An Obvious Fact by Craig Johnson Page B

come up and take part as my guest.”
    I held the expensive beauty and thumbed the top-tang push-button safety, locked in the off position. “So, you’re thinking that she might’ve met Bodaway previously and was attempting to obtain drugs?”
    â€œIt wouldn’t be the first time. I’ve been running interference for about eight months now.”
    â€œWe’re still going to need to have her come in and make an official statement.”
    He smiled and took the over-and-under back, throwing it over one shoulder like he knew what he was doing. “That’s fine, Sheriff. I’d just rather she not make it on the ninth green after midnight.”

5
    I watched as the Cheyenne Nation held the bike steady while Jamey, who was whistling a Beatles tune, made the final adjustments on the KTM. We all turned at the sound of a racer’s engine just in time to see another of the hill climbers flip over backward and have his motorcycle land on top of him, man and machine intertwined as they slammed back down the slope.
    â€œThis is a really dumb sport.”
    The Bear pulled on his helmet and tightened up the chin strap. “Well, not all of us are lucky enough to go shooting sporting clays with the millionaires up on snob knob.”
    We watched as the EMTs scraped the kid off the hill and loaded him into a van, another in a bunch that had gotten carted off to Rapid City Regional.
    â€œWasn’t my idea.”
    He pulled on his gloves and took in a crowd that was much larger than the previous day’s seated on the makeshift bleachers. “Any idea where all his money comes from?”
    â€œNope, but I figure I’ll ask Corbin and get the story.”
    As I finished speaking, the youngster who’d razzed the Bear just the previous day pulled up and rapped his throttle afew times, shouting to be heard over his own noise. “You up for it today, old man?”
    Henry ignored him, so I answered. “Hey, Evel Knievel, why don’t you go find a canyon to fall into?”
    He smirked, and this time I was quick enough to get my arm up to protect my face as he spun out toward the starting gate and sprayed all three of us with a rich coating of South Dakota dirt.
    The Bear dusted himself off. “Do you think he knows who Evel Knievel is?”
    â€œI don’t know.” I watched as the kid took his place in line, waiting to back up against the buttress log and make his run. “But I really wouldn’t mind seeing him bust his ass all the way down that hill.”
    â€œHe had the fastest time trial yesterday.”
    I glanced at the Bear. “What, he got his training wheels off?”
    He scanned the competitive field. “They all look young, do they not?”
    â€œTo us? Yep, they do.”
    He twisted his head, stretching the muscles in his neck, and all I could think was that if he didn’t climb the hill, he could always take a pickax and destroy it. “I am thinking this might be my last run.”
    â€œWell, think about staying for the Show and Shine. Vic may be flying into Rapid City.”
    He studied the hill, and I wasn’t sure if he’d heard me.
    He had been here at sunup, slowly climbing the course on foot, studying the terrain, and getting a read that you couldn’t get even from the closeness of a motorcycle. He’d taken histime and stooped to look at the rocky knobs, the tufts of prairie grass, and, most important, the ruts and berms left by the other racers. There would be no surprises for Henry Standing Bear on the run this morning, and if he lost, he would be satisfied in the knowledge that he had done everything humanly possible to win and more. “Or not.”
    I sighed. “I’m headed over to the peanut gallery where I can join the throngs in safety.” I could see the third-row spot that Corbin and Lola had saved for Jamey and me. “Looks like your old flame wants to see you in