“And you, Theo?” the sheriff asked.

“Sure,” Theo said, though he really didn’t have a vote.

On the narrow street behind the office, Omar Cheepe and Paco sat low in a four-wheel drive pickup. On the dashboard was a receiver with the speaker on. As they listened to the Boones and the sheriff, they shook their heads in disbelief.

“Now we know,” Omar said. “I suspected that kid all along, and Pete knew he and his crazy uncle were in the airport. Now we know.”

“But it’s too late, right?” Paco asked.

Omar smiled and said, “Paco, Paco. Haven’t you learned that it’s never too late for revenge?”