BooksByDianaPalmer

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR
Fearless(06-2008)

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

SusanSpaethwasbornonDecember11,1946.Hermotherwaspartofthewomen'sliberation
movementmanyyearsbeforeitbecamefashionable.Herbestfriendsarehermotherandhersister,
DannisCole,whonowhastwodaughters,AmandaBelleHofstetterandMaggieandlivesinUtah.
SusangrewupreadingZaneGreyandfellinlovewithcowboys.Susanisaformernewspaper
reporter,withsixteenyearsexperienceonbothdailyandweeklynewspapers.Since1972,shehas
beenmarriedtoJamesKyleandhavesincesettleddowninCornelia,Georgia,whereshestartedto
writeromancenovels.Susanandherhusbandhaveoneson,BlayneEdward,bornin1980.
Shebegansellingromancesin1979asDianaPalmer.ShealsousedthepseudonymsDianaBlayne
andKatyCurrie,andhermarriedname:SusanKyle.Now,shehasover40millioncopiesofher
booksinprint,whichhavebeentranslatedandpublishedaroundtheworld.Sheislistedinnumerous
publications,includingContemporaryAuthorsbyGaleResearch,Inc.,TwentiethCenturyRomance
andHistoricalWritersbySt.JamesPress,TheWritersDirectorybySt.JamesPress,theInternational
Who'sWhoofAuthorsandWritersbyMeirosePress,Ltd.,andLove'sLeadingLadiesbyKathryn
Falk.HerawardsincludesevenWaldenbooksnationalsalesawards,fourB.Daltonnationalsales
awards,twoBookraknationalsalesawards,aLifetimeAchievementAwardforseriesstorytelling
fromRomanticTimes,severalAffairedeCoeurawards,andtworegionalRWAawards.
Inspiredbyherhusband,whoquitablue-collarmanufacturingjobtoreturntoschoolandgethis
diplomaincomputerprogramming,Susanherselfwentbacktocollegeasadaystudentattheageof
45.In1995,shegraduated*summacumlaude*fromPiedmontCollege,Demorest,GA,withamajor
inhistoryandadoubleminorinarchaeologyandSpanish.Shewasnamedtotwohonorsocieties(the
TorchClubandAlphaChi),andwasnamedtotheNationalDean'sList.Inadditiontoherwriting
projects,sheiscurrentlyworkingonhermaster'sdegreeinhistoryatCaliforniaStateUniversity.She
hopestospecializeinNativeAmericanstudies.SheisamemberoftheNativeAmericanRightsFund,
theAmericanMuseumofNaturalHistory,theNationalCattlemen'sAssociation,theArchaeological
InstituteofAmenca,thePlanetarySociety,TheGeorgiaConservancy,theGeorgiaSheriff's
Association,andnumerousconservationandcharitableorganizations.Herhobbiesinclude
gardening,archaeology,anthropology,iguanas,astronomyandmusic.
In1998,herhusbandretiredfromhisowncomputerbusinessandnowpursuesskeetshootingmedals
inlocal,state,nationalandinternationalcompetition.Theyloveridingaroundandlookingatthe
countryside,watchingsci-fionTVandatthemovies,justtalkingandeatingout.

Fearless(06-2008)

EveninthewideopenspacesofTexas,secretsfindaplacetohide.intheheartofashy,determined
woman;behindthehard,ruggedexteriorofaDEAagent;andinthedangerousworldofdrug
smuggling.
RodrigoRamirezissentundercoverasanitinerantlaboreronGloryanneBarnes'sstepbrother'sfarm
inJacobsville,wherehe'slookingtobustanewandviciouscarteloperatingsouthoftheborder.
Gloryanneissmart,savvyandfiercelyindependent,butherjobhasputherindangerfromthesame
criminalRodrigoisinvestigating.She'sdrawntotheenigmaticnewfarmhand,Rodrigo,amanwho
ismuchmorethanheseems,andwhostirsadesirethatleavesherbreathless.Butsecretsareaboutto
shatteralltheirlives,forbetter,forworse.andmaybeforever.
Gloryanne'ssweetinnocenceistoomuchtemptationforatormentedman.Confusedandbitterabout
love,drivenbyhisdangerousjobandsearchingforanswers,Rodrigoisnotsureifhisrecklessoffer
ofmarriageisjustameanstocompletinghismission-orsomethingmore.ButasGloryanne's
bittersweetmiracleandRodrigo'sdoublelifecollide,twopeoplelearningjustwhatitmeanstotrust
mustfacethetruthabouteachother,anddecideifthere'sachanceforthefuturetheybothsecretly
desire.

ISBN:978-1-4268-1999-5

Inmemoriam:JamesM.Rea,Attorney-at-LawMyfirstboss

1
“IWON’TGO,”GLORYANNEBarnesmuttered.
Tall,elegantDetectiveRickMarquezjuststaredather,hisdarkeyesunyielding.“Hey,don’tgo.No
problem.We’vegotabodybagjustyoursizedownatthemedicalexaminer ’soffice.”
Shethrewawaddeduppieceofpaperacrossthedeskathim.
Hecaughtitwithoneleanhandandraisedaneyebrow.“Assaultonapeaceofficer…”
“Don’tyouquotethelawtome,”sheshotback,rising.“Icancitelegalprecedentsfrommemory.”
Shecamearoundthedeskslowly,thinnerthansheusuallywas,butstillattractiveinherbeigesuit.
Herskirtflowedtomidcalf,abovesmallfeetinankle-strappedhighheelsthatflatteredwhatshowed
ofherlegs.Sheperchedherselfontheedgeofthedesk.Herhighcheekboneswerefaintlyflushed
fromtemper,andsomethingmoreworrying.Shehadverylong,lightblondhairwhichshewore
loose,sothatitfellinacascadedownherbackalmosttoherwaist.Shehadpalegreeneyesanda
wideforehead,withaperfectbowofamouthunderherstraightnose.Sheneverworemakeupand
didn’tneedto.Hercomplexionwasflawless,herlipsanaturalmauve.Shewouldn’twinanybeauty
contests,butshewasattractivewhenshesmiled.Shedidn’tsmilemuchthesedays.
“Iwon’tbeanysaferinJacobsvillethanIamhere,”shesaid,trottingoutthesameoldtiredargument
she’dbeenusingforthepasttenminutes.
“Youwill,”heinsisted.“CashGrierischiefofpolice.EbScottandhisex-mercenarycronieslive
there,aswell.It’ssuchasmalltownthatanyoutsiderwillbenoticedimmediately.”
Shewasfrowning.Hereyes,behindthetrendyframesoftheglassessheoccasionallyworeinplace
ofcontactlensesforextremenearsightedness,werethoughtful.
“Besides—”heplayedhistrumpcard“—yourdoctorsaid…”
“That’snotyourbusiness.”Shecuthimoff.
“Itisifyoudropdeadonyourdesk!”hesaid,driventoindiscretionbyherstubbornness.“You’rethe
onlywitnesswe’vegottowhatFuentessaid!Hecouldkillyoutoshutyouup!”
Herlipsmadeathinline.“I’vehaddeaththreatseversinceIgotoutofcollegeandtookajobhereas
anassistantdistrictattorney,”shereplied.“Itgoeswiththework.”
“Mostpeopledon’tmeanitliterallywhentheythreatentokillyou,”hereturned.“Fuentesdoes.DoI
reallyhavetoremindyouwhathappenedtoyourco-workerDougLernertwomonthsago?Better
yet,wouldyouliketoseetheautopsyphotos?”
“Youdon’thaveanyautopsyphotosthatIhaven’talreadyseen,DetectiveMarquez,”shesaidquietly,
foldingherarmsacrossherfirm,smallbreasts.“I’mnotreallyshockable.”
Heactuallygroanedoutloud.Hishandsmovedintohispockets,allowingheraglimpseofthe.45
automatichecarriedonhisbelt.Hisblackhair,almostaslongashers,wasgatheredinaponytailat
hisnape.Hehadjet-blackeyesandaflawlessolivecomplexion,nottomentionawide,sensuous
mouth.Hewasverygood-looking.
“Jasonsaidhe’dgetmeabodyguard,”shesaidwhenthesilencegrewnoticeable.
“Yourstepbrotherhashisownproblems,”hereplied.“Andyourstepsister,Gracie,wouldbenohelp
atall.She’ssoscatterbrainedthatshedoesn’trememberwheresheliveshalfthetime!”
“ThePendletonshavebeengoodtome,”shedefendedthem.“Theyhatedmymother,buttheyliked
me.”
Mostpeoplehadhatedhermother,asocial-climbingantisocialpersonalitywho’dbeenphysically
abusivetoGlorysinceherbirth.Glory’sfatherhadtakenhertotheemergencyroomhalfadozen
times,mumblingaboutfallsandotheraccidentsthatleftsuspiciousbruises.Butwhenoneboutof
explosivetemperhadleftherwithabrokenhip,theauthoritiesfinallysteppedin.Glory’smotherwas

chargedwithchildabuseandGlorytestifiedagainsther.
Bythattime,BeverlyBarneswasalreadyhavinganaffairwithMyronPendletonandhewasa
multimillionaire.HegotherateamoflawyerswhoconvincedajurythatGlory’sfatherhadcaused
theinjurythathermotherhadgivenher,thatGloryhadliedoutoffearofherfather.Theupshotwas
thatthechargesagainstBeverlyweredropped.Glory’sfather,ToddBarnes,wasarrestedandtried
forchildabuseandconvicted,despiteGlory’stearfuldefenseofhim.Buteventhoughhermother
wasexonerated,thejudgewasn’tconvincedthatGlorywouldbesafewithher.Inasurprisemove,
Glorywentintostatecustody,attheageofthirteen.Hermotherdidn’tappealthedecision.
WhenBeverlysubsequentlymarriedMyronPendleton,athisurging,shetriedtogetcustodyof
Gloryagain.Butthesamejudgewho’dheardthecaseagainstGlory’sfatherdeniedcustodyto
Beverly.Itwouldkeepthechildsafe,thejudgesaid.
Whatthecourtdidn’tknowwasthatGlorywasinmoredangeratthefosterhomewhereshe’dbeen
placed,inthecustodyofacouplewhodidaslittleaspossibleforthesixchildrentheywere
responsiblefor.Theyonlywantedthemoney.Twoolderboysinthesamehouseholdwerealways
tryingtofondleGlory,whosetinybreastshadbeguntogrow.Theharassmentwentonforseveral
weeksandculminatedinanassaultthatleftherbruisedandtraumatized,andafraidofanythingmale.
Gloryhadtoldherfosterparents,buttheysaidshewasmakingitup.Furious,Glorydialedthe
emergencynumberandwhenthepolicecame,sheranoutpastherfostermotherandallbutjumped
intothearmsofthepolicewomanwhocametocheckouthersituation.
Glorywastakentotheemergencyroom,whereadoctor,sickenedbywhathesaw,gavethepolice
enoughevidencetohavethefosterparentschargedwithneglect,andthetwoteenageboyswith
assaultandbatteryandattemptedsodomy.
ButthefosterparentsdeniedeverythingandpointedoutthatGloryhadliedabouthermotherabusing
her.Soshewentbacktothesamehouse,wherehertreatmentbecamenightmarish.Thetwoteenage
boyswantedrevengeasmuchasthespitefulfosterparentsdid.Buttheyweretemporarilyinjuvenile
detention,pendingabondhearing,fortunately.Thefosterparentsweren’t,andtheywerefurious.So
Glorystuckclosetothetwoyoungergirls,bothunderfiveyearsold,whomshehadbeenmade
responsiblefor.Shewasgratefulthattheyrequiredsomuchlooking-after.Itsparedherretribution,at
leastforthefirstfewdaysbackatthehouse.
JasonPendletonhatedhisstepmother,Beverly.Buthewascuriousaboutheryoungdaughter,
especiallyafterafriendinlawenforcementinJacobsvillecontactedhimaboutwhathadhappenedto
Glory.Thesameweekshewassentbacktothefosterhome,hesentaprivateinvestigatortocheckout
hersituation.Whathediscoveredmadehimsick.Heandhissister,Gracie,actuallywentthemselves
tothefosterhomeafterthey’dreadtheinvestigator ’scovertlyobtainedpolicereportontheincident
—whichwas,ofcourse,deniedbythecustodians.TheypointedtoGlory’sattempttoblameher
motherfortheabusethathadsentherfathertoprison,wherehewaskilledbyanotherinmatewithin
sixmonths.
ThedaythePendletonsarrived,thetwoteenageboyswhohadvictimizedGlorywerereleasedtothe
custodyofthefosterparents,pendingtrial.Gloryhadbeenrunningawayfromtheteenagersallday.
They’dalreadytornherblouseandleftbruisesonher.She’dbeenafraidtocallthepoliceagain.So
JasonfoundGloryintheclosetinthebedroomshesharedwiththetwolittlegirls,hidingunderher
pitifulhandfulofclothesonwirehangers,crying.Herarmswerebruisedallover,andtherewasa
smearofbloodonhermouth.Whenhereachedin,shecoweredandshookalloverwithfear.
Yearslater,shecouldstillrememberhowgentlyhepickedherupandcarriedheroutoftheroom,
outofthehouse.ShewasplacedtenderlyinthebackseatofhisJaguar,withGracie,whileJasonwent

backintothefosterhome.Hisdeeplytanned,leanfacewasstiffwithbridledfurywhenhereturned.
Hedidn’tsayaword.HestartedthecaranddroveGloryaway.
Despitehermother ’sbarelycontainedrageathavingGloryinthesamehousewhereshelived,Glory
wasgivenherownroombetweenGracie’sandJason’s,andhermotherwasnotallowednearher.In
oneoftheirmoreinfamousbattles,Jasonhadthreatenedtohavehisownlegalteamreopenthechild
abusecase.HehadnodoubtthatGlorywastellingthetruthaboutwhotherealabuserwas.Beverly
hadstormedoutwithoutareplytoJason’sthreats.ButsheleftGloryalone.
Itbecameamagicaltimeforthetragicyounggirl,belongingtoafamilywhichvaluedher.Even
Myronfoundherdelightfulcompany.
AfterBeverlydiedunexpectedlyofastrokewhenherdaughterwasfifteen,Glory’slifesettledinto
somethingapproachingnormalcy.Butthetraumaofheryouthhadconsequencesthatnoneofher
adoptivefamilyhadanticipated.
Herbrokenhip,despitetwosurgeriesandtheinsertionofasteelpin,wasneverthesame.Shehada
pronouncedlimpthatnophysicaltherapycoulderase.Andtherewassomethingelse;herfamilyhad
ahistoryofhypertension,whichGloryinherited.Nooneactuallysaidthatthestressofheryounglife
hadaddedtothegeneticpredispositiontowardit.ButGlorythoughtitdid.Shewasputonmedication
duringherlastyearinhighschool.Severelyoverweight,shy,introvertedanduncomfortablearound
boys,shewasalsothetargetofbullies.Othergirlsmadefunofher.Theywentsofarastoputfalse
messagesaboutherontheInternetandonegirlformedaclubdevotedtoridiculingGlory.
JasonPendletonfoundoutaboutit.Thegirlsweredealtwith,onechargedwithharassmentand
another ’sparentsthreatenedwithlawsuits.Theabusestopped.Mostly.ButitleftGloryfeelingalone
andoutofplacewherevershewent.Herhealth,nevergood,causedmanyabsencesduringthetimeof
turmoil.Shelostweight.Shewasagoodstudentandmadeexcellentgrades,despiteit.Shewentonto
collegeandthentolawschoolwiththesupportofherstepsiblings,andgraduatedmagnacumlaude.
Fromthere,shewenttotheSanAntonioDistrictAttorney’sofficeasajuniorpublicprosecutor.Four
yearslater,shewasahighlyrespectedassistantprosecutorwithanimpressiverecordofconvictions
againstgangmembersand,mostrecently,drugsmugglers.Herweightproblemwasinthepastnow,
thankstoagooddietician.
Butinherprivatelife,shewasalone.Shehadnoclosefriends.Shecouldn’ttrustpeople,especially
men.Hertraumaticyouthinfostercarehadpredisposedhertobesuspiciousofeveryone,especially
anyonemale.Shehadmalefriends,butshehadneverhadalover.Sheneverwantedone.Nobodygot
closeenoughtoGloryBarnestohurther.
NowthisstubbornSanAntoniodetectivewastryingtoforcehertoleaveherjobandhideinasmall
townfromthedruglordshe’dprosecutedfordistributingcocaine.
Fuenteswasthenewestinalonglineofdruglordswho’dcrossedtheborderintoTexas,enlarging
hisdrugterritorywiththehelpofhisstreetgangassociates.Oneofthem,withthepromiseof
immunityfromGlory,hadtestifiedinthetrialanddespitehismillions,thedrugczarhadbeenfacing
uptofifteenyearsinfederalprisonfordistributionofcrackcocaine.Ahungjuryonthatcasehadlet
himwalk.
Aftershelostthedrugcaseagainsthim,she’dbeensittinginthehallwhenFuentescameoutofthe
courtroom.Hecouldn’tresistbraggingabouthisvictory.Fuentessatdownbesideherandmadea
threat.Hehadworldwideconnectionsandhecouldhaveanybodykilled,evencops.Hehad,hesaid,
takenoutapersistentlocaldeputysheriffwho’dharassedhimbyhiringacontractkilleronlytwo
weeksago.Glorywouldbenextifshedidn’tlayoffinvestigatinghim,he’daddedwithanarrogant
smile.Sadlyforhim,Gloryhadbeenwearingacourt-sanctionedwireatthetime.Hisarresthad

cometheverynextday.
Hisfuryhadbeenfar-reaching.SomeonehadactuallyfiredagunatGlorywhenshewalkedoutof
thecourthousetwodaysago,missingherheadbyafractionofaninch.She’dturnedtolookforher
buswhenherassailantfired.IthadbeensuchaclosecallthatDetectiveMarquezwasdeterminednot
toriskherasecondtime.
“Evenifhegetsme,you’vestillgotthetape,”sheargued.
“Thedefensewillswearit’sbeentamperedwith,”hemuttered.“It’swhytheD.A.didn’tputitin
evidence.”
Shesworeunderherbreath.Hercolorwashigherthanusual,too.
Asifonasignal,thedooropenedandHayneswalkedinwithaglassofwaterandapillbottle.Sy
HayneswasGlory’sadministrativeassistant,aparalegalwithasharptongueandtheauthorityofa
drillsergeant.“Youhaven’ttakenyourcapsuletoday,”shemuttered,poppingthelidonthemedicine
bottleandshakingonecapsuleintoGlory’southeldhand.“Oneclosecallamonthisenough,”she
added,referringtowhatGlory’sdoctorhadtermedapossiblemildheartattackarisingfromthe
pressureofthetrial.AstresstesthaddetectedaproblemthatmightrequiresurgeryifGlorydidn’t
takehermedicineandkeeptoherlow-fatdietandadoptalow-stresslifestyle.
Marquezwantedhertoleavetownandshedidn’twanttogo.Butwhatherdoctorhadsaidtoherwas
somethingshewasn’twillingtosharewithMarquezorSy.He’dtoldherthatifshedidn’tgetoutof
town,andintosomesortofsedentarylifestyle,shewasgoingtohaveamajorheartattackanddieat
theprosecutor ’stableinhercourtroom.
Sheswallowedthecapsule.“Thedamnedthingsincludeadiuretic,”shesaidirritably.“Ihavetogoto
thebathroomeveryfewminutes.HowamIsupposedtoprosecuteacasewhenIhavetointerrupt
myselfsixtimesanhour?”
“Wearadiaper,”Haynesrepliedimperturbably.
Glorygaveheraglare.
“TheD.A.doesn’twantyoutodieinthecourtroom.”Marquezpressedhisadvantagenowthathehad
backup.“Hemightnotgetreelected.Besides,helikesyou.”
“HelikesmebecauseIhavenoprivatelife,”sheretorted.“Icarrycasefileshomewithmeevery
night.I’dmissyellingatpeople.”
“YoucanyellattheworkersonthePendletons’sorganictruckfarminJacobsville,”Marquezassured
her.
“AtleastIdoknowsomethingaboutfarming.Myfatherhadalittletruckfarm…”Shecloseduplike
aflower.Itstillhurt,afteralltheseyears,torememberthepainofseeinghimtakenawayinan
orangejumpsuit,cringingwhenshesobbedandbeggedthejudgetolethimgo.
“Yourfatherwouldbeproudofyou,”Haynesinterjected.“Especiallynowthatyou’veclearedhis
nameofthatchildabusecharge.”
“Itwon’tbringhimback,”shesaiddully.Hereyesnarrowed.“Butatleasttheyfinallyfoundtheman
whokilledhim.He’llnevergetoutnow.Ifheevergoesupbeforetheparoleboard,I’llbesitting
therewithpicturesofmyfatherateveryhearingfortherestofmylife.”
Theydidn’tdoubtit.Shewasavengefulwoman,inherquietway.
“Comeon,”Marquezcoaxed.“Youneedarest,anyway.It’speacefulinJacobsville.”
“Peaceful,”shenodded.“Right.Lastyear,therewasashootoutinJacobsvillewithdrugdealerswho
movedhundredsofkilosofcocaineintothecitylimitsandkidnappedachild.Twoyearsbeforethat,
druglordManuelLopez’smenwerestormedonhispropertyinJacobsvilleinagunbattlewherehis
henchmenhadstockpiledbalesofmarijuana.”

“Nobody’sbeenshotatfortwomonths,”Marquezassuredher.
“WhatifI’mrecognizedbyanyleftoverdrugsmugglers?”
“Theywon’tbelookingforyouonafarm.SanAntonioisabigcity,andyou’reoneofdozensof
assistantdistrictattorneys,”hepointedout.“Yourfaceisn’tthatwellknownevenhere,andcertainly
notinJacobsville.You’vechangedalotsinceyouwenttoschoolthere.Evenifsomeoneremembers
you,itwillbeforthepast,notthepresent.You’llbeaquietlittlewomanfromSanAntoniowith
healthproblemswatchingoverseveralfieldsofvegetablesandfruit,thankstoyourfriends,the
Pendletons.”
Hehesitated.“Onemorething.Youcan’tadmitthatyou’rerelatedtothem,oreventhatyouknow
themwell.NobodyinJacobsville,exceptthepolicechief,willknowwhatyoureallydoforaliving.
We’regivingyouacoverstorythatcanbecheckedoutbyanysuspiciouspeople.It’sfoolproof.”
“Didn’ttheysaythatabouttheTitanic’sdesign?”
“Ifshegoes,Ihavetogowithher,”Haynessaidfirmly.“Shewon’ttakehermedicineifI’mnotthere
pushingitunderhernoseeveryday.”
BeforeGlorycouldopenhermouth,Marquezwasshakinghishead.
“It’sgoingtobehardenoughtohelpGloryfitin,”hetoldHaynes.“Ifshetakesyouwithher,agang
memberwhomightnotrecognizeyoualonemightrecognizetheassistantwhogoestocourtwithher
mostofthetime.Mostofthegangsdealindrugtrafficking.”
Glorygrimaced.“He’sright,”shetoldherassistantsadly.“I’dloveforyoutogowithme,butit’s
risky.”
Hayneslookedmiserable.“Icouldwearadisguise.”
“No,”Marquezsaidquietly.“You’remoreusefulhere.Ifanyoftheotherattorneysfindout
somethingaboutFuentes,you’reintheperfectpositiontopassitontome.”
“Iguessyou’reright,”Haynessaid.SheglancedatGlorywitharuefulsmile.“I’llhavetofindanew
bosswhileyou’regone.”
“JonBlackhawkoverattheFBIofficeislookingforanotherassistant,”Marquezsuggested.
Haynesglaredathim.“He’llnevergetanotheroneinthistown,notafterwhathedidtothelastone.”
Marquezwastryingtokeepastraightface.“I’msureitwasallaterriblemisunderstanding.”
Gloryletoutachuckleinspiteofherself.“Somemisunderstanding.Hisassistantthoughthewasvery
attractiveandaskedhimovertoherplacefordinner.Heactuallycalledthepoliceandhadher
chargedwithsexualharassment.”
Marquezletoutthelaughhe’dbeenholdingback.“ShewasabeautifulblondewithahighIQandhis
ownmotherhadrecommendedherforthejob.Blackhawkphonedhismotherandtoldherthathis
latestassistanthadtriedtoseducehim.Hismotheraskedhow.Nowshe’soutragedoverwhathedid
andshewon’tspeaktohim,either.Thegirlwasherbestfriend’sdaughter.”
“Hediddropthesexualharassmentcharge,”Glorypointedout.
“Yes,butshequitjustthesameandwentonlinetotelleverywomaninSanAntoniowhathedidto
her.”Hewhistled.“I’llbethe’llgrowgrayhairbeforehegetsadateinthistown.”
“Serveshimright,”Haynesmuttered.
“Oh,itgetsworse,”Marquezaddedwithagrin.“RememberJocelinePerry,whoworksforGaron
GrierandoneoftheotherlocalFBIagents?TheygaveJon’sworktoher.”
“Oh,dear,”Haynesmurmured.
Jocelinewassomethingofalocallegendamongadministrativeassistants.Shewasknownforher
cuttingwitandrefusaltodoworksheconsideredbeneathherposition.ShewoulddriveJon
Blackhawkupthewallonagoodday.Godonlyknewwhatshe’ddotohimaftertheothersecretary

quit.
“Poorguy,”Glorymurmured.Butshegrinned.
HaynesglancedatGlorywithaworriedlook.“Whatareyougoingtodoonthefarm?Youwouldn’t
daregooutandhoeinthefields,wouldyou?”
“Ofcoursenot,”Gloryassuredher.“Icancan.”
“Youcanwhat?”Haynesfrowned.
“Youhaveheardofcanning?”Gloryreplied.“It’showyouputupfruitsandvegetablessothatthey
don’tspoil.Icandojamandjellyandpicklesandallsortsofstuff.”
Marquezraisedaneyebrow.“Mymotherusedtodoit,butherhandsaren’twhattheyusedtobe.It’s
anart.”
“Avaluableskill,”Glorysaidsmugly.
“You’llneedtowearjeansandlooklesselegant,”Marqueztoldher.“Nosuitsonthefarm.”
“IlivedinJacobsvillewhenIwasachild,”Gloryremindedhimwithaforcedsmile,withoutgoing
intodetail.MarquezwasoldenoughtohaveknownaboutGlory’sordeal.Ofcourse,alotofpeople
didn’t,eventhere.“Icanfitin.”
“Thenyou’llgo?”Marquezpersisted.
Glorysatbackagainstthedesk.Shewasoutnumberedandoutgunned.Theywereprobablyright.San
Antoniowasabigcity,butshe’dbeeninthesameapartmentbuildingfortwoyearsandeveryone
wholivedthereknewher.She’dbeeasytofindifsomeoneaskedtherightquestions.Ifshegot
herselfkilled,Fuenteswouldwalk,andmorepeoplewouldbebutcheredinhisinsanequestfor
wealth.
Ifherdoctorwasright—andhewasaverygooddoctor—themoverightnowmightsaveherlife,
suchasitwas.Shecouldn’tadmithowfrightenedshewasabouthisprognosis.Nottoanyone.Tough
girlslikeGlorydidn’twhineabouttheirburdens.
“WhataboutJasonandGracie?”sheblurtedoutsuddenly.
“Jason’salreadyhiredasmallarmyofbodyguards,”Marquezassuredher.“HeandGraciewillbe
fine.It’syouthey’reworriedabout.Allofusareworriedaboutyou.”
Shedrewinalongbreath.“IguessabulletproofvestandaGlockwouldn’tconvinceyoutoletme
stayhere?”
“Fuenteshasbulletsthatpenetratebodyarmor,andnobodyoutsideapsychowardwouldgiveyoua
gun.”
“Allright,”shesaidheavily.“I’llgo.DoIhavetoramrodthisfarm?”
“No,Jason’sputinamanager.”Hefrowned.“Oddguy.Heisn’tfromTexas.Idon’tknowwhere
Jasonfoundhim.He’s…”Hestartedtosaythatthemanagerwasoneofthemostunpleasant,taciturn
peoplehe’devermet,despitethefactthatthefarmworkerslikedhim.Butitmightnotbethebesttime
tosayit.“He’sverygoodatmanagingpeople,”Marquezsaidinstead.
“Aslongashedoesn’ttrytomanageme,Iguessit’sokay,”shesaid.
“Hewon’tknowanythingaboutyou,exceptwhatJasontellshim,”heassuredher.“Jasonwon’thave
toldhimaboutwhyyou’rethere,andyoucan’t,either.Apparentlythemanager ’sjusthadsomesort
ofblowinhislife,too,andhe’stakenthejobtogethimselfoverit.”
“Atruckfarm,”shemurmured.
“Iknowwherethere’sananimalshelter,”Marquezrepliedwhimsically.“Theyneedsomeonetofeed
thelions.”
Sheglaredathim.“Withmyluck,they’dtrytofeedmetothelions.No,thanks.”
“Thisisforyourowngood,”Marquezsaidquietly.“Youknowthat.”

Shesighed.“Yes,Isupposeitis.”Shemovedawayfromthedesk.“Mywholelife,I’vebeenforcedto
runawayfromproblems.I’dhopedthatthistime,atleast,Icouldstandanddeliver.”
“Neatphrasing,”Marquezmused.“Wouldyouliketoborrowmysword?”
Shegavehimakeenglance.“Yourmothershouldneverhavegivenyouthatclaymore,”shetoldhim.
“You’reveryluckythatthepatrolofficercouldbeconvincedtodropthecharges.”
Helookedaffronted.“Theguypickedthelockonmyapartmentdoorandlethimselfin.WhenIwoke
up,hewaspackingmynewlaptopintoabookbagfortransport!”
“Youhaveasidearm,”shepointedout.
Hegloweredather.“Iforgotandleftitlockedinthepocketofmycarthatnight.Buttheswordwas
mountedrightovermybed.”
“Theysaythethiefactuallyjumpedoutthewindowwhenhebrandishedthathugeweapon,”Glory
toldHaynes,whogrinned.
“Myapartmentisonthegroundfloor,”Marquezinformedthem.
“Yes,butyouwerechasingthethiefdownthestreetinyour…”Sheclearedherthroat.“Well,you
wereoutofuniform.”
“Igotarrestedforstreaking,”Marquezmuttered.“Canyoubelievethat?”
“OfcourseIcan!Youwerenaked!”Gloryreplied.
“HowIsleephasnothingtodowiththefactthattheguywasrobbingme!AtleastIgothimdownand
immobilizedbythetimethesquadcarspottedme.”Heshookhishead.“Itoldthearrestingofficer
whoIwas,andheaskedtoseemybadge.”
Gloryputherhandoverhermouthtostifleagiggle.
“Didyoutellhimwhereitwas?”Haynesasked.
“Itoldhimwherehecouldputitifhedidn’tarresttheburglar.”Hemovedrestlessly.“Anyway,
anothersquadcarpulledupbehindhim,anditwasanofficerwhoknewme.”
“Afemaleofficer,”GlorytoldHaynes,withglee.
Marquez’shighcheekbonesactuallyseemedtoflush.“Theburglar ’stotecameinhandy,”he
murmured.“AtleastIgottoridebacktomyapartment.Butthestorygotoutfromthenightshift,and
bythenextafternoon,Iwasaminorcelebrity.”
“Whatapityyoudidn’tgetcaughtbythesquadcar ’scamera,”Haynesgiggled.“Theycouldhave
featuredyouonthatTVshow,Cops.”
Heglaredather.“Iwasrobbed!”
“Well,hedidn’tactuallygettokeepanythinghetook,didhe?”Haynesasked.
“HefellonmynewlaptopwhenItackledhim,”Marquezscoffed.“Trashedtheharddrive.Ilostall
myfiles.”
“Neverheardofbackingupwithhardcopy,Iguess?”Gloryqueried.
“Whoexpectstohavesomeonebreakintoacop’sapartmentandrobhim?”
“Hedoeshaveapoint,”Hayneshadtoadmit.
“Iguessso.”
Marquezlookedathiswatchandgrimaced.“Ihavetobeincourtthisafternoontotestifyfora
homicidecase,”hetoldthem.“Icantellmybossthatyou’regoingtoJacobsville,right?”
Shesighed.“Yes.I’llgotomorrowmorning,firstthing.DoIneedaletterofintroductionor
anything?”
“No.Jasonwillletthemanagerknowyou’recoming.Youcanstayinthehouseontheproperty.”
Shehesitated.“Whereisthemanagerstaying?”
“Alsointhehouse.”Heheldupahand.“Beforeyousayit,there’sahousekeeperwholivesinthe

houseandcooksforthemanager.”
Thatrelaxedher,butonlyalittle.Shedidn’tlikestrangemen,especiallyatclosequarters.She
decidedthatdespitethesummerheat,she’dpackthickcottonpajamasandalongrobe.

JACOBSVILLESEEMEDMUCHsmallerthansherememberedit.Themainstreetwasalmostexactly
thesameasithadbeenwhenshelivednearby.Therewasthepharmacywhereherfatherhadgonefor
medicine.OvertherewasthecaféwhichBarbara,Marquez’smother,hadrunforaslongasshecould
remember.Therewasthehardwarestoreandthefeedstoreandtheclothingboutique.Itwasallthe
same.OnlyGloryherselfhadchanged.
AssheturnedontothenarrowpavedroadthatledtothePendletons’struckfarm,shebegantofeel
sickatherstomach.She’dforgotten.Thehousewasthesameoneshe’dsharedwithhermotherand
father,untilhermother ’sexplosivetemperhadshatteredGlory’syoungbodyandtheirfamily.Until
now,shehadn’tthoughtabouthowdifficultitmightbe,tryingtolivethereagain.
Theoldpecantreeinthefrontyardwasstillthere.Shespotteditbeforeshesawthemailboxbeside
thenarrowpaveddriveway.Yearsago,therehadbeenatireswingonthetree.
Therealsurprisewasthehouse.ThePendletonsmusthavespentsomemoneyremodelingit,because
theoldclapboardhouseofGlory’syouthwasnowanelegantwhiteVictorianwithgingerbread
woodwork.Therewasalong,widefrontporchwhichcontainedaswing,asetteeandseveralrocking
chairs.Farbehindthehousewasahugesteelwarehousewhereworkerswereputtingboxesoffresh
cornandpeasandtomatoesandotherproducefromthelargefieldsonallsidesofthehouseand
warehouse.Thefieldsseemedtostretchformilesintotheflatdistance.
Shepulledupinthegraveledparkinglotunderanotherpecantreeandcutofftheengine.Hersmall
sedancontainedmostofherworldlygoods.Exceptforherfurniture,andshehadn’tevenconsidered
bringingthatalong.ShewaskeepingherapartmentinSanAntonio.Therentwaspaidupforsix
months,courtesyofherstepbrother.Shewonderedwhenshe’dgettogohome.
Sheopenedthedoorandgotout,justintimetoseeatall,jean-cladmanwithjet-blackhairanda
mustachecomedownthefrontsteps.Hehadastrongfaceandanathleticphysique.Hewalkedwith
suchelegancethatheseemedtoglidealong.Helookedforeign.
HespottedGloryandhistautexpressiongrewevenmorereserved.Hemovedtowardherwitha
quick,elegantstep.Ashecamecloser,shecouldseethathiseyeswereblack,likejet,underajutting
browanddarkeyebrows.Shehadtheoddfeelingthathewasthesortofmanyouhopeyounever
meetinadarkalley.
Hestoppedjustinfrontofher,addingupherinexpensivecar,hereyeglasses,herwindsweptblond
hairinitstightbunandhermodestclothing.Ifhewasmeasuring,shethought,she’dfallenshort.
“MayIhelpyou?”heaskedcoldly.
Sheleanedheavilyonthecardoor.“I’mthecanner.”
Heblinked.“Excuseme?”
Sheswallowed,hard.Hewasverytallandhelookedhalfoutofhumoralready.“Icancan.”
“Wedon’thireexoticdancers,”heshotback.
Hergreeneyeswidened.“Excuseme?”
“Thecan-canisadance,Ibelieve?”
“Isit,really?”sheaskedwithamischievousglance.“Wouldyouliketodemonstrateit,andI’llgive
youmyopinionofwhetherit’sadanceornot?”
Incredible,shethought.Untilnow,shehadn’treallybelievedthataman’seyescouldexplodewithbad
temper…

2
THEMAN’SJAWCLENCHED.“Iamnotinthemoodforgames,”hesaidincoldlyaccented
English.
“Firstyoutalkaboutdancing,nowyou’reonaboutgames,”shesaid.“Really,Idon’tcareaboutyour
privatelife.Iwassentheretohelpwiththecanning.JasonPendletonofferedmetheposition.”
Hiseyeswerereallysmolderingnow.“Hewhat?”
“Gavemeajob,”shereplied.Shefrowned.“Areyouhardofhearing?”
Hetookasteptowardherandshemovedfurthertowardthehinges.Helookedferocious.“Jason
Pendletonofferedyouajob,here?”
“Yes,hedid,”shereplied.Perhapshumorwasn’taverygoodideaatthetime.“Hesaidyouneeded
someonetohelpputuphisorganicfruit.IcanmakepreservesandjelliesandIknowhowtocan
vegetables.”
Heseemedtobestrugglingwithherpresence.Itwasobviousthathewasn’thappyabouthercoming
here.“Jasonsaidnothingaboutittome.”
“Hetoldmehe’dphoneyoutonight.He’sinMontanaatacattleshow.”
“Iknowwhereheis.”
Herhipwasthrobbing.Shedidn’twanttomentionit.Hewasirritatedenoughalready.“Wouldyou
likemetosleepinthecar?”sheaskedpolitely.
Heseemedtorealizewheretheywere,asifhe’dlosthistrainofthought.“I’llhaveConsuelogeta
roomreadyforyou,”hesaidwithoutenthusiasm.“She’sbeenputtingupthejelliesandpreserves
herself.It’sanewline.Wehaveaprocessingplantforthevegetables.Ifthefruitlinecatcheson,we’ll
additintotheplant.Consuelosaidthekitchenhereisplentylargeenoughtodoforasamplingof
products.”
“Iwon’tgetinherway,”shepromised.
“Comeon,then.I’llintroduceyoubeforeIleave.”
Washegoingtoquitalready,then,tokeepfromhavingtoworkwithher?shewantedtoask.Pityhe
hadnosenseofhumor.
Shereachedbackintothecarforherreddragoncane.Shehadanumbrellastandfullofthehelpful
devices,inallsortsofcolorsandstyles.Ifonehadtobehandicapped,shereasoned,oneshouldbe
flamboyantaboutit.
Sheclosedthedoor,leaningonthecane.
Hisexpressionwasinexplicable.Hescowled.
Shewaitedforhimtocommentaboutherdisability.
Hedidn’t.Heturnedandwalked,slowly,backtothehouse,waitingforhertocatchup.She
recognizedthatexpression.Itwaspity.Sheclenchedherteeth.Ifheofferedtohelpherupthesteps,
shewasgoingtohithimrightinthekneewithhercane.
Hedidn’tdothat,either.Hedidopenthedoorforher,grudgingly.
Great,shetoldherselfasshewalkedintothefoyer.We’llcommunicateinsignlanguagefromnow
on,Iguess.
Heledthewaythroughacomfortablelivingroomwithpolishedbarewoodfloors,throughwhat
seemedlikepantriesonbothsidesofthenarrowpassage,andintoanenormouskitchenwithnew
appliances,alargetableandchairs,aworktable,andyellowlacecurtainsatallthewindows.The
floorwaslinoleumwithastonepattern.Thecabinetswereoak-stained,roomyandeasytoreach.
Therewasacounterthatwentfromthedishwasherandsinkaroundtothestove.Therefrigeratorwas
standingaloneinacorner.Itmusthaveoffendedthecookandbeenexiled,Glorythoughtwickedly.

Asmalldarkwomanwithherhairinacomplicatedponytaildownherback,tiedinfourplaceswith
pinkribbon,turnedatthesoundoffootsteps.Shehadaroundfaceandlaughingdarkeyes.
“Consuelo,”thetallmansaid,indicatingGlory,“thisisthenewcanner.”
Consuelo’seyebrowsarched.
“ItoldhimIcancanandhecalledmeanexoticdancer,”Glorytoldthewoman.
Theotherwomanseemedtobefightinglaughter.
“ThisisConsueloAguila,”heintroduced.“Andthisis…”Hestoppeddead,becausehedidn’tknow
whothenewarrivalwas.
Glorywaitedforhimtogetonwithit.Shewasn’tinclinedtohelpout.
“Youdidn’taskhername?”Consuelochided.ShewenttoGlory,withabigsmile.“Youarewelcome
here.Icanusethehelp.Whatisyourname?”
“Gloryanne,”camethesoftreply.“GloryanneBarnes.”
Thetallmanraisedbotheyebrows.“Whonamedyou?”
Hereyesgrewsolemn.“Myfather.Hethoughthavingachildwasagloriousoccasion.”
Hewascuriousaboutherexpression.Sheseemedreluctanttoaddanythingmore.
“Doyouknowwhoheis?”Consueloaskedher,indicatingthetallman.
Glorypursedherlips.Sheshookherhead.
“Youdidn’tevenintroduceyourself?”Consueloaskedtheman,aghast.
Hegloweredather.“Shewon’tbeworkingwithme,”hesaidflatly.
“Yes,butshe’sgoingtoliveinthehouse…?”
“Idon’tmindsleepinginmycar,”Glorysaidatonce,verypleasantly.
“Don’tbeabsurd,”hegrowled.“Ihavetogotothehardwarestoretopickupsomemorestakesfor
thetomatoplants,”hetoldthesmall,darkwoman.“Giveheraroomandtellherhowweworkhere.”
Gloryopenedhermouthtoprotesthisattitude,buthewhirledandstrodeoutoftheroomwithout
anotherword.Thefrontscreendoorbangedloudlyashewentoutit.
“Well,he’sacharmer,isn’the?”Gloryaskedtheolderwomanwithagrin.“Icanhardlywaittosettle
inandmakehislifeutterlymiserable.”
Consuelolaughed.“He’snotsobad,”shesaid.“Wedon’tknowwhyhetookoverwhenMr.Wilkes
resigned.Theboss—that’sMr.Pendleton,helivesinSanAntonio—toldusthatRodrigohadlosthis
familyrecentlyandwasinmourning.Hecameheretopickuphislifeagain.”
“Oh,dear,”Glorysaidquietly.“Sorry.Ishouldn’thavebeensosarcastictowardhim.”
“Itrollsoffhisback,”thewomanscoffed.“Heworkslikeatiger.Heisnevercruelorharshwiththe
menwhoworkinthefields.Heisaculturedman,Ithink,becausehelovestolistentoDVDsofopera
andclassicalmusic.Butonce,wehadaworkergetintoafightwithanotherman,andRodrigo
intervened.Nobodysawhimmove,butintheflashofalight,theaggressorwaslyingonhisbackin
thedirtwithmanybruises.Themendon’tgiveRodrigoanyreasontogoafterthem,sincethat
happened.Heisverystrong.”
“Rodrigo?”Glorysoundedoutthename.Ithadaquietdignity.
“RodrigoRamirez,”shereplied.“HeworkedonacattleranchdowninSonora,hesaid.”
“HecamefromMexico?”
“Ithinkhewasbornthere,buthedoesnotspeakofhispast.”
“Hisaccentisveryslight,”Glorymused.“HespeaksSpanish,Iguess.”
“Spanish,French,Danish,Portuguese,German,Italianand,ofallthings,Apache.”
Glorywasconfused.“Withatalentlikethat,he’smanagingatruckfarminTexas?”
Consuelochuckled.“I,also,madethisobservation.Heledmetobelieveheonceworkedasa

translator.Where,hedidnotsay.”
Glorysmiled.“Well,atleastthisisgoingtobeaninterestingjob.”
“Youknowthebigboss,JasonPendleton?”
Glorynodded.“Well,sortof,”sheamendedquickly.“Iwasmorefriendlywithhissister,”she
confided.
“Ah.Gracie.”Consuelochuckledagain.“Shecamewithhimonce.Therewasacatwithabrokenleg
lyingbesidetheroad,astraythathungaroundhere.Graciepickeditup,bloodanddirtandall,and
madeJasontakehertothenearestvet.Shewaswearingasilkdressthatwouldcostmetwomonths
wages,anditdidn’tmatter.Thecatwaswhatmattered.”Shesmiled.“Sheshouldmarry.Itwouldbea
veryluckyman,tohaveawifelikethat.”
“Shedoesn’twanttogetmarried,”Glorysaid.“Herrealfatherwasahell-raiser.”
“HersandJason’s,youmean…”
Gloryshookherhead.“Yousee,JasonandGraciearen’trelated.Herfatherdiedwhenshewasinher
earlyteens.HerstepmothermarriedJason’sfather.ThenherstepmotherdiedandJason’sfather
marriedagain.”Shedidn’taddthatJason’sstepfatherwasalsoherownstepfather.Itwascomplicated.
Consuelotookoffherapron.“Imustshowyoutotheguestroom.”Sheturned,andonlythennoticed
thecane,halfhiddenbehindGlory’sjean-cladleg.Hereyebrowsmet.“Youshouldhavetoldme,”she
fussed.“IwouldneverhaveletyoustandlikethatwhileIgossiped!Itmustbepainful.”
“Ididn’tnotice.Really.”
“Theroomisdownstairs,atleast,”Consuelosaid,leadingthewaypastthepantryshelves,intothe
livingroom,andthroughafardoorthatledtoanotherhall,whichendedinabathroomopeninginto
asmall,blue-wallpaperedroomwithwhitetrim.
“It’slovely,”Glorytoldher.
“It’ssmall,”Consuelosaid.“Rodrigochoseitforhimself,butItoldhimheneededmoreroomthan
this.Hehastwocomputersandseveralpiecesofradioequipment.Ahobby,hesaid.Thereisasmall
deskinthestudythatheuses,butheprefershisbedroomwhenhe’sdoingthebooks.”
“He’santisocial?”
“Hehasnothingtodowithwomen,”Consueloreplied.Shefrowned.“Although,therewasapretty
blondewomanwhocameheretoseehimoneday.Theyseemedveryclose.Iasked.Butheignored
thequestion.Hedoesnottalkabouthimself.”
“Howodd.”
“Youarenotmarried,orengaged?”
Gloryshookherhead.“Idon’twanttomarry.Ever.”
“Youdon’twantchildren?”
Gloryfrowned.“Idon’tknowthatIshouldtrytohavethem,”shesaid.“Ihavea…medicalproblem.It
wouldbedangerous.”Shesighed.“ButsinceIdon’ttrustmenverymuch,it’sprobablyjustaswell.”
Consuelodidn’taskanymorequestions,buthermannerwithGlorywasgentle.

THETRUCKFARMWASHUGE.Thereweremanyfields,eachwithaseparatecrop,andthe
plantingswerestaggeredsothatsomethingwasalwaysreadytoharvest.Thefruittreeswerejust
beingpicked.Peachesandapricots,nectarinesandkiwifruitwerefirsttoharvest.Theappletrees
werevarietiesthatproducedinthefall.Inbetweenwereberries,dewberriesandraspberriesand
blackberriesandstrawberries.
“I’mgoingtobebusy,”GloryexclaimedwhenConsuelopointedoutthevarioussurroundingfields.
“Webothare,”theolderwomanreplied.“Iwasthinkingaboutgivingupthisjob.It’stoomuchfor

onewoman.Buttwoofus,wecanmanage,Ithink.Thejamsandjelliesandpickleswilladdalotto
ourrevenueiftheysell.They’repopularwithtourists.Wealsostockthematthelocalfloristshop,
andthey’reputingiftbaskets.Wehaveaprocessingplantfortheorganicvegetablesandanonline
shopthatourwarehouseoperates.Theyshiporders.Butthisisearlydaysforourspecialtycanning.
I’veonlymanagedtodotheusualthings,fruitpreservesandjellies.Iwouldlovetodosmallbatches
oforganiccornandpeasandbeansaswell,buttheymostlydothoseattheprocessingcenterinbulk.
Besides,thoserequirethepressurecookertoprocessandmoretimethanIhavehadsinceRodrigo
tookcharge.Heisadynamo,thatman.”
“Pressurecookersmakemenervous,”Glorybegan.
“We’veallheardterriblestoriesabouthowtheycanexplode,”Consuelochuckled.“Butthisisanew
age.Theyallhavefailsafecontrolsnowadays.Anyway,wewon’tusethemhere.Letmeshowyou
whatwe’reworkingon.It’saneasyjob.”

EASY.THEWORKWAS.Glory’shippainedher,andshespentsomeofhertimeonaheatingpad.
ButConsuelofoundherastoolandsheadjustedtothenewphysicaldemandsofherjob.
Rodrigo,however,wasnoteasy.HeseemedtohavetakenaninstantdisliketoGloryandwas
determinedtosayaslittletoheraspossibleinthecourseofaday.
Heseemedtothinkshewasauselessperson.Hewasimpersonallytolerantofherdisability,buthe
oftenlookedatherasifhesuspectedthatherbrainwaslockedawayinafleshycabinetandwasonly
takenoutoccasionallytobepolished.Shewonderedwhathe’dthinkifheknewwhatshedidfora
livingandwhyshewasactuallydownhere.Itamusedhertoconsiderhisreaction.
Oneday,hebroughtanewmanintothehouseandtoldConsuelothathewouldbeoverseeingthemen
whileRodrigohadtobeawayovertheweekend.Glorydidn’tlikethenewcomeratall.Heseemedto
neverlookanyoneintheeye.HewassmallandswarthyandhemadeapointofstaringatGlory’s
bodywhenhespoketoher.Alreadyuneasyaroundmenshedidn’tknow,thisonewascausingher
somerealproblems.
Consuelonoticed,andshegotbetweenthemanandGlorywhenhebecametoofriendly.
“IcannotimaginewhatwasinSeñorRamirez’smindwhenhehiredthatCastillomanasanassistant,”
ConsuelomutteredtoGlorywhentheywerealoneinthekitchen.“Idon’tlikehavinghimaround
here.He’sspenttimeinjail.”
“Howdidyouknowthat?”Gloryasked.Sheknewtheanswer,butshewonderedifConsuelowasjust
sensingtheman’spastoriftherewasareasonfortheremark.
“Themusclesinhisarmsandtorsoarehuge,andhehastattooseverywhere.”Shementionedone
particulartattoothatmarkedhimasamemberofoneofthemorenotorious
LosAngelesstreet
gangs.
Glory,whoknewaboutgangmembersalltoowell,wassurprisedandimpressedbythewoman’s
knowledge.
“Whatishedoinghere?”Gloryaskedaloud,pondering.
“Iwouldnotdaretoask,”camethesolemnreply.“SeñorPendletonshouldbetold,butitwouldbe
worthmyjobtomentionitoutsidethehouse.WewillhavetotrustthatRodrigoknowswhatheis
doing.”
“There’sastrangebird,”Gloryremarked.“Rodrigo.He’sveryculturedandquiteintelligent.I’msure
hecouldwritehisownticketinmanagementanywherehewantedtowork.Heseemsoutofplaceona
truckfarm.”

Consuelochuckled.“Iwouldnotaskthatoneanythingwhichwasnotnecessaryfortheperformance
ofmyjob,”shereplied.“Fromtimetotime,somethingupsetshim.Heiseloquentwithbadwords,
andhedoesnottoleratesloppyworkortardiness.Onemanhescoldedfordrinkingonthejobwas
firedthesameday.Heisahardtaskmaster.”
“Yes,Ithoughtheseemedthatsortofman.He’snothappy.”
Consuelolookedatherandnodded.“Youareperceptive.No,heisnot.AndIthinkthatheisnot
usuallyamoodyperson.Hemusthavelovedhisfamilyverymuch.Inoticehowheiswithmyson,
Marco,whenhevisitsme.”
“Youhavechildren,then?”Gloryaskedgently.
Consuelosmiled.“Yes,aboy.Hehasjustturnedtwenty-one.Iadorehim.”
“Doeshelivenearby?”
Consueloshookherhead.“HelivesinHouston.Buthecomestoseemewhenhecan.Especiallywhen
there’sasoccergameoncable—hecan’taffordit,butRodrigohaditputinheresothathedoesn’t
missthegames.”
“Soccer?”Glory’sgreeneyeslitup.“Ilovesoccer!”
“Youdo?”Consuelowasexcited.“Whichteamdoyoulikebest?”
Glorysmiledsheepishly.“Mexico.IknowIshouldsupportourownteaminthiscountry,butIlove
theMexicanteam.IhaveaflagoftheteamthathangsinmylivingroomduringtheWorldCupand
theCopita.”
“IprobablyshouldnottellyouthatIamrelatedtoaplayeronthatteam.”
“Youare?”Gloryexclaimed.“Whichone?”
Beforeshecouldanswer,Rodrigowalkedin.Hestoppedinthedoorway,scowlingatGlory’s
radiancewhenshesmiled.“WhatdidIinterrupt?”heaskedcuriously.
“Weweretalkingaboutsoccer,”Consuelobegan.
HeglancedatGlory.“Don’ttellmeyouwatchit?”
“EverychanceIget,”shereplied.
Hemadeasoundinhisthroat,likeasubduedchuckle.HeturnedtoConsuelo.“I’mgoingtobeaway
fortheweekend.I’mleavingCastilloincharge.Ifyouhaveanyproblemswithhim,letmeknow.”
“Hedoesnot…”Consuelobegan,glancingatGlory.
“Hedoesn’tbotherus,”Gloryinterruptedwithaspeakingglance.
“Sinceyouhavenocontactwithhim,Ican’timaginewhyheshould,”hetoldher.“Ifyouneedme,
youhavemycellphonenumber.”
“Yes,”Consuelosaid.
Hewalkedoutwithoutanotherword.
“Whydidn’tyouletmetellhim?”Consueloaskedworriedly.
“He’dthinkIwascomplainingtoyou,”Glorysaidsimply.“IfCastillogivesmeanytrouble,I’lltake
careofhimmyself.”Shesmiledgently.“Youshouldn’tthinkthatmyhipslowsmedownverymuch,”
shesaidsoftly.“Icantakecareofmyself.Butthankyouforcaring.”
Consuelohesitated,thenshesmiled.“Okay.I’llletyouhandleityourway.”
Glorynodded,andwentbacktowork.

CASTILLODIDN’TBOTHERthem.Buthedidhavealongconversationwithamaninawhitevan.
Glorywatchedcovertlyfromthekitchenwindow,makingsureshewasn’tvisibletohim.Thevanwas
oldandbeat-upandthemandrivingitwasasmuscularandastattooedasCastillo.Shemadeamental
noteofthevan’slicenseplateandwroteitdownonapad,justincase.

Sheshouldn’thavebeensosuspiciousofpeople,shetoldherself.Butsheknewalotaboutdrug
smugglingfromthecasesshe’dprosecuted,andshehadsomethingofasecondsenseaboutthe
“mules”whotransportedcocaineandmarijuanaandmethamphetaminefromoneplacetoanother.
Manyofthe“mules”wereinstreetgangsthatalsohelpeddistributetheproduct.
SheandConsuelowerekeptbusyforthenextcoupleofweeksasthefruitstartedtocomein.They
hadbasketsandbasketsofit,pickedbytheworkersandspreadaroundthekitchen.IfGloryhad
wonderedwhythereweretwostoves,shedidn’thavetoaskanylonger.Bothweregoingnightand
dayasthesweetsmellofpreservesandjamsandjellieswaftedthroughthehouse.
SlowlyGloryhadbecomeaccustomedtoseeingRodrigointhekitchenatmealtimes.Heslept
upstairs,soshedidn’tseehimatnight.Sometimessheheardhimpacingupthere.Hisroomwas
apparentlyrightoverhers.
SheservedRodrigobaconandeggsandthehomemadebiscuitsshe’dmadesinceshewasten,
becauseConsuelohadtogotothestoreformorecanningsupplies,includingjarsandlids.She
pouredcoffeeintoacupandputthatonthetableaswell.She’dlongsinceeatenherself,soshewent
backtopeelingabasketofpeaches.

