Diana Palmer’s heroes are compelling, vibrant and utterly impossible to resist, just like her
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DIANAPALMER
“Ms. Palmer masterfully weaves a tale that entices on many levels, blending adventure and strong
humanemotionintoagreatread.”
—RTBookReviews
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—NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorJayneAnnKrentz
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—RendezvousonLordoftheDesert
DearReader,
Dr.BentleyRydelhashadaspecialplaceinmyhearteversinceheshowedup,surlyanddifficult,in
HeartofStone.Ithoughthedeservedabookofhisown,andhereistheresult.
Over the years, veterinarians have been my best friends. They‟ve taken care of my sick pets,
comforted me when I lost them, and generally made my life richer and happier. We take them for
granted,andweshouldn‟t.IthankGodforthem,everydayofmylife.
Iamalsoafanofveterinariantechnicians—ofwhichmyniece,Amanda,isone—andgroomers,who
doawonderfuljobnotonlyofkeepingourpetslookingnice,butofoftenfindingconditionsthatwe
mightmiss,tothedetrimentofourfurryfriends.
IhopeyouenjoyBentley‟sstory.
AsalwaysIamyourfan,
DianaPalmer
DIANAPALMER
TOUGHTOTAME
DianaPalmerhasagiftfortellingthemostsensualtaleswithcharmandhumor.
Withoverfortymillioncopiesofherbooksinprint,DianaPalmerisoneofNorthAmerica‟smost
belovedauthorsandconsideredoneofthetoptenromanceauthorsintheU.S.
Diana‟shobbiesincludegardening,archaeology,anthropology,iguanas,astronomyandmusic.She
hasbeenmarriedtoJamesKyleforovertwenty-fiveyears,andtheyhaveoneson.
FornewsaboutDianaPalmer‟slatestreleasespleasevisi
twww.dianapalmer.com
or
www.eHarlequin.com.
Idedicatethisbooktoallthefineveterinarians,technicians,groomersandofficeworkerswhodoso
mucheverydaytokeepourfurryfriendshealthy.Thanks!
CONTENTS
CHAPTERONE
CHAPTERTWO
CHAPTERTHREE
CHAPTERFOUR
CHAPTERFIVE
CHAPTERSIX
CHAPTERSEVEN
CHAPTEREIGHT
CHAPTERNINE
CHAPTERTEN
CHAPTERONE
CAPPIEDRAKEpeeredaroundacornerinsidetheveterinarypracticewheresheworked,hersoft
grayeyeswidewithapprehension.Shewaslookingfortheboss,Dr.BentleyRydel.Justlately,he‟d
beenonthewarpath,andshe‟dbeenthetargetformostofthesarcasmandharassment.Shewasthe
newest employee in the practice. Her predecessor, Antonia, had resigned and run for the hills last
month.
“He‟sgonetolunch,”cameanamusedwhisperfrombehindher.
Cappie jumped. Her colleague, Keely Welsh Sinclair, was grinning at her. The younger woman,
nineteentoCappie‟stwenty-three,wasonlyrecentlymarriedtodishyBooneSinclair,butshe‟dkept
herjobattheveterinaryclinicdespiteherlavishnewlifestyle.
Shelovedanimals.
SodidCappie.Butshe‟dbeenwonderingifloveofanimalswasenoughtoputupwithBentleyRydel.
“Ilostthepackingslipfortheheartwormmedicine,”Cappiesaidwithagrimace.“Iknowit‟shere
somewhere,buthewasyellingandIgotflusteredandcouldn‟tfindit.Hesaidterriblethingstome.”
“It‟sautumn,”Keelysaid.
Cappiefrowned.“Excuseme?”
“It‟sautumn,”sherepeated.
Theolderwomanwasstaringblanklyather.
Keely shrugged. “Every autumn, Dr. Rydel gets even more short-tempered than usual and he goes
missingforaweek.Hedoesn‟tleaveatelephonenumberincaseofemergencies,hedoesn‟tcallhere
andnobodyknowswhereheis.Whenhecomesback,heneversayswherehe‟sbeen.”
“He‟sbeenlikethissinceIwashired,”Cappiepointedout.“AndI‟mthefifthnewvettechthisyear,
Dr.Kingsaidso.Dr.Rydelrantheothersoff.”
“Youhavetoyellback,orjustsmilewhenhegetswoundup,”Keelysaidinakindlytone.
Cappiegrimaced.“Ineveryellatanybody.”
“Thisisagoodtimetolearn.Infact…..”
“Wherethehellismydamnedraincoat?!”
Cappie‟sfacewasastudyinhorror.“Yousaidhewenttolunch!”
“Obviouslyhecameback,”Keelyreplied,wincing,asthebossstormedintothewaitingroomwhere
twoshockedoldladiesweresittingbesidecatcarriers.
Dr.BentleyRydelwastall,oversixfeet,withpaleblueeyesthattookonthegleamofsteelwhenhe
was angry. He had jet-black hair, thick and usually untidy because he ran his fingers through it in
times of frustration. His feet were large, like his hands. His nose had been broken at some point,
which only gave his angular face more character. He wasn‟t conventionally handsome, but women
foundhimveryattractive.Hedidn‟tfindthemattractive.Iftherewasamorenotoriouswomanhater
thanBentleyRydelinallofJacobsCounty,Texas,itwouldbehardtofindhim.
“Myraincoat?”herepeated,glaringatCappieasifitwereherfaultthathe‟dleftwithoutit.
Cappiedrewherselfuptoherfullheight—thetopofherheadbarelycametoBentley‟sshoulder—
andtookadeepbreath.“Sir,”shesaidsmartly,“yourraincoatisintheclosetwhereyouleftit.”
Hisdarkeyebrowsrosehalfafoot.
Cappieclearedherthroatandshookherheadasiftoclearit.Themotiondislodgedherprecariously
placed barrette. Her long, thick blond hair shook free of it, swirling around her shoulders like a
curtainofsilk.
Whileshewasdebatinghernext,andpossiblyjob-ending,comment,Bentleywasstaringatherhair.
Shealwaysworeitontopofherheadinthatstupidponytail.Hehadn‟trealizeditwassolong.His
paleeyesnarrowedashestudiedit.
Keely,fascinated,managednottostare.Sheturnedtotheoldladieswatching,spellbound.“Mrs.Ross,
ifyou‟llbring—”shelookedatherclipboard“—Luvvythecatonback,we‟llseeabouthershots.”
Mrs. Ross, a tiny little woman, smiled and pulled her rolling cat carrier along with her, casting a
wistfuleyebackatthetableaushewasreluctantlyforegoing.
“Dr.Rydel?”Cappieprompted,becausehewasreallystaring.
Hescowledsuddenlyandblinked.“It‟sraining,”hesaidshortly.
“Sir,thatisnotmyfault,”shereturned.“Idonotcontroltheweather.”
“Alikelystory,”hehuffed.Heturnedonhisheel,wenttothecloset,jerkedhiscoatout,displacing
everybodyelse‟s,andstormedoutthedoorintothepouringrain.
“AndIhopeyoumelt!”Cappiemutteredunderherbreath.
“Iheardthat!”BentleyRydelcalledwithoutlookingback.
Cappie flushed and moved back behind the counter, trying not to meet Gladys Hawkins‟s eyes,
becausetheoldladywasalmostcrying,shewaslaughingsohard.
“There, there,” Dr. King, the long-married senior veterinarian, said with a gentle smile. She patted
Cappieontheshoulder.“You‟vedonewell.Bythetimeshe‟dbeenhereamonth,Antoniawascrying
inthebathroomatleasttwiceaday,andshenevertalkedbacktoDr.Rydel.”
“I‟veneverworkedinsuchaplace,”Cappiesaidblankly.“Imean,mostveterinariansarelikeyou—
they‟re nice and professional, and they don‟t yell at the staff. And, of course, the staff doesn‟t
yell…..”
“Yes, they do,” Keely piped in, chuckling. “My husband made the remark that I was a glorified
groomer, and the next time he came in here, our groomer gave him an earful about just what a
groomerdoes.”Shegrinned.“Openedhiseyes.”
“Theydoalotmorethanclipfur,”Dr.Kingagreed.“They‟reoureyesandearsinbetweenexams.
Manytimes,ourgroomershavesavedlivesbynoticingsomesmallproblemthatcouldhaveturned
fatal.”
“Yourhusbandisadish,”CappietoldKeelyshyly.
Keelylaughed.“Yes,heis,buthe‟sopinionated,hardheadedandtemperamentalwithit.”
“Hewasatoughonetotame,I‟llbet,”Dr.Kingmused.
Keelyleanedforward.“NothalfastoughasDr.Rydelisgoingtobe.”
“Amen.Ipitythepoorwomanwhotakeshimon.”
“Trustme,shehasn‟tbeenbornyet,”Keelyreplied.
“Helikesyou,”Cappiesighed.
“Idon‟tchallengehim,”Keelysaidsimply.“AndI‟myoungerthanmostofthestaff.
Hethinksofmeasachild.”
Cappie‟seyesbulged.
Keely patted her on the shoulder. “Some people do.” The smile faded. Keely was remembering her
mother,who‟dbeenkilledbyafriendofKeely‟sfather.Thewholetownhadbeentalkingaboutit.
Keelyhadlandedwell,though,inBooneSinclair‟sstrongarms.
“I‟msorryaboutyourmother,”Cappiesaidgently.“Weallwere.”
“Thanks,” Keely replied. “We were just getting to know one another when she was…..killed. My
fatherplea-bargainedhimselfdowntoashortjailterm,butIdon‟tthinkhe‟llbebackthisway.He‟s
tooafraidofSheriffHayes.”
“Nowthere‟sarealdish,”Cappiesaid.“Handsome,brave…..”
“…..suicidal,”Keelyinterjected.
“Excuseme?”
“He‟sbeenshottwice,walkingintogunbattles,”Dr.Kingexplained.
“Noguts,noglory,”Cappiesaid.
Hercompanionschuckled.Thephonerang,anothercustomerwalkedinandtheconversationturned
tobusiness.
Cappiewenthomelate.ItwasFridayandtheplacewaspackedwithclients.Nobodyescapedbefore
six-thirty,noteventhepoorgroomerwho‟dspenthalfadayonaSiberianhusky.Theanimalshad
thickundercoatsanditwasajobtowashandbrushthemout.Dr.
Rydelhadbeensnippierthanusual,too,glaringatCappieasifshewereresponsiblefortheoverflow
ofpatients.
“Cappie,isthatyou?”herbrothercalledfromthebedroom.
“It‟s me, Kell,” she called back. She put down her raincoat and purse and walked into the small,
sparsebedroomwhereherolderbrotherlaysurroundedbymagazinesandbooksandasmalllaptop
computer.Hemanagedasmileforher.
“Badday?”sheaskedgently,sittingdownbesidehimonthebed,softlysothatshedidn‟tworsenthe
pain.
Heonlynodded.Hisfacewastaut,theonlysignofthepainthatatehimaliveeveryhouroftheday.A
journalist,he‟dbeenonoverseasassignmentforamagazinewhenhewascaughtinafirefightand
wounded by shrapnel. It had lodged in his spine where it was too dangerous for even the most
advancedsurgery.Thedoctorssaidsomeday,theshrapnelmightshiftintoalocationwhereitwould
be operable. But until then, Kell was basically paralyzed from the waist down. Oddly, the magazine
hadn‟t provided any sort of health care coverage for him, and equally oddly, he‟d insisted that he
wasn‟tgoingtocourttoforcethemtopayup.Cappiehadwonderedatherbrotherbeinginsucha
profession in the first place. He‟d been in the army for several years. When he came out, he‟d
becomeajournalist.Hemadeanextraordinarylivingfromit.She‟dmentionedthattoafriendinthe
newspaperbusinesswho‟dbeenastonished.Mostmagazinesdidn‟tpaythatwell,he‟dnoted,eyeing
Kell‟snewJaguar.
Well,atleasttheyhadKell‟ssavingstokeepthemgoing,evenifitdidsofrugallynow,afterhepaid
theworstofthemedicalbills.Hermeagersalary,althoughgood,barelykepttheutilitiesturnedon
andfoodintheagingrefrigerator.
“Takenyourpainmeds?”sheadded.
Henodded.
“Nothelping?”
“Notalot.Nottoday,anyway,”headdedwithaforcedgrin.Hewasgood-looking,withthickshort
hair even blonder than hers and those pale silvery-gray eyes. He was tall and muscular; or he had
been,beforehe‟dbeenwounded.Hewasinawheelchairnow.
“Somedaythey‟llbeabletooperate,”shesaid.
Hesighedandmanagedasmile.“BeforeIdieofoldage,maybe.”
“Stopthat,”shechidedsoftly,andbenttokisshisforehead.“Youhavetohavehope.”
“Iguess.”
“Wantsomethingtoeat?”
Heshookhishead.“Nothungry.”
“Icanmakesouthwesterncornsoup.”Itwashisfavorite.
Hegaveheraseriouslook.“I‟mimpactingyourlife.Thereareplacesforex-militarywhereIcould
stay…..”
“No!”sheexploded.
Hewinced.“Sis,itisn‟tright.You‟llneverfindamanwho‟lltakeyouonwithallthisbaggage,”he
began.
“We‟vehadthisargumentforseveralmonthsalready,”shepointedout.
“Yes,sinceyougaveupyourjobandmovedbackherewithme,afterIgot…..wounded.Ifourcousin
hadn‟t died and left us this place, we wouldn‟t even have a roof over our heads, stark as it is. It‟s
killingme,watchingyoutrytocope.”
“Don‟tbemelodramatic,”shechided.“Kell,allwehaveiseachother,”sheaddedsomberly.“Don‟t
askmetothrowyououtonthestreetsoIcanhaveasociallife.Idon‟tevenlikemenmuch,don‟t
youremember?”
Hisfacehardened.“Irememberwhy,mostly.”
Sheflushed.“Now,Kell,”shesaid.“Wepromisedwewouldn‟ttalkaboutthatanymore.”
“Hecouldhavekilledyou,”hegritted.“Ihadtobrowbeatyoujusttomakeyoupresscharges!”
She averted her eyes. Her one boyfriend in her adult life had turned out to be a homicidal maniac
whenhedrank.Thefirsttimeithappened,FrankBartletthadgrabbedCappie‟sarmandleftablack
bruise. Kell advised her to get away from him, but she, infatuated and rationalizing, said that he
hadn‟tmeantit.Kellknewbetter,buthecouldn‟tconvinceher.Ontheirfourthdate,theboyhadtaken
hertoabar,hadafewdrinks,andwhenshegentlytriedtogethimtostop,he‟ddraggedheroutside
andlitintoher.Theotherpatronshadcometoherrescueandoneofthemhaddrivenherhome.The
boy had come back, shamefaced and crying, begging for one more chance. Kell had put his foot
down and said no, but Cappie was in love and wouldn‟t listen. They were watching a movie at the
rentedhouse,whensheaskedhimabouthisdrinkingproblem.He‟dlosthistemperandstartedhitting
her,withhardlyanyprovocationatall.Kellhadmanagedtogetintohiswheelchairandintotheliving
room.Withnothingmorethanalampbaseasaweapon,he‟dknockedthelunaticoffCappieandonto
thefloor.Shewasdazedandbleeding,buthe‟dtoldherhowtotietheboy‟sthumbstogetherbehind
his back, which she‟d done while Kell picked up his cell phone and called for law enforcement.
Cappiehadgonetothehospitalandtheboyhadgonetojailforassault.
With her broken arm in a sling, Cappie had testified against him, with Kell beside her in court as
moralsupport.Thesentence,evenso,hadn‟tbeenextreme.Theboydrewsixmonths‟jailtimeanda
year‟s probation. He also swore vengeance. Kell took the threat a great deal more seriously than
Cappiehad.
ThebrotherandsisterhadadistantcousinwholivedinComancheWells,Texas.
He‟d died a year ago, but the probation of the will had dragged on. Three months ago, Kell had a
letterinformingherthatheandCappiewereinheritingasmallhouseandapostage-stamp-sizeyard.
Butitwasatleastaplacetolive.CappiehadbeenuncertainaboutuprootingthemfromSanAntonio,
butKellhadbeenstrangelyinsistent.HehadafriendinnearbyJacobsvillewhowasacquaintedwitha
localveterinarian.Cappiecouldgetajobthere,workingasaveterinarytechnician.Soshe‟dgivenin.
Shehadn‟tforgottentheboy.Ithadbeenawrench,becausehewasherfirstreallove.
Fortunately for her, the relationship hadn‟t progressed past hot kisses and a little petting, although
he‟dwanteditto.Thathadbeenanotherstickingpoint:Cappie‟simpeccablemorals.Shewasoutof
touchwiththemodernworld,he‟daccused,fromlivingwithheroverprotectivebigbrotherforso
long.Sheneededtoloosenup.Easytosay,butCappiedidn‟twantacasualrelationshipandshesaid
so.Whenhedrankmorethanusual,hesaiditwasherfaultthathegotdrunkandhither,becauseshe
kepthimsofrustrated.
Well,hewasentitledtohisopinion.Cappiedidn‟tshareit.He‟dseemedlikethenicest,gentlestsort
of man when she‟d first met him. His sister had brought her dog to the veterinary practice where
Cappieworked.He‟dbeensittinginthetruck,lettinghissisterwrangleahugeGermanshepherddog
backoutside.Whenhe‟dseenCappie,he‟djumpedoutandhelped.Hissisterhadseemedsurprised.
Cappiedidn‟tnotice.
After it was over, Cappie had found that at least two of her acquaintances had been subjected to the
same sort of abuse by their own boyfriends. Some had been lucky, like Cappie, and disentangled
themselvesfromtheabusers.Othersweretrappedbyfearintorelationshipstheydidn‟tevenwant.It
was hard, she decided, telling by appearance what men would be like when they got you alone. At
leastDr.Rydelwasobviouslyviolentanddangerous,shetoldherself.Notthatshewantedanythingto
dowithhimsocially.
“Whatwasthat?”Kellasked.
“Oh,Iwasthinkingaboutoneofmybosses,”sheconfided.“Dr.Rydelisaholyterror.I‟mscaredto
deathofhim.”
Hescowled.“Surelyheisn‟tlikeFrankBartlett?”
“No,”shesaidquickly.“Idon‟tthinkhe‟deverhitawoman.Hereallyisn‟tthesort.
Hejustblustersandragesandcurses.Helovesanimals.Hecalledthepoliceonamanwhobroughtin
alittledogwithcutsandbruisesalloverhim.Themanhadbeatenthedogandpretendedithadfallen
downstairs.Dr.Rydelknewbetter.Hetestifiedagainstthemanandhewenttojail.”
“Good for Dr. Rydel.” He smiled. “If he‟s that nice to animals, he isn‟t likely the sort of person
who‟dhitwomen,”hehadtoagree.“IwastoldbymyfriendthatRydelwasagoodsorttoworkfor.”
Hefrowned.“Yourboyfriendkickedyourcatonyourfirstdate.”
Shegrimaced.“AndImadeexcusesforhim.”Notlongafterthat,hercathadvanished.She‟doften
wondered what had happened to him, but he returned after her boyfriend left. “Frank was so
handsome,so…..eligible,”sheaddedquietly.“IguessIwasflatteredthatamanlikethatwouldlook
twiceatme.I‟mnobeauty.”
“Youare.Inside.”
“You‟reanicebrother.Howaboutthatsoup?”
Hesighed.“I‟lleatitifyou‟llfixit.I‟msorry.AboutthewayIam.”
“Likeyoucanhelpit,”shemuttered,andsmiled.“I‟llgetitstarted.”
Hewatchedherwalkaway,thoughtful.
She brought in a tray and had her soup with him. There were just the two of them, all alone in the
world.Theirparentshaddiedlongago,whenshewasten.Kell,who‟dbeenamazinglyathleticand
healthy in those days, had simply taken over and been a substitute parent to her. He‟d been in the
military, and they‟d traveled all over the world. A good deal of her education had been completed
throughcorrespondentcourses,althoughshe‟dseenalotoftheworld.Now,Kellthoughthewasa
burden, but what had she been for all those long years when he‟d sacrificed his own social life to
raiseaheartbrokenkid?Sheowedhimalot.
Sheonlywishedshecoulddomoreforhim.
Sherememberedhiminhisuniform,anofficer,sodignifiedandcommanding.Now,hewaslargely
confinedtobedorthatwheelchair.Itwasn‟tevenamotorizedone,becausetheycouldn‟taffordit.He
did continue to work, in his own fashion, at crafting a novel. It was an adventure, based on some
knowledge he‟d acquired from his military background and a few friends who worked, he said, in
covertops.
“How‟sthebookcoming?”sheasked.
Helaughed.“ActuallyIthinkit‟sgoingverywell.IspoketoabuddyofmineinWashingtonabout
somenewpoliticalstrategiesandroboticwarfareinnovations.”
“Youknoweverybody.”
Hemadeafaceather.“Iknowalmosteverybody.”Hesighed.“I‟mafraidthephonebillwillbeoutof
sightagainthismonth.PlusIhadtoordersomemorebooksonAfricafortheresearch.”
Shegavehimalookofpride.“Idon‟tcare.Youaccomplishsomuch,”shesaidsoftly.“Morethana
lotofpeopleinmuchbettershapephysically.”
“Idon‟tsleepasmuchasmostpeopledo,”hesaidwryly.“SoIcanworklongerhours.”
“YouneedtotalktoDr.Coltrainaboutsomethingtomakeyousleep.”
Hesighed.“Idid.Hegavemeaprescription.”
“Whichyoudidn‟tgetfilled,”sheaccused.“Connie,atthepharmacy,toldonyou.”
“Wedon‟thavethemoneyrightnow,”hesaidgently.“I‟llmanage.”
“It‟salwaysmoney,”shesaidmiserably.“IwishIwastalentedandsmart,likeyou.
MaybeIcouldgetabetter-payingjob.”
“You‟regoodatwhatyoudo,”herepliedfirmly.“Andyouloveyourwork.Believeme,that‟salot
moreimportantthanmakingabigpaycheck.Ishouldknow.”
Shesighedasshesippedhersoup.“Iguess.”Shegavehimaquickglance.“Butitwouldhelpwiththe
bills.”
“Mybookisgoingtomakeusmillions,”hetoldherwithagrin.“ItwillhitthetopoftheNew York
Timesbestsellerlist,I‟llbeindemandfortalkshowsandwe‟llbeabletobuyanewcar.”
“Optimist,”sheaccused.
“Hey,withouthope,whathavewegot?”Helookedaroundwithagrimace.
“Unpaintedwalls,cracksinthepaint,acarwithtwohundredthousandmilesonitandaleakyroof.”
