Leonard, Elmore - Raylan Givens 03 (7 page)

Ava said, "I missed, huh?"

She watched Raylan get up, the gun still in his hand, walk around to Boyd and stoop down over him. "Is he dead?"

Raylan didn't answer. She saw him go to his knees then to bend close to Boyd's face. She believed Raylan said something, a word or two, but wasn't sure.

"Isn't he dead?"

Raylan got to his feet saying, "He is now."

Art Mullen arrived wanting to know how the
rear end of the Town Car got fragged, but saved asking when he saw Boyd on the floor. Raylan stood by, relating the scene step by step as Art rolled Boyd over to look at the exit wound. He said there wasn't any doubt in his mind, a single shot from a high-caliber weapon had done the job. Art looked up at Raylan.

"He have any last words?"

"He said I'd killed him." Raylan paused. "I told him I was sorry, but he had called it."

Art was frowning now. "You're sorry you killed him?"

"I thought I explained it to you," Raylan said in his quiet voice. "Boyd and I dug coal together."