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A Temporary Assignment, Part III
A young deputy sheriff investigates the death of an old rancher hated by almost everyone in town
Jeff stood in front of the counter in the Backland Feed Store, looking at Kylee Ellison, a lovely young woman who stood behind the counter and looked at a receipt.
“At ten-thirty,” she said, “Matt bought a sack of Purina Equine Senior.”
“Thank you, Kylee,” Jeff said.
She looked at him.
“Is Matt in trouble?”
“Would you be surprised if he were?”
“Well . . . yes,” she said. “He seems tough, but he’s actually rather timid.”
“And his brother?”
“I’d never call Blake Russell timid.” She hesitated. “May I ask why you ask?”
“I’m investigating the death of Robert Bentley.”
“Mr. Bentley?” she said. “I’m sorry. He was gruff but always respectful.” She paused. “I’ll miss him.”
She paused again.
“If I can help you in any other way,” she said, “please let me know.”
A telephone rang. She looked at it and winced.
“And if I can help you in any way at all,” he said, “let me know.”