RODRIGOWATCHEDHERCOVERTLY.Shehadherhairinitsusualbraid.Shewaswearingold
bluejeansandagreenT-shirtthatshowedverylittleskin.Shewasn’taprettywoman.Hefoundher
uninteresting.Notthatitmattered.NowthatSarinawasmarried,andsheandBernadettewereno
longerpartofhislife,notmuchdidmatter.He’dhopedthatthereappearanceofBernadette’sfather,
ColbyLane
,wouldmakenodifferencetotheclosetieshehadwiththewomanandchild.Butinscantweeks,
ColbyandSarinawereinseparable.Theyhadbeenmarriedyearsagoanditseemedthatthemarriage
wasneverannulled.ItwaslikedeathtoRodrigo,who’dbeenpartofSarina’sfamilyforthreeyears.
Hecouldn’tcope.Itwaswhyhe’dtakenonthisassignment.Itwasbothcovertanddangerous.Hewas
knowntothebigdruglords,andhiscoverwaspaperthinsincehe’dhelpedputawayCara
Dominguez,successortofamous,anddead,druglordManuelLopez.
RodrigowasanagentfortheDrugEnforcementAdministration.HeandSarina,afellowagent,had
workedoutoftheTucsondivisionforthreeyears.Thenthey’dbeenaskedtogoundercoverin
Houstontoferretoutasmugglingenterprise.They’dbeensuccessful.But
ColbyLane
,who’dhelpedsetupthesmugglers,hadwalkedoffwithSarinaandBernadette.Rodrigohadbeen
devastated.
SarinahadpromisedColbythatshe’dgiveupherDEAjobandgotoworkforPoliceChiefCash
GrierhereinJacobsville.SoRodrigohadaskedforthisundercoverassignment,tobenearher.But
SarinahadbeenpersuadedbytheDEAtoworkwithAlexanderCobbintheHoustonofficeonanother
case.Colbyhadn’tlikedit.Rodrigohadlikeditless.ShewasinHouston,andhewashere.Colbyhad
remainedatRitterOilCorporationinHoustonasassistantofsecurityforthefirm,whileSarina
settledbackinwiththeHoustonDEAoffice.BernadettewasbackinHoustonfinishingouttheschool
yearinafamiliarplace.
Sarinahadcomeheretotellhimthenews.Ithadbeenpainful,seeingheragain.Sheknewhowhefelt;
shewassorryforhim.Itdidn’thelp.Hislifewasinpieces.Shewasconcernedthathiscoverwastoo
flimsyandhestoodtobekilledifthedruglordsfoundhimout.Itdidn’tmatter.Therewasapriceon
hisheadinalmosteveryothercountryintheworldfromhisdaysasaprofessionalmercenary.This
countrywastheonlyplaceleftwherehewasn’tindangerofbeingassassinated.Ontheotherhand,

hislineofworkwaslikelytogethimkilled.
“Youdon’ttalkmuch,doyou?”Rodrigoaskedthewomanpeelingpeachesbesidehim.
Shesmiled.“Notalot,no,”shereplied.
“Howdoyoulikethejob,sofar?”heasked.
“It’snice,”shereplied.“AndIlikeConsuelo.”
“Everyonedoes.Shehasabigheart.”
Shepeeledanotherpeach.Hefinishedhiscoffeeandgotuptogetarefillforhimself.Shenoticed.“I
don’tminddoingthat,”shesaid.“It’spartofmyjobtoworkinthekitchen.”
Heignoredthecomment,addedcreamtohiscoffee,andsatbackdown.“Howdidyouhurtyour
leg?”
Herfaceclosedup.Shedidn’tlikeremembering.“ItwaswhenIwasachild,”shesaid,circumventing
thequestion.
Hewaswatchingher,veryclosely.“Andyoudon’ttalkaboutit,doyou?”
Shelookedhimintheeye.“No.Idon’t.”
Hesippedcoffee.Hiseyesnarrowed.“Mostwomenyouragearemarriedorinvolvedwith
someone.”
“Ilikemyowncompany,”shetoldhim.
“Youdon’tsharethings,”hereplied.“Youdon’ttrustanyone.Youkeeptoyourself,doyourjoband
gohome.”
Hereyebrowsarched.“Arewedoingapsychologicalprofile?”
Helaughedcoolly.“IliketoknowsomethingaboutthepeopleIworkwith.”
“I’mtwenty-sixyearsold,I’veneverbeenarrested,Ihateliver,IpaymybillsontimeandI’venever
cheatedonmyincometax.Oh,”sheadded,“andIwearsizenineshoes,incaseitevercomesup.”
Hechuckledthen.Hisdarkeyeswereamused,alive,intentonherface.“DoIsoundlikean
interrogator?”
“Somethinglikethat,”shesaid,smiling.
“ConsuelosaysyouspeakSpanish.”
“Tengoquehablarlo,”shereplied.“Parahacermitrabajo.”
“¿Yquéessutrabajo,pues,rubia?”hereplied.
Shesmiledgently.“Youspeakitsobeautifully,”shesaidinvoluntarily.“IwastaughtCastilian,
althoughIdon’tlispmy‘c’s.”
“Youmakeyourselfunderstood,”hetoldher.“Areyouliterate?”
Shenodded.“IlovetoreadinSpanish.”
“Whatdoyouliketoread?”
Shebitherlowerlipandgavehimanoddlook.“Well…”
“Comeon.”
Shesighed.“IliketoreadaboutJuanBelmonteandJoselitoandManolete.”
Hiseyebrowsarchedtowardhishairline.“Bullfighters?YouliketoreadaboutSpanishbullfighters?”
Shescowled.“Oldbullfighters,”shecorrected.“BelmonteandJoselitofoughtbullsintheearlypart
ofthetwentiethcentury,andManoletediedintheringin1947.”
“Sotheydid.”Hestudiedheroverhiscoffeemug.“You’refullofsurprises,aren’tyou?Soccerand
bullfighting.”Heshookhishead.“Iwouldhavetakenyouforawomanwholikedpoetry.”

IFHE’DKNOWNHER,andherlifestyle,itwouldhaveshockedhimthatshe’devenconsidered
doingmanuallabor,muchlessreadpoetry.Shewasamusedatthethought.

“Idolikepoetry,”shereplied.Andshedid.
“SodoI,”hesaidsurprisingly.
“Whichpoets?”shefished.
Hesmiled.“Lorca.”
Herlipspartedonashockedbreath.“HewroteaboutthedeathofhisfriendSánchezMejíasinthebull
ring.”
“Yes,andwaskilledhimselfintheSpanishCivilWarafewyearslater.”
“Howodd,”shesaid,thinkingaloud.
“ThatIreadLorca?”
“Well,consideringwhathewrote,yes.It’ssomethingofacoincidence,isn’tit?”
“Whatpoetsdoyouread?”hereturned.
“IlikeRupertBrooke.”Infact,asshelookedatRodrigoshewasrememberingaspecialpoem,about
deathfindingthepoetlongbeforehetiredofwatchingtheobjectofthepoem.Shethought
involuntarilythatRodrigowasgoodtolookat.Hewasveryhandsome.
Hepursedhislips.“Iwonderifwecouldpossiblybethinkingofthesamepoem?”hewondered
aloud.
“Whichonedidyouhaveinmind?”sheprobed.
“‘DeathwillfindmelongbeforeItireofwatchingyou,’”hebeganinaslow,sensuous,faintly
accentedtone.
Thepeachshewaspeelingfelloutofherhandsandrolledacrossthekitchenfloorwhileshestaredat
themanacrossthetablefromherwithwide-eyedshock.

3
RODRIGOSTAREDATHERcuriously.Shewasacontradiction.Sheseemedsimpleandsweet,but
shewaseducated.Hewascertainthatshewasn’twhatsheappearedtobe,butitwasfartoosoonto
startdissectingherpersonality.Sheinterestedhim,buthedidn’twantherto.Hewasstillmourning
Sarina.Anyway,itamusedhimthatshelikedthesamepoemshedid.
Shegotupslowlyandpickedupherpeach,tossingitawaybecauseConsuelohadwaxedthefloorthat
morningandshewaswaryofgettingevenatraceofwaxinherfruit.Shewashedherhandsagainas
well.
“I’mgladtoseethatyouappreciatethedangerofcontamination,”Rodrigosaid.
Shesmiled.“Consuelowouldhavewhackedmewithabroomifshe’dcaughtmeputtinganythingin
thepotthathadbeenonherfloor,nomatterhowcleanitis.”
“She’sagoodwoman.”
“Sheis,”Gloryagreed.“She’sbeenverykindtome.”
Hefinishedhiscoffeeandgotup.Buthedidn’tleave.“OneoftheworkerstoldmethatCastillomade
asuggestiveremarktoyouwhenyouwenttoaskhimforreplacementbasketsforsomeberriesthat
hadmolded.”
Shegavehimawarylook.She’dhadwordswithCastillooverhisfoullanguage.He’donlylaughed.
Ithadmadeherveryangry.Butshedidn’twanttogetareputationfortale-telling.Therewasmoreto
itthanthat,ofcourse.Hermotherhadn’tbeentheonlypersonwho’dbeenphysicallyabusivetoher.
Thetwoteenageboysinthefosterhomehadharassedandfrightenedherformonthsandthen
assaultedher.Asaresultoftheviolenceinherpast,shewasuneasyandfrightenedaroundmen.
Rodrigohadbeenawaywhenthenewemployeehadmadesuggestiveremarks,andGloryand
ConsuelowouldhavebeennomatchforamanwiththemusclesCastilloenjoyeddisplaying,ifGlory
hadantagonizedhim.
“You’reafraidofhim,”Rodrigosaidquietly,watchingherreactiontothestatement.
Sheswallowed.Herhandcontractedontheknife.Shedidn’twanttoadmitthat,eventhoughitwas
true.Shewasafraidofmen.Ithurtherpridetohavetoadmitit.
“Wasitaman,whodidthattoyou?”heaskedunexpectedly,indicatingherhip.
Shewastooemotionallytorntochooseherwords.“Mymotherdidit,”shereplied.
Whateverreplyhe’dexpected,thatwasn’tit.“Godinheaven,yourmother?”heexclaimed.
Shecouldn’tmeethiseyes.“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Shewaskillingmycat,”shesaid,feelingthepainalloveragain.“Itriedtostopher.”
“Whatdidshehityouwith?”
Thememorywasstillpainful.“Abaseballbat.Myownbaseballbat.Iplayedonmyschoolteamjust
briefly.”
Hisindrawnbreathwasaudibleinthesilencethatfollowed.
“Andthecat?”
Thememoryhurt.“MydaddyburieditformewhileIwasinthehospital,”shemanagedhuskily.
“Niña,”hewhisperedhuskily.“Losiento.”
She’dneverhadcomfort.Ithadbeenoffered,andrefused,severaltimesduringtraumaticperiodsof
herlife.Sympathywasweakening.Itwastheenemy.Shetriedvaliantlytostemthetears,butshe
couldn’tstopthem.ThetendernessinRodrigo’sdeepvoicemadeherhungryforcomfort.Herwet
eyesbetrayedthatneedtohim.
Hetooktheknifeandthepeachesfromher,setthemasideandpulledheruptightintohisarms.He

heldher,rockedher,whileyearsofsorrowandgriefpouredoutofherinablindingtide.
“Whatawitchshemusthavebeen,”hemurmuredintohersofthair.
“Yes,”shesaidsimply,rememberingwhatcameafterheraccident.Thearrestofherfatherandhis
conviction,thefosterhomes,theassault…
Sheshouldhavebeenafraidofhim.Thememoryoftheboysoverpoweringherinherfosterhome
hauntedher.Butshewasn’tafraid.Sheclungtohim,buryingherwetfaceinhisbroadchest.Hisarms
werestrongandwarm,andheheldherinagentlebuttightnonsexualway.Itwasalandmarkinher
life,thatcomfort.Jasonhadheldherwhenshecried,ofcourse,butJasonwaslikealovingbig
brother.Thismanwassomethingentirelydifferent.
Hesmoothedherhair,thinkinghowithelpedtofeelanotherhumanbodycloseagainsthis.He
grievedforthelossofSarinaandBernadette,anddeepinsideherememberedhisanguishwhenthe
druglord,ManuelLopez,hadkilledhisonlysister.Heknewgrief.Hebegantounderstandthis
womanalittle.Shewasstrong.Shemustbe,tohavesurvivedsuchanordeal.Hesuspectedtherewere
moretraumaticthingsinherpast,thingsshe’dnevertoldanotherlivingsoul.
Afteraminute,shemovedawayfromhim.Shewasembarrassed.Shedabbedathereyeswiththehem
ofherapronandturnedtopickupthepeachesandtheknife.
“Weallhavetragedies,”hesaidquietly.“Welivewiththeminsilence.Sometimesthepainbreaksfree
andbecomesvisible.Itshouldnotembarrassyoutorealizethatyouarehuman.”
Shelookedupathimwithredeyes.Shenodded.
Hesmiledandglancedathiswatch.“Ihavetogetthemenstarted.Breakfastwasverynice.Your
biscuitsarebetterthanConsuelo’s,butdon’ttellher.”
Shemanagedawaterysmile.“Iwon’t.”
Hestartedoutthedoor.
“SeñorRamirez,”shecalled.
Heturned,hiseyebrowsarched.
“Thankyou,”shemanaged.
“You’rewelcome.”
Shewatchedhimgo,twistinginsidewithunfamiliaremotions.Shecouldn’trememberanyman,
exceptforJason,holdingherlikethatinheradultlife.Ithadbeenwonderful.Nowshehadtoputit
rightoutofhermind.Shedidn’twantanyoneclosetoheremotionally.NotevenRodrigo.

THENEXTWEEK,SHEwassurprisedtofindapolicecarinthefrontyard.Shewenttothefront
porchandpausedasthetown’spolicechief,CashGrier,boundedupthesteps.
Shehadn’tseenhimbefore,andshewassurprisedbythelongponytailhewore.She’dheardthathe
wasunconventional,andthereweresomeinterestingrumorsabouthispastthatwerespokenin
whispers.EvenupinSanAntonio,hewassomethingofalegendinlawenforcementcircles.
“You’reChiefGrier,”shesaidasheapproachedher.
Hegrinned.“Whatgavemeaway?”heasked.
“Thebadgethatsays‘PoliceChief,’”shereplied,tongue-in-cheek.“WhatcanIdoforyou?”
Hechuckled.“IcametoseeRodrigo.Ishearound?”
“Hewas,”shereplied.“Buthehasn’tcomeinforlunch,orcalled.”Sheturnedandopenedthescreen
door,leaningheavilyonthecane.“Consuelo,doyouknowwhereMr.Ramirezis?”
“Hesaidhewasgoingtothehardwarestoretopickuptheextrabucketsheordered,”shecalled.
Gloryturnedbacktothechief,andfoundhimeyeinghercane.Shebecamedefensive.“Something
botheringyou?”sheaskedpertly.

“Sorry,”hesaid.“Ididn’tmeantostare.You’reyoungtobewalkingwithacane.”
Shenodded,hergreeneyesmeetinghisdarkones.“I’vebeenusingitforalongtime.”
Hecockedhishead,andhewasn’tsmiling.“YourmotherwasBeverlyBarnes,wasn’tshe?”heasked
coldly.
Shedrewinherbreath.
“Marquez’smotherrunsthelocaleatery,”hereplied.“Iknowaboutyoufromher.SheandRickdon’t
haveanysecrets.”
“NobodyissupposedtoknowwhyI’mhere,”shebeganworriedly.
Heheldupahand.“Ihaven’tsaidanything,andIwon’t.IgatheryouincludeRodrigointhosepeople
whoaren’tsupposedtoknowwhyyou’rehere?”
“Yes,”shesaidquickly.“EspeciallyRodrigo.”
Henodded.“I’llwatchyourback,”hetoldher.“ButitwouldbewisetohaveRodrigoinonit.”
Shecouldn’timaginewhy.Themanagerofatruckfarmwouldn’tknowwhattodoagainstadrug
lord.“Thefewerpeoplewhoknow,thebetter,”shetoldhim.“Fuenteswouldlovetohangmeoutto
drybeforethetrial.Iknowtoomuch.”
“Marqueztoldme.Hesaidhehadtofightyoutogetyoutocomedownhereinthefirstplace.The
thingis,Fuentesprobablyhasconfederatesthatwedon’tknowabout.”
“Here?”sheasked.
“Verylikely.Ihaveafewcontactsonthewrongsideofthelaw.Wordisthathe’shiringteenagersfor
hismorepotentareasofvengeance.Theygotojuvenilehall,yousee,notprison.Iunderstandthat
he’srecruitinginaHoustongang—LosSerpientes.Ifyouseeanysuspiciousactivityhere,orany
newyoungfaceshiringon,Iwanttoknowaboutit.Nightorday.Especiallyifyoufeelthreatenedat
all.Idon’tcareifit’saftermidnight,either.”
“That’sgenerousofyou,”shesaid,andshesmiled.
“Notreally,”hesighed.“Tris,ourbabygirl,keepsusawakeallhoursjustlately.She’steething,so
youprobablywouldn’tevenhavetowakeusup.”
“Yourwifeisveryfamous,”sherepliedshyly.
Hechuckledwithpride.“Yes,butyou’dneverknowittoseeherpushingbabyTrisinacartinthe
Sav-A-LotGroceryStore,”heassuredher.
Grocerystore.Thestorehadavan.Somethingniggledinthebackofhermind.Sheremembered
something.“Therewasavan,”shesaidsuddenly.“ThismanCastillothatMr.Ramirezjusthiredtobe
hisassistantwastalkingtosomemaninabatteredoldwhitevan.Somethingchangedhands—money
ordrugs,maybe.Itwassuspicious,soIwrotedownthelicenseplatenumber.”
“Smartgirl,”hesaid,impressed.
“Iputitonapadinthekitchen.Wouldyouliketocomeinandhavecoffee?Consuelo’smadeanice
peachpieforsupper.”
“Ilovecoffeeandpie,”heassuredher.
“Comein,then.”
Hefollowedherintothekitchen,whereConsuelogreetedhim,butwithobvioussuspicion.Hegotthe
numberfromGlorywhileConsuelowasoutoftheroom.
“Consuelodoesn’tlikepolicemen,”sheconfided.“Idon’tknowwhy.Imentionedsomethingabout
theextrapatrolsthatwerecomingpastthehouse,andshewasbelligerent.”
“Couldbetheimmigrationinvestigations,”Cashmurmured.“They’vesteppedupinthenewpolitical
climate.”
“Whatabouttheextrapatrols?”sheaskedsuddenly.

HeglancedtowardthedoorwaytomakesureConsuelowasn’taround.“OneofRamirez’semployees
hasarapsheet.We’vebeenkeepingalowprofile,butwe’rekeepinganeyeonhim.”Hegrinned.
“Nicework,gettingthattagnumber.”
Shechuckled.“Ifeellikeanundercovernarcorsomething,”shemurmuredashegotuptoleave.
Helaughed.“Ican’ttellyouwhythat’samusing,butonedayyou’llsee.Thanksforthecoffeeand
pie.”
“You’reverywelcome.”Shehesitated.“Canyoutellmewhichemployeeyou’vegotyoureyeon?”
Hesighed.“You’veprobablyguessedthatalready.”
Shenodded.“Castillohastatsandmuscleslikeawrestler.Itdoesn’ttakemuchguesswork.I’veseen
histypecomethroughmyofficeforyears.”
“SohaveI,”hesaid.
“DoyouknowMr.Ramirezwell?”sheaskedsuddenly.
“Notreally,”hesaiddeliberately.“I’veseenhimaround.ButIactuallycametodaytocheckwithhim
aboutoneofyouremployeeswhomaybeinthecountryillegally.”
Shewonderedwhichemployee.“ShouldIaskhimtophoneyouwhenhecomesin?”sheasked.
“Dothat,ifyoudon’tmind.”
“I’llbegladto.”Sheleanedonhercane,frowning.Anotherthoughtprovokedhernextquestion.
“Thatillegal,”shesaidslowly.“Youdon’tthinkit’sAngelMartinez,doyou?”sheadded,recalling
thesweetlittlemanwhowasalwayssocourteoustoherwhenhecameintothehousewithRodrigo.
Shewasfondofhim.
Hiseyebrowsarched.“Whydoyousaythat?”
Sheshiftedherweight.Herhipwashurting.“It’sjustthatheandhiswife,Carla,havethreechildren.
They’resonice,andthey’rehappyhere.TheycomefromavillageinCentralAmericawherethere
wasaparamilitarygroup.Somebodyinthevillageidentifiedoneoftherebelstothegovernment
authorities.Thenextday,AngeltookCarlaandthechildrentoahealerinanothervillagebecauseone
ofthechildrenhadasoreeye.Whentheygotback,everybodyinthevillagewasdead,laidoutlike
firewoodontheground.”
Hemovedcloser.“Iknowwhatlifeinthosevillagesislike,”hesaidwithsurprisingsympathy.“AndI
knowwhatgoodpeopletheMartinezesare.Sometimesenforcingthelawispainfulevenfor
professionals.”
Hissympathymadeherbold.“IknowanattorneyinSanAntoniowhospecializesinimmigration
cases,”shebegan.
Hesighed,notingherexpression.“AndIknowoneofthefederalattorneys,”herepliedwith
resignation.“Okay.I’llgomakesomephonecalls.”
Shebeamedupathim.“IknewyouwereanicemantheminuteIsawyou.”
“Didyou?How?”heaskedwithrealcuriosity.
“Theponytail,”shetoldhim.“Ithastobeasignofpersonalcourage.”Itwasovertflattery.
Helaughed.“Well!I’llhavetogohomeandtellTippythatthesecret’sout.”
Shegrinned.
Hisexpressionbecamesolemn.“Castilloisdangerous.Don’tgetbravewhenyou’reonyourown
here.”
“Irealizedthatearlyon,”sheassuredhim.“Hehasnorespectforwomen.”
“Ormen,”headded.“Watchyourback.”
“Iwill.”
Hewavedonhiswaydownthesteps.

RODRIGOWASCURIOUSABOUTtheconversationGloryhadwithChiefGrier.Toocurious.
“Didhesayanythingabouttheillegalimmigranthe’slookingfor?”heaskedoverbowlsofsoupat
thesuppertablewithConsuelo.
Gloryhesitated.Shedidn’tquiteknowRodrigoenoughtotrusthimwithinformationofapotentially
tragiccase.
Consuelogrinnedathim.“She’safraidyoumightblowthewhistleonAngel,”shesaidinastage
whisper.
GloryflushedandRodrigoburstoutlaughing.
“Iwouldneverhavesuspectedyouofhavinganarchistleanings,”hechidedGlory.
Shefinishedaspoonfulofsoupbeforesheansweredhim.“I’mnotananarchist.Ijustthinkpeople
makesnapdecisionswithoutallthefacts.Iknowthatimmigrantsputastrainonoureconomy.”She
putthespoondownandlookedathim.“Butaren’tweallAmericans?Imean,thecontinentisNorth
America,isn’tit?Ifyou’refromnorth,centralorsouthAmerica,you’restillanAmerican.”
RodrigolookedatConsuelo.“She’sasocialist,”hesaid.
“Iamnotclassifiable,”sheargued.“Ijustthinkthathelpingpeopleindesperateneedissupposedto
bewhatfreedomanddemocracyareallabout.Itisn’tasiftheywanttocomehereandsitdownandlet
usallsupportthem.They’resomeofthehardestworkingpeopleintheworld.Youknowyourselfthat
youhavetoforceyourhiredhandstocomeoutofthefields.Hardworkisalltheyknow.They’rejust
happytolivesomeplacewheretheydon’thavetoworryaboutbeingshotorrunoutoftheirvillages
bymultinationalcorporationslookingforland.”
Hehadn’tinterruptedher.Hewaswatchingherwithnarrow,intenteyes,unawarethathissoupspoon
wasfrozeninmidair.
Sheraisedhereyebrows.“Ismymustacheoncrooked?”sheaskedmischievously.
Helaughedandputthespoondown.“No.I’mimpressedbyyourknowledgeofthirdworld
communities.”
Shewantedsobadlytoaskabouthisownknowledgeofthem,butshewasshyofhim.Thememoryof
theferventembraceshe’dsharedwithhimmadehertingleallovereverytimeshepicturedit.Hewas
verystrong,andveryattractive.
Hefinishedhiscoffee,glancingather.“You’redyingtoknow,aren’tyou?”heaskedwithabland
expression.
“Knowwhat?”
“WhereIcomefrom.”
Hercheekswentpink.“I’msorry.Ishouldn’tpry…”
“IwasborninSonora,innorthernMexico,”hetoldher.Heskippedthepartabouthisfamilyand
theirillustriousconnections,includingtheirwealth.Hehadtorememberhisconcoctedhistory.“My
parentsworkedforamanwhorancattle.Ilearnedthebusinessfromthegroundup,andeventually
managedaranch.”
Shefeltstronglythathewasn’ttellingthewholestory,butshewasn’tgoingtodigtoodeeply.Itwas
toosoon.“Didyougettiredoftheranch?”
Helaughed.“Theownerdid.Hesoldhisholdingstoapoliticianwhothoughtheknewallaboutcattle
ranchingfromwatchingrerunsofHighChapparel,thatoldtelevisionWestern.”
“Didhereallyknowallaboutit?”shefished.
“Helostthecattleinthefirstsixmonthstodiseasebecausehedidn’tbelieveinpreventativemedicine,
andhelostthelandtwomonthsafterthatinapokergamewithtwosupposedfriends.Noranch,no

job,soIcamenorthlookingforwork.”
Shefrowned.JasonPendletonwasn’tthesortofmanwhosocializedwithdaylaborers,shethought,
eventhoughhewasn’tasnob.“HowdidyoumeetJason…Imean,Mr.Pendleton?”shecorrected.
Hecaughttheslip,butletitpass.“Wewerebothacquaintedwithamanwhowasopeninganew
restaurantinSanAntonio.Heintroducedus.Jasonsaidthatheneededsomeonetoramrodatruck
farminalittleTexastown,andIwaslookingforwork.”
Actuallyhe’dapproachedJason,withthehelpofamutualfriend,andexplainedthatheneededthejob
temporarilytoprovidehiscoverwhilehetriedtoshutdownFuentesandhisoperation.Jasonhad
agreedtogoalongwithit.
Theirnextconversation,thedayGloryarrived,hadbeenaboutGlorygoingtoworkonthetruck
farm.JasonhadtoldhimnothingaboutGlory,leastofallthatshewashisstepsister,buthehadn’t
likedRodrigo’sremarkaboutGlorybeingcrippledanditwasevident.Rodrigohadthefeelingthat
JasonwasoverlyfondofGlory—perhapstheywereevenlovers.Ithadbeenatautconversation.
RodrigowastemptedtoaskGloryaboutherrelationshipwithJason,buthedidn’twanttorockthe
boat.
“Well,yourEnglishisahundredtimesbetterthanmySpanish,”shesighed,breakingintohis
thoughts.
“Iworkhardatit.”
Consuelowasstirringcakebatter.SheglancedatRodrigocuriously.“ThatCastillomanisgoingto
betrouble,youmarkmywords.”
Heleanedbackinhischairandlookedather.“We’vebeenoverthistwicealready,”hesaidquietly.
“Youwantyoursontoworkhereandtakehisplace.ButMarcodoesn’tknowhowtomanagepeople.”
Hesaiditinanoddtone,asifhewasholdingsomethingback.
Shegloweredathim.“Hecansomanagepeople.He’ssmart,too.Notbooksmart,butstreetsmart.”
Rodrigolookedthoughtful.Hiseyesnarrowed.“Allright,then.Havehimcomeandtalktome
tomorrow.”
Consuelo’sdarkeyeslitup.“Youmeanit?”
“Imeanit.”
“I’llcallhimrightnow!”Sheputdownthebowlofunfinishedbatterandlefttheroom,wipingher
handsonherapronasshewent.
“Isheasniceassheis?Herson,Imean?”Gloryasked.
Rodrigoseemeddistracted.“He’sahardworker,”hereplied.“ButhehassomefriendsIdon’tlike.”
“I’llbetIhavesomefriendsyouwouldn’tlike,”sheretorted.“It’stheboywho’llbeworkinghere,
nothisfriends.”
Hecockedaneyebrow.“Outspoken,aren’tyou?”
“Fromtimetotime,”sheconfessed.“Sorry.”
“Don’tapologize,”hereplied,finishinghiscoffee.“IliketoknowwhereIstandwithpeople.Honesty
isararecommoditythesedays.”
Shecouldhavewrittenacheckonthat.Shewasliedtodaybydayonthejob,bycriminalswhoswore
innocence.Itwasalwayssomebodyelse’sfault,nottheirs.Theywereframed.Thewitnesseswere
blind.Thearrestingofficerswerebrutal.Theyweren’tgettingafairtrial.Andonandonitwent.
“Isaid,”Rodrigorepeated,“willyouandConsuelohaveenoughjarsandlids,orshouldweget
more?”
Shestarted.She’dbeenlostinthought.“Sorry.Ireallydon’tknow.Consuelobringsthemout.I
haven’treallypaidattentiontohowmanywe’vegot.”

“I’llaskheronthewayout.IfCastillogivesyouanymorelip,tellme,”hesaid,pausinginthe
doorway.“Wedon’tallowharassmenthere.”
“Iwill,”shepromised.
Shewatchedhimgointotheotherroom,heardthemurmurofhisdeepvoiceashespoketo
Consuelo.Hereallywasahandsomeman,shethought.Ifshehadn’tbeencarryingsomanyemotional
scars,shemighthavelookedforawaytowormherselfintohislife.Itwasoddthatamanlikethat
wouldstillbesingleathisage,whichshejudgedtobemid-thirties.Itwasnoneofherbusiness,she
remindedherself.Sheonlyworkedhere.

TWODAYSLATER,AlatemodelSUVpulledupinthedriveway.Aslender,prettyblondewoman
gotoutanddartedupthesteps.Shewaswearingbluejeansandapinktanktop.Shelookedyoungand
carefreeandhappy.
Consuelowasbusywashingjarsandlidsbeforetheystartedonthenextbatchofpeacheswhenthere
cameaknockatthedoor.Glorywenttoanswerit,leaningheavilyonthecane.She’dhadabadnight.
Theyoungwomangrinnedather.“Hi,”shesaidinafriendlytone.“IsRodrigoaround?”
Forsomeinexplicablereason,Gloryfeltherheartdrop.“Yes,”shesaid.“He’satthewarehouse
overseeingthepacking.We’restockingitwithfruitpreservesandjelliesfortheInternetbusiness.”
“Okay,”shesaid.“Thanks.”
Ifithadbeenanyoneelse,Glorywouldhavegonebacktothekitchen.Butthewomanfitthe
descriptionConsuelohadmentioned,andshewascurious.Shewatchedastheotherwoman
approachedthebigwarehouseoutback.Rodrigospottedherandhiswholefacebecameradiant.He
heldouthisarmsandsheranintothem,tobeswungaroundandkissedheartilyonthecheek.
IfGloryhadneededremindingthatRodrigowashandsomeenoughtoattractalmostanywomanhe
wanted,thatprovedit.Sheturnedandwentbackintothehouse.IthurtherthatRodrigowanted
someoneelse.Shedidn’tdarequestionwhy.
Hedidn’tbringthevisitorintothehouse.Theystoodtogetherunderabigmesquitetree,veryclose,
andspokeforalongtime.Glorywasn’tspying.Butshewaslookingoutthewindow.Shecouldn’t
helpit.Thatthosetwohadsharedacloserelationshipwasimpossiblenottonotice.
FinallyRodrigotooktheblonde’shandinhisandledherbacktotheSUV,helpingherupintoher
seat.Shesmiledandwavedasshedroveaway.Rodrigostoodlookingafterthetruck,hissmilegone
intoeclipse.Hishandsdugintohisjeanpocketsandthemiseryhefeltwasevidentevenatadistance.
Helookedlikeamanwho’dlosteverythingheloved.
Glorywentbacktohercanning,pensively.ShewonderedwhathadgonewrongforRodrigothathe
andtheblondewomanweren’ttogether.
SheaskedConsuelo,againstherbetterjudgment.
“WhoisthatblondewomanwhocomestovisitRodrigo?”sheasked,tryingtosoundcasual.
Consuelogaveherastealthylook.“Idon’tknow,”shesaid.“Butit’sobviousthatshemeans
somethingtoRodrigo.”
“Inoticed,”Gloryreplied.“Sheseemsverynice.”
“He’sfondofher,youcantell.”Shesetthetimeronthepressurecooker.“Butifyoulookclose,”she
addedgently,“youcantellthatit’sonlyfondnessonherpart.Shelikeshim,butsheisn’tinlove.”
“Heis,”Gloryblurtedout.
Consueloglancedathercuriously.“You’reperceptive.”
Glorysmiled.“Heseemslikeagoodperson.”
“He’sthebest.Wealllikehim.”

“Inoticedthatheseems…”
Beforeshecouldfinishthesentence,thebackdooropenedandatall,handsomeyoungmanwith
wavyblackhair,darkeyesandanolivecomplexioncameinthroughthebackdoorwithoutknocking.
Hewaswearingjeansandapullovershirt,andbroadcastinggangcolorsandtattoos.
Glorydidn’tdarevoicethatsummary.Shewasn’tsupposedtoknowaboutgangsymbols.Butshedid.
ThisyoungmanbelongedtotheinfamousLosSerpientesgangofHouston.Shewonderedwhatinthe
worldhewasdoinginthekitchen.
Beforeshecouldask,hegrinnedandhuggedConsuelo,swingingheraroundinacircleandlaughing
thewholetime.
“Hi,Mom!”hesaidingreeting.
Consuelohuggedhimbackandgavehimabigkissonbothcheeks.Sheturned,herarmaroundhis
muscularwaist.“Glory,thisismyson,Marco!”sheannounced.

4
CONSUELO’SSON?GLORYhadtohideherconsternation.Theyoungmanwasgood-lookingand
personable,buthewasunmistakablyagangmember.ShewasworriedthatRodrigomightnotknow.
HecamefromMexico,fromaranchinaruralareathatprobablydidn’thaveanygangactivity.
“ThisisGlory.”Consuelointroducedhersontotheyoungerwoman.
“Hi,”hesaid,smiling.“Nicetomeetyou.”
“Samehere,”Gloryreplied,andtriedtosmilenormally.
“Where’stheboss?”heaskedConsuelo.
“Outinthewarehouse,”shetoldhim.“Youbenice,”sheaddedfirmly.
“I’malwaysnice,”hescoffed.“He’llloveme.Youjustwaitandsee!”
Hewinkedathismother,gaveGloryabriefglanceandwentoutthebackdoorwhistling.
“Isn’thehandsome?”Consueloasked.“Helooksjustashisfatherdid,atthatage.”
GloryhadbeencuriousaboutConsuelo’shusband.Shenevermentionedhim.
“Ishisfatherstillalive?”sheaskeddelicately.
Consuelogrimaced.“He’sinprison,”shesaidbluntly,watchingforGlory’sreaction.“Theysaidhe
wassmugglingdrugsacrosstheborder.Itwasalllies,butwehadnomoneyforagooddefense
attorney,sohewenttoprison.Iwritetohim,buthe’sinCalifornia.It’salongway,andexpensive
eventotakethebusthere.”Shesighed.“He’sagoodman.Hesaidthepolicehadhimmixedupwitha
manheknew,buthegotarrestedandchargedjustthesame.”
Glorysympathized,butshewasn’tconvinced.Thestatehadtohaveacertainlevelofevidencebefore
itproceededtochargeanyone.Noprosecutorwantedtowastetaxpayermoneypursuingacasehe
couldn’twin.
“Marcolooksjustlikehim,”Consuelocontinued,smilingasshewashedmorecanningjarsandlids.
“Buthetrustspeopletoomuch.HewasarrestedlastmonthinHoustonandchargedwithtrespassing,”
sheaddedcurtly.“Stupidcops!Hewasjustlost,drivingaroundastrangeneighborhood,andthey
assumedhewasinvolvedinadrive-byshooting,canyouimagine?”
Drive-byshootingsandgangwarsoverdrugturfwerecommonplaceinGlory’sworld,butshedidn’t
darementionit.Asforthepolicemistakingalostmotoristforadrive-byshooter,thatwasunlikely.It
wasobviousthatConsuelothoughthersonwasthecenteroftheuniverse.Itwoulddonogoodto
pointoutthataninnocentboywouldn’tbelikelytosportgangparaphernaliaandtattoos.Itwasfairly
obviousthatConsuelodidn’thaveaclueastoherson’struenature.
“He’sverygood-looking,”Glorysaid,feigninginnocence.
“Yes,”Consuelosaid,smilingabsently.“Justlikehisfather.”
Gloryhadlosttrackofthegood-lookingmuscularboyswho’dpassedthroughherofficeontheir
waytoprison.Thewholecultureoflow-incometeensseemedtoglorifydoingtime,asifitwerea
statussymbolforyoungmen.Sherecalledasocialcrusaderwhowentintothepoorsectionsoftown
tryingtoconvincegangmemberstogiveuptheirlivesofcrimeandbecomeusefulmembersof
society.Inotherwords,giveupthethousandsofdollarstheymaderunningdrugsormanufacturing
themtoworkbehindacounterinafast-foodstoreforminimumwage.
Someonewhohadneverseentheagonizingpovertythatproducedcriminalshadnoideahow
difficultitwastobreakoutofthemold.She’dlosttrackofthenumberofpoormotherswithabsent
husbandstryingtoraisemultiplechildrenaloneonaminimumwagesalary,oftenwithhealth
problemsaswell.Theolderchildrenhadtohelptakecareoftheyoungerones.Frustratedbytheir
homelives,whentheylackedattentionthere,theyfounditinagang.Thereweresomanygangs.
Manywereinternational.Eachhaditsowncolors,tattoos,handsignalsandmethodsofwearing

clothingtoexpresstheirparticularaffiliationspublicly.Mostpolicedepartmentshadatleastone
officerwhosespecialtywasthegangculture.Gloryknewthebasics,becauseshe’dhadtoprosecute
gangmembersfordrugpeddling,homicides,burglariesandotherfelonies.Sheneverstopped
feelingrageattheconditionsthatproducedthecrime.
SheglancedatConsuelo.“IsMarcoyouronlychild?”sheaskedsuddenly.
Consuelohesitated,justforaheartbeat,beforesheturned.“Yes,”shereplied.ShenotedGlory’s
curiosity.“Ihadhealthproblems,”sheaddedquickly.
Glorysmiledconvincingly.“He’saveryniceyoungman,”shereplied.“Hedoesn’tseemtheleastbit
spoiledbybeinganonlychild.”
Consuelorelaxedandreturnedthesmile.“No.Hecertainlywasn’tspoiled.”Shewentbacktoher
canning.
Gloryfiledtheconversationaway.Shedidn’tknowofonesinglefamilyamongtheimmigrantswho
hadlessthanthreechildren.Manydeploredcontraception.PerhapsitwastruethatConsuelohad
healthproblems.Butitwascuriousthatshehadonlyonechild,andthatsheseemedsointelligent
whenshewasworkingatajobthatdidn’trequiremucheducation.
ThatwentdoubleforRodrigo,theeducatedbit.Glorycouldn’tfigurehimout.Heseemedtheleast
likelypersontobeworkingasamanuallaborer.Itdisturbedherthathe’dgivenjobstomenlike
CastilloandMarco.Neitheroftheyoungmenlookedlikefarmhands.Theyweretoosavvy.
Whatif,sheaskedherself,Rodrigowashimselfonthewrongsideofthelaw?Thequestionshocked
her.Heseemedsohonest.But,sherecalled,she’dprosecutedatleasttwopeoplewhoseintegritywas
attestedtobyaveritableparadeofcharacterwitnesses.Butthecriminalswereonlyadeptatputtingon
anact.Averyconvincingact,atthat.Veryoften,peoplecouldbetheexactoppositesoftheirassumed
roles.
Rodrigomightevenbeanillegalhimself.Glory’sstepbrother,JasonPendleton,wassympatheticto
allsortsofpeople.HemighthavefeltsorryforRodrigoandgivenhimthejoboutofsympathy.
WhatifRodrigowasillegal,andmixedupindrugtrafficking?Shefeltsickinside.Whatwouldshe
do?Herdutywouldbetoturnhiminandmakesurehewasprosecuted.She,ofallpeople,knewthe
anguishdrugdealerscouldcauseparents.Sheknewthesourceofthedrugmoneyaswell—
upstanding,greedybusinessmenwhowantedtomakeafortunefast,withoutputtingtoomucheffort
intoit.Theydidn’tseethefamilieswhoselivesweretornapartbytheeffectsofcrystalmethor
cocaineormethodone.Theydidn’thavetoburypromisingchildren,orwatchtheirlovedonessuffer
throughrehabilitation.Theydidn’thavetovisitthosechildreninprison.Themoneymendidn’tcare
aboutallthat.Theyjustcaredabouttheirprofit.
CouldRodrigobeoneofthosebusinessmen?Couldhebeadrugdealer,usingthefarmasacover?
Herheartsank.Surelynot.Hewaskind.Hewasintelligentandcaring.Hecouldn’tbemixedupinthat
terriblebusiness.Butwhat,herconscienceasked,ifhewas?Ifsheknew,ifshehadproof,couldshe
livewithherselfifshedidn’tturnhimin?Couldshedothat?
“My,whatalongface!”Consuelochided.
Glorycaughtherselfandlaughedself-consciously.“IsthathowIlook?Sorry.Iwasthinkingaboutall
thatfruitwaitingforusinthewarehouse.”
Consuelorolledhereyes.“Isn’titthetruth!”
Theyreturnedtocasualconversation,andGloryputawayhersuspicions.

THATEVENING,SHESATintheporchswinglisteningtothemusicalsoundofcricketsnearby.It
wasasultrynight,butnottoohot.Sheclosedhereyesandsmelledjasmineonthenightair.Ithad

beenawhilesinceshe’dbeeninaporchswing.Shetriednottoremembersittingbesideherfatheron
longsummernightsandaskinghimaboutdayspast,whenhewasalittleboygoingtolocalrodeos.
Heknewallthefamousbullridersandbroncriders,andoftenhadinvitedthemtothehousefor
coffeeandcake.Hermotherhadn’tlikedthat.Sheconsideredsuchpeoplebeneathherstationinlife
anddeliberatelyabsentedherselfwhentheycametothehouse.Shefeltherfather ’ssadnessevennow,
yearslater…
ThescreendooropenedandRodrigocameoutside.Hepausedtolightathincigarbeforeheturned
towardGlory.
“Themosquitoeswilleatyoualive,”hecautioned.
She’dalreadykilledtwoofthepeskythings.“Ifthey’rewillingtosacrificetheirlivestosuckmy
blood,letthem.”
Hechuckled.Hewalkedtowardherandpausedattheporchrail,lookingoutovertheflatlandscapein
thedistance.“It’sbeenalongtimesinceIhadtimetoworryaboutmosquitoes,”hemused.“Doyou
mind?”heindicatedtheemptyplacebesideher.
Sheshookherheadandhesatdown,jostlingtheswingforafewsecondsbeforehekickeditback
intoasmoothrhythm.
“Haveyoualwaysworkedontheland?”sheaskedhimconversationally.
“Inasense,”hereplied.Heblewoutapuffofsmoke.“Myfatherhadaranch,whenIwasaboy.I
grewupwithcowboys.”
Shesmiled.“SodidI.Myfathertookmetotherodeosandintroducedmetothestars.”Shegrimaced.
“Mymotherhatedsuchpeople.Shegavemyfatherabadtimewhenheinvitedthemtocomeandhave
coffee.Buthedidallthecooking,soshecouldn’tcomplainthathewasmakingworkforher.”
Heglancedather.“Whatdidyourmotherdo?”
“Nothing,”shesaidcoldly.“Shewantedtobearichman’swife.Shethoughtmyfatherwasgoingto
stayinrodeoandbringhomeallthatniceprizemoney,buthehurthisbackandquit.Shewasfurious
whenheboughtalittlefarmwithhissavings.”
Shedidn’tmentionthatitwasthishousewheretheylived,orthatthelandwhichnowproduced
vegetablesandfruitshadproducedonlyvegetablesforherfather.
“Wereherpeoplewell-to-do?”
“Ihavenoideawhoherpeoplewere,”sheadmitted.“Iusedtowonder.Butitdoesn’tmakeany
differencenow.”
Hefrowned.“Familyisthemostimportantthingintheworld.Especiallychildren.”
“Youdon’thaveany,”shesaidwithoutthinking.
Hisfacesetintohardlinesandhedidn’tlookather.“Thatdoesn’tmeanIdidn’twantthem,”hesaid
harshly.
“I’msorry,”shestammered.“Idon’tknowwhyIsaidthat.”
Hesmokedhiscigarinatensesilence.“Iwasonthevergeofmarrying,”hesaidafteraminute.“She
hadalittlegirl.Theyweremylife.Ilostthemtoanotherman.Hewasthechild’sbiologicalfather.”
Shegrimaced.Hisattitudebegantomakesense.“I’llbetthelittlegirlmissesyou,”shesaid.
“Imissher,aswell.”
“Sometimes,”shebegancautiously,“Ithinkthere’sapatterntolife.Peoplecomeintoyourlifewhen
youneedthemto,myfatherusedtosay.Hewassurethatlifewashard-wired,thateverything
happenedasitwasplannedtohappen.Hesaid—”shehesitated,rememberingherfather ’ssoftvoice,
athistrial“—thatwehavetoacceptthingsthatwecan’tchange,andthattheharderwefightfate,the
morepainfulitbecomes.”

Heturnedtowardher,leaningbackagainsttheswingchainwithhislonglegscrossed.“Ishestill
alive—yourfather?”
“No.”
“Anysisters,brothers?”
“No,”sherepliedsadly.“Justme.”
“Whataboutyourmother?”
Herteethclenched.“She’sgone,too.”
“Youdidn’tmournher,Ithink.”
“You’reright.AllIeverhadfromherwashatred.Sheblamedmefortrappingherintoalifeof
povertyonalittlefarmwithamanwhocouldhardlyspellhisownname.”
“Sheconsideredthatshemarrieddown,Igather.”
“Yes.Sheneverletmyfatherforgethowhe’druinedherlife.”
“Whichofthemdiedfirst?”
“Hedid,”shesaid,notwantingtorememberit.“Sheremarriedverysoonafterthefuneral.Her
secondhusbandhadmoney.Shefinallyhadeverythingshewanted.”
“Youwouldhavebenefited,too,surely.”
Shedrewinaslowbreathandshiftedherweight.“Thejudgeconsideredthatshewasdangerousto
me,so,withthebestofintentions,sheputmeintofostercare.Iwenttoafamilythathadfiveother
fosterkids.”
“Iknowalittleaboutfosterhomes,”hesaid,recallingsomehorrorstorieshe’dheardfrom
comradeswho’dbeeninstatecustody,howeverbriefly.CordRomeroandhiswife,Maggie,came
immediatelytomind.
“Ithinklifewithmymothermighthavebeeneasier,evenifithadbeenmoredangerous,”she
murmured.
“Wereyoutherealongtime?”
“Nottoolong.”Shedidn’tdaresayanymore.HemighthaveheardthePendletonstalkabouttheir
stepsister.“Whatwasyourchildhoodlike?”
“Euphoric,”hesaidhonestly.“Wetraveledalot.Myfatherwas,ah,inthemilitary,”heinvented
quickly.
“Ihadafriendwhosefatherwas,too.Theytraveledallovertheworld.Shesaiditwasanexperience.”
“Yes.Onelearnsagreatdealaboutothercultures,otherwaysoflife.Manyproblemsinpoliticsarise
becauseofculturalmisunderstanding.”
Shelaughed.“Yes,Iknow.WehadamaninanofficeIworkedforwhowasMiddleEastern.Heliked
tostandveryclosetopeoplewhenhewastalkingtothem.Anotherguyintheofficewasapersonal
spacemaniac.Hebackedrightoutawindowonedaytryingtoavoidlettinghiscolleaguegetcloseto
him.Fortunatelyitwasonthefirstfloor,”sheadded,laughing.
Hesmiled.“Ihaveseensimilarthings.Whatamixtureofpeopleweareinthiscountry,”he
murmured.“Somanytraditions,somanylanguages,somanyseparatebeliefsystems.”
“ThingsweredifferentwhenIwaslittle,”sherecalled.
“Yes.Forme,too.Immersedinourownpersonalcultures,itishardtoseeorunderstandopposing
pointsofview,isitnot?”
“Itis,”sheagreed.
Herockedtheswingbackintomotion.“YouandConsueloarewearingyourselvesthinonthislatest
pickingoffruit,”hepointedout.“Ifyouneedhelp,sayso.Icanhiremorepeopletohelpyou.I’ve
alreadyaskedJasonforpermission.”

“Oh,we’redoingokay,”shesaidwithasmile.“IlikeConsuelo.She’saveryinterestingperson.”
“Sheis,”hesaid.
Histonewaspersonable,buttherewassomethingpuzzlinginthewayhesaidit.Shewonderedforan
instantifhe,too,hadsuspicionsabouthiscook.
“WhatdoyouthinkofMarco?”heaskedsuddenly.
Shehadtobeverycarefulinansweringthatquestion.“He’sverynice-looking,”shesaidcarelessly.
“Consuelodotesonhim.”
“Yes.”Herockedtheswingagain.
“Shesaidhisfatherwasinjail.”
Hemadeanoddsound.“Yes.Servingalifesentence.”
“Fordrugsmuggling?”sheblurtedoutincredulously,becausesheknewhowdifficultitwastosenda
smugglerawayforlifewithoutalotofadditionalfelonycharges.
Hisheadturnedtowardher.Hewasveryquiet.“Isthatwhatshetoldyou?”
Sheclearedherthroat,hopingshehadn’tgivenherselfaway.“Yes.Shesaidhewasmistakenfor
anotherman.”
“Ah.”Hepuffedonthecigarette.
“Ah?”sheparroted,questioning.
“Hewaspilotingago-fastboatwithabouttwohundredkilosofcocaine,”hesaideasily.“Hewasso
confidentthathe’dpaidofftherightpeoplethathedidn’tbothertoconcealtheproduct.TheCoast
GuardpickedhimupheadingforHouston.”
“Inaboat?”
Hechuckled.“Theyhaveairplanesandhelicopters,bothwithmachineguns.Theylaiddownatrailof
tracersonbothsidesofhisconveyanceandtoldhimtostoporlearntoswimveryfast.Hegaveup.”
“Goodness!IneverknewtheCoastGuardworkedsmugglingcases,”sheaddedwithpretended
ignorance.
“Well,theydo.”
“Buttheproductstillgetsthrough,”shesaidsadly.
“Supplyanddemanddrivethemarket.Aslongasthereisademand,therewillcertainlybeasupply.”
“Isupposeso,”shesaid,hervoiceveryquiet.
Herockedtheswingintomotionagain.Itwasverypleasantoutherewithher,hethought.Buthe
wouldratherhavebeenwithSarinaandBernadette.Hewaslonely.He’dneverthoughtofhimselfasa
familyman,butthreeyearsoflookingoutfortwootherpeoplehadchangedhismind.He’deven
gonesofarastothinkabouthavingachildofhisown.Pipedreams.Alldeadnow.
“Isthiswhatyouplannedtodowithyourlife?”sheaskedsuddenly.“Managingatruckfarm,I
mean?”
Helaughedsoftly.“Atonetime,Iwantedverymuchtobeacommercialairlinepilot.Ihaveapilot’s
license,althoughIrarelymakeuseofit.Flyingisexpensive,”headdedquickly,incaseshehadsome
ideaofhowmuchprivateplanescost.
Shehesitatedaboutprobingfurther.Hewasaveryprivateperson,andshesensedsomeirritationin
histonethatshe’daskedabouthisgoals.
Shestaredoffintothedistance.“IwantedtobeaballerinawhenIwasyoung,”shesaidquietly.“Itook
lessonsandeverything.”
Hewinced.“Thatmusthavebeenapainfulloss.”
“Yes.I’llnevergetridofthelimpunlesstheycanfindawaytoremakemuscleandbone.”She
laughedshortly.“Ienjoywatchingballetproductionsoneducationaltelevision,”sheadded.“AndI’d

probablyhaveembarrassedmyselfwithanyseriousdancing.I’mjustclumsy.ThefirstrecitalIwasin
calledforustoholdhandsanddancepasttheorchestrapit.Ifellin,rightontoaverybigfellow
playingabigtuba.Theaudiencethoughtitwasallpartoftheroutine.”Shegrimaced.“Mymothergot
upandwalkedoutoftheauditorium,”sherecalled.“Sheneverwenttoanotherrecital.ShethoughtI
diditdeliberatelytoembarrassher.”
“Atrulyparanoidpersonality,”hecommented.
“Yes,shewas,”shesaidquickly.“Howdidyouknow?”
“Iknewamanwhowasthesame.Hethoughtpeoplewerefollowinghimallthetime.Hewascertain
theCIAhadbuggedhistelephone.Heworeasecondsetofclothingunderhissuits,sothathecould
duckintoarestroomandchangetothrowhispursuersoffthetrack.”
“Mygoodness!”sheexclaimed.“Didtheylockhimup?”
“Theycouldn’t.”Hechuckled.“Heheadedaverydangerousfederalagencyatthetime.”
Shewasreallycuriousnow.“Howdidyoufindoutaboutit?”
Hehesitated,playingfortime.Hewasgettingcareless.Hewassupposedtobeanuneducatedfarm
laborer.“Acousinofmineplayedsemiprosoccerwithacousinofhis,”herepliedfinally.
“Nicetohaveapipelinelikethat,”shesaid.Shelaughed.“Youcouldhavemadeafortuneifyou’d
tippedoffthetabloids.”
Andgottenhimselfputonahitlist,hethoughtsilently.Themanhadbeenaverydangerousenemy.
RodrigohadtakenworkinMexicotoavoidbeingaroundhimuntilhefinallyretired.Havingdual
citizenshipwiththeU.S.andMexicohadcomeinhandy.Itwasreallyhandynow,sincetherewasa
priceonhisheadinalmosteveryothercountryonearth.HeglancedatGloryandwonderedwhat
she’dthinkofhimifsheknewthetruthabouthisanguishedpast.
“Didyouhavepetswhenyouwerelittle?”sheaskedafteraminute,justforsomethingtosay.
“Yes,”hereplied.“IhadaparrotwhospokeDanish.”
“Howodd,”shereplied.
Notreally,becausehisfatherhadbeenDanish.Hedidn’texplain.“Howaboutyou?Didyouhave
otherpetsbesidestheill-fatedcat?”
“Notreally.Ialwayswantedadog,butthatneverhappened.”
“Youcouldhaveonenow,couldn’tyou?”
Shecould,butherworkcalledheroutatallhours.Shedidn’tthinkitwasfairtoadogtohaveto
shareherhecticlife.Comparedtowhatshenormallydid,workingonthistruckfarmwasareal
vacation.She’dgonetodesertedparkinglotstomeetinformers,withthepolicealongforprotection.
She’driddeninlimousineswithgangbosses.She’ddonealotofdangerousthingsinthecourseof
herjob,andshe’dmadeenemies.EnemieslikeFuentes.Ifshehadapet,itwouldbecomeatarget,just
asaboyfriendorclosefriendwould.Thepeoplesheprosecutedheldlifecheapcomparedtoprofit.
Theywouldn’thesitatetodoanythingintheirpowertoharmher,includingdoingdamagetoapet.
“Ihaveaverysmallapartment,”shehedged.“Andmylastjobwasworkingforatemporaryagency.I
workedoddhours.”
Sodidhe,whenhewasn’tpretendingtorunatruckfarm.He’dconsideredtakingoverseaswork
insteadofthisundercoverassignment,buthe’dthoughtthatSarinaandBernadettewouldbeliving
hereinJacobsvilleandhemightgetaglimpseofthemfromtimetotime.Inretrospect,thathadbeen
astupididea.Bernadettecouldhaveblownhiscoverskyhighwithoutrealizingit.Hismindhadn’t
beenworkingwelljustafterSarinaand
ColbyLane
hadrenewedtheirmarriagevowsinasmallceremony.Hishearthadbeenbroken.

“We’llhavesomeoddhourshere,forawhile,aswell,”hesaidsuddenly,thinkingaboutwhatwas
comingupforhisassignment.
“Puttingupallthenewfruit,youmean?”sheasked.
Hetookalastpuffonthecigaretteandflungitoutintothesandofthefrontyard.“No.ImeanthatI’ll
beinandout.IhavesomenewcontactsthatI’mmeeting.Someofthemmaycomedowntooverlook
theoperationbeforetheysignonwithus.”
“It’saverygoodlittlefarm,”shesaidabsently.“Iknowit’shardworktogrowfruitsandvegetables,
becauseI’vetriedto.”Shelaughed.“MytomatoesburnedupinthedroughtandIplantedthingsinthe
wrongseason.It’shardwork.”
“It’shard,butIenjoyit.It’srelaxingwork.”
“Relaxing?”sheexclaimed,turningslightlytowardhim.“It’sbackbreaking!”
Hechuckled.“Notforme,”heremindedher.“Ioversee.Idon’thoeorharvest.”
“Youhaveagoodcrewthatdoesthat,”sheagreed.“IsMarcogoingtoworkhere?”
Hehesitated.“Yes,”hesaid.“Forawhile.”
“Consuelowillbeglad.”
Heleanedtowardherinthedimlightcomingfromthehouse.“Hemaybringoneortwoofhis
friendswithhimoccasionally.Ifhedoes,stayoutoftheirway.Don’tbetemptedtowalkaround
outside,eveninbroaddaylight.”
Shestaredathim,pretendingsurprise.“Ishedangerous?”
“Allmenaredangerous,giventherightsetofcircumstances,”hetoldherflatly.“Don’taskquestions.
JustdowhatIsay.”
Shesalutedhim.
Heburstoutlaughing.“Forawomanwitharaggedupbringing,youcopewell.”
“Copingisn’tachoice,”sherepliedlightly.“Wecan’tliveinthepast.”
“Iknow,”hereplied,andhesoundedtorn.
Shewantedtosaysomethingcomforting,butnothingcametomind.Itwastoolate,anyway.Hegotto
hisfeetwiththatlazyelegancethatwassomuchapartofhim.
“Ihavetomakeanearlystarttomorrow.Remember,ifyouandConsueloneedmorehandsinthe
kitchen,wecanmanageoneortwomorepeople.”
“Thanks,”shesaid.“Butwe’redoingokay.”
“Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
Shewatchedhimgo,awareofthefaintspiceofhiscologne,thecleansmellofhisbodyandhis
clothing.Hewasimmaculate.Certainlyhedidn’tsmelllikeamanwhoworkedwithhishandsathard
labor.
Shegotupfromtheswingandmovedslowlytowardthefrontdoor.Shewastired.Ithadbeenavery
longday.

Sometimebeforemorning,shewokesuddenly.Shedidn’tknowwhy.Therewasasound,amixtureof
sounds,humanandinsistent.
Shelayonherbackstaringupattheceiling.Amanwasarguingwithsomeone.Yelling.Shedidn’t
recognizethevoice,butitwasn’tRodrigo’s.Shebitherlowerlip.Shedidn’tlikeloudvoices.
Afteraminute,therewasthesoundofacardoorslamming,andthenanenginerevvingup.Gravel
wentflyingaudiblyasthevehicletookoffdownthedriveway.She’dhavetoaskConsuelowhatwas
goingon.Itsoundedasiftherehadbeenaseriousquarrel.

