We exhausted all our leads on that one. The sheriff raised an eyebrow. You working with your team this time?
Im alone this trip. Came to check on our packscount pups, install radio collars and vaccinate them. Im renting again at Spiritridge Ranch. This time from Curt Marshs daughter. She mentioned taking heat at a cattle and sheep ranchers meeting. Hicks apparently led a rant against me.
This is the first Ive heard of issues at the meeting. Ive seen Curts daughter and her son around town. If Pres gave her grief, why didnt she report it to me?
Wyatt shrugged. I dont know. She is ex-army. I dont think shes easily intimidated.
I remember as a teenager she was a tough competitor in a couple of sports.
Doesnt surprise me. What did she play?
Hmm. Maybe softball, and track and field events.
Wyatt could tell the sheriff was combing his memory. It doesnt matter. I dont want guys who are POd at me picking on her or the boy. Hes sort of fearless, too. Its remarkable, really, for as young as Scotty is.
The sheriff waved his phone. Ill go take those photos while you complete the form as best you can. I know you didnt see the incident, but an approximate time and place is important if my deputies are out asking casual questions.
Speaking of casual questions, Wyatt called to the man about ready to walk out the door, have you heard of any wolf dogs in the vicinity?
Wolf dogs? What are they?
Mostly a shepherd-type dog bred with a wolf. They carry features of both, but the ones Ive seen in our lecture films are larger and meaner than a domestic dog.
Huh. I havent heard of anything like that around. I doubt theyd survive long with all our cattle and sheep ranchers. Theyd be trapped or shot.
Trapped? Wyatt looked up sharply from the paper hed started to read. What kind? Claw traps are outlawed and others require a license.
Dont get all riled up. Scowling, the sheriff crossed his arms. I dont know if anybodys using traps. Used to be some ranches had trouble with mountain cats. I know someone built and set a box trap near their chicken coop. Caught the cat and called Game and Fish to take him away. That was probably four years ago. If your boss has been over this area that long, hed likely remember the case.
He covers this project and a few others. I have to call him about the SUV. Ill ask about traps.
The sheriff went on outside and Wyatt filled out the form.
Sheriff Anderson returned, printed the photo off and clipped it to the report he had Wyatt sign and date. They shook hands and Wyatt left to go order pizzas. Hed spent longer than anticipated with the sheriff. He hoped the side trip wouldnt make him so late that Tandy would give up on him and cook supper.
The owner of the pizza shop recognized him but didnt really know who he was. The man mentioned he hadnt seen Wyatt in a while, when he used to be a regular.
Ive been out of town for my job, he said, not wanting to draw attention to himself lest anyone in the establishment not be happy to see him back.
While his take-and-bake order was in progress he stepped outside to call his boss. He currently headed a five-state wolf repatriation program.
Is the hostility bad enough you want to be pulled from the area? his leader asked after hearing Wyatts story.
I wasnt threatened, Joe. It may have been kids, although I doubt it. He relayed what had happened to Tandy at the ranchers meeting. I want to continue.
Good. We have some of our Mesquite pack dead down in the Chiricahua sector. Ive sent all available biologists down to see if the wolves died from natural causes. We should get you an unmarked vehicle. Any chance you can spare time to drive to Silver City? I know you have a cabin there. If its something you can manage, Ill swap out vehicles and get yours in for repair.
Wyatt had barely started and would hate to stop now. On the other hand, it might be better to take a few days now rather than after locating the Mission pack. Its not my cabin so let me check with my friend who owns it. When Im not there he sometimes lets other guests use it. Can I get back with you in a day or so?
Sure. Just take care. Im damned tired of fighting ranchers over something they ought to be able to see rights the ecosystem. But telling you is like preaching to the choir. So you know, Im having flyers printed up on the success of our program with the Fox Mountain pack. Theyve remained on their release range for five years. We have some testimonials from those area residents. Ill try to have a batch printed that you can take back for distribution.
Sounds good, Joe. Im for anything that helps people understand theres room on our planet for wild animals and domestic. He said goodbye and went back inside.
The cook signaled his pizzas were ready. Wyatt paid and carried the boxes out.
He soon left the town behind. He slowed when he approached a corner where he knew there was a cattle crossing. The ranch road to Spiritridge turned off the main road shortly after passing the crossing. It was a good thing hed cut his speed. Not only was he staring directly into the sinking sun, but a large flock of sheep, not cattle, were moseying across the highway.
Because he heard dogs barking, Wyatt put his SUV in Park and opened his door, hoping to see the animals hed caught sight of earlier. But the coloring wasnt right. The two dogs were sleek yellow Labs in the company of a young boy and a girl, who were probably the sheep owners kids.
Wyatt settled back, refastened his seat belt and prepared to wait for the flock to pass. A bit tired of delay after delay, he drummed his fingers on the steering wheel and toyed with the idea of phoning Tandy to let her know he had the pizzas and was on his way.
At last the final woolies passed by. Dust began to clear and he saw the boy close the gate so no sheep could turn back. More than ready to roll again, Wyatt fired up his motor and drove to the ranch turnoff.
It so happened he drove in just as Tandy, Scotty and Manny were exiting the barn. He parked halfway between the main house and the casitas, figuring he could give the old cowboy his liniment and his pizza. Then hed be available to unload the heavy bag of dog food hed bought for Tandy.
She jogged up to his door, leaving Manny hobbling along and Scotty skipping with his dog.
Good grief, she yelped as Wyatt started to climb out. What in the world happened to your car? Did it look like that yesterday? I remember passing it this morning and dont recall seeing all those awful marks.
Wyatt hadnt intended to bring the incident up. He didnt want to worry hershe might think someone would do the same to her since she was renting him a place to stay. It happened in town. I didnt see the perpetrator. Sheriff Anderson had me fill out a complaint and he took photos. Can you take the pizzas? Ill give Manny his order then haul everything else into your house.
Tandy nodded, but her gaze remained on the damage until Scotty ran up and flung his arms around Wyatts legs. Didya remember to get us pizza, Wolf Man? he asked. I love, love, love pepperoni pizza.
Scotty. Tandy tugged him away. Mr...uh... Wyatt was about to give me the pizza boxes. I need you to open the house. Ill take these to the kitchen and bake them. She handed the boy the house key. Go on. Scoot. And please dont call him Wolf Man.