Outlaw Mountain

“It’s probably still in the box down by the street. I’ll go get it.”

“No,” Joa

Minutes later, Joa

A reliable but u

“That witch!” Joa

“Who’s Junior?” Maria

Briefly Joa

“And who’s the u

Maria

“You guessed it,” Joa

Maria

“He asked me yesterday,” Joa

“That’s wonderful. Congratulations.”

“Thanks. That’s one of the two things I came by to discuss you. If you’re going to quit the ministry, you can’t do it [t least after the wedding.”

“Which is when?”

“I don’t know. We haven’t had a chance to talk about that yet. I’ve been too busy.”

“And the other thing we need to discuss?” Maria

“Marliss Shackleford. How do I keep from killing her the next time I see her?”

Maria

An hour later, feeling as though an interior pressure valve had been released, Joa

But Butch Dixon wasn’t home. Parked in the Outback’s spot in his carport was a decrepit bronze Honda.

“Hey, look,” Je

The Gs were Je

“What’s the matter?” Je

“I’m glad all right,” Joa

As soon as the Blazer stopped, Je

“There’s my girl,” he said. “How’s tricks?”

“I got suspended from school,” Je

“Suspended, eh?” Jim Bob said. “Maybe you’d better come home with me tonight. That way you can tell Grandma and me all about it.”

“Can I go, Mom?” Je

“May I,” Joa

“And should I tell them about you-know-what?”

While Joa

“Butch and Mom are going to get married,” Je

Jim Bob Brady waved one hand as if swatting at a pesky fly. “Oh, that,” he said. “All I can say is, it’s high time.”

And that was all there was to it. Joa

Joa

Jim Bob put Je

Joa

Jim Bob pushed away and held her at arm’s length. “You’re welcome,” he gri

Joa

“No, ma’am,” Jim Bob said. “Butch called a little while ago and asked if I could come pick Je

“He is, is he? Fu

“Said he had a bunch of errands to run. That he wouldn’t be able to be here right when school let out. That’s why he wanted me to be Joh

Moments later, Jim Bob loaded Je

Pulling into her reserved parking place, Joa

She paused briefly at her private entrance and thought about letting herself into the office that way. Then she changed her mind. People might think she was so upset by her chief deputy’s sudden defection that she was sneaking in and out of her office in hopes of avoiding seeing anyone. No. The only way to handle this was to go in by way of the lobby entrance and simply brazen it out.

Dick had tendered his letter of resignation, and she had accepted. Period. That was all there was to it. And since his letter stated no specific reason for his departure, there was no reason for discussion on Joa