5
WHENGLORYDRESSEDANDwenttothekitchenforbreakfast,shefoundConsuelosittingatthe
tablecrying.
“What’swrong?”sheaskedgently.
Consuelodriedherfaceonherapron.“Nothing,”shechoked.“It’sokay.”
“Iheardsomeone,aman,shouting.”
Theolderwomanlookedupatherwithred,swolleneyes.Shelookedmiserable.“Marcowasfurious
becauseIwouldn’tloanhimsomemoney.HethinksIwaslyingwhenIsaidIdidn’thaveit,butI
wasn’t.”
Glorylaidagentlehandontheotherwoman’sshoulder.“He’llgetoverit.Familiesargue.Thenthey
makeup.”
Awaterysmilewasherrewardforallthatoptimism.“Youthinkhe’llcomeback?”
“Ofcourse,”Gloryassuredher.Shegrinned.“Howcanhestayawayfromallthiswonderfulfruit?”
Consueloburstoutlaughing.“Oh,you’regoodforme,”shesaid.“WhataluckydayIhadwhen
SeñorRamirezhiredyou!”
Glorysmiled.“Ilikeyou,too.Nowcouldwehavecoffee?Coffeeandtoastwouldbebetter,but
especiallycoffee.IhavetohavemymorningjoltofcaffeineorIcan’tgetbotheyestoworkatthe
sametime,tosaynothingofmybrain.”
“Iwasjustabouttomakecoffee,”Consuelosaid,jumpingup.“Iwaswaitingforthecinnamonrolls
tobake.”
Glory’seyeslitup.“Cinnamonrolls?Realones?Homemadeones?”
Consuelolaughed.“Yes.”
Gloryslidintoachair.“Whataluckydayforme,whenSeñorRamirezhiredyou!”shesaid.“The
closestIcancometocinnamonrollsistobuyfrozenonesatthestoreandheatthemup.You’llspoil
me.”
Theolderwomanwipedhereyesandsmiled.Shegotbusywiththecoffee.

LATER,ITOCCURREDTOGlorythattheremighthavebeenadarkmotiveforMarco’sneedof
immediatecash.ShenoticedthatbothheandCastillospentalotoftheirfreetimetalkingtoeach
other.Shewishedshehadsomedecentwaytofindoutwhattheyweresaying.Butwhatreally
botheredherwasthatRodrigowasfrequentlyinvolvedinthoseconversations.
ShewishedshecouldcallMarquezandtalktohimconfidentiallyaboutwhatshewaslearning,butshe
waswaryofusinganysortofcommunicationaroundthehouse.Consuelohadsaidweeksagothat
Rodrigokeptanarsenalofelectronicdevicesinhisroom.Hemighthavetheabilitytomonitor
conversations.Itwouldn’tdoforhimtogettoocuriousaboutwhyawageearnerinhisemploywas
havingclandestineconversationswithaSanAntoniopolicedetective.

MOSTOFTHEWORKERSspenttheirweekendsattheirownhomesinalocaltrailerpark.Buton
SaturdayafternoonsheandConsuelowerepressedintolaborhelpingputuplanternsandstreamers
forasmallfiestaonthefarm.Amariachibandhadbeenhiredandthemenhadthrowntogethera
largewoodenplatformfordancing.
IthadbeenyearssinceGloryhadbeentoanysortofparty.Shegotcaughtupintheexcitement.She
rememberedhowdesperatelyshe’dwantedtogotoherjuniorandseniorprom,butbythenshewas
tooshyandnervousaroundboystofeelcomfortablewithone.Whichwasjustaswell,becausenot
oneboyaskedheroutduringthewholetimeshewasinhighschool,thankstothemaliciousInternet

gossipabouther.
Incollege,thingshadbeenalittlebitdifferent.Shetried,shereallytried,tomakefriendsandbe
outgoing.ButshelearnedonherfirstdatethattheworldoutsideJacobsville,Texas,wasvery
different.Herdatetookhertohaveamealinanicerestaurant,andthenhetriedtotakeherintoa
motelroom.Whenpersuasionandridiculedidn’twork,hetriedforce.Bythen,shewaslivingwith
thePendletons.Shefoughtherwayoutofthecar,pulledouthercellphoneanddialedJason
Pendleton’snumber.Bythetimeshehungup,hererstwhiledatehadescapedinasprayofgravel.
Shortlythereafterhetransferredtoanotherschool.JasonnevertoldGlorywhathe’ddonetotheboy.
Sheneverasked,either.
Rodrigocameoutofthehousejustasitstartedgettingdark.Hewaswearingblackslackswithawhite
cottonshirt.Helookedelegantanddangerouslysensuous.Glory,inasimplewhitepeasantdressfull
ofhandmadeembroidery,hadletherlongblondhairdownandevenputonatinyamountofmakeup.
Sheknewshe’dneverbeabletocompetewithotherwomeninanyphysicalway,butshehopedshe
lookedniceenoughnottospoiltheparty.
RodrigocameuptoherattherefreshmenttablesheandConsueloandacoupleoftheworkers’wives
hadhelpedfill.Hesmelledcleanandspicy.Glorysmiledathimwiththeexcitementoftheevening
makingherfaceradiant.Hestaredatherforamoment.ShedidlooksomuchlikeSarinawithher
hairdown.Shewasn’taspretty,butshehadherownattractionsjustthesame.
“We’veinvitedalltheworkers,”hetoldGlory.“Asortofthank-youforthehardworkthey’vedone
thisseason.Thatgoesdoubleforthetwoofyou,althoughyourjobsarefarfromover.”
“Welikejobsecurity,”GlorysaidforConsuelo,whonodded,grinning.
“Justaswell,”hechuckled.“We’repickingmorepeachesnextweek.”
Therewasamutualgroan.
“Whatwasthataboutlikingjobsecurity?”heteased.
Theiranswersweredrownedoutbythestartupofthemariachiband.Thedeep,throbbingechoofthe
guitarsandthetrumpetdreweveryonearoundtolisten.ItwasanoldMexicanfolksongthatthey
wereplaying,andasifoncue,everyonestartedsingingit.
RarelyinherlifehadGloryfeltsomuchapartofanything.She’dgrownfondoftheworkersinthe
timeshe’dspenthere.Theywerehumble,happy,compassionatepeople,farmoreconcernedwiththe
welfareandhappinessoftheirfamiliesthanwithmaterialwealth.Jasondidpaythemwell,sheknew,
buttheyweren’tobsessedwiththeirpaychecks.
“Itmakesmefeelgood,”shesaidwhenthesongended,“toseeeveryonesohappy.”
Rodrigolookeddownather.“Yes.Itfeelsgood.”
Shesmiledshylyathimasthemusicbeganagain.Thistimeitwasaslowdance.Couplesbeganto
gatheronthewoodenplatform,closetogetheragainstthefaintchillofevening.
Shewasleaningonhercane,butshewashopingRodrigomightaskhertodance.Shecould,evenif
onlyforalittlewhile.She’dalwayslovedtodance.
ButhisattentionwascaughtbyanSUVpullingupinthedriveway.Hewentimmediatelytoit.The
driver ’ssidedooropened,andaprettywomaninaflowingwhiteskirtandredblousewithlong
blondhairjumpedoutandhuggedhim.ThatembracewentthroughGlorylikeknives.Itwasthat
blondewomanagain,theonewho’dcometoseeRodrigosoonafterGlory’sarrivalhere.
Rodrigogesturedtowardtheband,tooktheblonde’shandandtuggedher,laughing,ontothedance
floor.
Gloryhatedtheresentmentandjealousyshefelt,watchingthemclingtoeachotheramongthegaily
cladcouples.Sheshouldn’tbejealousofamanwhomanagedherstepbrother ’sfarmsandranches.

Hewasn’trightforher.Sherefusedtorememberthathespokeseverallanguagesandwasvery
intelligent.Shewastryingtowardoffmoreheartache.
Theblondewomanwaslaughingmerrilyastheydanced.Rodrigolookedasifhe’dlandedinheaven.
Thenthemariachisendedtheslowdanceandplayedasalsarhythm.Rodrigotooktheblondebythe
waist,herhandinhis,andhedemonstratedthatmanagingothermenwasn’ttheonlythingatwhichhe
excelled.Gloryhadneverseenamanmovelikethatonadancefloor.Hewaselegant.Hisstepswere
fluid,hismovementsexactlywiththerhythmoftheband.Heinterpretedthemusicwithanatural
pulseofstepsthattheblondefollowedeffortlessly,asifthey’ddancedtogethermanytimesbefore
this.Theothercouples,entranced,backedawayandstoodclapping,laughing,astheduodancedtothe
music.
Alltoosoon,itwasover.Theyheldeachother,laughingbreathlessly,astheworkerscrowdedaround
them.
“Whatalongface,”Consuelomurmured,pausingbesideGlory.“Whathasmadeyousosad?”
GloryglancedinvoluntarilyatRodrigoandhisguest.
“Oh,it’sthatone.”
“Yes.”ItwaspainfultoseeRodrigosmiling,laughing.Hewassuchasadpersonaroundthefarm.
Shefeltsorryforhim.Butwhenshelookedclosely,itwasapparentthatitwasRodrigowhowas
enchanted,notthewoman.Shewasonlyfriendly.Butwhatwasshedoinghere,ifshewashappily
married?
Asifinanswertothatquestion,theblondesuddenlylookedatherwatch,turnedandalmostranback
totheSUV,withRodrigoclosebehind.Theyspokeforjustafewminutes,thenshehuggedhimonce
more,climbedbackintotheSUVandspedaway.
Rodrigostoodthere,handsinhispockets,staringafterher.
“Poorman,”Consuelosaidsadly.“Hetriestoliveinthepast,forthereisnoroomforhiminherlife
now.”
“She’spretty.”
Consuelo’seyespopped.“Andwhatareyou,aclumpofgrass?There’snothingwrongwithyou,
niña.”
Glory’sdrawnfacelightenedalittleasshemetConsuelo’ssympatheticgaze.Shesmiled.“Thanks.”
Sheturnedbacktothetabletogetacupofpunch.Theband,shethought,wasreallygood.Themusic
wasdreamytolistento,evenifyoudidn’tgetaskedtodance.Theexcitementshe’dfeltearlierwas
beginningtowearoff.Suddenlyallshewantedwastogetawayfromeveryone.Sheliftedhercupto
herlipsandsentalast,wistfulglanceatthewoodenplatform.
Whileshewaswatchingtheband,alean,darkhandcameoverhershoulder,tookthecupawayand
putitbackonthetable.
Sheturned,surprised.Rodrigotookthecaneandproppeditagainstthetable.Hewasn’tsmiling.His
facewasdrawnandsomber.Hetookoneofhersmallhandsintohisbigone.“Dancewithme,”he
saidinadeep,smoothtone.
Likeadreamer,shefollowedhimslowlytotheplatform.Hetookherbythewaistandliftedheronto
it,andthenintoclose,almostintimatecontactwithhislean,powerfulbody.Onearmclaspedher
there,whilehishandcurledaroundhersandimprisonedit.Shecouldfeelhiswarmbreathather
templeasheeasedherintothesultryrhythmofthemusic.
Herheartranaway.Shelovedbeingheldbyhimlikethis.Itwasasiftheyearsdroppedawayandshe
wasbackinschoolagain,excitedbyherfirstrealdate,hopefulofasweet,caringrelationship.She
wouldn’tthinkabouttheotherblonde,theonehewanted,orthehungerinhiseyeswhenthewoman

hadleft.Shewasonlyabletothinkaboutthecontactwithhim,thestrengthinhisbodyashetookher
weightandluredhercloser.
Shefelthislegsbrushingagainsthers.Theclosenessmadehertremblewithnewneeds,newhungers.
Herfingersdugintohisbackagainstthethinshirt.Shefeltthemusclesrespondtoherhelpless
movement,felthisbodytautenagainsther.
Heliftedhisheadandlookeddownintohereyes,herface,andsaweveryrawemotionshewas
feeling.Hishandspreadonherback,coaxingherevencloser.Sheshivered.
Hisdarkeyestookonastrangefire.Hebent,slidinghischeekagainsthers.“Yes,youlikethis,”he
whisperedhuskily.“Youcan’thideit,canyou?”
Shecouldn’tmanagewords.Hernailsbitintohim.
Hepressedherhipsslowly,sensually,intohisandsheshiveredagain.“Ihadforgottenhowsweetthis
is,”hewhispered.“Yourbodyclingstomineasifyouweremadeforme.Icanfeelyourbreath
againstmythroat,thecaressofyourhandsatmyback.Ifwewerealone,mivida,Iwouldcrushyour
mouthundermineandholdyousoclosethatyouwouldnotbeabletobreatheunlessIbreathedwith
you.”
Nomanhadeversaidsuchthingstoher,notinherwholelife.Sheshiveredagain,helpless,unableto
hideherself.Bothherarmshadgonearoundhimunderhisarms,andherhandswerediggingintothe
hardmusclesofhisback.Shefeltasifeverycellinherbodywasswollenandthrobbingwithpassion.
Sheachedforanendtothegrowingtensionthatmadeheralmostsickwithitsintensity.
Hisownarmsclosedaroundher.Hisfaceburieditselfinthesoft,thickhairoverhershoulder.
“Relax,”heteasedsoftly.“Youvibratelikeadrum.Iwon’thurtyou.”
“I…Iknowthat,”shemanaged.Hervoicedidn’tsoundfamiliaratall.
“Youthinkthatlimpmakesyouunattractivetomen,”hemusedatherear.“Whenitonlymakesyou
sexier.Ilikehavingyouleanonme.AlthoughIamsorryforthereasonyoulimp.”
Shelovedthesmellofhisbody.Shelaidhercheekagainsthisbroad,hair-roughenedchest,therein
theopeningofhisshirt.Shewonderedhowitwouldfeelagainstherbarebody,andshealmost
gaspedatthedirectionherthoughtsweretaking.
“Andwhatforbiddendreamsareproducingthatlittlewhisperofdismay,eh?”heaskedatherear.He
turned,pullingherevencloser,andlaughedsoftly.“Don’ttightenuplikethat.Lifeisforliving.Itisa
celebration,notawake.”
“Idon’tknowmuchaboutcelebrating,”shemanagedinabreathlesstone.
Heliftedhisheadandlookeddownintohersoftgreeneyes.“Perhapsitistimeyoulearned,”he
whispered.Ashespoke,hisgazefelltoherpretty,softmouthwithitsfainttintofpink.“Andnotonly
aboutcelebrating,”headded,ashisheadbegantobend.
Shehungthere,trembling,aching,vulnerable,wantingnothingmorethantofeelthathard,sensual
mouthcrushingdownonhers.Hereyeshalfclosed.She’dbeenattractedtohimfromthevery
beginning.Itseemedhemightfeelthesameway.Herheartalmostexplodedwithjoyasshefeltthe
first,brief,exquisitebrushofhishardmouthoverhersoftone.
Hemovedslowly,barelytastingher,nibblingatherupperlipandthennippingitwithhisteeth.He
laughedwhenshejerkedaway.
“Soyoudon’tlikeitwhenIbite?”hemused.“Okay.I’lldoityourway.”Hebentagain,nudgingher
intoasecludedareawheretheshadowsengulfedthem.“Likethis,then,querida…”
Hekissedherverytenderly,hardlytouchingherwithhismouthuntilherlipsbegantofollowhis.
Andthen,breathbybreath,heincreasedthepressureandthepassionuntilshewasmoaningsoftly.
Thenhecrushedhismouthdownoverhers,archedherintohistall,powerfulbodyandkissedherso

hardthatitfeltasiftheworldhaddroppedoutfromunderheraltogether.Sheclungtohim,
whimpering.
Butthemusicwasslowing.Hereleasedherabruptly,beforetheywerenoticed,orheard.Heseemed
preoccupiedashestareddownatherswollenmouth,herflushedcheeks.Hisdarkeyesnarrowed.He
heldherbythewaistandeasedherawayfromhim.
“WhatthehellamIdoing?”hemurmuredroughly.
Sheknewthenthatithadbeenanimpulse.Noteternallove,notevensavagelust.Ithadjustbeenan
impulse,perhapskindledbythepresenceofthewomanhewantedandcouldn’thave.Andnowhe
lookedbothapologeticanduncomfortablewithher.Shehadtofindawayoutforhim,somethingthat
wouldhideherownheadlongdesireandspareherpridefromthestingofhissuddenrejection.
“Wow,”shesaid,wide-eyed.
Heblinked.“Excuseme?”
Shegrinnedupathim.“Sorry,wereyouexpectingadifferentreaction?Okay.”Shewipedoffthe
smileandglaredupathim,proppingherhandsonherhips.“Howdareyoutreatmelikeasex
object!”
Hewasreallylookingodd,now.
Hereyebrowswentup.“Notthatapproach,either?Allright.How’sthis?”Sheshookbackherhair.
“Honestly,”shesaidhaughtily,“youmenareallalike!”
Hewasn’tusuallysoslow.Thecontacthadgonealittletohishead.Shemightnotbearavingbeauty,
butshehadakissablemouth,andhelikedthewaysherespondedtohim.“Wearenotallalike,”he
pointedout,eyestwinklingnow.
“Yes,youare,”sheretorted.“Dressinginasexymanner,wearingcolognethatmakesusweak-kneed,
enticingusintointimatedances…”
“Guilty,”heagreed,chuckling.“ButIcouldaccuseyouofthesamething,”headded.
Shestartedtoanswerthecharge,butbeforeshecould,oneofthedaughtersofaworker,justoutof
highschool,poppedupandboldlyaskedRodrigotodance.
“Sorry,”hetoldGlory.“Butapparently,Iamindemand.”
“Yes,youare,”thegirllaughed,tuggingathishand.“Comeon,Rodrigo!”
HesparedalastwistfulglanceatGloryandlethimselfbeledtothedancefloor.

ALLTOOSOON,THEbandpackedupandleft.Theworkerswentbacktotheirhomes.Gloryhad
leftthepartyalittlebeforeeveryoneelse.Thedancehadbeenwonderful,butherhipwaskillingher.
Shetookhereveningmedicinesandsatonherbedinhersleevelesslongwhitecottongown,praying
forittotakeeffectsoon.Thiswasanoldbattlethatshe’dfoughtsinceherteens,thisconstantpain.
Butshesmiled,rememberingRodrigo’smouthonherown,theexcitingthingshe’dwhisperedinher
ear.Sheremembered,too,thathe’dbeencoldsoberwhentheydanced.Therewasn’tatraceof
alcoholonhisbreath.Handsome,sexyRodrigowhocouldhavehadalmostanywomanhewanted,
andhe’dchosentodancewithplainoldGlory.Itmadeherfeelproud.Shetriednottothinkthathe
mighthavebeenpretendingwithher,pretendingthatshewasthelovelyblondewomanfromhispast.
Shewasjustsettingheralarmclockwhentherewasafainttapatherbedroomdoor.
Puzzled,becauseitwasverylate,shewalkedgingerlyacrossthecarpetedfloorandopenedthedoor
justacrack.
Rodrigopusheditback,gently,andsmiledather.“Youforgottotakesomethingwithyou,”hesaid.
“What?”sheaskedwithbreathlessdelight.
“Me.”

Heclosedthedoorbehindhim,liftedhergentlyintohisarmsandbenttohermouth.
Kissingwasaddictive.Shelovedthetendernessheshowedher,theexquisitecaressesthatdidn’t
threaten,didn’tfrighten,butmadeherhungryformore.
Therewasmorethanatraceofalcoholonhisbreath,butshewastoostunnedbyhissudden
appearanceinherbedroomtocare.Shewasbarelyawarethatshewassuddenlylyingacrossthe
bedspreadwithRodrigohalfbeside,halfoverheryieldedbody.Itfeltrighttolieinhisarmsandlet
himloveher.
“Youdresslikesomeone’sgrandmother,”hemurmuredagainsthermouthashishandsliddownher
body.
Shewouldhavetoldhimthatnogirlchildworeprovocativenightwearinfostercare.Itwouldhave
beenaskingfortrouble.Buthismouthwasalreadyoverhersandsecondslater,thegownwasmoving
upasRodrigo’shandsfoundhersoftbreastsandsmoothedoverthem.
Heliftedhisheadtolook.Therewasfireinhiseyesnow,andafaintruddycoloroverhishigh
cheekbones.“Prettylittlebreasts,”hewhispered.“Likefirmappleswithduskystems…”
Beforeshehadtimetobeembarrassed,hismouthhadcoveredoneofthemandshewaslifted
completelyoffthebedinashockofpleasureunlikeanythingshe’deverfeltinherlife.
Hersoftcryshockedhimaswell.Hemetherwild,curiouseyeswhilehisleanhandtenderlycaressed
thehardcrest.“Youactasifthisissomethingunknowntoyou,”hesaidquietly.
Sheswallowed.“Itis.”
Hedidn’tmove.Hedidn’tspeak.Hisheadmovedalittlesidewaysashestareddownather,
unblinking.“Glory,areyoustillavirgin?”heaskedgently.
Shebitherlowerlip.Itwasalmostastigmaofshameinthemodernworld,toadmittosuchathing.
Shehesitated.
Histhumbsweptoverhernippleinaroughcaressthatmadehershiver.“You’dbettertellmethe
truth,”hesaidsoftly.
Shedrewinalongbreath.Sheknewwhatwouldhappenwhensheadmittedit.He’dbegoneinaflash.
Thesedays,nomanwantedinexperience.
“Inever…Imean,Ididn’tfeel…Ihaven’twanted…”shestammered,flushed.
Buttheexpectedrevulsionwasn’tthere.Helookedatherwithsomethinglikereverence.Thechange
softenedhisfeatures,madehiseyesdarker.
“Noteventhisfar,mivida?”hewhispered,indicatingherbarebreasts.
Shegrimacedandshookherhead.
“Why?”
Shecouldn’tgointoherwholehistory.Notnow.Hedidn’treallywanttoknow.Hejustwantedsome
explanation.“I’mnotcutoutforthatsortofrelationship,”shesaidfinally.“I…didn’twanttoendup
likemymother.Andforalongtime,peopleseemedtothinkIwouldbelikeherwhenIgrewup.”
Hedrewhishanduptoherfaceandtracedhercheeksandherchinwithalongforefinger.
“Promiscuous,youmean?”
Shenodded.“Shesleptwithanymanwhowouldbuyherthings.”Ithurttorememberthat,to
rememberherfather ’ssilentmiseryashiswifebecametheobjectofviciousgossiparoundtown.His
pridehadsufferedfromit.
Hesmiled.“Lettingamanmakelovetoyoudoesn’tqualifyyouaspromiscuous,”hetoldher.“It’sa
natural,beautifulthingbetweenamanandawoman.”
“Mymotherdiditalot.”
“It’sanewworldfromtheoneyourgrandparentsgrewupin.”

Hereyesweresolemnasshestaredupathim.“Wouldyoulikeawomanwhowenttobedwithany
manwhoasked?”sheaskedquietly.
Hedrewinanaudiblebreath.“No,”hesaidafteraminute.“Igrewupinareligiousfamily.”
“SodidI,”shereplied.“Atleast,myfatherwasreligious.”
Hewassmiling.“Soyoudon’twanttomakebabiesuntilyoumarry.”
Herwholebodytingledatthewayhesaidit.Anditwasvisible,thatreaction.
Hechuckled,movingdowntoresthisweightonanelbowwhileheflickedopentherestofthebuttons
onhisshirtandpusheditaside.“Wewon’tgothatfar,”hewhispered.“Atleast,notnow.”
Hebenttohermouth,andasheapproachedit,heeaseddownsothathisbare,hair-roughenedchest
drewsensuouslyagainstherbarebreasts.Ashe’dexpected,itwasaspowerfulasseductionitself.She
shivered,andthenmoaned,andthenclaspedhimsoclosethatwhenhekissedher,itfeltasthough
theywerefusedtogether.
Hehadn’tmeanttoletitgetoutofhand,butthatfirsttouchoffleshagainstfleshrobbedhimofhis
objectivity.Ithadbeentoolongsincehe’dhadawoman.SeeingSarinatonight,relivingthelossof
her,hadmadehimsohungrythathe’dbeenoutofhismind.He’dbeenonfirewhenheandSarina
sharedthedancefloor.Buteventhen,theearlierloveplaywithGloryhadarousedhim.Hecouldn’t
stopthinkingaboutGlory’sbodyinhisarms.
He’dhadtwoorthreebeers,hopingtheymightcalmhimdownandsendtheunwanteddesireaway.
Theyhadn’t.Intheend,he’dcometoherbecausehecouldn’thelphimself.Onthedancefloor,he’d
beensurethatshewantedhim.Andshehad.Hehadn’trealizedthatshewouldbesoinnocent.Hedid
wanttorespectthatinnocence.Itwasjustthatithadbeensolong.Ages.Andtonight,tohisshame,he
wastoohungrytocareaboutanythingbeyondhisownfulfillment.
Onelonglegpushedherlegsapartsothathecouldleverhimselfdownagainstherinanintimate
position.Hemovedslowly,feelingthepowerofhisarousal,feelingherhelplessreactiontoit.
“Glory?”hewhisperedhuskily.
“Yes?”
“Areyousureyou’reavirgin?”
Shewasinoverherhead.Shedidn’twanthimtostop.Ifthiswasallshecouldeverhaveinherlife,it
wouldbeenough.“Itdoesn’tmatter,”shewhisperedbackintohismouth.“Iwantyou.”
“NotasmuchasIwantyou,querida,”hegroundout.
Hecaughtherupperthighinhishandanddraggedherhipsupagainsthisarousal,feelingthe
pleasureleapbetweenthemuntilitwaslikeadruginhisveins.Hemovedagainstherblindly,his
mouthdevouringherlips.
“Itisn’tenough,”hesaidharshly.
“Iknow.”
Hishandwentunderher,totheelasticofherbriefsandbegantopullitdown.“I’llbegoodtoyou,”
hewhispered.“I’llmakeyousohungrythatyouwon’tfeelthepain,orevenrememberit.I’lltake
youtoheaveninmyarms.”
Shecouldn’tanswer.Theairwascoolagainstherhotskin.Shefelthimtouchingherwherenoone
elseeverhad.Helookeddownintohereyeswhilehestrokedher,watchingherhelplessreactionto
therhythmicandintimatecontactthatstoppedherbreathinherthroat.
“Yes,that’sit,”hewhisperedasheincreasedtherhythm.“I’mgoingtomakeyouexplodeintoa
thousandsilkypieces,andI’mgoingtowatchithappentoyou.Then,whenyou’resohotthatyou’re
blindwithit,I’mgoingtogorightupinsideyouandgiveyouthesweetestpleasureyou’veever
dreamedofhaving….”

Shecriedoutastherhythmstartedliftingher,liftingher,liftingher…!
Herlegsopenedforhimeagerly.Herheadwasthrownbacksothatshecouldseenothingatallexcept
theceilingoverhead.Sheheardtherhythmic,franticsoundofthespringsinthebedmoving.Andthen
shefelthisbodythere,hotagainsther,probing,pushing,penetratingasthepleasurerosesohighand
sohotthatshecriedoutinalong,helpless,sobbingkeen,herbodyliftingtohisharsh,almostviolent
downwardthrusts.
Hernailsdugintohim.Hervoicebroke.
“Lookatme,”hemanaged.“Look!”
Hereyesopened,wideandsodilatedthattheywerealmostsightless.Aboveher,hisfacewasarigid
mask,chokedwithcolor,hiseyesblazingashedroveforfulfillment.
“Now,”hebreathed.Hiseyesclosed.“Now!”
Sheshudderedandshudderedasthepleasuretookthemboth,joinedtheminahotfusionthatwasso
overwhelmingthatshethoughtshemightdieofit.
Herhigh-pitchedcrywassmotheredbyhismouth.Muffled,itreflectedthefranticmotionofherhips
asshedrainedeverywispofphysicaldelightfromhisbody.

SHELAYONHERBACK,nude,satiated,throbbingwiththeaftereffectsofpassion.Herbodywas
stillmovinghelplessly,savoringthetinystabsofpleasurethatcamewithmotion.
Besideher,helayapartandunnaturallyquiet.
“Youbled.”
Sheswallowedhard.Hesoundedverydistant.“DidI?”
Aspassion,sated,fadedaway,realitycameandhithimsquarelybetweentheeyes.He’djustseduceda
workerinhisemploy,andshewasavirgintoboot.Hisneedofherhadbeensourgentthathehadn’t
beenabletostop.Nowhewasstone-coldsoberandeatenalivewithguilt.Theycamefromdifferent
worlds.ShewasawageearnerandhecamefromSpanishandDanisharistocracy.Hewasadecade
hersenior.Shewasuneducatedandhehadadegree.Worse,hewasverywealthyandshecouldhardly
afforddecentclothing.Andhe’dtakenadvantageofher.Hedidn’tfeelveryproudofhimself.
“Yousaidthatitdidn’tmatter,thatyouwereinnocent,”hesaidcoldly.
Hisvoicechilledher.She’dbeenexpectinghappyeverafter,andhewassatisfiedandwantedtomake
surethatshedidn’taccusehimofseduction.Herfirsttime,andithadtobewithamanwhoonly
wantedrelief.
Shewasadultenoughtocope.Ifnothingelse,he’dhelpedgetherpastthenightmarishassaultofher
earlyteens.Hedidn’tknowaboutthat.Hewouldn’thaveunderstoodherfearofmen,afearwhichhad
beenwipedawaytonighttheminutehetouchedherunderhergown.Ithadbeenarevelation.
“Well,”shesaidheavily,“ifyou’replanningtosuemeforseduction,IhavetotellyouthatI’llswear
incourtthatyouthrewyourselfatmeandIcouldn’thelpmyself.”

6
RODRIGOSATUPANDSTAREDdownatherinthedarknessasifshe’dlosthermind.“Youwhat?”
“I’llcountersueyou,”shepromised,pullingthecoveroverherbody.“Allthosesweetnothingsyou
whisperedinmyear,thewayyouflauntedyourchestatme…Imean,whatwomancouldresistaman
whodideverythingbutstripandbegtobetakentobed?”
Achucklehecouldn’tchokebackescapedhim.“GoodGod.”Hegotupandstarteddressing.
“That’sright,blameGod,too,”shescoffed.“Itwasyourownfault,andI’mnotapologizing.”
“Iwouldn’texpectyouto,”heassuredher.
“Furthermore,I’mnotmarryingyou.Andifyougetpregnant,I’llgetaDNAtesttoproveit’snot
mine.”
Bynow,hewasbentoverdoublelaughing.He’dexpectedtears,reproaches,accusations,anythingbut
this.
Hemovedtothebed,fullydressed,andsatdownbesideher,onearmgoingpasthershoulderto
supporthimashelookeddownintohereyesinthedimlylitroom.“ButIwillapologize,”hesaid
softly.“BecauseImeantonlytokissyou.Itwenttoofar,becauseIhadabstainedforaverylong
time.”
“Becauseyoucouldn’thaveher,”shesaidwisely.
Hisindrawnbreathwassharp.
She’dalreadyguessed,buthisreactiontothechargeclinchedit.Hewasdyingforthewomanhe’d
lost.Glorylookedalittlelikeherand,inthedark,itmusthavebeeneasyforhimtopretend.
“Iwasonlystandinginforher,wasn’tI?”sheaskedsadly.
Hishandmovedunderherheadandclenchedsuddenlyinherhair.“No,”hesaidhotly.“Ididnot
pretendyouwereher.NevercouldIbesoheartless!”
Sherelaxedalittle.
“Iwantedyouverybadly,”heconfessed.“YouhaveaqualityofcompassionthatIhaverarely
encounteredinawoman,andyourbodyisexquisite.Ienjoyedit.Ihopethatyouenjoyedmeasmuch.
Butitshouldnothavehappened.”
“Why?”sheasked,subduedbutcurious.
“Wecomefromdifferentworlds,”hereplied.“Thisisonlyaninterlude,forbothofus.Wecouldhurt
eachotherbadlyifweletthiscontinue.”
“Iguessso,”shereplied.
“Thereisanothermatter.Doyouusebirthcontrol?”
Herheartjumped.“No.Ineverhadanyreasonto.”
“AndIwastoofargonetoconsiderit.”
Shelayverystill.Itwasgettingcomplicated.“Idon’twantachild.Certainlynotonewhocameasan
accident.”Itwasalie,butshehadtosalvagewhatwasleftofherpride.Hemadeitclearthathe
wantednothingmorethanherbody.Actuallyshewouldhavelovedachild,butherhealthmightmake
thatimpossible.Besides,Rodrigowasnotgoingtoconsidermarriage.Sheknewthatalready.
“Thenyouwouldgotoaclinic?”heasked,andtherewassomethingchillinginhistone.
Nowshefacedherownsystemofvalues,andshewasshockedtodiscoverthatwhathadseemed
sensibleaminuteagohadsuddenlybecomeanactionshecouldnotimagineherselfperforming.Not
eventosaveherownlife.
“I…”Shehesitated,frowning.“I…don’tthinkIcould,”shesaid.
Thehandholdingherhairrelaxedandwaswithdrawn.“Howlikelyisit?”
“Notvery,”shelied.

Hismindwasconsideringpossibilities.Ifhehadawife,andachild,perhapshecouldgetSarinaout
ofhismindandthetormentwouldease.Ithadalmostdestroyedhim,losingherandBernadette.
“I’llbethirty-sixthisyear,”hesaidquietly.“Ihavenothingtoshowformylife,otherthanafew
smallaccomplishments.”Hedidn’tdaretellherwhattheywere.“Ihadn’tthoughtabouthavinga
familyuntilrecently.Buttheideahasappeal.”Helookedatherwithreallonging.“IthinkIwould
enjoybeingafather.”
“Idon’twantchildren,”shesaidbluntly,hatingthewordsevenasshespokethem,becauseshecould
seehispridestingingfromthem.
Hertonewasoffensive,anditantagonizedhim.“IsaidthatIwantedthem,”hereturnedcoldly.“Not
thatIwantedthemwithyou!”
Shefelthercheeksgohot.“Sorry.Iassumed…”
“Wrongly.”Hegotupfromthebedandmovedaway.“Soweagreethatthiswasanunfortunate
accident,whichwewillneverpermittohappenagain.”
“Ofcourse,”sheassuredhim.
Hepausedatthedoor.“Whywouldyounotwantchildren?”
Becauseofmyhealth,sheshouldhavetoldhim.Herlifewouldbeatriskfromapregnancy.Her
career,too,wasastickingpoint—howcouldsheraiseachildanddojusticetoeitherherjoborher
child?Buthedidn’tknowabouthercareer.Orherhealth—exceptforthelimp.Shetookthecoward’s
wayout.“Ihave…healthproblems,asyoumayhavenoticedalready,”sheremindedhimquietly.
“Besides,I’mstillrelativelyyoungtobethinkingaboutfamilylife.”
Thepainandguiltherremarkskindledinhimwereshockinglybrutal.Hecouldhavecursedaloud.
He’dforgottenaboutherhip.He’dforgotteneverythinginthejoyofhavingher.
“Forgiveme,”hesaidquietly.“Ididnotthink.”
Sheclosedhereyes.“NordidI.”
“Forwhatit’sworth,”hesaid,hisaccentnoticeablythicker,“Iamsorry.”
“NotnearlyassorryasIam,”sherepliedmatter-of-factly,andwithabiteinhertone.
Thetensionintheroomwasasthickascigarsmoke.Heopenedthedoorwithdeliberatemovements
andcloseditbehindhimwithaviolentsnap.
Gloryletoutthebreathshe’dbeenholding.Ithadbeenthemosttraumaticexperienceofherrecent
life,andnotatallunpleasant.Butshewasindisguise.Hedidn’tknowtherealGlory,andshehad
doubtsthathe’dwantheratalloncehedid.Onceheknewwhoshereallywas,thebarrierbetween
themwouldgrowbyleapsandbounds.Hewasalaborer.Shewasaneducatedprofessional.Their
culturesweredifferent,theirreligionsweredifferent.Theywereworldsapart.Shecouldn’tgiveup
hercareerthatshe’dworkedsohardforjusttoeekoutanexistencewithapoorimmigrant.She
wasn’tevensurethathewasn’tinvolvedinsomecriminalpursuit.Thewholesituationwas
impossible.
She’dletherguarddownandactivelyparticipatedinherownseduction.Nowhereshewas,aloneand
indangerandpossiblypregnant.Whatintheworldwouldshedoifshe’dconceived?Hewanteda
child.Shedidn’t;notthisway,withsecretsseparatingthem.Hewasangrythatshedidn’twanthis
child.Shecouldn’ttellhimtherealreason.Shewaslivingalie,tosaveherlife.Shecouldn’ttellhim
that,either.
ThetearsrolleddownGlory’scheekinaflood.He’dleft,shethoughtmiserably,justintime.She
wouldn’thavewantedtodisgraceherselfbycryinginfrontofhim.Shecouldn’tunderstandherown
easysubmissiontohim.Surelyherpastshouldhavekeptheroutofreachofsuchanexperienced
man,keptherfromgivingintosomeonewhowasalmostastranger.Herlifewasbecomingfartoo

complicated.Shewishedshe’dneverletMarqueztalkherintothismasquerade.

MONDAY,AFTERAQUIETandlonelySundayduringwhichRodrigowasn’tevenseen,sherode
intotownwithConsuelotogetgroceries.Astheygotoutofthefarm’spickuptruck,Marquez,in
civilianclothes,droveupinanothertruckandpulledinbesidethem.Hegotout,pocketinghiskeys
andstartingtowardthestorewhenhesawGlory.Hepretendedsurprise—agoodact,becausehe’d
followedthemherehopingtogetawordalonewithher.
“Well,ifitisn’tGloryanne!Howareyou?”hecalledtoGlorywithagrin.“Fancyseeingyouhere!
It’sbeenyears,hasn’tit?”
Gloryflushed,buthidherfacefromConsuelo.“Yes,ithas,”sheagreed.“Ihaven’tseenyousincewe
wereinhighschooltogether!”ShecomposedherselfandglancedatConsuelo.“I’llbealongina
minute,”shesaidwithasmile.“IjustwanttocatchuponRick’slifestory.”
“Gorightahead,”Consueloreplied.ShewasgivingMarquezanoddlook.BeforeGlorycouldpuzzle
itout,theolderwomanwasheadingforthestore.
Thesmilewasgoneimmediatelyfrombothfaces.Marquez,inbootsandjeansandacheckedblue
shirt,movedclosertoher.Hewasverysolemn.
“Fuenteshassomeonecheckingyouout,”hesaidabruptly.“Idon’tknowwho,orwhere.Youhaven’t
mentionedanythingaboutSanAntoniodownheretoanyone?”
“Ofcoursenot,”shefaltered.Hergreeneyesmethisdarkones.“Hecouldn’tknowIwashere,”she
added.“TheonlypersonI’vetalkedtoatallisRodrigo,andI’msurehe’snotmixedupinanything
illegal.”
Marquezclenchedhisteeth.“IwishIcouldbe,”hesaidflatly.“Nobody’stalking,butthepolicechief,
Grier,letslipthatRamirezhadtiestoMexico.HealsohadacousinwhoworkedforManuelLopez,
thelategreatdruglord.”
Shefoughttokeepherexpressionfromgivingheraway.“Whatelsedidhetellyou?”
“Hedidn’ttellmeanything,Glory.Ioverheardhimtalkingtooneofthesheriff’smenatthe
courthouse.”
Shenibbledherlowerlip.“Oh,boy.”
“Icaughtupwithhimlater.Wedidn’tplanit,butIsupposeyouknowthatGrierknowswhyyou’re
here,”hesaidquietly.
“Yes,hedoes,”shereplied.“Buthesaidhe’dkeepaneyeoutforme.”
“Healsosaidheaskedyoutokeepaneyeoutforvisitorsatthefarm.”
Shenodded.“Ican’tfindasafewaytocontacthim,though.I’mnotsureifRodrigohaslistening
devicesinthehouse.”Shehatedhavingtosaythat,tosoundasifshealreadysuspectedthatRodrigo
wasonthewrongsideofthelaw.Shehadtotrytorememberthatshetookavowtoupholdthelaw,
nomatterhowmuchithurt.“Consuelosaidhehadallsortsofelectronicdevicesinhisroom.”She
movedcloser.“We’vehadtwoverysuspiciousnewhires.OneisamannamedCastillo,whohasa
nastyattitudetowardwomen.TheotherisConsuelo’sson,Marco.Hewearsthetatsandcolorsofthe
Serpientesgang.”
“Damn!”hemuttered.“Ithoughtwe’dmanagedtokeepthosedevilsoutofourcommunityhere.”
“Theyhavelinkseverywhere,”sheremindedhim.“Inprisons,incitiesallovertheworld.It’sa
network,justlikeacorporation.”
Heleanedbackagainstthepassengersideofhistruckandfoldedhisarmsoverhisbroadchest.“This
seemedlikeagoodideaattheoutset.NowI’mnottoosureanymore.Ididn’tpersuadeyoudownhere
togetyoukilled.WhatifMarcobringssomeonewithhimwhorecognizesyou?AsIrecall,you

prosecutedtwoSanAntoniomembersofthatHoustongangforcarjacking.”
“Andconvictedthem,”shereturned.Sheblewoutabreath.“Ineverexpectedanyofthegangto
surfacedownhereinJacobsville.Well,thismightbeagoodtimeformetostartpackingheat.”
“No.”
“Icanshoot,”shemuttered.“Iusedtotakea.40caliberGlockontothepolicefiringrangeand
practicewithit.”
“Yes,”hereplied,eyesnarrowed.“Iremember.Wegotthewindshieldinthesquadcarreplaced,”he
addedmeaningfully.
Sheflushed.“Thatwasnotmyfault!AbirdflewpastanddistractedmejustasIstartedtoshoot!”
“Really?Whatdistractedyouwhenyoublewthetaillightoutonthesheriff’sdepartment’snewest
car?”
Shepushedbackastraywispofblondhair.“Listen,thatdeputyshouldneverhaveparkedhisstupid
carthatclosetothefiringrangeinthefirstplace!”
Hewasn’tbuyingit.“I’veneverseensomanycopskissingthegroundinmylife.Alltheyhadtodo
washearyournameandtheystartedputtingonKevlar.”
Shelaughedinspiteofherself.“Okay,Okay.I’malethalweaponwithafirearm.Iadmitit.Butwhat
amIgoingtodo?”
“Weneedtoputsomebodyonthefarmwhocanprotectyou,”hesaid,thinking.“Iunderstandthat
there’safederalagentundercoversomewherebetweenhereandHouston,butnobodywilltellme
whereheisorwhathe’sposingas.Ifwecouldgetwordtohim,hemightbeabletokeepaneyeon
you.”
“Longshot,”shereturned.
Hegrimaced.“Well,there’salwaysJonBlackhawk,”hebegan.“Heowesmeafavor,andhe’safed.”
“IamnotworkingwithJonBlackhawk,”shesaidflatly.“Idon’tcarehowsorryheisaboutcharging
hisassistantwithsexualharrassment.”
“MaybewecanlureMarcobacktothebigcitywiththeofferofareallylucrativedrugrun,”hesaid
then.“Atleastwe’dhaveonegangmemberoutofthepicture.”
“Thatisn’tsuchabadidea.Marconeedsmoney,”shesaid,recallingthesceneinthekitchen.“Hehad
hismotherintears,demandingmoneythatshedidn’thave.”
“Hemaybeusingthestuffaswellassellingit,”hereplied.“Alotofdealerscan’tresistthe
temptation.”
“ItmightexplaintheviolentmoodswingsI’mseeinginhim,”sheagreed.
“Iknowacoupleofnarcsinthecity,”hereplied.“Imightgetwordtothemandseeiftheycanflush
outanyinformationaboutMarcoorCastillo.”
“IjusthopeMarcoisn’tgoingtolandhimselfinprison.PoorConsuelo!”
“Sheseemslikeanicesortofperson,”Marquezreplied.“Shameshehassuchlosersforahusband
andason.”
“Youknowaboutherhusband?”
“Iarrestedhimonce,”hesaid,hislipsmakingaflatline.“She’sprobablygoingtorememberthat,so
ifshesaysanythingtoyouaboutme,wewentsteadyinhighschool.Okay?”
Hereyebrowslifted.“Wedid?Imusthaveabadcaseofamnesia.You’dthinkI’dremember
somethinglikethat!”
Hegloweredather.“You’dhavebeenlucky.Iwasacatchinhighschool,”hetoldher.“Girlscouldn’t
keeptheirhandsoffme.”
“That’snotwhatyourmother,Barbara,says,”sherepliedsmugly.

“Whatdoesmymothersay?”heaskedwarily.
“Shesaysyouhidbehindpottedplantsanytimeagirlstartedwalkingtowardyou.”
“Thatwasingrammarschool!”heprotested.
Shelaughed.“Really?”
Heshiftedhisweight.“MaybeIwasalittleshy.ButIneverhidbehindapottedplant.”
“Isthatso?”
“Imighthavefallenintoapottedplant,once,”herelented.“Whenthecheerleadercaptainaskedmeto
voteforherintheclasspresidentrace.Shewasadish.”
Shecouldn’tstoplaughing.
“It’snotfunny.”
“Yes,itis.”
Hemovedawayfromthetruck.“Ihatelosingargumentstolawyers,”hemuttered.“I’mgoingbackto
work.”
“WhatareyoudoingdownhereonaMonday?”
“Ialmostforgot,”hechuckled.“Yourbosssentyoualoveletter.”Hehandedheranenvelope.
“Thisisn’tmyboss’shandwriting,”shepointedout.“Andmynameismisspelled!”
“Wehaveamole.Hedoesn’tlikethenewregime,orthenewdruglord.Hesentthattoyouviayour
boss.Buthe’sonlygivingusinformationonFuentes.That—”heindicatedtheenvelope“—isthe
closesthe’sgoingtocometorevealinghimselfasawitness.Wehavenoideawhoheis.”
“Haveyoureadthis?”sheasked.Itwassealed,butbarely.
“No.AndIresenthavingyouinsinuatethatItrytoreadotherpeople’smail.”Hestuckhishandsinto
hisjeanspockets.“Anyway,wecouldn’tgetthesteamtoworkungluingit.”
Shelaughed.“Somedetectiveyouare!”
“I’maverygoodone,thanks.Readthatandtellmewhat’sinit.Thenyou’dbetterletmehaveitback.
Evenwithyournamemisspelled,wedon’twantanybodylocallymakingconnections.”
Sheslidherthumbunderthesealandpulledoutasmallpieceoflinedpaperthatlookedasifitcould
havecomefromastenopad.“It’sanaddress,”shesaid,lookingupathim.“Andadateandtime.
That’sall.”Shereadittohim.
“Adrop,”hesaidatonce.“Adrugdrop.”
Shehandedhimthenote.“Youcouldhaveopenedit.”
Heshruggedashepocketedthenote.“Iwantedtoseehowyouwere.”
Shesmiledupathim.“Thatwasnice.”
“IhopeIhaven’tjustblownyourcover,”hesaiduneasily.“Youwereseengettingintotheranchtruck
andheadingtowardtown,soItailedyou.Ididn’trealizeConsuelowaswithyouuntilyoubothgot
outofthetruck.”
“Maybeshedidn’trecognizeyou,”shesaidcomfortingly.
“Let’shopeso.”Hestudiedherclosely,seeingthedarkcirclesunderhereyes.“Ramirezgivingyoua
hardtime?”
Herheartjumped.“No.Whydoyouask?”
“Someofhisfriendssayhe’sbeenhelltogetalongwithsincehetookthatjob.”
“He’snicetome,”shelied.
“Mostpeoplearenicetoyou,”hechided.“You’resweet.”
“TellmethatthenexttimeyouseemeincourtwithFuentesonthespit.”
“Ican’twait,”hechuckled.
“Me,either.Ifyouneedtogetintouchwithme,youcantellChiefGriertodropbyanyWednesday.

Rodrigo’susuallynotaroundthen.”
Marquezstraightened.Therewassomethingdisturbinginhisexpression.
“What?DidIsaysomethingwrong?”sheasked.
Hewipedofftheexpression.“Nothingatall.Ijusthadathought.Youwatchyourback,”headded.“If
youneedme,callme,anytime.I’mdownherewithmothermostweekends,unlessI’moncall.”
“I’llremember.Thanks,Rick.”
“Whatarefriendsfor?”hechuckled.

CONSUELOGAVEHERAveryoddlookwhenshecaughtupwiththeolderwomaninthegrocery
store.
“Youknowthatguyfromschool?”sheasked.
“Yes.Hewasinmyclass,”Glorysaid.“Wewentsteady.”Shelookeddemure.
Consueloturnedherattentiontoarackofpicklingspices.“He’sacop.”
“Yes,Iknow.HeworksupinSanAntonio.”
“Heputmyhusbandinjail,”shemuttered.
“Oh!”
Consuelofellfortheshockedexpression.Hercoldeyessoftened.“Youcouldn’tunderstandhowit
wasforme,withMarcohavingtroubleinschoolandthenmyhusbandgoingtoprison.Icouldn’t
evenaffordrent.Ihadtodosomethings,tobeabletobuyfood…”Sheturnedaway.“Itwasalong
timeago,”shesaidsuddenly.“Don’tmindme.”
“I’ddoanythingforyouthatIcould,”Glorytoldtheotherwoman.“Really.”
Consueloturnedbacktoher.“Iknowyouwould,”shesaidinasofttone.“You’renotstillsweeton
Marquez?”
Gloryhesitated.“Well,notreally.Ihaven’tseenhiminalongtime.”
“Good.That’sgood.Canyoufindmesomegarbagebags?”
“Surething.”
Shehobbledawayonhercane.Ithadbeenaclosecall.Herlifewasstartingtobealotmore
complicated.NottheleastofherworrieswasthewaysheandRodrigohadparted.

EVENTHOUGHCONSUELOSEEMEDtohavefallenforherstoryaboutgoingsteadywithRick,
Glorywasawarethattheolderwomanwasmorecuriousabouthernow.Sheaskedthrowaway
questionsabouthowlongsheandRickwentsteadyandifsheknewanyofhisfellowofficersinSan
Antonio.
Gloryhadtobecarefulandnotletitslipthatshe’dworkedinthecity.Itwashard,downplayingher
intelligenceandnotgivinghereducationaway.
Rodrigowaspolitetohernow,butverycool.Heseemednottobeinterestedinheraftertheir
passionateinterlude.Infact,hewaspayingalotofattentiontotheyoungerwomanwho’dflirtedwith
himatthefiesta.
Glory’sconfidenceinherselfhadbeenhealthyuntilFuentes’sdeaththreathadlandedheratthetruck
farm.Butdividedfromherprofession,shefoundthatshehadnorealidentityasjustanordinary
woman.Shehadnoskillstospeakofexceptthatshecouldprocessfruitandmakepreserves.She
couldcook,afterafashion,butnotlikeConsuelocould.Herhomemakingskillswerepoorduetoher
impairedmovement,becauseworkingwithamoporbroomorevenavacuumcleanerwaspainful,
andtheaftereffectscouldlastfordays.Herbloodpressurewasmoreorlessundercontrol,butshe
hadepisodesofdizzinessandheadacheswhensheforgothermedicine.Shefeltalmostuseless

aroundthehouse.
WhenRodrigostartedbringinghisone-girlfanclub,Teresa,intothehousewithhimforthe
occasionalmeal,thewayheflirtedwithhermadeGloryillatease.Sheknewthatitwasdeliberate,
becausehenoticedandenjoyedGlory’sdiscomfort.
NowthatsheknewFuenteswaslookingforher,shewasunderevenmorepressure.Herinterlude
withRodrigohadcausedhershame.Shehadn’trealizedhowconventionalshewasuntilshe’d
allowedherselftobeseduced.Shefeltshewasfollowinginhermother ’sfootsteps,anditbothered
her.Ofcourse,hermotherhadonlybeenavailabletomenwhohadmoney.Glorywasn’tmercenary.
She’dplannedherlifetobeasolitaryone.She’dfallenoffthestraightandnarrow,andshewas
worryingabouttheconsequences.Herperiodswereveryregular.Butshewasnowaweekoverdue.
Itcouldhavebeenstress.Shehopedthatitwas.Hermotherhadbeenveryyoungwhenshebowedto
communitypressureaftershe’dbecomepregnantbyGlory’sfather.She’dmarriedhim,butshe’d
madehimandGlorybothpay.Itwasalmostironicthathermother ’sparentshaddiedinaplanecrash
justafewweeksafterthey’dforcedGlory’sfatherandmotherintomarriagewiththeirhopesto
avoidascandal.
Shetouchedherflatbellyworriedly.She’dneverconsideredhavingachild.Shewasn’tsureher
healthwouldpermitit,inthefirstplace.Inthesecond,shehadlittletodowithchildren,andshe
wasn’tsurethatshe’dbeapropermother.Herrealfearwasofhergenetics.Whatifsheturnedoutto
belikeherownmother,hatefulandresentfulandabusivetoachild?Thethoughttormentedher.It
waswhyshe’dneverconsideredmarriageandafamilyinthefirstplace.Shecouldn’tbesure.She
wasscarredinmorewaysthanthepurelyphysical.Herself-esteemwasalmostnonexistent.
Andifshewaspregnant,whatwouldshedoaboutit?She’dhavetoseeherdoctorbeforeshecould
makeanydecision.IfRodrigofoundout,whatwouldhedo?Hewasmissinghisformergirlfriend
andherchild.Hewantedachildofhisown,areplacementforwhathe’dlost.Butthatwasn’tlove.It
wasgrief,andoncehehadthechildhemightbitterlyregretit.Forinstance,whatifhisgirlfriend
decidedtodivorceherhusbandandgoafterRodrigo?Glorywouldn’tstandachance,consideringthe
loveRodrigobetrayedwhenhewaswiththeprettyblondewoman.He’dleaveskidmarksexiting
Glory’slife,ifhecouldhavethewomanhereallywantedandthechildheadored.
ShebecamedepressedasthedayspassedandRodrigocontinuedtoignoreher.Then,oneday,several
thingshappenedatoncetomakeherpositionhazardousintheextreme.
First,CashGriershowedupatherdoorlookingsomberoneWednesdaymorning.Heaskedtospeak
toheralone.
Shefollowedhimontothefrontporch,apprehensiveaboutthewayhelooked.
“What’sup?”sheaskedquietly,waryofeavesdroppers.
Hemotionedherdownthestepstohissquadcar,goingslowlysothatshecouldkeepupwithher
cane.Thenhestoodsothatshewasfacinghim,sothatanyonewatchingcouldn’tseetheirlipsmove.
“Atrainedsnipercanreadlips,”hetoldherquietly.“Justincaseanyone’slooking,theywon’tbeable
tounderstandwhatwe’resaying.Marquezgotintouchwithhisfriendonthenarcoticssquad,who
workedonacoupleofhisconfidentialinformants,”hesaid.“Fuenteshassentakillerafteryou.”
Tohercredit,Glorydidn’tpassout.“Whatsortofkiller?”sheaskedcalmly.
“Aprofessional.”
Sheknewwhatthatmeant.She’dseenplentyofhitsinthecourseofherwork.Druglordsknewwhere
togetthebestpeopleforthatsortofjob,andtheydidn’tmiss.Aprofessionalwouldbemorethana
matchformostlocallawenforcement.Ontheotherhand,sheconsideredasshestudiedCashGrier ’s
stonyexpression,shewasprobablyinthebestsmalltownonearthforahitmantotrytokillher.

Grierherehadbeenagovernmentsniper.EbScottandCyParks,nottomentionMicahSteele,were
professionalmercenaries,nowretired.ButEbranaschoolforcounterterrorismthatwasknownall
overthecountry,andsomeofthementakingcoursestherewouldbeamatchforanyhiredassassin
Fuentescaredtosacrifice.
ShecockedherheadandlookedupatGrier.Shesmiled.“Finally,”shemurmured.“Somegood
news.”
Hestaredatherwithoutblinking.“Goodnews?”
“ThisistheworsttowninAmericaforcontractkillers.Theonlyhitmanwhoevergotintotownwas
crippledbyyourwife,Ihear,”shesaidwithtwinklingeyes.
Helaughed.“Withanironskillet,”heagreed.Hesighed.“Well,you’vegotgrit.Iexpectedatleasta
worriedexpression.”
Sheshrugged.“We’vesortofcorneredthemarketondangerousmeninthistown,”shereminded
him.“LookwhathappenedtoLopez,eventhoughhedidn’tbuythefarmhere.”
“Andtohisreplacement,CaraDominguez,”heremindedher.“Noneofthesesmugglersbelievethe
hypeaboutourresidentmercs,”hechuckled.“Theirmisfortune.Okay.You’renotrattled.That’s
good.Butwe’retakingsomestepstokeepyoualiveuntilyoutestify.”
“Kevlar?”shesuggested.
Hestudiedherforalongmoment,hiseyesnarrowasheseemedtomentallyweighthefactors.
“Iknowsomethingsthatyoudon’taboutJacobsville,”hereplied.“You’regoingtobesaferthan
you’llrealize.Justhelpusoutbynotgoinganywherealone,especiallyatnight.”
“Don’ttellme,”shechuckled.“You’vegotsnipersstationedinthepecantrees.”
Helaughed.“Nothingquitesovisible.Justtrustme.”
Shenodded.Hisreputationinpoliceworkwasformidable.Ifhesaidshewassafe,shewas.Butshe
wonderedhowitwasbeinghandled.
“Youwon’ttellmeanythingevenifIask,willyou?”shereturned.
Hegrinned.“Notaword.Keepingsecretsismystockintrade.”
Shesighed.“Okay,then.I’llstayinsideandawayfromthewindows.”
“Thatshoulddothetrickuntilwecangetenoughonthehiredguntolockhimup.”
“Youwouldn’tliketotellmewhoheis?”shefished.
“No,Iwouldn’t.NotevenifIknew.You’resaferthatway.I’llbeintouch.”
“Okay.Thanks.”
“You’rewelcome.”
Hedroveawayandshegroundherteethtogether.Onemorething,shethought,todrivemenuts.
TheyshouldhaveleftherinSanAntonioandsetherupinacontrolledareaandofferedtoletthehit
mandohisworst.InsteadshewasstuckhereinsmalltownAmericawithakillerincloseproximity
andtheysaidshewassafe.
Shethrewupherhandsandwentbacktowork.Shedidn’tsharethetidbitofinformationwith
Consuelo,orRodrigo.Neitherofthemhadanyideawhatamessherlifewasin.Shewantedittostay
thatway.

