Free Two Sides of the Same Coin by Jake Mactire Page B

Josh, and Wayne. As Mike turned toward the door, I said, “Mike, buddy, a word?”
    “Sure, Jeff, what’s up?”
    “If I was outta line last night, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get ya upset or anything.”
    “You mean when you told me I have a cute ass?” Mike grinned at me.
    “Yeah, that’s what I mean.”
    “Well, buddy, the way you run around in your underwear, I kinda noticed your ass is cute, too, so I guess we’re even.”
    “I hope Robert didn’t do anything to get ya mad either.”
    “Jeff, he’s a sorry piece of shit. He came on to me after we got ya off to bed. Said he loves to get fucked by cowboys, and since you were out for the count, he asked me to fuck him.”
    “I’m sorry, Mike.”
    “Ain’t your fault. I told him I wouldn’t fuck him with a pole from ten feet away. Told him you deserved better. He said that you came on to me, and I answered I reckon there’s a difference between admirin’ someone’s ass versus askin’ for it. He called me a fuckin’ cock tease and stomped out. I know what the two of ya went through this mornin’ was difficult, so that’s the last thing I’m gonna say about him.” I didn’t really know what to say, so I didn’t answer. We stood there lookin’ at one another. Suddenly the air seemed thick, and I couldn’t think of a word to say. We started movin’ toward one another.
    “Come on, Mike, I want to get a move on.” Wayne was calling from the porch.
    “You take good care out there, buddy.”
    “Thanks, Jeff. I gotta go.” He gave me a longing stare and then turned and walked out the door.
    After taking a shower and having some more coffee, I got in my truck and headed into town. The aspirin from earlier had kicked in, and I was starting to feel more or less better. I knew it would be a day or so until I felt completely back to normal. I drove into Winslett and found a parking place right in front of the sheriff’s office. I walked across the wooden sidewalk and up the stairs to the door. It was warm inside, and I could smell coffee. The bright florescent lights made me remember my headache. Sheriff Johnston heard the door and stuck his head outta the back office.
    “Howdy, Jeff, no news yet on your missing cattle.”
    “Actually, I got some news that might help you.”
    “In that case, grab a cup of coffee and come on back.” I went over to the counter behind the desk where the coffee maker stood. There were several mugs; I grabbed one and filled it up and went back to the sheriff’s office.
    “Sandy tells me you got rid of your outta town guest.”
    “Yep, I don’t reckon he’ll be back either.”
    “She’s pretty happy about that. I can’t say what I heard about your friend was too good.”
    “That’s water under the bridge now, sir.”
    “Sandy’s not getting in your hair hangin’ around the ranch is she?”
    “No, sir. She’s a good friend and welcome anytime. So are you and Mrs. Johnston.”
    “Thanks, Jeff, now what ya got for me.”
    “Well, when we were comin’ back from town the night that Pedro was shot, we had to stop by the rest area west of here. Robert needed to go. I saw Mike and his truck at the rest area. He said he was out drivin’ around and stopped.”
    “You sure it was Mike and his truck?”
    “Yes, sir. I noticed that the driver door was primer only, no paint. And when we pulled out, I saw his ‘Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy’ bumper sticker.”
    “Thanks son, I’m glad to hear it. I didn’t want to see him brought up on charges. Both Sandy and Maria would’ve had me by the balls for that.” He chuckled and then got serious.
    “Jeff, son, how old are you now?”
    “I’m twenty-eight now, sir.”
    “That’s right, you were in school with Sandy, how could I forget? You know your dad and I were best friends don’t you, son?”
    “Yes, sir. I remember goin’ huntin’ and fishin’ with you two when I was just a little guy.”
    “Well then, since your dad ain’t around no more, I