I hated that smile.
Eventually Hank sighed.
"You really think he'll move?"
"He's escalating. He cut the throat of a coyote. He’s getting impatient. He’ll make his move."
The sheriff nodded.
"He is."
"Which means he's angry."
Another nod.
"And angry men make mistakes."
Now everybody was listening.
Because they all understood predators.
Understood hunters.
Understood men who thought they were smarter than everybody else.
Gerald believed he was in control.
He wasn't.
Not anymore.
I looked around the crowd.
"Go home."
Several ranchers laughed.
One pointed at me.
"You're awfully bossy."
"Former Ranger."
"Fair point."
The trucks started leaving.
One by one.
The sheriff climbed into his vehicle.
"I'll keep patrols running."
I nodded.
"Good."
Soon the yard was empty again.
