Tacoma Falls: Home and Heart

Throwing the rat of our tail

Hank

When Shep texted me about the rat's visit to Morgan, it took everything not to hunt the rat down. No one threatens Morgan.

Papaw and Pa had to get me to use my head. If I fly off the handle, it won't bode well for Amber. So, I texted Shep to take Morgan to my folks' place after work.

"Are we all set?" Papaw asked.

"Yes, sir. We got a truck loaded with supplies at Beau's place," I said.

"Your pa and I will head up Interstate 39 and meet you at the crossroads. We'll swap trucks. Make sure you stop in town before heading out," Papaw said.

"Do you think the rat will linger in town after his encounter with Shep?" Grayson asked.

"Rusty wants to prove he's right with his assumptions. If he thinks you're both gone, he'll let down his guard."

"But won't he leave Amber unguarded?" I asked.

"No. Rusty wants the control. We need to give him a reason to leave Amber unguarded. The girls will do their part. Now, let's get going."

We nodded and climbed into the trucks. Papaw and Pa turned in the opposite direction of us. I drove to town with hunting supplies in the truck bed and pulled into a parking spot.

Grayson spotted the rat watching us. "Well, Papaw was right about the rat."

"Don't linger. Grabbed the bait and tossed it into the truck."

Grayson nodded, got out, and entered the bait shop. I sat in the truck and glanced at the rat. He was staring at me with a scowl. I texted Morgan and explained the plan. She sent a message to have a safe trip.

Grayson returned with the bait, placed it in the truck bed, and climbed into the cab. He slipped me a note. I opened it.

All set. Safe travels.

I started the truck and pulled away, driving through town. The rat watched as our truck turned the corner and disappeared. I give it two minutes.

As I drove, Grayson glanced in the rearview mirror. "We got a tail, Hank."

"Hang on." I pressed the accelerator, increasing the speed. "Sheriff Tate's patrol car should be coming up."

Grayson nodded as he grabbed the oh, shit handle. I flew down the highway and past Sheriff Tate. The rat sped after us, passing Sheriff Tate. Sheriff Tate pulled out of his hiding spot, turned on his lights and siren, and pulled the rat over.

Grayson and I whooped and hollered in the cab. We reached the meeting point and swapped with Papaw and Pa.

"Any trouble?" Papaw asked.

"We got a tail until the rat ran into the trap," I said.

"That should keep the rat busy. Head back to the ranch," Pa said.

We nodded, climbed into Papaw's truck, and returned to the ranch. I pulled into the driveway, drove toward the back of the property, and parked.

"What now?" Grayson said.

"We need to move up the meeting with the bicycle and training wheel. Plus, the girls could use a night out."

Grayson nodded.

I called Beau and told him about the change of plans. He wasn't happy about having to talk to Dixie. But I wasn't expecting to have a rat tail us.

Grayson and I returned to the house and waited for the others to arrive.