Secrets of the Bull by Rick Steber

Author:Rick Steber
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: western secret mystery bull rancher cowboy
Publisher: Rick Steber

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Having completed her list of town chores, and celebrated with fried chicken and coleslaw for lunch, Tracee went looking for Iris. She found her at the Frame-Up Gallery, sitting in the owner’s office. Tracee wandered around the store and came back. Iris was still sitting where she had been. This time Iris happened to glance over her shoulder; saw Tracee and gave a feeble wave. She said something to the man seated in front of her and a moment later the man emerged from the office, closing the door behind him. He was dressed in slacks, a white shirt and a bolo tie. He introduced himself as Stewart Caraway and said, “Ms. Coleman, may I speak with you in private.” He led the way to the storeroom where he quickly and quietly informed Tracee, “We have a problem here. I saw Mrs. Battle slip several paintbrushes into her purse and try to leave the store without paying for them.”

Tracee defended Iris. “I’m sure she meant to pay. She just forgot,”

“Ms. Coleman, may I be frank with you?”

It was all Tracee could do not to throw a joke in this older man’s direction, say something flippant, like, “I thought your name was Stewart but if you want to be Frank....” But something told her this was a serious situation. She said, “Yes, please be frank.”

Mr. Caraway pulled himself to his full five-feet eight-inches of height. “I prosecute all shoplifters.”

“This is a different situation than your typical shoplifting case,” said Tracee. Her voice was very controlled, very firm. “The Battle family is one of the oldest and most respected in this community. They are the largest landowners in the county. And, also, I’m sure you’ve heard that Mrs. Battle lost her husband a few months back. If paying for a few paintbrushes slipped her mind, I think it’s perfectly understandable.” Tracee opened her purse. “How much were the paintbrushes?”

Stewart acted sheepishly. “Seventeen dollars and thirty eight cents.”

Tracee handed him a twenty-dollar bill and said, “This will take care of it.”

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