7
GLORYHATEDFEELINGhelpless.Ifshewasagoodshot,andshehadapistol,shemighthavebeen
abletodefendherself.Butshecouldn’tshoot.Shewasn’twholephysically,andshe’dneverhad
anyonedomorethanthreatentokillher.Deaththreatswereapartofthejobformostpeopleinlaw
enforcementandthecourtsystem.Sheknewjudgeswhocarriedpistolstothebenchundertheirrobes
andsheknewsomewho’dsurvivedattacks.She’dalwaysknownthatifshebecameaprosecuting
attorney,therewouldbetheoccasionalthreat.Butthisonewasdeadly.Fuentesdidn’twanttospend
hislifeinprison.HewasgoingtomakesurethatGlorydidn’ttestify.
Cashsaidshewassaferthansherealized.Shewonderedifhehadsomeoneworkingonthefarm,
keepinganeyeonher.Itwouldhavehelpedhermentalattitudealittle.Butacovertscanofallthe
workersdidn’tproduceanyonesuspicious.
ShefeltRodrigowatchingherassheandConsuelosatdownwithhimatthetabletoeatsupper.He
wasastuteforamanwhoranatruckfarm.Pity,shethought,thathewassogoodatmanagement,and
he’dnevercontinuedhiseducation.She’dneveraskedwhatwasthelastgradeofschoolhe’d
completed.Perhaps,shetoldherself,shedidn’treallywanttoknow.
Thenithither.WhatifRodrigowasnotonlymixedupinthedrugtrade—whatifhewastheassassin?
Herforkfelloutofherfingersandhittheplatewithaloudnoise.
“Whatisit?”Rodrigoasked,frowning.
Shewasstaringathiminutterhorror.No,shetoldherself.No,itcouldn’tbe!Butwhatdidsheknow
abouthim,really?Onlywhathevolunteered.Hewaspersonable,agooddancer,ahardworkerand
hespokeseverallanguages.Butsodidalotofcriminals.HewasgoneeveryWednesday,alongwith
Castillo.Whenshe’dtoldCashthat,hisexpressionhadcloseduplikeatrap.Cashhadsaidthat
Fuenteshadsentthehitmanafterher,butthatdidn’tmeanthekillerhadn’talreadybeenputinplace
forthemission.Forallsheknew,FuentesmighthavehadhertailedandtrackedheretoJacobsville
weeksago.Here,whereRodrigowascloseandcouldkillherifhewasorderedto.Herheartsank
deeperinherchest.
“Areyouallright?”Rodrigorepeated,hisaccentslightlythickerashestaredather.
“I’mgettingclumsy,”Gloryexcusedherslip,pickinguptheforkagainandsmilingsheepishly.“It’s
peelingallthosepeaches.Myfingersarerebelling.”
Consuelolaughed.“Iknowhowyoufeel!Wewillbothbestrongerthanweightlifterssoon,withall
thisexercise.”
“Thepeachcropisalmostthrough,”Rodrigoadvisedthem.“Onlyafewmoredaysandwe’llbe
done.”
“Thankgoodness!”Gloryexclaimed.
Hegaveheralonglook.“Ofcourse,bythenthefirstappleswillbereadyforpicking…”
Bothwomengroanedaloud.Heonlylaughed.

SHEWASWORKINGINthekitchenwhenRodrigowalkedinwithConsuelo’sson,Marco.Consuelo
washesitant,buttheboygrinnedandpickeduphismotherandwhirledheraround.
“I’msorryIwasshortwithyoulasttime,”hetoldthewoman.“Iwasjusthavingsomeproblems,but
they’reallsolvednow.RodrigosaidIcouldcomeback,ifyoudon’tmind.”
Consuelohuggedhimback,tearfully.“Ofcourseyoucancomeback!”
Hekissedher.“You’retoogoodtome.”
“Yes,Iam,”Consueloreplied,butshelaughed.
RodrigowasstaringatGlory.Hewantedtoaskwhatwasmakingherstudyhimthatway,butitwas

earlymorningandhehadtogetthingsorganizedinthefields.Soonerorlater,hetoldhimself,they
weregoingtohavetotrytotalktoeachother.Ifhe’dmadeherpregnant,hehadtoknow.Then,
choiceswouldhavetobediscussed.Hehopeditwasn’ttrue.Gloryhadmadeitobviousthatshedidn’t
wantachild.Orperhapsshedid,butshedidn’twantonewithacommonlaborerwhomadealiving
withhishands.Hefeltcoldallover.Hecouldn’ttellherthetruthabouthimself.Whenhedid,itwould
placeevenmorebarriersbetweenthem.Hedidn’twantaglorifiedhousekeeperasawife,anymore
thanshewantedaforeignfarmworkerasahusband.Itwasdemeaning,justthesame,tothinkshe
didn’twanthischild.She’dtoldhimthatshehadhealthproblems,andheknewherhipgaveher
trouble,butthatwasnoreasonforbeingunabletocarryachild.Thefactwasthatshedidn’twantthe
childofacommonfarmworker.Shewouldn’tadmitit,butheknewjustthesame.Itwoundedhis
pride.

ACTUALLYGLORYWAShavingmorehealthproblemsbytheday.Butshehiditwell.Fortunately
shehadnauseaatnight,ratherthaninthemorning.Shehadaprettygoodideaaboutwhatwascausing
hersuddenillness,andittormentedher.Shecouldn’tpossiblyhavethechild.Shewaslivingalie.
Rodrigowasn’teveninherownsocialclass,andhemightbeacriminal.Hemightbethekiller
FuenteshadhiredtoputGloryoutofhisway.Sherememberedacommentherdoctorhadmadesome
timeago,aboutherhighbloodpressure.Somewomen,hesaid,werefortunateenoughtohavetheir
bloodpressuregodownwhentheywerepregnant.ButGlory’sputherathighriskforapregnancy.
Hesaidthathercareerwasriskenough,withouttheadditionofpregnancy.She’dassuredhimthatshe
neverwantedachild.
Butnowthathadchanged.Shewasfascinatedwiththerealityofachildgrowinginsideher.She’d
beenalonemostofherlife.ThePendletonswerekindtoher,buttheyweren’therfamily.Thechild
wouldbeofherownblood.
Thatwasthemostworryingthoughtofall.Hermotherhadbeenmentallyill,shewascertainofit.
Somebehavioralabnormalitiescouldbepasseddownfromparenttochild.Whatifthebabywasn’t
normal?
“Whatismakingyousoworried?”ConsueloaskedonemorningwhenGloryarrivedinthekitchen
withdarkcirclesunderhereyesfromlackofsleep.
“Worried?”Glorythoughtfast.“Well,it’snotexactlyworry…”Shepouredherselfsomecoffeeand
refusedfood.“Rodrigohardlyspeakstomelately.”
“Ah.”Consuelosmiled.“Sothat’sit.”
“Heseemedtolikemeatfirst,”Gloryreplied.“Butlatelyheavoidsme.”
“Yes,hedoes.”Shepaused.“Andyouareinlovewithhim.”
Glorycouldn’thelpthesuddenradianceinherface,thebrillianceinhereyesbehindtherounded
framesofherglasses.
“Ithoughtso,”Consuelomurmured.“Icouldseeitwhenyoudancedwithhim,atthefiesta.Helikes
youverymuch,buthethinksheisstillinlovewiththeprettyblondewoman.Heisconflicted.”
ThatbroughtGlorybackdowntoearth.“Ilookalittlelikeher,don’tI?”sheasked,stickingtheknife
inherownheart.
Consuelogrimaced.
Glorynodded.“That’swhatIthought,too.Iremindhimofher,butI’mnotmarriedtosomeoneelse.”
“Thatmaybetrue.”ShestudiedGlorycuriously.“Butontheotherhand,perhapsheisbeginningto
feelsomethingforyouandhedoesn’tlikeit.”
Glorysighed.“Iguessthatcouldbetrue,aswell,”sheagreed.

CASTILLOWASLEANINGagainstthebackdoorlaterwhenGloryhadtogoouttothewarehouse
formorepeaches.Shewaswearingaprettywhitesundressembroideredwithyellowsunflowers.It
hadpuffysleevesandafullskirt.Herhairwasinitsusualbraid.Shelookedyoungandfresh.Ithad
beenextremelyhotinthekitchenandtheair-conditioningunitwasn’tcopingwellwiththeblazing
heat.Sherarelyeverworeveryfeminineclothes.Consuelohadloanedherthedress.Thickjeans
werejusttoohotinthatkitchen.
“Youknow,you’renotbadlooking,”heremarkedwithopenlustinhissmall,close-spacedeyes.“I
couldgoforyou.”
Glorywasn’tafraidofhim.NotwhensheknewRodrigowasnearby,atleast.Sheturnedandlooked
athimwithoutblinking.“I’mnotinthemarketforaboyfriend,Mr.Castillo,”shesaidflatly.
“Honey,everywomanwantsaman,”hedrawled,movingdeliberatelyclosertoher.“Evenifshe
doesn’tknowit.”
Shebackedupastep.
Heonlylaughed.“That’sit.Ilikeawomanwhopretendssheisn’tinterested.Goaheadandfightme,
niña.Itmakesitmoreexciting.”
Hereachedoutandcaughtthefrontofhersundresswithhisforefinger,tuggingitdownsothatthe
swellofherbreastswasvisible.Shefeltsickallover.
Beforeshecouldreactandslaphishandaway,shesawCastillo’sexpressionsuddenlychangejust
beforehewentflyingbackwardontotheground.
RodrigosteppedpastGlory,hisfuriouseyesonthedownedman.HecursedhiminSpanishand
challengedhimtogetupandfightlikeaman.Foramanwhoseemedtobecalmandlaid-backmost
ofthetime,Rodrigolookedamazinglydangerousnow.EvenGlorytookastepbackwardwhenshe
sawhistallbodytense.
Castillofingeredhisbruisedjaw.Hewastryingtohideit,buthewasafraidofthetallerman.Ramirez
hadmovedlikelightning.Castillohadn’tevenseentheattackcoming,andhewasusedtofights.He
flushedashedraggedhimselftohisfeet.“Losiento,”hetoldRodrigo.“Ididn’tknowshewas
yours.”
“Youknownow,”Rodrigobitoff.Hisvoicewasverysoft,butthetonewaschilling.“Leaveher
alone.”
“Sure.Sure!”
CastillomovedawaywithoutanotherglanceatGlory.
Shewastryingtocatchherbreathandnotsucceedingverywell.ShelookedupatRodrigocuriously.
Hiseyeswerestillfillingwithanger.Hisfistswereclenchedathissideasheturnedtoher.
“Thankyou,”shebegan.
“Ifyoudon’twantunwelcomecompany,dresslikeaworkingwoman,notlikeadebutantestrollingin
arosegarden,”hesaidbluntly.Histonewascrisp.Furious.
Shegapedathim.“I’mwearingasundress!Itisn’tevensuggestive…!”
“Youwearblousesandslacksorjeansonthejobhere,”heinterrupted.“Ihavebetterthingstodowith
mydaysthanprotectingyoufromothermen!”
“Buster,ifIhadabluntobjectrightnow,you’dneedprotectingfromme!”sheshotbackathim.“It’s
hotinthekitchenandtheair-conditioningisn’tworkingtoday!Wecalledtherepairman,buthehasn’t
comeyet.SoConsueloloanedmeoneofherdresses,becauseIdon’thaveany!Anyway,I’mnot
wearingbaggypantsandanovercoatinmykitchenjustbecauseyourmencan’tcontroltheirown
lustfulurges!”

Hesteppedincloser,sothatshecouldfeeltheheatandpowerofhisbodynexttohers.“Youare
gettingevenbecauseIavoidyou,”heaccused.
Hereyebrowsarched.“You’reavoidingme?Really?I’msorry.Ididn’tnotice!”
Aduskypatchoverlaidhishighcheekbones.Hiseyeswereblackwithfury.Thewordswoundedhim,
andhestruckback.“Doyouthinkyouwereanexperiencenomancouldforget?”heasked,lowering
hisvoicesothatonlyshecouldhearhim.Hiseyeswereice-cold.“Aninexperienced,frightened
innocentwhodidn’tevenknowhowtorespondtoaman’sardor?”
Theinsulthithome,andshecouldn’thideit.
Thatseemedtomakehimevenmadder.“Whatareyoudoingouthereinthefirstplace?”
“Weneedanotherbushelofpeachestofinishoutthisbatch.”
“I’llsendAngelupwiththem.Anythingelse?”
“No,thankyou.”Hertonewasascoldasherpride.Sheturnedandwentbackintothehousewithout
anotherword.

HEWATCHEDHEROVERthesuppertable.Shehadasmallsaladandaglassoficedtea,refused
dessertandexcusedherself,allwithoutmeetinghiseyesonce.
“What’swrongwithher?”Consueloaskedsoftlywhenshewasoutoftheroom.“Havethetwoofyou
hadafight?”
“Idon’tfightwithemployees,”hereturned.“Thetruthisthatshe’sattractedtomeandIfindher
unappealing.Igrowwearyoftheheartsicklooksshesendsmyway.She’shardlythetypeofwomanI
wouldchoose,”headdedcoldly.“Sheisuneducatedandshehasnothingtoofferamanofexperience.
Shehasthenaiveteandtheinstinctsofanadolescent.Ifeltsorryforher,andIwaskind.She
misinterpretedmycompassionforaffection.And,”hesaid,finishinghiscoffee,“let’sfaceit,she’sno
man’sideaofanAmericanbeauty.Notwiththatlonghairoutofafairytaleandthoseatrocious
glassesshewears.Nomanwouldfallalloverhimselftryingtoseduceawomansoplain,wholacks
eventhemostbasicdresssense.”
“Youshouldnotsaysuchthingsabouther,”Consuelochided.“Itwouldwoundhertohaveyouspeak
insuchamanner.”
“Shewillnotknow.Unlessyoutellher,”hereplied.
“AsifIwouldwishtohurther.Sheisagoodwoman.”
“Goodwomenareboring,”helaughed.“Ipreferminewickedandoverstimulated.”
“Oh,you!”
Gloryturnedawayfromthehalf-closeddoorandmadeherwaybackdownthehall,tearsstreaming
downherpaleface.
Shedidn’tunderstandhowRodrigocouldbesocruelafterthelong,sweetinterludeinherbed.She’d
giveninwithoutafight.She’drespondedwholeheartedly.Butshewasanovice,andheliked
experience.Shefeltcheap.Used.Unwanted.She’dcomedownheretosaveherlife,butherheartwas
beingkilled.Somehow,thethreatofFuentes’srevengewasn’thalfsopainfulasRodrigocallingher
plainandsayinghedidn’twanther.Heconsideredheruneducated—she,who’dgraduatedwith
honorsfromlawschool!
Itwasworse,somehow,becauseshewasalmostcertainlypregnant.Shedidn’tdaretellhimnow,not
afterwhatshe’doverheard.ShehadtogetFuentesbackintocourtandconvictedsothatshecouldstop
livingalie.Shewantedheroldlifeback.SheneverwantedtoseeRodrigoagainaslongasshelived!
Butwhataboutthehitman?WhowouldFuenteshavesent?CoulditbeCastilloorMarco?Couldit
evenbeRodrigo?

Shefrownedasshecamebacktoheroriginalworry.WhatifRodrigowasmixedupwithFuentes,or
thekiller?Afterall,he’donlybeeninJacobsvilleforalittlewhileandnobodyknewverymuchabout
him.He’dhiredCastillo,whowasacrookofthefirstorder.HeandCastillovanishedevery
Wednesday.RodrigohadtiestoMexico.Hehadacousinwhoworkedinthedrugsmugglingworld.
AndtheRodrigowho’dconfrontedCastilloontheporchhadbeenamanshedidn’tknow,a
dangerousmanobviouslyusedtosettlingproblemswithhisfists.Hecouldbeviolent.Castillohad
beenafraidofhim.Rodrigocouldbethehitman,oroneofthebossesinvolvedindrugsmuggling.
Shealmostgroanedaloud.Herlifehadbeensosimplewhenshewashelpingconvictgangmembers
anddrugdealersbackinSanAntonio.Whyhadn’tMarquezleftherwhereshewassafe?Atleast
she’dhavebeensurethatMarquezwouldkeepaneyeonher.Downhere,shehadtohopethatCash
Grierwastellingthetruthwhenhesaidhehadsomebodywatchingoutforher.
Shefeltsickwhensherealizedhowrecklessshe’dbeen.WhatifherofficehadtoprosecuteRodrigo?
Howwouldshecopewiththat?He’dhaveagreatcomeback—hecouldtellthecourtjusthow
involvedshe’dbeenwithhim.Itwoulddamagehercredibility,maybeenoughtogetFuentesan
acquittal.Life,shethought,wasnotfair.

GLORYWASCURIOUSABOUTwhereRodrigowentwithCastilloonthoseWednesdayjaunts.She
caughtarideintotownwithAngelMartinez.Shedidn’twantanyonetoseehercarparkedinfrontof
Barbara’sCafé,whichwaswhereshewentassoonasAngeldepositedheronthesquare.There,she
phonedMarquezandtoldhimaboutthisnewdevelopment.
“YoushouldtellGrier,”hereplied.
“Idid.NowI’mamushroom.”
Helaughed.“Theykeepyouinthedarkandfeedyoubull…”
“Nevermind,”sheinterruptedpristinely.“Whydon’tyoudrivedownhereandwecantailRodrigo
andCastilloandseewheretheygo?”
“WhyshouldItakeyoualong?”
“BecauseI’mgoingtobetheoneprosecutingthecase,that’swhy.”
“Iwasafraidyou’dsaythat.Whendotheyusuallyleave?”
“Aboutfiveintheafternoon.”
“AndhowareyougoingtogetawayfromConsuelolongenoughtoridearoundwithme?”
“SheleavesjustbeforefiveeveryWednesdaytogotochurch,”shesaidsmugly.“Andshetakesher
sonwithher.”
Therewasanoddpause.“Shedoes?”
“Yes.Isn’titcuriousthathe’dvoluntarilysetfootinachurchwithoutbeingputinacasketfirst?”she
returned,tongue-in-cheek.
“Maybehewalksinthefrontdoorofthechurchandoutthebackdoor,”hemused.
“Whoknows?Areyoucoming?”
“I’llpickyouupatfive.Ifanyoneasks,we’reonahotdate.”
“Inthatcase,I’llwearsomethingconspicuous.”
“Bettermakeitsomethingthatwillblendin,”hecountered.“Youdon’ttrackpeoplewearing
flamboyantclothes.”
“Somuchforthehotdate,”shemurmured.
Helaughed.“Thisisn’tthetime.”
“That’swhattheyallsay.”
“Seeyou.”

“Yes.”
Barbaracameuptoher,frowning.“What’sgoingon?”
Glory,whoknewher,onlygrinned.“I’mluringyoursontomyhousewithpromisesoflurid
wickedness.”
“Hallelujah!”Barbaraexclaimed.“Ifeverachildneededapushintoseamyluridness,it’smy
straitlaced,puritanicalson!”
“Well,it’snotreallythatseamy,”sheconfidedinawhisper.“We’regoingtracking.”
“Deer?”Barbaraexclaimed,stunned.
“Notdeer.Drugdealers.”
Theamusedlookwentintoeclipse.“That’sdangerousterritory.Youshouldlethimdothatonhis
own.”
“Ican’t.I’muptomyneckinthiscasealready.”
“SomebodyshouldtakeFuentesforawalkinthewoodsandpushhimdownanabandonedwell!”
Glorygapedather.“Youbloodthirstycook!”
“Countonit!Ihatedrugdealers.”
“SodoI,”Gloryreplied.“EspeciallyFuentes.He’smoredangerousthanManuelLopezorCara
Dominguezeverdreamedofbeing.Heneedstogoawayforyearsandyears,withnohopeof
parole.”
“Afterwhichwecanrounduphissmugglingringandputthemaway,too.”
“ExactlywhatIthink.Butfirst,wehavetohaveevidencethatwillstandupincourt.”
“Spoilsport,”Barbarachided.
“Yes,well,I’manofficerofthecourt,”sheremindedher.“Ihavetoabidebytherules,evenwhenI
don’tlikethem.”
“Rickwillhelpyougettheevidence,”shesaid.
Glorysmiled.“Iknowhewill.He’sreallyverygoodathisjob.Butdon’ttellhimIsaidso.”
“Iwon’tbreatheaword.”
“Thanks.”
“Ifyoueverneedhelp,andyoucan’tcallanyonedirectlyfromthehouse,callmeandorderasweet
potatopie.I’llcallCashGrier,orRickifhe’sdownhere,andgethimrightoverthere.”
“Haveyoueverthoughtofbecomingasecretagent?”Gloryqueried.
“Allmylife.Butit’smorefunthinkingaboutitthandoingit.Atleast,Ithinkitis.”
“You’reprobablyright.”SheglancedoutthedoortothestatueofoldJohnJacobs,thefounderof
Jacobsville,wheretheranchpickupwithAngelatthewheelstoodwaiting.“There’smyride.Ihaveto
go.”
“What’swrongwithyourcar?”Barbaraasked.
“It’sthesameoneIdriveathome,”sherepliedquietly.“Ikeepitintheshedonthefarm.Ithought
someonemightrecognizeit.”
“Goodthinking.”
“Oh,Icouldgointothesecretagentbusinessmyself,afterthis,”Glorysaid,andshewasn’treally
teasing.“I’llbeintouch.”
“Wait!”Barbaradrewhertothecounter,producedasweetpotatopie,baggeditandhandeditto
Glory.“Yourcover,”shesaid,“incaseanybodywantedtoknowwhyyoucameinhere.”
“I’llseeifIcanfindyouatrenchcoat,”Glorychuckled.ShehuggedBarbara.“Thanks.”
“I’mnotbeingaltruistic.Iwantyoutomarrymysonandgivemelotsofgrandchildren,”Barbara
chuckled.

ThementionofbabiesmadeGloryuneasy.
Barbaragrimaced.“Sorry.I’mreallysorry,thatwasuncalledfor…”
“Don’tbesilly,”Gloryreplied.“I’mnotoffended.Rickisadish.ButIhavehighbloodpressureandI
don’tknowifIcanhaveachild.Yousee,there’sneverbeenanyreasonformetoaskadoctorabout
havingchildren.”
BarbarawasnoticingthingsthatGlorywasn’tawareof.Theownerofapubliccafélearnedalot
aboutbodylanguagefromobservation.“LouColtrainisoneofourbestdoctors,andshe’sstill
keepingsecretsfromgrammarschool.Ifyoueverwantedtotalktoadoctorinconfidence,Lou
wouldbeyourwoman.”
Gloryfrowned.“Whywouldyousuggestsuchathing?”
“Honey,it’sasmalltown,”shesaidgently.“Youweredancingwiththatdishymanageronthefarm,
andfromwhatweheard,itwassosteamybetweenthetwoofyouthatpeopleweredraggingout
fans.”
Gloryflushed.“Oh.”
“Youshouldrememberhowitisaroundhere,”Barbaracontinuedsoftly.“Weallknoweachother ’s
business.Butit’sbecausewecareabouteachother.Youhaditroughasachild,butyou’veturnedinto
afine,responsiblewoman.Yourfatherwouldbesoproudofyou,Glory.”
Tearsstungtheyoungerwoman’seyes.Shewasn’tusedtokindness.Notthissort,anyway.
Barbaranudgedhertowardthedoor.“Gohomebeforeyouhavemeintears,too.Andifyouwantto
seduceRick,I’llloanyouahotrednegligee.”
Glory’seyebrowsarched.“Whatwouldyoubedoingwithahotrednegligee?”
“Hopingforanopportunitytowearit,”Barbarachuckled.
Glorylaughedback.Thewomanwastrulyakindperson.
“Youbecareful,”Barbaraaddedgently,asshewenttoputuptheOpensignforthelunchcrowd.
“Theseguysplayforkeeps.”
“Inoticed.Thanksagain.”
“Anytime.”

GLORYDELIBERATELYIGNOREDRodrigoatlunch,talkingtoConsueloaboutherrecipefor
applebutter.
Hefeltbadaboutwhathe’dsaidtoher,butshe’daskedforit.Shehadasharptongueandshedidn’t
bend.Hewonderedhowshe’dmanagedtofitintoatemporaryagencybackinSanAntoniowiththat
attitude.Itwasasifshefeltshehadtobemoreaggressivebecauseofherhandicap.Notthatthelimp
slowedherdown.SheworkedashardasConsueloandnevercomplained.Shewasasconscientious
anemployeeashe’deverknown,anddespitethephysicalabuseofhertraumaticpast,shedidn’tback
downfromthethreatofaman.Castillohadbeenoutofline.
“RememberwhyIhiredyou,”Rodrigohadtoldtheotherman.“Don’tmakewaves.”
“Hell,she’sprettytolookat,”themanrepliedcurtly.“Anymanwouldtryhisluck.”
Rodrigo’seyeshadblazedatthatremark.“AnymanwhotrieshisluckwithGlorywillendbadly.”
ThewayhesaiditsentchillsdownCastillo’sspine.Heheldupbothhands.“Hey,Iunderstand.She’s
yours.Iwon’tpoachonyourpreserveagain,Iswear.Iwasjustpassingthetimeuntilwecandoour
job.”
Rodrigonodded.“RememberhowFuentesdealswithpeoplewhomessup.”
Theothermanswallowedhard.“Yeah.”
“Backtowork.I’llmeetyouatfivetogotothewarehouse.”

“I’llbehere.”

RODRIGOGLANCEDATGloryasheleftthekitchen.Hesawhereyelidsflicker,butshewouldn’t
lookathim.Itwasjustaswell,hetoldhimself.Hewasgrieving.Hedidn’twanttorushheadlonginto
arelationshipwithaglorifiedcook.Shehadaprettyfigureandhe’denjoyedherinbed.Butthere
wasmoretolifethansex.Therewasnoroominhislifeforasimplecountrywomanwithcooking
skills.HewantedawomanlikeSarina,whohadbrainsandcourage.Ifonly
ColbyLane
hadnevershownup!
Hepulledouthiscellphoneanddialedanumber.Adeepvoiceanswered.
“We’reonourway,”hesaid.
“We’llbewaiting,”camethereply.
Hecutofftheconnectionanddialedanothernumber,thisonelocal.Thereweretworingsbeforeit
answered.
“Culebra,”hesaidinSpanish.“Snake.”
“You’reon.”
HepocketedthephonewithasmilethatCastillodidn’tsee.

8
WHATRODRIGOWASEXPECTINGdidn’tarriveonschedule.Hewascursingabluestreakwhen
thesunwentdown.TheywereinadesertedmanufacturingbuildinginComancheWells,asmalltown
tenmileswestofJacobsville.Thelittletownonlyhadsixhundredcitizens.Itdidn’tevenhavea
policemanorafireman,dependingonthecountyforthoseservices.Aclothesmanufacturerhadtried
tosetupshophereandfailedmiserably.Butthedesertedbuildingwasablessingtodrugdealers.It
providedasafe,defensible,privateplacefordealstogodown.
ComancheWellswasinthecenteroftheranchingindustryofJacobsCounty.Severalcattlebarons
occupiedthesurroundingareaandonlycametotownbecauseofthefeedandmillstore.Therewasa
bar,notasnotoriousasShea’sRoadhouseoutontheVictoriahighway,butitmademoney.Therewas
alsoasmallcompanythatmanufacturedcomputerchips.AMexicanrestaurantwastheonlyeatery
andtherewasasingledoctorandonedrugstore.Iftherewasanemergency,theambulancehadtotake
ComancheWellscitizenstoJacobsvilleGeneralHospital.Theypulledthesidewalksinatdusk.
Sonowitwasdarkandthestreetthatranbesidethedesertedmanufacturingbuildingwasbareofcars
andpeople.
Castillowaspacing.“Wherearethey?”heaskedfuriously.
“IwishIknew,”Rodrigosaidtautly.“Iwaspromisedthatthey’dbehereonschedule.”
Castilloturnedtohim.“Yeah?Well,maybetheydouble-crossedyouandleakedthebuytothefeds.”
“Notthisguy,”Rodrigodefendedhim.“Hehatesthefeds.”
“He’snotalone.”
“Iknowwhatyoumean,”Rodrigoagreed.
Castillocheckedhiswatch.“They’refifteenminuteslate!”
“They’recomingalongway,”Rodrigorepliedcalmly.Hestuckhishandsinhispocketsandglanced
athiscompanion.“Youneedtolearnpatience.”
“ThelasttimeIwaspatient,twocopsthrewmeinthebackofasquadcarandtookmetojail,”the
othermansaidicily.HeglaredatRodrigo.“Howsureareyouthattheseguysaren’tgoingtodouble-
crossus?That—”heindicatedabriefcasesittingonanemptyoildrum“—wouldsetapettythiefup
forlife.”
“Crosstheseguysandyouwon’thavealife,”hereturned.“Thelastdealerwhoweaseledonthemwas
foundinseveralcounties.”
Thestatementwaschilling.Theyoungermanfidgetedandstaredathiswatchagain.“Iftheydon’t
showprettyquick,weshouldtakethestuffandgetoutofhere.Yousuretheyaren’tcops?”
“Positive,”Rodrigoassuredhim.“Oneofthemismycousin.HeworkedforLopez,andthenfor
Dominguez.Ifhewasacheat,hewouldn’tstillbeinthegame,wouldhe?”
“Notwithbosseslikethose,Iguess.ButFuentesisadifferentsort,”headdeduncomfortably.“He’s
quick-temperedandhe’sleftatrailofbodiesacrosstheborder.”
“Whathepaysmakesitworththerisk.”
Castilloglancedathimandgrimaced.“Yeah.Iguessso.But,still—”
Hebrokeoffasthesoundofanapproachingcarechoedagainstthewallsofthebuilding.Rodrigo
pulledhis.45automaticoutofhisbeltandeasedtothenearestwindow.Helookedoutcovertly,and
thenrelaxed.
“It’sthem,”hesaid,puttingthepistolup.

MARQUEZWASDRIVINGHISpickuptruckwhenhepickedGloryupatthefarmhouse.Hewas
dressedlikeacowboy,injeansandbootsandwide-brimmedhat.

Shegotinbesidehim,smilingtoherself.“Youdoblendin,don’tyou?”sheteased.
“Youhavetowhenyou’retrackingpeople,”heassuredher.Hegrinnedasheglancedather.Shewas
wearingthesamegearhehadon,exceptthatherlonghairwasinabununderaberet.“You’llblend
inprettygoodyourself.”
“Thanks,”sherepliedasshefastenedherseatbelt.“Youdidsaynothingflamboyant.”
“Idid,didn’tI?”
Hepulledoutontothefarmroadthatledtothehighway.Shenoticedthathehadhisportablepolice
radioalong.“Ithoughtitmightbeagoodidea,”hesaidwhenhesawherlookingatitontheseat
betweenthem.“Justincaseanyeagerbeaverthinkshespotsillegaltrafficandtriestomuscleinon
mybust.”
“Youaren’tgoingtoarrestthem?”sheexclaimed,frightenedforRodrigo.“Wearen’tevensurethat
they’reinvolvedwithFuentes.Notyet,atleast.”
Hegaveherapointedlook.“I’mnotworkingforthelocallaw.Ihavenojurisdictionhere.”
“Oh,”shesaidsheepishly.
“Butifthere’sagenuinedrugdealgoingdownhere,we’recallinginHayesCarson,”headded,
referringtoJacobsCounty’ssheriff.“Iwon’tletthemwalk.”
“Youmayhaveto,”shesaid,tryingtoreasonwithhim.“It’sFuenteswewant.”
“We’vealreadygotFuentes,aslongasyou’realive,”heremindedher.
“Wehavehimforonecountofconspiracytocommitmurder,”shereplied.“Hecouldwalkonthat
charge,evenwithmytestimony.He’salreadywalkedononedrugdealingcharge,butifwecanlink
himtothedrugnetworkinthisarea,wecangethimonanironcladchargeofconspiracytodistribute
controlledsubstancesaswell.That’safederalchargeandhe’lldohardtime.”
Heglaredather.“Youdon’thaveanyjurisdictionhere,either,”heremindedher.“Andyourlifeis
alreadyontheline.IfwecanspookFuentesbycuttinginonhisdrugdeal,hemightbackoffon
tryingtocapyou.”
“Nicethought,buthedoesn’thaveareputationforbackingoff,”shesaid.“Lethimsendhishired
killer.CashGriersaidhe’sgotaguywatchingme.”
Marquezlookedworried.
“Nowwhat’swrong?”sheasked.
“Grierhadalow-levelthiefworkingforhimasafarmlaborerforRamirez,”hesaid,“togetreduced
timeonhissentence.HetalkedtotheD.A.aboutit.”
“And?”sheprompted.
“Andtheguyskippedtownyesterday.”
Herheartjumped.Therewasn’tanybodywatchingher.Shewasinmoredangerthanever.
“There’sstilltheundercoverfed,”hesaid,tryingtoreassureher.“It’sjustthatnobodyknowsexactly
whoorwhereheis.”
She’ddonesomethinkingaboutthat.“Iwonderiftheundercoveragentcouldbeawoman,”shesaid
aloud.
Heglancedather.“Consuelo,youmean?”
Shenodded.
“Notachance,”herepliedcurtly.
Histonewasworrying.“Whatdoyoumean,nochance?”
Hestartedtospeakwhentheradioblaredbetweenthem.
Itgavetwo“ten-codes”inrapidsuccession.Marquez,whoknewallthepoliceintheareabytheir
frequenciesandcallsigns,pickeditupandlookedattheglowingscreen.

“Damn!”hemuttered.
“Whatisit?”
“DEA,”hemurmured.
“What’stheDrugEnforcementAdministrationdoingdownhere?”sheasked,puzzled.“Doyouthink
they’rewatchingthefarm?”
“Well,it’spossible,isn’tit?”heasked,frowning.“Imean,theyhadanagentkilleddownhere—Lisa
Parks’sfirsthusband,WaltMonroe.Anotheroftheiragentswasshot,butnotkilled,whenahuge
cocainebustwentdowninHouston,followedbyashootoutinJacobsvillewithCaraDominguezand
hergangnottoolongago.TheyhavegoodreasontobeinvolvedwithtryingtoputFuentesaway.”
Shegrimaced.“Therighthandneverknowswhatthelefthand’sdoing,”shemuttered.“Theyplay
theircardstooclosetothechest,Rick.”
“They’vehadto.Theyhadamole,”headded,notinghersurprise.“Averyhighlevelmole,sothey
hadtohaveout-of-stateDEAagentscomeinandhandletheHoustoninvestigationundercover.That’s
howtheynabbedDominguez,whokidnappedachildandwasapprehendeddownhereafterthegun
battle.Butinthisracket,there’salwayssomebodytostepintoadruglord’sshoes.”
“LikeFuentes,”sheagreed.Shestaredattheradio,whichhadgonesilent.“Whatdoyouthinkthey’re
doing,monitoringorgettingreadytoclosein?”
Hethoughtforaminute.“Idon’tthinkthey’drushinunlesstherewasasizableamountofproductto
confiscate.YoucanbetthatFuentesisn’tconductingasalepersonally.”
“Lovelythought,though,isn’tit?”shesighed.
Theradiocrackledagain.“Backoff,”camealowvoice,anewone.“Everything’sonschedule.I
repeat,backoff.”
“Likehell!”camethetersereplyinadeep,slowvoice.
SheandMarquezexchangedlooks.
Theradiowentdead.
Theywereparkedonaslightrise,behindabuilding,outofsightofthewarehouse.Atruckanda
long,darkcarwereparkedonthesidestreetthatranalongsidethestructure.Astheywatched,two
meninsuits,onewithabriefcase,gotintothedarkcaranddroveoff.Aminutelater,twoothermen
cameout,alsowithabriefcaseanddivedintothepickuptruck.
Thetwovehiclespeeledoutinanoisymanner,justasathirdvehicle—thisoneanunmarkedcarbut
withbluelightsgoing—pulledontothestreetwherethewarehousewaslocated.
Inseconds,allthreevehiclesweregone.Thecarwiththebluelightswasinhotpursuit.
“Nowthatwasinstructive,”Marquezsaidthoughtfully.
“Adrugdealwentdown,”shesaid,“andifthosewereagentsontheradio,theyletitgodown.Or
mostofthemdid.Somebodydidn’tfollowordersandgavechase.”
“Whichindicatestomethatthey’vegotsomebodyontheinside,”heagreed.“Thelawenforcement
vehicleisapuzzle,though.Itcameinsilentlyandwithonlytwowordsofradiotraffic.”
“Inoticedthat,”shesaid.
“Iwonderwhoitwas—local,stateorfederalofficers.”Hedrewinabreath.“Well,we’renotgoingto
doanygoodouthere.I’lltakeyouhome.”
“Thanks.”Shetriedtoappearnormal,butshewasfakingit.She’drecognizedoneofthetwomen
whogotintothepickuptruck.ItwasRodrigo.

MARQUEZWALKEDHERTOthefrontporch,goingslowlytoallowforherslowerprogresswith
thecane.He’ddrivenaroundforafewminutessothatifConsuelocamehomeearly,itwouldlookas

thoughGloryandMarquezwereoutonadate.Itwouldn’tdotocomehometooearly.
“Consuelo’scarisn’there,”shenoted.
“Probablystillatchurch,”hesaid,buttherewassomethinghewasn’tsayingoutloud.
Sheturnedtohimontheporch.“WhatdoyouknowaboutConsuelothatyouaren’tsharingwith
me?”
Heshrugged.“Nothingdire,”hereplied.“ShehasacousinwhoworksforatruckingbusinessinSan
Antonio,andhe’soccasionallyhelpedwithillegaldrugtransport.Wekeephimundersurveillance.”
“Youdon’tthinkConsueloismixedupinthisbusiness?”sheaskedworriedly,becauseshelikedthe
olderwoman.
“Ofcoursenot,”hesaidatonce.Hedidn’tletherseehiseyes.
“Thankgoodness.Ilikeher.She’sbeengoodtome,”shesaid,smiling.
Hesmiledback.Goodthing,hethought,thatshecouldn’tseehiseyes.“Nevertheless,watchyourstep
here.I’mhavingsecondthoughtsaboutpressuringyoutoworkatthefarm.I’velandedyouinanest
ofvipers.”
“Onlyoneortwo,”shereplied.“Thanksforlookingoutforme,”sheadded.“Icantakecareof
myselfmostofthetime,butthisisn’tanormalcircumstance.”Shesighed.“Imissmyjob.”
“I’msureyoudo.Itwillstillbewaitingwhenyougetbackthere.Alive,”heemphasized.
Shegrimaced.“Okay,I’lldowhatIhaveto.”Shelookedupathim.“Ineverthoughtitwaspossibleto
hatefruitsomuch.IthinkI’llgagfortherestofmylifeeverytimeIseeapeach!”
Hechuckled.“Ioftenfeelthesameway,whenIhavetohelpmymotherputuppreserves.”
“Ilikeyourmother.”
“Me,too.Watchyourself.”
“Iwill.Youdothesame.”
Heonlysmiled.Shewatchedhimashegotintohistruck,threwupahandandpulledoutofthe
driveway.
Sheopenedthedoorandwentinside.Itwasdarkinthehall,butsheknewthelayoutofthehousetoo
welltoworry.Butassheturnedtowardthekitchentogetasmallglassofmilktotaketobed,she
collidedwithatall,muscularbody.
Shecriedout,frightened.Shehadn’tseenorheardanything.
“Relax,”Rodrigosaid.Heflippedthelightswitchandstareddownatherintently.“Wherehaveyou
been?”
Shewasstillgettingherbreath.Shefeltsick,too,whichwouldneverdotolethimsee.Shegripped
hercanefirmly.“IwentforaridewithRick.”
Hefrowned.“Rick?”
“Marquez,”shesaid,notquitemeetinghiseyes.“Wewentsteadyinhighschool.Iranintohimatthe
grocerystoryrecentlywhenConsueloandIwentshopping.”
Therewasalong,tensehesitation.Hisblackeyeswerenarrowandintentonherface.
“Idon’thaveacurfew,doI?”sheaskedsarcastically,tohideheranxiety.Itwaspainfultoknowfor
surethathewasmixedupinFuentes’sdrugoperations.Especiallyinlightofthepossibilitythatshe
wascarryinghischild.
“No,”herepliedcurtly.“Nocurfew.Howseriousisit?”
Shefrowned.“Iswhat?”
“YouandMarquez.”
Sheblinked,searchingforananswer.Shedidn’twanttoputRickinasituationwherehemight
becomeatarget.Ontheotherhand,itwouldn’thurttohaveRodrigothinkshehadalliesinlaw

enforcement.
“We’refriends,”shesaidfinally.
“Wheredidyougo,forthis…drive?”heaskedslowly.Andhesmiled.Itwasthemostdangerous
smileshe’deverseen.
Shewasn’tgoodatpretense.Sheavertedhereyes.“Justintotown.”
Heknewshewaslying.He’dseenMarquez’svehiclenearthedroppoint,withtwopeopleinthecab.
Hecouldn’tfigureoutwhatMarquezwasupto,unlesshewasdatingGlorysothathehadsome
informationaboutRodrigo’smovements.Thatwasdisquieting.Thingswereatacrucialpoint.
“Seeanythinginteresting?”hepersisted.
Shelookedup.“Notreally.”
Hiseyeswerecoldandquiet.“Youdon’twanttoputyourselfintothemiddleofsomethingyoudon’t
understand.”
“Excuseme?”
“Marquezhasenemies,”hesaid.“He’smakingmorebytheday.Youputyourselfatriskjustbybeing
nearhim.”
Hereyeswidened.“You’rejealous,”shesaidpertly,tryingtothrowhimoffthetrack.Itwouldn’tdo
forhertoblurtoutanythingaboutthatwarehouseorthedrugdealsheandRickhadwitnessed.
Thatdisconcertedhim.Heblinked,thenscowled.“Jealousofacop?”hescoffed.
“Hurtsyourego,doesn’tit?”shepersisted,“thatIwentfromyoutohim.Wouldyouliketoknow
howhecomparesasalover?Ooh!”
Evenintheirbriefintimacy,he’dneverkissedherlikethis.Heenvelopedheragainsthistall,
muscularbodysothatshecouldfeelitagainsteveryinchofherownsoftone.Hismouthdevoured
hers,probing,insistent,hungryforaresponse.Shegavehimonebecauseshecouldn’thelpherself.
Hewastheonlymanshe’deverwanted.
Herarmswentunderhisandaroundhim.Shemoanedhuskilyasthekissescalatedintoareasof
sensualityshe’dneverexperienced.
Groaning,hebackedherintothewallandpusheddownagainsther,sothatshecouldfeelthegrowing
evidenceofhisdesireforher.
Hersofthandstuggedathisshirtandeasedtheirwayunderit,upagainstthewarm,strongmusclesof
hisback.Shefeltthemrippleathertouch.Withoutliftinghismouth,hecoaxedthemtothefront,to
thethicknessofhaironhischestwhilehe,too,workedatfastenings.Secondslater,shefelther
breastsburythemselvesinthatthickhair,enjoyingtheexquisitefeelofskinonskin.Inthesilenceof
thehouse,theonlysoundswerethoseofraggedbreathingandfaintmoans.
Shedidn’thearhercanefall.Shehardlynoticedwhenheswungherupinhisarmsandcarriedher
downthehalltoherroom.
Helockedthedoorbehindhimandfellwithherontothebedinatangleofarmsandlegsand
clothingthatsoonmergedintoanurgent,hardrhythm.
Shefelthiminsideherwithasenseofwonder.Hewasveryaroused,evenmoresothantheirfirst
time.Helostcontrolquickly.Itwasn’tplanned.Hedroveforsatisfaction,groanedharshlyashefelt
herbodyarchinguptoaccepthim,pleadingformore,more…more!
Hislastconsciousthoughtwasthatshewassoarousedthathewasn’tsurethathecouldmanageto
satisfyher…

SHECOULDN’TSTOPTREMBLING.Hehadn’tmanagedtoeasetheterribletensionhe’daroused
inher.Shefelthimreachhispeakandlayshiveringandcryingunderhimwithherownfrustration.

“Shhh,”hewhisperedatherear.Hemovedagainsther,veryslowly,feelinghersurgeuptohim,
pleading.
“Ididn’t…”shechoked.
“Iknow.Easy,querida,”hewhispereddeeply.“Easy.Movewithme.Don’tbesoimpatient.Iwon’t
stopuntilIsatisfyyou.Ipromise.DowhatItellyou.”
Shehadtofighttoslowdown.Butwhenshedid,sheunderstood.Itwasfrightening,thewayit
increasedherpleasure.Everymovementofhishipswassweetanguish.Everykissagainstthe
softnessofherbreastsbroughtawaveofdelight.Ashemoved,herlonglegscurledaroundhis,
feelingthepowerandstrengthofthemasheshiftedhisweight.
“Itwasn’tlikethis,before,”shewhisperedfrantically.
“Iknow.”Hedidn’tsoundpleased.Hisvoicewasrough.Hismovementswerefierce,demanding.
“Don’ttalk.Liftuptome.Hard.Hard!”
Sheobeyedhiminarapturousfogthatdeniedthepaininherhip,thestupidityoflettinghimthis
closeagain.
“That’sit,”hewhispered.Henippedathershoulderasthesoftnoisestheymadegrewquickerand
louder.“Yes!”Hecaughtherthighinhishandandpulleditup.Thesensationshefeltwerealmost
frightening.Hefelthershudder,heardhercryofsurpriseasthepleasurenotchedupanotherlevel.
“Oh…!”shecriedout,arching.“Oh!I…can’t…!”
Therhythmwasfranticnow,notcontrolledorcontrived.Hemovedup,pushedharder,harder,asa
redwaveofpleasurestartedtoenvelopehim.
Hernailsdugintohim.Sheopenedhereyes,shockedasshesawthetaut,frozencontoursofhisface
aboveher.
“Yes,”hewhisperedroughly.“Watchme…!”
Shecouldn’tclosehereyes.Thepleasureshookthemboth,convulsedtheminafree-formworkof
artastheyjoined,closedandthenrivetedthemselvesintoonehumanbeing.
Hismouthcrusheddownonhersasshescreamed,ahusky,high-pitchedhelplesssignofthe
unbearablepleasurehewasforcinghertofeel.Shearched,convulsed,archedagain.Andallthewhile
shelookedathim,lettinghereyesfillwiththebeautyofhisface,hisbody,ashedroveintoherand
finallybegantoshudder.
“¡Dios…mio!”hecriedoutjustastheconvulsionsbroughthimalmosttounconsciousness.
Shebithisshoulderhelplessly.She,too,wasdrowninginaseaofpleasuresovastthatshefeltit
wouldneverend.Sheheardherownharshsobsassheburstintowaveafterwaveofdelight.
Butitdidend.Slowlytheworldcamebackintofocus,anditwasover.Thebrief,beautifulexplosion
ofjoywasgone.Theylaytogetherinatangled,dampheap,shiveringintheaftermath.Shefelther
heartbeatincreasedangerouslyandconcentratedonslow,steadybreathingtobringitdown.She’d
neverfeltsuchsensationsinherlife.
Hewaslookingattheceiling.Hehatedhimselfforgivinginoncemoretothisweakness.Shewasn’t
likehim.Shewouldneverfitintohisworld.Shewasgettinginvolvedwithacopandhiswhole
operationwasinjeopardy.Andnow,outofjealousyhe’dneveradmitfeeling,he’djustdoubledhis
chancesofmakingherpregnant.Itdidn’tmakehimfeelmuchbettertorealizehowmuchshe’d
enjoyedhimthistime.Andhowmuchhe’denjoyedher.
“DodescribehowMarquezcompareswithme,”heinviteddarkly.
Shewastryingtogethermindtowork.Itwassluggish.“Icouldn’ttellyou,”sheconfessed.“I’ve
neversleptwithhim.”
Hedidn’tknowhowhefeltaboutthat.Proud,maybe?Arrogant?Hestretched,feelinghismuscles

achefromthetensionthey’dbeenunder.
Herolledoverandlookeddownather.He’dtossedherglassesontothebedsidetablewhenthey’d
endeduphere.Herlongblondhairwastangledaroundherflushedface.Herbig,greeneyeswere
wideandcurious.
Hepushedthetangledhairawayfromhercheekandthecornerofhermouth.“You’reimproving.”
Shesighedheavilyasshestaredupathim.Hereyeswereaccusing.
“Iknow.It’sallmyfault,”hemurmured.Hebentandkissedhersoftly.“Isowedmywildoatsalong
timeago.I’mnotusuallysoeasytoarouse.”
Shewantedtocommentthathiswildrideavoidingthepolicemighthavehadahandinhislossof
control,surgingadrenalinemakinghimvulnerable,butshedidn’tdare.
“Youcouldhavesaidno,”hepointedout.
“No,Icouldn’t,”shesaidinaconversationaltone.“Youwouldn’tstopkissingmelongenough.”
Heshruggedhisbroad,darklytannedshoulders.Musclesrippledthere,whereoneofherhandswas
resting.“It’saddictive.”
Sheknewitwasaddictive.Shecouldn’trefusehim.Itwasworrying,whenshe’dbeenafraidofmen
formostofherlifeandsingularlyunattractedtojustabouteverymanshe’deverknown.Thenhere
camethisfarmworkerandshecouldn’tgetoutofherclothesfastenough.Itwasdemeaning,ina
way.
“DoIdetectthesoundofmentalflogging?”heasked.
Shebitdownhardonalaughthatescapedanyway.“Youcan’texpectmetobeproudofthewayIreact
toyou,”shepointedout.“Iwashappywithmylifeuntilyoucamealongandtotallyuprootedit.”
Hetracedherthineyebrowswithhisforefinger.“Ihavenoticedyourlackofrestraint,”he
commentedwithamusement.Hiseyesmethersinthedimlightoftheroom.“We’vedoubledour
chancesofproducingachild.”
“Ididnotice.”
“Whatdoyousuggestthatwedoaboutit?”hepersisted.
Itwasaquestionshedidn’twanttoanswer.Infact,shedidn’tknowhowtoanswerit.Partofher
wantedthechild.Anotherpartwasscared,notonlyofhavingachildbutofthehiddenRodrigo,the
drugdealerwhomightendupinprison.Worse,shemightbeinstrumentalinhelpingtoputhimthere.
She’dwitnessedhimleavethewarehouseinthecompanyofCastillo,runningfromapolicecar.
She’dhavetotestify.
Whileshewasstrugglingwiththatquestion,thethemesongfromtheMexicansoccerteam,fromthe
WorldCupin2006,blaredoutfromsomewhereonthefloor.
“Damn!”hebreathedsoftly.
Hegotoutofbed,gatheringuphisslacks.Hedugintothepocketandansweredit.“Yes?”
Therewasalongpause.
“Iknow,”headded.
Therewasanotherpause.
“He’dbetterhopehecanoutrunmeonthewaytotheborder,”hereplied.“YoucantellhimIsaidthat.
Yes.I’lltalktoyoulater.”
Heclosedthephone.Distracted,hedressedquicklyandgatheredupherclothing,droppingitontothe
coverletwhichshe’dpulledupoverherbody.
Hepausedattheheadofthebedandstoodjustlookingather.“Whenthingssettledownaroundhere,
we’regoingtohavealongtalk.”
“Aboutwhat?”

Hesighed.“Idon’treallyknow.Butifthere’sachild,youknowwehavetomakedecisions.”
“Thatwouldbeaverylongshot,”shelied.“I’vehadnosymptomsofpregnancy.”
Hefeltoddlydisappointed,butheknewitwasforthebest.Thelastthinghewantedwastobetiedto
thiswomanfortherestofhislifebyachildhewouldn’tbeabletodeny.Eventhoughhewanteda
childverybadly,Glorywas,frankly,notthesortofwomanhe’dwantforitsmother.Hethoughtof
Sarinaandhefeltsickallover.Itwasalmostlikecommitingadultery,hereflected.Hefeltguilty.
“That’sgood,”hesaidafteraminute.Hehesitated.“Inevermeantthistohappen.”
“Iknow.NeitherdidI.”
Hereacheddownandbrushedhismouthgentlyoverherdampforehead.“Youwererightaboutone
thing.”
“Whatthing?”sheasked.
“Iwasjealous,”heconfessed.
Heopenedthedoorandpulleditshutbehindhimwithquickfinality.
Glorylayinthesoftsemidarknessthinkinghoweasilyshewalkedintotrapsofherownmaking.

9
THENEXTDAY,GLORYwasstillfloggingherselfforthenightbefore.Shehadtostopletting
Rodrigowalkuponherblindside.Shewasalmostcertainlypregnant.Sheneededtotalktoadoctor
beforeshewastooadvancedandseejusthowmuchofariskshewouldbetakingifshedecidedto
havethebaby.Thelongershefeltthesymptoms,themoreattachedshebecametothetinything
growinginsideher.Shewanteditwithallherheart,regardlessofthecomplicationsitwouldmeanto
herphysically,aswellastoherjob.
Meanwhile,shenoticedthatConsuelowasoddlynervous.Shekeptpullingouthercellphoneand
checkingtomakesureitworked.Inbetween,sheworkedwithsomedistraction,onceevenforgetting
toputsugarinthefruittheywerecanning.
“What’swrong?”Gloryaskedgently.“IstheresomethingIcandotohelp?”
Theolderwomanlookedatheroddly.Shegrimaced.“IwishIhadknownsomeonelikeyoumany
yearsago,”shesaidenigmatically.“Itseemedthatthewholeworldturnedagainstme.Ihadnobody
whoevenofferedhelp.”
Glorysmiledgently.“YouknowI’ddoanythingIcouldforyou.”
That,strangely,seemedtomaketheolderwomanevenmoreuncomfortable.Herteethclampedtight.
“Thankyou,”shesaidtightly.“Butit’stoolate.”
BeforeGlorycouldaskanotherquestion,Consuelo’scellphonerang.Thewomanalmostpoppedit
intotheboilingfruitasshefumbledtoopenit.“¿Sí?”shesaidatonce.Shelistened,winced,glanced
atGloryandwincedagain.“¿Loesabsolutamentenecesario?¿Estásseguro?”Shehesitated,listened,
andfinallysaid,“Sí,”againandhungup.
“It’ssomethingbad,isn’tit?”Gloryaskedquietly.
“Yes,”camethereply.Consuelodriedherhandsandtookoffherapron.Shewouldn’tmeetGlory’s
eyes.“Ihavetogoout,justforafewminutes,tothestorefor…formoresupplies.Youcanmanage
herealone,yes?”
“Ofcourse.”GlorytookConsuelo’splaceatthestove,stirringthefruit.Sheforcedasmilethatshe
didn’tfeel.Somethingwasverywrong,andGlorywasalmostcertainithadtodowithherself.“Don’t
rush.I’llbefine.”
Theolderwomanflashedheralookofutterhorror.“You…youbecareful,okay?”shestammered.“I
won’tbelong.”
“Okay.”
Consuelowentoutthedoorwithoutlookingback.Gloryheardhercarstart,andthenspeedaway.
Sheturnedoffthestoveatonce,herheartpounding.Shewasn’tsurewhatsheknew,butshesensed
dangerallaroundher.Herjobhadmadehermoresensitivetodanger,especiallynow.Consuelo’s
erraticbehaviorwastoodisturbingtoignore.Shemovedquicklytoherroom,lockedherdoorand
punchedinCashGrier ’sofficenumberonhercellphone.Beforeitevenstartedtoring,sheheardthe
backdooropenwithaslam.
“Whereisshe?”ayoungmalevoicedemanded.
“HowshouldIknow?”anotherrepliedtersely.“Lookforher!”
Shehungupanddialedtheemergencyservicesnumber.
“JacobsCountyDispatch.MayIhelpyou?”
Glorygaveherinformationsuccinctly.“I’maloneandunarmedandtherearesomemeninthe
house,”shesaid.“Ithinktheymeantohurtme.”
“Twominutes,”thedispatchersaid.“Stayontheline.”
Inthebackgroundsheheardthealarmgoouttolocalpolice.Therewasstatic,thedispatcher ’ssteady,

firmvoice,andaclear,answering“10-76”inadeepvoice,followedbyawailingsirenthatsheheard
simultaneouslyonthephoneandoutside.Theremustbeasquadcarnearbyifthedispatchersaidhe
couldmakeittoGloryintwominutes.Itwasabigcounty.
Nowifthepolicejustmadeitintime…!
Therewereheavyfootsteps,mutteredcurseswhentheytriedthelockedbedroomdoor.Glorymoved
barefootedtobehindthedoorandliftedhercaneoverherhead.Ifanybodymanagedtobreakinthat
heavyolddoor,shewasgoingtogetinthefirstblow.DamnFuentes!Shethoughtfuriously.Damn
himforacoward,sendingotherpeopletodohisdirtyworkforhim!
Whatsoundedlikeabootslammingintothedoorechoedinthehall,butitdidn’tbudge.Thena
shoulderhitthedoor,withthesameresult.SheheardcursesinSpanishandthen,suddenly,furiously,
gunshotswentrightintothedoor,whereshewouldhavebeenstandingifshehadn’tgottentheideato
ambushherattackers.Oneofthebulletsshatteredthewoodaroundthedoorknobandanothertookout
thekeyhole.
“Gotyounow,blondie!”thedrawlingvoicecarried.
Butevenasthedoorstartedtoopen,thesirengrewloudandacarcouldbeheardracinguptothe
porch.Herheartwasracing,too.Theoldfamiliarpaincamewithit,stingingdownherleftarm.But
shewasfullofbravado,nevertheless.
“Whatthehell…!”oneofthevoicesexclaimed.
“It’stheheat!Shecalledthecops!”
“Andnowyoucantryshootingatthem!”sheraged.
“I’llgetyounexttime!”acold,angryvoiceinaccentedSpanishcamethroughthewood.“IswearI
will!”
“Likehellyouwill!”mutteredanew,deeplydrawlingmalevoice.
Therewerethudsandrunningfeet,agunshotthatsoundedfartherawaythanthehall,andtheneven
louderthudsechoedinthehall.Thentherewassilence.
“Ma’am,areyoustillontheline?”thedispatcheraskedworriedly.
“Yes,”Gloryassuredher.“There’sfightinginthehallandagunshotoutside.I’mlockedinmy
bedroom.”
“Juststaythere.”
“Youbet!”
Anotherexclamation,anotherthud.Thensilence.
Therewasaknockonthedoor.Sheheardthesamedeepvoicethathadansweredtheintruder.
“Ma’am,it’sthepolice.Youokayinthere?”
Shedidn’tknowwhetherornottoanswer.
Therewasstaticoutsidethedoorandsheheardthesamevoicecomeoverthelinewhenthe
dispatcheransweredthecall.
“It’sreallythepolice,”thedispatcherassuredher.“Youcanopenthedoornow.”
“Thanks,”Glorysaidhuskily.“Thankyouverymuch.”
“Mypleasure.”
Gloryhungupthephoneandopenedthedoor,carefully.Atall,powerfullookingpoliceofficerwith
blackhairandglitterypalegrayeyeswastoweringaboveher.Henotedtheupraisedcane.
“Oops.Sorry,”shesaid,loweringittoherside.“Sorry.”
Hemanagedafaintsmile.“Goingtobraintheguy,huh?Idon’tknowifitwouldhavehelped,he’sso
thick-skulled.”
Shemovedoutintothehallandnoted,shakily,thatamanwasfacedownonthefloorwithhishands

cuffedbehindhim.SheknewbeforetheyturnedhimoverandhelpedhimupthatitwasMarco.
Heglaredatherwithhatefulblackeyes.“I’llbeoutbymorning,blondie,”hespatather.“Andyou’ll
bedeadbynight!”
“Oh,Iwouldn’tbetonthat,”thepolicemandrawled.
“No,meeither,”hisyoungercompanion,alsoinuniform,agreed.Hehadblondhairandanicesmile.
“Youokay,ma’am?”
“I’mfine,thankstobothofyou,”shereplied.
“Doyouknowthisman?”
“Yes,”shesaid.“He’sourcook’sson.”
“Therearebulletholesthroughyourdoorthere.Washetryingtoshootyou?”thefirstofficerasked.
Shehesitated.Shedidn’tdaretellthemthetruth.Marcoknewthat,andhewasgrinninginasarcastic
fashion.
“Idon’tknow,”shelied.
Marcoonlylaughed.“Smartgirl,”hesaid.
Theofficerswerelookingsuspicious.Glorylookedpastthem,andCashGrierwalkedin.“Ijustgot
word,”hetoldGlory.Helookedathistwopatrolofficers.“Takehimbythedententioncenter.We’ll
chargehimwithaggravatedassault.I’llwalkherthroughthestatement.”
“Inevertriedtohurther!”Marcoargued.“Ionlywantedtotalktoher.”
CashlookedpointedlyatthebulletholesthatwentthroughGlory’sbedroomdoor.“Badly,
apparently,”hesaid.
“It’sherwordagainstmine,”Marcosaidsmugly.“I’llbeoutintwenty-fourhours.Igettocallmy
lawyer,right?”
Fuenteswouldhavethebestlawyersmoneycouldbuy.Gloryhadneverfeltsofrustrated.Sheglared
atMarco.Itwouldalmosthavebeenworthblowinghercovertochargehimwithattemptedmurder
andgivethereason,whichwouldleadbacktothemanshewascertainheworkedfor—Fuentes.
“Takehimoutofhere,”Cashtoldtheofficers.“I’llbealong.”
TheywalkedMarcodownthehall.
Gloryleanedagainstthedoorfacing,catchingherbreath.Herheartwaspounding,andshehadpain
downherarm.
“Sitdown,”Cashsaid,easingherintoachairjustinsideherroom.“Doyouhavemedicine?”
Sheshookherhead.“Notwithme.”Itwashardtobreathe.Hardertotalk.
“Icancallanambulance.”
Sheswallowed.Thatwouldcomplicatethingsevenmore.Sheconcentratedonbreathingsteadily.
Slowlythepainbegantoebb.ShelookedupatCash.“I’llbeallright,”shesaidsoftly.“Thisisn’tthe
firsttimeI’vehadthisproblem.”
“It’sangina,isn’tit?”heasked.
Shenodded.“Theygavemenitroglycerintablets,”shesaid,pausingtobreatheagain.“ButI’drather
doanything…thantakethem.Theyhurtmyhead.”
Heleanedagainstthedresser,frowning.“Knowingyourmedicalhistory,Ihavetowonderifyou’re
suicidal,consideringyourlineofwork.”
“Howodd,”shemused.“That’sexactlywhatmydoctorsaid.”
“Maybeyoushouldlistentohim.Rightnow,I’mallforputtingyouinasafehouseunderprotective
custody.”
Sheshookherhead.“Ifyoudothat,Fuenteswins.Marcomissed.Hethinkshe’llwalk.NowFuentes
willdohisbesttohaveMarcokilled,too.Hedoesn’tforgiveslipups.”

