CHAPTER 10
Mary Jo and Billy Ray were dragging limbs away from a felled tree when the patrol car arrived at the camp. Two police officers looked around the camp and then walked toward where they were working.
Mary Jo looked around to see where Monroe was. He was using a chainsaw to remove limbs from the fallen tree. Apparently he hadn't noticed the patrol car or the officers. The older officer looked at Mary Jo.
"We're looking for Barrett Monroe."
She pointed to Monroe. "That's him right there."
The two officers turned toward Monroe. One of the men looked up and saw them. He called to Monroe and when he looked up, the man pointed at the officers. Monroe looked at them and shut off the chain saw. He laid the chain saw on the ground and joined the officers.
"May I help you?" he asked in an amiable tone.
The older officer spoke. I'm Officer Ryan with the police department." He motioned to the younger officer. "This is Officer Lucas." He glanced around. "Do you have a permit for this?"
Monroe looked confused. "Do I need a permit to cut down trees on private property this far out?"
Officer Ryan nodded at the trailer. "Monroe Lumber Company. Do you have a business license?"
Monroe shook his head. "I don't. It's my uncle's business. You'd have to ask him. I only work for him."
The officer nodded again and turned to Mary Jo. "Does he have permission to cut trees here?"
Mary Jo glanced at Monroe. "Yes. What's the problem?"
Officer Lucas smiled at her. "No problem. We're just here to ask Monroe some questions about the accident report."
Monroe shrugged. "I didn't file the report. It was my uncle's vehicle, so he was the one who filed the report."
Officer Ryan frowned. "But you were driving."
Monroe nodded as he pulled a rag from his back pocket and began wiping his hands. "That I was. What do you need to know?"
Officer Lucas gave Monroe a lazy smile. "Your uncle's business, his vehicle…do you own anything?"
Monroe gave him a wry smile. "Not much."
Officer Ryan cleared his throat, bringing their attention back to the purpose of their visit - whatever that might be.
"You…your uncle, stated that you swerved to avoid a deer."
"Yes. A doe and a fawn."
"That's when you lost control?"