Read Online Running Dark by Joseph Heywood - Free Book Online Page B

him lightly in the ribs. “They still hang horse thieves, right?”
    â€œUh, I believe so,” he said.
    â€œHokum,” the old man grumbled.
    â€œHe’s a cop,” Mehegen said, touching Service’s arm.
    â€œNot a real cop, just a game warden,” the man said.
    â€œHorses are animals,” she countered. “So are reindeer. That makes it his business.”
    â€œWhy do you always have to go and ruin my surprises?” the old man complained.
    â€œBecause you never think anything through,” she said, her rage barely contained.
    â€œYou are going to return those horses right now and hope the owner hasn’t called the county.”
    â€œThere’s no reason for that tone of voice,” he complained. “I’m your grandfather, father of your beloved mother.”
    â€œNot tonight you’re not,” she said sternly. “And mom was Bitchzilla on her best day. Where do these horses belong, Perry?” One of the animals turned and nudged Mehegen with its nose and she stroked it gently. In a mock whisper she said, “Don’t worry, we’ll save you from this madman.” Turning to her grandfather she demanded to know if his “rig” was running.
    â€œWould run good enough if I turned the key,” he said from his rooftop perch.
    â€œGet your scrawny ass down here,” she said. In an aside to Service, she added, “Let’s unhitch the horses. Do you ride?”
    â€œNot if I can help it,” he said.
    â€œYou can’t help it tonight,” she said, looking at her grandfather. “He’ll drive and we’ll ride behind him. How far?” she asked with a growl as the old man slid off the roof of the van, bounced off the hood, and landed on his behind in the snow.
    â€œI wasn’t counting,” he grumbled, brushing himself off. They went into the trailer to put on more clothes and socks and get their coats.
    The ride took close to an hour, and by the time they approached a farm with open fields several miles from Service’s property, dawn was breaking. They were greeted by a cheery voice. “You found my kids, eh? Dey’re always runnin’ off. Dose two Percherons is smart horses, and no matter how I lock ’em in, dey always find a way out. Dey act up on youse?”
    â€œNo,” Mehegen replied.
    â€œDey’re s’posed to be workin’ animals, but I can’t find a job dey like. More like t’ousand-pound puppies.”
    Service and Mehegen dismounted and the old man whispered to the animals, who stepped toward him, nickering and nuzzling him while he slipped them some sugar cubes. The animals were twice as tall as the man, but obediently did what he asked, bumping him gently with their noses, their tails swishing the early morning air.
    â€œMerry Christmas,” the man called as he walked down the road between the animals.
    â€œSee, it worked out fine,” Mehegen’s grandfather muttered as he got out of the van.
    â€œKeys,” she demanded, holding out her hand.
    â€œI got a license to drive,” he countered.
    â€œNot with me you don’t,” she said, snatching the keys away from him and ordering him into the back through the sliding side door.
    Service got into the passenger seat and Mehegen started the engine. When the Christmas lights came on, she screamed, “How do you turn these fucking things off?”
    â€œToggle on the left dash,” her grandfather said. “Potty mouth.”
    â€œShut up,” she commanded, turning the lights off. “How do you like my grandfather?” she asked as they pulled away. Service had no reply.
    â€œHey, a little respect,” Perry said. “Where’s my present?”
    She didn’t answer, and when they got back to Service’s trailer she got out, opened her truck door, pulled out a gun case, and thrust it at him. “Merry Christmas. Now get the hell out of