“Youthink?I’mwonderingwhyamanasdangerousasFuenteswouldsendadrug-crazedteenage
gangmembertodoaprofessionalhit.”
Shefelttheblooddrainoutofherface.Shehadn’tseenit.Nowsherealizedthatitwasasetup.The
realkillerhadsentMarcointotestthewater,toseethereactiontimeoflocallawenforcement,tosee
howGlorywouldreact.
“Itwasstaged,wasn’tit?”sheasked,andhorrorwasinhereyes.
“Ithinkso,”hereplied.“Atestrun.”
“Yes.”Shemanagedtobreathenormallyagain.“Sowhatdowedonow?”
Cashwasthinking,hard.Hewasn’tsureofanything,exceptthathewishedheknewwhattheDEAwas
doinginJacobsCounty.IthadbeenoneofCash’snewmen,thegray-eyedonewho’drushedto
Glory’said,who’dignoredanorderfromtheDEAtobackoffwhenadrugdealwentdownin
ComancheWells.Nobodyknewexactlywhotheundercoveragentwasorwhathewasupto,and
federalagenciestendednottoshareintelwithlocalpoliceunlesstheyhadto.
“Whatthehellisgoingonhere?”cameafamiliardeep,faintlyaccentedvoice.Glorylookedupand
Rodrigowalkedintotheroom.Helookedatthebulletholesinthedoor,atCashandthenatGlory
withrealconcern.“Niña!”heexclaimedgently,modifyinghistoneashekneltbesideher.“¿Estás
bien?”
Herheartjumpedbecausehe’dusedthefamiliartense,onethatSpanish-speakingpeopleonlyused
withlovedonesorchildren.Shemethissearchingblackeyesandfeltsafe.Unthinking,sheheldup
herarmsandhewentintothem,envelopingheragainsthim,rockingher,smoothingherhair.Shefelt
tearspouroutofhereyesandhatedshowingweakness.Butshe’dbeenscared.Reallyscared.Her
heartwasstillactingup.Shefeltvulnerable.
“Whathappened?”RodrigoaskedCash.
“It’salongstory,”Cashreplied.“I’mnotatlibertytodivulgewhatIknow.”
Rodrigo’seyesnarrowed.Heknewthisman,andhiscontacts.He’dbeenchasingadruglord,but
someonewasafterGlory.Hedidn’tknowwhy,andheknewitwasuselesstoaskCash.Plotswithin
plots,hethoughtirritably.Butatleasthewasusedtosecrets.
“Canyoutellmewhodidthis?”heasked.
“Marco,”Glorymurmuredagainsthischest.“Marcodidit.PoorConsuelo!”
“Whereisshe?”Rodrigoasked.
“Shehadtoruntothestore.Shehadaphonecall.Shelookedverystrangewhenshehungup,andshe
saidshehadtogoout,”Glorysaid,hervoicemuffledagainsttheclean,nice-smellingfrontof
Rodrigo’schambrayshirt.
RodrigolookedintoCash’seyes,andtheothermanknewatoncewhotheDEAhadworking
undercoverhere.Hehadn’trecognizedRodrigo,whomhe’donlyseeninthedarkduringastandoff
withCaraDominguezseveralmonthsago.He’drarelyseenthatlookinanotherman’sface,butitwas
alltoofamiliar.RodrigowasobviouslyinvolvedwithGloryinsomemannerandhelookedasifhe
wantedtotakeseveralbitesoutofMarco.HeseemedfiercelyprotectiveofGlory.ButCashcouldn’t
blowRodrigo’scover—orGlory’s.Ifthesituationhadbeenalittlelesspotentiallyfatal,itwould
havebeencomedy.Bothofthemwerekeepingdiresecretswhich,apparently,theyweren’twillingto
sharewitheachother.
“Shhh,”RodrigowhisperedatGlory’sear.“It’sallright.You’resafe.Nobodyisgoingtohurtyou
here.Neveragain.Iswearit.”
“Iwasthinkingofhavingsomeonecomeoverheretoworkforyou,justtokeepaneyeonher,”Cash
said.

Rodrigoglancedathim.“Thatwastriedoncebeforeanditdidn’twork.I’lltakecareofher.”
Itwasaveiledwarning.WhenCashsearchedhismemory,hebegantorememberotherthingshe’d
heardaboutthisagent.Themanhadbeeninvolvedinmercenaryworkformanyyears.Hewasso
goodatwhathedidthattherewasapriceonhisheadinalmosteverycountryonearth.Forthepast
threeyears,he’dworkedfortheDEAoutofArizona.He’dactuallygoneundercoverinManuel
Lopez’sdrugoperationandhelpedbringthemandown.Morerecently,he’dbeeninstrumentalin
CaraDominguez’sarrestandconviction.NowhewasafterFuentes.Cashknewit,buthecouldn’t
admitit;certainlynotinfrontofGlory.
“Iwashidingbehindthedoorwhenhetriedtocomein,”shemuttered,wipinghereyesasshepulled
gentlyawayfromRodrigo’scomfortingarms.“Iwasgoingtobrainhimwithmycane.Buthestarted
shootinginstead.”
“ThankGodyouwerebehindthedoorinsteadofinfrontofit,”Rodrigosaidtersely.
“WhatwillyoudowithMarco?”sheaskedCash.
“Bookhim,lockhimupandhopethejudgewillsetbailatamilliondollars.”
Glorychuckled.“Oh,IthinkMarySmithwilldothatifyouaskherto.She’sarenegade.Shehates
drugdealers.”
“Youknowajudge?”Rodrigoaskedherwithnarrow,suspiciouseyes.
Herheartskipped.“Iknowofher,”shesaid.“Oneofmycousinsgotintroublewiththelawandshe
heardhiscase,”sheliedcalmly.
“Isee.”
“You’llhavetotestify,”CashtoldGlory.“You’retheonlyeyewitnessI’vegot.”
Storyofmylife,shethought.“Ididn’tseehim,though,”sherepliedsadly.“Ionlyheardhim.”
“Trytogetaconvictiononthatevidence,”Rodrigomurmuredabsentlyasheexaminedthebullet
holes.“AgooddefenseattorneywillswearthatMarcocametoherassistanceandwasfalsely
accused.”
“Butthere’sthegun,”Glorybegan.
Cashgroundhisteethtogether.
“What?”sheasked.
“Wedidn’tfindagun.”
“Theregoesyourcase,”Rodrigoreplieddryly.
“Thereweretwoofthem,”Glorysaid.“Theotherone,theonewhogotaway,probablytookthegun
withhimwhenheheardthesirens.Marcowasbusytellingmethathe’dgetmenexttime.Soyougot
him.”
“I’llkeephimaslongasIcan,”Cashpromised.“Butitwon’tbetheonlyattempt.”
“She’llbesafehere.”Rodrigorepeated.HelookedfromGlorytoCashandbackagain.“Idon’t
supposeeitherofyouwouldliketotellmewhymycook’sassistantisattractinghiredkillers?”
CashandGloryexchangedglances.
“Soweplaymusicalchairsandtwentyquestions,whileMarco’sbossplansafoolproofwaytotake
herout,isthatit?”Rodrigoasked.
“Wethinkthiswasadryrun,”Cashsaid.“Toseeaboutresponsetime,andGlory’sreactiontoan
intruder.”
“He’llbewisernexttimeandhitinthemiddleofthenightwhenshe’sasleep,”Rodrigosaidcalmly.
“Ifsomeonewouldloanmeagun…”shebegan.
“No!”Cashsaidatonce.
“Onemiserabletaillight,”shebeganhotly.

“Andawindshield,”hereturned.“Nogun.”
Rodrigowasawarethattheyweretalkingaboutsomethingtheywouldn’tsharewithhim.More
secrets.“We’llworkoutsomethinghere,”RodrigoassuredCash.Hiseyesnarrowed.“I’dlikeaword
withyoubeforeyouleave.”
Cashfeltlikeanentrée.Heknewhewasn’tgoingtolikewhatthemanhadtosay.“I’llwaitoutside.”
HeturnedtoGlory.“Yousure,abouttheambulance?”
Shewasstillstrugglingtobreatheproperly.“Yes.Thanks.”
Rodrigosmoothedherhairandstoodup.“Iwon’tbeaminute,”hetoldher.“Liedown.You’ve
alreadyhadmoreexcitementthanyouneed.”
Shenodded.Shemovedslowlyacrossherroom,ignoringthebulletholes,andallbutcollapsedon
thecleancoverofthebed.

ONTHEWIDEFRONTPORCH,CashandRodrigostoodfacingeachotherlikeprizefighters
searchingforanopening.
“You’dbettertellmewhat’sgoingon,”Rodrigosaidquietly,waryofeavesdroppers.
“Thesamewayyou’vekeptmeinformed?”Cashreturnedcoldly.
Rodrigo’sblackeyesnarrowed.Thismanwasintelligent,andhewasn’tthesorttoacceptlies.“I
supposeyou’verealizedwhoIam,andwhyI’mhere.”
“Yes.”
“That’sallyou’reallowedtoknow,”hereplied.“I’msorry.Thisisn’tmyoperation.Ihavetodowhat
I’mtold.”
“Canyouatleasttellmeifwhatyou’redoinghasanyconnectionwithFuentes?”
Rodrigonodded.“Wehaveamole,”hesaid.“He’sfeedingusinformation.Ihadtogoundercoverto
workoutthedistributionnetwork,andit’sformidable.IstillhaveonecousininFuentes’semploy,
althoughManuelLopezhadoneofmycousinskilledforinfiltratingsomeyearsago.”Hestuckhis
handsinhispockets.“There’sashipmentofcocainecomingfromPeruinabouttwoweeks.Weknow
howit’scomingintothecountry,andwhatthedestinationis.”
“There’sanemptywarehouseinComancheWells,”Cashsaideasily,“andit’snotwheremanypeople
couldnoticeactivityatit.”
Rodrigonodded.“Wemettherelastnight.”Hiseyesgrewcold.“Someoneinanunmarkedsquadcar
almostgotmekilledbyrefusingtobackoff.”
Cashgrimaced.“It’soneofmynewpatrolmen,I’msorrytosay.He’sbackfromoverseasduty,an
officerinafrontcombatunitandhe’sforgottenhowtotakeorders.Actuallyhewasspecialforces,
workingbehindthelines.”
Rodrigonodded.“We’vehadafewofthosesignonwithus.They’revaluableintherightposition.
Butthey’realiabilitywhentheydon’tfolloworders.”
“Itoldhimso,”Cashreplied.“Hewon’tdoitagain.”
“We’restilldancingaroundtheattemptedmurderhere,”Rodrigosaid.
“Inoticed.”
“Whatdoesshehave,orknow,that’simportantenoughforsomeonetosendakillerafterher?”
CashweighedthefactsanddecidedthathehadtolevelwiththemansomehowwithoutgivingGlory
away.“ShehasinformationthatcouldtieFuentestoamurder.Aconvictioncouldhaveserious
consequencesonthenetwork.Fuentesdoesn’twanthertalkingtoajury.”
Rodrigowhistled.“Talkaboutcoincidences,”hemused.“Andshewindsuphere,inthemiddleofa
drugsting.”

“Almostassassinated,aswell,”Cashreplied.
“Fuenteswouldn’tsendMarcotodoajoblikethat.Marcohasn’tgotwhatittakesforwetwork.No,
hewassentheresothathecouldbeusedinadryrun.Nexttime,Fuenteswillsendaprofessional
assassinandwe’llburyGlory.”
“That’swhatItoldGlory.”
Rodrigoeyedhim.“Andthecasecomesupsoon,Igather?”
“Yes,”Cashsaid.“CertainpeopletalkedtothePendletonsandgotGloryhiredasakitchenworker.
Theprosecutorinthecasethoughtshe’dbeinlessdangerinasmalltown,wherewecouldallkeep
aneyeonherwhilehebuildsenoughevidencetoconvinceajurythatFuentesiskillinginformants
whoratouthisdrugdeals.”
“Marquezandyou,Iassume,beingthepeoplewhoplantowatchher?”
“Ihadaguyworkingforyouwhowassupposedtokeepmeintheloop.He’sgone.”
“I’mstillworkinghere,”Rodrigoreplied.“NothingwillhappentoGlory.”
“Youcan’twatchheraroundtheclock,”Cashsaid.“Letmehelp.”
Theothermangrimaced.Hefeltsuddenlyvulnerable.He’denjoyedGloryasapastime,butthe
thoughtoflosinghertoabullethadhithiminthegut.Hecouldn’tbearthethoughtthatshemightbe
killed.Strangehowmuchithurthimtothinkofherlyingdead.
“Yourprosecutorshouldhavesentabodyguardwithher,”Rodrigocommented.
Cashchuckled.“That’sahoot.Whosebudgetwouldpayforit?”
“Notours,”Rodrigohadtoadmit.“I’mnotchargingthemforovertime.”
“You’dnevergetit,ifyourbudgetislikeours.”
“Itis.Nobodyhasmoneytosparethesedays.”Hedidn’tmentionthathewaswealthyenoughtohave
donehisjobwithoutpay.Thelastthreeyearshe’dworkedfortheDEAhadbeenfornootherreason
thantobeSarina’spartner.
“Okay,”Cashsaid.“I’llhavesomeoneavailabletotailherifsheleavesthefarm.Canyoucoverher
here?”
“Yes,”Rodrigosaid.
“ThenmaybewecankeepheraliveuntilFuentesgoesontrial.”Hepursedhislips.“Marco’smother
isinvolvedinthis.Youknowthat.”
“Yes,”theothermansaidheavily.“Herhusbandisinfederalprison.Marcojustgotout,andifwecan
provehehadagun,it’saviolationofhisprobationandhe’llgorightbackin.PitythatConsuelo
allowedherselftogetmixedupinthis.”
“She’ddoanythinghersonaskedherto,”Cashsaid.“He’sallshe’sgot.”
“It’sashame.”
“Yes.”
“Areyougoingtochargeher?”
Cashshiftedhisweight.“Onwhatevidence?We’regoingtohavehellevenholdingMarcoonany
chargesthatwouldstandupincourt.”
“Thesorrylittlesneak,”Rodrigomuttered.“I’dliketogivehisfaceamakeover.”
“Notallowed.Remember,we’rethegoodguys.”
“Rearranginghisfacewouldbegood,”Rodrigosaidpleasantly.
“Youdon’twanttomeetupwithBlakeKempinacourtoflawdownhere.He’sjustbeenappointed
districtattorney.Ourelectedonehadastrokeanddied.Kemp’shandlingthejobuntilelections,andI
betyouhe’llrun.He’salegallegendalready.”
Rodrigowhistled.“Iknow.Damn!”

“That’sjustwhatthelawlessaresayingaboutnow,”Cashchuckled.“He’shellondefendants.”
“Hewasspecialforces,too,Ibelieve,alongwithCagHart.”
Cashnodded.“We’refairlyblessedwithex-militaryaroundhere.Ifyouneedhelp,I’lldoanythingI
can.”
“Thanks.”
“Didyouhearaboutyourex-partner?”Cashadded.
“Sarina?”
“Yes.”Cashgrinned.“She’spregnant.”
Rodrigofeltthewordsasiftheywereaphysicalblow.Shehadn’tsaidawordtohim.She’dhadthe
opportunity,atthefiesta.“Itmustbewonderfulnewsforthem.”
“Yes.AndyWebbattherealtycompanytoldmeaboutit.Theyweregoingtomovedownhere;even
boughtHobDowney’splacetobuildon.ButnowtheywanttostayinHoustonwheretheHunterslive,
sothey’reputtingthepropertybackonthemarket.Isupposethey’reprettymuchsettledinHouston.I
don’tknowhowSarina’sgoingtokeepupherDEAjob,though,inthatcondition.”
Rodrigoonlynodded.Hefeltasifacold,hollowplacehadopenedupinsidehim.
“Well,I’llgetoutofhere.Ifyouneedus,letmeknow,”Cashadded.“We’llputextrapatrolsoutthis
way.”
“Tellyournewpatrolmanthatthenexttimeheignoresanorderfromme,he’llbecarriedfeetfirst
intothenearestemergencyroom.”Rodrigodidn’tsmilewhenhesaidit,andhiseyeswerefullof
mutedanger.
“Oh,I’vealreadytoldhimthat,”Cashreplied.Hegrinned.“Idon’ttoleratedisobedience,either.”
“Butyoucanthankhimforbeingonthespottoday,”theMexicanadded.“Evenifitwasadryrun,
Marco’sunpredictable.Glorymightbedeadifhehadn’tbeensoquick.Iowehimforthat.”
“I’lltellhim.”
“AndwhatI’mdoinghereisstilltopsecret.”
“Iknewthat,too.Takecare.”
“You,too.”
CashdroveoffandRodrigowentbackinside.Hefeltsickallover.Sarinawaspregnant.Shehadn’t
toldhim.Shehadn’tphonedorwritten.Washeofsolittleimportancetohernow,aftertheirthree
yearsofintensefriendship,thatshedidn’tevencareenoughtosharehergoodnewswithhim?
Hefeltlostandalone.Allhisdreamsweredead.HewasnevergoingtobetheonlymaninSarina’s
life.Itwasahardblow.
HewalkedbackdownthehalltoGlory’sroomandpausednexttoherbed.Hercheekswerevery
flushedandshewasstillupset.
Hesatdownbesideheronthebed.SheremindedhimalittleofSarina.Butshewasn’tasintelligent,
orasbrave.Sarinacouldshootagunandshe’dfacedoffbadguyswithhimovertheyears.Thispoor
shellofawomanwashidingoutbecauseshecouldputFuentesonthespotinamurder.Hecouldn’t
imagineSarinahidingfromanyone.
Butitwasn’tfairtocomparethem.Sarinawasinexcellenthealth.Thisyoungwomanhadhealth
problemsthatmadehermorevulnerable.Hewasbeingunreasonablebecausehewashurt.
HereachedoutandsmoothedbackGlory’ssofthair,watchingitrainbowaroundherflushedface.
“Feelingbetter?”heaskedquietly.
“Yes,”shesaidhuskily.“I’llbeallright.Youlooksad.”
Heavertedhiseyes.“PerhapsIam.”
“IsthereanythingIcandotohelp?”

Helookeddownatherwithnarrowedeyesandconsideredtheonethinghecouldaskherthatwould
notonlyhelphimheal,butshowSarinathathewasn’tgoingtospendtherestofhislifegrieving
becausehecouldn’thaveher.
“Yes,”hesaidinaconversationaltone.“Asamatteroffact,thereis.Youcanmarryme.”

10
“MARRYYOU?”GLORYexclaimed,andreallyhadtofightforbreaththen.
“Whynot?”heasked.“We’regreattogetherinbed.Welikethesamethings.Wegetalongwell.”
“But,we’renotinlove,”sheprotested.Shedidhavefeelingsforhim,butshewasn’tgoingtovoice
them.Atleast,notwhilehewasstillmourninghisprettyblonde.
“Whatislove?Mutualrespectandfriendshipseemtometobeequallyimportant,”hereplied.His
eyesnarrowed.“You’rereluctant.IsitbecauseIearnmylivingwithmyhands,workingasa
laborer?”
Hereyeswidened.“No,notatall,”shesaidsimply.“Iadmireyou.”
Helookedsurprised.“Why?”
“Becauseyoudealwithpeoplesowell,withdiplomacyandtact,”shebegan.“Younevershoutor
demeantheotherworkers.Yougooutofyourwaytobekindtowomenandchildren.You’rehonest.
Youdon’tmindhardwork.Andyouaren’tafraidofanything.That’swhy.”
Hehadn’texpectedalistofhischaractertraits.Hewassurprisedthatshefeltthatwayabouthim.He
wasn’twhathepretendedtobe,butsheacceptedhimeasilyasifhewere.Foryears,women—other
thanSarina,ofcourse—hadwantedhimforwhathecouldgivethem.Herewasonewhothoughthe
waspooranddidn’tmind.Itwashumbling.
“I’mflattered.”Hiseyesnarrowedastheylookedintohers.“There’ssomethingelse.Somethingyou
aren’ttellingme.”
Sheavertedhereyes.
“Comeon,”hecoaxed.
“IheardwhatyousaidtoConsueloaboutme,”sheconfessed.“ThatIwasn’tthesortofwomanwho
attractedyou…thatIwastooplain…”
Hepulledherintohisarmsandheldher.“Badtemper,”hemuttered.“IsaythingsIdon’tmean
sometimes.Ididn’tmeanthat.”Heliftedhisheadandlookeddownather.“Ireallydidn’tmeanit.”
Sherelaxed.
Heletherbackdownandproppedhishandbesideherear.“Youdon’twantmychildren,”hesaid
quietly.Hispridestillstungfromhavinghertellhimthat.
Shegrimaced.“Ididn’tmeanthat.Notreally.”Shewasstilluncertainaboutherabilitytocarrya
child.“I’vebeenthinkingthingsover,andIwouldn’tmindhavingachild.”
Hiseyebrowswentup.Hisfacerelaxedintoaradiantsmile.“Truly?”
Shesmiledback.Herheartjumpedattheexpressionthere.“Truly.”
Hetracedhersoftmouthwithhisforefinger.“Thensupposeyoumarryme?”
Itwascrazy.Shecouldn’tgetmarried;herjoblefthernofreetime.Shecouldn’thaveachild—it
mightkillher.Butshewasalmostcertainlypregnantalready.Ifshecouldfindagooddoctor,who
wouldkeepclosecareofher,itmightnotbetoodangerous.Afterall,she’dheardaboutGrace
CarverwhohadabadheartvalveandshesurvivedpregnancywhenshemarriedFBIagentGaron
Grier.IfGracecoulddoit,whycouldn’tGlory?Besides,withherpast,shedidn’twanttohavethe
babyoutofwedlock.Thoseold-fashionedvaluesshe’dbeentaughtearlyinlifedidn’tgoawayeasily.
“Comeon,”hechided.
Shelookedupathimandsmiled.Shenevertookrisks.Shewasalwaysconservative.Buttherewasa
promiseofheaveninthoseblackeyesandherheartwascuttingcartwheelsinsideher.“Yes,”shesaid,
andrefusedtothinkoftheconsequences.
“Yes,what?”heteased,likingthehelplessresponseshegavetohistenderardor.
“Yes,I’llmarryyou,”shewhispered.

Hiseyesflashed.Secondslater,hismouthwasagainsthers,hardanddemanding.Shewantedhim.She
didn’tmindifhedidn’thaveapennytohisnameandshe’dneverbefinanciallysecure.Hisheartwas
flying.ShewassolikeSarina…
Hepulledawayfromherandsatup.Shelookeddreamy,happy.Hefeltguiltybecausehewasusing
her,inaway,toescapethepainofrejection.Butshe’dneverhavetoknow.Theycouldstaytogether
forawhile,enjoyeachother.Then,later,perhapstherewouldbeachild.Thethoughtwassuddenly
depressing.Hewasonlykiddinghimselfthathecouldbehappywithasubstitute,eveniftherewasa
child.ShewouldneverbeSarina,andherchildwouldneverbeBernadette.Thepainwaslikearope
aroundhisheart,chokinghim.
“When?”sheasked,interruptinghisthoughts.
Hegotupandhesitated,frowning.“Whendoyouwantto?”
Shehesitated,too.Helookeddifferentsuddenly.Perhapshewashavingsecondthoughts.Sheshould
starthavingthem;herlifewasindangerandshewaslivingalie.Shehadnobusinessmarrying
anyone…
“Today,”hesaidabruptly.“Rightnow.”
“Rightnow?”
“Wecanbeovertheborderinnotime,”hesaid.“Mexicanweddingsarebinding.”
Herheadwasswimming.Fuenteshadsentakillerafterher.Marcohadpumpedbulletsthroughher
bedroomdoornotahalfhourago.Therealkillerwasstilloutthere,andshewasgoingofftomarry
amanwhowasprobablyadrugdealer,evenifhewasn’taconvict.
“What’swrong?”heaskedgently.
Shecouldn’ttellhimallthat.Notnow.Shelookedupintohisdarkeyesandknewthatitwouldn’t
matter.Whateverhewas,shewasalreadyinlovewithhim.Itwasfartoolateforsecondthoughts.
Eveniftheyhadonlyalittletimetogether,surelythatwasbetterthanhavingnomemoriesofloveat
all?
“Nothing’swrong,”shelied.Shegottoherfeet.“I’mgameifyouare.”
Hetookherwaistinhislean,stronghandsandlookeddownintohersoftgreeneyes.“You’retaking
meonfaith,”hesaidquietly.“IknowyoususpectthatI’mnotwhatIseem.We’vedancedaroundit,
butIknowyouwerewithMarquezlastnight.AndIknowwhereyouwere,Glory.”
Shefeltnumb.Shedidn’twanttohavetothinkabouthisnocturnalactivities.Shewantedtomarry
him.Shewantedtolivewithhim.Herfacereflectedhertroubledthoughts.
“Youdidn’tknowwhereMarquezwasgoing,didyou?”heaskedslowly.
Shetooktheopeningheofferedher.“No.Hesaidweweregoingforadrive.”
Hepursedhislips.“DidhetellyouwhyhewaswatchingthewarehouseinComancheWells?”
“Oh,yes,”sheagreed,lyingthroughherteeth.“Hesaidtherewasadealgoingontosmuggleillegal
immigrantsintothecountyandhidetheminthatwarehouseuntiltheycouldbetakentosafehouses.”
Hefeltaweightliftfromhim.SoMarquezwasn’tonhiscase.Hewasworkingsomethingtotally
differentandhadprobablysuspectedRodrigowaspartofanimmigrantsmugglingenterprise.It
madehimfeellessthreatened.
“Rodrigo,”shesaidgently.“Youaren’tgettingmixedupinsomethingthat’sagainstthelaw,are
you?”sheaskedworriedly.
Hesighed.Hecouldn’ttellherthetruth.“WillithelpifIgiveyoumysolemnwordthatfromnowon,
I’llneverstepoutsidethelaw?”
Hereyeswerebeautiful,radiant,fullofdreamscomingtrue.“Willyou?”sheaskedandsounded
breathless.

Hesmiled.“Yes.”
“ButIwouldhavemarriedyouevenifyouweremixedupinsomethingillegal,Rodrigo,”shesaid
gently.“AlthoughI’dhopethatyou’dgiveitup,forme.”
Hefeltlikeaboyonhisfirstdate.Hestartedsmilingandcouldn’tstop.
“IpromisethatI’llneverhurtyou.AndI’llprotectyoufromanyonewhomeansyouharm.Ifwe’re
married,wecanshareabedroom,andnobodywillgetnearyouatnight.I’lltakecareofyou.”
Herheartflew.Shesmiled.Herfacelitup.“I’lltakecareofyou,too,”shesaidimpishly.
Hechuckled.“Youwill?Howkindofyou.”
Shehuggedhim,impulsively,layinghercheekagainsthisbroadchestinperfectsafety.“Inmywhole
life,”shesaidsoftly,“I’veneverfeltassafeasIdowhenI’mwithyou.”
Thatmadehimfeelevenmoreguilty,buthedidn’tletitshow.Hefoldedherclose.“That’showIwant
youtofeel.”
Hesavoredthewarmcontact,thinkinghoweasilyhecouldhavelosthertoMarco’sinsanity,could
stilllosehertoviolence.Hewonderedexactlywhatshe’dseenthathadputherlifeindanger.He
meanttofindout.Butnottoday.
Afteraminute,heeasedheroutofhisarms.“We’dbettergetgoing.”
“WhataboutConsuelo?”sheaskedsuddenly,worried.
Hiseyesdarkened.“We’llpretendsheknewnothingaboutitandbideourtime.”
“Doyouthinkshereallywaswillingtolethersonkillme?”
Helookeduncomfortable.“Idon’tknow,Glory,”hesaidhonestly.“Idon’tthinkshewantedhimto.”
“NeitherdoI.HebelongstotheSerpientesgang,”sheadded.“Theydon’tforgivemistakes.”
Hecockedhisheadashestudiedher.“No,theydon’t.”HewonderedifMarquezhadtoldherabout
that.Howelsewouldsheknowaboutabigcitystreetgang?
“Hemaynotlivelongenoughtofacecharges.”
“Trueenough.”
“PoorConsuelo.”
Hetuggedalonglockofblondhair.“You’restillconcernedaboutlastnight,aren’tyou?”he
murmured.
Hemeantthedrugdrop.Shereachedupandputherfingersoverhishardmouth.“Idon’tcarewhat
youare,whatyoudo,”shesaidhuskily.“IonlyknowthatI…Icareaboutyou,andItrustyou.Itwon’t
matter.Noneofitwillmatter.”
Hecaughthisbreathaudibly.Shethoughthewasacriminalandshedidn’tcare.Shewantedhim,no
matterwhat.Itwasveryhumbling.
“Oneday,itmight,”hesaidhonestly.
“Thenwe’llfacethatdaytogether,whenitcomes,”shesaidstubbornly.
Hesmiledgently.“IknewyouwerespecialthefirsttimeIsawyou,whenyoudrovemeupawall
jokingaboutthecancan.”
“Youdidn’tlikemeverymuch.”
“ActuallyIdid,”hereplied.“AndIadmiredyou.Itwasn’thardtonoticethatyoudidn’tletthelimp
keepyoudown.Youhaveastrongwill,andagoodheart.”
Shewantedtoaskabouttheblondewoman,theonehecaredfor.Maybetherehadbeenatruebreakup
there.Butshewasacoward.Shedidn’treallywanttoknow.She’dmakehimloveher,somehow.She
knewshecould,ifshetried.She’dkeephersecretaboutthebabyandaboutherrealjob,andgo
forwarddaybyday.

THEYWEREMARRIEDINasmallchapelbythevillagepriest.Hedidn’tspeakEnglish,but
Rodrigo’snativetonguewasSpanish,sotheygotby.Shehadn’taskedaboutrings,butRodrigo
producedoneattheceremonyandsliditontoherringfinger.Theweddingringwasacomplex
embossedbandwithwhiteandyellowgoldinitspattern.Thecompanionbandwasequallydetailed
andcontainedalargediamond.Itmusthavecostafortune.Shewantedtoprotest,butitwastoolate.It
wasalittlesnugonherfinger.Shewondered,andhatedherselfforit,ifhe’dboughtthatsetfor
someoneelse—thatblondewoman,perhaps.
“They’rebeautiful,”shesaidastheydrovebackacrosstheborder.
“What?”
“Myrings,”shereplied,glancingathim.“Howeverdidyougetthemsoquickly?”
“I’vehadthemforafewmonths,”hesaidnoncommittally.
Shehatedthem.Shewantedtowrenchthemoffherhandandthrowthemoutthewindow.Thatwould
neverdo.Hewasgrievingforthatblondewomanandherchild.ButifGlorycouldbepatient,
perhapsshecouldmakehimloveher.Then,then,she’daskabouttheweddingandengagementrings.
Whenshecouldsafelytellhimaboutthechildshewascertainshewascarrying,hemightbuyhera
newsetofrings,purchasedjustforher.

CONSUELOWASINTHEkitchenwhentheygothome.She’dbeencrying,andshelookedsick.She
jumpedwhenthebackdooropened.
“You’reallright,”sheexclaimedwhenshesawGlory.“Iwassoworried!WhenIgotback,youwere
gone,andallIcouldgetfromtheworkerswasthattheyheardsirens!Marcocalledmefromthe
detentioncenterandsaidheneededalawyer.Whatfor?”
Rodrigodidn’tsmile.“MarcoputtwobulletsthroughGlory’sbedroomdoor,tryingtoshoother.”
Consueloseemedhorrified.“No.Oh,no,hewouldn’thurtyou.There’sbeenamisunderstanding,
that’sall,”shesaidfirmly.“Iknowthey’vearrestedhim,buthesaidhewasonlytryingtogetyour
attention.Itwastheotherboywhoshotthegun.Hesaidthepolicemanchargedhimwithassaultand
accusedhimoffiringtheshots,butMarcodoesn’thaveagun,youknow.He’sonparole,sohe’d
havetogobacktoprisonifhehadagun.”
Talkabouttryingtoliveindreams,Glorythought.Poorwoman.Shecouldn’tstopdefendingherson,
evenwhenhewascaughtred-handed.
“Besides,thepolicedidnotfindagun,”Consueloadded.Shestaredatthemandthen,slowly,beganto
realizethatGlorywaswearingrings.Hereyeswidened.“Youaremarried!”sheexclaimed.
Rodrigosmiled.“Yes.Wewentacrosstheborder.”
“Butyoushouldhavetoldme!Icanmakeacakeandwecanhaveaspecialsupper.”Shewasintotal
denial.Shepushedbackherwild,disheveledhair.“Imustseeifthereareenougheggs…”
“Consuelo,nottonight,”Rodrigotoldher.“IthasbeenaverylongdayforGlory.Sheisn’tfeeling
well,aftertheexcitementearlier.”
Theolderwomanlookedatherandnoticedtheflushedcheeks,thehauntedeyes.Shegrimaced.
“Pobrecita,”shesaidsoftly.“Iamsosorry.Sosorry!”
Glorywentforwardandhuggedhergently.“Youdon’teverhavetoapologizetomeforanything,”
shesaidsoftly.“Thankyouforthethought.ButI’dreallyratherjustliedownandnotthinkabout
eatingrightnow.I’mverytired.”
“Ofcourseyouare.”Consuelosteppedback.Foraninstant,hereyeslookedodd.Glorycouldn’t
thinkofawordtodescribethem.Butthen,shesmiled,andthelookwasgone.“Thinkwhatyouwould
liketohave,andI’llbringittoyoulater.Okay?”

“Okay,”Glorysaid,smiling.
Rodrigotookherarmandwalkedherdownthehalltoherroom,glaringatthesightofthebullet
holesinthewood.“Weneedtomoveyouintomyroom,”hesaid.
“Notrightnow,”shepleaded,laughingsoftly.“I’msorry,butIreallyamtired.Ijustwanttoliedown
forafewminutes.”
“Thatisn’tabadidea.Ihavetocheckonthemenandseehowthey’redoing.Castillowassupposedto
getthemstartedafterlunch,butIliketomakesure.You’llbeallright,”headded,bendingtokissher
softlyonhermouth.“Putyourcellphoneinyourpocketandcallmeifyouneedme.”
“Idon’tknowyournumber,”shereplied.
Heheldouthishand.Sheputherphoneintoit.Heflippeditopenandpulledupherphonebook,
frowningwhenhesawthenamesthere.“TheSanAntonioD.A.’soffice?”hemurmured.
“AbouttheFuentescase,”shesaideasily,forcingherselfnottoreact.
“Ofcourse.”Whatacoincidence,hewasthinking,thatbothofthemwereunderthegunbecauseof
Fuentes.Hepulledupanotherscreen,addedhisnumber,gaveitaspeed-dialnumberandhandedthe
phonebacktoher.“I’mspeed-dialnumberfifteen,”hesaid,andstartedlaughing.“Youmustspenda
lotoftimeonthephone.”
Hourseverydaywhenshewasatwork,butshecouldn’ttellhimthat.“Iworkforatemporaryagency
whenI’mnotcooking,”shetoldhimdemurely.“IhaveregularclientsthatIworkfor.”
Henodded.Hismindwasalreadyonwork.“I’llbebacksoon,”hepromised.Hehelpedherontothe
bedandkissedheronelasttime.“Youlookpretty,SeñoraRamirez,”heteased.Strange,howrightit
sounded.
Shefeltthesame.Shesmiledupathimwithherwholeheart.“SeñoraRamirez,”shesecondedwitha
sigh.She’dneverexpectedtomarryatall.Nowshewasmarriedtoamanwhomightbeadrug
smuggler.Butshewasn’tgoingtothinkaboutthattoday.Shewasgoingtosavorbeingmarriedto
thissexy,fantasticman.
Hewinkedatherfromthedoor.
Sheclosedhereyesanddriftedofftosleep.
Thatnight,shesleptinRodrigo’sarms.Itwasthefirstnightofheradultlifethatshe’dsleptwell.He
hadn’tapproachedhersexually,murmuringthatshe’dhadtoomuchexcitementalreadyforoneday.
Besides,headded,theyhadtherestoftheirlivesforthatparticularpleasure.

GLORYWORKEDINTHEkitchenwithConsuelo,asusual,buttheolderwomanwasclearly
distracted.Justaboutnoon,thephonerangandsherushedtoanswerit.
“Marco?”sheexclaimed.“Whereareyou?What?No.No!Howcouldtheyhavefoundit?Oh,that
idiotboy,Iwarnedyou…!”SheglancedatGlory.ShewasspeakingSpanish.Glorywasworking
away,apparentlyignorantofwhatherco-workerwassaying.“Iwillfindanattorneytorepresentyou.
Yes,Iunderstand.Iwill.IsaidIwill,Marco!Don’tworry,I’llfindawaytogetyouout.Justdowhat
theysayfornow.Yes.Yes.Iloveyou.”
Shehungup,movingbacktothestovewhereGlorywasstirringthelastbatchofpeaches.
“Badnews?”Gloryasked.
“ThatidiotboythatMarcohangsoutwithhadthepistol.Hewastheonewhoshotatyourdoor,
becausehewasdrunk,”Consuelosaid.“NowherunsawayandMarcoischargedwithbreaking
parolebyowningafirearm.Icouldstranglethatboy!”
NothingwaseverMarco’sfault,Glorydiscerned.Itwasalwayssomebodyelsewhomadethemistake
andblamedMarcoforit.

“Youdidnotseewhofiredthegun?”Consueloasked.
“Ofcoursenot,Iwasbehindthedoor,”Glorytoldher.
“Marcoswearsitwasn’thim.”
GlorywasrememberingMarco’sthreat,thathe’dgether.Shedidn’twanttomentionittoConsuelo,
ortheirgoodworkingrelationshipwouldbeover.ItdidstingalittlethatConsuelowastakingupfor
hersonwhohadtriedtoshootGlory.
“TheyareholdingMarcoatthedetentioncenter.Imustgoandtakehimsomemoney.Canyou
manage?”
“Yes,”Gloryassuredher.
“Thereisonlythislastbatchofpeachpreservesandthenwehavenothingtodountiltheapplescome
in,soitshouldn’tbehardtofinish,”sheadded.
“I’lldofine.Goaheadandseeaboutyourson.”
Consuelotookoffherapronandsmoothedherblouseoverherslacks.Odd,Glorythought,those
pantslookedasiftheyweremadeofsilk.Sodidtheblouse.Thatwasanexpensiveoutfittowearina
kitchen,surely?
“Iwon’tbelong,”Consueloassuredherwithasmile.
“Okay.”

WHILECONSUELOANDRODRIGOwereoutofthehouse,GloryphonedDr.LouColtrain’soffice
andgotanappointmentwithherforthatafternoon.Consuelowouldsurelyeatlunchbeforeshe
returned,andRodrigowouldn’tmindcoldcutsforlunch—she’dleavehimanote,althoughshe
wouldn’tmentionwhereshewasgoing.
Itwasaslowdayattheclinic,soshegotintoseeLouearly.Thetall,blondewomandoctorsmiledat
herasshecameintothecubicle.
“MissBarnes?I’mLouColtrain.”
“Gladtomeetyou,”Glorysaid.Shesighed.“IwouldverymuchlikeforyoutotellmethatI’mnot
pregnant.”
Lou’seyebrowsarched.“Why?”
“It’saninconvenienttime.And,”sheaddedreluctantly,“Ihavehighbloodpressure.”
Louwassolemn.“Howhigh?”
Glorytoldher.
“You’remedicated?”
“Yes.”Shegavethedosageandstrengthofthecapsulesshetookforthecondition.
“Areyoumarried?”
Gloryflushed,andthenlaughed.“Yes.Justyesterday,inMexico.”
Louhesitated.“Youknow,abloodtestthedayafteryougetmarriedisn’tgoingtobeconclusive.”
“It’sbeenseveralweekssincemylastperiod,”Glorytoldher.“Thisamazing,sexymancameupon
myblindside.Icouldn’tresisthimthen,andIcouldn’trefusewhenheaskedmetomarryhim.He
reallywantsachild.”
Loupulledupherrollingstoolandsatdown.“Whatdoyouwant?”sheaskedquietly.
Gloryhesitated.“IthoughtIwantedmyjobandnocomplications.Butnowthecomplicationsare
muchmoreexcitingthanthejob.Mydoctorandmybosssentmedownheretogetmeawayfrom
stressanddanger.”
“Isee.”Louwaswritingonapad.“Yourdoctor ’snameandphonenumber?”
Glorygaveittoher.

“You’retakingabloodthinneraswellasthecombinationhypertensionanddiureticdrug?”
“Yes.”
“Anyangina?”
“Yesterday,”Gloryreplied.
“Whattriggeredit?”
“Amanshotatmethroughmybedroomdoor.”
Loustoppedwritingandgapedatherpatient.“Sothat’swhatwasgoingon!Weheardthesirens,and
somebodysaidthatashooterwaslooseonthePendletonFarm.Didtheycatchhim?”
“Intheact,”Gloryrepliedwithasmile.“Oneofthem,atleast.”
“Whywasheshootingatyou?”
“Ihaveevidencethatadrugdealerconspiredtocommitmurder,”Glorytoldher.“Ijusthavetolive
longenoughtogiveitincourt.”
“Allthatandababy…MissBarnes,youareawonder!”
“Señora,”Glorycorrectedinatonestillfilledwithwonder.“SeñoraRamirez.”
Lougrinned.“IstillrememberthefirsttimesomebodycalledmeMrs.Coltrain.Youdon’tquiteget
overthethrill,doyou?Okay,let’sdrawsomebloodandthenwe’lltalk.”

HALFANHOURANDONEemergencylater,LouwalkedbackintoGlory’scubicle,satdownand
smiled.
“Youhavedecisionstomake.”
“AmI?”Gloryaskedbreathlessly.
“Youare,”Loureplied.“Itcouldbeafalsepositivethisearly,butconsideringthesymptomsyou’re
having,Idoubtit.Ifyou’rethinkingofatermination,thisisthetimetodoit.Ifthat’swhatyouwant.”
“Itisn’t,”Glorysaidatonce.Shehesitated.“Thereisarisk,isn’tthere?”
“Haveyoubeentakingthebloodthinnersregularly?”
Glorysatverystill.“Yes.Ididn’tthink…!”
“Youneedtoseeyourowndoctor,”Lousaid,tryingnottosoundasworriedasshereallywas.
“Ican’tgobacktoSanAntoniorightnow,”Gloryreplied.“I’mawalkingtargetifIdo.”
“ThenIcanreferyoutoacardiologistwhocomesdownherefromHoustononedayaweek,”she
said.“She’sverygood.Andshe’sdueheretomorrow.”
“Thatwouldbenice.”
“Letherexamineyouandmakerecommendations.Thenwe’llalltalk.Includingyourhusband,”she
added.“He’spartofthis.Youcan’tmakesuchadecisionalone.”
“Imayhaveto,”Glorysaidsadly.“Ihaven’ttoldhimwhatIreallydoforaliving,orhowbadmy
healthproblemsare.”
“Isthatwise?”
“Notreally.ButIwasn’tthinkingofgettingpregnantwhenwe…”
“That’sthetimeyou’resupposedtothinkofgettingpregnant,”Louremindedher.“Especiallyahigh-
riskcaselikeyours.”
“Imessedup,”Glorysaid,butshesmiled.“Ihaven’thadmuchfamilylife.”BecauseLouwasa
sympatheticlistener,Gloryopenedupandtoldheraboutthepast,includingherfather ’stragicfate.
Lougrimaced.“Peoplewho’vehadlesstraumathanyouhavearealwaysblaminganabusive
childhoodfortheirproblems.Lookatyou.”
“Igotlucky,”Glorysaid.“Well,insomeways,atleast.”ShestaredatLou.“Iwantthisbabyvery
much.Pleasetellmethere’sachance…?”

“There’salwaysachance,howeverslim,”Loureplied.Herexpressionwassolemn.“Butyouneedto
speakwiththecardiologistbeforeyoumakeadecision.Itisn’tsensibletoloseyourlifebringinga
childintotheworld.”
“TellthattoGraceGrier,”Glorysaid,tongue-in-cheek.
Loulaughed.“Myhusbanddid.Itwasuseless,ofcourse.Gracewasaverydeterminedlady.”
“SoamI.Igraduatedlawschoolwithhonors,”sheadded.
“I’mnotsurprised.”

LOUSETUPTHEAPPOINTMENTforGlory.She’dhavetofiguresomewaytosneakoutofthe
house,shetoldherself,togettoitwithoutarousingsuspicion.Shedidn’tknowit,butthatproblem
wasabouttosolveitself.
Thefirstthingshenoticedwhenshewalkedintothehousewashowquietitwas.Noclocksticking.
Nosoundsfromthekitchen.Nowaterrunning.Nothing.Itwaslikewalkingintoatomb.She
wonderedwhyhermindhadcomeupwithsuchananalogyassheleanedonhercaneandfrowned,
listening.
Secondslater,theanalogyslammedthedoorbehindher.
“Atlast,”cameafamiliarvoice.“FinallyIhaveyouwhereIwantyou,alone,withnohopeof
escape!”

11
GLORYGRIPPEDTHEHEADofhercanetightlyinherhand.Shehadn’thungaroundwith
policemenanddeputysheriffsandTexasRangersforthepastfewyearswithoutlearningsomebasic
self-defensetechniques.Shehopedtheyweregoingtosaveherlife,becausesheheardapistolcock
behindher.
“Turnaround,”thevoicegrowled.“Iwantyoutoseewho’skillingyou!”
Glory’sheartwasracing,butshewasn’tgoingdownwithoutafight.Shewascarryinghergreat-
grandfather ’scane,whichhe’dusedtokillrattlesnakes.Itwasoiled,heavyanddeadly.Sheleanedon
thecane,asifitwerepainfultoturnaround.Shemovedveryslowly,untilshehadaglimpseoffabric
inthecornerofhereye.Then,suddenly,sheliftedthecane,pivotedquicklyonhergoodleg,and
swungtheheavycanewithallhermight.Therewasaharshcry.
Thegun,thecaneandConsueloallwentflyingacrossthefloor.Glorydidn’thesitate.Shedivedfor
thegunonthefloor,grabbeditandaimeditattheerstwhilecook,whowasstilllyingonthefloor,
tryingtofigureoutwhathadhappenedtoher.
Glorysatup,herbreathingsteadiernow.Shescootedbacktothetablewhereshe’ddroppedherpurse
andtuggeditdownontothefloorbesideher.Shefeltforherphone,nevertakinghereyesoff
Consuelo,whowasstirring.
Sheopenedtheflipphonewithherfreehandanddialed911.Whenthedispatcher ’svoicecameonthe
line,shegaveherinformationverycalmlyandaskedforassistance.
“Ma’am,isthereaguninvolved?”
“Yes,thereis,”Gloryrepliedtightly,“andI’maimingitatthewomanwhojusttriedtokillme.”
“We’llhaveaunitthereinnotime.Pleasestayontheline.”
Consueloturnedonthefloor.Shewassittingnow,feelingthelumponherheadthatshe’dsustained
whenGloryknockedherintothewall.Shegapedatherowngunbeingaimeddeadather.
Glorydidn’tblink.“Moveandyoudie,”shetoldtheolderwoman.
Consuelobegantoseeherpredicament.“Oh,it’sjustyou!”sheexclaimed.“ThankGod!Ihadword
thatsomeonewasgoingtokillme!”
“Nicetry,”Gloryreplied.
“They’llbelievemeifIsoundsincereenough,”Consuelopurred.Shestartedtogetup.
“Iwouldn’t,”Gloryreplied.Shecockedthegun,tryingtolookconfidentwhensheknewshe’dnever
hitConsueloevenifshecouldmanagetoholdtheheavythingsteadyenoughtofireit.
Thebluffmusthaveworked,becauseConsuelohesitated.
Glorywasprayingshewouldn’thavetoshoot.She’dprobablyhiteverythingintheroomexcept
Consuelo,withherbadaim.Shecouldn’tevenhandlea.22,andthiswasabig.45Coltautomatic.
Herhandtrembledholdingthegun.Consuelolookedatitwithincreasinginterest.Justassheworried
thatConsuelohadherpeggedandwasgoingtogetupandchargeher,sirensbecameaudibleand,in
seconds,theycamescreamingupintothefrontyard.Cardoorsslammed.
CashGriercamerunninginthebackdoor,flankedbytwoofhisofficers.
“Lookslikeyourgooseiscooked,”Glorytoldtheolderwoman.
“It’salljustamisunderstanding,”Consuelosaidwithashakysmile.“Ihadacallthatsomeonemeant
tokillmeandGlorycameinunexpectedly.”
CashmovedtowardGlory.“Thathowithappened?”heaskedher.
Shehandedhimthe.45.“Notquite.Iwalkedin,shecameupbehindmeandtoldmetoturnaroundso
thatIcouldseewhowaskillingme.”
“That’salie!”Consueloexclaimed.“Ihadacall…!”

Shestopped,whileoneoftheotherofficerstuggedhertoherfeetandhandcuffedher.
“Yes,youdidhaveacall,”Cashagreed.“FromFuentes,tellingyoutocarryoutyourassignment.”
Consuelogapedathim.
“Didn’tIthinktomentionthatwewiretappedyourphone?”headded.
Consuelo’sdarkeyesflashed.ShesmiledcoldlyatGlory,showinghertruecolorsatlast.“MaybeI
missed,”shesaid,“butFuenteswilljustgetsomebodyelsetocollectthebounty!”
“Iwouldn’tbetonit,”Cashtoldher.“Wehadhisphonewiretapped,too.”
“Brilliant,”Glorysaid.
CashhelpedherupwhileConsuelowastaken,stillcursing,outtothesquadcar.“Wegetlucky
sometimes,”hesaid.“Butthen,wegetproblemsaswell.Marquezdidgetawarranttowiretap
Fuentes’sphone,”headdedwithagrimace.“ButFuenteshasjumpedbail.Nobodyknowswherehe
is.”
Gloryfeltweakintheknees.Shesatdowninachairatthekitchentable.“SoConsuelowasright.
He’llsendsomebodyelse.”
“We’vegotadealworking,”Cashsaid.“Ican’ttellyouthedetails,butitinvolvesabigshipmentofa
veryillegalproduct.Fuenteshashadproblemswithhisdistributors.Ifhelosesthisload,wewon’t
havetogoafterhim.Hisdistributorswilltakehimoutforus.”
“CanIhelp?”sheasked.
“Sure.Don’tplaywithguns,”hesaid,poppingtheclipoutofthe.45.“Iheardaboutyourtarget
practicesessions.”
“Yes,well,IwouldhaveprobablyhitsomethingifI’dfiredthat,”shesaid,indicatingthegun.
“Goodthingyoubluffwell,”headded.“Youokay?”
Shenodded.“Youknow,Icamedownheretogetawayfromstress.”
“We’veremovedthehitwoman,”Cashsaid.“Andwe’reworkingonFuentes’soperation.Withany
luck,we’llhaveyoubackinSanAntonioinnotime.Ifyoureallywanttogo,”headded.“Weheard
aboutthemarriage,too,”headdedwithagrin.
“How?”sheexclaimed.“Ihaven’ttoldanyone!”
Cashlookeduneasy.Hefrowned.“Funny.Ican’trememberhowIfoundout.”
Thiswassuspicious.Somethingwasgoingonthatshewasn’tbeingtoldabout.
“Whotoldyou?”shepersisted.
Hewasbeginningtolookhuntedwhenatruckroaredupoutfrontandadoorslammed.Rodrigo
cameinthedoorlikeatornado.Hetookinthescene,darkeyesblazingwithconcern.Hischambray
shirtwasstainedwithsweat.Hisblackhairfelldamplyoverhisforehead.Itwasahotday.
“Iheardthesirensoutinthefields.Whathappened?”heasked.
“Justalittleproblemwiththehiredhelp,”Glorysaid,tryingtolightenthelookonhisface.
“Canyoutranslatethat?”heasked,approachingher.
Sheshifteduncomfortablyonthechair.Herhipwaskillingher.“WhenIcamehome,Consuelowas
waitingformewiththatgun.”Sheindicatedit,stuckinCash’sbelt.
“Consuelo?”Helookedabsolutelyshocked.HewentdownononekneeinfrontofGlory,hislean,
warmhandsstrokingherarms.“Didshehityou?Wereyouhurt?”heaskedworriedly.
Itwaslikegoingtoheaven.Shelovedthatlookinhiseyesthatwaspartconcernforherandpartfury
againstthepersonwho’dthreatenedher.Shefeltsafe.
“Luckilyyourwifeishandywiththiscane,”Cashinterjected.Heliftedthecane,feltitsweightand
frowned.“It’sheavy.”
“Itwasmygreat-grandfather ’s,”Glorytoldhim.“Backinhisday,menoiledtheircanes,sotheywere

heavierandcouldbeusedforself-protection.Heusedtokillrattlerswiththat.Goodthingformeit
wassturdy,becauseitonlytookoneswingtosendConsuelointothewallheadfirst.”
“Mybravegirl,”Rodrigosaid,andhiseyeswerewarmandsoftandfullofprideinher.
Shewantedtobelievethathisconcernwasreal,shewanteditsobadly.Sheflungherselfintohisarms
andheldonfordearlife,savoringthestrengthofhisembrace.
“Youhadtosaveyourself,again,”hesaidruefully.“That’stwice,inahandfulofdays.Twotimestoo
many.Ihavetotakebettercareofyou,SeñoraRamirez.”
CashnoticedtheringsGlorywaswearing.“That’saprettysetofweddingrings,”hesaid,hopingto
dighimselfoutoftheholehe’dalmostfalleninto.
“Oh,yousawthem,”GloryremarkedoverRodrigo’sbroadshoulder.Sherelaxed.SodidCash.
“I’dneverhavesuspectedConsueloasahitwoman.”Rodrigocursed,stillholdingGloryclose.“I
shouldhaveknown!IfMarcowasinonit,Consuelohadtobe.”
“She’sgotarapsheetaslongasmyleg,”Cashtoldhim.“Igatheryoudon’tdobackgroundchecks
here.”
“Foracook?”Rodrigomused.“Getreal.”
“Inoticedthatshewaswearingsilkslacksandblouses,”Glorycommented.“Ithoughtitwasrather
oddforworkinginakitchen.”
“Ishouldhavenoticedthat,too,”Rodrigomused.
Sheonlysmiled.Shedidn’twanttohurthisfeelingsbyremarkingthatafarmlaborerwouldhardly
knowsilkwhenhesawit.
Rodrigosawthatlookandhadtofightanangryresponse.Ofcourse,shewasn’tsupposedtoknow
thathewasanythingotherthanwhathepretendedtobe.HeglancedatCash.
“Glorywillhavetofilloutareport,won’tshe?”
“Yes,ifwe’regoingtochargeConsuelo.She’salsogoingtohavetofilloneoutonMarco—Iletit
slidebecauseshewassoupset.Ineverimaginedshe’dbedoingtwoofthem!”
“Idon’tmind,”GlorytoldCash.“Tellmewhattodo,”sheadded,pretendingthatshedidn’tknowthe
procedure.
Cashwalkedherthroughit,tryingnottolaugh.
“I’lldriveherovertothemagistrate’scourtandletherswearoutwarrantsformotherandson,”Cash
toldRodrigo.“Iexpectyou’regoingtobebusytryingtofindanewcook.”
“Pronto,”Rodrigoagreed,helpingGlorytoherfeet.“We’vegotshipmentstogetout,andthisisthe
lastofthepeaches.PityConsuelohadtorevealherselfnow.Ifshe’dwaitedafewdays,itwouldhave
beengreatforthefarm.”
“Idon’tthinkthefarmwasexactlyherpriority,”Glorymurmured.“I’lldomypartassoonasIget
throughhelpingChiefGrierlockMarcoandConsueloupforawhile.”
“Talktothejudge,”RodrigoadvisedCash.“Trytogethertosetbailupwardofamilliondollarson
eachofthem.”
“I’lldomybest,”Cashagreed.
“You’resureyou’reallright?”Rodrigoasked,becauseGlory’scolorwashigh.
“I’mjustfine.Alittleunsettledbyalltheexcitement,that’sall,”shereassuredhim.Herhiphurt,and
herheartwasbeatingfartoofast.Shehopedshewouldn’tdisgraceherselfbypassingout.
Henodded.“You’llbringherhome?”heaskedCash.
“Ofcourse.”
“Then,I’llgetonthephoneandstartlookingforacook,”Rodrigoreplied.
“YoumighttryAngelMartinez’swife,”Glorysaid.“She’sagreatcook,accordingtoAngel.”

