They pulled off the road at the gate and drove over the cattleguard and pulled up behind
Wendell's unit. Wendell walked back and Bell rolled down the window.
It's about a half mile down, Wendell said. Just follow me.
I can see it.
Yessir. It was goin real good here about a hour ago. The people that called it in seen it from
the road.
They parked a little way off and got out and stood looking at it. You could feel the heat on
your face. Bell came around and opened the door and took his wife's hand. She got out and
stood with her arms folded in front of her. There was a pickup truck parked a ways down and
two men were standing there in the dull red glare. They nodded each in turn and said Sheriff.
We could of brought weeners, she said.
Yeah. Marshmallers.
You wouldnt think a car would burn like that.
No, you wouldnt. Did you all see anything?
No sir. Just the fire.
Didnt pass nobody or nothin?
No sir.
Does that look to you like about a '77 Ford, Wendell?
It could be.
I'd say it is.
Was that what the old boy was drivin?
Yeah. Dallas plates.

Part 3