“Oh,darn,”shemuttered,followinghiseyestotheyellowspotontheceiling.“I‟llbetanotheroneof
thosestupidnailsworkeditswayoutofthetin.Iwishwecouldhaveaffordedashingleroof.”
“Well,tinischeaper,anditlooksnice.”
Shelookedathimmeaningfully.
“It‟scheap,anyway,”hepersisted.“Don‟tyoulikethesoundofrainonatinroof?
Justlisten.It‟slikemusic.”
Itwaslikeatindrum,shepointedout,buthejustlaughed.
Shesmiled.“Iguessyou‟reright.It‟sbetternottowishwehadmorethanwedo.
We‟llgetby,Kell,”sheassuredhim.“Wealwaysdo.”
“Atleastwe‟reinittogether,”heagreed.“Butyoushouldthinkaboutthemilitaryhome.”
“AfterI‟mdeadandburied,youcangointoahome,”sheassuredhim.“Fornow,youjusteatyour
soupandhush.”
Hesmiledtenderly.“Okay.”
Shesmiledback.Hewasthenicestbigbrotherinthewholeworld,andshewasn‟tabandoninghim
whiletherewasabreathinherbody.
Ithadstoppedrainingwhenshegottoworkthenextmorning.Shewasglad.Shehadn‟twantedtoget
outofbedatall.Therewassomethingmagicalaboutlyinginthebedwithraincomingdown,allsafe
andcozyandwarm.Butshewantedtokeepherjob.Shecouldn‟tdoboth.
She was putting her raincoat in the closet when a long arm presented itself over her shoulder and
depositedabiggerraincoatthere.
“Hangthatupforme,please,”Dr.Rydelsaidgruffly.
“Yes,sir.”
Shefumbleditontoahanger.Whensheclosedthedoorandturned,hewasstillstandingthere.
“Issomethingwrong,sir?”sheaskedformally.
Hewasfrowning.“No.”
Buthelookedasifhehadtheweightoftheworldonhisshoulders.Sheknewhowthatfelt,because
shelovedherbrotherandshecouldn‟thelphim.Hersoftgrayeyeslookedupintohispaleblueones.
“Whenlifegivesyoulemons,makelemonade?”sheventured.
A laugh escaped his tight control. “What the hell would you know about lemons, at your age?” he
asked.
“It isn‟t the age, Dr. Rydel,” she said. “It‟s the mileage. If I were a car, they‟d have to decorate me
withsolidgoldaccessoriesjusttogetmeoffthelot.”
Hiseyessoftened,justalittle.“IsupposeI‟dbeinajunkyard.”
Shelaughed,quicklycontrollingit.“Sorry.”
“Why?”
“You‟resortofhardtotalkto,”sheconfessed.
Hedrewinalongbreath.Justforaminute,helookedoddlyvulnerable.“I‟mnotusedtopeople.I
deal with them in the practice, but I live alone. I have most of my life.” He frowned. “Your brother
liveswithyou,doesn‟the?Whydoesn‟thework?”
Shetightenedup.“Hewasoverseascoveringawarandabombexplodednearby.Hecaughtshrapnel
inthespineandtheycan‟toperate.He‟sparalyzedfromthewaistdown.”
Hegrimaced.“That‟sahellofawaytoendupinawheelchair.”
“Tellmeaboutit,”sheagreedquietly.“Hewasinthemilitaryforyears,buthegottiredofdragging
meallovertheworld,sohemusteredoutandgotajobworkingforthismagazine.Hesaiditwould
meanhewouldn‟tbegonesomuch.”Shesighed.“Iguesshewasn‟t,buthe‟sinalotofpainandthey
can‟tdomuchforit.”Shelookedupathim.“It‟shardtowatch.”
Foraninstant,somefellowfeelingflaredinhiseyes.“Yes.It‟seasiertohurtyourselfthantowatch
someoneyoulovebattlepain.”Hisfacesoftenedashelookeddownather.
“Youtakecareofhim.”
Shesmiled.“Yes.Well,asmuchashe‟llletme,anyway.Hetookcareofmefromtheageoften,when
ourparentsdiedinawreck.Hewantsmetolethimgointosomesortofmilitaryhome,butI‟llnever
dothat.”
Helookedverythoughtful.Andsad.Helookedasifhebadlyneededsomeonetotalkto,buthehad
nobody.Sheknewthefeeling.
“Lifeishard,”shesaidgently.
“Then you die,” he added, and managed a smile. “Back to work, Miss Drake.” He hesitated. “Your
name,Cappie.What‟sitshortfor?”
Shehesitated.Shebitherlowerlip.
“Comeon,”hecoaxed.
Shedrewinabreath.“Capella,”shesaid.
Hiseyebrowsshotup.“Thestar?”
Shelaughed,delighted.Mostpeoplehadnoideawhatitmeant.“Yes.”
“Oneofyourparentswasanastronomybuff,”heguessed.
“No. My mother was an astronomer, and my father was an astrophysicist,” she corrected, beaming.
“HeworkedforNASAforawhile.”
Hepursedhislips.“Brainypeople.”
“Don‟t worry, it didn‟t rub off on me. Kell got all that talent. In fact, he‟s writing a book, an
adventurenovel.”Shesmiled.“Ijustknowit‟sgoingtobeablockbuster.He‟llrakeinthemoney,and
thenwewon‟thavetoworryaboutmoneyformedicineandhealthcare.”
“Healthcare.”Heharrumphed.“It‟sajoke.Peoplegoingwithoutfoodtobuypills,withoutclothesto
affordgas,havingtochoosebetweenessentialsandnohelpanywheretochangethings.”
She was surprised at his attitude. Most people seemed to think that health care was available to
everybody.Actuallyshecouldonlyaffordbasiccoverageforherself.Ifsheeverhadamajormedical
emergency,she‟dhavetobegforhelpfromthestate.Shehopedshecouldevengetit.Itstillamazed
her that Kell‟s employers hadn‟t offered him health care benefits. “We don‟t live in a perfect
society,”sheagreed.
“No.Nowherenearit.”
Shewantedtoaskhimwhyhewassooutspokenontheissue,whichhithomeforher,too.Butbefore
shecouldovercomehershyness,thephonesweresuddenlyringingoffthehookandthreenewfour-
leggedpatientswalkedinthedoorwiththeirowners.Oneofthem,abigBoxer,madeabeelinefora
smallpoodlewhoseownerhadletitcomeinwithoutalead.
“Grabhim!”Cappiecalled,divingaftertheBoxer.
Dr.Rydelfollowedher,grippingtheBoxer‟sleadfirmly.Hepulleduponitjustenoughtoestablish
control, and held it so that the dog‟s head was erect. “Down, sir!” he said in a commanding tone.
“Sit!”
TheBoxersatdownatonce.Sodidallthepetowners.Cappieburstoutlaughing.Dr.
Rydelgaveheraspeakingglance,turned,andledtheBoxerbacktothepatientroomswithoutasingle
word.
CHAPTERTWO
WHENSHEgothome,CappietoldherbrotheraboutthestrugglewiththeBoxer,anditsresult.He
roaredwithlaughter.Ithadbeenalongtimesinceshe‟dseenhimlaugh.
“Well,atleasthecancontrolanimalsandpeople,”hetoldher.
“Indeedhecan.”Shepickedupthedirtydishesandstackedthemfromtheirlightsupper.“Youknow,
he‟s very adamant about health care. For people, I mean. I wonder if he has somebody who can‟t
affordmedicinesordoctorsorhospitals?Henevertalksabouthisprivatelife.”
“Neitherdoyou,”hepointedoutdryly.
Shemadeaface.“I‟mnotinteresting.NobodywouldwanttoknowwhatIdoathome.Ijustcookand
cleanandwashdishes.What‟sexcitingaboutthat?Whenyouwereinthearmy,youknewmoviestars
andsportslegends.”
“They‟rejustlikeyouandme,”hetoldher.“Fameisn‟tacharacterreference.Neitheriswealth.”
“Well,Iwouldn‟tmindbeingrich,”shesighed.“Wecouldfixtheroof.”
“Oneday,”hepromisedher,“we‟llgetoutofthehole.”
“Youthink?”
“Miracleshappeneveryday.”
Shewasn‟ttouchingthatlinewithapole.Justlately,she‟dhavegivenbloodforamiraclethatwould
treatherjusttoanewraincoat.Theoneshehad,purchasedforadollaratathriftshop,waswornand
fadedandmissingbuttons.She‟dsewedotherson,butnoneofthemmatched.Itwouldbesoniceto
haveonethatcamefromastore,brand-new,withthatsmellthatclotheshadwhennobodyhadever
wornthembefore.
“Whatareyouthinkingabout?”Kellasked.
“Newraincoats,”shesighed.Thenshesawhisexpressionandgrimaced.“Sorry.Justastraythought.
Don‟tmindme.”
“SantaClausmightbringyouone,”hesaid.
Shegloweredathimonherwayoutthedoor.“Listen,SantaClauscouldn‟tfindthisplaceifhehad
GPSonhissleigh.Andifhedid,hisreindeerwouldslideoffthetinroofandfalltotheirdoom,and
we‟dgetsued.”
Hewasstilllaughingwhenshegottothekitchen.
ItwasgettingclosetoChristmas.Cappiedugouttheold,fadedartificialChristmastreeandputitup
in the living room where Kell could see it from his hospital bed. She had one new string of
minilights,allshecouldafford,andsheputtheoldornamentsonit.Finallyshepluggedinthetree.It
becameaworkofart,amagicalthing,whensheturnedouttheotherlightsandlookedatit.
“Wow,”Kellsaidinasofttone.
Shemovedtothedoorwayandsmiledathim.“Yeah.Wow.”Shesighed.“Well,atleastit‟satree.I
wishwecouldhavearealone.”
“Me,too,butyouspenteveryChristmassickinbeduntilwerealizedyouwereallergictofirtrees.”
“Bummer.”
Heburstoutlaughing.“Now,allwehavetodoisdecidewhatwe‟regoingtoputunderit.”
“Artificialpresents,Iguess,”shesaidquietly.
“Stopthat.We‟renotdestitute.”
“Yet.”
“WhatamIgoingtodowithyou?ThereisaSantaClaus,„Virginia,‟”hechided.
“Youjustdon‟tknowityet.”
Sheturnedthelightsbackonandsmiledathim.“Okay.Haveityourway.”
“Andwe‟llputpresentsunderit.”
Onlyiftheycomeprepaidandalreadywrapped,shethoughtcynically,butshedidn‟tsayit.Lifewas
hard, when you lived on the fringes of society. Kell had a much better attitude than she did. Her
optimismwaslosinggroundbytheday.
Thebeginningoftheweekstartedoutbadly.Dr.RydelandDr.Kinghadaveryloudanddisturbing
argument over possible treatments for a beautiful black Persian male cat with advanced kidney
failure.
“Wecandodialysis,”Dr.Kingargued.
Dr. Rydel‟s pale blue eyes threw off sparks. “Do you intend to contribute to the „let‟s prolong
Harry‟ssuffering‟fund?”
“Excuseme?”
“Hisownerisretired.Allshehasishersocialsecurity,becauseherpensionplancrashedandburned
during the economic downturn,” he said hotly. “How the hell do you think she‟s going to afford
dialysisforacatwho‟sgot,atthemost,acoupleofweeksofacutesufferingtogobeforehefacesan
endtothepain?”
Dr.Kingwasgivinghimveryoddlooks.Shedidn‟tsayanything.
“Icanirrigatehimandpumpdrugsintohimandkeephimaliveforanothermonth,”
hesaidthroughhisteeth.“Andhe‟llbeinagonyallthattime.Icandodialysisandprolongiteven
more.Ordoyouthinkthatanimalsdon‟treallyfeelpainatall?”
Shestillhadn‟tspoken.Shejustlookedathim.
“Dialysis!”hescoffed.“Iloveanimals,too,Dr.King,andI‟dnevergiveupononethathadaghostof
achanceofanormallife.Butthiscatisn‟thavinganormallife—he‟sgoingthroughhellonadaily
basis.Orhaven‟tyoueverseenahumanbeinginthefinalstagesofkidneyfailure?”hedemanded.
“No,Ihaven‟t,”Dr.Kingsaid,inanunusuallygentletone.
“Youcantakeitfrommethatit‟stheclosestthingtohellonearth.AndIamnot,repeatnot,putting
thecatondialysisandthat‟stheadviceI‟mgivinghisowner.”
“Okay.”
Hefrowned.“Okay?”
Shedidn‟tsmile.“Itmusthavebeenveryhardtowatch,”sheaddedquietly.
Hisface,foraninstant,betrayedtheanguishofapersonallossofsomemagnitude.
Heturnedawayandwentbackintohisoffice.Hedidn‟tevenslamthedoor.
CappieandKeelyflankedDr.King,allbigeyesandunspokenquestions.
“You don‟t know, do you?” she asked. She motioned them off into the chart room and closed the
door.“Youdidn‟thearmesaythis,”sheinstructed,andwaiteduntiltheybothnodded.“Hismother
wassixtywhentheydiagnosedherwithkidneyfailurethreeyearsago.
Theyputherondialysisandgavehermedicationstohelpputofftheinevitable,butshelostthebattle
justayearlaterwhentheydiscoveredaninoperabletumorinherbladder.Shewasinagony.Allthat
time, she had only her social security and Medicaid to help. Her husband, Dr. Rydel‟s stepfather,
wouldn‟tlethimhelpatall.Infact,Dr.Rydelhadtofightjusttoseehismother.Heandhisstepfather
havebeenenemiesforyears,anditjustgotworsewhenhismotherwassoill.Hismotherdiedandhe
blameshisstepfather,firstfornotlettinghergotoadoctorfortestsinthefirstplace,andthenfornot
lettinghimhelpwiththecostsafterward.
Shelivedinterriblepoverty.Herhusbandwastooproudtoacceptadimefromanyothersource,and
heworkedasanightwatchmaninamanufacturingcompany.”
No wonder Dr. Rydel was so adamant about health care, Cappie thought. She saw him through
differenteyes.Shealsounderstoodhisfrustration.
“He‟sright,too,aboutHarry‟sowner,”Dr.Kingadded.“Mrs.Trammeldoesn‟thavemuchleftafter
she pays her own medicine bills and utilities and groceries. Certainly she doesn‟t have enough to
affordexpensivetreatmentsforanelderlycatwhodoesn‟thavelongtolivenomatterwhatwedo.”
She grimaced. “It‟s wonderful that we have all these new treatments for our pets. But it‟s not good
thatwesometimesmakedecisionsthataren‟trealistic.Thecatiselderlyandinconstantpain.Arewe
doingitafavortoorderthousandsofdollarsoftreatmentsthatitsownercan‟tafford,justtoprolong
thesuffering?”
Keelyshrugged.“Bailey,Boone‟sGermanshepherd,wouldhavediedifDr.Rydelhadn‟toperatedon
himwhenhegotbloat,”sheventured.
“Yes,andhe‟sold,too,”Dr.Kingagreed.“ButBoonecouldaffordit.”
“Goodpoint,”Keelyagreed.
“Wedohavemedicalinsuranceforpetsnow,”Cappiepointedout.
“It‟sthesamemoralquestion,though,”Dr.Kingpointedout.“Shouldwedosomethingjustbecause
wecandoit?”
The phone rang, both lines at once, and a woman with a cat in a blanket and red, tear-filled eyes
rushedinthedoorcallingforhelp.
“It‟sgoingtobealongday,”Dr.Kingsighed.
CappietoldherbrotheraboutDr.Rydel‟smother.“Iguesswe‟renottheonlypeoplewhowishwe
hadadequatehealthcare,”shesaid,smilinggently.
“Iguessnot.Poorguy.”Hefrowned.“Howdoyoumakeadecisionlikethatforapet?”headded.
“Wedidn‟t.Werecommendwhatwethoughtbest,butletMrs.Trammelmakethefinaldecision.She
wasmorephilosophicalthanallofusputtogether.ShesaidHarryhadlivedfornineteengoodyears,
beenspoiledrottenandshameonusforthinkingdeathwasabitterend.Shethinkscatsgotoabetter
place,too,andthattheyhavegreenfieldstorunthroughandnocarstorunoverthem.”Shesmiled.
“Intheend,shedecidedthatitwaskindertojustletDr.Rydeldowhatwasnecessary.Keely‟sbarncat
hasanewlitterofkittens,solidwhitewithblueeyes.ShepromisedMrs.Trammelone.Lifegoeson.”
“Yes.”Hewassomber.“Itdoes.”
Sheliftedhereyebrows.“Anydaynow,there‟sgoingtobeabreakthroughinmedicalresearchand
you‟regoingtohaveanoperationthatwillputyoubackonyourfeetandgiveyouanewleaseon
life.”
“AfterwhichI‟llwintheBritishOpen,effectdétentewiththeeasterncommunistsandperfectacure
forcancer,”headdeddryly.
“Onemiracleatatime,”sheinterrupted.“AndjusthowwouldyouwintheBritishOpen?Youdon‟t
evenplaytennis!”
“Don‟t confuse me with a bunch of irrelevant facts.” He sank back into his pillows and grimaced.
“Besides,thepainisgoingtokillmelongbeforetheyfindanymiraculoussurgicaltechniques.”He
closedhiseyeswithalongsigh.“Onedaywithoutpain,”hesaidquietly.“Justoneday.I‟ddoalmost
anythingforit.”
She knew, as many other people didn‟t, that chronic pain brought on a kind of depression that was
pervasiveanddangerous.Eventhedrugshetookforpainonlytooktheedgeoff.Nothingthey‟dever
givenhimhadstoppedit.
“Whatyouneedisanicechocolatemilkshakeandsomeevil,fattening,over-saltedFrenchfriesanda
cholesterol-drippinghamburger,”shesaid.
Hemadeatorturedface.“Goahead,tormentme!”
Shegrinned.“Ioverpaidthehardwarebillandgotsentatendollarrefund,”shesaid,reachinginto
herpurse.“I‟llgotothebank,cashitandwe‟lleatouttonight!”
“Youbeauty!”heexclaimed.
Shecurtsied.“I‟llbebackbeforeyouknowit.”Sheglancedatherwatch.“Oops,betterhurryorthe
bankwillbeclosed!”
Shegrabbedherolddenimjacketandherpurseandranoutthedoor.
Theancientcarwastemperamental.Ithadovertwohundredthousandmilesonit,anditlookedlikea
pieceofjunk.Shecoaxeditintolifeandgrimacedasshereadthegasgauge.
Shehadafourthofatankleft.Well,itwasonlyafive-minutedrivetoJacobsvillefromComanche
Wells.She‟dhaveenoughtogethertoworkandbackforonemoreday.Thenshe‟dworryaboutgas.
The ten-dollar check would have come in handy for that, but Kell needed cheering up more. These
spellsofdepressionwereverybadforhim,andtheywerebecomingmorefrequent.She‟dhavedone
anythingtokeephimoptimistic.Evenwalkingtowork.
Shecashedthecheckwithtwominutestosparebeforethebankclosed.Thenshedrovetothelocal
fast-foodjointandorderedburgersandfriesandmilkshakes.Shepaidforthem—hadfivecentsleft
over—andpulledoutintotheroad.Thentwothingswentwrongatonce.Theenginequitandacar
flewoutofasideroadandrightintothepassengersideofhercar.
Shesat,shaking,amidtheruinsofhercar,withchocolatemilkshakealloverherjeansandjacket,and
piecesofhamburgersonthedirtyfloorboard.Itwasquiteanimpact.Shecouldn‟tmoveforaminute.
Shesat,staringatthedash,wonderinghowshe‟dmanagewithoutacar,becauseherinsuranceonly
coveredliability.Shehadnothingthatwouldevenpaytorepairthecar,ifitcouldberepaired.
She turned her head in slow motion and looked at the car that had hit her. The driver got out,
staggering.Helaughed.Thatexplainedwhyhe‟dshotthroughastopsignwithoutbraking.Heleaned
againsthisruinedfenderandlaughedsomemore.
Cappiewonderedifhehadinsurance.Shealsowonderedifshedidn‟thaveatireironthatshecould
getto,beforethepolicecametosavetheman.
Hercardoorwasjerkedopen.Shelookedupintoapairofsteelyice-blueeyes.
“Areyouallright?”heasked.
Sheblinked.Dr.Rydel.Shewonderedwherehe‟dcomefrom.
“Cappie,areyouallright?”herepeated.Hisvoicewasverysoft,nothingliketheglitterinthosepale
eyes.
“Ithinkso,”shesaid.Timeseemedtohaveslowedtoastop.Shecouldn‟tgethersluggishbrainto
work.“IwastakinghamburgersandshakeshometoKell,”shesaid.“Hewassodepressed.Ithought
itwouldcheerhimup.Iwasworriedaboutspendingthemoneyontreatsinsteadofgas.”Shelaughed
dully.“IguessIwon‟tneedtoworryaboutgas,now,”
sheadded,lookingaroundatthedamage.
“You‟reluckyyouweren‟tinoneofthenewerlittlecars.You‟dbedead.”
Shelookedtowardtheotherdriver.“Dr.Rydel,doyouhaveatiretoolIcouldborrow?”sheasked
conversationally.
Hesawwhereshewaslooking.“Youdon‟twanttoupsetthepolice,Cappie.”
“Iwon‟ttellifyouwon‟t.”
Beforehecouldreply,aJacobsvillepolicecarroaredup,lightsflashing,andstopped.
Obviouslysomebodyinthefast-foodplacehadcalledthem.
OfficerKilravenclimbedoutofthepolicecarandheadedrightforCappie.
“Oh,good,it‟shim,”Cappiesaid.“He‟llscaretheotherdrivertodeath.”
KilravenbentdownonCappie‟ssideofthecar.“Youokay?Needanambulance?”
“Heavens,no,”shesaidquickly.Asifshecouldaffordtopayforthat!“I‟mfine.Justshakenup.”She
noddedtowardthegigglingdriverwho‟dhither.“Dr.Rydelwon‟tloanmeatireiron,socouldyou
shootthatmaninthefootforme,please?Idon‟tevenhavecollisioninsuranceanditwasn‟tmyfault.
I‟llbewalkingtoworkonaccountofhim.”
“Ican‟tshoothim,”Kilravensaidwithatwinkleinhissilvereyes.“Butifhetriestohitme,I‟lltake
himtodetentioninthetrunkofmycar.Okay?”
Shebrightened.“Okay!”
HestraightenedandsaidsomethingtoDr.Rydel.Aminutelater,hemarchedovertothedrunkman,
smelledhisbreath,madeafaceandaskedhimtoperformasobrietytest,whichthesubjectrefused.
Thatwouldmeanabloodtestatthehospital,whichKilravenwasfairlycertainthemanwouldfail.He
told him he was under arrest and cuffed him. Cappie vaguely heard him calling for a wrecker and
backup.