Hegaveheralonglook.“They’reprobablybothillegal.”
“Youdon’tknowthat,”shetoldhimfirmly.
Hesearchedhereyesandthen,finally,smiled.“Allright.ButifIendupinfederalprisonfor
harboringillegals,you’llhavetobailmeout.”
“NobodyisgoingtoneedbailingoutexceptConsueloandherson,andyoucanquoteme,”Cash
assuredhimwithagrin.“Angelandhisfamilyaregoingtobejustfine.”Fortunatelyhedidn’tlookat
Glorywhenhesaidthat.ThetwoofthemhadcalledinfavorstogetAngel’scaseheard,hopefully
withgoodresults.Meanwhile,themanhadthreechildrentosupport,andhiswifedidn’twork.
“Whatwillshedowiththekids?”Rodrigoaskedwithsomeconcern.“Noneofthemareolderthan
seven.Shecan’tleavethemalonewhilesheworksoverhere.”
“Shecanbringthechildrenwithher,”GlorysaidtoRodrigo,smiling.“We’llkeepthembusywhile
wecook.”
Rodrigogaveheralonglook,buthedidn’tcomment.

SHEANDCASHSTOPPEDbythemagistrate’soffice,tookoutawarrantforMarcoforaggravated
assaultandoneforConsuelo’sarrestonattemptedmurder.Cashaddedoneforpossessionofa
firearm,becauseConsuelohadacriminalrecordandwasn’tallowedtoownagun.Gloryfilledout
reportsandchatted.TheMagistratewasfascinatedbythestory,especiallyherfoilingofthemurder
plotonherown.
“Thesedruglordsaregettingfartoopowerful,”hecommented.“Butwherethere’sademand,there
willbeasupply.Thatappliestomosteverything,butespeciallydrugs.”Heshookhishead.“WhenI
wasaboy—”helookedoverhisglassesatherandgrinnedunderhisgrayhair“—wedidn’thave
drugsintheschools.Ihavetoadmit,Ineverevenknewanyonewhousedthem.Butthatwasinthe
fifties.Thewholeworldhaschangedsincethen.WewatchedHopalongCassidyandRoyRogersat
thetheaters,andthenSupermanonblackandwhiteTV.Wehadwholesomeheroestoemulate.It
seemstomethatinthemodernworld,fartoomanyboysadmiredrugdealers,andtheirgoalinlifeis
togrowupandgotoprison.”Heshookhishead.“Somehow,we’relosinganentiregenerationof
productivecitizens,anddrugsaremostlyresponsible.Quickmoney,flashycars,noworkingyour
wayintoabetterjobandastiffprisonsentencewhenyougetcaught.Howisthatappealing?”
“Don’taskme,”Gloryreplied.“Ispendmostofmytimehelpingthemgetintoprison.”
“Ihaveheardaboutyourrecord,”themagistratesaidwithasmile.“You’reatrouper,MissBarnes.”
Hehesitated.“Iknewyourfather.Hewasagoodman.Ithurtusalltoseehimunjustlypunishedfor
somethinghedidn’tdo.”
“Thankyouforthat,”shesaid,fightingtears.“Ididclearhisname,evenifitwasyearstoolate.His
convictionwaswhyIstudiedlaw.”
“Ithoughtitmightbe.I’mgladtohavehadtheopportunitytomeetyou.NowthatBlakeKempisour
countyD.A.,youmightconsidercomingbackheretofightcrime.”Helookedatheroverhisglasses
again.“Icouldlookforsomesilverbulletsandamask…?”
Shelaughed.“IcouldneverpassforTheLoneRanger,”sheassuredhim.“I’mtooshort.”
“Still,”hesaidwistfully.“It’sathought.”

“MOSTMAGISTRATESARErathersomber,I’vefound,”shetoldCashonthewayhome.
“NotLionel,”hereplied.“He’sthetowncharacter.Ithinkthemoderntermis‘eccentric.’”
“Doeshedoeccentricthings?”
“Dependsonyourpointofview,”Cashreplied.“Isupposesomepeoplewouldfeeluncomfortable

withawolfinthehouse,buthe’sabachelor.Iguesshecandowhathepleases.”
“Awolf?Arealwolf?”sheexclaimed.
Henodded.“She’sabeauty,too.Hefoundheronthehighwayandwentthroughtheusualmaddening
channelsofbureaucracytryingtohelpher.Vetscan’ttreatwildanimals,youknow,youhavetolocate
acertifiedrehabilitator.Therearen’talotofthem,andmanyhurtanimalsdiewhileyou’relooking
foronewhowillanswerthephone.”Heglancedather.“Mostofthemaresooverworkedthatthey
cringeeverytimethephonerings.Well,anyway,Lioneltookthewolfinandnursedherbackto
health,andthentookthecoursethatcertifiesyouasawildliferehabilitator.Hespecializesinwolves.
Sohewasallowedtokeepthewolf,whichlostalegastheresultoftheaccident.Itcouldnevergo
backintothewild,yousee.Hetakesitaroundtotheelementaryschoolandgiveslecturesonwolves.
It’saverygentlewolf.Thekidsloveit.It’sonaleash,ofcourse.Hemaybeeccentricbuthe’snot
crazy.Allitwouldtakeisonelittleboywhosmellsstronglyofbologna…”
“Oh,stop!”sheexclaimed,laughing.“That’sterrible!”
“Itcouldbe.Buthe’saresponsiblepetowner.Heevenhasacity‘wolflicense.’”
“Nobodygetsawolflicense!”shescoffed.
“Youcangetoneifyouknowthechiefofpoliceandhehastiestothecityfathers.”Helooked
suitablymodest.
“Yes,butthat’sonlybecausethecityfathersarescaredtodeathofyou,”shepointedout.“You’retoo
dangerousforpeopletoriskoffendingyou.”
“Why,thankyou,”herepliedgood-naturedly.
“Oh,you’realocallegendalloverTexas,”sheconfided.“Iunderstandthatourstateattorneygeneral
threatenspeoplewithyou.”
“Onlyfederalpeople,”hesaid.“Andonlyiftheymakehimveryangry.Iam,afterall,hiscousin.”
“Really!”Shewasimpressed.
Hesmiled.“Ihavetiestostrangeplaces,”hemused.“Likeoneofourfedswhoworksundercover.
He’sgotapriceonhisheadineverycountryonearthexceptthisone.He’shelpedputawaysomeof
thebiggerdrugcartelmembers,nottomentionrunningdownachildkillerinCentralAmericaon
horsebackthroughajungle.Notaneasytaskongooddays.Itwaspouringrain.”
“Whoisthismadman?”sheasked,laughing.
Helookedodd.Heclearedhisthroat.“Well,Ineverknewhisname,”helied.“Hewasundercover,
youknow.”
Shesmiled.“Hemustbeoneveryone’slistofpeopletocallindiresituations.”
“Heis.”
“IwishyoucouldhavehimcomedownhereandtakeFuentesintoajungleanddoGod-knows-what
withhim,”shemuttered.“He’sstilloutthere,andI’mstillinhissights,figurativelyspeaking.”
“We’reworkingonthat.Bepatient.Andbecareful,”headdedquietly.“You’reinsomedangerous
companyatthatfarm.”
Herheartjumpedupintoherthroat.“What…doyoumean?”
Hecursedunderhisbreath.Hehadn’twantedtosayanything,butitwasbetterifsheknewthetruth.
Shemightletherguarddownandbekilled.“Oneortwoofyourworkershaverapsheets,mostlyfor
physicalassault.OnetookoutacopinDallasandtheycouldneverproveit—hekilledtheonewitness
whosawithappen.”Hepulledupintotheyardofthefarm,cuttheengineandturnedtolookather.
Shewaspale.“Thatcanemakesagoodweapon,butpeoplewillhearabouthowyouusedit.Itwon’t
workasecondtime.I’dliketotakeyououttoourtargetrangeandteachyouhowtoshootproperly.”
Heheldupahandwhenshestartedtospeak.“It’snotrocketscience.Itcanbetaught.I’llsendforyou

Saturdaymorning,aboutnine.Marquezwillbehome,andhe’sgotanicelittle.32revolverthatyou
canuse.Itdoesn’tkickasmuchasa.45,anditwillfityourhandbetter.”
“Hetriedtoteachmealready,”sheprotested.
“Marqueztriedtoteachhismother,”Cashsaid,glowering.“Hetaughtherhowtoshootcrows.”
“Excuseme?”Shewasshocked.Barbara,Marquez’sfostermother,adoredcrows!
“Hewasexplainingtoherhowthegunkickedandsaidshehadtocompensate.Hedidn’tsayhow.She
thoughthemeantsheshouldholdthenoseuphigherwhenshefired,soshedid,andshehitacrow.
Fortunatelysheonlysingedhistailfeathers.Hekeptgoing.ButnowtheycallhertheCrowCrippler,
andshewon’ttouchagunanymore.”
Sheburstoutlaughing.ItsoundedlikeRick,whowasn’ttheworld’sbestinstructor,evenifhewas
enthusiastic.
“SoI’llteachyou,”Cashreplied.
“Okay.Myliabilityinsuranceispaidup,”sheagreed.“Butdomakesurenosquadcarsparkwithin
rangeofthegun.”
Hegrinned.“I’lldothat.Youtakecareofyourself.Stayclosetothehouse,keepyourcellphonein
yourpocketanddon’tgoanywherealone.Notevenoutside,especiallyatnight.”
Shebitherlowerlip.Forafewminutes,she’dforgottenherpredicament.“Youknowthingsthatyou
aren’tsharing.”
Henodded.“Ican’tsharethem.Justwatchyourback.I’llhaveMarquezpickyouupaboutnine
Saturdaymorning.Anddon’ttellhimIsaidanythingaboutwhyI’mdoingtheteaching,insteadof
him.Hehasarealattitudeproblemwithauthority.”
Shelaughed.“Iknow.I’llkeepquiet.Thanks,Chief.”
“We’reallinthesameracket,”hetoldher.“Wehavetolookoutforeachother.”
“Yes,wedo.”

SHEWALKEDINTOTHEHOUSEandclosedthedoor,nervousanduneasy.CashGrierknew
somethingaboutsomeoneontheproperty,someonewithapolicerecordwhohadkilledacopand
wasstillontherun.Sheonlyknewonemanwholookedtoughenoughtodothat;herhusband.Itwas
curiousthathehadn’tdoneabackgroundcheckonConsuelo,orhadJasonPendletondoit.Whatif
RodrigowasworkingforFuentes,andhewasaskedtokillGlorysinceConsuelohadflubbedit?
Shefeltasifherworldhadcomecrashingdownonherhead.Twoattemptsonherlife,twoescapes.
She’dbeenluckythatMarcohadfiredintothedoorandnotthewall.She’dbeenluckythatshecould
usehercanetodeflectConsuelo’spistol.Butiftherewasanotherattempt,byherownhusband,what
wasshegoingtodo?
ShenoticedthatCashhadn’tmentionedthatherhusbandcouldhelpprotecther.Wasthereareason
forthat?DidheknowthatRodrigohadbeeninvolvedinthatdrugdealinComancheWells;had
Marqueztoldhim?
Shefeltsotired.Herlifehadbecomeimpossiblycomplicated.Ontopofeverythingelse,she’d
forgottentotakeherbloodpressurepillandherbloodthinner.Shegroundherteethtogether.Shewas
carryingachildandtakingdangerousdrugsthatshehadtohaveifshedidn’twanttoendupinthe
hospital.IfonlyshecouldgotoSanAntonioandseeherowndoctor!
Thensherememberedherappointmentwiththecardiologisttomorrow.Shewasgoingtoneedan
excusetogototown.She’dmanagesomething,ifCarlaMartinezworkedoutasthecook.
Shetookhermedicine,hopingitwouldn’tharmthetinylifeinsideher,andthenshewentbackinto
thekitchentowork.

Anhourlater,CarlaMartinezcametothebackdoorwiththreechildren,twogirlsandaboy.Theboy,
Hernando,wastheoldestatseven.
“¿Podemosentrar?”sheaskedhesitantly.
ObviouslyshespokenoEnglish.Glorywasgladthatshe’dstudiedherlanguages.“Sí,entre,”she
invitedwithagrin.“¡Bienvenidos!Megustamuchoquepuedeayudarme.”
“Denada,señora,”sherepliedrespectfully.
Gloryshowedherwhatneededdoing,thensheseatedthechildrenatthetableandgavethempeanut
butterandcookiestoeatandcupsofmilktogowithit,allexceptfortheyoungestgirl,whowasonly
three.ShelaughedupatGlorywithbeautifulblackeyesinaperfectlittlefacesurroundedbythick,
long,blackhair.Glorycouldn’tresist.Shepickedthechildupandcarriedheralongtothesinkwhere
shemanagedtorinsedisheswithonehandwhileshecooedtothelittlegirl.
Rodrigocameinunexpectedly,totranslateforGlory.Hestoppedinthedoorwayandwatched,
fascinated,theeasywayshehandledthechildandthework.Shewaslaughing,happy,delightedwith
thecuddlylittlegirl.Hethoughthowniceitwouldbetohaveachild.Then,abruptly,heremembered
Bernadetteinhisarms,hugginghimandaskingwhatwouldshedowithouthim?Helovedthechild
somuch.IthadhurtterriblywhensheandhermotherwenttolivewithColbyLane.Hisexpression
reflectedhismisery.
Glorysensedapresence,andturned,meetingRodrigo’stautfaceandwoundedeyesacrosstheroom.
Shedidn’tevenneedtospeak.Sheknewwhathewasfeeling,andwhy.Inthatmoment,sheknewthat
she’dneverbeabletotellhimabouttheirchild.Andnow,shewonderedifhewasgoingtocomplete
Consuelo’sassignmentandtakeGloryoutofFuentes’spath.
Hesawtheoddlookonherfaceandfrowned.“Somethingwrong?”heasked.
Shecomposedherself.“Nothing.We’rejustgettingstarted.”
“Ithoughtyoumightneedatranslator,”hebegan.
Shelaughed.“No,butthankyou.I’mquitefluentinSpanish.Ihavetobe,inmywork.”Shecould
havebittenhertongueforthatunwisecomment.
“Yourwork?”
“I’mwithatemporaryagency,”shesaidatonce.“Ihavelotsofclientswhoneedsomeonebilingual.”
“Isee.”HeglancedatCarlaandaskedher,inSpanish,howthingsweregoing.
ShewasecstaticaboutSeñoraRamirezandthejob.Shewasgoingtoloveworkinghere.
Atleastsomeonewashappy,hethoughtasheglancedtowardGlory.Sheseemeddifferentallofa
sudden.HadCashspilledthebeans?Hestudiedherintently,andthenherealizedthatshe’dbemore
forthcomingifsheknewhissecret.Butsomethingwasbotheringher.Perhapsshewasafraidthat
Consuelowouldmakebond;orthatFuentesreallywouldsendsomeoneelse.
Hedidn’tthinkthedruglordwouldhavetime.He,Castillo,andanothermanweregoingtomovea
shipmentacrosstheborderonamakeshiftpontoonbridgemadeofoildrumsonSaturday.Itwasthe
biggestshipmentFuenteshadhandled,purecocaine,andlotsofit.LittledidFuentesknowthathis
newestdistributorwasgoingtohavealotofhelp.Fuenteswasgoingdown.Themanwasscum.The
younggangmemberwho’dbeenfeedinghiminformationsaidthatFuenteshadkilledboysforlittle
morethanprotestinghisroughtreatment.Hehadnorespectforanyonearoundhim.He’dbeatenhis
ownmother,infrontofthegangmember,becauseshe’dburnedhiseggs.Theboysaidnobody
wantedtoworkforamonsterlikethat,regardlessofhowmuchtheygotpaid.
HewonderedhowGlorywasgoingtoreactwhenshefoundoutthetruthabouthisroleinthis
operation.Shewasasweetwoman,butshewasuneducatedandunsophisticatedandplain.She’dnever
fitintohisworld.He’dmadeaterriblemistakewhenhe’dmarriedher.Ithadbeenaspurofthe

momentthing,tospiteSarinaforthrowinghimover.Butallithaddonewasmakehimawareofhow
miserablehewas.Hecouldn’tspendtherestofhislifetiedtothisprehistoricwoman.Hewasgoing
tohavetoapproachthesubjectofadivorce.
Butfirst,hehadtohelpbringdownFuentes.ThatmightsaveGlory’slife.Whenallthiswasover,he
wantedtoknowhowshe’dgottenintothismess.Fuentesdidn’tsendhiredkillersaftertemporary
workerswithoutgoodreason.Shesaidshe’dseensomethingillegal,buthewantedtoknowwhat.
Sadlyhehadnotimeforinterrogationrightnow.Hehadajobtodo.

12
GLORYWENTTOSEETHEcardiologistthenextday,leavingCarlaincharge.She’daskedAngel
tokeepthechildrensothatshecouldworkwithoutdiversions,andRodrigohadgivenhimahalfday.
Gloryhadtoldherhusbandthatshewasdueforadentalappointmentintown.
Hercoolnesstowardhimhadresultedinhismovingintohisoldbedroom.Hehadn’tevenblinked
whenshesuggestedit,becauseherhipwashurtingandshe’dkeephimawake.Itwasathinexcuseand
hesawthroughitatonce.Henoticedthatshewouldn’tmeethiseyes.Somethingwaswrong.Hewas
sureithadsomethingtodowithherhavingseenhimatthesiteofadrugdeal.ProbablyMarquez,
damnhim,hadtoldherthatRodrigowasacriminal.She’ddeniedthatMarquezhadtoldheranything,
buthedoubtedthatwastrue.Hewishedhehadtimetosortouthisfeelingsforhistemporarywife.He
didn’t.Thejobwashistoppriorityatthemoment.Later,heandGlorycouldhavealongtalkabout
theirrelationship.Buthewascertainthathewantedtheirmarriagetoend.
GloryfeltguiltyfordeceivingRodrigo,butdeeperinhermindwasthefearthatherhusbandmight
beConsuelo’sreplacement.Hewasinvolvedindrugdealing,sheknewthatalready.Itwasn’tfarto
considerhimcapableofmurder.Shecouldn’tunderstandwhyshecouldn’tjustputRodrigooutof
hermindandletCashGrierdealwithhisillegalactivities.Itsoundedeasy.Itwasn’t.Partofherstill
hungeredforRodrigo,wantedhim,achedtoholdhim.Everytimeshethoughtofthelittlethinginher
belly,shefeltsorrowlikearockinside.Shedidn’tknowwhattodo.Herwholelifehadchangedsince
CashGrierhadmadethatremarkabouttherapsheetsonpeopleworkingatthefarm.Sheknewhe
meantRodrigo,andshehadahorriblefeelingthathewasmixedupinsomethingmuchmoresinister
thanjustdrugdealing.

THECARDIOLOGIST,AWOMAN,wassmallandenergeticandbrilliant.SheexaminedGlory,had
hertechnicianperformanEKG,andthen,afewminuteslater,anechocardiogram.Thetestsallowed
hertolookcloselyatGlory’sheartandmakesurethereweren’tanyblockagesaroundherheart.
WhenGloryrelatedhereatinghabitsandherdeterminationtokeepherweightdown,thephysician
wasimpressed.
TheonlythingwasthebloodthinnersandthemedicineforhypertensionthatGloryhadbeentaking,
ofnecessity.Iftherewereanyproblemwiththefetus,theinabilityofherbodytostopthebleeding
couldcostherthechild.Infact,hermedicalconditioncouldleadtoearlydetachmentoftheplacenta
ortospontaneousabortionevenwithoutmedicalintervention.
“Ifithadbeenaplannedpregnancy,”thecardiologistsaidgently,“wecouldhaveprescribed
alternativedrugsthatwouldpresentlessdangertothechild.However,consideringtheseverityof
yourhypertension,”sheaddedsadly,“therisktoyouandyourchildisgreatlyenlarged.Most
physicianswouldrecommendanimmediateabortion.Youcoulddietryingtocarrythischild.”
Gloryfeltsickalloverastherealityofherconditionhither.Sheputherheaddown,fighting
dizzinessandnausea.“No,”shemoaned.“No,Ican’t.Iwon’t.”Sheliftedherweteyestothe
cardiologist.“Youdon’tunderstand.I’mapersonoffaith.ItgoesagainsteverythingIbelieve….”
Theotherwomanputasympathetichandonhershoulder.“Iwon’tforceyoutomakesuchadecision.
Butyou’llhavetobeverycloselymonitored.I’llwanttoseeyouatleasttwiceamonth.I’llmodify
yourdrugtherapy.”
“Icouldstoptakingthebloodthinners,”shesaidatonce.
Thecardiologistwinced.“Consideringyourmedicalrecords,Ican’tadvisethat.Idon’tseeany
obviousblockages,that’strue.Butifyourownphysicianwasconcernedaboutplaqueorapossible
clotafterwhathediagnosedasamildheartattack…”Shestopped.“Ifyou’dhadtheheart

catheterization…”
“Ihadtoomuchstressonmeatthetime,andtoobusyaschedule,toagreetoit,”Glorysaidheavily.
“Isn’thindsightwonderful?”
“Thebloodthinnerswouldpreventasmallblockagefromproducingaheartattackorstroke,”she
toldGlory.“Those,aswellasthebloodpressuremedicinewiththediuretic,youmustcontinue.AsI
said,I’llprescribedrugsthatwillbetheleastharmfultothechild.Iwouldprefertosendyouto
Houstonandletthemdoaheartcatheterization,justtomakesuretherearenoblockagesthatdon’t
showupinthesetests.Butthisisnotthetime.Youhavetoomuchstressalready.”Shepaused.“You
wantthechildverymuch,yes?”
“Yes,”Glorysaidatonce,althoughshehadn’tbeenthatsurewhenshewalkedintotheoffice.Achild
ofherown.Shecouldbeamother.Shecouldhavesomeoneofherveryownbloodtolivewithand
loveandcarefor.Thetemptationwasworthanyrisk.Thefactthatthechild’sfatherhadcriminal
tendencieswassomethingsheforcedtothebackofhermind.
“Thenwewilldowhatwecan,”Dr.Warnerassuredher.“Dr.Coltrainshouldsendyoutoan
obstetrician.”
Gloryhesitated.“Shewantsto.ButitwouldbetooriskytoseeoneinSanAntonio,whereIlive,”she
began.“There’ssomethingverydangerousgoingonwhereI’mworking.Thatwouldbeanother
stresstoaddtowhatI’malreadycarrying.Yousee,I’manattorney.AmanI’mprosecutingfor
conspiracytocommitmurderistryingtohavemekilled.I’mtheonlywitnesswhoheardhimconfess
tothecrime.Iamhopefulthatthecasewillresolveitselfsoon.Inthemeantime,Imustavoidmore
worry.”
“Iunderstand.Itisfortunatethatyouareintheveryearlystagesofpregnancy.YoucanhaveLou
Coltraingetintouchwithmeifyoustarthavingmoreproblemswiththeheart.Idon’tseeany
obviousproblem,”sheaddedquickly.“ButifyourphysicianinSanAntoniodiagnosedaheartattack,
wemustbecautious.Ifyoustarthavingpainorpressureinyourchest,anddownyourleftarmorup
intoyourjaw,especiallyifyoualsohavenauseaandacoldsweat,callforanambulanceatonce.
Don’tbraveitoutandthinkyoucanovercomeit.”
Glorysmiled.“Iwon’t.Ipromise.I’vebeendoingbettersinceIcamehere,exceptforsomeonetrying
tokillmetwiceinoneweek,”sheadded,tongue-in-cheek.
Dr.Warner ’seyebrowsarched.“Perhapsyoumightconsideralessstressfulprofession,”shesaid.
“Yourjobandyourphysicalconditionareabadmix.”
“SoI’vebeentold,”shereplied.“Butrightnow,Ican’tdomuchaboutit.It’stheonlyjobIhave.”
“Ifyouneedme,allyouhavetodoiscall.Icanhavemyhusbandflymedownhereontenminutes’
notice.Heisretirednow,butheflewforamajorairlineformanyyears.Nowheteachesflyingin
Houston,”sheaddedwithachuckle.
“I’lltakeyouuponthat,ifIhaveto.Thankyou.”
“I’llwritetheprescriptionsandhavethembroughttotheclerk’sdeskwhileyou’recheckingout,”she
added.“Ifyouhaveproblemsadjustingtothedrugs,oranyreactionstothem,allyouhavetodois
call.We’llfindtheleastdangerousoneswecan.Inthemeantime,pleasetrytoavoidanyfurther
stress.”
“Iwill.”

AFEWMINUTESLATER,Gloryclimbedintoheroldcarandstartedit,feelingemotional.
Apparentlyshewasn’tgoingtodropdeadimmediately,butshewasunderfartoomuchstress.Living
inthehousewithamanshenolongertrusted,butwhomshestillloved,washerbiggestproblem.

Theoldclunkerprotestedassheputitintogear.Shemissedhernewcar,garagedatthePendletons’s
forsafekeeping.Shewouldn’tdriveittoworkbecauseitmightbecomeatargetfordisgruntledgang
memberssheprosecuted.Shelovedittoomuch,andshehadn’tdaredbringitdownhere,whereshe
wasplayingatbeingadaylaborer.Itwouldraiseseriousquestionsabouthereconomicstatus.
Atleast,shethoughtasshepulledoutoftheparkinglot,thebabywassafeforthetimebeing.Shejust
hadtobeverycarefulthatshedidn’thurtherself.Shesmiledasshesawyearsofjoyaheadwithher
baby.

ITWASJUSTLUNCHTIMEwhenGlorywalkedintothekitchen.Carlagrinnedather.Angelwas
sittingatthetablewiththethreechildren,allofthemmunchingcookies.Thelittlestgirllaughedand
launchedherselfatGlory,whopickedherupandhuggedherclose.
“Isthereenoughforme,too?”sheteasedwhenshesawthehugesaladonthetable.
“¡Comono!”Carlachuckled.“Siéntese.”
Shesat,andCarlaspoonedsaladintoabowlforherandputthebottleofsaladdressingonthetable,
alongwithaforkandnapkin.
“Rodrigo?”sheasked,becausetherewasnoplacesetforhim.
Carlalookedworried.Sheandherhusbandexchangedaquicklook.
“Hassomethinghappenedtohim?”Gloryaskedatonce,horrified.
“No!”Angelloweredhisvoice.“No,ofcoursenot,señora,”heassuredher.“Itisjust…well,heand
thatCastilloandCastillo’sfriendclimbedintothetruckanddroveoutoftown,”headded.“Señor
Ramirezsaidheandtheothershadanimportantjobtodo,andthattheywouldn’tbebackuntil
Sunday.Hesaidtobesureandtellyoutostayclosetothehouse.”
Shestirredhersaladwithoutpayingitmuchattention.Rodrigowasgone,then.Sheguessedthat
Fuenteshadsentamessageandherhusbandandhiscronieswenttoameetingofsomesort.Shehad
untiltheendoftheweekendtodecidewhattodo.Notlongtoarrangetoprotectherselffromathird
assassinationattempt.
“Somethingiswrong?”Angelasked,concerned,whenshedidn’tstarteating.
Shenotedthatseveralpairofeyeswerewatchingher.Sheforcedalaugh.“No,ofcoursenot,”she
lied.Shetastedthesalad.“Verygood,”shetoldCarla.“Muysabroso.”Carlasmiledandturnedto
helpheryoungestdaughterwithataco.

MARQUEZDROVEHERTOthecitypolicedepartment’sfiringrangeonSaturdaymorning.Hewas
quietanddistracted.
“You’rehidingsomething,”sheaccused.
Heglancedather,grinnedandshrugged.“Workproblems.”
Hereyebrowsarched.“Drug-related?”shefished.
Hegrimaced.
Shenoddedandsighed.“Myhusband,”shemuttered.
“Don’tdothat,”hegrumbled.“Prosecutingattorneysaren’tsupposedtobeabletoreadminds.”
“Idon’t.Itwasalogicalconclusion.”
“Yousoundverycalmaboutit.”
Sheturnedherhousekeyinherhands.“Iwouldscreamandpoundmyfistsonthedash,butpeople
mightgetthewrongideaiftheynoticed.”
Helaughedinspiteofhimself.“Sotheymight.”
Sheglancedathim.“Rodrigo,Castilloandtheothermanhavegoneawayfortheweekend,”shetold

him.
“Iknow.”
Hereyebrowsarched.“You’retailingthem.”
“Iamnot.”Heturnedontothedirtroadthatledtothefiringrange.“Butsomefriendsofmineare.”
Shefeltveryoldallofasudden.“He’sinvolvedinFuentes’soperation,isn’the?”
Hedidn’tanswer.
“Youdon’thavetoprotectme,”shesaidheavily.“Irecognizedhimwhenwewatchedthewarehouse
overatComancheWells.Infact,heevenadmittedtomethathewasthere—butnotwhy.”
“You’resmart.”
“Notreally,”sherepliedinasubduedtone.“I’mpregnant.”
Thetruckalmostwentintotheditch,andshecriedout,stunned.
“Sorry,”hegritted,rightingit.Hestoppeditinthemiddleoftheroadandlookedather,seeingthe
tragicexpressionshewasnolongerabletohide.“Doyoulovehim?”
Shedidn’twanttoadmitthat.Hergazefelltoherlap.“Yes,”shesaidafteraminute.“Ithoughtage
broughtwisdom.Notinmycase.”
Hewasfrowning.“Glory,yourheart…?”
“I’veseenacardiologist,andDr.LouColtrain,”shesaidquickly.“She’sreferringmetoan
obstetricianassoonasmylifeisoutofdangerfromtheassassin.”
“Butisitsafe?”hepersisted,frowning.
Shefeltthequestionlikeaknife.“Ihavetotakebloodthinners,sothatIdon’thaveanotherheart
attack.ThecardiologistsaidthatifIhaveanyproblemswiththepregnancy,thatcouldbedangerous.
Shechangedmydrugs.I’mjuststartingthenewones.”
“I’msosorry,”hesaid,andmeantit.
Herhandsclenchedonthekey.“Hecan’tknow,”shesaidstiffly.
“Thingsmaychangeforthebettersoon,”hebegan.
Shelookedathim.“Hecan’tknow,”sheemphasized.
“Okay.It’syourbusiness.Butifyoueverneedhelp,”headdedgently.
Shesmiled.“Thanks.”

CASHGRIERWASINCIVILIANclothes,hisponytailtiedneatlywithastringashewaitedforthem
onthefiringline.
HeglancedatMarquez,whowasalsosportingaponytail,thenatGlorywhohadherhairinaneat
braid.“There’salwaysoneoddballinacrowd,”henoted,indicatingherhairstyle.
“Iamnotodd,”shetoldhim.“Isimplyhavebettertasteinhairstyles.”
Cashscoffed.Heaimedatthetargetandsentsixroundsstraightintothesmallestcircle.
“Showoff,”Marquezmuttered.
Cashgrinned.“I’mthechiefofpolice,”heremindedthedetective.“Ihavetoprovideagoodexample
formymen.”
“ItmaytakeablackjacktoprovideagoodexampleforKilraven,”hereplied,tongue-in-cheek.“Or
didn’tyouknowthathewasattheFBIofficeinSanAntonioyesterdaypumpingJonBlackhawkfor
informationonFuentes’sdistributionnetwork?”
“Hewhat?”Cashgrowled.
“Who’sKilraven?”Glorywantedtoknow.
“TheofficerwhosavedyoufromMarcotheotherday,”Cashremindedher.
“Oh.TheonewhoalmostcrashedthedrugdealinComancheWells,”sherecalled.

“Exactly,”Marquezadded.HeglancedatCash,wholookedfurious.“Youmightaswellcheerup.You
hiredhimasyourgangspecialist.Gangsdistributedrugs.Itisn’tthatfaraleaptoinvestigating
Fuentes.”
Cashexpelledtheclipfromhisautomaticviolentlyandrefilledit.“Ilikeindividualinitiative,untilit
becomesanarchy.”
“Kilravenisn’tananarchist,”Marquezchuckled.“He’sjustusedtogivingorders,nottakingthem.”
“He’sinthewrongbusiness,”Cashsaid.“He’snotateamplayer.”
“AsIrecall,neitherwereyouuntilyoustartedworkingdownhereforthepolicedepartment,”
Marquezremindedhim.“Ifyoucouldadjust,hecanadjust.It’sjustthatyouspecopspeopledon’t
blendaseasilyasregularmilitarypeopledo.You’reusedtoworkingaloneorinsmallgroups.”
Cashsighed.“Iguessso.Hedidbreakupanetworkatthelocalhighschool.Heborrowedoneofthe
DEA’sdrug-sniffingdogsandwentlockercrawling.Tickedofftheboardofeducation,andalotof
parents,buthemadeseveralarrests.”
“Theendjustifiesthemeans,”Marquezchuckled.
Glorywasabouttoprotestthatwhenshegotdizzyandsatdownhardinthegrass.
“Hey,youokay?”Cashasked,concerned,ashesquattedjustinfrontofher.
“It’snothing,”shesaidweakly.“Justalittlemorningsickness.”
Cashbitoffabadword.HeandMarquezexchangedalookshedidn’tsee.
“Heisn’ttoknow,”shetoldCash.“Marquezhasalreadypromised.Youhavetopromise,too.”
“He’syourhusband,”Cashemphasized.
Shebitdownonthesicknessandwaiteduntilitpassed.“He’sworkingforFuentes,”shesaidcurtly.
“I’maprosecutingattorney.”Shelookedup.“Heisn’ttoknowthat,either,nomatterwhat.”
Cashwasconcerned.Hedidn’tdaretellherwhy.“Secretsaredangerous.”
Shebrushedbackawispofhair.“SoI’vebeentold.Thisisstillprivilegedinformation.”
“Okay.It’syourcall,”Cashsaidfinally.
Shepulledherselftoherfeet.Shecouldn’tusethecaneandfireapistol,soshe’dlefthercanein
Marquez’struck.Shefeltprettysteady,allthesame.Herhipwasn’taspainfulasithadbeen.Shedid
verywellunlesssheoverexerted.
Marquezpulleda.32caliberSmith&Wessonoutofhisbelt.
“Awheelgun?”sheexclaimed.“Nobodyusesawheelgunanymore!”SheindicatedCash.“He’sgota
.40caliberGlock.You’repackinga.45caliberColt.AndI’mgoingtolearntoshootawheelgun?
Whydon’tyougivemeabigrockandIcanpracticehittingpeopleintheheadwithit!”
Cashchuckled.“Becauseanautomaticcanfailundercertainconditions.”
“YoucanshootaGlockunderwater,”sheinformedhim.
“Awheelgunwon’tjam,”hecameback.“Andbesides,it’ssmall.Youcanfireitwithonehand.”
“It’sasissygun,”shepersisted.
Marquezloadeditandhandedittoher.“Don’targue.It’sundignified.”
Shegavehimaspeakinglook.
“Okay,”Cashinterrupted.“Let’sgetstarted.”

BYTHETIMESHEDROVEawaywithMarquez,herhandswereswollenandsore.Sherubbedthem.
“NobodysaidIwasgoingtohavetofirethepistolwithbothhands,oneatatime,”shemuttered.
“That’showtheFBIteachesyoutodoit,”hecommentedwithagrin.“Whatifyougetshotinyour
goodhand?Youhavetobeabletocarryonwiththeother.”
“Isupposeso.”Shefeltherpurse.Itwasheavy.ShehadaboxofammunitionthatMarquezhad

provided,alongwiththepistol,sharingspacewithhercosmeticsandwallet.Shewasthinkingabout
Rodrigoandwonderingifshe’dhavetousethepistolonhim.Itmadehersicker.
“Thesoonerthiscaseisclosed,thebetter,”hesaid,thinkingaloud.
“Whenitis,myhusbandmaybesharingcellspacewithFuentes.”Sheglancedathisworried
expression.“It’strue,isn’tit?”sheaskedquietly.
Hedidn’tdaretellherwhatheknew,andithurthim.Shealreadyhadallthestressshecouldhandle,
plussome.
“WhatdoIdo,”sheasked,“ifRodrigocallsandasksmetomeethimsomeplace?”
“Don’tgo,”hesaid.
“That’swhatIthoughtyou’dsay.”Shelookedasmiserableasshefelt.Itwasironic;forthefirsttime
inherlife,shewascrazyaboutaman,andheturnedouttobeascoundrel.Itwasn’tfair.
“Iknow,”Marquezsaid.Onlythendidsherealizethatshe’dspokenaloud.
“Well,wedothejob,nomatterwhatthecost,sothatwecansaveafewlives,”shesaidinalowtone.
“That’stheidea.”
Shelookedoutthewindowofthetruckatthepassinglandscape.“Ishouldhavemovedtoatropical
islandsomeplaceandspentmylifepickingupshellsonthebeach.”
Helaughed.“That’sapopulardaydreamaroundmyoffice,too,especiallywhenournewlieutenant
goesonarampageoverbudgets.”
Shefrowned.“Ithoughtthatwaswhatyourlastlieutenantwasfamousfor.”
“No,no,”hecorrected.“Ourlastlieutenantwasafanaticaboutourownspending;arealpenny-
pincher.No,thisonegoesonrampagestothecityfathersaboutourlackofadequatefunding,”he
saidsmugly.“Hewantsustohavebetterequipmentandimprovedtraining.Hewantsmetogotothe
FBIschoolatQuanico.”
“I’mimpressed,”shesaid.
“SoamI.Theysaythecoursecandrivepeoplenuts,butyoulearnalotthere.”
“They’druinyou,”shesaidwickedly.“You’dcomebackwithallsortsofnewideastoimproveyour
departmentandwe’dfindyouinaditchafewdaysafterwithanoteinyourmouthfromyour
lieutenant,offeringyouupforadoptionbyanyotheragencythatwouldhaveyou.”
“Spoilsport.”
“ExactlywhoisthisguyKilraven?”sheaskedsuddenly.
Hepursedhislips.“He’sthenewpatrolofficerhere.”
Somethinginthewayhesaiditmadeherverysuspicious.“Oh,no,”shesaid.“You’rehiding
something.Giveitup.”
“I’mnothidinganything,”helied.
“I’llaskCashGrier.”
“You’dhavebetterluckaskingaclam.”
“Tellme.Icankeepsecrets.”
Hewasamused.Hiseyesweredancing.“Ihaveitongoodauthority,”hebegan,“thathewassent
downherefromLangley…”
“Langley!”sheinterruptedexcitedly.
“Langley,”heagreed,“toflushoutapotentialkidnapperwithtiestoagovernmenthostiletousin
SouthAmerica.Wordonthestreetisthatthekidnapperisverygoodathisjobandhastheperfect
hostageinmindalready.Hethinksthehostagewouldbringhimalotofmoneyfromacertainfederal
agencytowhomheisextremelyvaluable.”
“Who?”

“Who,what?”
“Who’sthepotentialvictim?”
“Wearen’tsure,”Marqueztoldher.“Butwethinkhemaybeadrugagent—thesameonewhomost
recentlyhelpedshutdownCaraDominguez.He’scostthecarteloverabilliondollarsinthepastfew
years.”
“Wouldn’titsuitthembettertojustkillhim?”shewondered.
“I’mcertainthat’stheidea.Buttheywantmoney,andtheythinkhecanberansomed.They’llkillhim,
ofcourse,theminutetheyhavethemoney.”
“Ithoughtourgovernmentdidn’tnegotiatewithterrorists.”
“Wedon’t,publicly.”
Shefrownedthoughtfully.“TherewasaplotjustrecentlytonabJaredCameron,wasn’tthere?”
“Foiledbyhisbodyguard…”
“TonytheDancer,”sheprovided,grinning.“Whataname!”
“It’sDanzetta,actually.”
“Iknow,buttheothersoundsromantic,inathuggyway.”
“Itsoundslikethemob,whichTonyisn’tpartof.He’sactuallyCherokee.”
“He’ssortofdishy.”
“Youmethim?”
Shenodded.“Hefedussomeinformationaboutthosekidnapperswhogotcaughtdownhere.They
alsohadSouthAmericanties,butyourD.A.didn’thavejurisdictionoverafederalcrime.Hesent
themoffwithafederalmarshaltoourdistrictU.S.Attorneyfortrial.Theyescaped.”
“Weheard,”hereplied.Heshookhishead.“Somecase,that.Twoguardswerechargedwithaiding
andabetting,buttheyvanishedbeforetheycouldbearraigned.”
Sheglancedathim.“Bigplayers,bigmoneyandbigtroubleforus.They’rerumoredtostillbeinthe
country.”
“Weheardthat,too.”
Hepulledupatherdoor.“Youkeepthatgunwithyouatalltimes,”hecautioned.
“I’llhaveto,especiallywhenCarla’skidsarearound.Iwouldn’thavethemhurtforanything.”
Hesmiled.“Ifyouneedhelp,callme,orcallCash.We’llcomerunning.”
“Iwill.”Theolddepressioncameback.“Thanks,Rick.”
Heshrugged.“Whatarefriendsfor?”heasked.

ITWASALONGSATURDAYnightandafrighteningevening.Rainwaspouringdownoutside.
Lightningmadethetreesvividinthedarkness.Itsjagged,hotpatternmadeGloryevenmorenervous
thanshealreadywas.CarlaandAngelhadgonehomealready,withthechildren.Glorywasalonein
thebighouse.
Shewanderedfromroomtoroom.Everythingwasdifferentfromherchildhood.Thehousehadbeen
totallyremodeled.Eventheflooringwasnew.Sherubbedherbarearms,feelingachillthatwas
probablypsychological,becauseofthestorm.Jacobsvillehadtornadoes.Shedidn’twanttobecaught
inonewhenshewasbyherself.They’dterrifiedherasachild.Ithadbeenduringastormwhenher
motherhadcrippledher.
Therewasprobablyastormshelter,butshecouldn’trememberwhereithadbeen.Runningtoit
outsidethroughthedrivingrainandlightningwasriskierthanstayinginthehouse,shethought.
Eitherway,theweatherwasscary.
ShewonderedwhereRodrigoandhispartnersincrimewere,andwhattheyweredoing.Ifhegot

caughtbytheauthorities,whichseemedpossiblenow,whatwouldshedo?Theywereonopposite
sidesofthelaw.Nomatterwhatherfeelingswere,shecouldn’ttossherwholecareerforamanwho
didn’tloveher.
Sherecalledwhatthecardiologisthadsaidaboutherbadchoiceofprofessions.Sheknewthejobwas
becomingtoomuchforher.Butwhatnobodyunderstoodwasthattheonlyhealthinsuranceshe
carriedwasapolicymadepossiblethroughheremployer.Ifshequitthejob,howwouldshebeable
toaffordtoinsureherselfeveragain?
Well,shecomfortedherself,ifshefoundotheremploymentandthenhadaheartattack,shecouldsit
outsidetheemergencyroomentranceinahospitalgownholdingacupandsolicitdonationstopay
thebill.ThePendletonswouldpayit,butshewantedtobeindependent.They’dalreadydonesomuch
forher.Butherjobwasarisk.Ifshedidn’tdosomething,shewasgoingtoendupdead.Criminal
trialswerenowalkinthepark.Tempersflared.Sometimesitwaslawyerswhoclashed,sometimesit
waswitnessesandopposingcounsel.Othertimes,itwasprosecutionanddefenseattorneys.Andonce,
thejudgehadcomedownhardonGloryforpushingawitnessinamurdertrialtoofar.Itwasnojob
forthetimid;itwasverystressful.
Thethunderwasloudernow,andtheflasheslitupallthedarkcornersofthehouse.Wherewas
Rodrigo?

THEBIGOILCANSWEREtiedtogethertoformamakeshiftpontoonbridgeacrossthenarrowstrip
ofriverwheretherewerenoborderguards,temporarily.Castillo’sfriendkeptalookoutwhile
Rodrigodrovethepaneltruckacrossthebridge,withCastilloonthebank,guidingthetruckinits
headlights.Therewereseveralhundredkilosofpurecocaineintheback.Itwasahaulworthaking’s
ransom.Thethreemenhaddecidedthatitwassafertorunitacrosstheborderlikethisthantorisk
usingbetterequipmentandmorepeople.Therehadbeenatunnel,butithadbeendiscovered.This
crossingareahadbeensecuredbyatransferofmoney,towhomRodrigowasn’tprivy.Hewasfairly
certainitwasn’taborderpatrolagentoranyoneinlocallawenforcement.Here,therewasonlyopen
countrythatbackedoneofthebiggercattleranchesinthearea.Rodrigowaswillingtobetthat
someoneontheranchhadbeenbribedtolooktheotherway.
Castillowasgrinningintheheadlights.Onlyafewmorefeet.Rodrigoeasedthetruckoverthelastof
thebarrelsandontofirmland.
“Yes!”Castillocalled,raisingbothfists.“We’vedoneit!”
Rodrigostoppedthetruckandgotout.“Easymoney,”hechuckled.“Helpmegetthedrumsoutofthe
water.”
“Leavethem,”Castillosuggested.“Withwhatwe’regettingpaidforthisjob,wecanbuymore.It’s
dangeroustostayheretoolong,nomatterhoweasyitseems.”
“You’reprobablyright,”Rodrigoagreed.Hesignaledtothemanonthebanktocomedown.
“IknowI’veaskedbefore,butareyousureaboutthisgringo?”Castilloaddedwithafrown.
“WouldIriskmylifeonsomeoneIwasn’tsureof?”Rodrigoreplied.
Castillolookedatthetallermanwithnarrowedeyes.Thenheshrugged.“No.Ofcoursenot.”He
glancedaroundthemagain.Nocars,notrucks,noairplanesorhelicopters.Theywerehavinggreat
luck.
HeclimbedintothecabnexttoRodrigo.Thenheglancedoutthewindowandscowled.“Where’s
yourcousin?”heasked.Hejumpedashefeltcoldsteelagainsthisribs.
“Justsitstillanddon’tdoanythingstupid,”Rodrigosaidsoftly.Hisotherhandlifted,carryinga
portableradiounit.Histhumbdepressedaswitch.“Thewolfisatthedoor,”hesaidcalmly.

WhileCastillowasworkingthatcrypticremarkout,headlightsfromatleastadozenvehicles
centeredonthepaneltruckattheriver ’sedge.
“Amigo,”Rodrigotoldhiscompanion,“welcometothelandofthefreeandthehomeofthebrave!”

13
GLORYWASCHEWINGHERfingernailsoff.Nervoustensionhadalreadyjackedupherheartrate,
andherbreathing.ShewasdesperatetoknowwhereRodrigowas,howhewas.
Thestormwasbeginningtodiedown.Raincouldbehearddrippingfromtheeavesintotherain
barrelsplacedthere.Nomoreflashesoflightwerecominginthewindow,althoughdistantthunder
wasaudible.Luckilythestormhadn’tseemedtodoanydamagehere.
Shewalkedtothefrontdoorandlookedout,feelingthe.32revolverlikearockinherjeanspocket.
Ifonlyshecouldfindoutwhatwashappening,evenifitwasbadnews.Rodrigomightgotoprison,
buteventhatwouldbeallright,aslongashewasn’tdead.Shecouldn’tbearthethoughtofnever
seeinghimagain.
Thesuddenjangleofhercellphonemadeherjump.Shefumbleditoutofherpocketandflippedit
open.“Yes?”
“WejustlandedthebiggestshipmentofcocaineinJacobsCountyhistory,”Marquezchuckled.
“WhataboutRodrigo?”sheaskedhastily.“Washeinonit?Isheallright…?”
“Wedidhavealittletrouble,”Marquezbegan.“They’vetakenhimtotheemergencyroomin
Jacobsville…Glory,wait!Listen—!”
Butshe’dalreadycuthimoff.Shegrabbedherpurseandscurriedoutthedoorasfastasherhip
wouldlether.Sheclimbedintohercar,lockedthedoors,starteditandspedoutofthedriveway.The
phonerangagain,butthistimesheignoredit.Rodrigo,shemoanedsilently.“Please,God,don’tlet
himbedead!I’lldoanything,I’llgivehimup,I’llwalkoutofhislife,I’lldoanything…justplease
sparehim!”
Itwassofartotown,shethoughtfrantically.Thisoldheapofacarwasokayinthecity,whereshe
onlyhadtotravelacoupleofblockstowork,butitwasaliabilityontheopenroad.Shecouldbarely
getittogothespeedlimit.Shereallymissedhersportscar.Thiswreckofavehiclewasexpendable,
anditwashardlyappropriateforarace.
Thedarknesswasalmostcomplete.Itwasamoonlessnight.Shewasn’tthinkingclearly.IfFuentes
hadahitmanafterher,shewasgivinghimtheperfectopportunitytokillher.Shehadn’ttakenany
precautionsatallexcepttolockherdoorsandputthepistolinherpocket.Itwasastupidmove.But
shewasthinkingwithherheart,andherheartwantedtoseeRodrigo,tomakesurehewassafe.
Nothingelsemattered.Ifhewasinvolvedinthedrugbust,ifhe’dbeenarrested,she’dknowhowto
helphim.Ifhewasjuststillalive!
BythetimeshepulledintotheemergencyroomparkinglotatJacobsvilleGeneral,herheartwas
thumpingandshecouldjustbarelygetherbreath.Shetoreoutofthecar,grimacingasherhip
protestedthestressshewasputtingonit.Shestartedtowardthestepsandthenhadtoretraceherpath
tothecar.Shecouldn’tcarryasidearmintothehospital.Shelockeditintheglovecompartmentand
thenwentupthestepsasfastasshecouldmanage,pantingandstoppingtobreathehalfwayup.
Therewasacrowdinthewaitingroom.ItwasSaturdaynight,thebusiestnight.Shemovedinfrontof
oneoftheclerks.“RodrigoRamirez,”shesaidfrantically.“He’smyhusband…!”
“Dr.Coltrainhashimincubiclethree,”theclerkbegan.“Ifyou’llhaveaseat…”
ButGloryhadalreadypassedherandwasmakingexcellenttime.Shewasvaguelyawareofseveral
menstandingoutsidethecubicle,butshedidn’treallylookatthem.Shemovedpastthecurtainand
therewasRodrigo,hisshirtoff,lookingsexyandmasculineandsohandsomethatherheartjumped.
Bestofall,hewassittingupontheexaminationtable,grinningasLou’sbrother-in-law,Copper
Coltrainstitcheduphisarm.
“Rodrigo!”Gloryexclaimed.

Hiseyebrowsarchedassherantohimandpressedclose,terrified,shaking.Herfreehandsmoothed
overthethick,softhaironhischestandshesighedwithmingledreliefandpleasureasshefelthis
heartbeat,reassuringatherear.
“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Rodrigoexclaimed.“Howdidyouknow?”
“Marquezphonedme,”shemanaged.Shedrewbackjustalittle,sothatshecouldlookupintohis
darkeyes.“Areyouallright?”
Hesmiled.“I’mfine.It’sjustafleshwound.I’vehadworse.”
She’dbeentoorelievedtonoticetheothermenatfirst,butnowshebecameawareofseveralmenin
uniformsandherheartsank.Sheknewherhusbandwasinvolvedinthedrugworld.Butshewasn’t
thesorttorunoutonasinkingship.Shedrewherselfupproudly.
“Everythingisgoingtobeallright.We’llgetyouthebestattorneyinTexas,”sheassuredRodrigoin
arush.“Theverybest.Don’tsayanythingthatmightincriminateyou.Infact,don’tsayanythinguntil
youhavelegalcounsel….”
Shestoppedbecausehewaslaughinghelplessly.Asshelistened,shebecameawarethatalltheother
menwerelaughingaswell.SheglancedbehindherandbelatedlyrecognizedPoliceChiefCashGrier
andSheriffHayesCarson,DEASeniorAgentAlexanderCobbandastrangemaninanexpensivesuit.
Cashheldupajacket.“Thisisyourhusband’s,Glory,”hesaid.Cashturnedthejacketaroundandshe
readthehugelettersDEAstampedinwhiteacrosstheback.
Hermindshutdown.Shefrowned,staringatthejacket.Herhusbandhadbeenwearingitwhenhewas
shot.Washepretendingtobeafederalagent?SlowlysheturnedherheadbacktoRodrigo.Hewas
holdingoutabadge.ADEAbadge.
“I’mnotunderarrest,”hetoldheramusedly.“Iwasinonthebust.”
“He’stheundercovernarc,”Cashsaid.“Wedidn’tdaretellyou.”
ShewasstaringatRodrigoandfeelinglikeanidiot.“You’retheDEAagentwhowasundercover.”
Henodded.Hiseyesweresolemn.“Ihaveacousinwho’smanagedtoremainintheemployofthe
pasttwodruglords,plusthisone.Hegotmein.”
“Youcouldhavebeenkilled,”shebegan.
“Thisisn’tmyfirstwalkaroundtheblock,Glory,”hesaidinafaintlycondescendingtone.“My
partnerandIworkedtheDominguezcaseinHoustonundercover.”
“Yourpartner…?”
“SarinaLane,”AlexanderCobbvolunteered.
Theblondewoman.Glorywasstartingtoputitalltogether.
Rodrigogrimaced.Hedidn’tlikehearingSarina’smarriedname.Beforehespokehisowncellphone
jangledwiththetitlesongoftheFIFASoccerWorldCup.Heopeneditandhisfacechanged.He
grinned.“Yes,wegotitall,”hesaid.Hechuckled.“AreyousurprisedthatIcanworkwithoutyou?”
headdedinanaffectionatetone.“Yes.Ijusttookahitinthearm.Afleshwound.Nothingcomparedto
thebulletyoucaughtinHoustonwhenwecorneredpartoftheDominguezganginthewarehouse.
Yes.I’mfine.Tomorrow?Thatwouldbegreat!Comeondown.Yes.KissBernadetteforme.Seeyou
tomorrow.”
Hehungup.NobodyhadtotellGlorythatthepersonattheendofthelinehadbeenSarina.His
partner.Hisworkingpartner,whomheloved.Whomhewouldalwayslove.
Gloryfeltweakandsickandsheprayedthatshewouldn’tpassoutathisfeetfromtheshock.
“Youshouldgohome,”Rodrigotoldher,notingherhighcolorandunsteadiness.Heshouldbe
flatteredthatshecaredsomuchabouthim,buthewasalittleembarrassedbythewayshelooked.She
hadn’tevenbrushedherhair.Shelookedlikeafarmworker,plainanduninteresting.He’dalwayshad

attractivewomenaroundhim,womenwhodressedwellanddrewmen’seyes.Thislittlefrump
wouldn’thaveattractedanearsightedpencil-pusher,muchlesshimself.“Istillhavetobedebriefed
whenthedoctorfinisheswithme,”hetoldhercarelessly.“I’llbelate.”
Shewantedtoprotest,butitwouldprobablyirritatehim,infrontofhiscolleagues.“Ofcourse.Ijust
wantedtomakesureyouwereallright,”sheadded,tryingveryhardtosoundcomposed.Hisattitude
madeherself-conscious.
Henodded.“We’lltalklater.”
“Yes.”
Marquezwalkedingrinning.“Whatahaul!”heexclaimed.“Greatwork,guys.Severalnewsteams
arepullingintotheparkinglot.Whowantstobetheentrée?”
“Notme,”Rodrigosaidatonce,“orI’llbeuselessinundercoverwork.”
“I’lltalktothem,”Cobbsaideasily.“Well,thethreeofuscandoit,”heindicatedCashandHayes
Carson.“Idon’twanttobeaccusedoftakingcreditforsomethingweallhelpedaccomplish.”
“That’sdamnedkindofyou,”Cashchuckled.
“It’snotthat,”Cobbmused.“Ineedyourbrother ’scooperationinacasethatmayhavetiestoSan
Antonio.Ican’taffordtooffendyou!”
“Hisbrother?”themaninthesuitasked.
“Garon.He’saseniorspecialagentwiththeFBIinSanAntonio.”
“That’swhythenamesoundedfamiliar,”themanagreed.
“I’dbettergetgoing,”Glorymurmured.Itwouldn’tdoifsomeonewithoneofthenewscrews
recognizedher,notwithFuentesstillonhertrail.She’dbeeninterviewedmorethanonceonthecases
sheprosecuted.Shedidn’tneedtobefingeredonlocalTV.
“I’llmakesureyougethomeokay,”Marquezvolunteered.“Youdon’tneedtobeontheroadatnight
alone.Especiallynotnow.Wedon’tknowwhereFuentesis,despitethefactthatwe’vejustconfiscated
hisbiggestloadtodate.”
SheglancedtowardRodrigo,buthewastalkingtoHayesCarson,andhedidn’tlookherway.She
mightaswellbeinvisibletohim.
Sheturned,holdingherheadhigh,andwalkedoutwithMarquez.

