BATTLE AX REMNENT 24

the next morning while loading the trucks jake tore down his kitchen and tent. when the last truck was loaded and pulling away from the corrals rick told every one to go to his home place. he was takeing jasons last check into florence to deposit. then he would be back to pay everyone off. connie asked" can i go with you? i can leave my out fit at your house." " i planed on it partner." rich grinned at her. when rick and connie pulled into the parking lot at the bank the first thing they saw was jasons chromed out pick up. rick pulled up to the rear bumper and parked. he handed the keys to his truck to connie " if you need to move it while ime gone. but if this check bounces i want him right where i can find him" as rick opened the door to the bank jason was coming out he stoped and glared at rick" out of m way y shit kicker." rick steped aside . then went into the bank after jason passed. when rick inquired on the check he found it barely cleared. but it did clear. he drew five hundred in cash. and deposited the balance. back out side when he came out of the bank jason was talking to two brand inspecters. connie was still in the truck as he got closer he could hear jason almost yelling. claiming that rick hadnt gathered all the walking 7 steers off the battle ax. he was going to use rick as a scape goat. except duane had already filed a report, stateing the battle ax was clean. these inspecters said as much then asked point blank what cattle had jason sold back into mexico the day before. jason began stammering and sputtering , waveing his arms. rick walked up and jason turned and pointed his finger at rick" he either stole the remnent or pulled something to get some extra cash on our deal!" with that ricks right fist flew into jasons mouth. but before he could deliver the left the inspecters had pulled rick away . then they turned to jason and hand cuffed him." we have forty head of cattle impounded at the border. the mexican who claims owner ship said he bought them from you. most of them have the walking 7 on them. you can call your lawyer from the jail" rick got into the truck and connie slid over next to him" heres your keys, i think that about cleans up this deal." "almost, but youll do."rick grinned at the blonde who was resting her head on his shoulder " lets go pay the crew off" he started the truck and backed out while the brand inspecters were loading jason in a truck .