Miriam in Montana

Shadowman chuckled as he watched Miriam Stokes' rental car pulled into a dirt driveway. The sign announced the entrance to Stokes Oaks Farm. "Like shooting fish in a barrel."

He drove past, glancing at his supplies. "So easy to get a gun in Montana." The new rifle looked almost pretty to him. "Now, to find a motel."

He shook his head and decided to scout out the terrain.

Slipping the rifle into the back seat, he made a u-turn. He drove onto the Stokes Farm and bounced down a quarter mile long rutted road before he even saw a fence. Another half-mile and he finally observed the house.

Miriam stood by her car while he drove up.

"I'm sorry to bother you, Ma'am," he said in a southern drawl. "I'm lost. Is there any place to stay here abouts."

She looked flustered and she'd obviously been crying.

Worried about her mama. He'd been banking on that when he had his girlfriend make that call.