It was clear to Larry that Mac was amazingly uninterested in catching his renegade deputy—then again, the district marshal in St. Louis would probably not appreciate any detours—he was known for being hidebound.
When Erik arrived at Seven Tables for breakfast he was not served his usual order—but was served a talking-to by Susan, “First Boomer becomes an outlaw and now you seem to be headed down the same road. I’ve been patient, but I need to know what’s going on with you two.”
Season VI, Chapter 6 Renegade Marshal, Episode 7:
“I’m not sure I can tell you exactly what’s going on with Boomer, I’m as baffled by what he’s doing as you are.”
“That doesn’t explain what you’ve been doing. It appears to me that you are in cahoots with him.”
“It appears I am. You must continue the mission and send information you and Alice and Benji hear to Coldwater Ranch—even if it makes me and Boomer look bad.”
“You won’t reveal what I’m doing?”
“Absolutely not! It’s vital they know what is happening here, and I mean everything—no matter how it makes Boomer and me look.”
While Carl and Larry continued their journey to Wichita and Boomer continued riding towards Dreadwood with his prisoner, Susie Blackmon was giving Doc Shouse her instructions for her visit to the Double Bar-X Ranch, “Bring Buttons, she can wander around and charm the wranglers, and gather information that way. If you recognize anyone, don’t let it show—they’ll think you didn’t see them.”
“Oh—I can play that role, I’ll just do what any good veterinarian would do—concern myself with the health of the horses, because I am concerned.”
“Perfect. Head out as soon as you’re ready.”
It didn’t take Chris long to gather what she needed, and Buttons was excited at the prospect of an adventure and was quite happy to contribute her canine skills in gathering information. PepperCooper was a little jealous, but understood that as the only remaining canine at Coldwater Ranch, he had responsibility of patrolling the ranch borders—a very important job.
Doc Shouse and Buttons arrived outside the Triple Bar X and paused a bit before riding in.
“Are you ready, Buttons? If we do this right, we’ll get a lot of information. If we make a mistake…”
To be Continued…