They were now all looking at him, Ortiz shaking his head.

“We’re not going to roll up and shoot the Big Bend County sheriff,” Ortiz said, not waiting for the others to agree.

“We’re going to do exactly what the fuck I tell you,” Johnnie yelled. Just like in the bar, he had to get control of this fast. He thought about the empty blue sky above him—these fuckers could shoot Eddy and him and leave them both out here. It might be months before their bodies were found, maybe never.

He drew his gun and aimed it carefully at Ortiz. Just as he’d done back in front of the library, here he was pointing a gun at another cop, and it looked like he’d be doing it again before the sun set. “I don’t give a shit what you think, we’re doing this. It’s done.”

He took a step closer to make sure Ortiz got a good look down the loaded barrel. “This changes nothing. We’re cops, right? Keep your badges on you. We’ll flash them if we need to. We may even be heroes when this is all over. We’re the guys who caught the Big Bend sheriff hiding some narco big shot. We’re the good guys.”

Chavez raised his thick, callused hands. He was all rational again. “We’re cool, Juanito. Ortiz was only voicing his concerns. We’ve all heard them before. We’re ready to move when you are.”

If the others had anything to say, they didn’t share it. Ringo flicked his cigarette into the grass, and after a moment, Ortiz walked over to make sure it was out.

Roman was leaning against the Suburban like Ringo, but his eyes were closed.

It was Eddy who spoke up again, pointing at the Suburban and Johnnie’s Charger. “You plan on driving those right up to the front door? I ain’t really been out there, but if it’s like every other ranch, he’s gonna see you comin’ a mile away. Hell, for all that, you might as well call him and tell him you’re on your way. He might have some cold beers waiting. Or he might not be happy to see you at all, no matter who the fuck he thinks you are.”

There was that secret, amused smile again, and Johnnie almost put the bullet he’d planned for Ortiz into Eddy instead, right then and there. But he still needed him, at least for a few more hours.

And he did have a good point about their vehicles. A damn good point. Johnnie didn’t know why Sheriff Cherry was hiding the old man out at the ranch, but knew why he’d chosen that place.

He must feel pretty damn safe out there.

“Is there anything else out that way? Other ranches, homes? More fucking trailers like yours?”