Smoke and Mirrors

6

Back inside the Motor Home, Winter was washing his hands at the bathroom sink when Sean appeared in the doorway behind him. “Your buddy is still sitting in his truck outside,” Sean said.

“He’s waiting for me,” Winter said. He dried his hands and passed by her. Taking off his shirt, he went into the bedroom to change clothes. Sean followed him and eased the door closed. “Wants me to go with him to look at a crime scene.”

“So you’re going to take a quick trip to Tunica to look at this crime scene.”

“Two, three hours. I’ll put the head in the Jeep, if you don’t mind taking it to Calvin. There’s a map in the bedroom. Don’t leave the gate unlocked and keep an eye open. Keep the Walther close.”

“I always keep the Walther close. So why the concern?” she asked.

“The killer left one of my old marshal cards at the crime scene. That’s why Brad’s here.”

“He doesn’t think you…?”

“No, he doesn’t think I left it. At least he says he doesn’t,” Winter told her. “I have to check this out. Best to be very careful until I know what’s going on. And get ready to pull out. We’re done hunting.”

He pulled on a pair of jeans, ran his belt through the loops and slipped it under the magazine pouch and his holster. He stuffed his wallet into his back pocket and put on his chukkas. Sean led him from the room and picked up his jacket.

“Kids, I have to go out for a while with Sheriff Barnett,” he said to their inquisitive faces.

He was at the door when Sean said, “Mr. Massey?”

“Yeah?”

“Aren’t you forgetting something?” She put her hands on her hips and frowned.

He made a show of patting his pockets while he suppressed a smile. “Wallet. Weapon. I don’t think so.”

“Winter Massey!” she said, shaking her head. “Think about it.”

“She wants her good-bye kissy kiss,” Rush said.

“Kiss her good, Winter!” Faith Ann called out.

“Do it, Daddy!” Rush said, puckering clownishly. “Plant one on her she’ll remember.”

Winter pushed his hair back dramatically, gathered Sean into his arms, leaned her back, and gave her a kiss that drew applause from Faith Ann and Rush. Olivia joined in, clapping and laughing, unaware of what the celebration was all about.

“Cowboy love!” Faith Ann squealed.