MARQUEZACTUALLYDROVEbehindherinhistrucktomakesureshegothomesafely.
Shelockedhercarandwalkedupontotheporch.“Wantcoffee?”sheaskedhim.
Hehesitated.Hewastired,butshelookedasifshecoulduseafriend.Herhusbandhadbeen
dismissive,almostasifhewereashamedofher.Shedeservedbetter,especiallyinhercondition.
“Sure,”hesaid,andwalkedintothehousewithher.
Sheserveddecaffeinatedcoffeeandslicedsomepoundcake.Theysippedcoffeeandmunchedcakein
acompanionablesilence.
“You’vebeeninthebusinesslongenoughtoknowhowitiswithlawenforcementpeopleafterbusts,”
hesaidquietly.“It’sthebiggesthighintheworld.Ittakestimetocomebackdownagain.Meanwhile,
youjustwanttotalkuntilyougetitalloutofyoursystem.”
“Funny,”shemused,“Ithoughtthatwaswhathusbandsandwiveswerefor—totalkto.”
“Rodrigoisn’tyouraveragecop,”hereplied.“He’sdonealotofthingsthatmostofusjustdream
about.”
ShewasrememberingwhatMarquezandCashhadtoldherabouttheundercovernarcwhohada
priceonhisheadallovertheworldbecausehewassogoodatshuttingdowndruglords.“Iguessso.
Thatbitabouthimridingdownanescapingchildkilleronhorsebackthroughthejungleintherain

wasprettyimpressive.”
Hechuckled.“That’sjustthefrostingonthecake,”hereplied.“Hewaswithalegendarygroupof
mercsoverseasbeforehesettledintoworkasafederalagent.Hehasapilot’slicense,hespeakshalfa
dozenlanguages,he’sagourmetcookandhe’srelatedtohalftheroyalhousesinEurope.”
Sheputhercoffeecupdown.“Rodrigo?”sheasked,surprised.
Henodded.“Bothhisparentswereminorroyals,”hesaid.“HisfatherwasDanishandhismotherwas
high-bornSpanish.Quiteamixture.”
Itcameasashock.Sheknewnothingaboutthemanshe’dmarried;nothingatall.
“Whydidhegointoundercoverwork?”shewantedtoknow.“Mostfederalagentswhodothatget
killed.”
Henodded.“Hehasmorereasonthanmost.Lopezbecameinfatuatedwithhissister,whowas
workinginanightclub.Heforcedhimselfonherandthenkilledher.”Hegrimaced.“Rodrigowent
wild.Hewentonalegendarydrunk,crashedahelicopterandthenbrokeintoAlexanderCobb’soffice
togettheinformationandequipmentheneededtogoafterManuelLopez.Mostpeople,eveninlaw
enforcement,walkwidearoundhim.He’sthemostdangerousmanIknow.”
Shewasbeginningtorealizethat.“He’snotdomesticated.”
“No.Hecameclosetomarryinghispartner,butshewasstillinlovewithherex-husband,Colby
Lane.He’sbeenlinkedwithdebutantes,moviestars,evenminorroyalty.Butthere’salwaysanew
case.Helivesonadrenalinerushes.Idon’tthinkhecouldgiveuphisjob,evenifheloveda
woman…”Hehesitatedwhenhesawherface.“Ididn’tmeanthat.”
“Webothknowhedoesn’tloveme,Rick,”shesaidafteraminute.“Hedidn’twantmeinthe
emergencyroom.Iembarrasshim.I’mtooplain.”
“I’msurehe’dneversaythattoyou.”
Sheheldhercupbetweenherhandsandstareddownintoit.“Iwanttogohome.”
“Whataboutthebaby?”
Thathurt,thinkingaboutit.“Hewon’twantit,”shesaid,andwascertainofit.Shelookedup.“Getme
intoasafehouseinSanAntonioandI’llstayputuntilyoucanfindFuentesandgethimoffmycase.”
Hepursedhislips.“IthinktheD.A.mightgoforthat,nowthatwe’vecrippledFuentes’sreputation.”
“I’llphonehimathometonight,”shesaid.“ThenI’llphoneyou,ifhesaysit’sokay.I’dliketogo
tomorrow.”
Hefrowned.“Whysoquick?”heasked.Thenherememberedwhathe’doverheardatthehospital—
SarinaandherdaughterwouldbecomingdowntoseeRodrigo.Glorydidn’twanttobetherewhen
shearrived.
“I’llphoneyou,”sherepeated.
“Okay.I’llbeatMom’s,”headded.“I’mnotoncallthisweekend.”
Shegrimaced.Hedidn’thavealotofweekendswhenhewasn’toncall.“Sorry.”
“Hey,allIdoiswatchtelevision.MomspendsmostSundaysatthenursinghomeafterchurch,
readingtosomeoftheolderpatients.”
“She’salovelyperson,yourmother.”
Hesmiled.“Yes.”
“Thanks,Rick,”shesaidafteraminute.“Iwasalittlenervousbeingoutatnightalone,evenwiththe
gun.”
“Whereisthegun?”
“Inmycar,”shesaid.“Ididn’twanttorisktakingitintothehospital.”
“GetitoutofyourcarbeforeIleaveandkeepitwithyou,”hereturnedsolemnly.“You’renotoutof

thewoodsyet.”
Shesighed.“Don’tIknowit!”

SHEPHONEDTHED.A.athomeandhewasagreeabletohavingherbackonthejob,inasafehouse.
Oneoftheinvestigatorswouldfollowhertoandfromworkandthepolicewouldputextrapatrols
on.But,likeMarquez,hedidn’tthinkFuenteswasgoingtobeaproblemanylonger.Neitherdid
Glory.Thankstoherhusbandandhiscolleagues,Fuenteswasabouttohavebigtroubleofhisown
overthoseconfiscateddrugs.

RICKWASDUEATNOONtofollowherbacktoSanAntonio.She’dswornhimtosilenceabouther
job.TherewasnoreasontotellRodrigoaboutit.He’dbebackinHoustoninnotime,andthey
probablywouldn’tevenhavetoseeeachotheragain.Theycouldgetaquietdivorceandpretend
they’dnevermet.Shewassohurtbyhisattitudethatitdidn’tevenbotherherthattheywere
separating.
Sheheardhimcomein,intheweehoursofthemorning,butshedidn’thaveherlighton,andshe
didn’tmakeasoundwhensheheardhimhesitateoutsideherdoor.Hedidn’topenit.
Thenextmorning,shestayedinherroomuntilheleftthehouse.Thenshefixedherselfapoached
eggontoastandsomecoffee.She’dpackedmostofherthings.Now,itwasjustamatterofwaiting
forRicktofollowherintothecity.
Sheheardacardoorslamandthehigh,sweetsoundofachild’sexcitedlaughteroutside.
Shewenttothecurtainedfrontwindowandlookedout.Rodrigohadthelittlegirlhighinhisarms,
andhewaslaughingdownintotheprettyblondewoman’sanimatedface.Watchingthem,Gloryfelt
likeanoutsider.Theywerestillafamily,regardlessofMr.Lane’spresenceintheirlives.She
couldn’tbeartoseehowhappyRodrigowas.Shewentbackintoherroomtofinishherpacking.
Whenshewasfinished,sheputonapairofjeanswithaprettyfloppymagentaoverblouseand
sandalsandwalkedoutontotheporch,becauseRickwasdue.ShesawSarina’scar,butshewas
nowhereinsight.
Shewalkedtotheendoftheporchandstoppeddeadwhensheheardvoicesaroundthecorner.
“…butyou’remarried,”Sarinawassaying.
“Toalittlecountryhickwhodresseslikeabagladyandhasnosocialgraces,oreducationtospeak
of,”hesaidcoldly.“Iwasashamedtohavemycolleaguesevenseeherwithmelastnight!”Hedrew
inaharshbreath.“She’scrippledandFuenteswantstokillherbecauseshe’sawitnesstosomething
illegalthathedid.Ionlymarriedheroutofpity.Itwastheworstreasonintheworld.”Hedidn’tadd
thathe’dfeltaragingdesireforherthathecouldn’tdeny.
“Whatareyougoingtodo,then?”camethereply.
“WhateverIhaveto,inordertogetoutofthemessI’min.”
Glorymovedbackawayfromthem,feelingsick.Hewasashamedofher.Hemarriedherbecausehe
feltsorryforher.Shefeltasifherwholelifehadjustshatteredatherfeet.
Shewentofftheporchtheotherwayandwalkedblindlydowntotheoldironbridgethatnobodyused
anymore,sincethemodernonewascompleted.Sheclimbeduponthehighrailandsatthere,blinded
bytears,hurtingasifshe’dbeenstabbedintheheart.Themanshelovedspokeofherwithdisdain,
withcontempt,andshewascarryinghisbaby.Shefeltsuchafool.Howcouldshehavethoughthe
mightcometoloveher?Shewascrippledandplainanduselesstohim.Hethoughtthewomanwho’d
workedonthefarmwithhimwasnothingbutacountryhick.Itshouldhavebeenamusing.Itwasn’t.
Addedtothat,hermedicalconditioncouldcosthernotonlyherbaby,butherlife.Itwasableak,cold

futureloomingahead.Depressionandmelancholysettledoverherlikeablackcloud.
Sheswungherlegsoutovertheriver,rushingbelowherovertherocks.Thewaterwasdeep,there.A
womanhadthrownherselfoffthisbridgebackintheearly1920sanddrownedbecauseshe’dcaught
herhusbandwithherbestfriend.SarinaLanewasn’tGlory’sfriend,butshecouldunderstandhowthe
deadwomanmusthavefelt.Somepeoplehadseenheronthisbridgelateatnight,orsotheysaid,
walkingalongtheroadinawhitedress.Theycalleditthehauntedbridge.ButGlorywasn’tafraid.
Shewasakindredspirit.
Therushingwaterwashypnotic.Shewasn’treallysuicidal.Shewasjustsickatheart.Butsomething
wasurginghertoslidecloserandclosertotheedge.Justalittlewaydown,avoicenudged,andall
thehurtwouldend.Shewouldbefree.Shewouldneverhavetowalkwithacaneortakemedicinefor
bloodpressureorhearherhusbandreciteherdrawbackstoanotherwomaneveragain…
“Glory!”
Shedidn’thearMarquezatfirst.Shedidn’thear,orseehim,untilhecaughtheraroundthewaistand
draggedherdownfromtheironpillar.
“Whatthehellareyoudoing?”heexclaimed,steadyingheragainsthim.Hisfacewaspale.Hewas
breathinghard.“IneverthoughtI’dgethereintime!”headded.
Hemusthaverundownthehill,shethought.Butitgotworse.RodrigoandSarinawerealsorunning
downthehill,ontothebridge.
“Whathappened?”Rodrigoaskedcurtly.
“Ithoughtshewasgoingtoj…Imean,fall,”Rickcorrectedatonce.
“Iwouldn’thavefallen,”shetoldRickwithoutlookingattheothers.“Iusedtofishoffthisbridge.”
Shestillsoundeddazed.“WhenIwasalittlegirl,mygreat-grandfatherwouldcomedownherewith
me.”Shesmiledreminiscently.“Weonlyhadcanepolesandfishingline,nothingfancy,butevery
Saturdaywhenhedidn’thavetoplow,we’dcatchbassandbreamforsupper.”
“Whywereyousittingupthereinthefirstplace?”Rodrigodemanded.
Shelookedathim,distracted.“I’vealwaysdoneit,”shesaidvacantly,“anddangledmylegsoverthe
edge.”
“Youcouldhavefallen!”Rodrigopersistedhotly.Heactuallysoundedconcerned,butGlorywassure
thathewasn’t.Afterall,hisownspecialwomanwasstandingrightbesidehim.Hecouldn’taffordto
letherthinkhewasheartlessabouthiswife.
Shelookedintohiseyes,andherownwereblazingwithbanked-downfury.“IfIhadfallen,it
wouldn’thavematteredtoyou,wouldit?”sheaskedcoldly.SheavoidedSarina’scuriouseyesand
turnedtoRick.“I’mreadytogowhenyouare,”shesaidquietly.
“Wherethehellareyougoing?”Rodrigoaskedcurtly.
Shecouldn’tbeartolookathim.“I’mgoinghome.Rickisgoingtofollowme,justincaseFuentes
hasn’tbeensidetrackedbythelossofhisproductlastnight.”
Rodrigohadn’tbeenthinking.Fuenteswasstillafterherandshewasgoingoffwiththisdetective
whoseemedmoreconcernedthanherhusbanddid.Hefeltashamed.“Where’shome?”Rodrigo
asked,scowling.
Shedidn’tanswerhim.“We’dbettergetgoing.Sorryaboutthework,”shetoldRodrigomatter-of-
factly,“butI’msureIwon’tbehardtoreplace.Therearesomanyplain,countryhicksaroundhere
whohavenohopeofabetterlifethanworkinginsomeone’skitchen.”She’daddedthatlastbit
deliberately,andshelookedupintimetoseeithithome,likeapoisonedarrow.Heknewthenthat
she’doverheardhimtalkingtoSarina.Itshamedhim.Hehadn’tmeantit.Notreally.
Sarinalookedasifshewantedtosaysomething,butGlorysimplywalkedpastherandRodrigo,and

keptgoing.Herhipwaskillingher,butshewasn’tshowinganysignsofweaknesstothattwo-legged,
two-timingpitvipertowhomshewasstill,temporarily,married.

MARQUEZCAUGHTUPWITHher.“Areyoupacked?”heaskedher.
“Yes.Mysuitcaseisinthelivingroom.Ijustneedtogetmypurseandmycane.”
Theywentinsidetogether.Shehoistedhershoulderbagandleanedalittleheavilyonhercaneasshe
followedMarquezoutside.
RodrigoandSarinawerestandingontheporch.Rodrigowasfrowning.
“Exactlywhereareyougoing?”heaskedGlory,sparingMarquezaglanceashewenttoputher
suitcaseinthetrunkofhercar.
Herfacewasblandasoatmealasshelookedathim.Shewaspaleandunhappy,butshetriedto
concealit.“That’sneed-to-know.Youdon’t.Anyway,withFuentes’soperationintatters,wethink
he’llbemuchmoreworriedabouthisownlifethanhe’llbeabouttakingmine.Youcanalwayssend
flowersifI’mwrongandheputsabulletinme,”sheaddedmatter-of-factly.
Rodrigoactuallyflinched.
Sarinagnawedherlowerlip.“Wedidn’tgettointroduceourselvesonthebridge,”Sarinasaidquietly.
“I’m…”
“SarinaLane,”Gloryrepliedtonelessly.“Yes,Iknow.Mr.Ramirezspeaksofyouoften.”
Rodrigo’sblackeyesflashed.Hedidn’tlikeherformaluseofhisname.Butbeforehecouldspeak,
Marquezwasback.
“I’mready,”hetoldGlory,pausingtonodatthecouplebesideher.
“Okay.”ShelookedatRodrigo’schin.“ThanksforlettingmestayherewhileFuenteswasafterme.I
hopeIwon’tbeleavingyoushorthanded.”
“Carlaandoneoftheotherworkerswillfinishupthefruit,”hesaidstiffly.“It’sonlyaspeculative
project.Ifittakesoff,Pendletonwillhavetoarrangeformorekitchenstafftomeetthedemand.”
“Ofcourse,”shesaid,andevensmiled.“Well,goodbye.”
Rodrigofrowned.“Therewillbesomelegalities…”
“I’llhavemyattorneycontactyou.Youcanfilefordivorcewheneveryoulike,”shesaid.“The
soonerthebetter,”sheaddedbitterly.Sheturned,leaningheavilyonthecane,andwalkedoutof
Rodrigo’slifewithoutabackwardglance.
Sheputonherseatbelt,startedhercar,andpulledoutoftheyardbehindRick’struck.Shenever
waved.Sheneverlookedback.Shejustdrove,evenwhentheroadbecamealittleblurryasshepulled
outofthedriveway.

SARINAWASFROWNING.Rodrigowasstaringafterthedepartingvehiclesasifhewerewatchinga
movie.Hewasscowling,rigid.
“Sheheardwhatyousaidabouther,”shesaidquietly.“Itmusthavehurt.She’sproud,youcalltell.”
Histeethcrashedtogether.HewasrememberingwhatGloryhadsaid,aboutbeingshuttledintofoster
homes,alwaysthechildoutsidelookingin,alwaystheoutsider,alwaysunwanted.Hedidn’t
understandwhyhe’dsaidsuchcruelthingsabouther.Hewasn’temotionallyinvolvedwithGlory.
He’donlywantedher.Sowhydiditfeelsowrongthatshewasleaving?
“Itwasanactofinsanity,”Rodrigosaidcurtly.“Adivorcewouldbebestforbothofus.”
Sarinawasthinking.Therewassomethingoddabouttheotherwoman.Shecouldn’tputherfingeron
it,buttherewasmuchmoregoingonherethanRodrigowasadmitting.Hesaidhedidn’tcareabout
Glory,buthiseyesweretormented.Hewaspretending.Gloryhadn’tknownhimlongenoughto

knowthat,butSarinahad.Notonlythat,sheknewshe’dseenGlorysomewhereelse,inadifferent
setting.Forsomereason,SanAntoniokeptpullingathermind.
SowhenshegotbacktoHouston,shephonedacolleagueintheSanAntonioDEAofficeandstarted
askingquestions.

14
ALLTHEEXTRAPATROLSandprecautionsweresuddenlyunnecessaryforGlory’sprotection.
She’djustmovedintothesafehouseandwasdrinkingherfirstcupofMondaymorningdecafcoffee
whenMarquezphoned.
“Guesswhat?”heasked.
“Youwonthelotteryandyou’rerunningawaytoTahiti?”
“That’llbetheday.IcalledtotellyouthattheyjustfoundFuentesfacedowninastreambetweenhere
andJacobsville.Theydidn’tevenbothertohidethebody—it’svisiblefromthehighway.”
Herheartstopped.“Saywhat?”
“Wewererightabouthissuperiorcountingmistakes.ThisisthesecondbigloadFuenteslost,andhis
organizationisn’tforgiving.Nomorechances.He’sverydead.”
Shewassorry,evenforadrugdealertodie.Butittooktheheatoffher.“ThenI’msafe?”sheasked
hesitantly.
“Perfectly,”hereplied.“OurmoleintheorganizationsaidFuenteswascrazytoputoutacontracton
anassistantD.A.inthiscountrywithoutauthorization,whenhewasalreadyunderthegunfora
murdercharge.Notthattheydon’tkillattorneys,copsandjournalists,butthisisn’tthewaythey
operate.Anyway,thebigdruglordtoldthemtolayoffyou.”
“Gee,Ididn’tgethimanything,”shemused.
“Itwasanicepresent,wasn’tit?Pitywecan’tfindoutwhoheis.MaybetheDEAwillhavebetterluck.
Anyway,youcanmovebackintoyourapartmentwheneveryoulike,andyourbosssaysyour
paperworkispilingup,hint,hint.”
Shesmiled.Itwasthefirstgoodnewsshe’dhadinalongtime.“Okay.GoodthingIhaven’t
unpacked.”
“Yes.I’llbeoveronmylunchhourtomoveyou.”
“Rick,you’vedonesomuchalready…”
“You’remyfriend,”hesaidsimply.
“Then,thanks.I’llexpectyouatnoon,andI’llorderapizza!”

SHEWASSTILLSQUEAMISHthatnight,backinherownapartment,fightingthemorningsickness
thatseemedtogetworseandlastlonger.Shewasalsohavingsomepain.Shemadeanappointment
withherphysicianinSanAntonioandstartedputtingtogetherherworkclothesforthenextday.
Whenshelookedinthemirror,shesawthetollherexperiencehadtaken.Shewaspaleanddrawnand
shelookedasifshe’dlostweight.Butatleastthepretencewasovernow.Shecouldusemakeup,put
hercontactlensesbackin,wearwhatshelikedandnothavetoblendin.Itwasabitterthing,
rememberingwhatRodrigohadsaidaboutherlackofculture,educationandlooks.
Shewasgettingdressedthenextmorningwhenherdoorbellrang.Shepushedtheintercombutton.
Shewonderedwhoitcouldbesoearly…
“MayIcomeup?”
Herjawclenched.“Why?”sheasked,becausesheknewthatparticularfemininevoicealltoowell.
“Ineedtotellyousomething.”
Fortwocents,shethought,I’dignoreher.Butitwasn’tSarina’sfaultthatRodrigocouldn’tgoon
livingwithouther.“Okay,”shesaidheavily,andpressedthebuzzerontheoutsidedoor.
Glorywaswearingagraysuitandpinkblouse,withherhairinaneatbunandmakeupon,whenshe
openedthedoortoherrival.
Sarinastared.“Youlookdifferent.”

“Ihavetoupholdtheimageofthedistrictattorney’sofficeonthejob,”shesaidstiffly.“WhatcanIdo
foryou?”
Sarina’seyelidsflinched.“He’snotaneasymantogettoknow,”shebegan.“Hewasstillhurting
fromhissister ’sdeathwhenIwaspartneredwithhiminArizona.Healternatedbetweenbristlingand
coldformality—atleast,untilhemetBernadette.Heloveschildren,”shesaiddeliberately,andwitha
glanceatGlory’sbelly,asifsheknewthatthetopbuttonofherskirtwasundonebecauseitwouldn’t
fastenanymore.
“Youwouldn’ttellhim…?”Gloryasked,panicking.
Sarinashookherhead.“That’syourbusiness.Butheshouldknow.”
“Why?”Gloryaskedcoldly.“Itwon’tbeBernadette.”
Sarina’seyeswerecompassionate.“I’msosorry,”shesaidsoftly.“Youwon’tunderstand,butIknow
howyoufeel.Iwasdesperatelyinlovewithmyhusbandwhenheleftmeforanotherwoman,one
whoonlywantedhismoney.ColbyandIwereapartuntilBernadettewasingrammarschool,andthat
witchhadconvincedhimthathewassterile.”
Gloryrelaxedalittle.
“Yes,”Sarinareplied,smiling,“I’mverymuchinlovewithmyhusband.AllIcouldevergive
Rodrigowasfriendship.Itwasn’tenough.He’stenacious,”sheadded.“It’swhatmakeshim
dangerousinthefield.Butit’sadouble-edgedweapon,too.”
Glory’shandrestedonherstomach.“Idon’tknowifIcancarryachild,”sheconfessed.Itfeltgood
totellsomeone.She’dlivedwiththefearforsolong.“Ihadaslightheartattackonthejob,”she
addedslowly,seeingthesympathyintheotherwoman’sdarkeyes.“I’veworkedsohardtogetwhere
Iam.AndI’mpayingtheprice.Ihavetotakemedicineforhighbloodpressureandhighcholesterol,
andnowIhavetotakebloodthinnersaswellsothatIwon’thaveasecond,worseheartattack.The
usualtestsdidn’tshowanyblockages,buttheywantmetodoaheartcatheterizationandIwon’triskit
whileI’mpregnant.IfIstoptakingthebloodthinners,thechildwillbesafe,butIcoulddie.HowdoI
tellhimallthat?”sheaskedbluntly.“HethinksIdon’twantchildren.Itisn’ttrue.Butitmightbe
kindertolethimgoonthinkingit.”
Sarinashookherhead.“Itisn’t.”Shetookapieceofpaperoutofherpocketandhandedittothe
youngerwoman.“That’shishomeaddress,inHouston.He’sgonebacktheretodebriefhisoffice,
andtoconnectsomelocaldrugsmugglerswithFuentes.Goseehim.Tellhim.”
“Hewon’twanttoknow.”
Sarinastaredherdown.“Isn’theworthfightingfor?”
Glorylookeddownatthenoteinherhand.Itwasaforlornhope.Itwouldonlyleadtomore
heartache.Sheshrugged.“Yes,”shesaid.“I’llgo.”

ANDSHEDID.SHEHADtogobythePendletons’togethercarforthetrip.Theoldoneshedrove
onthejobwasonitslastgasp.
Rodrigolivedinagatedcommunity.Itwasaprettyapartmentcomplex,veryritzy.Mostofthecarsin
theparkinglotswereexpensiveones.Ifhecouldaffordtolivehere,shethought,hehadmoregoing
forhimthanafederalagent’ssalary.SherememberedSarinasayingthathewasrelatedtotheroyal
housesofEurope.Hewasprobablywealthy.
ShehadtoshowhercourtIDtothegatekeeperandlieaboutthepurposeofhervisit.Hesaidthathe’d
havetocheckitwithMr.Ramirez,whichheproceededtodo.ButRodrigowasn’tin.Theguardgave
herracing-greenJaguarXKEsportscaralong,wistfullook.Itreallywasabeaut—apresentfrom
herstepbrotherandstepsisterlastChristmas.

“I’llonlybeaminute,”shepleaded.“IhavesomepaperstoleavewithhimonacaseI’mtryinginSan
Antonio.”
“Oh,Isee.Yes,weallheardaboutthehappeningsdowninJacobsCounty,”thegatekeepersaid,
warmingtoher.“Wereyouinonthat?”
Shelaughed.“Onlyperipherally,I’mafraid.ButIwillgettotrysomeofthecoconspirators.”That
wasapossibility,butshemadeitsoundasifitwerethepurposeofhervisit.
“Yougoonin.HeplaystennismostSaturdaymornings,”headded.“Youcanwaitforhim.”
“Thanksamillion.”
“Surething.”
Shedroveoffandtheguardfrowned.Shouldhehavetoldherthatanotheryoungladyhadalready
goneintoseeMr.Ramirez,andthatshehadakeytotheapartment?

BLISSFULLYIGNORANTOFthepossiblecomplications,Glorypulledupintheparkinglotandgot
out,walkingtotheapartmenttheguardhadgivenherdirectionsfor.TherewasalittleHispanicboy
withasoccerballinthegreenspacebetweentheapartmentbuildings.Shesmiledathim,and
wonderedifherchildwouldbeaboy.
“Doyoulikesoccer?”theboyasked.
“Yes.Ifollowallthegames,”shereplied,“andIalwayswatchtheWorldCup.”
“IlikeMarquez,”hereplied.“He’scaptainoftheMexicanteam.He’sagreatplayer.”
Hereyebrowsarched.“Marquez?”sheasked,thinkingofherownMarquez,thedetective.
Henodded.“WecallhimRafa.IwanttobelikehimwhenIgrowup.LookwhatIcando.”He
bouncedtheballfromonekneetotheother.Shelaughed,enjoyinghisskill.
Sheheardfootstepsandturned.AndtherewasRodrigo,butnotthemanshe’dknowninJacobsville.
Thiswassomeoneelse.HewaslikethepeopleJasonandGracieinvitedtotheirsocialevents.Hewas
wearinganArmanisuitwithhandmadeItalianshoes.Hishairwasstyled,notjustcut,andhelooked
expensiveandgraceful…anddangerous.
“Hi,Rodrigo!”theboycalled.“Wanttoplay?”
“Notrightnow.Gohome,Domingo,”hesaidgently.
Theboylookedfromoneadulttotheother.“Sure.”Hedidn’targue.
“Whatdoyouwant?”Rodrigoaskedbluntly.
Shehesitated.Sheshouldhavedressedbetter.ShewaswearingthesamejeansandT-shirtshe’dworn
atthefarm,althoughherhairwasinaneatplait.Shedidn’thavemuchmakeupon.Shewaswalking
withoutthecane,becauseshedidn’twantpity.Shetriedtolookcomfortable.
“Iwantedtotellyousomething,”shesaid.Shedidn’tknowhowtobegin.
Hesmiledcoldly.“Someone’sbeentalkingtoyou,Igather,”hereplied.
“Well,yes.”
“AndnowyouknowthatIcouldhaveaffordedtobuythatfarmandfiftylikeitforcash,andsuddenly
thosemarriagevowswetookhaverealvalue,no?”
Hereyeswidened.“Youmustbejoking,”shebegan.Shewasn’taPendleton,butshewastreatedlike
one.ShehadaclosetfullofdesignerclothesthatGracieandJasonhadforcedonher.Nottomention
thelittleJaguarsportscarshewasdriving.
“Joking?”Hegaveheralongappraisalwithnarrowed,contemptuouseyes.“It’snojoke.Don’tthink
you’llplayonmysympathiesandwalkawayricher.Ihavenoneformercenarycreatureslikeyou.”
Hewasoutragedthatshe’dtrackedhimhere,thatshewasbrazenenoughtotrytoforceherwayinto
hislifeafterthey’dagreedtodivorce.

“Mercenary…?”Shewashorrified.Thiswasn’twhatshe’dexpected.
Beforehecouldsayanythingelse,orshecouldcomeupwithareplythatdidn’tincludekickinghim
inthegroin,hisapartmentdooropenedandabeautifulyoungwomanwithlongblackhair,oliveskin
anddarkeyescalledtohim.
“Areyoucoming,Rodrigo?”sheaskedurgently.“I’vealmostburnedthepaella!”
“I’llberightthere,Conchita,”hecalledback.
Gloryhadneverfeltsostupid.Helookedbackdownatherwithpurerevengeinhisdarkeyes.“She’s
greatinbed,”hedrawled.
Shedidn’twanthimtoseethepainhewascausing.Sheturnedawayandstartedbacktowardhercar.
Herhipwashurting,butsowasherbelly.Odd,thesetwingesofpain.Shethoughtabouttheblood
thinnersshe’dtakenforsolongandhopedtheyweren’tgoingtohurtthebaby.Thebaby.Rodrigo
wouldneverknow,shevowed.Never!

HEWATCHEDHERWALKawaywithmingledfuryandregret.Shewasproud.She’dneverasked
forspecialtreatmentonthefarmandshehadguts—she’dsavedherselffrombothMarcoand
Consuelowithoutanyhelpfromhim.He’daccusedherofbeingafterhismoney.Well,hetold
himself,sheprobablywas.Shehadnothing.Couldheblameherforwantingabetterlife?
Ashemountedhisstepsheheardaroarandlookedovertheparkinglotintimetoseeagreensports
carrevoutintotheroad.Hedidn’trecognizethecar,butheknewitcouldn’tbeGlory’s.Maybesome
friendofhershadbroughther.HewentintoeatthepaellaandputGloryoutofhismind.

GLORYRANOUTOFCURSESbeforesheleftHouston.Bythetimeshegottotheexpresswayand
wasalmosttoVictoria,shewasmakingthemupasshewentalong.Thepaininherbellycameagain.
Shegasped.Thiswasn’tgoingaway.HerowndoctorwasinSanAntonio,andJacobsvillewasmuch
closer.LouColtrainknewabouthercondition.ShedecidedthatJacobsvillewasherbestbet.She
hopedshecouldmakeit.Sheflooredtheaccelerator.

LUCKWASWITHHER.OntheoutskirtsofJacobsville,asquadcarthrewonitsbluelightsand
pulledherover.Sheslumpedoverthewheelastheofficer,whomsherecognizedfromherstandoff
withMarco,walkedtoherside.
Holdinghisticketbook,Kilravenstartedtodateaticketwithoutlookingdown.“MayIseeyour
licenseandregistration,ma’am?”heaskedcourteously.
“Theminute…yougetme…toahospital,”shepanted,andturnedherwhitefaceuptohis.“Ithink
I’m…losingmybaby,”sheadded,andhervoicebroke.
“GoodGod!”heexclaimed.
Hepulledopenthedoor,unfastenedherseatbelt,andcarriedher,asifsheweighednothing,tothe
passengersideofhissquadcar.Heputherin,gently,andfastenedtheseatbelt.Allthetime,hewas
talkingintohisportable.“I’monmywayinwithapregnantwomanwhomaybemiscarryingher
child,”hesaidcurtly.“Havethemmeetmeattheemergencyroomentrance.There’snotimetowait
foranambulance.”
“Ten-four,”dispatchreplied.“Canyouidentifythepatient?”
“GloryanneBarnes,”hetoldherimmediately.“NotifyDr.LouColtrain.”
“That’saten-four.Dispatchclearateleven-twentyhours.”
“My…purse,andkeys,”shemanagedbetweenboutsofexcruciatingpain.
Herantogetthem,lockingthecarandracingbacktogetinunderthewheel.Heputthepurse,keys

inside,onthefloorboardbesideher,startedthecarandlaiddownrubbergettingoutintothehighway.
“Layingdrags,”shemanaged.“They’llhangyouforthat.”
Helaughed,silvereyesflashingasheglancedather.“Yousoundlikealawyer.”
“Iamalawyer.”
“Iknow.”
Shewouldhavepursuedthat,butthepaindoubledherup,inspiteoftheseatbelt.Tearswererolling
downhercheeksalltheshortdrivetothehospital.
Therestwasablurofpainandloudvoices,handsliftingher,andverysoon,LouColtrain’sgentle,
calmingvoice.Somethingstungherarm.Then,peace.
Whensheopenedhereyesagain,Kilraven,thetall,good-lookingpolicemanwho’dbroughtherin
wasstandingbesidethebed,watchingherwitheyessopaleashadeofgraythattheygleamedlike
silveragainsthisolivecomplexionandjet-blackhair.
“Youbroughtmein,”shemurmureddrowsily.
“Yes.”
Shetouchedherflatbellyandstartedtocrysilently.Sheknewherchildwasgone.Shecouldfeelthe
emptiness.“Ilostmybaby,didn’tI?”
Hismouthmadeastraightline.“I’msorry.”
Shelookedupathiminanguish.
“Itgetsbetter,”hesaidstiffly.“Itjusttakestime.”
“Haveyou…lostachild?”
Hismouthmadeathinline.“Yes.”
Shehadtofighttobreathe.Hercheekswereflushed.Herheartbeatwasmovingthesheetthatcovered
her.
Hepushedtheintercombuttonandsaidsomethingintoit,verysoftly.Secondslater,anursebustledin
andcheckedhervitals.Shegrimaced.
“Justliestill,”shesaidgently.“I’llberightback.”
“Whatisit?”sheaskedtheofficer.
“They’llhangmeifItellyou.”
Shestudiedhim.“Theywouldn’tdare.Tellme.”
Hisbroadchestexpandedundertheuniform.“Ithinkyou’rehavingaheartattack.”
Shenodded.“That’swhat…Ithink,too.”
ThenursewasbackwithDr.CopperColtrain.Hecheckedhervitals,lookedatherchartand
whisperedsomethingtothenurse,whonoddedandscurriedoutoftheroom.
“Heartattack.”Glorymurmureddrowsily.
“Idon’tthinkso.Anepisodeofangina,probably,butwe’llruntests.”Heglaredattheofficer.“She
can’thavevisitors,”hesaidflatly.
Kilravenclaspedhishandsbehindhisbackandstoodatparaderest.Hedidn’tmove.Hissilvereyes
daredColtraintoevicthim.
“Hesavedme,”Gloryprotested.“I’dneverhavemadeitonmyown.”
Coltrain’sevilexpressionmellowed,justalittle.Thenursecamebackandhandedhimasyringe.He
injecteditintoGlory.Shemanagedaweaksmileandeverythingfadedawayagain.

THENEXTTWODAYSwereablur.Sheawoketoanungodlynoiseoutsideherroom.She
recognizedSheriffHayesCarson’sdeepvoicecursing.Shewonderedifhediditoften,becausehe
wasusingsomeoddphrases.

“Crackersandmilk!”Carsonexploded.“I’mnotservingdamneddivorcepapersonawomaninher
condition!”hewasyellingintohiscellphone.“Youtellyourdamnedclientifhewantsthemserved,
hecancomerightdownheretoJacobsvilleGeneralandservethemhimself!”
“You’redisturbingthepatients,”LouColtrainchided.
“Sorry,”Hayesmutteredsheepishly.“Itwasunavoidable.”
HeandLouexchangedameaningfullook.Theydidn’tgoinsideandtellGloryanything.Whichwas
ashame.Becausethreehourslater,herhusbandwalkedintoherroomunannouncedandstaredather
asifhecouldn’tbelievehiseyes.
“Whatdoyouwant?”sheaskedicily.
“Yoursheriffrefusedtoservedivorcepapersonyou.”Hestartedtopullthemoutofhispocket,but
hehesitated.Shelookedwornout,heartsick,exhausted.“Whatthehellareyoudoinginhere?Isit
yourhipagain?”
Hergreeneyesflashedathim.“Whatdoyoucare?”sheasked.“Youdidn’tevenaskmewhyI’dcome
toseeyou.YouthinkI’mmercenary,doyou?YouthinkmoneyisallIwantoutoflife.”
Histeethclenched.“That’sallwomenhaveeverwantedfromme,”hesaidcoldly.“Except…”
“ExceptforSarina,”shefinishedforhim.“Butyoucan’thaveher,canyou?IguessConchitaisyour
presentconsolation.PityIdidn’tknowthatIwasstandinginforyourex-partner!”
Hiseyesdarkenedandhesmiledcoolly.Hispridestungandheretaliated,“Youwereapoor
substitute.”
Thatwastheabsolutelaststraw.“Getout!”sheshouted,sittingup.Theactionmadeherfeelfaint.She
feltherheartracingwildly,inspiteofthedrugstheyweregivingher.
“ShallIleavethedivorcepapersonthetablebeforeIgo?”hetaunted.
“I’lltellyouwheretoputthem,andhowfar.Getout!”sheyelled.“Getout!”
CopperColtrainburstintotheroomlikearedheadedtornado.“Getoutofhere,”hesaidinafurious
undertone.“Rightnow.”
“I’mtalkingtomywife…”Rodrigoshotback.
Coltraindraggedhimoutoftheroom.“Shehadanattackofanginasoonaftershewasbroughtin.
Shehasextremelyhighbloodpressure,andshe’salreadyhadoneheartattackbeforeshecamedown
heretoJacobsville!”hesaidicily.“Herbloodpressurehasbeenworsesinceshelostthebaby,two
daysago…”
“Baby?”Rodrigoleanedagainstthewall.HishorrifieddarkeyesheldColtrain’sblueones
unblinking.Hisolivecomplexionfadedtothecolorofoatmeal.“Shewaspregnant?!”
“Yes.”Coltrainscowled.“Surelyyouknew?”
Rodrigoslumpedbackagainstthewallandclosedhiseyes.GloryhadcometoHoustontotellhim
something,andhewouldn’tletherspeak.Shewaspregnant.She’dcometotellhimaboutthebaby.
He’dsentheraway,upsether.Aheartattack.Highbloodpressure.Itwouldbedangerousforherto
haveachild.Heknewshewaspronetoattacksoffaintness,buthe’ddismissedit,payingmore
attentiontoherbadhip.She’dsaidshedidn’twantchildren.Itwasalie.Herhealthmadeitlife-
threatening,andhehadn’tevenknown.Godforgiveme,hethought.DearGod,forgiveme!
“Isaidthingstoherinthere,”Rodrigosaidheavily.“Itangeredmethatshecametomyapartmentin
Houstonandthenwalkedawaywithouteventalkingtome.Ithoughtshe’dcometoaskformoney…”
Hiseyesclosed.“Iknewnothingaboutanyofthis.”
“Foramarriedman,you’redamneduninformedaboutyourwife.”
“Ifiledfordivorce,”Rodrigosaidinahauntedtone.“Myattorneysaidthesheriffrefusedtoservethe
papersonher,andcalledme.Ithoughtmaybeshewasintractionforherhip…”Hisfacewasdrawn.

“IshouldbehorsewhippedforwhatIsaidtoher.”
“Anapologywouldn’tbeoutofplace.”
Helookedattheothermanevenly.“I’mnotgoingtoupsetheranymorethanIalreadyhave.She’llbe
allright?”
Coltrainnodded.“She’salreadyunderthecareofaheartspecialist.”
“Good.Good.Ifsheneedsanything…”
“Shehasgoodinsurance.We’lltakecareofher.”
Rodrigostooderect.Hestartedtospeak,butheonlyshrugged.Hewasashamedofhimself.Glory
haddonenothingtodeservesuchtreatmentfromhim.He’dbeenhorribletoher,andnotjusttoday.
Hedidn’tunderstandhimself.Notatall.
Coltrainmovedaway.Hecouldreadpeopleverywell.Thismanhadnoideawhatwasgoingon.
Maybeitwasjustaswellthathehadn’tknown,ifhewasdivorcingGlory.Goodriddance,Coltrain
thought.Shedeservedbetter.
TheofficerwhobroughtGloryin,Kilraven,wanderedbackfromthecanteenandwatchedthe
woman’shusbandstaringatherdoor.OneofthenurseshadidentifiedhimtoKilraven,whowas
feelingangeratthemanforwhatHayesCarsonhadsaid.
“She’sbeenthroughalot,”hetoldthetall,darkman.“Shedoesn’tneedanymoreupsets.”
Rodrigolookedathimcoldly.“Ididn’tcomeheretoupsether.Nobodytoldmeshe’dhada
miscarriage.Ididn’tevenknowshewaspregnant.”
Theolderman’ssilvereyesnarrowed.“Iheard.Pityyouwanttoliveinthepast.”Hisheadjerked
towardGlory’sroom.“ThatonehasmoregritandcouragethananywomanI’veeverknown.”
“Yes,”Rodrigoreplied,feelingempty.“ButsheandIareasincompatibleasanytwopeoplehaveever
been.She’llbebetteroffwithoutme.”
Kilravensmiledcoldly.“Mythoughtsexactly.”
Rodrigodidn’tlikethearroganceinthatsmile,andhehadtorestrainhisfirstimpulse,whichwasto
decktheman.Thiswasn’ttheplace.Besidesthat,hewasfeelingparticularlyguilty.Ifhehadn’tbeen
socrueltoGlory,perhapsshewouldn’thavelosthischild.Hischild.Hewasresponsibleforitsloss.
SurelyhecouldhavefoundakinderwaytogetGloryoutofhislife!
“I’lltakecareofher,”Kilravensaid,breakingintohisthoughts.“Thedivorcewillhelpherheal.”His
silvereyesglittered.“FromwhatI’veseen,she’sneverdoneanythinginherlifebadenoughto
deserveyouasahusband.”
Rodrigo’sblackeyesglitteredaswell.“Shecouldn’twaittoreplaceme,couldshe?”heaskedicily.
“You’rewelcometoher.Shewouldneverhavefitintomyworld.”
Heturnedandwalkedaway.Kilravenhadmadehimmurderouslyangry.Glorywasstillhiswife.He
couldkeepher;hedidn’thavetosigndivorcepapers.Buttheguiltateawayathim.Hischildwas
gone.She’dneverforgivehimforitsloss.He’dneverforgivehimself.
Onhiswayout,healmostcollidedwithtall,handsomeJasonPendletonandhisstepsister,littleblond
Gracie.
“Rodrigo,”Jasongreetedhimnonchalantly.“Weheardaboutthedrugbust.Goodwork.”
Rodrigowasn’tpayingattention.HewasstillseeingGlory’stragicfaceanddamninghimselfforhis
partinit.“Yes.”Hetriedtosoundinterested.“Whatareyoutwodoinghere?”
“Visitingafamilymember,”Jasonsaid,scowling.“Areyouallright?”
“Notreally.Ihavetogo.Goodtoseeyouboth.”
Theywatchedhimwalkawaywithopencuriosity.
“He’sastrangeman,”Graciemused.

“Allmenarestrange,”Jasonsaidwickedly,andgrinnedwhensheflushedandlaughed.“Comeon.
Let’sseewhatwecandoforourGlory.”

GLORYTOOKACOUPLEofweeksofffortests,andtocometogripswithhergriefatthelossof
herchild.Herbosswasgoodtoher,givinghertimeoffwhensheneededitandarrangingfor
someonetocoverforherwhenshehadtheheartcatheterization.Intheendtheydidaballoon
angioplastytoblowouttheplaquethatwasblockinganartery.Afterwardsheworkedhardatherdiet,
tookhermedicineregularlyandtriedtoconvinceherselfthatshecouldstillmanageherhigh-stress
jobdespitethebloodpressurethatrespondedbesttodrugswhenshewasawayfromwork.The
doctorwarnedherquitebluntlythatshehadacongenitalheartdefectthathadbecomemoreseriousas
sheaged.Headdedthatevenwithherlifestylechanges,shecoulddieifshedidn’tfindsomethingless
stressfultodoforaliving.Itwasthesameoldspiel,butshewasn’tlistening.Shedidn’tcare
anymore.She’dlostherchildandherhusband,andthejobwasn’tenoughtoholdhertotheworld.
Butshediditwithfervorandflair,goingafterevidencefromwitnesseslikeabloodhoundonthetrail
ofakiller.Defenseattorneysstartedtogroantheminuteshewalkedintothecourtroom.MissBarnes,
theyconfided,couldtakerustoffbattleshipswiththattongue.

RODRIGOHADN’TPURSUEDthedivorce,butGlorydid.Shechargedhimwithdesertionand
alienationofaffectionandirreconcileabledifferencesandsetherownattorneyonhim.Heoffereda
cashsettlement,whichhewasn’trequiredtodounderTexaslaw.Gloryrefusedhandsdown.He
signedthepapersandleftthecountry.Nobodyknewwherehewas.
Glorywasenjoyingahostilewitnessonthestandinamurdertrial.Themanhadliedabout
everything,especiallyhisinvolvementinthecrime.
“Youturnedstate’sevidenceinordertoreceiveareducedsentence,didyounot,Mr.Salinger?”she
purred.
“Well,yes,butIwascoerced.”
Shewaswearingaveryexpensivepalegraysuitwithagreensilkblousethecolorofhereyes,and
grayshoeswithashortheel.Herblondhairhadbeencut.Itcurledaroundherdelicatefacelike
feathers.Sheworecontactlensesandmakeupandshelookedlovely.Hercomplexionwaslike
peachesandcream.Herlowself-imagehadbeenboostedinrecentweeksbythegentleattentionsof
OfficerKilravenfromJacobsville,whospenthisdaysoffinthecourtroomwatchingherwork.She
wasoneofahandfulofpeoplewhoknewhewasthehalfbrotherofSanAntonioFBIagentJon
Blackhawk.HewasworkingundercoverinJacobsvillewiththehelpofpolicechiefCashGrier.Not
evenGloryknewonwhat.Hewasasecretiveman.Buthewasalsoverymasculineandheknewhow
tocharmwomen.Gloryhadblossomedbecauseofhisinterest.Shewishedshecouldencouragehim,
butshefeltnothingmorethanfriendship.
Sheglancedathimintheaudienceandgrinned.Hegrinnedback.
“Coerced?”sheechoedthewitness’sstatement.Shemovedclosetohim,withherfilefolderinher
hand.“Howverystrange.”
“Whatis?”heasked.
“Itsayshere—”sheindicatedthefile“—thatyourequestedameetingwiththeassistantprosecutoron
thiscase—thatwouldbeme,”shepurredagain,“andsworethatyou’ddoanythingforareduced
sentence.”
Hefrowned.“Well,Imighthavesaidthat,”heagreed.
“Yousignedthisstatementinthepresenceofyourdefenseattorney.That’scorrect,isn’tit,Mr.

Bailey?”sheaskedthedefenseattorney.
Hegotup.“Uh,well,yes…”
“Thankyou,Mr.Bailey,”shesaid,smiling.Sheturnedbacktothewitnessandthesmilefaded.Her
greeneyesglitteredassheleanedtowardthenervousman.“Youwillrepeatthestatementyougaveto
me,Mr.Salinger,”shesaidwithicydisdain,“orIwillhaveyouchargedwithperjuryandIwillask
forthemaximumtimeajudgecangiveyouinjail.Isthatclear?”Hehesitated.“Isaid,”sheraisedher
voice,“isthatclear,sir?”
“Yes.Yes!”Hestraightened.“Isawtheaccusedshootthevictim,”hestammered.
“Sawhim?Orhelpedhim,Mr.Salinger?”Sheleanedforwardagain.“Isitnotafactthatyouheldthe
gunonthevictimwhileyourfriendandpartner,thedefendant,cuthisthroatfromeartoearand
watchedhimbleedtodeathonthegroundinfrontofyou?!”
Therewassobbingfromtheprosecutionsideofthecourtroom.Thevictim’smother,Gloryknew,
andshehatedtomakethepointsographically,butitwasnecessarytoforcethiswitnesstoadmitwhat
heknew.
“Yes!”Salingerburstout.“Yes,yes,Iheldthegunonhimwhilemypartnerkilledhim.Isawhimdo
it.Buthemademehelphim.Hemademedoit!”
“Liar!”ragedthedefendant.
“Order!Orderinthecourt!”Theraven-hairedlittlejudgeraisedhervoice.Thewitnesswasnow
sobbing.Thedefenseattorneywasgrittinghisteeth.“Objection!”hecalled.“Objection,yourhonor!
Leadingthewitness!”
“Overruled,”thejudgesaidcalmly.
ThedefenseattorneysaidsomethingunderhisbreathandglaredatGloryashesatdownagain.
“Thedefenseattorneyisobjectingtothetruth?My,my,”Glorymurmured.
“Anotherword,MissBarnes,andI’llholdyouincontempt,”JudgeLenoxchided.
“I’mverysorry,yourhonor,”Glorydrawledsweetly.Sheglancedatthedefenseattorney.“The
prosecutionrests.”
“Mr.Bailey?”thejudgeaskedthedefenseattorney.
Thelawyerknewhe’dblownit.Hemadeafutilegesture.“Thedefenserests,also,yourhonor.”His
clientglaredathimasadeputycametoremovehimfromthecourtroom.
“Wewilladjournforlunchandresumewiththesummationsat1:00p.m.Dismissed.”Thejudge
bangedhergavelandstoodup.
“Allrise!”
Everyoneelsestoodup.

ATTHEBACKOFTHEcourtroom,RodrigoRamirezwasstandingwithanassistantprosecutor
watchingthetrial.
“Isn’tshesomething?”CordMaxwellchuckled.“Alittlefirecracker.She’ssogoodthatdefense
attorneysshiverwhentheyhearhername.Shevanishedforawhile.Nobodyknowswhy,butshe’s
backnowandrackingupconvictionsthewayapoolchampionracksupballs.There’stalkofrunning
herfordistrictattorneyinthreeyears.”
“Icanseewhy,”Rodrigoreplied.He’dstartedwhenheheardthejudgecallherMissBarnes.Thathad
beenGlory’slastname.Butthatelegant,chicwomanattheprosecutor ’stableborenoresemblanceto
thepatheticwomanwho’dworkedforhiminJacobsville.AndGlory’shairhadbeenlong.Long,and
beautiful.
Rodrigohadtriednottothinkabouther,butwithlittlesuccess.Partofhimhadlovedher,inspiteof

allhisrhetoricaboutnevergettingoverSarina.HemissedGlory,andhe’dgrievedforthechild.
Perhapsitwouldhavebeenadisaster,ifthey’dremainedmarried,buthewouldhavekepthisvows,
andhewouldhavewantedthebaby.Itwasashamethathehadn’tlethertalktohim.Theguiltkept
himawakeatnight.Whenhe’dgonehomefromthehospital,he’dgoneonalegendarybender.It
hadn’thelpedthepain.Nothinghad.
“They’rerecessing,”Maxwelltoldhim.“Let’stalktoher.”
Rodrigofollowedhimdowntheaisletowherethedefenseattorneywasglaringathisopponent.
“Andthat’sanotherlunchyouoweme,Will.”Shechuckled.
“Icouldwincasesifthey’dlockyouinaclosetsomewhere!”
“Watchit,Bailey,”atallmanwithsilvereyestoldtheattorneywithagrin,movingtostandbeside
Glory.“Ifyoulockherup,I’llhavetoarrestyou.”
“Youhavenojurisdictionhere,hotshot,”Baileychuckled.“AndI’mnotgoingnearJacobsvilleas
longasyouworkthere.Marquezhastoldmetoomuchaboutyou.”
“Lies,”Kilravenreturnedsuavely.“I’msosweetthatpeopleaskmetohandcuffthemwhentheybreak
thelaw,justsotheywon’thurtmyfeelings.”
“Youwish,”Glorylaughed.“Let’sgetsomethingtoeat…”
“MissBarnes?”Maxwellcalled.
Sheturned,herfaceradiant,andmetRodrigo’swide,shockedeyes.

15
GLORY’SGREENEYESLOSTtheirradianceandwentcold.Sheglaredatherex-husbandso
intentlythatDEAAgentMaxwellhadtoclearhisthroattodiverther.
“Maxwell,isn’tit?”sheasked,tryingtocollectherself.“WhatcanIdoforyou?”
“You’reprosecutingoneofourcasesindistrictcourt,”hereplied.“Mr.Ramirezhereisthearresting
federalofficer.We’dlikeyoutodeposehim.He’sgoingtobeoutofthecountryduringthetrial,and
histestimonywillbecrucialtoourcase.”
Glorydidn’twanttotalktoRodrigo.Sheavertedhereyes,thinkingfuriously.Atherside,Kilraven’s
big,leanhandslidoverhersandclaspeditfirmly.Sheglancedupathimandsmiledgently.Healmost
readhermindsometimes.
“Thecase?”Rodrigobitoff.Hedidn’tliketheothermantouchingGlory.
Gloryturnedbacktohim.Thesmilewasgone.“Whichcaseisit?”
“TheaccusedisamannamedVernonRedding,”Maxwellvolunteered.Hewasobviouslypuzzledby
theundercurrents.HeknewnothingaboutRodrigo’sconnectiontotheassistantprosecutor.
“TheReddingcase.”Shethoughtforaminute.“Oh,yes,thesmugglingcharges.RegBarton’s
handlingthatone,”shesaidandthought,ThankGod!“Hetakesalatelunch,soyoucanprobablyfind
himatourotherofficeinthecourthouseannexrightnow.”
“Great.We’llgooverthere,then.Thanks.Goodtoseeyouagain,MissBarnes.”
“Yes.Samehere.”Shedidn’tlookatRodrigo.HerhandwasstillclingingtoKilraven’s.
Rodrigowantedtosaymore.Hewasstillgettingusedtotheideathathisdowdyex-wifewasthis
high-powered,elegantassistantprosecutor.She’dhiddenthissideofherlifefromhim.Shewasn’t
plainandshewasn’tstupid.Sheobviouslyhadalawdegree.Shewasculturedandshedressedina
mannerthatwouldmakeanymanproudtobeseenwithher.Shewasveryattractive,withherhairin
thatbecomingstyle.Butshehatedhimandhadnoreservationsaboutexpressingitwithhereyes.He
feltthechillallover.
“Itwasgoodtoseeyouagain,”Rodrigosaidquietly.
“Wasit?PityIcan’treturnthecompliment,”shesaidcurtly.“I’dhopedthatI’dneverhavetoseeyou
againaslongasIlived.”
Hehesitatedforaminute.Then,withaLatinshrugofhispowerfulshouldersandaquickglareat
Kilraven,heturnedandfollowedMaxwelloutofthecourtroom.
Glorysatdownquickly.Herheartwasgoingwild.Shefoughtforeachbreath.“GetHaynes,”she
whispered.
Kilraventurnedandwalkedbrisklyoutthesidedooranddownthehall.Buthedidn’thavetogoafter
Haynes,shewasrunningtowardhim.
“Shedidn’ttakehermedicinethismorning!”sheexclaimedbreathlessly.
“Iknow.”
Theyturnedandrushedbackintothecourtroom.Rodrigohadstoppedandgonebacktheminutehe
sawtheothermanrushingoutoftheroom.HewatchedasHaynesshookmedicineoutoftwobottles
intoGlory’shand,andKilravenpouredwaterfromacarafeintoaglassattheprosecutiontable.
Rodrigofrowned.Sheshouldn’tbedoingthisjob,hethought.Itwasgoingtokillher.Hewincedas
herealizedhowfarhe’dfalleninhisdesperationtoescapeher.Ifhe’dtakencareofher,ifhe’dbeen
kindtoher,thebabymighthavesurvivedandshemightnotbelookingathimasifshe’dliketosee
himroastingonaspit.
Kilravenlookedup.Acrosstheroom,theman’spalesilvereyesslicedintohim.Rodrigodidn’tback
awayfromthreats.Butthiswasn’tthetimetostartmoretrouble.Gloryhadobviouslyhadenoughfor

oneday.
HewentbacktojoinMaxwell.HewasgoingtoseeGlorybeforehelefttown.Theremightbea
chance,asmallone,toredeemhimselfbeforeheleftthecountry.Hedidn’twanttogoawaywithher
hatinghim.