“Awrecker?”Shegroaned.“Ican‟taffordawrecker.”
“Justdon‟tworryaboutitrightnow.Comeon.I‟lldriveyouhome.”
Hehelpedheroutofthecar.Sheretrievedherpurse,wincing.“IhopehehasaTexas-sizehangover
whenhewakesuptomorrow,”shesaidcoldly,watchingKilravenputtingtheprisonerinthebackof
hissquadcar.Themanwasstilllaughing.
“Oh,Ihopehegetspregnant,”Dr.Rydelmused,“andit‟stwins.”
Shelaughedhuskily.“Evenbetter.Thanks.”
HeputherintohisbigLandRover.“Waithere.I‟lljustbeaminute.”
Shesatquietly,fascinatedwiththeinteriorofthevehicle.ItconjuredupvisionsoftheAfricanveldt,
ofelephantsandgiraffesandwildebeest.Shewishedshecouldaffordevenatwenty-year-oldversion
ofthisbeast.She‟dneverhavetoworryaboutbadroadsagain.
Hewasbackshortlywithabagandacupcarrier.Heputtheminherlap.“Twohamburgersandfries
andtwochocolateshakes.”
“How…..?”
“Well, it‟s easier to tell when you‟re wearing parts of them,” he pointed out, indicating chocolate
milkstainsandmustardandcatsupandpiecesoffoodalloverherclothes.“Fastenyourseatbelt.”
Shedid.“I‟llpayyouback,”shesaidfirmly.
Hegrinned.“Whatever.”
Hestartedtheengineanddroveheroutoftown.“You‟llhavetodirectme.Idon‟tknowwhereyou
live.”
Shenamedtheroad,andthenthestreet.Theydidn‟ttalk.Hepulledupinthefrontyardofthedinky
littlehouse,withitspeelingpaintandricketystepsandsaggingeaves.
Hegrimaced.
“Hey,don‟tknockit,”shesaid.“It‟sgotaprettygoodroofandbigroomsandit‟spaidfor.Adistant
cousinwilledittous.”
“Niceofhim.Doyouhaveanyothercousins?”
“No.It‟sjustmeandKell.”
“Noothersiblings?”
Sheshookherhead.“Wedon‟thaveanyfamilyleft.”
Hegavethehouseaspeakinglook.
“Ifwehadthemoneytofixitup,itwouldlookterrific,”shesaid.
Hehelpedheroutofthecarandontotheporch.Hehesitatedabouthandingherthebagwiththefood
andthecarrierofmilkshakes.
“WouldyouliketocomeinandmeetKell?”sheventured.“Onlyifyouwantto,”sheaddedquickly.
“Yes,Iwould.”
Sheunlockedthedoorandmotionedhimin.“Kell,I‟mhome!”shecalled.“Ibroughtcompany.”
“Ifit‟swearinglipstickandhasagoodsenseofhumor,bringitinherequick!”hequipped.
Dr.Rydelburstoutlaughing.“Sorry,Idon‟twearlipstick,”hecalledback.
“Oops.”
Cappielaughedandwalkedtowardtheroomalittleunsteadily,motioningthevettofollowher.
Kellwasproppedupinbedwiththeoldlaptop.Hepaused,eyebrowsarched,astheywalkedin.“We
shouldhaveorderedmorefood,”hesaidwithagrin.
Cappiewinced.“Well,see,thefoodistheproblem.Iwaspullingoutoftheparkinglotandtheengine
died.Adrunkmanranintothecarandprettymuchkilledit.”
“Luckilyhedidn‟tkillyou,”Kellsaid,frowning.“Areyouallright?”
“Just bruised a little. Dr. Rydel was kind enough to bring me home. Dr. Rydel, this is my brother,
Kell,”shebegan.
“You‟retheveterinarian?”Kellasked,andhissilvery-grayeyestwinkled.“Ithoughtyouhadfangs
andapointedtail…..”
“Kell!”sheburstout,horrified.
Dr.Rydelchuckled.“Onlyduringofficehours,”hereturned.
“I‟llkillyou!”shetoldherbrother.
“Now,now,”Dr.Rydelsaidcomplacently.“WeallknowI‟mahorrortoworkfor.
He‟sjustsayingwhatyouaren‟tcomfortabletellingme.”
“Andhedoeshaveasenseofhumor,”Kellsaid.“Thanksforbringingherhome,”headded,andthe
smilefaded.“Mydrivingdaysareapparentlyover.”
“Therearevehicleswithhandcontrolsnow,”Dr.Rydelpointedout.
“We‟reorderingoneofthoseassoonaswegetournewyachtpaidoff,”Kellrepliedwithaserious
expression.
Cappieburstoutlaughing.“Andourdandyindoorswimmingpool.”
Dr.Rydelsmiled.“Atleastyoustillhaveasenseofhumor.”
“It‟stheonlypartofmethatworks,”Kellreplied.“I‟veofferedtocheckmyselfintoamilitaryhome,
butshewon‟thearofit.”
“Overmydeadbody,”shereiterated,andglaredathim.
Hesighed.“It‟snicetobeloved,butyoucantakefamilyfeelingoverthecliffwithyou,darlin‟,”he
remindedher.
“Sinkorswim,we‟reamatchedset,”shesaidstubbornly.“I‟mnotputtingyououtonthestreet.”
“Militaryhomescanbeverynice,”Kellbegan.
Cappiegrimaced.“Yourmilkshakeisgettingwarm,”sheinterrupted.ShetookthecarrierfromDr.
Rydel and handed one to Kell, along with a straw. “There‟s your burger and fries,” she said.
“Working?”
“Takingashortbreaktoplaymah-jongg,”hereplied.“I‟mactuallywinning,too.”
“IplaySudoku,”Dr.Rydelcommented.
Kellgroaned.“Ican‟tdonumbers.ItriedthatgameandthoughtI‟dgonuts.Icouldn‟tevengetone
columntolineup.Howdoyoudoit?”
“I‟mleft-brained,”theothermansaidsimply.“Numbersandscience.I‟dhavelovedtobeawriter,
butI‟mspelling-challenged.”
Kelllaughed.“I‟mleft-brained,too,butIcan‟thandleSudoku.Icanspell,however,”
headded,tongueincheek.
“That‟swhywehaveabookkeeper,”Dr.Rydelsaid.“Ithinkpeoplewouldhaveissuesiftheirnames
andanimalconditionswereconstantlymisspelled.Ihadatimeincollege.”
“SodidI,”Kellconfessed.“Collegetrigonometryalmostkeptmefromgettingmydegreeinthefirst
place.Ialsohadabadtimewithbiology,”headdedpointedly.
Dr.Rydelgrinned.“Mybestsubject.AllA‟s.”
“I‟llbetthebiology-challengedlovedyou,”Cappiesaidwithachuckle.“Blewthecurveeverytime,
didn‟tyou?”
Henodded.“IboughtpizzasformyclassmateseverySaturdaynighttomakeituptothem.”
“Pizza,”Cappiemused.“Irememberwhatthattasteslike.Ithink.”
“Idon‟twanttotalkaboutpizza,”Kellsaidandsippedhismilkshake.“Youandyourmushrooms!”
“Hehatesmushrooms,andIhateItaliansausage,”Cappiecommented.“Ilovemushrooms.”
“Yuuuuck,”Kellcommented.
Shesmiled.“We‟llleaveyoutoyoursupper.Ifyouneedanything,callme,okay?”
“Sure.Whatwouldyouliketobecalled?”
Shewrinkledhernoseathimandwentoutthedoor.
“Nicetohavemetyou,”Kelltoldthevet.
“Samehere,”Dr.Rydelsaid.
He followed Cappie out into the living room. “You‟d better eat your own burger and fries before
they‟recold,”hesaid.“Theydon‟treheatwell.”
She smiled shyly. “Thanks again for bringing me home, and for the food.” She wondered how she
was going to get to work the following Monday, but she knew she‟d come up with something. She
couldalwaysbegoneoftheothervettechsforaride.
“You‟rewelcome.”Hestareddownatherquietly,frowning.“Yousureyou‟reallright?”
Shenodded.“I‟mwobbly.That‟sbecauseIwasscaredtodeath.I‟llbefine.It‟sjustalittlebruising.
Honest.”
“Wouldyoutellmeifitwasmore?”heasked.
Shegrinned.
“Well,ifyouthinkyouneedtogotothedoctorlater,youcallme.Calltheoffice,”headded.“They‟ll
takeamessageandpageme,whereverIam.”
“That‟sveryniceofyou.Thanks.”
Hedrewinalongbreath.Hisblueeyesnarrowedonherface.“You‟vegotalotonyourshoulders
forawomanyourage,”hesaidquietly.
“Somepeoplehavealotmore,”shereplied.“Ilovemybrother.”
Hesmiled.“Inoticedthat.”
Shestudiedhimcuriously.“Doyouhavefamily?”
Hisfacetautened.“Notanymore.”
“I‟msorry.”
“Peoplegetold.Theydie.”Hebecamedistant.“We‟lltalkanothertime.Goodevening.”
“Goodevening.Thanks.”
Heshrugged.“Noproblem.”
Shewatchedhimgowithastrangesenseofloss.Hewasinmanywaysthesaddestpersonshe‟dever
known.
Shefinishedhersupperandwenttocollectherbrother‟sfoodcontainers.
“Yourbossisnice,”hesaid.“NotwhatIexpected.”
“HowcouldyoutellhimwhatIsaidabouthim,youhorribleman?”sheaskedwithmockanger.
“He‟s one of those rare souls who never lie,” he said simply. “He comes at you head-on, not from
ambush.”
“Howdoyouknowthat?”
“It‟sinhismanner,”hesaidsimply.Hesmiled.“I‟mthatwaymyself.Itdoestakeonetoknowone.
Nowcomehereandsitdownandtellmewhathappened.”
Shedrewinadeepbreathandsatdowninthechairbesidethebed.Shehatedhavingtotellhimthe
wholetruth.Itwasn‟tgoingtobepretty.
CHAPTERTHREE
CAPPIEHITCHEDaridetoworkwithKeely,promisingnottomakearegularthingofit.
“I‟lljusthavetogetanothercar,”shesaid,asifallthatrequiredwasatriptoacarlot.
Infact,shehadnoideawhatshewasgoingtodo.
“My brother is best friends with Sheriff Hayes Carson,” Keely reminded her, “and Hayes knows
Kilraven.Hetoldhimtheparticulars,andKilravenhadatalkwiththedriver‟sinsurancecompany.”
Shechuckled.“Iunderstandsomeinterestingwhat-if‟swerementioned.
Theupshotisthatthedriver‟sinsuranceisgoingtopaytofixyourcar.”
“What?”
“Well,hewasdrunk,Cappie.Infact,he‟soccupyingacellatthecountydetentioncenteraswespeak.
YoucouldsuehisinsurancecompanyforenoughtobuyanewJaguarlikemybrother‟sgot.”
Shedidn‟tmentionthatKellhadownedaJaguar,andnottoolongago.Thosedaysseemedveryfar
awaynow.“Wow.I‟veneversuedanybody,youknow.”
Keely laughed. “Me, neither. But you could. Once the insurance people were reminded of that, they
didn‟tseemtothinkfixinganoldcarwasanextravagantuseoffunds.”
“It‟sreallyniceofthem,”Cappiesaid,stunned.Itwaslikeamiracle.“Ididn‟tknowwhatIwasgoing
todo.Mybrotherisaninvalid,andtheonlymoneywe‟vegotishissavingsandwhatIbringhome.
That‟snotawholelot.”
“BeforeImarriedBoone,Ihadtocountpennies,”theothergirlsaid.“Iknowwhatit‟sliketohave
verylittle.Ithinkyoudoverywell.”
“Thanks.”Shesighed.“Youknow,Kellwasinthemilitaryforyearsandyears.Hewentintoallsorts
of dangerous situations, but he never got hurt. Then he left the army and went to work for this
magazine, went to Africa to cover a story and got hit with shrapnel from an exploding shell. Go
figure.”
Keelyfrowned.“Didn‟thehaveinsurance?Mostmagazineshaveitfortheiremployees,I‟msure.”
“Well,no,hedidn‟t.Odd,isn‟tit?”
“TheysenthimtoAfricatodoastory,”Keelyadded.“Whatsortofstory?Anewsstory?”
Cappieblinked.“Youknow,Ineveraskedhim.Ionlyknewhewasleavingthecountry.ThenIgota
callfromhim,sayinghewasinthehospitalwithsomeinjuriesandhe‟dbehomewhenhecouldget
here. He wouldn‟t even let me visit him. An ambulance brought him to our rented house in San
Antonio.”
Keelydidn‟tsaywhatshewasthinking.Butshealmosthadtobitehertongue.
Cappiestaredather.“That‟saverystrangestory,evenifI‟mtheonetellingit,”shesaidslowly.
“Maybeit‟sthetruth,”Keelysaidcomfortingly.“Afterall,it‟sveryoftenstrangerthanfiction.”
“Iguessso.”Sheletitdrop.ButshedidintendtotalkitoverwithKellthatnight.
Whenshegothome,therewasabigSUVparkedinthedriveway.Shefrownedatitasshewentupthe
stepsandintothehouse.Thedoorwasunlocked.
SheheardlaughtercomingfromKell‟sroom.
“I‟mhome!”shecalled.
“Comeoninhere,”Kellcalledback.“I‟vegotcompany.”
She took off her coat and moved into the bedroom. Kell‟s visitor was very tall and lean, with faint
silveringatthetemplesofhisblackhair.Hehadgreeneyesandasomberface,andoneofhishands
seemedtobeburned.Hemoveditunobtrusivelyintohispocketwhenhesawhereyesdrawntoit.
“Thisisanoldfriendofmine,”Kellsaid.“Mysister,Cappie.ThisisCyParks.Heownsaranchin
Jacobsville.”
Cappieheldoutherhand,smiling,andshooktheoneoffered.“Nicetomeetyou.”
“Samehere.You‟llhavetobringKellovertotheranchtoseeus,”headded.“Ihaveaterrificwife
andtwolittleboys.I‟dloveforyoutomeetthem.”
“You, with a wife and kids,” Kell said, shaking his head. “I‟d never have imagined it in my wildest
dreams.”
“Oh,itcomestoallofus,soonerorlater,”Cyrepliedlazily.Hepursedhislips.“Soyouworkfor
BentleyRydel,doyou?”
Shenodded.
“Doeshereallycarryapitchfork,oristhatjustmaliciousgossip?”Cyadded,tongueincheek.
Sheflushed.“Kell…..!”shemutteredatherbrother.
Heheldupbothhandsandlaughed.“Ididn‟ttellhimwhatyousaid.Honest.”
“He didn‟t,” Cy agreed. “Actually Bentley makes a lot of calls at my place during calving season.
He‟sourvet.Goodman.”
“Yes,heis,”Cappiesaid.“Hebroughtmehomeafteradrunkranintomycar.”
Cy‟sexpressiondarkened.“Iheardaboutthat.Toughbreak.”
“Well,theman‟sinsurancecompanyisgoingtofixourcar,”Cappieaddedwithalaugh.“Itseems
theywereworriedthatwemightsue.”
“Wewouldhave,”Kellsaid,andhewasn‟tsmiling.“Youcouldhavebeenkilled.”
“Ijustgotbruisedalittle,”shesaid,smiling.“Niceofyoutoworry,though.”
Kellgrinned.“It‟sahobbyofmine.”
“Youneedtogetoutmore,”Cytoldthemaninthebed.“Iknowyou‟vegotpainissues,butstaying
coopedupinhereisjustgoingtomakethingsworse.Believeme,Iknow.”
Kell‟seyesdarkened.“Iguessyou‟reright.ButIdohavesomethingtodo.I‟mworkingonanovel.
OneaboutAfrica.”
CyParks‟sfacegrewhard.“Thatplacehasmadeitsmarkonseveralofus,”hesaidenigmatically.
“It‟sstillmakingmarksonothermen,”Kellsaid.
“The Latin American drug cartels are moving in there as well,” Cy replied. “Hell of a thing, as if
Africadidn‟thaveenoughinternalproblemsasitis.”
“As long as power-hungry tyrants can amass fortunes by oppressing other men, it won‟t lower the
casualtyratesforanycombatantsworkingthere,”Kellmuttered.
“Combatants?”Cappieaskedcuriously.
“Twogroupsofpeoplearefightingforsupremacy,”Kelltoldher.
“Onegood,oneevil,”sheguessed.
“No.AsfarasAfricaninternalpoliticsgo,bothsideshavepositivearguments.Theoutsidersarethe
ones causing the big problems. Their type of diplomacy is most often practiced with rapid-firing
automaticweaponsandvariousincendiarydevices.”
“AndIEDs,”Cyadded.
Cappieblinked.“Excuseme?”
“Improvisedexplosivedevices,”Kelltranslated.
“Wereyouinthemilitary,too,Mr.Parks?”Cappieasked.
Cy hesitated. “Sort of. Look at the time,” he remarked, glancing at his watch. “Lisa wants me to go
withhertopickoutanewplaypenforouryoungestson,”headdedwithagrin.“Ourtoddlermoreor
lesstrashedthefirstone.”
“Strongkid,”Kellnoted.
“Yes.Bullheaded,too.”
“Iwonderwherehegetsthatfrom,”Kellwonderedaloud,withtwinklingeyes.
“Iamnotbullheaded,”Cysaidcomplacently.“Isimplyhavearesistancetostupidideas.”
“Samedifference.”
Cymadeaface.“I‟llcomebackandcheckonyoulaterintheweek.Ifyouneedanything…..”
Kellsmiled.“Thanks,Cy.”
“I‟dhavecomewithEbandMicahwhentheydroppedby,”Cyadded,“butwewereoutoftownwith
thekids.It‟sgoodtoseeyouagain.”
“Samehere,”Kellsaid.“Ioweyou.”
“Forwhat?”Cyshrugged.“Friendshelpfriends.”
“Theydo.”
Cappie stared at her brother with a blank expression. A whole conversation seemed to be going on
underhernosethatshedidn‟tcomprehend.
“I‟llseeyou,”Cysaid.“Nicetohavemetyou,MissDrake,”headded,smiling.
“You,too,”shereplied.
Cyleftwithoutabackwardglance.
After he drove away, Cappie was still staring at her brother. “You didn‟t say you had friends here.
Whyhaven‟tIseenthem?”
“Theycamewhileyouwereatwork,”hesaid.“Severaltimes.”
“Oh.”
He averted his eyes. “I met them when I was in the service,” he said. “They‟re fine men. A little
unorthodox,butgoodpeople.”
“Oh!”Sherelaxed.“Mr.Parkshasaninjury.”
“Yes.Hewasbadlyburnedtryingtosavehiswifeandchildfromafire.Hewastheonlyonewhogot
out.Itturnedhimmean.Butnowhe‟sremarriedandhastwosons,andheseemstohaveputthepast
behindhim.”
“Poorguy.”Shegrimaced.“Nowonderhewasmean.Whoweretheothermenhementioned?”
“Other friends. Eb Scott and Micah Steele. Micah‟s a doctor in Jacobsville. Eb Scott has a sort of
trainingcenterforparamilitaryunits.”
Sheblinked.“Youdoseemtoattracttheoddestfriends.”
“Menwithguns.”Henodded.Hegrinned.
Shelaughed.“Okay.I‟mstonewalled.Whatdoyouwantforsupper?”
“Nothingheavy,”hesaid.“Ihadabiglunch.”
“Youdid?”Shedidn‟trecallleavinganythingoutforhimexceptsandwichesinaBaggie.
“CybroughtawholemenufullofstufffromthelocalChineserestaurant,”hesaid.
“Theremainsareinthefridge.Iwouldn‟tmindhavingsomeofthemforsupper.”
“Chinesefood?RealChinesefood,fromarealrestaurant,thatIdon‟thavetocook?”
Shefeltherforehead.“MaybeI‟mdelusional.”
Hechuckled.“Itdoessoundlikethat,doesn‟tit?Godigin.Bringmesomeoftheporkandnoodles,
ifyouwill.There‟sstickyriceandmangoesfordessert,too.”
“Ihavediedandamnowinheaven,”shesaidinahauntedtone.
“Me,too.Getcracking.I‟monthefourthchapterofthisbookalready!”
“Youare?”Shelaughed.Helookedsomuchmorecheerful.Morethanhe‟dbeeninweeks.“Okay,
then.”
Hepulledthelaptopbackintoplace.
“DoIgettoreadit?”
Henodded.“Whenit‟sdone.”
“That‟sadeal.”ShewentintothekitchenandgotouttheboxesofChinesefood.Itwasallshecould
dotokeepbackthetears.CyParkswasaniceman.Averyniceman.
Except for their splurged hamburgers and milkshakes, for which she still owed Dr. Rydel she
remindedherself,therehadn‟tbeenanyconveniencefoodforalongtime.Thiswasafeast.
Sheputsomeofitinthefreezerforhardtimesandheateduptherest.Herdaywasalreadygetting
better.
Itgotevenbetterthanthat.AtallmanwithsandyhairandblueeyescamedrivingupinCappie‟sown
cartwodayslater.ThebigSUVwasfollowingclosebehind.Cappiegapedatthesight.Heroldcar
hadbeenrefurbished,itsdentsbeatenoutandthewholethingrepaintedandrepaired.Therewereeven
seatcoversandfloormats.Shestaredatithelplesslysurprised.
CyParksgotoutoftheSUVandfollowedthesandy-hairedmanupontotheporch.“Ihopeyoulike
blue,”hetoldCappie.“Therewasapaintsale.”
Shecouldbarelymanagewords.“Mr.Parks,Idon‟tevenknowwhattosay…..”Sheburstintotears.
“It‟ssokind!”
Hepattedherawkwardlyontheshoulder.“There,there,it‟sjustoneofthoserandomactsofkindness
we‟resupposedtopassaround.Youcandothesamethingforsomebodyelseoneday.”
Shedabbedathereyes.“WhenIstrikeitrich,IswearIwill!”
Hechuckled.“HarleyFowler,here,”heintroducedhiscompanion,“isasgoodamechanicasheisa
ranchforeman.Ihadhimsupervisetheworkonyourcar.Theinsurancecompanypaidforitall,”he
addedwhenshestartedtoprotest.Hegrinned.“WegetthingsdonehereinJacobsville.Theinsurance
agentlocallyisthesister-in-lawofmytopwrangler.”
“Well,thankyouboth,”shesaidhuskily.“Thankyousomuch.IwasalmostashamedtoaskKeelyfor
rides.She‟ssonice,butitwasanimposition.Ilivefivemilesoutofherway.”
“You‟reverywelcome.”
