Angels Fall

the wine he'd left on the counter.
    "I went by a couple of the closest ones. Got my own. Joanie's got a couple. Rental places out there, and this time of year, they don't get much business. Didn't see anyone, or any sign they were being used. I'm checking on that. too. We'll get to the bottom of this. Recce. I don't want you to worry, Brody? You want to take a ride out there with me in the morning?"
    "Sure. I can do that."
    "I can go downstairs now, ask ]oanie for the morning off and go with you," Recce began.
    "Brody was right there. I think one of you's enough. And I'd appre-ciate it it you wouldn't say anything about this to anyone else. For the time being. Let's get this checked out before the word spreads." Rick pushed to his feet, nodded at Brody. "How about I come by your place and pick you up about seven-thirty'"
    "I'll be there."
    "You try to enjoy the rest of your evening. Reece, put this out of your mind for a while. Nothing more you can do."
    "No. No, nothing I can do." Reece stayed seated as Rick settled his hat on his head and went out.
    "He doesn't believe me."
    "I didn't hear him say that."
    "Yes, you did." Helpless anger bubbled up. "We both did, under it."
    Brod y set his wine dow n again, crossed to her. "Why wouldn't he believe you?"
    "Because he didn't find anything. Because no one else saw it. Because I've only been in town a couple of weeks. Because, because."
    "I've got all that same information and I believe you."
    Her eyes stung. The urge to pop up, press her face to his chest and just let the tears roll was overwhelming. Instead, she stayed seated, gripping her hands together hard in her lap. "Thanks."
    "I'm going to head home. You might try to take the sheriff's advice and put this out of your head for a while. Take a pill, go to bed."
    "How do you know I have any pills to take? "
    His lips curved, just a little. " Take an Ambien and tune out.. I'll tell you what's what—one way or another—tomorrow."
    "Fine. Thanks." She got up to walk over and open the door herself. "Good night."
    Satisfied he'd left her annoyed rather than depressed, he strolled out without another word.
    She locked the door, checked it. checked the windows. Habit made her start toward the kitchen first to clean up the dishes and pots, but she turned instead and booted up her laptop.
    She would write it all out, everything, in her journal.
    As Reece sat down at her keyboard, Rick let himself into the sheriff's office, switched on the lights. He hung up his hat, his coat, then went back to the small break room to brew a short pot of coffee.
    While it brewed, he called home. As he expected, his oldest girl answered on the first ring. "Hey, Daddy! Can I wear mascara to the Spring Fling? Just a little, everybody else does. Please?"
    He pressed his fingers to his eyes. Not yet thirteen and already it was mascara and school dances. "What did your mother say?"
    "She said she'd think about it. Daddy—"
    "Then I'll think about it. too. Put your mama on, baby."
    "Can't you come home? We could discuss this."
    God save him. "I have to work late tonight, but we'll discuss it tomorrow. Put your mama on now."
    " Mom ! Daddy's on the phone. He has to work late, and we're going to talk about me wearing mascara like a normal person tomorrow."
    "Thanks for the bulletin." Sounding more amused than harassed— how did she manage it? Rick wondered—Debbie Mardson chuckled into the receiver. "I was hoping you were on your way home."
    "Stuck here at the office for a while. Can't say how long. Why the hell does that girl have to wear mascara? She's got your eyes, longest lashes in Wyoming." He could see them, that long sweep, the bluebon-net eyes under it.
    "Same reasons I do—light lashes. And it's a basic female tool."
    "You're going to let her?"
    "I'm considering."
    Now he rubbed the back of his neck. He was a man woefully outnumbered by females. "First it was lipstick."
    "Gloss," Debbie corrected. "Lip gloss."
    "Whatever the hell. Now it's mascara. Next thing she'll be wanting a tattoo. It's the end of the world."
    "I think we can hold back the tattoo awhile yet. You want to call before you leave? I could have your dinner warmed up."
    "May be late. I picked up a meatloaf sandwich at Joanie's. Don't worry about it. Kiss the firls for me."
    "I will. Don't wear yourself out, so you can come home and kiss me."
    "I'll be sure to do that. Deb? Love you."
    "Love you back. Bye."
    He sat for a time in the quiet, drinking his coffee, eating his