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“I tried, but I had to get out and walk I went behind the house, didn’t see anybody, so I ca for you”

“I’lad you did” Austin cocked his ear “I think I hear so” He took a last look at the body “Happy retirement, Bucky,” he said, and walked toward the door

Buzz followed him out into the yard as a black-and-white car with blue roof do burst from the woods and squealed to a stop in a cloud of dust Printed in big letters on the car door was the word SHERIFF Two , and the other was slier nified he was a deputy sheriff

“Which one of you is Austin?” he said

“That’s me,” Kurt said

The deputy must have been prepared for an evasion because he didn’t seem to knohat to say next

The older s Either one of you seen Bucky Martin?”

“He’s in the barn,” Austin said

The deputy hustled into the barn, and when he came out a moment later his face hite

“Jeezus,” he said, fu for his sidearm, “Old Bucky is dead Stuck with a pitchfork Which one of you two did it?”

Hastings gestured for his deputy to calm down and call the county ho on, Mr Austin?”

“Martin tried to kill us with that shotgun next to the body I had to kill hi to slow him down, but that’s not the way it worked out”

“Thanks, but Icalls froton and all”

“Washington?”

“You bet First the governor’s office calls and tells h this er and I’d better get out to Martin’s place or there will be a killing When I asked whatto be killed, he pro duht” He turned to Buzz “What’s your name?”