ThefrontdooropenedandKellwheeledhimselfoutontotheporch.Hewhistledwhenhesawthecar.
“Goodgrief,thatwasquickwork,”hesaid.
Cygrinned.“YoumightrememberthatIalwaysdidknowhowtocutthroughtheredtape.”
“Thanks,”Kelltoldhim.“Frombothofus.IfIcaneverdoanythingforyou…..”
“You‟vedoneenough,”Cyreturnedquietly.Hisgreeneyestwinkled.“Butyoucouldalwaysputme
inthatnovelyou‟rewriting.I‟dliketobetwenty-seven,drop-deadhandsomeandalinguist.”
Kellrolledhiseyes.“YoucanbarelyspeakEnglish,”hepointedout.
Cyglaredathim.“Youtakethatback,orI‟llhaveHarleyshootallthetiresoutonthiscar.”
Kell held up both hands, his silver eyes twinkling. “Okay, you could get work as a translator at the
U.N.anyday.Honest.”
Cysighed.“Don‟tIwish.”Hefrowned.“DoyoustillspeakFarsi?”
Kellnodded,smiling.
“I‟vegotafriendwho‟sapplyingforajobwiththecompany.Thinkyoucouldtutorhim?He‟swell-
off,andhe‟dpayyouforyourtime.”
Kellfrowned.
“It‟snotcharity,”Cymuttered,gloweringathim.“Thisisalegitimateneed.Theguywantstowork
overseas,buthe‟llnevergetthejobunlesshecanperfecthisaccent.”
Kellrelaxed.“Allright,then.I‟lltakehimon.Andthanks.”
Cysmiled.“Thankyou,”hereplied.“He‟saniceguy.You‟lllikehim.”HeglancedatCappie,who
waswonderingwhatsortofcompanyCy‟sfriendworkedfor.“Youwon‟t,”heassuredher.“Iusedto
be a woman hater, but this guy makes me look civilized. He‟ll need to come over when you‟re at
work.”
Cappiewascurious.“Whydoeshehatewomen?”
“Ithinkhewasmarriedtoone,”Cymused.
“Well,thatcertainlyexplainsthat,”Kellchuckled.
“Thankyouverymuchforfixingupmycar,”CappietoldCy.“Iwon‟tforgetit.”
“Noproblem.Weweregladtohelp.Oh,mustn‟tforgetthekeys,Harley!”
Harley handed the keys to her as Cy headed back and got into the other vehicle. “She purrs like a
kittennow,”Harleytoldher.“Shedrivesgood.”
“Thecarisagirl?”sheasked.
“Onlywhenaguyisdrivingit,”Kelltoldherwithawickedgrin.
“Amen,”Harleytoldhim.
“Comeon,Harley,”CycalledfromtheSUV.
“Yes,sir.”HegrinnedatthebrotherandsisterandjumpedintothepassengerseatinCy‟sSUV.
“What a nice man,” Cappie said. “Just look, Kell!” She walked out to the car, opened the door and
gasped.“Theyoiledthehinges!Itdoesn‟tsqueakanymore.Andlook,theyfixedthebrokendashand
replacedtheradiothatdidn‟twork…..”Shestartedcryingagain.
“Don‟tdothat,”Kellsaidgently.“You‟llhavemewailing,too.”
Shemadeafaceathim.“Youhavenicefriends.”
“Ido,don‟tI?”Hesmiled.“Nowyouwon‟thavetobegrides.”
“It will be a relief, although Keely‟s been wonderful about it.” She glanced at her brother. “I don‟t
thinktheinsurancepaidforallthis.”
“Yes,itdid,”hesaidfirmly.“Period.”
Shesmiledathim.“Okay.Youreallydohavenicefriends.”
“Youdon‟tknowhownice,”hetoldher.“ButImaytellyouoneday.Nowlet‟sgetbackinside.It‟s
coldoutheretoday.”
“Itisabitnippy.”Sheturnedandfollowedhiminside.
Theweekwentbyfast.ShegotherpaycheckonFridayandwentshoppingearlySaturdaymorningin
Jacobsville.Kellhadsaidhe‟dloveanewbathrobeforChristmas,soshewenttothedepartmentstore
looking.
It was a surprise when she bumped into Dr. Rydel in the men‟s department. He gave her a curious
look. She didn‟t realize why until she recalled that she‟d left her hair long around her shoulders
insteadofputtingitup.Heseemedtofinditfascinating.
“Shoppingforanythingparticular?”heasked.
“Yes.Kellwantsabathrobe.”
“Christmasshopping,”heguessed,andsmiled.
“Yes.”
“I‟m replacing a jacket,” he sighed. “I made the mistake of going straight from church on a large
animalcall.Alonghornbullobjectedtobeingusedasapincushionandrippedoutthesleeve.”
Shelaughedsoftly.“Occupationalhazard,”shesaid.
Henodded.“Yourcarlooksnice.”
“Thanks,” she said. She could imagine how her old wreck, even repainted, looked to a man who
droveanewLandRover,butshedidn‟tsayso.“Mr.Parkshadhisforemansupervisethework.The
insurancecompanypaidforit.”
“Niceofhim.Heknowsyourbrother?”
“They‟refriends.”Shefrowned.“Mr.Parksdoesn‟tlooklikearancher,”sheblurtedout.
“Excuseme?”
“There‟s something, I don‟t know, dangerous about him,” she said, searching for the right word.
“He‟sverynice,butIwouldn‟twanthimmadatme.”
Hegrinned.“Afewdrugdealersinprisoncouldattesttothetruthofthatstatement,”
hesaid.
“What?”
“Youdon‟tknow?”
“Knowwhat?”
“Cy Parks is a retired mercenary,” he told her. “He was in some bloody firefights in Africa some
yearsback.Morerecently,heandtwootherfriendsandHarleyFowlershutdownadrugdistribution
centerhere.Therewasagunfight.”
“InJacobsville,Texas?”sheexclaimed.
“Yep.ParksisoneofthemostdangerousmenI‟veevermet.Kindtopeoplehelikes.
Buttherearen‟tmanyofthose.”
Shefeltodd.Shewonderedhowitwasthatherbrotherhadcometoknowsuchaman,becauseheand
Cyseemedtobeoldfriends.
“Wheredoyougofromhere?”Dr.Rydelaskedsuddenly.
She blinked. “I don‟t know,” she blurted out, flushing. “I mean, I thought I might, well, stop by the
gamestoreinthestripmall.”
Hestaredatherblankly.“Gamestore?”
Sheclearedherthroat.“There‟sthisnewvideogame.„Halo…..‟”
“„…..ODST,‟”hesaid,withevidentsurprise.“You‟reagamer?”
Sheclearedherthroatagain.“Well…..yes.”
Hesaidsomethingunprintable.
Sheglaredathim.“Dr.Rydel!”sheexclaimed.“It‟snotavice,youknow,playingvideogames.They
releasetensionandthey‟refun,”sheargued.
Hechuckled.“IhaveallthreeHalogamesfromBungie,plusthecampaigns,”heconfessed,naming
thefamouscompanywhoseamazingstaffhadengineeredoneofthemostexcitingvideogameseries
ofalltime.“Andthenewonethatjustcameout.”
Nowherjawfellopen.“Youdo?”
“Yes.Ihave„Halo:ODST,‟”hesaid,pursinghislips.“Doyougameonline?”
Shedidn‟twanttoconfessthatshecouldn‟taffordthefees.“Ilikeplayingbymyself,”shesaid.“Or
withKell.He‟scrazyabouttheHaloseries.”
“SoamI,”Dr.Rydeltoldher.Hisblueeyestwinkled.“Maybewecouldplaysplitscreensometime,
whenwe‟rebothfree.”
Shegavehimawickedlook.“IcanputdownHunterswitha.45automatic.”Huntersweresomeofthe
mostformidableofthealienCovenantbadguys,fearsometoengageintheHalogamebecausethey
werehugeandittookadeadshottohitthemintheirveryfewvulnerableplaces.
Hewhistled.“Notbad,MissDrake!”
“Haveyoubeenagamerforalongtime?”sheasked.
“Sincecollege,”hereplied,smiling.“You?”
“Sincehighschool.Kellwasinthemilitaryandabunchofguysinhisunitwouldcomeovertothe
housewhentheywereoffdutyandplaywar-gamevideos.Welivedoffbase.”Shepursedherlipsand
her eyes twinkled. “I not only learned how to use tactics and weapons, I also learned a lot of very
interestingandusefulwordstoemploywhenIgotkilledinthegames.”
“Badgirl,”hechided.
Shelaughed.
“I‟llprobablyseeyouinthevideostore,”headded.
Shebeamed.“Youprobablywill.”
Hegrinnedandwentbacktothesuits.
Fifteenminuteslater,sheparkedinfrontofthevideostoreandwentinside.Itwasfullofteenageboys
mostly, but there were two men standing in front of a rack with the newest sword and sorcery and
combatgames.OneofthemwasDr.Rydel.Theother,surprisingly,wasOfficerKilraven.
Dr.Rydellookedupandsmiledwhenhesawhercoming.Kilraven‟ssilvereyescutaroundtofollow
hiscompanion‟sgaze.Hisblackeyebrowsarched.
“She‟sChristmasshopping,”Dr.Rydelannounced.
“Buyingvideogamesforarelative?”Kilravenwonderedaloud.
Dr.Rydelchuckled.“She‟sagamer,”heconfided.“ShecantakedownHunterswitha.45auto.”
Kilravenwhistledthroughhisteeth.“Impressive,”hesaid.“Iusuallydothatwithasniperrifle.”
“Icanusethose,too,”shesaid.“Butthe.45worksjustaswell,thankstothatmagnifiedsight.”
“HaveyouplayedalltheHaloseries?”Kilravenasked.
Shenodded.“NowI‟mshoppingforODST,”shesaid.“Kell,mybrother,likesit,too.
Hetaughtmehowtoplay.”
Kilravenfrowned.“KellDrake?”
“Yes…..”
“Iknowhim,”Kilravenrepliedquietly.“Goodman.”
“Wereyouinthearmy?”sheaskedinnocently.
Kilravenchuckled.“Once,alongtimeago.”
“Kellonlygotoutayearago,”shesaid.“Hewasfree-lancingforamagazineinAfricaandgothitby
flyingshrapnel.He‟sparalyzedfromthewaistdown—atleastuntiltheshrapnelshiftsenoughsothat
theycanoperate.”
Kilravenblinked.“Hegothitbyflying…..hewasworkingforamagazine?”Heseemedincredulous.
“Doingwhat?”
“Writingstories.”
“Writingstories?Kellcanwrite?”
“HehasverygoodEnglishskills,”shebegandefensively.
“Inever,”Kilravensaidinanoddtone.“Whydidhegetoutofthearmy?”hewantedtoknow.
Sheblinked.“Well,I‟mnotreallysure…..”shebegan.
“Lookatthisone,”Dr.Rydelinterruptedhelpfully,holdingupagame.“Haveyoueverplayedthis?”
Kilravenwasdiverted.Hetookthegreencaseandstaredatthedescription.Hegrinned.“HaveIever!
„ElderScrollsIV,Oblivion,‟”hemurmured.“Thisisgreat!Youdon‟thavetodothemainquest,if
you don‟t want to. There are dozens of other quests. You can even design your own character‟s
appearance,namehim,choosefromseveralraces…..everplayedit?”heaskedCappie.
Shechuckled.“Actuallyit‟ssortofmyfavorite.Ilove„Halo,‟butIlikeusingatwo-handedswordas
well.”
“Viciousgirl,”Kilravenmused,smilingather.
Dr. Rydel unobtrusively moved closer to Cappie and cleared his throat. “You shopping or working
today?”heaskedKilraven.
The other man looked from Cappie to Dr. Rydel and his silver eyes twinkled. “If you notice, I‟m
wearingarealuniform,”hepointedout.“Ievencarryarealgun.NowwouldIbedoingthatifitwas
mydayoff?”
Dr.Rydelsmiledbackathim.“Wouldyoubeshoppingforvideogamesoncitytime?”
Kilravenglaredathim.“Foryourinformation,Iamheredetectingcrime.”
“Youare?”
“Absolutely. I have it on good authority that there might be an attempted shoplifting case going on
hererightnow.”Heraisedhisvoiceashesaiditandayoungboyclearedhisthroatandeasedagame
out from under his jacket and back on the shelf. With flaming cheeks he gave Kilraven a hopeful
smileandmovedquicklytothedoor.
“Ifyou‟llexcuseme,”Kilravenmurmured,“I‟mgoingtohaveafewhelpfulwordsofadviceforthat
youngman.”
“Howdidheknow?”Cappieasked,stunned,asshewatchedthetallofficerwalkoutthedoorandcall
tothedepartingteen.
“Beatsme,butI‟veheardhedoesthingslikethat.”Hesmiled.“He‟sonhislunchhour,incaseyou
wondered.Iwasjustribbinghim.IlikeKilraven.”
Shegavehimawryglance.“Sharkslikeothersharks,dothey?”sheaskedwickedly.
CHAPTERFOUR
AT FIRST, Bentley wasn‟t sure he‟d heard her right. Then he saw the demure grin and burst out
laughing.She‟dcomparedhimtoashark.Hewasimpressed.
“Iwonderedifyouwereevergoingtolearnhowtotalktomewithoutgettingbehindadoorfirst,”he
mused.
“You‟rehardgoing,”sheconfessed.“ButsoisKell,tootherpeople.Hejustwalksrightoverpeople
whodon‟ttalkback.”
“Exactly,” he returned. He shrugged his broad shoulders. “I don‟t know how to get along with
people,”heconfessed.“Mysocialskillsaresparse.”
“You‟rewonderfulwithanimals,”shereplied.
Hiseyebrowsarchedandhesmiled.“Thanks.”
“Didyoualwayslikethem?”shewondered.
Hiseyeshadafarawaylook.Heavertedthem.“Yes.Butmyfatherdidn‟t.Itwasn‟tuntilafterhedied
thatIindulgedmyaffectionforthem.ItwasjustmymotherandmeuntilIwasinhighschool.That‟s
whenshemetmystepfather.”Hisexpressionhardened.
“It must have been very difficult for you,” she said quietly, “getting used to another man in your
house.”
Hefrownedashelookeddownather.“Yes.”
“Oh,I‟mremarkablyperceptive,”shesaidwithamusementinhereyes.“Ialsosufferfromextreme
modestyaboutmyotherequallyremarkableattributes.”Shegrinned.
Helaughedagain.
Kilravencameback,lookingsmug.
“Youlooklikeamanwithamission,”Bentleymused.
“Justfinishedone.Thatyoungmanwillneverwanttoliftavideogameagain.”
“Goodforyou.Didn‟tarresthim?”
Kilravenarchedaneyebrow.“Actuallyheknowssomecheatcodesfor„CallofDuty‟
thatevenIhaven‟tworkedout.SoIcalledourpolicechief.”
“Cheatcodesareagainstthelaw?”Cappieasked,puzzled.
Kilravenchuckled.“No.Cashhasayoungbrother-in-law,Rory,who‟snutsabout
„CallofDuty,‟soourpotentialshoplifterisgoingtogoovertoCash‟shouselaterandteachthemto
him.CashmayhaveafewwordstoaddtotheonesIgavehim.”
“Neatstrategy,”Bentleysaid.
Kilravenshrugged.“Theboylovesgamingbutheliveswithawidowedmotherwhoworkstwojobs
justtokeepfoodonthetable.Hewanted„CallofDuty,‟buthedidn‟thaveanymoney.IfheandRory
hititoff,andIthinktheymight,he‟llgettoplaythegameandlearnmodelcitizenhabitsontheside.”
“Goodpsychology,”Bentleytoldhim.
Kilraven sighed. “It‟s tough on kids, having an economy like this. Gaming is a way of life for the
youngergeneration,butthosegameconsolesandgamesforthemareexpensive.”
“That‟swhywehaveawholetableofusedgamesthataremoreaffordable,”theownerofthestore,
overhearingthem,commentedwithagrin.“Thanks,Kilraven.”
Theofficershrugged.“IspendsomuchtimeinherethatIfeelobligedtoprotectthemerchandise,”
hecommented.
Thestoreownerpattedhimontheback.“Goodman.Imightgiveyouadiscountonyournextsale.”
Kilravenglaredathim.“Attemptingtobribeapoliceofficer…..”
Theownerheldupbothhands.“Inever!”heexclaimed.“Isaid„might‟!”
Kilraven grinned. “Thanks, though. It was a nice thought. You wouldn‟t have any games based on
Scottishhistory?”headded.
The store owner, a tall, handsome young man, gave him a pitying look. “Listen, you‟re the only
customerI‟veeverhadwholikessixteenth-centuryScottishhistory.AndI‟lltellyouagainthatmost
historiansthinkJamesHepburngotwhathedeserved.”
“Hedidnot,”Kilravenmuttered.“LordBothwellwasledastraybythatFrench-thinkingQueen.Her
wilesdidhimin.”
“Wiles?”Cappieasked,wide-eyed.“Whatarewiles?”
“Ifyouhavetoask,youdon‟thaveany,”Bentleysaidhelpfully.
Shelaughed.“Okay.Fairenough.”
Kilravenshookhishead.“Bothwellhadadmirablequalities,”heinsisted,staringattheshopowner.
“Hewasutterlyfearless,couldreadandwriteandspeakFrench,andevenhisworstenemiessaidthat
hewasincapableofbeingbribed.”
“Whichmaybe,butstilldoesn‟tprovidegroundsforavideogame,”themanagerreplied.
Kilraven pointed a finger at him. “Just because you‟re a partisan of Mary, Queen of Scots, is no
reasontotakeissuewithherLordHighAdmiral.AndIshouldpointoutthatthere‟snovideogame
abouther,either!”
“Hooray,”themanagermurmureddryly.“Oh,look,acustomer!”Hetooktheopportunitytovanish
towardthecounter.
Kilraven‟stwocompanionsweregivinghimoddlooks.
“Entertainmentshouldbeeducational,”hedefendedhimself.
“It is,” Bentley pointed out. “In this game—” he held up a Star Trek one “—you can learn how to
shootdownenemyships.Andinthisone—”heheldupacomicaloneaboutaliens“—youcanlearn
touseadeathrayandblowupbuildings.”
“You have no appreciation of true history,” Kilraven sighed. “I should have taught it in grammar
school.”
“I can see you now, standing in front of the school board, explaining why the kids were having
nightmaresaboutsixteenth-centuryinterrogationtechniques,”Bentleymused.
Kilravenpursedhislips.“Imyselfhavebeenaccusedofusingthose,”hesaid.“Canyoubelieveit?I
mean,I‟msuchalaw-abidingcitizenandall.”
“Icanthinkofatleastonepotentialkidnapperwhomightdisagree,”Bentleycommented.
“Lies.Viciouslies,”hesaiddefensively.“Hegotthosebruisesfromtryingtosqueezethroughacar
window.”
“Whileitwasgoingsixtymilesanhour,Ibelieve?”theothermanqueried.
“Hey,it‟snotmyfaulthedidn‟twanttowaitforthearraignment.”
“Goodthingyounoticedthewindowwascrackedintime.”
“Yes,”Kilravensighed.“Sad,though,thatIdidn‟trealizehehadablackjack.Hegaveittomevery
politely,though.”
BentleyglancedatCappie.“Wasitasprainedwristorafracturedone?”hewondered.
Kilravengavehimacoldglare.“Itwasafigment.”
“Awhat?”
“Of his imagination,” Kilraven assured him. He chuckled. “Anyway, he‟s going to be in jail for a
longtime.Theresistingarrestcharge,addedtoassaultonapoliceofficer,makestwofelonycharges
inadditiontothekidnappingones.”
“Ihopeyounevergetmadatme,”Bentleysaid.
“I‟d worry more about the chief,” Kilraven replied. “He fed a guy a soapy sponge in front of the
wholeneighborhood.”
“Hewasprovoked,Ihear,”Bentleysaid.
“Afelonverballyassaultedhiminhisownyardwhilehewaswashinghiscar.Ofcourse,Cashhas
mellowedsincehismarriage.”
“Notmuch,”Bentleysaid.“Andhe‟sstillprettygoodwithasniperkit.SavedColbyLane‟slittlegirl
whenshewaskidnapped.”
“HepracticesonEbScott‟sfiringrange,”Kilravensaid.“Wealldo.Heletsususeitfree.State-of-
the-artstuff,computersandeverything.”
“EbScott?”Cappieasked.
“Eb was a merc,” Kilraven told her. “He and Cy Parks and Micah Steele fought in some of the
bloodiestwarsinAfricaafewyearsback.They‟reallmarriedandsomewhatsettled.ButlikeCash
Grier,they‟renotreallytame.”
Cappieonlynodded.ShewasrecallingwhatherbrotherhadsaidaboutCyParks.
Kilravenclearedhisthroat.“Oops,lunchtimeisover.I‟vegottogo.Seeyou.”
“Youdidn‟thavelunch,”Bentleyobserved.
“Ihadabigbreakfast,”Kilravenreplied.“Can‟twastemylunchhoureating,”headdedwithagrin.
“Seeyou.”
“Imaginehim,agamer,”Cappiecommented.“I‟dneverhavethoughtit.”
“Alotofmilitarymenkeeptheirhand-eyecoordinationskillssharpplayingthem,”hesaid.
“Wereyouinthemilitary?”Cappiewantedtoknow.
Hesmiledandnodded.“Ihaveitongoodauthoritythatit‟sallthatsavedmefromalifeofcrime.I
gotpickedupforhangingaroundwithacoupleofbadkidswhoknockedoveradrugstore.Iwasjust
inthecarwiththem,butIgotchargedwithafelony.”Hesighed.“Mymotherwenttothejudgeand
promised him her next child if he‟d let me join the army instead of standing trial. He agreed.” He
glanceddownatherwithasmile.“He‟sinhisseventiesnow,butIstillsendhimaChristmaspresent
everyyear.Iowehim.”
“Thatwasnice.”
“Ithoughtso,too.”
“Kellgotintosometroubleinhissenioryearofhighschool.Idon‟trememberit,Iwassoyoung,
buthetoldmeaboutit.Hewashangingoutwithoneoftheinner-citygangsandtherewasafirefight.
Hedidn‟tgetshot,butoneoftheboysinthegangwaskilled.Kellgotarrestedrightalongwiththem.
Hedrewafemalejudgewhohadgrownupingangterritoryandlostabrothertotheviolence.She
gavehimachoiceoffacingtrialorgoingintotheserviceandmakingsomethingofhislife.Hetook
heratherword,andmadeherproud.”
Shesighed.“Itwastragic,abouther.Shewasshotandkilledinherownlivingroomduringadrug
dealshootoutnextdoor.”
“Lifeisdangerous,”Bentleyremarked.
