Page 72 of Hudson
“He wasn’t killed. He’s recovering.” Hud kept his eyes steady on him. “But it doesn’t change what you are. An accessory. You’ve been working alongside White for years, helping him defraud insurance companies while he stole cattle across this state. An agent nearly died because of that operation.” He paused. “Was the money worth it?”
Fitch looked at the porch floor. “No. I know I’m going to prison. I’ve known it for a while.” He looked up. “But I was not there the night that agent was shot. I swear to you.”
“How was White planning to cross into Canada?”
“Illegally, that’s all I know. But...” Fitch hesitated.
“But what?”
“The greedy bastard said he was going to do one more job first. Said he needed more money to disappear on.”
Hud went still. “Where?”
“I don’t know the details.”
Hud looked at Creed, then back at Fitch. “Call him. Tell him you changed your mind and you want in.”
Fitch blinked. “You want me to set him up.”
“I want you to make a phone call. Can you do that?”
Fitch thought for a moment, then nodded. “I’mjust reaching for my phone.” He moved slowly, pulling it from his back pocket.
“Speaker,” Hud said.
Fitch put it on speaker and dialed. It rang twice.
“Fitch.” White’s voice came through hard and flat. “What the hell do you want, you fucking pussy.”
Fitch’s jaw tightened. “I changed my mind. I want in on the job. I need the money same as you.”
A pause. “Alright. I’m meeting Whittingham in an hour. He’s getting us a truck, knows someone he can borrow one from. We’re heading back to Clifton.”
Hud and Creed locked eyes.
“They wouldn’t expect that,” White continued, the satisfaction audible in his voice. “Eleven tomorrow night. There’s a ranch there, the Triple C. More cattle than they can count. Meet me at the third gate on the left. That’s where we’ll go in.” He gave the address. “Don’t be late.”
“I’ll be there. You know I can’t shoot though.”
“Don’t need you for that. Just want more eyes in case something goes sideways. You’ll get paid when it’s done, same as before.”
“Alright.” Fitch looked at Hud. “I’ll see you then.”
He hung up and sat down heavily on the porch step. “He will kill me if he finds out.”
“Then make sure he doesn’t.” Hud crouched down to his level. “When they start moving the cattle, you slip away. Don’t make it obvious; just drift back and get clear. I don’t want you in the crossfire.”
Fitch nodded slowly. “I just want out of all of this. And I’m asking you, please, don’t put me in the same facility as White.”
“Roby and Hill are in Deer Lodge. That’s where White is headed too. We’ll do what we can for you.” Hud stood. “You cooperated. That matters.”
Fitch looked up at him, tired in a way that went beyond just the last few days. “I’ve been done running for a while. I just didn’t know how to stop.”
Hud looked at him. “Did I hear that right? Whittingham?”
“Yes.”
“Carla Whittingham’s husband?”
