Somehow, Ike was not surprised when Perry didn’t take the county SUV, but instead circled the house to a lean-to in the rear that covered a faded, extended-cab Dodge pickup. Dust lay heavy over the vehicle, hinting Perry did not do a lot of off-duty traveling.
“Aw, s**t. I’d better at least brush off the windshield, or I won’t even see the road,” the deputy muttered. He picked up an old broom and swiped it across the glass a couple of times.
Then he turned to Ike. “It’s going to be a little crowded. Badger goes wherever I go, but she’ll get behind the seat if I speak to her real sternly. I think she will anyway. Go ahead and get in.” He opened the driver’s door and turned to the dog. “Mount up, Badger.” The mottled dog gave a neat bound and landed on the cracked vinyl seat. She turned an
