for tonight’s dance.” “We don’t dance.” Robert held up his hands. “Okay, yes, 昀椀ne, but one of the girls said they saw a couple of your men burning good clothes out back.” He waved his hat toward Don’s garage. “Didn’t happen.” “Maybe so, Don.” Robert looked to the horizon for a moment. “But the funny thing is, this morning I met Liam in town, outside the post of昀椀ce. He bought tickets on tonight’s bus to Mexico.” “I don’t know anything about that.” “Well, that’s funny too, because Liam said to ask you.” Robert looked about the farm. “The tickets aren’t for your migrants, are they? The planting’s done, and most have gone home. Plus, I’ve never known you to pay their way. So, what do you think? Are they for you? Your men? Don, who’s taking a trip without their clothes?” The farmhouse door opened, and a freshly washed Jacob stepped onto the porch. He held a hand towel and was dressed in a white T-shirt, jeans, and clean boots. “Afternoon, Sheriff Linsky.” “Afternoon, Jacob.” Robert nodded. “Jenny’s mighty excited about tonight. I hope you all have fun.” He smiled and returned his attention to Don. “Well, friend, may we go back and take a look?” As Robert turned in the direction of the farm’s garage, Liam stepped out from around the corner of the house and took a stance, squarely blocking Robert’s way. He held a Remington 8 in his hands. “Ain’t no one goin’ nowhere,” he said. “Liam,” Don said, “put that down.” Jacob stepped off the porch and walked calmly toward his brother. “Come on now.” “You stay back. No one’s looking in that barrel.” “Liam,” Don commanded, “shut up.” “No, Sir!” he said and 昀椀red a bullet into the ground at Robert’s feet. Jacob reached for the ri昀氀e, and Liam 昀椀red again. This bullet hit Robert’s thigh. Robert’s deputy pulled his revolver, 昀椀red at Liam, and struck Jacob midback. Don PLAINS PARADOX ■ 8