Chapter 6

“Aw, shit. I’d better at least brush off the windshield, or I won’t even see the road,” the deputy muttered. He picked up an old broom and swiped it across the glass a couple of times.

Then he turned to Ike. “It’s going to be a little crowded. Badger goes wherever I go, but she’ll get behind the seat if I speak to her real sternly. I think she will anyway. Go ahead and get in.” He opened the driver’s door and turned to the dog. “Mount up, Badger.” The mottled dog gave a neat bound and landed on the cracked vinyl seat. She turned and looked over her shoulder as Perry climbed in, then whipped her head around to watch Ike, an expression of surprise on her face.

For a second or two, he was sure she was going to snap at him or at least shove her solid body over to bar his way. She didn’t. With an aggrieved sigh, she bounced from the console to the gap between the seats and into the space behind.