Shenodded.“Unpredictableanddangerous.”Shelookedupathim.“Iguessmaybethat‟swhyIlike
playingvideogames.TheygivemesomethingthatIcancontrol.Lifeisneverthatway.”
He smiled. “No. It isn‟t.” He watched as she took a copy of “Halo: ODST” off the shelf. “Going to
makehimwaituntilChristmastoplayit?”
“Yes.”
Hiseyestwinkled.“Icouldbringmycopyover.Letyougetatasteofitbeforethefact.”
Shelookedfascinated.“Youcould?”
“AskKell.”Hehesitated.“Icouldbringapizzawithme.Andsomebeer.”
Shepursedherlips.“I‟malreadydrooling.”Shegrimaced.“Icouldcooksomething…..”
“Notfair.Youshouldn‟thavetoprovideforguests.Besides,Ihaven‟thadadecentpizzainweeks.
I‟llbeoncalltonight,butwemightgetlucky.”
Her eyes brightened. “That would be nice. I‟m sure Kell would enjoy it. We don‟t get much
company.”
“Aboutsix?”
Herheartjumped.“Yes.Aboutsixwouldbefine.”
“It‟sadate.”
“I‟llseeyouthen.”
Henodded.
She walked, a little wobbly, to the counter and paid for her game. Her life had just changed in a
heartbeat.Shedidn‟tknowwhereitwouldlead,andshewasalittlenervousaboutgettinginvolved
with her boss. But he was very nice-looking and he had qualities that she admired. Besides, she
thought,itwasjustanightofgaming.Nothingsuspectaboutthat.
ShetoldKelltheminuteshegothome.
Helaughed.“Don‟tlooksoguilty,”hechided.“Ilikeyourboss.Besides,it‟sneattoseethegameI
mightgetforChristmas.”Hesmiledangelically.
“Youmightgetit,”shesaid,“andyoumightnot.”
“Youmightgetanewraincoat,”hemused.
Shegrinned.“Wow.”
Helookedatherfondly.“It‟shard,livinglikethis,Iknow.WewerebetteroffinSanAntonio.ButI
didn‟twantustobearoundwhenFrankgotoutofjail.”Hisfacehardened.
Herheartjumped.Shehadn‟tthoughtaboutFrankforseveraldaysinarow.Butnowthetrialandhis
furycameback,fullforce.“Itwasalmostsixmonthsagothathewasarrested,andthreemonthsuntil
thetrial.Hegotcreditfortimeserved.We‟vebeenherejustaboutthreemonths.”Shebitherlower
lip.“Oh,dear.They‟lllethimoutprettysoon.”
Hispaleeyeswerecold.“Itshouldhavebeenatoughersentence.Butdespitehispast,itwasthefirst
timehewaseverchargedwithbattery,andtheycouldn‟tgetmorejailtimeforhimonafirstoffense.
Thepublicdefenderinhiscasewasprettytalented,aswell.”
Shedrewinalongbreath.“I‟mgladwe‟reoutofthecity.”
“SoamI.Helivedbarelyablockfromus.We‟renotaseasytogetto,here.”
Shestaredathimclosely.“Youbelievethethreatshemade,”shemurmured.“Don‟tyou?”
“He‟sthesortofmanwhogetseven,”hetoldher.“I‟mnotthemanIwas,orwe‟dneverhaveleft
townonthechancehemightcomeafteryou.Buthere,Ihavefriends.Ifhecomesdownherelooking
fortrouble,he‟llfindsome.”
Shefeltalittlebetter.“Ididn‟twanttohavehimarrestedagain.”
“Itwouldn‟thavemattered,”hetoldher.“Thefactthatyoustooduptohimwasenough.Hewasused
towomenbeingafraidofhim.Hisownsistersatinthebackofthecourtroomduringthetrial.She
wasafraidtogetnearhim,becauseshehadn‟tliedforhimwhenthepolicecame.”
“What makes a man like that?” she asked sadly. “What makes him so hard that he has to beat up a
womantomakehimfeelstrong?”
“Idon‟tknow,sis,”Kelltoldhergently.“HonestlyIdon‟tthinkthemanhasfeelingsforanybodyor
anything.Hissistertoldyouthathethrewherdogoffabridgewhentheywerekids.Helaughedabout
it.”
Herfacegrewsad.“Ithoughthewassuchagentleman.Hewassosweettome,bringingmeflowers
andcandyatwork,writingmeloveletters.Thenhecameovertoourhouseandthefirstthinghedid
waskickmycatwhenitspitathim.”
“Thecatwasagoodjudgeofcharacter,”Kellremarked.
“WhenIprotested,hesaidthatanimalsdidn‟tfeelpainandIshouldn‟tgetsoworkedupoverastupid
cat.Ishouldhaverealizedthenwhatsortofpersonhewas.”
“Peopleinloveareneithersanenorresponsible,”Kellrepliedflatly.“Youweresocrazyabouthim
thatIthinkyoucouldhaveforgivenmurder.”
Shenoddedsadly.“Ilearnedthehardwaythatlooksandactsarenomeasureofaman.Ishouldhave
runformylifethefirsttimehephonedmeatworkjusttotalk.”
“Youdidn‟tknow.Howcouldyou?Hewasastranger.”
“Youknew,”shesaid.
Henodded.“I‟veknownmenlikehimintheservice,”hesaid.“They‟regoodincombat,becausethey
aren‟tbotheredbythecarnage.Butthattraitservesthempoorlyincivilianlife.”
Shecockedherheadathim.“KilravensaidthatEbScottletslawenforcementusehisgunrangefor
free.Don‟tyouknowhim,too?”
“Yes.”
“AndMicahSteele.”
“Yes.”
Shehesitated.“They‟reallretiredmercenaries,Kell.”
“Sotheyare.”
“Weretheyinvolvedwiththemilitary?”shepersisted.
“The military uses contract personnel,” he said evasively. “People with necessary skills for certain
jobs.”
“Likecombat.”
“Exactly,”hereplied.“WeusedcertainfirmstosupplementourtroopsoverseasintheMiddleEast.
They‟reusedinAfricaforcertaincovertoperations.”
“Somuchsecrecy,”shecomplained.
“Well, you don‟t advertise something that might get you sued or cause a diplomatic upheaval,” he
pointedout.“Covertopshavealwaysbeenapartofthemilitary.Evenwhattheycalltransparencyin
government is never going to threaten that. As long as we have renegade states that threaten our
sovereignty,we‟llhaveblackops.”Heglancedattheclock.
“Shouldn‟tyouwarmupthegamesystem?”heasked.“It‟sfive-thirty.”
“Already?” she exclaimed. “Goodness, I need to tidy up the living room! And the kitchen. He‟s
bringingpizzaandbeer!”
“Youdon‟tdrink,”hesaid.
“Well,no,butyoulikeabeernowandthen.Iexpectsomebodytoldhim.”Sheflushed.
“Idolikeaglassofbeer.”Hesmiled.“It‟salsonicetohavefriendswhoprovidefood.”
“LikeyourfriendCyandtheChinesestuff.I‟llgetspoiled.”
“Maybethat‟stheidea.Yourbosslikesyou.”
She‟dgottenthatidea,herself.“Don‟tmentionhorns,pitchforksorbreathingfirewhilehe‟shere,”
shesaidfirmly.
Hesalutedher.
Shemadeafaceathimandwenttodoherchores.
“That‟snotfair!”Cappieburstoutwhenshe‟d“died”forthetenthtimetryingtotakeoutoneofthe
HuntersintheHalogame.
“Don‟tthrowthecontroller,”Kellsaidfirmly.
Shehaditbyonelobe,grippedtightly.Shegrimacedandslowlyloweredit.“Okay,”
shesaid.“Buttheydobounce,andthey‟realmostshockproof.”
“She ought to know,” Kell told an amused Bentley Rydel. “She‟s bounced it off the walls several
timesinrecentweeks.”
“Well,theykeepkillingme!”sheburstout.“It‟snotmyfault!TheseHuntersaren‟tliketheonesin
„Halo3…..‟they‟realmostinvincible,andtherearesomanyofthem…..!”
“I‟dworrymoreaboutthealiengruntsthatkeeptakingyououtwithstickygrenades,”
Bentley pointed out. “While you‟re trying to snipe the Hunters, the little guys are blowing you up
rightandleft.”
“Iwantaflamethrower,”shewailed.“Orarocketlauncher!Whycan‟tIfindarocketlauncher?”
“We wouldn‟t want to make it too easy, now would we?” Bentley chided. He smiled at her fury.
“Patience.Youhavetogoslowandtakethemononeatatime,sotheydon‟tflankyou.”
Shegaveherbossaspeakinglook,turnedbacktothescreenandtriedagain.
It was late when he left. The three of them had taken turns on the controller. Bentley and Kell had
wantedtotrythesplitscreen,butthatwouldhaveputCappierightoutofthecompetition,becauseshe
wasonlycomfortableplayingbyherself.
ShewalkedBentleyoutside.“Thanksforbringingthepizzaandbeer,”shesaid.
“Someothertime,I‟dliketohaveyouoverforsupper,ifyou‟dlike.Icancook.”
He smiled. “I‟ll take you up on that. I can cook, too, but I only know how to do a few things from
scratch.Itgetstiresomeafterawhile.”
“Thanksforbringingthegameover,too,”sheadded.“It‟sreallygood.Kellisgoingtoloveit.”
“Whatdidwealldoforentertainmentbeforevideogames?”hewonderedaloudastheyreachedhis
car.
“Iusedtowatchgameshows,”shesaid.“Kelllikedpolicedramasandoldmovies.”
“Ilikesomeoftheforensicshows,butIalmostnevergettoseeawholeone,”hesighed.“There‟s
alwaysanemergency.It‟salwaysalargeanimalcall.AndsinceI‟mtheonlyvetonstaffwhodoes
largeanimalcalls,it‟salwaysme.”
“Yes,butyounevercomplain,notevenifit‟ssleetingout,”shesaidgently.
Hesmiled.“Ilikemyclients.”
“Theylikeyou,too.”Sheshookherhead.“Amazing,isn‟tit?”
“Excuseme?”
She flushed. “Oh, no, not because of…..I mean…..” She grimaced. “I meant it‟s amazing that you
nevergettiredoflargeanimalcallswhentheweather‟sawful.”
Hechuckled.“Youreallyhavegottotakeanassertivenesscourse,”hesaid,andnotunkindly.
“It‟shardtobeassertivewhenyou‟reshy,”sheargued.
“It‟simpossiblenottobewhenyouhaveajoblikemineandpeopledon‟twanttodowhatyoutell
themto,”hereturned.“SomeanimalswoulddieifIcouldn‟toutarguetheirowners.”
“Pointtaken.”
“Ifit‟sanyconsolation,”hesaid,“whenIwasyourage,Ihadthesameproblem.”
“Howdidyouovercomeit?”
“Mystepfatherdecidedthatmymotherwasn‟tgoingtothedoctorforaurinarytractinfection.Iwas
already in veterinary school, and I knew what happened when animals weren‟t treated for it. I told
him. He told me he was the man of the house and he‟d decide what my mother did.” He smiled,
remembering.“SoIhadachoice—eitherbackdown,orletmymotherriskpermanentdamagetoher
health, even death. I told him she was going to the doctor, I put her in the car and drove her there
myself.”
“Whatdidyourstepfatherdo?”sheasked,aghast.
“Therewasn‟tmuchthathecoulddo,sinceIpaidthedoctor.”Hisfacehardened.
“And it wasn‟t the first disagreement we‟d had. He was poor and proud with it. He‟d have let her
sufferratherthanadmithecouldn‟taffordadoctorvisitormedicine.”Helookeddownather.“It‟sa
hell of a world, when people have to choose between food and medicine and doctors. Or between
heatedhousesandmedicine.”
“Tell me about it,” she replied. She colored a little, and hoped he didn‟t notice. “Kell and I do all
right,”shesaidquickly.“Buthe‟llgowithoutmedicinesometimesifIdon‟tputmyfootdown.You‟d
thinkI‟dbetoughasnails,becauseIstanduptohim.”
“He‟snotameanperson.”
“Hecouldbe,Ithink,”shesaid.Shehesitated.“TherewasamanIdated,briefly,inSanAntonio.”She
hesitatedagain.Perhapsitwastoosoonforthis.
Hesteppedcloser.“Aman.”
Hisvoicewasverysoft.Quiet.Comforting.Shewrappedherarmsaroundherchest.
Shehadonasweater,butitwaschillyoutside.Thememorieswerejustaschilling.Shewasrecalling
it,herfacebetrayingherinnerturmoil.He‟dhither.Thefirsttime,hesaiditwasbecausehe‟dhada
drink,andhecried,andshewentbacktohim.Butthesecondtime,he‟dhaveprobablykilledherif
Kellhadn‟theardherscreamandcometosaveher.Asitwas,he‟dfracturedherarmwhenhethrew
heroverthecouch.KellhadknockedFrankoutwithalamp,fromhiswheelchair,andmadehercall
thepolice.Hemadehertestify,too.Sheheldherarmsaroundherself,chilledbythememory.
“Whathappened?”
She looked up at him, wanting to tell him, but afraid to. Frank got a six-month sentence, but he‟d
already served three months and he was out. Would he come after her now? Would he be crazy
enoughtodothat?AndwouldBentleybelieveher,ifshetoldhim?
Theybarelykneweachother.Itwastoosoon,shethought.Muchtoosoon,todragoutherpastand
show it to him. There was no reason to tell him anyway. Frank wouldn‟t come down here and risk
being sent back to jail. Bentley might think less of her if she told him, might think it was her own
fault.Besides,shedidn‟twanttotellhimyet.
“Hewasameansortofperson,that‟sall,”shehedged.“Hekickedmycat.Ithoughtitwasterrible.He
justlaughed.”
Hisblueeyesnarrowed.“Amanwho‟llkickacatwillkickahumanbeing.”
“You‟reprobablyright,”sheadmitted,andthenshesmiled.“Well,Ionlydatedhimforalittlewhile.
Hewasn‟tthesortofpersonIliketobearound.Kelldidn‟tlikehim,either.”
“Ilikeyourbrother.”
She smiled. “I like him, too. He was just going downhill with depression in San Antonio. We were
overourearsindebt,fromallthehospitalbills.It‟sluckyourcousindiedandleftusthisplace,”she
added.
Bentley‟s eyebrows lifted. “This place belonged to Harry Farley. He got killed overseas in the
military about six months ago. He didn‟t have any relatives at all. The county buried him, out of
respectforhismilitaryservice.”
“ButKellsaid…..”sheblurtedout.
HerexpressionmadeBentleyhesitate.“Oh.Waitaminute,”Bentleysaidatonce.
“That‟sright,Ididhearthathehadadistantcousinortwo.”
Shelaughed.“That‟sus.”
“Mymistake.Iwasn‟tthinking.”Hestudiedherquietly.“Well,IguessI‟dbettergo.
ThisisthefirstSaturdaynightIcanrememberwhenIdidn‟tgetcalledout,”headdedwithasmile.
“Puredumbluck,Iguess.”
“Lawofaverages,”shecountered.“Youhavetogetluckysoonerorlater.”
“Iguess.I‟llseeyouMonday.”
“Thanksagainforthepizza.”
HeopenedthedooroftheLandRover.“I‟lltakeyouupontheofferofsupper,”hesaid.“Whenwe
setadate,youcantellmewhatyouwanttofixandI‟llbringtherawingredients.”Heheldupahand
whenshestartedtoprotest.“Itdoesnogoodtoarguewithme.Youcan‟twin.JustaskKeely.Better
yet,askDr.King,”hechuckled.
Shelaughed,too.“Okay,then.”
“Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
Heclosedthedoorbehindhim.Cappiewentbackupontheporchandwatchedhimthrowupahand
ashedroveaway.Shestoodthereforseveralsecondsbeforesherealizedthatthewindwaschilling
her.Shewentin,feelinghappierthanshehadinalongtime.
CHAPTERFIVE
CAPPIEFELTawkwardwithBentleythefollowingMonday.Shewasn‟tsureifsheshouldmention
that he‟d been to her house over the weekend. Her coworkers were very nice, but she was nervous
whenshethoughttheymightteaseheraboutthedoctor.Thatwouldneverdo.Shedidn‟twanttomake
himfeeluncomfortableinhisownoffice.
HavinglivedsolonginSanAntonio,shedidn‟tknowaboutlifeinsmalltowns.Ithadn‟toccurredto
herthatnothingthathappenedcouldbekeptsecret.
“Howwasthepizza?”Dr.Kingaskedher.
Cappiestaredatherinhorror.
Dr.Kinggrinned.“Mycousinworksatthepizzaplace.Dr.Rydelmentionedwherehewastakingit.
And she‟s best friends with Art, who runs the software store, so she knew he was taking the game
overtoplaywithyouandyourbrother.”
“Oh,dear,”Cappiesaidworriedly.
Dr.Kingpattedherontheback.“There,there,”shesaidinacomfortingtone.“You‟llgetusedtoit.
We‟relikeabigfamilyinJacobsCounty,becausemostofushavelivedhereallourlives,andour
familieshavelivedhereforgenerations,mostly.Weknoweverythingthat‟sgoingon.Weonlyread
thenewspapertofindoutwhogotcaughtdoingit.”
“Oh,dear,”Cappiesaidagain.
“Hi,”Keelysaid,removinghercoatasshejoinedthem.“HowwasthegameSaturday?”sheadded.
Cappielookedclosetotears.
Dr.KinggaveKeelyaspeakingglance.“She‟snotusedtosmalltownsyet,”sheexplained.
“Not to worry,” Keely told her. “Dr. Rydel certainly is.” She laughed at Cappie‟s tormented
expression.“Ifhewasworriedaboutgossip,you‟dbetterbelievehe‟dneverhaveputafootinside
yourdoor.”
“Shethinkswe‟llteaseher,”Dr.Kingsaid.
“Notachance,”Keelyadded.“Wewerealldatingsomebodyonce.”Sheflushed.
“Especiallyme,andveryrecently.”Shemeantherhusband,Boone,ofcourse.
“Andnobodyteasedher,”Dr.Kingadded.“Well,”shequalifiedit,“notwhereBoonecouldhearit,
anyway,”sheaddedandchuckled.
“Thanks,”shesaid.
Dr.Kingjustsmiled.“Youknow,Bentleyhatesmostwomen.Oneofouryoungerclientsmadeaplay
for him one day. She wore suggestive clothing and a lot of makeup and when he leaned over to
examineherdog,shekissedhim.”
Cappie‟seyeswidened.“Whatdidhedo?”
“Helefttheroom,draggedmeinthereandtoldtheyoungladythathewasindisposedandDr.King
wouldbehandlingthecase.”
“Whatdidtheyoungladydo?”Cappieasked.
“Turned red as a beet, picked up her dog and left the building. It turns out,” Dr. King added with a
grin,“thatthedogwasinexcellenthealth.SheonlyuseditasanexcusetogetDr.Rydelintherewith
her.”
“Didshecomeback?”
“Oh, yes, she was an extremely persistent young woman. The third time she showed up here, she
insistedonseeingDr.Rydel.HecalledCashGrier,ourpolicechief,andhadhimcomeinandexplain
the legal ramifications of sexual harassment to the young lady. He didn‟t smile while he was
speaking.Andwhenhefinishedtalking,theyoungladytookheranimal,wenthomeandsubsequently
movedbacktoDallas.”
“Well!”Cappieexclaimed.
“So you see, Dr. Rydel is quite capable of deterring unwanted interest.” She leaned closer. “I
understandthatyouliketoplayvideogames?”
Cappielaughed.“Yes,Ido.”
“Myhusbandhasascoreofover16,000onXboxLIVE,”shesaid,andwiggledhereyebrows.
Keelywasstaringather,uncomprehending.
“My scores are around 4,000,” Cappie said helpfully. “And my brother‟s are about 15,000.” She
chuckled.“Thehigherthescore,thebettertheplayer.Also,themoreoftentheplaying.”
“I guess my score would be around 200,” Dr. King sighed. “You see, I get called in a lot for
emergencieswhenDr.Rydelisoutonlargeanimalcalls.SoIstartalotofgamesthatmyhusband
getstofinish.”
“Kellhadbuddiesinthearmywhocouldoutdoeventhosescores.Thoseguysweregreat!”Cappie
said. “They‟d hang out with us when they were off duty. Kell always had nice video gaming
equipment.Someofthemdid,too,butwealwayshadafullfridge.Boy,couldthoseguyseat!”
“Youlivedoverseasalot,didn‟tyou?”Keelyasked.
“Yes.I‟veseenalotofexoticplaces.”
“Whatwasyourfavorite?”
“Japan,”Cappierepliedatonce,smiling.“WewenttherewhenKellwasstationedinKorea.Notthat
Korea isn‟t a beautiful country. But I really loved Japan. You should see the gaming equipment
they‟vegot.Andthecellphonetechnology.”Sheshookherhead.
“They‟rereallyalongwayaheadofusintechnology.”
“Didyougettoridethebullettrain?”Keelyasked.
“Yes.It‟sasfastastheysayitis.Ilovedthetrainstation.Ilovedeverything!Kyotowaslikealiving
painting.Somanygardensandtreesandtemples.”
“I‟dlovetoseeanycityinJapan,butespeciallyKyoto,”Keelysaid.“JuddDunn‟swife,Christabel,
wentovertherewithhimtobuybeef.ShesaidKyotowasjustunbelievable.
Somuchhistory,andsobeautiful.”
“Itis,”Cappiereplied.“Wegottovisitatemple.TheZengardenwassostark,andsolovely.It‟sjust
sandandrocks,youknow.Thesandisrakedintopatternslikewater.Therocksaresituatedlikeland.
All around were Japanese black pine trees and bamboo trees as tall as the pines, with huge trunks.
There was a bamboo forest, all green, and a huge pond full of Japanese Koi fish.” She shook her
head.“Youknow,Icouldlivethere.Kellsaiditwashisfavorite,too,ofalltheplaceswelived.”
“Are we going to work today, or travel around the world?” came a deep, curt voice from behind
them.
Everybodyjumped.“Sorry,Dr.Rydel,”Keelysaidatonce.
“Me,too,”Cappieseconded.
“Nihongonodaisukidesu,”Dr.Rydelsaid,andmadeapolitebow.
Cappie burst out smiling. “Nihon no tomodachi desu. Konichi wa, Rydel sama,” she replied, and
bowedback.
KeelyandDr.Kingstaredatthem,fascinated.
“IsaidthatIlikedJapaneselanguage,”Dr.Rydeltranslated.
“AndIsaidthatIwasafriendofJapan.Ialsotoldhimhello,”Cappieseconded.
“YouspeakJapanese!”sheexclaimedtoBentley.
