Chapter 34
Thirty-Four
Rio opened the window to his truck as he drove into town with the Larkins secured in the back seat.
The smell of pigs wafting from the couple had gotten unbearable and their constant arguing was starting to give him a headache.
He breathed in the damp fresh air. Although it carried a hint of pine, the usual alpine fragrance had an undercurrent of rotting vegetation.
Even so, it was better than the stink of pigs.
He frowned. After transporting this couple, he might need to get his truck steam-cleaned.
He glanced in his rearview mirror, glad to see Rowley following close behind in Raven’s truck.
He figured it would take both of them to move the Larkins from his truck and down to the cells.
If they continued to argue, he would place them in separate interview rooms. He’d leave them for a time with just a bottle of water until the sheriff interviewed them.
That’s if she was planning to drop by the office sometime today.
With her shoulder injury and her son sick, he doubted it and mentally started to consider what questions he would ask the couple.
He’d read them their rights as he cuffed them, and they’d requested a lawyer to represent them.
He’d called Sam Cross and expected him to meet them at the office when they arrived.
Brown water still rushed alongside the curb as he drove into town.
Leaves and other debris had piled up over the drains, causing water to spill across the blacktop.
Rio glanced at the sky. The rain had stopped but clouds still marred the usually clear blue vista.
The weather of late had gone crazy. Winter had started early and then lingered far too long.
He craved the sunshine. Being raised in LA, he’d never get used to the Montana weather.
He parked in the back parking lot of the sheriff’s office and waited for Rowley.
Together they moved the prisoners to the interview room, supplied them with a bottle of water each, and then left them to think about what they’d done.
Rio headed into the office to speak to Maggie on the front counter.
The lawyer wasn’t waiting for him in the foyer.
He’d hoped that Sam Cross would have arrived by now as he needed to speak to his clients before any interrogation could begin.
The doors flew open and Emily Wolfe rushed in, blonde hair flying and eyes flashing with anger.
He walked toward her. “Is there a problem?”
“A problem? Well, yes, you could say that.” Emily glared at him.
“What happened to the brotherhood in this office?” She poked a finger at his chest. “Raven gets injured in the line of duty and is dumped at the hospital. I just came back from there and there’s no one from the office waiting to see if he’s okay.
Did you even consider the fact that he has animals at home that need feeding?
Has anyone even spoken to him and asked him if they can do anything to help?
Raven drops everything to rush here to help you when you need him, and the moment he’s in trouble you all desert him like rats running from a house fire. ”
Rio drew himself up to his full height and stared at her. “I’m sure Raven is fully aware of the problems surrounding what happened. I had prisoners to escort. Dave needed to get home because his son is sick and Jenna dislocated her shoulder yesterday—unless it slipped your mind?”
“That’s not good enough.” Emily balled her hands on her hips. “I’ve seen him and he’s barely coherent. He could have permanent brain damage for all we know. He should have someone there with him.”
Rio rolled his eyes to the ceiling. “He obviously has you in his corner, doesn’t he?
As far as I’m aware, Wolfe ordered a ton of scans and other tests for him and insisted he remained in the hospital overnight for observation.
While he’s having all those tests, there’s really nothing we can do for him, is there?
Which I gather is why you’re here yelling at me. ”
“Hey, cool it.” Rowley stepped between them.
“None of us will be able to go onto his property to feed his dogs. They’re all being trained as K-9s or personal protection animals.
I already called Blackhawk. He’s Raven’s partner in the dog protection business.
There’s a landslide near the res but he’s going to go farther up the mountain and across to get down to Raven’s place.
He has a cabin close by, so will stay there until Raven is well enough to care for the animals. ”
“Thanks, Jake.” Emily squeezed his arm. “I knew I could count on you.”
Rio lifted his chin. “See, Emily, we had Raven’s back all along.” He snorted. “It’s not a good look, you know. A big guy like him hiding behind a woman’s skirt.”
“You— You— ass.” Emily’s gray eyes drifted up and down his body and then landed on his face. “I sure made the right decision when I dumped you.” She turned in a twirl of long hair and headed for the door.
A few people waiting to be served at the counter sniggered and Rio turned to Rowley.
“What are you standing around for? Write up your report.” He glanced at his watch.
“We’ll be snowed under this afternoon. I’ll call the sheriff and reschedule the interviewing of suspects until the morning.
” He turned back to the door as Sam Cross walked in carrying a briefcase under one arm.
“Ah, Sam.” He gave him the details of the arrest. “I’ll take you down to speak with your clients. ”
“You arrested them without a warrant?” Cross gave him a skeptical look. “Where’s the sheriff?”
Rio rubbed the back of his neck. It’s going to be one of those days.
“Your clients were in the process of dragging Deputy Raven to a pigpen so the pigs could eat him alive. They had already rendered him unconscious and tied him up. They committed this crime in the presence of three deputies and the medical examiner. I believe probable cause for the arrest is more than warranted.”
“Okay.” Cross met his gaze. “Where are they?”
Rio pulled a face mask from his pocket and handed it to him. “I’ll take you down but you might need this.”
“Are they sick?” Cross stared at the face mask.
Rio wrinkled his nose. “Nope. They stink.”