CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
BLADE WALKED THE uneven ground around Indigo Lake. He could have crossed at the finished bridge, but he didn’t want to make his presence known.
The big two-story house looked spooky in the night. A few windows were left open, probably because Jerry had been painting, and old rotting curtains from one upstairs window seemed to be waving at him.
Blade made it to the stand of trees near the house and decided this was a good place to watch from. About the time he’d settled in, a pickup pulled off the main road and headed over the new bridge.
Blade came to full alert.
He watched Jerry Cline climb out of the pickup and head toward the house. He wasn’t exactly sneaking onto the land, with his headlights on bright and his flashlight at full power.
It didn’t take long to figure out what the guy was doing. The one window upstairs was closed with a quick slam, followed by a few others.
Blade grabbed the rifle he’d borrowed from Grandmother and stepped out into the headlight’s glare from the pickup.
Jerry was halfway down the steps before he noticed Blade. “You scared the devil out of me, Hamilton.”
“Sorry. I’m just looking around the place. Didn’t want you thinking I was hiding out.”
“I forgot to close the windows so I came back.” Jerry moved closer. “You come out here at night often?”
“No. Why?” Blade moved closer.
Jerry took the hint and lowered his voice. “Maybe I’m worrying about nothing, but a couple of mornings I’d swear someone walked across your land before dawn. One dawn, after it rained most of the night, I saw boot prints that looked like combat boots left in fresh mud. It’s just a hunch. You know, when a cowboy spends a lot of time out by himself, you get a feeling when someone is riding the same trail.”
“You should be a cop,” Blade said. “That is exactly why I’m here tonight. I think I did see someone moving over my land.” He didn’t want to tell Jerry too much information but he wanted the man to know that he was alert.
They walked toward Jerry’s truck. He said, “I thought I saw a black car parked in the trees about a mile back. If he’s coming tonight, my guess is he’ll come as soon as he knows I’m gone.” Jerry laughed suddenly. “Sounds like we’re in a spy novel or something. Nothing ever happens around here. Scariest thing I’ve seen out in this country is Grandmother walking after dark with a rifle on her shoulder.”
“Do you come back out here every night?”
“Yeah. I don’t live far. After supper I like to drive over and make sure everything was put up, closed up. If an animal got in with all that new paint, they could cost us a day’s work.” He grinned as he climbed into the cab of his truck. “Besides, if I stay around the house, the wife makes me help with the dishes.”
Blade stepped a few feet back. “Keep your eyes open.”
“Maybe they’re stealing your wild plums. If they are, they’re getting green ones.”
Waving goodbye, Blade moved onto the dark porch. He didn’t have to wait long.
The low sound of a car moving slowly whispered in the still air. He thought he heard a car door closing softly. Then he spotted a silhouette moving silently toward him.
The man was almost even with the house when Blade said softly, “Evening.”
Before the stranger could reach for his weapon, Blade added, “Don’t do anything foolish. I’ve already got you in my sights. You’re on my land. I’m Special Agent Blade Hamilton and I’m looking for some answers.”
The man straightened slightly and seemed to relax a bit.
“I’m not here to cause any trouble. I was told this place was abandoned, being fixed up to sell.” The man stood perfectly still. “I’ve heard of you, Hamilton, but didn’t connect you with this place. An honor to meet you.”
Blade moved to the first step. “I got word there was an agent out on my land. Wanna tell me why you’re here?”
“I’m watching for suspected illegal drug shipments. We’re doing our best to clock every truck that comes off the Bar W tonight. From a point a mile back of your place I can see the whole west side of the Bar W.”
Blade wasn’t buying it. “How long you been here?”
“Three nights.”
Blade shook his head. “The old lady who lives next door says she’s seen movement for weeks.”
The agent shrugged. “Not me. Must be a ghost. Look, I’m Agent Matthew McMillan. I’ve got my ID in my vest pocket.”
Blade nodded once and held the rifle at ready as Matthew dug out his ID. It really wasn’t necessary; Matthew had the look and the text had said that ATF had a man in the field but they’d both follow agency procedure.
Blade used his flashlight to study the badge, then handed it back. “So, we’re on the same team. How can I help?”
Matthew looked up into the midnight sky. “I’ll explain as we climb. Follow me. We haven’t got much time.”
The agent was jogging before Blade could decide what to do. He had a feeling his bandaged side was about to feel the burn of some serious exercise. So much for taking it easy for a few days.