Page 57 of Hudson
“I’m not calling him. If he doesn’t reach out when he gets back, that tells me everything I need to know.”
“Give it until Saturday. Killian says this case is serious. The department almost lost Rawley over it and they want the man responsible. They’re not going to rest until they get him.”
“I know.” Blair was quiet for a moment. “If I don’t hear from him by Saturday, it’s over. Over before it even really started.” She laughed softly, more tired than amused. “I really know how to pick them.”
“You’re going to find someone.”
“That’s just it.” Blair stared at the ceiling. “I was hoping it would be him. I am so drawn to that man, Celine, and the sex.” She closed her eyes. “He’s ruined me. I hope he knows that.”
Celine laughed. “I know that feeling well. When I thought things were finished with Killian that was exactly what I thought.”
“But you two figured it out and now you’re disgustingly happy and I hate you for it.”
“You could never hate me.”
“You’re right. I couldn’t.” Blair smiled despite herself. “Did you call just to torture me or was there a reason?”
“Lunch tomorrow. Come by the shop.”
“I’ll be there.” She exhaled. “I love you, Celine.”
“I love you too. Hang in there.”
The call ended and Blair set the phone back on the arm of the sofa. She sat with the quiet for a while, turning it all over, trying to figure out what she would do if Saturday came and went without a word from him.
She didn’t have a good answer.
****
Hud pulled the truck up to the house and took a moment to look the place over. A solid, well-kept ranch with cattle grazing across the pastures as far as he could see.
“Damn nice place,” Luke said from the back seat.
“Yeah.” Hud opened his door. “Let’s find Mr. White.”
They climbed out and walked up the porch steps. Hud knocked. After a moment the door opened to reveal a woman in her mid-fifties who took one look at their Kevlar vests and went still.
“Hello. May I help you?”
“Ma’am, I’m Agent Hud Anderson with MDOL. These are Agents Creed McBride and Luke McCallister. We’re looking for Amos White.”
“He’s in the center barn.” Her eyes moved across the three of them. “Is there a problem?”
“Just some questions. Thank you, ma’am.”
He touched the brim of his hat, and they crossed the yard. Inside the barn a ranch hand directed themto an office at the far end of the aisle. Hud knocked once and pushed the door open. The man behind the desk looked up, then stood when he registered the vests.
“Agents. What can I do for you?”
Hud made the introductions. “Mr. White, we’d like to ask you some questions about your brother.”
The man’s expression closed off immediately. “My brother is dead to me. We haven’t spoken in years, and I have no plans to change that.”
Hud glanced at Creed and Luke, then back. “May I ask why?”
“He tried to steal my cattle about five years back. When I found out it was him I told him to stay the hell off my property and out of my life.” He crossed his arms. “What did he do?”
“Stole cattle down in Clifton,” Hud said. “Among other things.”
