On Deadly Ground Read Free

me.”
    â€œI’m so sorry, J.D.” She glanced at him. “I haven’t told you this, but it’s really nice having you back home.”
    â€œThanks, Maggs. It feels good to be home.”
    They talked a while longer about life on the ranch with Bobby and the boys and how difficult it was trying to make a decent living in the cattle business. He thanked her for doing such a good job of tending to their mother’s grave. She gave him a sheepish look. “I’d love to take the credit, but I haven’t been to the cemetery since the Memorial Day weekend.”
    Books was puzzled. Somebody was caring for the grave site. Could he have misjudged the old man? Maybe, but he didn’t think so.
    After Maggie went to bed, Books remained on the porch for an hour. He watched a full moon rise and cast its dark shadow over the black mountains to the north. Stars filled the night sky in every direction as far as the eye could see. Soon, overcome by fatigue, he settled down on the couch in the ranch house for what turned out to be a restless night of sleep.
    Books was up and in town early Saturday morning. He had plenty of things to do. High on the list was finding a place to live. On his way out of the post office, he ran into Ned Hunsaker, a longtime family friend. Without a word, Hunsaker broke into a broad grin and gave him a good old-fashioned bear hug.
    â€œNice to have you back, son. I was delighted when I picked up the local rag and read that you were coming home. It’s where you belong. Your mother would be pleased.”
    Hunsaker had been the Kane County librarian for thirty-three years. Book’s mother had worked with him as the assistant librarian for twenty-seven of those years. They’d had a close friendship that had lasted until her death.
    â€œThanks, Ned. I’m not settled in yet, but it’s already starting to feel like home. The last year’s been tough.”
    â€œI was sorry to hear about that. Have you found a place to live?”
    â€œNot yet. For the time being, I’m staying with Maggie and Bobby until I find something to rent. I’m supposed to look at one place later this morning.”
    â€œThis might not interest you, but I’ve got an old double-wide mobile home sitting on my property. It needs a little paint, but it wouldn’t take much to turn it into a cozy little place. And I guarantee you won’t beat the price.”
    That piqued Books’ interest. “How much do you want for it?”
    â€œHow about $200 a month and utilities?”
    â€œDone.”
    â€œGeez, don’t you want to see it first?”
    â€œNope. I’ll take your word for it. When can I start moving in?”
    â€œRight away if you want. I can hook up the propane tank and fire up the swamp cooler this afternoon.”

Chapter Two
    Early the next morning David Greenbriar woke from a troubled sleep to the sound of a gusty wind that blew along the ridge-line of the plateau. He emerged from the tent just before the sun peeked above the eastern horizon. Even at the height of summer, a morning chill was common on the Kaiparowits Plateau. The cold didn’t fool him. By midmorning the desert cool would give way to a blistering heat that would send most living things scurrying to the cover of shade. He broke camp without delay after a breakfast of dried fruit, cereal, and instant coffee. The return hike to his Suburban would take most of the day.
    If nothing else, the trip had cleared his head. Greenbriar had made two important decisions. He knew the direction he intended to take the organization, and he’d also decided what course of action to follow with his unhappy marriage.
    By late afternoon Greenbriar looked down through the shimmering heat and observed the welcome sight of his Suburban. The afternoon heat had been relentless. He stopped for a moment, removed his floppy hat, and poured water over his head and neck. As the crow flies,