HE’DMEANTTOCALLONheratherapartmentthatevening,butJasonPendletonhadinvitedhim
toapartyandinsistedthathecome.Theywereacquaintances.Hewascuriousabouttheotherman’s
insistence,buthedidn’tfeelrightturninghimdown.JasonhadhelpedhimshutdownFuentes’s
operationbygivinghimthemanagementjobatthefarm.Soheputonhisdinnerjacketandhis
diamondcufflinksanddrovehishigh-poweredMercedestothefamilymansion.
Itwasgloriouslylighted,insideandout.Therewasvaletparking.Hegavetheliveriedboyhiskeys
andwalkedupthesemicirculardrivewaypastthefountaintothestepsthatledtothefrontdoor.There
wasaJaguarXKE,racing-green,parkedatthedoor.Herecalledseeingthatcarbefore,athis
apartmentmanymonthsearlier.Buthedismissedit.TheremustbedozensofthefastcarsinTexas.
HewasgreetedbyJasonandGracieatthereceivingline,andheproceededdownthehallwaytothe
hugeballroombeyond.Itwasagalaevening.Thanksgivingwascomingupandthehousewas
decoratedinChristmascolors.JasonmusedthatGraciewouldputupaChristmastreeinAugustif
shecouldgetawaywithit;shelovedtheholidaysomuch.HeinsistedthatshewaituntilThanksgiving
forthetree,butshe’ddecoratedtheballroomwithgreenandgoldandredflowersandgarlands,
anyway.
Jasonhatedcompany,buthewasworkingonthetakeoverofacomputersoftwarecorporationand
thiswashowhedidbusiness.HesofteneduphisquarrybyintroducinghimtoHollywoodcelebrities
andsportsstarsatget-togetherslikethis.Itwassoundbusiness.
Rodrigoacceptedawhiskeyontherocksandnurseditslowlyashemovedaround.Hecameupona
youngmoviestarwho’dbeenhisdateforthepremierofhersecondfilminLondon.Shewaswitha
racecardrivertonight,butshesmiledatRodrigowistfully.She’dtriedeverytricksheknewtobed
him,butatthetimehe’dbeenhopingtopersuadeSarinatomarryhim.Thestarwasclearlyattracted
toherhandsomeescort,butshewasstillmakingeyesatRodrigo.Heliftedhisglassandtoastedher,
butheturnedaway.
Asheturned,hecameface-to-facewithKilraven,alsoinadinnerjacket,lookingperfectlyathome
amongthefamousfew.
Hefrowned.Therewassomethingsofamiliaraboutthisman.Hedidn’tseemthesorttoworkasa
patrolmanforahickpolicedepartment.Henotedthattheothermanwaswearingexpensiveclothes
andcarryingaglassofwhatlookedlikeicedtea.
“Nowhiskey?”Rodrigoaskedhimsuspiciously.
“Idon’tdrink.”
Nowheremembered.Theman’saversiontoalcoholwasalmostamania,anditgothimtalkedabout.
Hisdarkeyesnarrowed.“YouwereinPeruwithusfiveyearsago,”herecalledwithablandsmile.
Kilraven’sdarkeyebrowslifted.“Us?”
“NottheDEA,”Rodrigosaidsoftly.
Kilravenscowled.HestaredatRodrigoforalongtime.“Laremos.YouwerewithLaremos.”
Rodrigonodded.“Youwerewithaparamilitaryunit.”
“Ifyouadvertisethat,”Kilravensaidinahushedtone,“you’llbewearingarosebushandalotofdirt
bymidnight.”
“Youwouldn’tdare,”Rodrigodrawled.

“Whywouldn’tIdare?”camethesmilingchallenge.
“BecauseyourbossandIplaychesseveryotherweek.AndIlethimwin.”
Kilravenglared.
“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Rodrigoaskedcuriously.“DoyouknowthePendletons?”
“No.Iknowtheirstepsister.”
“Theymusthideheronaclosetshelf,”Rodrigomurmuredashesippedwhiskey.“I’veneverseen
her.”
“Shewasoutfrontafewminutesago,makingsurehercarwasstillthere.IbelieveGraciehadasked
toborrowit.”Hewinced.“Graciedriveslikeshegoesdownsteps.”
Rodrigo’sdarkeyestwinkledalittle.“Headfirst?”
“Exactly.”
Hefrowned.“Thatcarwouldn’tbeagreenJagconvertible,wouldit?”
“Infact,itis.Racing-greenismyfavoritecolor,”cameastiff,coollittlevoicefrombehindhim.
Heturned,andGlorywasstandingthere,dressedinabeautifullittlelacyblackdresswithspaghetti
strapsandsequins.Shelookedexpensiveanddelicious,withthebodicecutjustlowenoughtobeboth
modestandflatteringtoherhigh,firmbreasts.Shewassippingbrandy.Hersoftblondhaircurled
towardherface,givingherapixielook.
“Hello,Rodrigo,”shesaidcarelessly.“Fancyseeingyouhere.”
“Iwasabouttosaythesamething.YounevertoldmeyouwererelatedtothePendletons,”hesaid
coldly.
“Sincewhenismyprivatelifeanybusinessofyours?”sheaskedwithanequalchillinhervoice.
Herattitudeprickedhistemper.“Privacyislikeareligiontoyou,isn’tit,niña?”hescoffed.“You
couldn’tevenbebotheredtotellyourhusbandyouwerecarryinghischild!”
“Iwastrying,whenyoubeganlistingyournewgirlfriend’sbedroomskillstome!”sheflashedat
him.“Ofcourse,she’soutoftherunning,too,isn’tshe?You’restilllustingafteryourex-partner!”
sheexclaimed.Hergreeneyesglitteredwithfury.“Rememberme?Theplain,crippled,stupid
assistantcookthatyouwereashamedforyourcolleaguestoseewithyou?”
He’dsaidthat.Hecouldn’tdenyit.Buthewasfuriousthatshe’dbroughtitup.“Ineversaidthatto
you!”
“Yousaiditbehindmyback,”shethrewathim.“Youdidn’thavethegutstosayittomyface!”
“Backoff,”hegritted.“Nobodytalkstomethatway,especiallynotsomeoverzealousprosecuting
attorney!I’mnotinyourcourtroom!”
“Godhelpyouifyouwere,”sheshotback,fistsclenchedatherside.“I’dcutyouintolittlepiecesand
throwyouinthedefenseattorney’sface!”
“I’dlovetoseeyoutryit,”hetoldher.
Acrowdhadgathered.Thehumdrumpartyhadturnedintoagloriouspieceoftheatercompletewith
attractivecombatants.Eventhemoviestarwaslisteningattentively.Probably,Glorythoughtwickedly,
togetpointersforhernextargument;learnthecraftfromanexpert.
“Whydon’tyougobacktoHoustonwhereyoubelong?”sheraged.“I’msureConchitacan’twaitto
makeyouanotherpaellalunch!”
“Atleastshedoesn’thavethetongueofashrewandthedemeanorofanaxmurderer!”
“Finetalkfromaglorifiedhitman!”
“Iworkforthegovernment,”hebegan.
“Aswhat,anassassin?”
“Ladyandgentleman,”Kilravenmuttered,steppingbetweenthem.“AndIusethetermsloosely.Ifyou

don’tceaseanddesist,oneofyouisleavinginhandcuffs.”
“Oh,shutup!”theybothshoutedinunison.
Kilravengapedatthem.
Theymovedaroundhimandcontinued.
“Youliedtomefromtheminuteyouwalkedinmydoor,”Rodrigogrowledather.
“Itwassoeasy,”shechided.“YoubelievedanythingItoldyou!”
“Ifeltsorryforyou!”
Herfaceflamed.“Yes,youpitiedme,didn’tyou?Poor,crippledGlorywho…whocouldn’t…who…”
Shestopped.Herfacewasflaming.Shewaspantinglikearunner.Shestaggered.
“OhGod!”Rodrigowhispered.Hemovedforward,catchingherupinhisarmsasshefell.“Geta
doctor!”heshouted,andhisexpressionwentfromangertoterrorinaspaceofseconds.
“Bringherinhere,”Graciesaidurgently,leadingtheway.Flightyshemightbe,buttherewasnobody
coolerinanemergency.“I’llgethermedicine.Shekeepsforgettingtotakeit.She’llbeallright,”she
comfortedRodrigo,whowasholdingontoGloryasifhewereterrifiedshemightdieinhisarms.
“Shehasthesespellsofangina,buttheydon’tdodamage.Theheartspecialistsaidso.Theycleared
theblockagewithaballoonangioplastyandshe’sonbloodthinners.Staywithher.”
Gracierushedoutandspoketothecrowdgatheringoutsidethestudydoor.“She’llbeallright.
Please,leaveherwithus.We’lltakecareofher.”ShewasalsotalkingtoKilraven,whopermitted
himselftoberushedoutoftheroom.Thedoorclosed.
RodrigolaidGlorydownonthelongbrocadesofa,elevatingherfeetononeofthepillows.Hesat
downbesideher,feelinghelplessandhatinghimselfforbringingonthisspell.He’ddonenothingbut
hurther.Shewasfragileandbigheartedandkind.She’dlovedhim,andhe’dbeencrueltoher.Ifshe
died,he’dbealoneforever.EvenSarinaandBernadettewouldneverbeabletomakeupfortheloss
ofGlory.
Tearsstainedherflushedcheeks.Theyweresilent.Copious.Hedabbedatthemwithasnow-white
handkerchiefandfeltguiltlikeashroudaroundhim.
Sheopenedhereyesandlookedupathimwithbridledanger.
Heputhisforefingergentlyoverherlips.“We’vebothsaidenough,”hesaidtenderly.“I’msorry.
Sorryforeverything.Especiallysorryaboutourbaby.”Histeethgroundtogetherashespoke.His
jawwasrigid.“Ihadnorighttotauntyouwithit.”
“Theythink…itmighthavebeenthebloodthinners,”shegritted.“Ihadtotakethem.I’dalreadyhad
oneheartattack.Theywereafraid…”Tearspoureddownhercheeks.“Iwantedmybaby,”shesobbed.
“Amada,”hewhispered,andbenttokissthetearsaway,sosoftly.“Amada,forgiveme,”hechoked.“I
wouldhavewantedit,too.Mypoorbaby.”Hismouthmovedtenderlyoverherweteyes,hernose,
downtohersoft,sweetmouth.Hekisseditwithforcedbrevity,groaningasitbroughtbackexquisite
memoriesofGloryinhisarms,inhisbed,lovinghim.“Forgiveme,”hegroaned.
Shewouldhave.Herarmswerealreadystealinghesitantlyupandaroundhisneck,butthedoor
openedandGracieburstinlikealittlewhirlwind,withJasonatherheels.Rodrigogottohisfeet,
strugglingforcomposure.
“Here.”Graciefussed,handingGlorythecapsule,thetabletandtheglassofwater.
Gloryswallowedthem.“Sorry,”shewhispered.“Ihadabaddayincourt.BaileyandIwentheadto
headforthebetterpartofthreehoursuntilwerecessedforlunch.Iforgotmymorningmedicines.”
Shegrimaced.“AndthenIforgottheeveningdose,too.”
“Careless,”Jasonchided,butgently.Hewasveryfondofher,anditshowed.
“Verycareless,”Gloryagreed.“I’msorryIembarrassedyou.”

“Nothingembarrassesme,”Jasonreplied.
“Certainlynotillnessyoucan’thelp,baby,”Gracieseconded,bendingtokisstheyoungerwoman.
“Youliehereforafewminutes.We’llentertaintheguests.I’lltellfortunesandJasoncandoa
softshoeroutine.”
“Inyourdreams,”Jasonmutteredicily.
Graciemadeafaceathim.SheglancedatRodrigo.
“Lethimstay,”Glorysaidunexpectedly.“Wehavetotalk.”
Theothertwooccupantsoftheroomexchangedworriedglances.Rodrigomovedcloser.“Iwon’t
upsetheragain,”hesaidinasubduedtone.“I’mgoingoutofthecountrytomorrow.Iwon’tbeback
foralongtime.”
“Allright,”Jasonsaid,readingGlory’ssuddenmiseryaccurately.“Ifyouneedus,singout.”
“Iwill.Thanks.”SheincludedGracieinthat.
ThePendletonsleft,closingthedoorbehindthem.
RodrigostoodoverGlory,quietandregretful.“Weknewnothingabouteachother,”hesaid.“Welied
andpretended.Youcan’tbuildarelationshiponfiction.”
“Iknow,”Gloryrepliedheavily.“Icouldn’ttellyouanything.Ididn’tknowyou.Iwasafraidatfirst
thatyouweremixedupwithdrugsmuggling,andthenbecauseCashandMarquezcouldn’ttellme
whatwasgoingon,IthoughtyouwerethekillerFuenteshadsentafterme.”
Heseemedsurprisedbythestatement.“YouthoughtIcouldkillyou?”
Shesmiledinaworld-wearyway.“Iprosecutedateenagertwomonthsagoforbeatinghis
grandmothertodeath.Hewashighonacidanddidn’tknowwhathewasdoing.He’sservingfifteen
years.Hedoesn’tevenrememberdoingit.Ihavealowopinionofhumanity.Igetitfrommyjob.”
Hesatdownbesideheragainandleanedoverher.“Iworkedasamercenaryformanyyears,”hesaid.
“Isawuglythings,too.”
“Youaren’twhatyouseem,”shereplied,searchinghisdarkeyes.“Iheardaboutyoursister.I’m
sorry.Areyourparentsstillalive?”
Heshookhishead.“Myfatherracedyachts.Hewaslostinastorm.Mymothergrievedherselfto
deathwithinsixmonths.Itwasjustthetwoofus,meandmysister,andanestatecomparabletothe
grossnationalproductofasmallthird-worldcountry.Idon’thavetowork,yousee,”hesaid
cynically.“IcouldraceyachtsorgoskiinginAspen.Idon’tlikethelifestyle,soIavoidit.I’vespent
toomuchofmylifeatthesafeendofanautomaticweapon.I’veneverwantedasettledlife.”
“Yes,youhave,”shereplied.“YouwanteditwithSarina.”
Hefrowned.“Yes.IwanteditwithSarina.Butitwasneverlikethatforher.Shecouldn’tloveme.”
“You’llfindsomeone,someday,”sherepliedinadulltone.“Someonewhocanliveanexcitinglife,
andgowithyouonadventures.”
Hedidn’tunderstandwhatshewassaying.
Shelaughed.“Iknowwhatitistoloveajob,”shelied,becausehisacceptanceofherstatementgaveit
theringoftruth.Whatusewouldhehaveforawomaninherstateofhealth,anyway?“Mywholelife
revolvesaroundmycareer.It’sallIwant.”Shedidn’tlookupathim.Thatwasapity.
Hegottohisfeetandmovedaway.Hepausedattheendofthesofa.“Willyoubeallright?”heasked.
“Yes.It’sjusttheexcitement,”shesaid.Themedicinewasalreadyworking.Shefeltmuchbetter.She
satup.“Theyclearedouttheblockage.I’masgoodasI’lleverbe.Well,I’llalwayshavetotake
medicine,andsometimesIlimpwhenIstressmyhiptoomuch.But,foracripple,Idowellenough.”
Heturned.Hisexpressionwasstrained.“You’renocripple,”hebitoff.
Sheonlylaughed.“Sure.”

“Glory,”hebeganslowly.
“Kilravenwillbemissingme,”shesaidasshegottoherfeet.“Hetakesgoodcareofme.Hedoesn’t
mindmy…flaws.”
“DearGod,don’ttalklikethat!Ididn’tmeanwhatIsaid,Glory,”hetoldher,desperatetocorrecther
mistakenunderstanding.“Iwasn’tmyself.”
Shelookedupathimwithhercourtroomface,theblandonethatdefenseattorneyshad
underestimatedsooften.“Youdon’tneedtobeatyourselftodeathoverthepast,Rodrigo.I’m
perfectlyhappywiththelifeIhavenow.I’msureyou’reequallyhappywithyours.Conchitaisvery
pretty,”sheadded,tryingtosoundasifshedidn’tcare.“Iexpectshe’scrazyaboutyou.”
Shewasslammingdoorsinhisface.He’dcomeface-to-facewithhisrealfear,thathe’dlosehisheart
completelyagainandsufferthesameagonyhe’dfeltwhenSarinaturnedbacktoColbyLane.He
hadn’tthoughtGlorycouldlivewithhim,ashewas,orcopewithhislifestyle.Nowheknewthatshe
could,andhewascertaintheyhadafuture.Butshewouldn’teventryagain.He’dhurthertoobadly.
She’ddecidedthathewantedayoung,strong,healthywoman,andthatshewasoutoftherunning.She
wasn’twillingtoriskherheartwithhimafterhe’drejectedit.
“Iblewit,didn’tI?”heaskedquietly.Hesearchedoverherface,whichhadbeenradiantjustforhim,
thoseeyesthathadlovedhim,thosearmsthathadclungtohiminthedarkness.He’dhadallthat,and
he’dpusheditaway.
“Don’tbemelodramatic,”shechided,butshewouldn’tlookathimagain.“Youknowyou’rehappier
withoutties.Goliveyourlife,Rodrigo.Ihopeyou’llbehappy.”
“Andyou?”heaskedbitterly.“Willyoubehappy?”
Sheraisedhereyebrows.“Ialreadyam.Kilravenspoilsmeineveryway,”sheaddedsuggestively.
Hissensuallipscompressed.“Damnyou!”hesaidwithbarelycontainedviolence.“Anddamn
Kilraven!”
Heturnedonhisheelandstormedoutoftheroom,leavingashockedandunsettledGlorybehind.
Whensheleftthestudy,he’dalreadygonehome.Hisfinalwordshadbeenfulloffury.Shecouldn’t
imaginewhy.

BEFOREHECOULDGEToutthedoor,stillseethingaboutGlory’sabruptdismissalofhimfrom
herlife,JasonPendletonsteppedinfrontofhim.Hewasn’tsmiling.
“Comeinhereforaminute,”hesaid,indicatingthelivingroom,temporarilydevoidofpeople.
“I’minahurry…”
“Thiswon’ttakelong.”
Rodrigocomposedhimselfwithvisibleeffortandfollowedtheothermanintotheroom.
Jasonclosedthedoor.He’dneverlookedmoremenacing.“WhatdoyouknowaboutGlory?”
“Nothing,apparently,”Rodrigoreplied.
“Perhapsit’stimeyouheardafewfacts,”theothermansaidcurtly.“Sitdown.”
BythetimeJasonhadsharedthebarebonesofGlory’spastwithhim,Rodrigowaspaleandsickerat
heartthanhe’dbeensincehissister ’sdeath.He’dknownaboutGlory’ship,butnomore.Considering
herchildhood,itwasamazingtohimthatshe’dbeenabletorespondtohiminbed.Itwasproof,ifhe
neededit,ofhowmuchshe’dlovedhim.
Heleanedforward,hisforearmsproppedonhisknees,hisheadinhishands.“Shenevertoldmeany
ofthat.”
“She’sveryproud,”Jasonreplied.“We’veshelteredherasmuchaswecould.Ididn’twantherin
Jacobsvilleinthefirstplace,buttheD.A.convincedmethatifshestayedhere,we’dburyher.Idon’t

understandwhyyoucouldn’tleaveheraloneandletherdoherjob.Ineverthoughtofyouasacruel
person.”
“Ineverthoughtofmyselfthatway.”Heliftedhishead.“Iwantedher.Shehadaqualityof
compassionthatI’dneverencounteredinanywoman,otherthanmypartner,Sarina.Sheobsessed
me.”
Jason’sexpressiongavenothingaway.“Thechildshelostwasyours,wasn’tit?”
Henodded.“IknewnothingaboutthechilduntilItriedtohavedivorcepapersservedonher.”
“Yes.Themarriage.”Hecockedhishead.“Thatcameasashock.”
“Forme,too.Itwasn’tuntilthedivorcewasfinalthatIrealizedwhatI’dgivenup.”Heshifted.“You
andGraciewereatthehospitaltoseeGlory,weren’tyou?I’dneverseenyourmysteriousstepsister.I
neverconnectedeitherofyouwithGlory.”
“Ittookusalongtimetowinhertrust.Weloveherverymuch.Nochildshouldeverhavetogo
throughwhatshedid.”
“Whataboutthosetwoboyswhoassaultedher?”Rodrigoaskedwithbridledfury.
Jasonpursedhislips.“Someoneinformedonthemwhentheyparticipatedinadrugdeal.Ican’t
imaginewho.Therewastapeandphotos,too.Theydrewfifteenyearseach.”
“Notenough,butastart,”Rodrigomuttered.
“That’snotall.Somehowitgotmentionedtotheotherinmatesthatthey’dsodomizedalittlegirlin
fostercare.ThelastIheard,theyhadtoliveinsolitaryconfinementfortheirownprotection.”
“Myheartbreaks,”Rodrigoreplied,buthewassmilingfaintly.
“What’sthatoldsaying,thatGod’smillgrindsslowlybutrelentlessly?Justiceiseventuallyserved.”
Rodrigo’seyessaddened.“I’vealreadyhadmine.I’llspendtherestofmylifegrievingforwhatI
threwaway.Glorywillneverforgiveme.Ican’tevenblameher.”
Jason’seyesnarrowed.“You’reinlovewithher.”
Rodrigo’sfaceclosedup.Hegottohisfeet.“I’mgoingoutofthecountrytomorrow,tomeetwithmy
cousinovertheborder.Hephonedmeandsaidhehasintelligenceonanupcomingoperationrunby
someex-fedsandacoupleofgangmembersfromElSalvador.They’retheoneswhohelpedsetup
WaltMonroe,oneofourDEAagentswhowentundercover,sothatanothermancouldkillhim.”His
darkeyesflashed.“Wewantthemverybadly.”
Jasonscowled.“Doesyourcousinoftenphoneyouaboutdrugdeals?”
Rodrigoshrugged.“Hehasn’tbefore,butthisisaspecialcase.Iaskedhimtokeephiseyesopen
whenIheardthatsomegangmemberswe’dbeeninvestigatingweregoingtobeinonthebuy.”
“Oneofmyvicepresidentswasnabbedwhenhewentoverthebordertotalktosomebusinessmen
aboutoilinvestments.Thegovernmentdoesn’tbargainwithkidnappers,butwehadto.Wegothim
outwithasizabledonation,buthe’llneverlookthesame,”headdeddarkly.“They’rehelpingto
financetheiroperationswithransomthesedays.You’dbeatastycatch,especiallyiftheyfoundout
youwereinstrumentalinthatlastcocainebust.”
Rodrigowavedtheconcernaway.“I’vebeenatthisforalongtime.Icantakecareofmyself.”
“Ourhostagetoldusthatthey’vegotapipelinerightintotheDEA’soffice.”
“Theydidhave,aguynamedKennedy,buthe’sinprison.”
“NotKennedy,”camethetersereply.“Someoneelse.Agreatdealofmoneyisinvolved.They’re
buyinginsideinformation.Don’tshareyourplanswithanyoneinyourorganization.”
Rodrigofrowned.Thiswasdisturbingnews.“I’llcheckintoit,”hesaidafteraminute.Thenhe
chuckled.“Iftheydonabme,Cobbwillprobablyoffercongratulations.HewasfuriousthatIwas
undercoverduringoneofhiscleanupoperationsandhedidn’tknowaboutit.ItwashisofficeI

ransackedaftermysisterwaskilled.We’rewaryofeachother.”
“IheardaboutsomeofyourexploitsfromGlory,”Jasonreplied.“Youwereallshetalkedabout
whenshecamebackfromJacobsville.”
Thatonlymadethepainworse.Hegrimaced.“Whenshe’sbetter,tellherI’msorrythatIbroughton
thisattack.”Hisdarkeyesflashed.“SheseemstobeattachedtoKilravenlately.Idon’tlikeit.”
Jasonbegantoseethelight.“She’sfondofhim,”hetoldtheotherman.“Onlyfond.”
Therewerelayersofmeaninginthosefewwords.Rodrigofeltalittlebetter.“WhenIgetback,I’m
goingontheattack,”hesaid.“Roses,chocolates,mariachiserenades,theworks.Rightoutsidethe
courtroom,ifthat’swhatittakes.”
Jasonactuallygrinned.“CanItellher?”
“Betternot.Theelementofsurprisemightworkwonders.”Rodrigosmiled,andshooktheother
man’shand.“Thanks.Foreverything.”
“Youshouldneverhavesignedthosedivorcepapers.”
“You’retellingme,”Rodrigosighed.

GLORYSETTLEDBACKINTOherroutine,forcedherselftotakehermedicinemoreregularlyand
begantoenjoylifeagain,evenifithadlessflavorafterRodrigo’sexit.Lateatnightwhensheclosed
hereyes,shecouldstillfeelhislipskissingawaythetears,hearhimwhispering“beloved”inSpanish
atherear.TheonlycomfortshehadwashisfuryoverKilraven.Ifthatwasn’tjealousy,shewasa
porcupine.
Sheknewhe’dgoneoverseas.Shedidn’tknowwhere,orwhy.Shehopedhewasn’triskinghislifein
anothersting.Shewonderedwherehewas.Shefoundoutunexpectedly,aweeklater,justalittlewhile
pastThanksgiving.
Marquezcametoherofficetotellherinperson.Hewassolemnanduneasy,andhehesitated.
“Well?”sheasked,curious.
“It’saboutRamirez.”
Herheartjumpedbutsheforcedherselftoremaincalm.“He’sgettingmarriedtothewomanwho
cookshimpaella?”sheasked,bracingherself.
“No.He’sbeenkidnapped,”hesaidcurtly.“HewentdownintoMexicoonaninformant’stip,andhe
wasnabbedbyFuentes’sbrother.”
“Forransom,”shesaidslowly.
“Onlypartiallyforransom,”hereplied.“Mostlyforrevenge.Glory!”
Marquezgotherintoachairbeforeshepassedout.“Ishouldn’thaveputitlikethat.I’msorry,”he
said.“WhatcanIdoforyou?”
“Getmesomethingcoldandfizzyfromthemachineinthehall,”shesaidweakly.“Butnocaffeine.”
“Right.Backinajiffy.”
Shefeltterrible.Rodrigohadbeenkidnapped.Herlifewasover.Theymightaskforransom,butshe
wascertainthatthey’dkillhimanyway.Itwasherfault.Ifshe’daskedhimtostay,perhapshewould
have.She’dwrappedherselfinprideandindignationandtossedhimoutthedoor.Hewoulddie
horribly.She’dneverseehimagain.She’dbehismurderer…!
No!No,shewasn’tgoingtosithereandcryandgivehimupwithoutafight.Shesatupstraight.She
wipedthetearsaway.Thiswasnotimeforhystericsandself-condemnation.Thatwouldn’thelp.
Rodrigowasintroubleandshehadtosavehim.Thegovernmentwouldn’tnegotiate,sheknewthat.
Hisownagencywouldn’tbeabletodoanythingforhim.Ifhewastoberescued,she’dhavetodoit.
Shewasn’tgoingtotakethislyingdown.Thosemurderersweren’tgoingtokillRodrigo.

Shepickedupthephoneanddialedherstepbrother.“Jason,Rodrigo’sbeenkidnapped.Iknowwhoto
sendafterhim.Ineedmoney.Theycan’tworkforfree.”
“Youcanhaveablankcheck,”Jasonrepliedatonce.“Andanythingelseyouneed.”
“Thanks.”
“He’sfamily,too,”cametheenigmaticreply.
ShehungupandlookedoveratMarquez,who’djustcomebackwithacoldcanofsoda.Hehandedit
toherandshesippeditgratefullybeforeshespoke.“IneedyoutogotoJacobsvillewithme.I’m
goingtohireafewgoodmentogetmyex-husbandback.”
Hiseyebrowsarched.“Anyparticularreasonforthat?”
“Yes.”Shegotupandretrievedherpurseandcoatfromthehatrack.“Wesaidgoodbyeinthemiddle
ofanargumentwedidn’tgettofinish.He’snotwinningbydefault.”
Shewalkedoutthedoor,leavingasilentlyamusedMarqueztofollow.

16
GLORYWASFASCINATEDbytheimmediateagreementshegotfromCyParks,EbScott,and
severaloftheircolleagueswhenshetalkedtothemaboutrescuingRodrigo.
“HewaswithusinAfrica,”Cysaidsimply.
“AndintheMiddleEastwithDutch,ArcherandLaremostoprotectafriendofourswhoheadsoneof
thesheikdomsnearthePersianGulf.”
“ColbyLanewouldgoinaheartbeat,”Cyadded.“Rodrigosavedhislife.”
“Notwithhiswifepregnant,hewon’t,”Ebmusedwithasmile.“He’sveryprotectiveofher.”
“We’vegotenoughpeopletopullitoff,already,”Cyremarked.“Includingoneverycompetent
federalagent.”
“Who?”Gloryasked.
“Sorry,that’s‘needtoknow,’”Ebsaid.“Justtakemywordforitthathe’sonemannokidnapper
wantstotanglewith.”
CysmileddownatGlory.“We’lltakeitfromhere,”hesaid.
“Iwanttogowithyou,”sheprotested.
Heshookhishead.“Thisisanoperationforpeoplewhotrainconstantly.YouwantRodrigoalive.If
yougoalong,andwehavetowatchoutforyou,thedistractioncouldcosthimhislife.”
Shesighed.“Okay.Iwon’tinterfere.”Hergreeneyeswerewideandsad.“Wesaidourgoodbyes
beforeheleft,andtheyweren’thappyones.Fortherecord,mystepbrothercontactedyouandasked
youtogogetRodrigo.It’sbetterifheneverknowsIwasinvolvedatall.”
Cyfrowned.“Youweremarried.”
Hereyesslidaway.“Itwasanimpulsethatheregretted.”Hertonegrewcold.“Heneedsawoman
whocansharethelifeheleads,notonewho’dholdhimbackandmakehimmorebitterthanhe
alreadyis.He’sgotsomeoneinHouston,anyway.She’syoung,andverypretty.Iwasneverinthe
running.”
Cylookedasifhewantedtoarguethepoint,buthesawthatitwoulddonogood.“It’syourcall.”
“Jasonsaidtocallhim,”sheadded.“He’llmakearrangementsforwhateversortofequipmentyou
need.”Shehesitated.“Youaren’tgoing?”sheworried.“Youhaveayoungson…”
Hegrinned.“I’dnevergetoutofthehousealive,”heagreed.“No,thisisajobforyoungermen.He
—”heindicatedEbScott“—hasacompoundfullofyounghotheadsinhiscounterterrorismtraining
unitwholivefortheadrenalinerushofdanger.Ourfedwilltakeateamofthemintorescue
Rodrigo.”
“They’llhavetocrossintoMexico,”shebeganworriedly.
“Stopbeingalawyer,”Ebtoldheramusedly.“Asithappens,Rodrigoisrelatedtosomeimportant
peopleintheMexicangovernment.I’msureIcangetpermissionfromthem,andtheywillofferto
helpintheformofamilitaryunit.Fuentes’sbrotherisinmoretroublethanhecouldimagine.”
“Tellthemtoslughimonceforme,willyou?”sheadded.“I’vehadenoughoftheFuentesbunchto
lastmealifetime.”
“I’llmakeyourwishesknown,”hepromised.
Shestoodatthedoor,lookingsuddenlyvulnerable.“Someonewillletmeknow…whathappens?”
“Yes,”Cysaidatonce.
Shenodded.“Thanks,”sheaddedhuskily.
Cysmiledgently.“You’rewelcome.”

ITWASPUREHELL,goingthroughthemotionsatworkwithouthavingacluewhatwasgoingon

downinMexico.SheknewCy’sreputation,andEb’s.ShesuspectedthatMarquezknewmoreabout
theoperationthanheletslip.Shecouldn’tgethimtotalk.ShetriedtocallKilravenandgethimto
pumpEbforinformation,buthewasoffdutyandwhenshecalledhishome,hewasn’tthere,either.It
wasfrustrating,tosaytheleast.
ShecouldstillhearRodrigo’sfuriousvoice,cursingbothherandKilraven.Shedidn’tunderstand
why.She’dthoughtatfirstthatitmightbejealousy,butshewashavingsecondthoughts.He’dmadeit
obviousthathewantednopartofher.He’dcalledheracripplethatdayhewastalkingtoSarina,and
sheover-heardhim.He’dsaidhewasashamedtohavehisfriendsseeher.Wordshadsuchpower,she
thoughtsadly.Theywoundedtheverysoul.He’ddeniedlaterthathemeantwhathe’dsaid,butonly
afterheknewaboutthebabyshe’dlost.Probablyhischangedattitudecamefromguilt.Orpity.He’d
saidthatitwasnosubstituteforlove,andhewasright.Shedidn’twanthimtopretendaffectionthat
hecouldn’tfeel.Itwasbetterifheneverknewherpartinhisrescue,ifEb’smenwereabletogetto
himintime.ConsideringthatFuentes’sbrotherblamedhimforthedruglord’sdeath,itwasavery
realpossibilitythatRodrigowouldbekilledlongbeforetheymaderansomdemands.
Butiftheydidmakedemands,sheconsidered,whowouldtheyasktopayit?Theanswerwasso
blatantshewasamazedthatshehadn’tthoughtofit.ShephonedAlexanderCobbattheHoustonDEA
officeonherlunchhourandaskedhimifhe’dhadaransomcallaboutRodrigo.
“Yes,”hesaid,stunned.“Howdidyouknow?”
“Ican’tsay,”shereplied.
“Wewon’tpayit,youknow,”headdedapologetically.“Itisn’tourpolicytogiveintoblackmail,for
anyreason.Thesecriminalshavekidnappedatleasttwofederalagentsinthepastfewmonths.They
killedoneandgavetheotherbackinunspeakablecondition.”
“Federalagents?”sheasked,aghast.
“Theyhaveanumberofformercopsandparamilitaryleadersintheirranks,”Cobbreplied,
“includingonebunchcalledtheZetaswhowereinthemilitarybeforetheychangedsides.Theyhave
pipelinesintoeveryagencythatdealswithdrugtrafficking.Theytrybribesfirst,andifthosedon’t
work,theykilltosetexamples.Threejournalistshavediedforinvestigativereportingaboutthedrug
networksandthedruglords.Oneofourinformerswasfoundinthemiddleofahighway,dead,with
anoteonhimsayingthatallpotentialinfiltratorswouldbegiventhesametreatment.Youcan’t
imaginehowmuchwe’dliketogetourhandsontheseguys,”headded.
“Yes,Ican,”shereplied.“Ireallycan.”
“Isupposeyoudo,sinceyouprosecutedrugcases.”
“AboutRodrigo…”
“I’msorry,”heinterrupted.Hesighed.“IftherewasanythingIcoulddo,believeme,I’ddoit.But
agencypolicyhasmyhandstied.”
Shefelthollowinside.Ruleswererules.“Iunderstand.Thanksanyway.”
Therewasapause.“TheinfiltratortheykilledwasRodrigo’scousin,”hesaid.
Coldchillsrandownherspine.ThemanhadhelpedRodrigoshutdowntwootherdrugdealers.If
theyknewhewasaninformer,he’dprobablytoldthem,undertorture,howtogettoRodrigo.Butit
alsomeanthewouldn’thaveanyhelp,anditlessenedhischancesofsurvival.
“Itjustgetsworseandworse,”shesaid,thinkingaloud.
“Somedays,nothinggoesright,”hemurmured.“Forwhatit’sworth,wedohavepeopleoutsidethe
agencynegotiating.Fuentes’sbrotherhasanotherbrotherincustodyinMexico.There’sapossibility
thathemighttradeRodrigoforthebrother ’srelease.”
Afainthopebegantoglowinsideher.“Atlast,alittlehope,”shesaid.

“Alittleisallweget.Butdon’tgiveuponhim,”headded,andtherewasasmileinhistone.“Alotof
peoplehaveunderestimatedRodrigo,atgreatcost.”
“I’veheardaboutsomeofhisexploits,”shesaid.
“Thetipoftheiceberg,”hereplied.“He’sthestuffoflegends.Thereisn’tamoredangerousmanin
governmentservice.He’scomebackfromcertain-deathassignmentshalfadozentimes.Don’tgive
uponhim.”
“Iwon’t,”shepromised.“Notever.Thanks.”
“You’reverywelcome.”

EVERYTIMEHERPHONErang,shejumped,alwayshopingitwasnewsofRodrigo.Shecouldn’t
concentrateonherwork.Sheonlywantedtoknowthathewasalive,somewhereintheworld.She
couldgoonwithherownlifethen.She’dlongsincegivenupanyhopeofsharingitwithaman.
Andthen,afewdaysaftertheordealbegan,thephoneranganditwasCyParks.
“Ishealive?”wasallshecouldmanage.
“Yes,”hereplied.“Theyworkedatradeforhim—Fuentes’sbrother.”
Shecouldhavesaiditwasabadmove,thatitdoubledthemanpowerofthesurvivingdruglords,but
shedidn’thavetheheartto.“He’s…allright,then?”shepersisted.
“Onlyafewbruisestoshowfortheepisode,”Cyreplied.“Andhe’smadateverybodyforlettingone
oftheFuentesbrothersoutofprison.Hesaidittoallofus,andhesaidittoeverybodyintheMexican
governmentthathecouldgetto.Allthat,inaboutfivelanguages,too.”Cychuckled.“Thatmanhasa
wonderfulvocabularywhenheloseshistemper.”
“He’sbackinHouston?”
“Yes,”hesaid.“ColbyandSarinaLaneandtheirdaughterpickedhimupattheairport.Tohiscredit,
hedidstopcursinginanylanguageexceptDanishinfrontofthechild.”
Shehadtosuppressalaugh.Thatwaslikehim.“Thanks,Cy,”shesaidquietly.“Andpleasethankthe
menwhowentin.Iknowwhattheyrisked.Itwasgrandofthem.”
“I’lltellthemyousaidso.”
“Youdidn’ttellhim…?”
“Aboutyourpartintherescue?No.Ithinkitwasamistake,fortherecord,butit’syourlife.”
“I’minyourdebt,”shesaid,andmeantit.
“Welikehim,too,Glory,”hereplied.“Takecare.”
“You,too.”
Shesatdownonhersofaandstaredattheoppositewallwhiletearsofjoyflowedsilentlydownher
cheeks.Hewasokay;hedidn’tdie.Theydidn’tcuthimupandthrowhimoutonahighway
somewheredowninMexico.Shewassogratefulthatshecouldn’tevenmanageacoherentprayer.It
waslateandshewasworn-outfromthecombinationofadrawn-outmurdertrialandthemental
anguishofthepastfewdays.ShepulledonanoldT-shirtandapairofsweatpantsandwenttobed.
Thebuzzerrang.Shethoughtshewasdreaming.Sheglancedattheclock,blindwithouthercontacts
in,andmadeoutfuzzynumbers.Itwasthreeinthemorning.Nobodywouldberingingherapartment
doorbellatthathour.Shepulledthepillowoverherheadandwentbacktosleep.
Shefeltsomethingtouchherhair.Itwasmorethanatouch.Itwasacaress.Shewasdreaming.She
smiled.Shesmelledspicycologneandsoap.Rodrigowasalwaysfastidious.Hewasalive.Funny,
howsherememberedthesethingsabouthimsovividlythatheseemedtoberightintheroomwith
her.Shemurmuredthataloud.
Adeepchucklesoundednearby.

Sherolledovertowardit,snugglingclosetowhatfeltlikeastrongforearm.Itwaswarmandalittle
hairy.
“Sleepyhead.”
Shewentstill.Thatdidn’tsoundlikeavoiceinadream.Sherolledontoherbackandopenedher
eyes.Hewasalittlefuzzy,andshecouldn’tmakeoutdetails.ButthatwasRodrigo,sittingontheedge
ofherbed.Hewaswearingasuit.
“How…?”sheexclaimed.
“HowdidIgetin?”hemused.“YouforgetwhatIusedtodoforaliving.Ihavesomestealthskills
left.”
Thebedsidelampwason.Helookedtired,butthehardlinesinhisfacehadsoftened.Therewere
somebruisesonhisjawandacutortwo.Buthewasashandsomeandsensualasever.Sheloved
lookingathim.
“Ipicturedyouinagown,liketheoneyouwerewearingatthefarm,thenightIcametoyou,”he
murmuredhuskily.
Herheartjumped.“Irarelywearprettythings,”shesaid.
“Youdoincourt,”hesaid.“IthoughtyouwerethemostelegantwomanI’deverseen.”
Hereyesgrewsad.“Someonetoldyou.”
Aneyebrowarched.“Toldmewhat?”
“ThatIsentEbScott’smenafteryou.”
Hiseyesgrewradiant.“Youdid?EvenafterwhatI’dsaidtoyouatJason’sparty?”
“Damn,”shemuttered.She’dgivenherselfaway.“Well,ifyoudidn’tknowthat,whyareyouhere?”
shedemanded.
“Youshouldn’thavebeencryingonKilraven’sshoulderaftertheparty,”hesaidinaconversational
tone.“Hecan’tkeepasecret.”
Shefeltbetrayedbyherbestmalefriend.“Ithoughthehatedyou.”
Heshrugged.“Heprobablydoes,inhisway,butIcouldn’treturnthecomplimentafterhethrewdown
onthreeofFuentes’sbestmenandsentoneofthemstraighttohellatthebusinessendofanautomatic
pistol.”
Shesatup,pushingbackherdisheveledhair.Shestaredintohisdarkeyes.“Kilravenwenttorescue
you?”sheexclaimed.
“Youcan’ttellanyone,”hereplied.“Butheworksforthegovernment,too.He’shandyinhostage
situations.HeusedtoworkwithGaronGrierononeoftheFBI’shostagerescueteams.”
“Sothat’swhyIcouldn’tgetintouchwithhim.”
Henodded.“Helikesyou,”hereplied.Hisdarkeyeskindled.“Ofcourse,Iwasgratefultohimforthe
help.ButIdidtellhimthatifheevertouchedyouagain,I’dhanghimouttodry.”
Shewasconfused.Shedidn’tknowhowtoanswerthat.“Listen,”shesaidgently,“you’rephysically
fitandintelligentandrich.Youcanrunringsaroundmentenyearsyourjunior.I…”Shedrewina
breath.“I’mnevergoingtobeabletodostrenuousthings.I’minbadhealth.Iwon’tmiraculously
findacure.ChancesaregoodthatIwon’tbeabletobearachild.”Hereyespleadedwithhis.“It
wouldbebestifyouwentbacktoHoustonandmarriedConchita,orsomeonelikeher—someone
youngandstrongandhealthy.”
Helookedasifherwordshadbeenrocks,andeveryonehadhitatenderspot.“I’llneverbeableto
convinceyouthatIdidn’tmeanthosethingsyouheardmesaytoSarina,willI?”heaskedquietly.
“I’vebeenaloneforalongtime.I’vedonedangerouswork,andenjoyedtherisks.I’vemanagedto
stayoutofdeeprelationships.Yes,IwantedSarinaandBernadette,butthatwasn’tmeanttobe.Ihadto

getoverthepainoflosingher.AndthenIfacedthepainoflosingyou,ofbeingrejectedasecond
time.Iran,notonlyfiguratively,butbydenyingIcouldeverfeelanythingforyou.”Helaughed
coldly.“You’llneverknowhowIfeltwhenColtraintoldmeyou’dlostthebaby.I’dhumiliatedyou,
tossedyououtofmylife,attackedyouforcomingtoHoustontoseeme.Theguiltwasterrible.You
couldhavedied.Losingthechildhurt.Losingyouwas…”Hestoppedandavertedhiseyes.“Igot
drunk.Iwreckedabar.Ididn’tgothatfarevenwhenIknewSarinawasgoingbacktoColbyLane
withBernadette.Theyactuallytookmeoffinhandcuffs.”Hechuckled.“Thejudgesaidthatnexttime,
he’dgivemepublicserviceandhavemeworkatcitybeautificationwithasignaroundmyneck
tellingpeoplenottofeedmealcohol.”
Shelaughedinspiteofherself.
“Youlookprettywhenyousmile,”hetoldher.Hisbig,leanhandsmoothedherdisturbedhair.“Idid
astupidthing.IwasfumingaboutKilraven’splaceinyourlifewhenIleftSanAntonio.Iwalkedright
intoatrapthatFuentes’sbrotherhadset,andneversawitcoming.”
“I’msogladtheygotyouout,”shesaidsoftly.
“SoamI.”Hetouchedhermouthwiththetipsofhisfingers.“It’stoolateforphilosophical
discussions,butIwouldliketocomeforyouinthemorningandtakeyouforadrive.Iwanttoshow
yousomething.”
TomorrowwasSaturday.Shewasoff.Herheartraced.“Imustbedreaming,”shesaid.
Hebentandtouchedhismouthtenderlytohers,slowlyatfirst,andthenwithaheated,desperate
pressurethatbentherheadbackontothepillow.Sheclutchedathisshoulders,returningtheardent
caress,hearinghisharshgroanasiffromafar.
Buthedrewbackquickly.“No,”hesaidhuskily.“Notnow.Notlikethis.I’llcomeforyouaboutnine.
Okay?”
Shewassurprised,andtouched,byhisrestraint.Heseemeddeterminedtoshowherthatthiswas
morethandesireonhispart.Hiseyesweresayingincrediblethings.Theymadeherbreathless.
“Okay,”shemanagedhuskily.
Hesmiled,gotupandmovedtothedoor.“Untiltomorrow.”
Heslippedoutassilentlyashe’darrived.Shelaythere,dazed,forseveralminutesbeforesheturned
outthelightandwentbacktosleep.

INTHEMORNING,OFcourse,shewassurethatshe’ddreamedthewholething.Theapartment
housewaswiredsothatanintruderwhotriedtobypassthebuzzerwouldsoundalarms.
Butatnineo’clock,thebuzzersoundedforreal.
“Canyoucomedown?”Rodrigoaskedinawarmdrawl.
“Givemetwominutes!”sheexclaimed,andrushedtodress.

SHEHADONBLACKslackswithapinkshellandsweaterunderherBerbercoat.Sheworeboots
withit.Hewaswaitinginthelobby,injeansandasweatshirt,veryrelaxedandslightlywindblown.He
lookedelegant,justthesame.
Hetookherarmandledherouttohiscar,tuckingherintothefrontseat.
“Wherearewegoing?”sheaskedwhenhestartedthecarandpulledoutintotraffic.
“It’sasecret,”hereplied.Hegrinned.Helookedmorerelaxed,andhappier,thanshe’deverseenhim.
Therewasacoldwindblowing,withafewflakesofsnowinit.Christmaswascomingverysoon.
Jacobsville’smainstreetwasfestoonedwithgailylightedgarlandsthatstretchedoverthestreets.
TherewerelightsshapedlikepoinsettiasandChristmastreesandwreaths,andChristmastreesinall

theshopwindows.Thesquarehadthebiggesttreeofall,flankedbylightedreindeerandelves,witha
realisticlookingSantaClausinasleigh.
“I’vealwayslovedthisplace,”shecommented.“EvenwiththebadtimesIhadinmychildhood.”
“Jasontoldmeaboutthose,thenightIleft,”hesaidquietly.“IwishI’dknown,Glory.”
Sheflushed.“Itisn’tsomethingItalkaboutmuch.”
“Becauseyoudon’twantpity.Jasontoldmethat,too.I’vemadesomanymistakeswithyou,amada,”
hesaidsoftly.“Ihopetomakeupforafewofthemtoday.”
“Whatdoyouhaveinmind?”sheasked,openlycurious.
Hesmiled.“Waitandsee.”
Heturnedontoasidestreetandwentalittleway,andthenontoanothersidestreet.Hepulledintoa
drivewayandcutofftheengine.
TherewasabigForSalesigninthefrontyard.Thereweretreesandshrubseverywhere,andwhat
lookedlikeflowergardensinthemiddleofasemicirculardriveway.ThehouseitselfwasSpanish
styled,witharchesandabigfrontporchthatseemedtogoonforever.Tothesidewasastonepatio
withanenormousfishpond,completewithwaterfall,madesothatpeoplecouldsitonitsedgeand
lookdownatthebrilliantgoldfish.Therewereblackwrought-irongates.Thewholeyardwasfenced.
Therewerepecantreesoutback.ItwasthemostbeautifuloldhomeplaceGloryhadeverseen.
“Theschoolbususedtocomethisway,”shesaidsuddenly,“topickuponeofthechildrenwholived
here.Ilovedthehouse.Iusedtodreamaboutlivinginit.”
“Jasontoldme,”hereplied.“It’sgotanindoor,heatedswimmingpool.Waterexerciseswouldhelp
yourhip.There’samodernkitchen,asunkendiningroom,ahottub,walk-inclosetsandtwo
bathrooms.Thegardenspotoutbackisbigenoughtogrowallsortsofvegetables.”
Herheartwasslammingagainstherribs.Sheturnedtohim,andlookedupintohisdarkeyes.Her
eyesaskedthequestionshecouldn’tmanage.
Hetookaboxoutofhispocketandopenedit.Insidewereasetofweddingrings,abandwith
diamondsandemeraldsandamatchingemeraldsolitaire.“Thisisn’tasetIboughtwithsomeoneelse
inmind,”hesaid,stillguiltythathe’dpresentedherwithsuchasetattheirwedding.“Iboughtitfor
you.”
Shewasspeechless.Hereyesgrewmistywithtearsasshelookedatthem.
Heputtheboxinherhandsandclosedthemaroundit.“Thehousecomeswithagovernmentagent
who’sseenbetterdays,”hesaidgently.“He’sstillabitrougharoundtheedges,buthecanbe
domesticatedwithalittlework.Thedistrictattorney,BlakeKemp,coulduseagoodassistant
prosecutor.Thecasesarealittlelesspressuredthantheonesyou’reusedtoinSanAntonio.Thereare
gooddoctorshere,whocanwatchoveryou.IcouldworkoutofSanAntonioinsteadofHouston,and
commute.There’sagreatbunchofDEAagentsthere.I’dgiveupundercoverwork,ofcourse.I’mtoo
well-knownnow,andmycousinwaskilledtryingtoprotectme,”hesaid,hisfacegivingawayhis
sadnessaboutthat.
Herheadwasspinning.Shewasflawed,butheseemednottomind.Hewantedtomarryheragain.He
wantedtolivewithher.Hewasmakingpromises.Hiseyeswerefaintlyapprehensive,asifhewasn’t
sureshewantedhim.
Herlipsparted.“Ithoughtyoudidn’tlikewomenwhodidthecan-can,”shesaid.
Heburstoutlaughing.
Shedid,too.Sheliftedherarmsandhewentintothem.Theystoodlockedtogetherinthecold,
kissingasiftheywouldneverbeabletostop.Helovedher.Hismouthwastellingherso,without
speakingaword.Shewastellinghimthesamething.Ittookalongtime.

Asirenbrokethemapart.Theyturnedtogethertowardthestreet,stunned.
CashGrierwassittinginhissquadcarwiththebluelightsspinning.“Indecentexposure!”hecalled.
“Lewdbehaviorisnottoleratedhereinthispurestofsmalltownsocieties!”
“Alikelystory,”Rodrigotossedback.“You’rejustjealous!Whydon’tyougohomeandkissyour
ownwifewhileIfinishtryingtogetmineback?”
Cashlaugheduproariously.“Youshouldmarryhim,Glory,”hecalledtoher.“I’veneverseenaman
whoneededcoachinginsocialgracesmore.Youshouldhearhimcurse!”
“Ialreadyhave,thanks!”
Anothersquadcarpulledupbehindthechief’sandthrewonitsbluelightsaswell.“Hey,”Kilraven
calledtoCash,“you’reobstructingtraffic!GetmovingorI’llticketyou!”
“Watchyourmouth,Kilraven,orI’llgiveyouschoolcrossingduty!”
“Littlekidsloveme!”camethelaughingreply.“Hi,Glory!”hecalledtoher.“Iguessyou’reaboutto
betakenoffthemarket?”
“Youcanbetyourlifeonit,Kilraven!”Rodrigotoldhim.HeputapossessivearmaroundGloryto
proveit.“Seewhatyougetforsavingpeople’slives?”heteased.
Kilravenjustlaughed.“Iwouldn’tdaregetmarried,”hesaid.“Womenwouldcommitsuicidein
drovesifIwentoutofcirculation!”
“Let’sgo,”Cashcalledtohisman.“Sandy’smadeusabigpotofbeefstewforlunchatthestation,
withhomemadecornbreadandrealbutter!”
“Raceyou!”Kilravendared,pullinghisheadbackin.HewavedtothecoupleinfrontoftheForSale
signandracedpastCashontothestreet.Thepolicechiefthrewonhislights,andhissirens,andtook
offinhotpursuit.
RodrigolookeddownatGlorywithhisheartinhisdark,softeyes.“Marryme,”hecoaxed.“I’lllove
youuntilthedarkwashesovermeandcarriesmeaway,andthelastwordIwhisperwillbeyour
name,”hewhispered.
Tearspouredfromhereyes.“Iloveyou,”shechoked.
“AndIloveyou,”hesaidhuskily.“Iloveyoumorethanmyownlife.”
Shepressedhardagainsthim,clinging.“I’llmarryyou.”
“Yes.”
Hebentandkissedawaythetears.Ittookalongtime.Heheldherandrockedherinthewind,hiseyes
closedashesavoredthenewnessofbelongingtosomeone.
“Youwon’tmind,thatIcan’tkeepupwithyousomeofthetime?”sheasked,stillinsecure.
Hislipstouchedherforehead.“Wouldyoumind,ifIwereblind,orifI’dlostanarm,likeColby
Lane?”
“Oh,no,”shesaidatonce.“You’dstillbeRodrigo.AndI’dstillloveyou.Morethanever.”
Helookeddownathertenderly.Hesmiled.“Morethanever,”herepeated.Hefoldedhercloseinhis
arms.“Doyoulikethehouse?”
“Iloveit.Canwebuyitandlivehere?”
Hepulledsomepapersoutofhisinsidejacketpocketandhandedthemtoher.Itwasabillofsalefor
thehouse.Shelookedup,awed.
Heshrugged.“Iwasn’tsureofmychances,”heconfessedwithagrin.“Ithoughtifyoulikedthe
house,youmightmarrytheownertogetit.”
Shegrinned.“Smartthinking.”
Helinkedhishandinhers.“Ihavethekey,ifyou’dlikealookinsidebeforeweapplyforamarriage
license.”

Shenuzzledhisshoulderwithhercheek.“Yes,Iwould.”
Hecurledhisarmaroundheranddrewheralongwithhimtothehouse.Hegrinnedasheinsertedthe
keyandopenedthedoor,lettinghergoinfirst.
Thereweresixhugevasesfullofrosesintheelegant,andfurnished,livingroom.Therewereseveral
boxesofveryexpensivechocolatespiledonthesofa.AndjustasGlorywasgettingusedtothat
surprise,agroupofmariachisbeganplayingalovesong,grinningatherfrombehindtheir
instruments.
Rodrigosighed.“Flowers,candy,serenading,”hesaidashegaveherawickedsmile.“Theperfect
combinationforwinningawoman’sheart.DidIgetitright?”
“Oh,yes,mydarling,”shelaughed.“Yougotitright!”Andshekissedhim,veryhard,toproveit.
Inthedarkesthoursofherlife,she’ddreamedofhavingahomeandalovinghusbandandchildren.
Thisseemedlikeamiracle.Ifonlytherecouldbeachild,oneday,shewouldbethehappiestwoman
onearthdespiteherflaws.
Heseemedtosensethatsadness.Heturnedhertohim,whilethesingerscrooned,andtiltedherface
uptohis.“Sometimes,”hesaid,“allwehaveisfaith,andhope.Butmiracleshappeneveryday.Wait
andsee.”
Shesmiled.Itwasabittersweethope,atbest.

TWOYEARSLATER,almosttotheday,shegavebirthtoason,thankstoconstantmedical
monitoring,newdrugsandmuchprayer.Eyesbrimmingwithtears,shelookedupintoherhusband’s
radiantfaceandsaid,“Yes.Miraclesdohappen!”
“WhatdidItellyou?”heteased.
TheylookeddownatthetinyboyandsawgenerationsofRamirezandBarnesancestorsinthat
handsomesmallface.JohnAntonioFrederickRamirezwasnamedfortwograndfathers,oneof
whomwasDanish,andagreat-uncle.
Rodrigokissedher.“Oneisenough,”hesaidfirmly.“Iwon’tgothroughthatfearagain.Ican’tliveif
Iloseyou,”hesaid.
Thesimplestatementwassoprofoundthatitmadeherheartskipabeat.Thetruthofitwasintheeyes
thatadoredher.Shereachedupanddrewherfingertipsacrosshiswide,sensuousmouth.“Youwon’t
loseme,”shepromised.“I’llsticklikeglue.”
Hedrewinalongbreathandrelaxed.Hecockedhisheadashewatchedthetinylittleboyfeedather
breastandcountedhisblessings.Hehadsomany!
Glorysmiledtoherself,secureinhisloveandthewonderoftheyearsthatstilllayahead.Thepainof
herearlylifehadtemperedher,asfiretemperssteel.Herstrengthhadcarriedherthroughthe
dangersshefacedand,intheend,wontheheartofthisfirebrandnexttoher.Shethoughtofwhat
she’dendured,fearlessly,andknewthatwhatshehadnowwaswortheverysingletearshe’dshed,
everystabofpain.
Shelookeddownintothefaceofherchildandfelthistinyfistcurlaroundherfinger.Itwasthemost
beautifuldayofherlife.ShelaidhercheekagainstRodrigo’sbroadshoulder.“Iwasjustthinking,”
shemurmured.
“What?”heasked,kissingherforehead.
“ThatmylifebeganthedayImetyou,”shesaidsimply.
“Amadamia!”hebreathedatherear.“Asdidminebegin,whenImetyou.”
Sheclosedhereyesandsmiled.Itwas,shethought,aperfectday.

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ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

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ABOUTTHEAUTHOR
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fearless (06-2008)
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Diana Palmer Long Tall Texans 38 Fearless

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