“And you do it very well.” She moved around him.
“Hey,” he said, and she turned to look at him. “I think you should stay in the house today.”
“Why?”
“Because I said so.”
“Don’t try that macho bullshit on me, Wilder. Why?”
“In case it comes to a head. I’m waiting to hear from Reece about some things.”
She placed her hands on her hips. “What things?”
“Background checks and bank accounts.”
“Do you know who else is involved?”
“No, but I have a good idea. Just please stay in the house.”
“We’ll see.” She walked out of the barn.
****
Wilder watched her walk away, then he headed for Hal and Bernie.
“I think she knows something,” Hal said.
“Nah, she’s just on edge. I asked her if everything was all right, and she said yes. Don’t worry about it. When are we on again?”
“They want one more shipment from us.”
“How do you propose to do that when she’s not putting cows in the pastures now?”
“I don’t know yet. I have to talk to the man in charge to see how he wants this done.” Hal glanced around as if looking for someone. “I’ll, uh, get with him later. You two can work the parlors today.”
“All right.” Wilder stared at them and then took a deep breath to calm himself before he ended up putting handcuffs on them. His cellphone buzzed. He pulled it from his T-shirt and looked at the screen to see Reece’s number. “I have to take this. I’ll be right back.”
He didn’t give them time to answer as he strode out of the barn and around the side, then pressedAnswer.
“Reece, tell me you have something.”
“None of them have large amounts deposited into their accounts or family’s accounts.”
“What? How is that possible?”
“They’re probably keeping the cash out of the banks, so the government won’t be contacted.”
“Fuck,” Wilder snapped. “Look, I can’t wait any longer. Maybe I can get the two I know to talk.”
“Up to you.”
“I need backup, Reece.”
“I’m on my way.”
“Run those fucking sirens,” Wilder said and grinned when Reece chuckled.
“You got it.”