Excerpt:

McDermott hopped off the plane’s wing. “So, your new deputy arrived today.”

Jim nodded. Now they were getting to it, the real reason Harlan wanted him out here, so he could chew on the Sheriff and make it clear who was still the boss.

“He’s my chief deputy,” Jim said. “And yes, he’s probably filling out paperwork with Sylvia right now.”

McDermott finished with the rag and tossed it on a rolling toolbox. “You know, the last time I asked, you told me you hadn’t found Evans’ replacement.”

“No, I told you I hadn’t lined anything up yet. At the time, Mac hadn’t actually agreed to anything.”

“Then, the next thing I hear—hearing it from someone else, mind you—the new deputy is coming to town.”

Jim shifted from one foot to the other. For the love of God. “Respectfully, I don’t need to consult with you on this.”

Harlen waited, staring at Jim for a moment, before he looked over his shoulder. “Ramón?”

At the plane, Ramón said, “¿Sí?”

“¿Por qué no toma usted un paseo?”

The ranch hand looked from Harlan to Jim and back. “Sí, señor.” He said, “Volveré más tarde,” and then left.