“Just enough to get me arrested in Tokyo,” Bentley told her, smiling. “I was stationed in Okinawa
whenIwasintheservice.IspentmylibertiesinTokyo.”
“Well,isn‟titasmallworld?”Dr.Kingwondered.
“Small,andverycrowded,”Bentleytoldher.Hegaveherameaningfullook.“Ifyoudon‟tbelieve
me, you could look at the mob in the waiting room, glaring at the empty reception counter and
pointedlystaringattheirwatches.”
“Oops!”Dr.Kingranforit.
SodidKeelyandCappie,laughingalltheway.
TherewasanewrapportbetweenDr.RydelandCappie.Hewasnolongerantagonistictowardher,
andshewasn‟tafraidofhimanymore.Theirworkingrelationshipbecamecordial,almostfriendly.
Then he came to supper the following Saturday, and she found herself dropping pots and pans and
gettingtongue-tiedatthetablewhilethethreeofthematethemealshe‟dpainstakinglyprepared.
“You‟reaverygoodcook,”Bentleytoldher,smiling.
“Thanks,”shereplied,flushingevenmore.
Kell, watching her, was amused and indulgent. “She could cook even when she was in her early
teens,”hetoldBentley.“Ofcourse,thatwasdesperation,”headdedwithasigh.
Shelaughed.“Hecanburnwater,”shepointedout.“IhadsomuchcarboninmydietthatIfeltlikea
firedrill.Iborrowedacookbookfromthewifeofoneofhisbuddiesandstartedpracticing.Shefelt
sorryformeandgavemelessons.”
“Theyweredeliciouslessons,”Kellrecalledwithasmile.“Thewomanwasacordonbleucookand
she could make French pastries. I gained ten pounds. Then her husband was reassigned and the
lessonsstopped.”
“Hey,anewfamilymovedin,”sheargued.“Itwasacompanycommander,andshecouldmakethese
terrificvegandishes.”
Kellglaredather.“Ihatevegetables.”
“Different strokes for different folks,” she shot back. “Besides, there‟s nothing wrong with a good
squashcasserole.”
KellandBentleyexchangedhorrifiedlooks.
“What is it with men and squash?” she exclaimed, throwing up her hands. “I have never met a man
whowouldeatsquashinanyform.It‟saperfectlyrespectablevegetable.
Youcanmakeallsortsofthingswithit.”
Bentleypursedhislips.“Doorprops,paperweights…..”
“Foodthings!”shereturned.
“Hey,Idon‟teatpaperweights,”Bentleypointedout.
Sheshookherhead.
“Whydon‟tyoubringinthatterrificdessertyoumade?”Kellprompted.
“IguessIcoulddothat,”shetoldhim.Shegotupandstartedgatheringplates.
Bentleygotupandhelped,asnaturallyasifhe‟ddoneitallhislife.
Shegavehimanoddlook.
“I live alone.” He shrugged. “I‟m used to clearing the table.” He frowned. “Well, throwing away
plasticplates,anyway.IeatalotofTVdinners.”
Shemadeaface.
“ThereisnothingwrongwithaTVdinner,”Kelladded.“I‟veeatenmyshareofthem.”
“OnlywhenIwasworkinglateanditwasallyoucouldget,”Cappielaughed.“Andmostly,Ileftyou
thingsthatyoucouldjustmicrowave.”
“Pointconceded.”Kellgrinned.
“Whatsortofdessertdidyoumake?”Bentleyasked.
Shelaughed.“Apoundcake.”
Hewhistled.“Ihaven‟ttastedoneofthoseinyears.Mymotherusedtomakethem.”
Hispleasantexpressiondrainedawayforafewseconds.
Cappieknewhewasrememberinghismother‟sdeath.“It‟sachocolatepoundcake,”
shesaid,smiling,asshetriedtodrawhimoutofthepast.
“Alotofpeoplecan‟teatchocolate,onaccountofallergies,”shesaid.
“Idon‟thaveallergies,”Bentleyassuredher.“AndIdohopeit‟salargepoundcake.
Ifyouofferedtosendaslicehomewithme,Imightletyoucomeinanhourlateonedaynextweek.”
“Why,Dr.Rydel,thatsoundssuspiciouslylikeabribe,”sheexclaimed.
Hegrinned.“Itis.”
“Inthatcase,youcantakehometwoslices,”shesaid.
Hechuckled.
Watchingthemheadintothekitchen,Kellsmiledtohimself.Cappiehadbeenafraidofmenjustafter
herbadexperiencewiththedatefromhell.Itwasgoodtoseehercomfortableinaman‟scompany.
Bentleymightbejustthemantohealheremotionalscars.
“Wheredoyouwantthese?”Bentleyaskedwhenhe‟dscrapedtheplates.
“Justputtheminthesink.I‟llcleanupinherelater.”
Helookedaroundquietly.Thekitchenwasbarebones.Therewasanoldermicrowaveoven,anold
stove and refrigerator, a table and chairs that looked as if they‟d come from a yard sale. The
coffeepotandCrock-Potonthecounterhadseenbetterdays.
Shenoticedhisinterestandsmiledsadly.“Wedidn‟tbringalotofstuffwithuswhenwemovedback
toSanAntonio.Wesoldalotofthingstootherservicemensowewouldn‟thavetopaythemoving
costs.Then,afterKellgotwounded,wesoldmorestuffsowecouldaffordtopaytherent.”
“Didn‟thehaveanymedicalinsurance?”
Sheshookherhead.“Hesaidtherewassomesortofmix-upwiththemagazine‟sinsurer,andhegot
leftoutinthecold.”Sheremovedthecoverfromthecakepanandgotoutcakeplatestoserveiton.
Hermother‟ssmallchinaservicehadbeenonethingshe‟dmanagedtosalvage.Shelovedthepretty
rosepattern.
“That‟stoobad,”Bentleymurmured.Buthewasfrowningbehindher,hiskeenmindonsomethings
he recalled about her mysterious brother. If Kell was friendly with the local mercs, it was unlikely
he‟dgottentoknowtheminthemilitary.Theyweretoooldtohaveservedanytimerecently.Buthe
didknowthatthey‟dbeeninAfricainrecentyears.SohadKell.Thatwasmorethanacoincidence,he
wasalmostsure.
Hissilencemadehercurious.Sheturnedaround,hersofteyeswideandsearching.
Hisownpaleblueeyesnarrowedonherprettyfaceinitsframeoflongblondhair.
Shehadapertlittlefigure,enhancedbythewhitesweaterandbluejeansshewaswearing.
Herbreastswerefirmandsmall,justrightforherbuild.Hefelthiswholebodyclenchatthewayshe
waslookingathim.
Hewasn‟thandsome,shewasthinking,buthehadakillerphysique,fromhispowerfullonglegsin
bluejeanstohisbroadchestoutlinedundertheknitshirt.Beigesuitedhiscoloring,madehistanlook
bronzed,theturtleneckenhancinghisstrongthroat.
“You‟restaring,”hepointedouthuskily.
Shesearchedfortherightwords.Hermouthwasdry.“Yourearshaveverynicelobes.”
Heblinked.“Excuseme?”
Sheflushedtoherhairline.“Oh,goodheavens!”Shefumbledwiththecakeknifeanditstartedtofall.
Hesteppedforwardandcaughtithalfwaytothefloor,justasshedivedforit.
Theycollided.
Hisarmslidaroundhertopreventherfromgoingheadlongintothecounterandpulledherupshort,
rightagainsthim.Herintakeofbreathwasaudibleassheclungtohimtokeepherfooting.
Shefelthischinagainsthertemple,heardhisbreathcomingoutraggedly.Hisarmcontracted.
“Th…..thanks,”shemanagedtosayagainsthisthroat.“I‟mjustsoclumsysometimes!”
“Nobody‟sperfect.”
Shelaughednervously.“Certainlynotme.Thanksforsavingthecakeknife.”
“Mypleasure.”
Hisvoicewasalmostapurr,deepandsoftandslow.Heliftedhisheadveryslowly,sothathiseyes
were suddenly looking right into hers. She felt his chest rise and fall against her breasts in an
intimacy that grew more smoldering by the second. She looked up, but her eyes stopped at his
chiseled mouth. It was very sensuous. She‟d never really paid it much attention, until now. And she
couldn‟tquitestoplookingatit.
Shefelthisfingerscurlingintoherlonghair,asifhelovedthefeelofit.
“Ilovelonghair,”hesaidsoftly.“Yoursisbeautiful.”
“Thanks,”shewhispered.
“Softhair.Prettymouth.”Hebentandhisnoseslidagainsthersashismouthpoisedoverherparted
lips.“Veryprettymouth.”
Shestoodverystill,waiting,hopingthathewasn‟tgoingtodrawback.Shelovedthewayhisbody
felt,soclosetohers.Shelovedhisstrength,hisheight,thespicyscentofhiscologne.Shehungthere,
athislips,hereyeshalfclosed,waiting,waiting…..
“Where‟sthatcake?”cameaplaintivecryfromthelivingroom.“I‟mstarving!”
They jumped apart so quickly that Cappie almost fell. “Coming right up!” Heavens, was that her
voice?Itsoundedalmostartificial!
“I‟lltakethecoffeepotintothelivingroomforyou,”Bentleysaid.Hisownvoicewasoddlyhoarse
anddeep,andhedidn‟tlookatherashewentoutoftheroom.
Cappie cut the cake, forcing her mind to ignore what had almost happened. She had so many
complicationsinherliferightnowthatshedidn‟treallyneedanotherone.Butshedidwonderifit
waspossibletoputthisparticulargeniebackinitsbottle.
And,infact,itwasn‟t.Whentheyfinishedthecakeandafewmoreminutesofconversation,Bentley
gotacallfromhisansweringserviceandhungupwithagrimace.
“OneofCyParks‟spurebredheifersiscalvingforthefirsttime.I‟llhavetogo.Sorry.
Ireallyenjoyedthemeal,andthecake.”
“Sodidwe,”Cappiesaid.
“We‟llhavetodothisagain,”Kelladded,grinning.
“Nexttime,I‟lltakethetwoofyououttoanicerestaurant,”Bentleysaid.
“Well…..”Cappiehesitated.
“Walkmeout,”Bentleytoldher,andhedidn‟tsmile.
CappielookedtowardKelltosaveher,butheonlygrinned.SheturnedandfollowedBentleyoutthe
door.
Hepausedatthesteps,lookingdownatherwithalong,unblinkingstareinthefaintlightthatshone
outfromthewindows.
Shebitherlowerlipandsearchedforsomethingtosay.Hermindwouldn‟tcooperate.
Hecouldn‟tseemtofindanythingtosay,either.Theyjuststaredateachother.
“Ihatewomen,”hebitoff.
Shefaltered.“I‟msorry,”shesaid.
“Oh,whatthehell.Comehere.”
He scooped her up against him, bent his head and kissed her with such immediate passion that she
couldn‟teventhink.Herarmswentaroundhisneckasshewarmedtothehard,insistentpressureof
hismouthasitpartedherlipsandinvadedthesoft,secretwarmthofhermouth.Itwastoomuch,too
soon,butshecouldn‟tsaythat.Hedidn‟tleaveherenoughbreathtosayanything,andthepleasure
throbbingthroughherbodyrobbedhermindofthewords,anyway.
Secondslater,heputherbackonherfeetandmovedaway.“Well!”hesaidhuskily.
Shestaredupathimwithhermouthopen.
Hiseyebrowsarched.
Shetriedtospeak,butshecouldn‟tmanageasingleword.
Heletoutaroughbreath.“Ireallywishyouwouldn‟tlookatmeinthattoneofvoice,”hesaid.
“Wh…..what?”shestammered.
Hechuckledsoftly.“Well,IcouldsayI‟mflatteredthatIleaveyouspeechless,butIwon‟tembarrass
you.SeeyouMonday.”
Shenodded.“Monday.”
“Attheoffice.”
Shenoddedagain.“Theoffice.”
“Cappie?”
Shewasstillstaringathim.Shenoddedoncemore.“Cappie.”
He burst out laughing. He bent and kissed her again. “And they say the way to a man‟s heart is
throughhisstomach,”hemused.“Thisismuchquickerthanfood.Seeyou.”
He turned and went to his car. Cappie stood and watched him until he was all the way to the main
highway.Itwasn‟tuntilKellcalledtoherthatsherealizeditwascoldandshedidn‟tevenhaveona
coat.
Afterthat,itwashardtoworkinthesameofficewithBentleywithoutstaringathim,starstruck,when
she saw him in between patients. He noticed. He couldn‟t seem to stop smiling. But when Cappie
startedrunningintodoorfacingslookingathim,everybodyelseintheofficestartedgrinning,and
thatdidinhibither.
She forced herself to keep her mind on the animal patients, and not the tall man who was treating
them.
Just before quitting time, a little boy came careening into the practice just ahead of a man. He was
carryingabigdog,wrappedinablanket,shiveringandbleeding.
“Please,it‟smydog,youhavetohelphim!”theboysobbed.
Aworriedmanjoinedhim.“Hewashitbyacar,”themansaid.“Theso-and-sodidn‟tevenstop!He
justkeptgoing!”
Dr.Rydelcameoutofthebackandtookaquicklookatthedog.“Bringhimrightback,”hetoldthe
boy.Hemanagedasmile.“We‟lldoeverythingwecan.Ipromise.”
“Hisname‟sBen,”theboysobbed.“I‟vehadhimsinceIwaslittle.He‟smybestfriend.”
Dr.BentleyhelpedtheboyliftBenontothemetaloperatingtable.Hedidn‟tasktheboytoleavewhile
he did the examination. He had Keely help him clean the wound and help restrain the dog while he
assessedthedamage.“We‟regoingtoneedanX-ray.GetBillytohelpyoucarryhim,”hetoldher
withasmile.
“Yes,sir.”
“Ishegoingtodie?”theboywailed.
Dr. Rydel put a kindly hand on his shoulder. “I don‟t see any evidence of internal damage or
concussion.Itlookslikeafracture,butbeforeIcanreduceit,I‟mgoingtoneedtodoX-raystosee
theextentofthedamage.Thenwe‟lldobloodworktomakesureit‟ssafetoanesthetizehim.Iwill
havetooperate.Hehassomeskinandmuscledamageinadditiontothefracture.”
Themanwiththeboylookedworried.“Isthisgoingtobeexpensive?”heaskedworriedly.
Theboywailed.
“Ilostmyjoblastweek,”themansaidheavily.“We‟vegotanewbaby.”
“Don‟tworryaboutit,”Dr.Rydelsaidinareassuringtone.“Wedosomeprobonoworkhere,and
I‟moverdue.We‟lltakecareofit.”
Themanbithislowerlip,hard,andavertedhiseyes.“Thanks,”hegritted.
“Weallhaveroughpatches,”Dr.Rydeltoldhim.“Wegetthroughthem.Itwillgetbetter.”
“Thanks, Doc!” the boy burst out, reaching over to rub a worried hand over the old dog‟s head.
“Thanks!”
“Ilikedogs,myself,”thedoctorchuckled.“Nowthisisgoingtotakeawhile.Whydon‟tyouleave
yourphonenumberatthedeskandI‟llcallyouassoonasyourdog‟sthroughsurgery?”
“You‟ddothat?”themanasked,surprised.
“Ofcourse.Wealwaysdothat.”
“Hisname‟sBen,”theboysaid,sniffing.“He‟shadallhisshotsandstuff.Wetakehimeveryyearto
theclinicattheanimalshelter.”
Whichmeantmoneywasalwaystight,buttheytookcareoftheanimal.Dr.Rydelwasimpressed.
“We‟llgiveherourphonenumber.You‟reagoodman,”theboy‟sfathersaidquietly.
“Ilikedogs,”Dr.Rydelsaidagainwithasmile.“Goonhome.We‟llcallyou.”
“Youbegood,Ben,”theboytoldhisdog,pettinghimonelasttime.Thedogwasn‟teventryingto
biteanybody.Hewhinedalittle.“We‟llcomeandgetyoujustassoonaswecan.Honest.”
Themantuggedtheboyalongwithhim,givingthevetonelastgratefulsmile.
“Icantakecareofhisbill,”Keelyvolunteered.
Dr.Rydelshookhishead.“Idoitinextremecaseslikethis.It‟snohardship.”
“Yes,but…..”
Heleanedcloser.“IdriveaLandRover.Wanttopriceone?”
Keelyburstoutlaughing.“Okay.Igiveup.”
Billy, the vet tech, came to help Keely get Ben in to X-ray. Cappie came back after a minute. “I
promisedI‟dmakesureyouknewthatBenlikespeanutbutter,”shesaid.“Who‟sBen?”
“Fracturedleg,HBC,”heabbreviated.
Shesmiled.“Hitbycar,”shetranslated.“Themostfrequentinjurysufferedbydogs.
Theyknowwhohithim?”
“Iwish,”Dr.Rydelsaidfervently.“I‟dcallCashGriermyself.”
“Theydidn‟tstop?”
“No,”hesaidshortly.
“I‟d stop, if I hit somebody‟s pet,” Cappie said gently. “I had a cat, when we lived in San Antonio,
after Kell got out of the army. I had to give him away when we moved down here.” She was
rememberingthatFrankhadkickedhim,sohardthatCappietookhimtoworkwithherthenextday,
justtohavehimcheckedout.Hehadbruising,but,fortunately,nobrokenbones.Thenthecathadrun
away,andreturnedafterFrankwasgone.She‟dgiventhecatawaybeforesheandKelllefttown,to
make sure that Frank wouldn‟t send somebody to get even with her by hurting her cat. He was that
sortofman.
“You‟reverypensive,”hecommented.
“Iwasmissingmycat,”shelied,smiling.
“Wehavelotsofcatsaroundhere,”hetoldher.“IthinkKeelyhasawholefamilyofthemoutinher
barnandtherearenewkittens.She‟dgiveyouone,ifyouasked.”
Shehesitated.“I‟mnotsureifIcouldkeepacat,”shereplied.“Kellwouldn‟tbeabletolookoutfor
him,youknow.Hehasallhecandototakecareofhimself.”
He didn‟t push. He just smiled. “One day, he‟ll meet some nice girl who‟ll want to take him home
withherandspoilhimrotten.”
Sheblinked.“Kell?”
“Whynot?He‟sonlyparalyzed,youknow,notdemented.”
Shelaughed.“Iguessnot.He‟sprettytough.”
“Andhe‟snotabadgamer,either,”hepointedout.
“Inoticed.”
“Cappie,haveyougotthechargesforMissDill‟scatinhereyet?”cameacallfromthefrontcounter.
Shegrimaced.“No,sorry,Dr.King.I‟llberightthere.”
Sherushedbackout,flustered.Dr.Rydelcertainlyhadawayoflookingatherthatincreasedherheart
rate.Shelikedit,too.
CHAPTERSIX
CAPPIESTAYEDlatetohelpwiththeoverflowofpatients,heldupbytheemergencysurgeryonthe
dog.ThepracticegenerallydiditsscheduledsurgeriesonThursdays,butemergencieswerealways
accommodated.Infact,therewasatwenty-four-hour-a-dayemergencyserviceupinSanAntonio,but
the veterinarians at Dr. Rydel‟s practice would always come in if they were needed. In certain
instances, the long drive to the big city would have meant the death of a furry patient. They were
considering the addition of a fourth veterinarian to the practice, so that they could more easily
accommodatethoseemergencies.
Thedog,Ben,cameoutofsurgerywithamendedforelegandwasplacedinarecoverycagetowait
untiltheanestheticworeoff.Thenextday,ifhepresentednocomplications,hewouldbesenthome
withantibiotics,painkillersanddetailedinstructionsonpost-surgicalcare.Cappiewasglad,forthe
boy‟ssake.Shefeltsorriestforthechildrenwhosepetswereinjured.Notthatgrown-uppeopletook
thosesituationsanyeasier.Petswerelikepartofthefamily.Itwashardtoseeonehurt,ortoloseone.
Kell was pensive when she got home. In fact, he looked broody. She put down her coat and purse.
“What‟sthematterwithyou?”sheaskedwithagrin.
Heputhislaptopcomputerasidewithdeliberation.“Ihadacallfromanassistantdistrictattorney‟s
officeinSanAntonio,fromthevictimsupportpeople,”hesaidquietly.
“FrankBartlettgotoutofjailtoday.”
Itwasthedayshe‟dbeendreading.Herheartsank.He‟dvowedrevenge.Hewouldmakeherpay,he
said,forhavinghimtriedandconvicted.
“Don‟tworry,”headdedgently.“We‟reamongfriendshere.Frankwouldhavetobecrazytocome
downhereandmaketrouble.Inadditiontothejailtime,hedrewayear‟sprobation.They‟llcheckon
him.Hewouldn‟twanttoriskhavingtogobacktojailtofinishhissentence.”
“You think so?” she wondered. She recalled what a hardheaded man Frank was. He got even with
people.She‟dheardthingsfromoneofhercoworkersinSanAntonioattheanimalclinic,onewho
wasfriendswithFrank‟ssister.She‟dsaidthatFrankhadrunamanofftheroadwho‟dreportedhim
formakingthreatsatoneofhisjobs.Themanwasbadlyinjured,buthecouldneverproveithadbeen
Frankwho‟dcausedtheaccident.Cappiewassure,now,thattherehadprobablybeenotherincidents
as well. Frank had admitted to her once that he‟d spent time in juvenile hall as a youngster. He‟d
neversaidwhatfor.
“Hewon‟tbeabletogettoyouathome,”Kellcontinued,“becauseIkeepfirearmsandIknowhowto
usethem,”headdedgrimly.“Atwork,Idon‟tthinkhe‟ddareapproachyou.Dr.Rydelwouldlikely
propelhimheadfirstoutthefrontdoor,”hechuckled.
CappiewasremindedthatDr.Rydelhadactuallydonethat.Dr.Kingtoldheraboutit.
Amanhadcomeinwithabadlyinjureddog,onewithmultiplefractures,claimingthattheanimalhad
fallen down some steps. After examining the dog, Dr. Rydel knew better. He‟d accused the man of
abusingthedog,andthemanhadthrownapunchathim.Dr.Rydelhadpickedhimupandliterally
thrownhimoutontothefrontporch,whilefascinatedpetownerswatched.Thenhe‟dcalledthepolice
andhadthemanarrested.Therehadbeenaconviction,too.
Cappie,rememberingthat,smiled.“Dr.Rydelgetsveryupsetwhenpeopleabuseanimals,”shetold
herbrother.
“Obviously.”Hepursedhislips.“Iwonderwhyhedecidedtobecomeaveterinarian?”
“I‟llhavetoaskhimthat.”
“Yes,youwill.Imademacaroniandcheeseforsupper,”hesaid,“whenyoucalledtosayyou‟dbe
late.”
