Chapter 65

“Mr. Strobaw. Mr. Brandt. What can I do for you gentlemen?” He eyed Patch and glanced into the wagon, so Gideon had already told him our story. I gave him an abbreviated version, anyway.

“That’s a civil matter. You should be talking to the sheriff.”

“That’s where I’m headed next. But there was an army officer murdered June a year ago. I thought that might make it federal. So I came to you first.”

“Retired. A retired army officer. No, this is sheriff’s business.”

I took up the reins. “That’s where we’re headed now. Thank you for your time, sir.”

“Lt. Haleworthy, why don’t you escort these gentlemen down to the sheriff’s office? You might stick around and see if anything comes up that might be of interest to us.”

The Major disappeared back inside as Gideon went to claim his mount. In minutes, we were making our way back down Main to the Sheriff’s Office. The big raw-boned man came out to meet us personally. He still had a moustache big enough to get in the way of eating.