The sandwiches sounded good, but she’d been craving a burger. Rawley had probably gotten busy, that’s why he forgot. No sense in getting upset over that. It wasn’t like she couldn’t get a burger another time.
After her shower, she dressed in her pink sweatpants and a black T-shirt. She sat on the sofa and watched TV. She couldn’t get into the movie because she was anxious to see Rawley. She’d ask him tonight about Thanksgiving and she hoped he would spend it with her, but she was sure he spent holidays with his family. He seemed to have a good relationship with them, like she did with hers.
