Leo nodded.
“Hank Dawson.”
Hank found his voice.
“This is a legal matter.”
Sully looked at him.
Then at Higgins.
The deputy straightened.
“I’m Deputy Carl Higgins.”
Sully said nothing.
“This boy is a runaway juvenile. We’re returning him to his legal placement.”
Sully looked toward Leo.
“You want to go?”
“No.”
Hank laughed nervously.
“He doesn’t get to decide.”
Sully’s eyes returned to him.
“Maybe.”
“He’s a thief.”
Leo’s stomach tightened.
Sully noticed.
“What did he steal?”
Hank reached into his pocket.
The silver Zippo appeared.
“This.”
Sully went completely still.
Hank mistook the silence for agreement.
“Caught him with it.”
He held the lighter up.
“Probably stole it from one of your people.”
A murmur passed through the riders.
Sully extended his hand.
“Give me that.”
Hank hesitated.
Then placed the Zippo into Sully’s palm.
Sully turned it over.
J.S.
He looked toward Leo.
“You tell him where you got it?”
“Yes.”
“He believe you?”
“No.”
Sully closed his fist.
“That’s unfortunate.”
Hank raised both hands.
“Look, I’m doing my job.”
“You’re his foster father.”
“Yes.”
Sully looked at Leo’s bruises.
“That part of the job?”
“He fights.”
Leo stared at him.
“I didn’t.”
Hank continued quickly.
“He lies. He steals. He ran away.”
Sully stepped closer.