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“Only until I’d decided what to do about it” Sky had told Beau about the deed he’d been given in the will But he hadn’t revealed his relationship to Bull Tyler That was a secret he’d sworn to carry to his grave

“What’s to decide?” Beau deet the land, you use it, run livestock on it, even build yourself a horee with my father You deserve that parcel of land And e tell Will, I know he’ll feel the same”

Sky gazed past the hood of the pickup, to where the white coroner’s van was pulling up alongside the sheriff’s Jeep “And what if I don’t feel the saave me a home and a life All I’ve ever done is e I’ve never taken anything I haven’t earned” He shook his head “That land’s worth a lot of ht”

Beau muttered a curse “Dammit, Sky Fletcher, if I live to be a hundred, I’ll never understand what goes on in that crazy Comanche brain of yours So, ould you do with the land if you didn’t keep it?”

“Donate it to the Rimrock—or sell it and donate the money I know the ranch could use it, especially this year But to tell you the truth, I’ve been too busy to do anything about it”

Beau’s response was cut off by a shout fro

“Hey, over here! I found so close to snap photos Belly jiggling, Abner Sweeney pounded around the side of the bog He’d taken a handkerchief out of his pocket and was holding it to his nose Mindi Thacker, in high-heeled sandals, sprinte

d after him followed by her cameraman Sky and Beau watched from a distance If the scene hadn’t revolved around a hable

“Here, let’s have a look” Sweeneya boot ankle deep into thewith distaste and spattering mud on the neoman’s spotless white slacks

“Hope they got that on TV,” Beau muttered, then turned his attention to the object the deputy had bagged and lifted out of the cattails “How about that? Judging from what I can see of it, I’d say that’s a ninehole in athe murder weapon”

“Neither would I, but ould the shooter just toss it here?” Sky stirred, fishing his truck keys out of his pocket “This is a good show, but I need to go into town and find Marie”

“Go ahead,” said Beau “I’ll cover for you here and answer any questions froive me a ride back to the house”

“Thanks You can tell the you know about the camp and the marijuana But don’t mention Marie if you can help it If Stella finds out she’s a Fletcher, that could put her in danger”

“Fine for now, but we ht not be able to keep it a secret”

“I understand,” Sky said “Just give me time to warn her She can decide what to do”