Shemadeafacebeforeshecouldstopherself.
Kelljustgrinned.“It‟sfrozen,”hesaid.“Iheateditupintheoven.”
Shesighedwithrelief.“Sorry.It‟sjustthatI‟vehadmycarbonfortoday.”
Helaughed.“IknowIcan‟tcook.Oneday,though,I‟lllearnhow.Thenwatchout.”
“Somemenareborntobechefs.Youaren‟toneofthem.I‟llmakeasaladtogowiththemacaroni.”
“Ididthatalready.It‟sinthefridge.”
She went to kiss his cheek, bending over him in the wheelchair. “You‟re the nicest brother in the
wholeworld.”
“Icouldreturnthecompliment.”Heruffledherhair.“Listen,kid,ifthesurlyvetproposes,youtake
himuponit.Icantakecareofmyself.”
“Youcan‟tcook,”shewailed.
“Icanbuynicefrozenthingstoheatup,”hereturned.
Shesighed.“AsifDr.Rydelwouldeverpropose,”shelaughed.“Helikesme,butthatdoesn‟tmean
he‟llwanttomarrymeoneday.”
“Youneedtoinvitehimoveragainandmakethatshrimpandpastadishyoudosowell.Ihaveitfrom
aspythatDr.Rydelispartialtoshrimp.”
“Really?Whoknowsthat?”
“CyParkstoldme.”
Shegavehimasuspiciouslook.“DidyoutrytopumpCyParksforinsideinformation?”
Kellgaveherhisbestangeliclook.“Iwouldneverdosuchasneakything.”
“Sureyouwould,”sheretorted.
“Well,Dr.RydelknewwhyCywasaskinghim,anyway.Hejustlaughedandaskediftherewasany
otherinsideinformationthatCywouldliketohaveforus.”
Sheflushed.“Oh,my.”
“Cy said the good doctor talked more about you than he did about the heifer he was helping to
deliver,”Kelladded.“It‟swell-knownthatDr.Rydelcan‟tabidewomen.Peoplegetcuriouswhena
notoriouswomanhatersuddenlystartsseeingalocalwoman.”
“Iwonderwhyhehateswomen?”shewonderedaloud.
“Askhim.Butfornow,let‟seat.I‟mfairlyempty.”
“Goodness,yes,it‟stwohourspastourusualsuppertime,”sheagreed,movingintothekitchen.“I‟m
sorryIwaslate.”
“How‟sthedog?”heasked,joiningheratthetable.
“He‟llbefine,Dr.Rydelsaid.Thepoorboywasjustdevastated.Ifeltsorryforhisdad.He‟djustlost
his job. You could see he was torn between getting the dog treated and taking care of his family.
There‟sanewbaby.Dr.Rydeldidn‟tchargehimapenny.”
“Heartofgold,”Kellsaidgently.
“Weweregoingtotakeupacollection,whenDr.RydelremindedusthathedroveaLandRover,”she
laughed.“Heinheritedmoneyfromhisgrandmother,Dr.Kingsaid,andhemakesagoodlivingasa
vet.”
“Thatmeanshe‟llbeabletotakecareofyouwhenyougetmarried.”
Shemadeaface.“Horsesbeforecarts,notcartsbeforehorses.”
“Youwaitandsee,”hereplied.“That‟samanwho‟stotallyhooked.Hejustdoesn‟tknowityet.”
She smiled from ear to ear as she started putting food on the table. She‟d already pushed her fears
aboutFranktothebackofhermind.Kellwasright.Hesurelywouldn‟triskhisfreedombymaking
troubleforCappieagain.
Dr. Rydel took her to a carnival Friday night. She was shocked not only at the invitation, but at the
choiceofoutings.
“Youlikecarnivals?”she‟dexclaimed.
“Sure!Ilovetheridesandcottoncandy.”He‟dsmiledwithreminiscence.“Mygrandmotherusedto
savehereggmoneytotakemetoanycarnivalthatcamethroughJacobsvillewhenIwasakid.She‟d
evengoontherideswithme.IgettickledevennowwhenIhearsomebodytalkaboutgrandmothers
whobakecookiesandknitandsitinrockingchairs.Mygrandmotherwasanewspaperreporter.She
wasarealfirecracker.”
She was remembering the conversation as they walked down the sawdust-covered aisles between
boothswherecarnieswereenticingcustomerstopitchpenniesorthrowbaseballstowinprizes.
“Whatareyoubroodingabout?”heteased.
Shelookedup,laughing.“Sorry.Iwasrememberingwhatyousaidaboutyourgrandmother.Didyou
spendalotoftimewithher?”
Hisfaceclosedup.
“Sorry,”shesaidagain,flushing.“Ishouldn‟thaveaskedsomethingsopersonal.”
Hestoppedintheaisleandlookeddownather,enjoyingtheglowofherskinagainstthepaleyellow
sweatershewaswearingwithjeans,herblondhairlongandsoftaroundhershoulders.
His big, lean hand went to her hair and toyed with it, sending sweet chills down her spine when he
movedastepcloser.“Sheraisedme,”hesaidquietly.“Mymotherandfathernevergotalong.They
separatedtwoorthreetimesayear,andthenfoughtaboutwhogottokeepme.Mymotherlovedme,
butmyfatheronlywantedmetospiteher.”Hisfacehardened.“WhenImadehimmad,hetookitout
onmypets.HeshotoneofmydogswhenItalkedbacktohim.Hewouldn‟tletmetakethedogtoa
veterinarian,andIcouldn‟tsaveit.
That‟swhyIdecidedtobecomeavet.”
“I did wonder,” she confessed. “You talk about your mother, but never about your father. Or your
stepfather.”Herhandswenttohisshirtfront.Shecouldfeelthewarmmuscleandhairunderthesoft
cotton.
Hesighed.Hishandcoveredoneofhers,smoothingoverherfingernails.“Mystepfatherthoughtthat
beingavetwasasissyprofession,andhesaidso,frequently.Hedidn‟tlikeanimals,either.”
“Somesissyprofession,”shescoffed.“Iguessheneverhadtowrestledownasicksteerthatweighed
severalhundredpounds.”
He chuckled. “No, he never did. We got along somewhat. But I don‟t miss seeing him. I had hard
feelingsagainsthimforalongtime,forlettingmymothergetsosickthatmedicalsciencecouldn‟t
saveher.Butsometimesweblamepeoplewhenit‟sjustfatethatbadthingshappen.Remembertheold
saying,„manproposesandGoddisposes‟?It‟sprettymuchtrue.”
“Ah,youadvocatebeingaleafontheriver,grasshopper,”shesaidinaheavilyaccentedtone.
“You lunatic,” he laughed, but he bent and kissed her nose. “Yes. I do advocate being a leaf on the
river.Sometimesyouhavetotrustthatthingswillworkoutthewaythey‟remeantto,notthewayyou
wantthemto.”
“Whydoyouhatewomen?”
Hiseyebrowsarched.
“Everybodyknowsthatyoudo.Youeventoldmeso.”Sheflushedalittleassherememberedwhen
he‟dtoldherso;thefirsttimehe‟dkissedher.
“Rememberthat,doyou?”heteasedsoftly.“Youdon‟tknowalotaboutkissing,”headded.
Shemovedrestlessly.“Idon‟tgetinmuchpractice.”
“Oh,IthinkIcanhelpyouwiththat,”hesaidinadeep,huskytone.“Andfortherecord,Idon‟thate
you.”
“Thankyouverymuch,”shesaiddemurely,andpeeredupathimthroughherlashes.
Hebentslowlytohermouth.“You‟reverywelcome,”hewhispered.Hislipsteasedjustabovehers,
coaxinghertoliftherchin,sothathehadbetteraccesstohermouth.
Beforehecouldkissher,adeepvoicemusedfrombehindhim,“Lewdbehaviorinpublicwillgetyou
arrested.”
“Kilraven,”Bentleygroaned,turningtofacetheman.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
Kilraven,infulluniform,grinnedatthediscomfortintheirfacesashemovedcloserandloweredhis
voice.“I‟minvestigatingpossiblecottoncandyfraud.”
“Excuseme?”Cappiesaid.
“I‟m going to taste the cotton candy, and the candy apples, and make sure they‟re not using illegal
counterfeitsugar.”
Theybothstaredathimasifhe‟dgonemad.
He shrugged. “I‟m really off duty, I just haven‟t gone home to change. I like carnivals,” he added,
laughing. “Jon, my brother, and I used to go to them when we were kids. It brings back happy
memories.”
“Theyhaveasharpshootingtarget,”Bentleytoldhim.
“Idon‟twastemyunbelievabletalentongames,”Kilravenscoffed.
“Iaminaweofyourmodesty,”Bentleysaid.
“Why,thankyou,”Kilravenreplied.“Iconsideritoneofmybesttraits,andIdohavequiteafewof
them.”Hepeeredpastthem.WinnieSinclair,injeansandaprettypinksweaterandmatchingdenim
jacket,waswalkingaroundthepenny-pitchingboothwithherbrother,BooneSinclair,andhiswife,
Cappie‟scoworker,Keely.Kilravenlookeddecidedlyuneasy.
“I‟llseeyouaround,”headded.
But instead of going to the cotton candy booth, he turned on his heel and walked right out of the
carnival.
“Howodd,”Cappiemurmured,watchinghimleave.
“Notsoodd,”Bentleyreplied.HiseyeswereonWinnieSinclair,who‟djustseenKilravenglarein
her direction and then walk away. She looked devastated. “Winnie Sinclair is sweet on him,” he
explained,“andhe‟sevenaworsewomanhaterthanIam.”
Cappiefollowedhisglance.Keelysmiledandwaved.Shewavedback.WinnieSinclairsmiledwanly,
andturnedbacktothebooth.“Poorthing,”shemurmured.“She‟ssorich,andsounhappy.”
“Moneydoesn‟tmakeyouhappy,”Bentleypointedout.
“Well,thelackofitcanmakeyouprettymiserable,”shesaidabsently.
Hishandreacheddownandlockedintohers,bringinghersurprisedeyesbackuptomeethis.
Shewashesitant,becauseKeelywasgrinningintheirdirection.
“Idon‟tcareaboutpublicopinion,”Bentleypointedout,“andshewouldn‟tdareteasemeinmyown
practice,”headdedwithagrin.
Cappielaughed.“Okay.Iwon‟tcare,either.”
Hisstrongfingerslinkedwithhers,whileheheldhergaze.“Ican‟trememberthelasttimeIsmiled
somuch,”hesaid.“Ilikebeingwithyou,Cappie.”
Shesmiled.“Ilikebeingwithyou,too.”
They were still smiling at each other when two running children bumped into them and broke the
spell.
Bentleydroveherhome,buthedidn‟tmovetoopenthedoorafterhecutoffthelightsandtheengine.
Heunfastenedherseatbelt,andhisown,andpulledheracrosstheseatandintohislap.Beforeshe
couldspeak,hismouthwashardonhers,grindingintoit,andhisfingerswerelazilysearchingunder
thesofthemofhersweater.
Shewantedtoprotest.Itwastoosoon.Buthefoundthehooksonherbraandloosenedthemwithone
quickmotionofhishand.Thenhefoundsoftfleshandteasedarounditwithsuchexpertisethatshe
squirmedbackwardtogivehimaccess.
“Tooquick?”hewhisperedagainsthermouth.
“No,”shebitoff,andarchedherback.
Hesmiledashismouthcoveredhersoncemore,andhishandsettleddirectlyoverthehardlittlenub
thatraisedagainsthispalm.
Afterafewminutes,kissingwasnolongerenough.Hishandmovedinatthebaseofherspineand
half lifted her against him, so that her belly ground against his in the rapt silence of the vehicle,
brokenonlybytheforceoftheiraudiblebreaths,andhersoftmoan.
She could feel him wanting her. It had been exciting with Frank, but not like this. She wanted what
Bentleywanted.Shewasonfireforhim.
He unfastened the buttons on his shirt and pulled her against him, so that her soft breasts ground
against the hair-roughened muscles of his chest. His hand moved her hips against his in a slow,
anguishedrotationthatmadehermoanlouder.
“Oh,God,”hebitoff,shivering.“Cappie!”
Hernailswerescoringhisbackassheheldonfordearlifeandbegantoshudder.
“Don‟tstop,”shewhimpered.“Don‟tstop!”
“I‟ve…..gotto!”
Hemovedabruptly,pushingherbackintoherseat.HeopenedthedoorandgotoutoftheLandRover,
standingwithhisbacktoherashesuckedindeepbreathsandtriedtoregainthecontrolhe‟dalmost
lost.
Embarrassed,Cappiefumbledherbraclosuresintoplaceandpulledhersweaterdown.Shewasstill
shaky.Ithadbeenanearthing.Thankgoodnesstheywereparkedinherdrivewayinsteadofonsome
lonely road where there might not have been as much incentive to stop. Despite her passionate
responsetohim,Cappiedidn‟tmovewiththetimes.Didheknowthat?Washehopingforsomebrief
fling? She couldn‟t. She just couldn‟t. Now, she reasoned with something like panic, he wouldn‟t
wanttoseeheragain,notifshesaidno.
Andeitherway,howwasitgoingtoaffectherjob?TherewasonlyoneveterinaryclinicinJacobs
County,andsheworkedforit.Ifshelostherjob,shecouldn‟tgetanother,notinherfield.
Whileshewastorturingherselfwithsuchthoughts,thedoorsuddenlyopened.
“Iknow,”Bentleysaidinastrangelycalmandamusedtone,“you‟rekickingyourselfmentallyfor
takingadvantageofmeinaweakmoment.Butit‟sokay.I‟musedtowomentryingtoravishme.”
Shestaredupathimwide-eyedandspeechless.Ofallthethingssheexpectedhemightsay,thatwas
thelast.
“Comeon,comeon,you‟renotgoingtogetasecondshotatmeinthesamenight,”
heteased.“Ihavemyreputationtothinkof!”
Hermindstartedworkingagain,andshelaughedwithrelief.Shepickedupherpurseandscrambled
outthedoor,herdiscardedcoatoveronearm.
“Listen,”hesaidgently,“don‟tstartbrooding.Wegotalittletooinvolved,tooquickly,butwe‟lldeal
withit.”
Shehesitated.“I‟mnot,well,modern,”sheblurtedout.
“NeitheramI,honey,”hesaidsoftly.
Shecouldhavemeltedintothegroundatthehuskyendearment.Sheblushed.
Hebentandkissedherwithtenderrespect.“Iknowwhatsortofwomanyouare,”hesaidgently.“I‟m
notgoingtopushyouintosomethingyoudon‟twant.”
“Thanks.”
“Ontheotherhand,youhavetomakemeasimilarpromise,”hepointedout.“I‟mnotgoingtokeep
datingyouifIhavetoworryaboutbeingravishedeverytimeIbringyouhome.I‟mnotthatsortof
man,‟headdedhaughtily.
Shegrinnedfromeartoear.“Okay.”
Hewalkedhertothedoor,smilingcomplacently.“I‟llseeyouatworkMonday,”hesaid.Heframed
herfaceinhishandsandlookedatherforalongtime.“Justwhenyouthinkyou‟resafe,”hemused,
“youjumpheadfirstintothetigertrap.”
“Youknow,Iwasjustthinkingthesamething,”shesaidfacetiously.
He chuckled as he bent to kiss her again. “We‟ll take it at a nice, easy pace,” he whispered. “But I
knowalreadyhowit‟sgoingtoendup.We‟regoodtogether.AndI‟mtiredoflivingalone.”
Herheartalmostburstwithjoy.“I…..Idon‟tthinkIcouldjustlivewithsomeone,”
sheblurtedout,stillalittleworried.
He kissed her eyes shut. “Neither could I, Cappie,” he whispered. “We can talk about licenses and
rings.”Heliftedhishead.Hiseyesweresoftwithfeeling.“Butnottonight.Wehaveallthetimeinthe
world.”
“Yes,”shewhispered.Hereyeswerebrightwiththeforceofheremotions.“It‟shappeningsofast.”
Henodded.“Likelightningstriking.”
Shefeltherheartracing.Butinthebackofhermind,therewasasuddenfear,aforeboding.Shebit
her lower lip. “You don‟t really know much about me,” she began. “You see, when I lived in San
Antonio,therewasthismanIdated…..”
BeforeshecouldtellhimaboutFrank,hisphonerang.Hejerkeditoutandansweredit.“Rydel,”he
said.Helistened,grimaced.“I‟llbeintheofficeintenminutes.Bringthecatrightin,I‟llseeit.Yes.
Yes.You‟rewelcome.”Hehungup.“Ihavetogo.”
“Becareful,”shesaid.
Hesmiled.“Iwill.Goodnight.”
“Goodnight,Dr.Rydel.”
“Bentley.”
Shelaughed.“Bentley.”
HeranbacktotheLandRover,starteditanddroveawaywithawaveofhishand.
Cappiewatchedhimgo,thenwalkedintoherhouse,feelingasifshecouldhavefloatedalltheway.
Mondaymorning,Cappiestillfeltlight-headedandecstatic.She‟dhalfexpectedBentleytophoneher
Saturday or Sunday, considering how involved they‟d gotten when he brought her home from the
carnivalonFridaynight.Butmaybehe‟dhademergencies.Shehopedhehadn‟thadsecondthoughts.
She was so crazy about him that she couldn‟t bear to even think about having him reconsider what
he‟dsaid.Butsheknewthatwasn‟tgoingtohappen.Theywerealreadysoclosethatsheknewitwas
goingtobeforever.
SoitcameasashockwhenshewalkedintheofficeandDr.Rydelmetherbeamingsmilewithacold
glarethatsentchillsdownherspine.
“You‟relate,MissDrake,”hesaidcurtly.“Pleasetrytobeontimeinthefuture.”
Shelookedasifshe‟dbeenhitintheheadbyabrick.Keely,atthecounter,gaveherasympathetic
look.
“I‟m…..I‟msorry,sir,”shestammered.
“IneedyoutohelpKeelywithanX-ray,”hesaid,andturnedawayabruptly.
“Right away.” She put up her coat and purse and rushed to join Keely, who was going in the room
where they kept the medical cages. She took a hair band out of her pocket and scrunched her thick
hairintoaponytailwithit.Inside,shefeltnumb.
“It‟sMrs.Johnson‟scat,”Keelyexplained,waryofbeingoverheardbythevet,whowasjustgoing
intoatreatmentroom.“Shesteppedonhispaw.It‟sswollen,andDr.Rydelisafraiditmaybebroken.
Mrs.Johnsonisnolightweight,”sheaddedwithagrin.
“Yes,Iknow.”
“Shehadtoleavehimwithuswhileshewenttoseeherheartdoctor.Shewasveryupset.She‟sjust
gettingoveraheartattack,andshe‟sworriedabouthercat!”shesaid,smiling.Keelyopenedthecage
andCappieliftedtheoldcat.Itjustpurred.Itdidn‟tevenoffertobiteher,althoughitwasobviousthat
itwasinpain.
“What a sweet old fellow,” Cappie murmured as they went toward the X-ray room. “I thought he
mightwanttobiteus.”
“He‟s a sweetheart all right. Here.” Keely motioned to the X-ray table and closed the door behind
them. “What in the world is wrong with Dr. Rydel?” she whispered. “He came in looking like a
thundercloud.”
“I don‟t know,” Cappie said. “We went to the carnival Friday night and he was happy and
laughing…..”
“Youdidn‟thaveafight?”Keelypersisted.
“No!”Shewantedtoaddthatthey‟dtalkedaboutrings,butthiswasn‟tagoodtime.
Thetallmanwhometheratthedoordidn‟tlookasifhe‟deversaidanysuchthingtoher.
“Iwonderwhathappened.”
“SodoI,”Cappiesaidmiserably.
TheygottheX-rayandCappietooktheoldcatbacktohiscagewhileKeelydevelopedit.Dr.King
gave her a worried look, but she was too busy to say much. Cappie felt sick. She couldn‟t imagine
whathadturnedDr.Rydelintoanenemy.
Shewaitedandworriedalldaythroughtwodozenpatientsandonelongemergency.
Mrs.Johnsoncametopickuphercat,hispawinaneatcast,cryingbucketsbecauseshe‟dbeenso
worried about him. Cappie helped her out the door, smiling even though she didn‟t feel like it.
Earlier,she‟dthoughtmaybeDr.Rydelwouldsaysomethingtoher,explain,anything.Buthedidn‟t.
Hetreatedherjustashehadwhenshefirstjoinedthepractice,courteousbutcold.
Attheendoftheday,shewantedtowaitaroundandseeifshecouldgethimtotalktoher,butalarge
animalcalltookhimoutthedoorjustminutesbeforethestaffwenthome.
Shedrovetoherhousewithherheartinhershoes.
“Youlookliketheendoftheworld,”Kellremarkedwhenshewalkedin.“Whathappened?”
“Idon‟tknow,”shesaidsadly.“Dr.RydellookedatmeasifIhadsomecontagiousdiseaseandhe
didn‟tsayonekindwordallday.Itwasbusinessasusual.HewasjustlikehewaswhenIfirstwentto
workforhim.”
“HeseemedpleasantenoughwhenhepickedyouupFridaynight,”heremarked.
“Andwhenhebroughtmehome,”sheadded.“Maybehegotcoldfeet.”
Kell studied her sad face. “Maybe he did. Everybody says he was the biggest woman hater around
town. But if that‟s the case, he might warm up again when he‟s had time to think about it. If he‟s
reallyinterested,Cappie,he‟snotgoingaway.”
“Youthinkso?”sheasked,hopeful.
“I know so. Men who act like he did when he came to supper don‟t suddenly turn ice-cold for no
reason.Maybehejusthadaroughweekend.”
WhichwasnoreasonforhimtotakeitoutonCappie.Ontheotherhand,shedidn‟treallyknowhim
thatwell.
“MaybeIcangethimtotalktometomorrow,”shesaid.
Hesmiled.“Maybeyoucan.”
Shenodded.“I‟llgomakesupper.”
“Trynottoworry.”
“Ofcourse.”
But she did worry, and she didn‟t sleep. She went in to work the next morning with a feeling of
foreboding.
Dr.Rydelwasatthecounterwhenshecamein.
“I‟mfiveminutesearly,”shesaidabruptlywhenheglaredather.
“Comeintomyoffice,please,”hesaid.
Shebrightened.Atlast,hewasgoingtoexplain.Surelyitwassomethingthatdidn‟thaveanythingto
dowithher.
Heletherinandclosedthedoorbehindher.Hedidn‟tofferheraseat.Heperchedontheedgeofhis
deskandstaredathercoldly.“IhadavisitorSaturdaymorning.”
“Youdid?”Anex-girlfriend,shewasthinking,andhewantedherback,wasthatit?
