“Wilder, what a welcome surprise. I almost didn’t recognize you,” Nevada said as he put his hand out for him to shake.
“Nevada.” Wilder shook his friend’s hand.
“What brings you out this way?”
“I wanted to see you.” Wilder stared at the horse running around the corral.
Nevada turned to lean against the rail and folded his arms.
“About?”
“I want you to know that I didn’t have a choice when I testified against you.”
Nevada’s eyes widened.
“Hell, Wilder, I know that.”
“I’ve been battling with it, Nevada. It’s my fault that you lost—”
“Stop. It is not your fault. You were under oath, and I quit. They didnotfire me. I’m fine with it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. I’m happier now. I missed the MDOL for a while, but I love my job as a deputy. I have better hours, which gives me more time with Courtney.”
“If that’s who answered the door, I can see why you’d want more time with her.” Wilder grinned.
“I’m crazy about her. She is nothing like Marilyn.”
“Good. Marilyn wasn’t for you.”
“Come on, let’s get out of this heat and get a cold beer,” Nevada said.
“Sounds good.”
The men walked across the yard, and after wiping their boots on the mat, they entered the house. A dog came running at them but skidded to a halt.
“This is Loki. A real pain in the ass, but we love him,” Nevada said.
“Is he friendly?”
“He’ll probably lick you to death.” Nevada removed his hat, hung it on a peg, and motioned for Wilder to do the same.
“He looks intimidating as hell,” Wilder said as he removed his hat and hung it up, then raked his fingers through his hair.
“All Rottweilers look intimidating.” Nevada laughed.
“Yeah, I’ve heard they’ll let a burglar in the house, but they won’t let them out.”
Nevada chuckled as he waved his hand for him to follow. Wilder touched Loki’s head and got a silly dog grin.
As he followed behind Nevada, he glanced around and about had a heart attack when a cat jumped on his leg, then ran off.
“Holy shit. I think I just lost ten years.”
Nevada grinned. “That’s Luna. She’s Courtney’s cat, and she attacks everyone. I’ve learned to prepare myself.”
“You could have warned me,” Wilder said.