“How dare you truss us up like animals,” Charlene complained as she gave Misty and Trey angry looks.
“How dare you burn down Texas Timber tree farms and cut Wildcat Ranch fence,” Misty shot back at her.
“We don’t know anything about that,” J.P. said. “We saw a fire and were trying to put it out. Weren’t we, my dear?”
“Yes, that’s exactly right,” Charlene agreed.
“Hope somebody is paying you a lot, ’cause you’re in serious hot water.” Misty put her hands on her hips and looked down at them.
“Don’t know what you’re talking about,” J.P. said. “We were just taking a little drive after the chili cook-off.”
“And helping out the community by trying to put out that fire,” Charlene added.
“Guess the authorities will find a lot of collectibles in your van,” Misty said. “Then again, maybe they’ll find something a lot more incriminating.”
“Look, we’re all professionals here,” J.P. said in a voice that had taken on a wheedling tone. “Texas Timber has its goals, as you well know. Other folks have other goals. Why don’t you untie us, send us on our way, and that’s it. No harm. No foul.”
“And there might even be a nice, fat bonus in it for both of you,” Charlene added.
“Not gonna happen,” Trey said in disgust.
“And I hope you broke all your fake, red nails,” Misty bit out. “Petty of me, maybe, but there it is.”
“Would a sprained ankle satisfy you?” Charlene asked in a snide tone.
“You’ll answer to the law,” Trey said. “Now, what did you do to Jeremy? And you’d better hope he’s okay.”
“Who?” J.P. asked.
“Wildcat Bluff Police.”
“I can answer that.” A shadow loomed up out of the darkness as a tall, lanky shape in a Wildcat Bluff Police uniform walked up to them.
“Jeremy!” Trey said in relief. “What happened to you?”
“I got out of my vehicle to help a lady in distress—namely that one on the ground,” Jeremy said. “And I got bushwhacked by her partner. Knocked me out cold. I just came to. I’ve got a knot on the back of my head the size of an egg.”
“I suppose we’re going to have to go through all the legal formalities,” J.P. said. “For the record, we want to file a complaint against these two vigilantes. We were innocently trying to put out a fire when they attacked us. And who knows what they might have put in our unlocked van to make us look guilty.”
“News flash,” Jeremy said. “You’re in Wildcat Bluff County and we don’t cotton to strangers trying to burn us down.”
“No idea what you’re talking about,” J.P. said. “But if you don’t get us untied soon, your city and county are going to be looking at a big lawsuit.”
“Why didn’t you gag them why you were trussing them up?” Jeremy complained.
“Didn’t have my bandannas handy.” Trey was shaking his head at the Gladstones’ audacity when he heard sirens out on Wildcat Road. “You call in the cavalry?”
“Yep,” Jeremy agreed. “Heard good news while I was at it. Fires all over the county were caught in time and put out. Thanks to our volunteers and friends in nearby counties.”
“That’s a relief,” Misty said.
“Good,” J.P. said. “Maybe we can deal with rational human beings, not Barney Fife here.”
“And we want our lawyer now,” Charlene added.
Trey glanced up when he saw several sets of blinking lights turn off Wildcat Road and drive up the asphalt road and stop across from their position. Soon Harry, with a trooper and a sheriff’s deputy, tromped up to the Gladstones. They looked down and started laughing at the sight.
Harry glanced at Trey. “New rodeo event I didn’t know about?”
“Got to keep in practice,” Trey said.
“We demand to be released and to see our attorney,” J.P. said.
“All in good time.” Harry looked around the area. “Fire’s out?”
“Misty took care of that.” Trey pointed toward the dirt road. “The Gladstones’ van is back there. Figure you’ll find plenty of evidence in it.”
Harry rubbed his chin. “We sent that tissue to forensics. Might be something interesting there, too.” He looked at J.P. and Charlene. “You two ready to cool your heels in my fine jail?”
“Dinner and shower would be good,” Charlene said, suddenly sounding pleasant. “I’m sure you’ll see this is all a big misunderstanding.”
Harry turned to Trey. “Thanks. All’s well that ends well.”
Trey nodded and put an arm around Misty’s shoulders. “Figure you’ll want a report, but we’d like to go home first.”
“Later’s fine.” Harry tipped his cowboy hat to Misty. “Thanks. We’ve got this under control. It’s Christmas Eve. Time for you to celebrate.”
“Will you please contact Texas Timber and give them an official statement?” Misty asked.
“Sure will. We’ve been in touch with them since the first fire burned down their Christmas tree farm.”
“Thanks.” Misty smiled at the law officers. “And Merry Christmas to all of you.”
They nodded and touched the brims of their hats.
Trey walked Misty back to his ATV, settled her inside, and joined her. He gave her a warm smile, then revved the engine and took off for home.
Chapter 40