Read Plains Crazy for Free Online Page A

blond,” Judy said.
    â€œLord, honey. Why would you want to cut off all that gorgeous hair?”
    â€œI’m going to France,” Judy said, as if that explained it.
    That seemed to shock Millie even more. “France? After the way they’ve turned on us?”
    There were American flags hanging on either side of the entry to Millie’s beauty parlor. There were lots of flags waving in politically conservative Benteen County these days. But more than a few hung beside anti-war slogans and peace signs. There were many fundamentalist Christians here, delighted that any Middle Eastern war seemed to put them closer to the end times they expected and the rapture that would be their salvation. Lots of just plain conservatives could be counted, too, who thought anyone saying anything opposed to the government in a time of war should be shot as a traitor. But this was central Kansas. There were also plenty of pacifist Christians. And isolationists. Even a few liberals.
    â€œWe haven’t been trading shots with them, just verbal barbs,” Judy said. “Besides, I’m not going there to make a statement. I’ve wanted to see Paris all my life. It may not be the politically correct time, but, thanks to that, prices are finally where I can afford them. If I don’t go now, I never will.”
    â€œThey do say it’s a beautiful city,” Millie conceded, offering Judy the chair she’d been occupying as well as a flowered cloak to protect her clothes from clippings. Business probably wasn’t good enough to let patriotism stand between her and the price of a haircut and a bleach job.
    â€œEnglishman going with you?”
    â€œI hope so,” Judy said.
    â€œYou’d go on your own without him?” Millie paused in her selection of shears and chemicals.
    â€œYeah,” Judy declared, unable to hide her anger. “And if he doesn’t come, I may not be back.”
    ***
    â€œYou’re right, of course,” the sheriff told Deputy Parker as Doc’s Buick, in its role as county mortuary transport (or meat wagon), disappeared in its own dust on the way to Buffalo Springs.
    â€œI’m not the one who should question Mad Dog. If he’s been out running around these back roads, taking pot shots into the bushes with a homemade bow and arrow, he’s got to be held responsible, even if he had no idea anyone was down by the stream. I can handle that, but folks will think I’ve been too soft on him. Since I know my brother would never hurt anyone on purpose, I probably would be.”
    â€œBut you want me to start with this pipe bomb Mrs. Kraus found at the courthouse?”
    â€œYeah. I need a quick heads up to tell me how serious that is. I mean, are we dealing with some kids’ prank, or might there be a legitimate terrorist in Benteen County?”
    The sheriff ran a hand over his chin and realized he’d neglected to shave this morning. He wouldn’t worry about it. He and Mad Dog were part Cheyenne. Mad Dog took that part a lot more seriously, but it was the sheriff who had inherited the high cheekbones, the dark complexion, and the relative lack of facial hair. It was likely to be evening before anyone noticed his second day shadow…and by evening, he was supposed to be on a plane to Paris.
    He ushered Parker to the county’s black and white, a high-performance Chevy that was old enough to vote. The last of the curious onlookers had packed up and driven off after the body left. All that remained were the black and white, the sheriff’s pickup, and Deputy Wynn’s Lexus. Daddy had paid for the Lexus.
    â€œWynn’s probably confused enough witnesses by now. I’ll send him along to the courthouse. You can put him on temporary guard duty, if you think there’s any need, or send him home to rest before his next shift. I’ll take a whack at this film crew and our celebrities. See if I get a hint of