“At least we know who he is,” Cleo said between bites.
“And what the bastard did,” Nell added.
“Maybe we can use it against him,” Jenny suggested.
Cleo nodded. “We’ll figure somethin’ out.” Jenny left the women and went behind the bar to relieve Barb for a break. Will sat at one end, sipping the same beer he’d ordered when they’d arrived.
They still needed a plan. She hoped Cleo would come up with something soon.
* * *
Cain’s cell phone rang. He was talking to Martin Cohen, one of his VPs. They were finally closing the Titan Transport deal, thank God. He was just hanging up when another call came in.
Cain picked up the call.
“Barrett, this is Deputy Sheriff Hank Landry. I got some news I think you’ll want to hear.”
“I hope it’s good news for a change,” Cain said.
“It’s not good news for Ryder Vance and his boys. We just arrested Vance on drug-trafficking charges. Technically, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. Cocaine and fentanyl in substantial quantities. Some of his boys were taken into custody on lesser charges. Since it’s Vance’s second time around, he’ll be going away for a good long while.”
“You talk to him about my stallion? Or the bullet someone put in my shoulder?”
“As a matter of fact, I did. He had no idea what I was talking about. I believe him. If he’d done it, he could have used the information to cut a deal. I don’t think he’s your guy.”
Cain thought of the man on the other end of the phone. So maybe the deputy wasn’t the dumbass Cain had thought.
“I appreciate your call, Deputy, and the work you’ve done on the case.”
“We’re still looking for the shooter who went after you at the ranch. It just doesn’t appear to be Ryder Vance.”
“Thanks again, Hank,” he said, using the man’s first name for the first time. “Nice work.”
“Just doing my job.” But there was a note of pride in his voice.
Cain’s next call went to Nick. He relayed the information on Ryder and got an update on Eddie Spencer.
“Spencer’s a scumbag,” Nick said. “No doubt about it. But I don’t think he’s interested in anything that won’t make him money. Killing you isn’t going to do that.”
“Neither is castrating my stud.”
“No.”
“So Spencer’s off the list?”
“He’s off your list. He’s still on Jenny’s. He could definitely be the guy who’s trying to drive her out of business.”
“Except if it’s the business he’s after, destroying it isn’t a great idea.”
“Can’t argue with that. How’s Will working out?”
“He’s a good man. He’s doing a great job looking out for Jenny.”
“She’s not out of danger yet.”
“I know.”
“Which means, with Vance in jail, Ray Aldridge and Bart Harwell are our last two suspects.”
