Assumption Read Free

vintage blue Ford?”
    “That’s the one.”
    “I love that truck.”
    Ogden nodded.
    “Mrs. Bickers.” Paz said the name as if to hear how it sounded. He shook his head. “You know I took this job because nothing happens around here.”
    “So, what now?”
    “Hell if I know.”
    “No escapes from the prison,” Ogden said. “I called. Not for over a year anyway.”
    Paz bit the end off a carrot stick and looked up at him. “That’s good to know.”
    “Felton!” Paz called out into the duty room.
    The lanky Felton came to the door, tugged at his belt buckle, and adjusted his glasses. “Yeah?”
    “Call over and see if anybody’s escaped from Santa Fe.”
    “No reports of any escapes,” Felton said.
    “Call anyway,” Paz barked. Then to Ogden, “Nothing wrong with double-­checking. And call the mental hospital, too.”
    “Yes, sir,” Felton said and turned away.
    Paz studied Ogden. “You look like shit.”
    “I’m tired.”
    “Yeah, you look tired, too. Son, you’re too young to look old.”
    “Right.”
    “Have you had anything to eat today?” Paz asked. “You know breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Person can’t go around with his body needing fuel.”
    “You sound like my mother.” He started out of the office. “You know, Bucky, it wouldn’t hurt to miss a meal or two.”
    “That’ll be the day.”
    Ogden left the station and drove to the diner down the street. It was a place run by two young women who opened for the single meal of lunch. Whether they slept late and went to bed early, Ogden didn’t care. He cared only that their lunches were good and not expensive. They were pleasant enough and not flirty and Ogden liked that. He waved to a couple of people at the counter. One of the two owners came to his table, filled his cup with coffee.
    “Thanks.”
    “How you doin’, Deputy,” she said.
    She and her partner didn’t much like the idea of policemen. He understood. He didn’t much like cops either, though he did want to like himself. “It’s okay to dislike the uniform. It’s just a uniform. Under it I’m just like you.”
    She studied him for a second and together they realized that he had just uttered a blatant untruth.
    “Forget I said anything,” he said.
    “What’ll it be?”
    “Tuna on whole wheat.”
    “Fruit or fries.”
    “Fruit,” he said.
    She smiled. “And you’re healthy under the uniform as well.”
    As he watched her walk back to the kitchen, Manny Archuleta and Rick Gillis slid into the booth opposite him.
    “Hey there, Ogden,” Rick said. “Mind a little company?”
    Ogden shook his head no, but he didn’t mean it. “How are you guys?”
    They nodded.
    “Don’t you love this place,” Rick said. “I was telling Manny I think they’re lesbians.”
    “Who?” Ogden said.
    “The gals that run this place. Mindy and Eloise.”
    “So,” Ogden said.
    “So, I think that’s hot,” Rick said.
    “What about you, Manny?” Ogden sipped his coffee while he looked at Manny.
    “I don’t know. It don’t matter none to me.”
    “Me, either.” Ogden shifted his focus to Rick.
    “Listen, don’t make me out to be no pervert,” Rick said.
    “How’s Carla?” Ogden asked Manny.
    “She left his ass,” Rick said.
    Manny slapped his friend’s shoulder with the back of his hand. “She’s gone to visit relatives.”
    “Yeah, right,” Rick laughed. “That’s why she took everything she owns with her.”
    Manny called for Mindy or Eloise to bring them some coffee.
    Rick leaned back in his seat. “Hey, Ogden, we’re trying to get some guys together for a poker game this weekend. You interested?”
    “I don’t have any money.”
    “You’ve got enough,” Manny said.
    “I don’t think so. I told my mother I’d fix a few things, and I was hoping to get in a little fishing.” Ogden looked at his watch. “Don’t you two work for a living anymore?”
    “Break,” Manny said. “Man’s got to have a break now and