“Yes,”herepliedcurtly.“Yourboyfriend.”
“Mywhat?”
“Yourboyfriend,FrankBartlett,”hesaidcoldly.
Shefeltsickallthewaytohertoes.Frankhadcomedownhere!He‟dcometoJacobsville!Sheheld
on to a chair. She should have told Bentley about him. She shouldn‟t have waited. “He‟s my ex-
boyfriend,”shebegan.
Helaughedcoldly.“Ishe,really?Nowthat‟snotwhathesaid.”
CHAPTERSEVEN
CAPPIECOULDalmostimaginewhatsortofstoryFrankhadtoldBentley.Butnowsheunderstood
hisanger.
“Icanexplain,”shebegan.
“YoutoldmeFridaynightthatyouhadanex-boyfriend,”hesaidicily.“Ididn‟tgettoheartherestof
thestory,butBartlettwaskindenoughtofillmein.Youaccusedhimofassaultingyouandhadhim
arrested.Heactuallyspenttimeinjailandnowhehasafelonyrecordbecauseofyou.”
Hereyeswidened.“Yes,butthatisn‟twhathappened…..!”
“I know all about women who like to play with men,” he interrupted. “When I was in my early
twenties, I worked for a veterinarian while I was in college. It supplemented my grants and
scholarships.Hehadavettechwhowasverypretty,butnevergotdates.Ifeltsorryforher.Shecould
only work for him part-time, because I had the full-time position. She stayed late one weekend and
teased me into kissing her. Then she very calmly tore her shirt, messed up her hair and phoned the
police.”
Cappiefeltherfacegopale.
“She wanted my job,” Bentley continued cynically. “I dipped into my savings to hire a private
detective,whodiscoveredthatitwasn‟tthefirsttimeshe‟dpulledthatstunt.Shewasarrestedandmy
recordwascleared.Thevethiredmebackinaheartbeatandspentyearstryingtomakeituptome.”
“Ihadnoidea,”shewhispered.
“Ofcoursenot,oryouwouldn‟thavetriedthesamestuntonme.”
Sheblinkedindisbelief.“What?”
“Youwerealwaystalkingaboutwhatyou‟ddoifyouhadmoney.YouknewIwaswell-to-do.When
wereyougoingtoaccusemeofassaultingyou?Haveyougotalawyerwaitinginthewingstosue
me?”
Shecouldn‟tbelieveherears.Heactuallythoughtshewasplayinghimforcash.
Frankhadliedtohim,andwithhisbackground,Bentleyhadfallenforthetalltale.
“I‟veneveraccusedanyonefalsely,”shedefendedherself.
“OnlyFrankBartlett?”
Sheswallowed,hard.“Hebrokemyarm,”shesaidwithquietdignity.“Itwasn‟tthefirsttimehehit
me,either.”
“Hetoldmeyou‟dsaythat,”hereplied.“Poorguy.Youruinedhislife.Well,youaren‟tgoingtoget
thechancetoruinmine.Youcanworkyourtwoweeks‟notice.”Hegottohisfeet.
“You‟refiringme?”sheaskedweakly.
“No,you‟requitting,”hereturnedcoldly.“Thatway,youwon‟tbeabletoletthestatesupportyou
withunemploymentinsurance,orsuemeforunlawfulterminationofemployment.”
“Isee.”
“Women,”hemutteredcoldly.“You‟dthinkI‟dalreadylearnedmylesson.Youalllooksoinnocent.
Andyoualllie.”
Heopenedthedoor.“Backtowork,MissDrake,”hesaidinaformaltone.“It‟sgoingtobealong
day.”
Sheworkedmechanically,evenmanagedtosmileatoldMr.Smith‟sjokesandDr.
King‟sblandcomments.Keelywaslookingatheroddly,butnobodyelseseemedtofindherbehavior
outoftheordinary.
Attheendoftheday,shewenttohercaralmostgratefully.Shestillcouldn‟tbelievethatDr.Rydel
hadfallenforFrank‟slies.Butshewasgoingtodosomethingaboutit.Shejustdidn‟tknowwhat.
Yet.
Shepulledupinthefrontyard,puzzledatthecolorfulclothpiledatthefootofthesteps.WasKell
cleaninghouse…..?
She slammed on the brakes, cut off the engine and ran as fast as she could to the front door. That
wasn‟t a bundle of cloth, it was Kell. Kell! He was unconscious, lying beside the wreck of his
wheelchair and he was bleeding from half a dozen cuts. She felt for a pulse and, thank God, found
one!Atleasthewasstillalive.
Shesawthefrontdoorstandingopenanddidn‟tdaregoinside,forfearsomeonemightbewaiting
there.Sheranbacktohercar,jerkedouthercellphoneandpunchedin911.
ThensheranbacktoKellandwaited.
Thenexthourwasablurofambulancesirens,policesirens,blueuniforms,tanuniformsandabject
terror.
ShewaitedforDr.MicahSteeletocomeoutandtellherwhatKell‟sconditionwas.
Shewassickandchilledtothebone.IfKelldied,she‟dhavenobody.
He came back out to the waiting room a few minutes after Kell was brought in, tall and blond and
somber.
“Howishe?”sheaskedfrantically.
“Badlybeaten,”hetoldher,“whichyoualreadyknow.Hisbackisonelongbruise.
We‟re still doing tests, but he has some feeling in his legs, which indicates that the shrapnel in his
backmayhaveshifted.Ifthetestsverifythat,I‟mhavinghimtransportedtothemedicalcenterinSan
Antonio.Ihaveafriendwho‟sanorthopedicsurgeonthere.He‟lloperate.”
“Youmean,Kellcouldwalkagain?”sheasked,excited.
Hesmiled.“Yes.”Thesmilefaded.“Butthat‟snotmyimmediateconcern.Hesaidtherewerethree
men.Oneofthemwasamanyou‟vehaddealingswith,Iunderstand.FrankBartlett.”
“Beatingupaparalyzedman,withamob,”shegritted.“Whatabravelittlewormheis!”
“Sheriff ‟s got an all-points bulletin out for him and his friends,” Micah told her. “But you‟re in
dangeruntilthey‟refound.Youcan‟tstayoutthereatthehousebyyourself.”
“If you send Kell to San Antonio,” she said, “I‟ll call a friend who works for the same veterinary
practicethatemployedmeuntilImovedhere.She‟llletmestaywithher.”
“You‟llhavetobeinprotectivecustody,”Micahsaidfirmly.
Shesmiled.“HerbrotherisaTexasRanger.Heliveswithher.”
“Well!”
“I‟llcallherassoonasIseeKell.”
“Thatwillbeanothertwentyminutes,”hesaid.“Wehavetofinishthetestsfirst.Buthe‟sgoingtobe
fine.”
“Okay.Thanks,Dr.Steele.”
Hesmiled.“GladIcanhelp.IlikeKell.”
“Ido,too.”
ShephonedBrendaBanksinSanAntonio.Brenda‟sbrother,Colter,wasaTexasRanger.He‟dbeen
based out of Houston until his best friend, a Houston police officer named Mike Johns, was killed
tryingtostopabankrobbery.ColterhadaskedforreassignmenttoCompanyDoftheTexasRangers,
basedinBexarCounty,andmovedinwithhissister.
SinceCompanyDnowhadanofficialColdCasesergeant,Colterappliedforandobtainedthejob.
Brendasaidhelovedsolvingoldcases.
Shetriedtheapartment,first,andsureenough,Brendawasathomeandnotatwork.
“Howdoyoulikeyournewjob?”BrendaaskedwhensheheardCappie‟svoice.
“Ilikeitalot.Doyoustillhaveasparebedroom,andisthereajobopeningthereatthevetclinic?”
“Oh,dear.”
“Yes, well, things didn‟t work out as well as I hoped,” Cappie said quietly. “Frank and a couple of
friendscamedownandalmostbeatKelltodeath.He‟sonhiswayuptoSanAntonioforbacksurgery
andIneedaplacetostay,justuntilafterthesurgery.Theywantedmeinprotectivecustody,butItold
themColterlivedwithyou…..”
“Youpoorkid!Youcancomeandstayaslongasyoulike,”Brendasaidatonce.“ButColter‟soutof
the country on a case. He has an apartment of his own now. What‟s that about Kell?” she asked
worriedly.“Ishegoingtobeallright?”
“He‟s just banged up, mostly,” Cappie said, “but the shrapnel in his back has shifted and he has
feelinginhislegs.Theymaybeabletooperate.”
“Whatablessingindisguise,”theotherwomansaidquietly.“Butwhataboutyou?
Don‟ttellmeFrankwenttoyourhousejusttobeatupyourbrother.”
“He was probably looking for me,” she confessed. “But he‟d already done enough damage to my
workingrelationshipwithmynewboss.Idon‟thaveajobanymore,either.”
“I‟llaskDr.Lammersaboutsomethingpart-time,”shesaidimmediately.“Iknowthey‟dlovetohave
youback.Thenewtechdoesn‟thavethededicationtothejobthatyouhad,anddoesn‟tshowupfor
work half the time, either. I‟ll phone her right now. Meanwhile, you come on up here. You know
wherethesparekey‟skept.”
“Thanksamillion,Brenda.”Hervoicewasbreaking,despitehereffortstocontrolit.
“Honey,I‟msosorry,”Brendasaidgently.“Ifthere‟sanythingIcando,anythingatall,youjusttell
me.”
Cappieswallowed.“I‟vemissedyou.”
“I‟vemissedyou,too.Youjusthangon.GetKelluphereandthencomeonyourself.
We‟llhandleit.Okay?”
“Okay.”
“I‟llphoneDr.Lammersrightnow.”Shehungup.
Cappiewentbacktothewaitingroomandsat,sadandsomber,whileshewaitedforthetestresults
andachancetotalktoKell.
Dr.Steelewassmilingwhenhecameback.“Ithinkit‟soperable,”hesaid.“I‟mgoingtosendKellto
SanAntoniobychopper.It‟squickeranditwillbeeasieronhisback.
We don‟t want that shrapnel to shift again. You can see him, just for a minute. Want to fly up with
him?”
“Yes,ifIcan,”shesaid.
HenoddedtowardKell‟sroom.“CashGrierisintherewithhim.Hewantsawordwithyou,too.”
“Okay.Thanks,Dr.Steele.”
Sheopenedthedoorandwalkedin.CashGrierwasleaningagainstthewindowsill,verysomber.Kell
lookedterrible,buthesmiledwhenshebentovertokisshim.
“Dr.Steelethinkstheymaybeabletooperate,”shetoldhim.
“SoIheard.”Hesmiled.“Idon‟tknowhowI‟llaffordit,butmaybetheytakeIOUs.”
“Yougetbetterbeforeyouworryaboutmoney,”shesaidfirmly.“Wecanalwayssellthecar.”
“Sure,thatwillpayformyaspirin,”Kellchuckled.
“Stopthat.It‟sgoingtoworkout,”shesaidfirmly.“Hi,Chief,”shegreetedCash.
“Hi,yourself.Yourex-boyfriendwasafteryou,”hesaidwithoutpreamble.“Hewon‟tquit.Heknows
he‟llgobacktojailforwhathedidtoKell.He‟llgetyou,ifhecan,beforewecatchhim.”
“I‟m going to fly up to San Antonio with Kell,” she said slowly, “and I‟ll be staying with my best
friend.Herbrother‟saTexasRanger.”Shedidn‟taddthathewasoutoftown.
Afterall,Cashwouldn‟tknow.ButwouldshebeputtingBrendaindanger,justbybeingthere?
“Colter‟soutofthecountry,andBrendadoesn‟townaweapon,”Cashsaid,stone-faced.Henodded
whenshegasped.“IknowColter.IusedtobeaTexasRanger,too.We‟vekeptintouch.Youdon‟t
wanttoputBrendainthelineoffire.”
“Iwasjustworryingaboutthat.”Shebitherlowerlip.“Thenwhatdowedo?”
“Youstayinahotelnearthehospital,”hesaid.“We‟resendingsecurityuptowatchyou.”
“Policeofficersfromhere?”shewondered.
“Notreally,”Cashsaidslowly.“ActuallyEbScottisdetailingtwoofhismentostaywithyou.Oneis
justbackfromtheMiddleEast,andtheotheriswaitingforanassignment.”
“Mercenaries,”shesaidsoftly.
“Exactly.”
Shelookedworried.
“They‟renotthesortyouseeinmovies,”Kellassuredher.“Theseguyshavemoralsandtheyonly
workforgoodcauses,notjustformoney.”
“Doyouknowthemen?”sheaskedhim.
Hehesitated.
“Iknowthem,”Cashsaidatonce.“Andyoucantrustthem.They‟lltakecareofyou.
JustgowithKelltothehospitalandthey‟llmeetyouthere.”
Shefrowned.“I‟llhavetophonesomebodyatmyoffice,totellthemwhat‟shappened.”
“Everybodyatyourofficealreadyknowswhathappened,”Cashtoldher.“Well,exceptyourboss,”he
added,justwhenherhearthadskippedtwobeats.“HehadtoflytoDenveronsomesortofpersonal
business.Somethingtodowithhisstepfather.”
“Oh.”Itwasjustaswell,shethought.Nowshewouldn‟thavetoseehimagain.Kelldidn‟tknowDr.
Rydelhadfiredher,butthiswasn‟treallythetimetotellhim.Itcouldwait.
“Whataboutourhouse?”
“Kell gave me the key,” he said. “I‟ll get it to Keely. She‟ll make sure the lights are off and
everything‟slockedupandthefridgeiscleanedout.”
“Idon‟twanttolivethereanymore,”shetoldKellinasubduedtone.
“Wedon‟thavetomakedecisionsrightnow,”hereplied,wincingashemoved.
“Hell,IthinkitwasbetterwhenIcouldn‟tfeelmylegs!”
“You‟llenjoywalkingagain,”Cappiesaidgently.“Kell,itwouldbelikeamiracle.
Atleastsomegoodwouldhavecomeoutofallthis.”
“JustwhatIwasthinking.”Hesmiledather.“Nowdon‟tworry.It‟sgoingtoworkout.”
“Yes, it is,” Cash agreed. “Rick Marquez is going to make sure every cop in San Antonio has a
personal description of Frank Bartlett, and he‟s talked to a reporter he knows at one of the news
stations.YournemesisFrankisgoingtobesofamousthatifhewalksintoaconveniencestore,ten
peoplearegoingtotacklehimandyellforthepolice.”
“Really?Butwhy?”
“DidImentionthatthere‟sarewardforhiscapture?”Cashadded.“Wetookupalittlecollection.”
“Howkind!”
“Youshouldstayhere,”Cashsaidseriously.“It‟sagoodtown.Goodpeople.”
Herfaceclosedup.“I‟mnotlivinginanytownthatalsohousesDr.Rydel.”
CashandKellexchangedalonglook.
“ButKellmightliketostay,”sheadded.
Kellwonderedwhatwasgoingon.Cappiehadbeencrazyaboutherbossuntiltoday.
“Ithinkweneedtohaveatalkaboutwhyyou‟redownonyourboss,”hetoldher.
“Tomorrow,”shesaid.“Firstthing.”
“I‟llprobablybeinsurgerytomorrow,firstthing,”Kellreplied.
Shesmiledwanly.“ThenI‟lltellyouwhileyou‟reunconscious.Whendoweleave?”
sheadded.
Kell wanted to argue, but they‟d given him something for pain, and he was already drooping. “As
soonasthehelicoptergetshere.Needanythingfromthehouse?I‟msureCashwouldrunyouover
there.”
Sheshookherhead.“I‟vegotmypurseandmyphone.Oh,here‟sthehousekey,”sheadded,pulling
itoffherkeyringandhandingittoCash.“IknowyougaveKell‟stoKeely,butyoumayneedmine.
Thanksalot.”
“Ifyouneedanything,youcancallKeely.She‟llrunituptoyou,orherhusbandorhersister-in-law
will.”
“I‟lldothat.”
“And try not to worry,” Cash added, moving away from the window. “Things always seem darkest
before the dawn. Believe me, I should know,” he added with a smile. “I‟ve seen my share of
darkness.”
“You‟reawonderfulpolicechief,”shetoldhim.
“AnothergoodreasontostayinJacobsCounty,”headvised.
“Wecanagreetodisagreeonthatpoint,”shereplied.“Imightreconsiderifyou‟dlockDr.Rydelup
andthrowawaythekey.”
“Can‟tdothat.He‟sthebestveterinarianaround.”
“Iguessheis,atthat.”
Cashwiselydidn‟taddtohisformerstatement.
ThetripinthehelicopterwasfascinatingtoCappie,who‟dneverflowninone,despiteKell‟syearsin
themilitary.She‟dhadtheopportunity,butshewasafraidofthemachines.Now,knowingthatitwas
helpingtosaveKell‟slegs,shechangedheropinionofthem.
Shesatquietlyinherseat,smilingatthemedtechs,butnottalkingtothem.She‟dhadjustaboutall
shecouldstandofmen,shedecided,foratleastthenexttwentyyears.Sheonlyhopedandprayedthat
Kellwouldbeabletowalkagain.AndthatsomebodywouldfindFrankBartlettbeforehecameback
tofinishwhathe‟dstarted.
BentleyRydelwalkedintohisofficethreedayslater,outofsortsandevenmoreirritablethanhe‟d
beenwhenheleft.Hisstepfatherhadsufferedastroke.Ithadn‟tkilledhim,buthewastemporarily
paralyzedononesideandinanursinghomefortheforeseeablefuture.Bentleyhadtrackeddownthe
man‟syoungerbrotherandmadearrangementstoflyhimtoDenvertolookafterhissibling.Allthat
hadtakentime.Hedidn‟tbegrudgegivinghelp,buthewasstillupsetaboutCappie.Whyhadhebeen
stupidenoughtogetinvolvedwithher?Hadn‟thelearnedhislessonaboutwomenbynow?
The office hadn‟t officially opened for business; it was ten minutes until it did. He found every
employeeintheplacestandingbehindthecounterglaringathimasifhe‟dinventeddisease.
His eyebrows arched. “What‟s going on?” His face tautened. “Cappie‟s suing me for asking her to
quit,isshe?”heaskedwithcoldsarcasm.
Dr. King glared back. “Cappie‟s in San Antonio with her brother,” she said. “Her ex-boyfriend and
twoofhisfriendsbeatKellwithinaninchofhislife.”
Hefelttheblooddrainoutofhisface.“What?”
“They‟ve got Cappie surrounded by police and volunteers, trying to keep the same thing from
happeningtoher,”Keelyaddedcurtly.“SheriffCarsoncheckedintoFrankBartlett‟sbackgroundand
foundseveralpriorsforbatteryagainstwomen,butnobodywaswillingtopresschargesuntilCappie
did. She wasn‟t exactly willing at that—her brother forced her to, when she got out of the hospital.
Bartlettbeatherbloodyandbrokeherarm.
Shesaidthatshe‟dprobablybedeadifKellhadn‟tmanagedtoknockoutBartlettintime.”
Hefeltasifhisthroathadbeencut.He‟dbelievedtheman.HowcouldhehavedonethattoCappie?
Howcouldhehavesuspectedherofsuchdeceit?She‟dbeenthevictim.
Bentleyhadbelievedthelyingex-boyfriendandfiredCappie.Nowshewasindangeranditwashis
fault.
“Whereisshe?”heaskedheavily.
“Shetoldusnottotellyou,”Dr.Kingsaidquietly.“Shedoesn‟twanttoseeyouagain.Infact,she‟s
gotheroldjobbackinSanAntonioandshe‟sgoingtolivethere.”
Hefeltsickallover.No,shewouldn‟twanttostayinJacobsCountynow.NotafterthejobBentley
had done on her self-esteem. It had probably been hard for her to trust a man again, having been
physicallyassaulted.She‟dtrustedBentley.She‟dbeenkindandsweetandtrusting.Andhe‟dkicked
herintheteeth.
Hedidn‟tanswerDr.King.Helookedathiswatch.“Gettowork,people,”hesaidinasubduedtone.
Nobodyansweredhim.Theywenttowork.Hewentintohisoffice,closedthedoorandpickedupthe
telephone.
“Yes?”CyParksanswered.
“Where‟sCappie?”heaskedquietly.
“IfItellyou,I‟llhavetochangemynameandmovetoaforeigncountry,”Cyreplieddryly.
“Tellmeanyway.I‟llbuyyouafakemustache.”
Cychuckled.“Okay.Butyoucan‟ttellherIsoldherout.”
“Fairenough.”
Cappie was worn-out. She‟d been in the waiting room around the clock until Kell was through
surgery,andithadtakenalongtime.Thechairsmusthavebeenselectedfortheircomfortlevel,she
decided,tomakesurenobodywantedtostayinthemlongerthanafewminutes.Itwasimpossibleto
sleepinone,oreventodoze.Herbackwaskillingher.Sheneededsleep,butshecouldn‟tleavethe
hospitaluntilsheknewKellwasoutoftherecoveryroom.
Besideher,twotall,sombermensatwaitingalso.Oneofthemwasdark-eyedanddark-headed,and
heneverseemedtosmile.Theotheronehadlongblondhairinaponytailandonepalebrowneye
and an eye-patch on the other. He was good-natured about his disability and referred to himself as
Dead-Eye.Hechuckledashesaidit.Shedidn‟tknowtheirnames.
Detective Sergeant Rick Marquez had dropped by earlier in the day to talk to her about Frank
Bartlett‟sfamilyandfriends.ShedidknowaboutFrank‟ssister,butshehadn‟tmetanyofhisfriends.
DetectiveMarquezwas,shethought,reallygood-looking.Shewonderedwhyhedidn‟thaveasteady
girlfriend.
MarquezhadassuredherthathewasdoingeverythingpossibletotrackdownFrankBartlett,andthat
afriendofhiswhowasanewsanchorwasgoingtobroadcastadescriptionofBartlettandaskfor
help from the public to apprehend him. There was a two-thousand-dollar reward being offered for
informationleadingtohisarrestandconviction.
Brenda came with her to the hospital and stayed until she was called into her own office for an
emergencysurgeryonadogpatient.She‟dpromisedtoreturnassoonasshecould.Shewasupset
thatCappiewasn‟tgoingtostaywithher.Shecouldborrowagun,shemuttered,andshootthattwo-
legged snake if he came near the apartment. But Cappie smiled and said she hadn‟t been thinking
straightwhenshe‟dcalledandaskedforaplacetostay.
She wasn‟t risking Brenda. Besides, she had security. Brenda gave the two men a long, curious
glance.Shedidmentionthatshewouldn‟twanttomesswiththem,ifshewasabadman.Theonewith
theponytailgrinnedather.
AfterBrendaleft,Cappiesatwithhertwosombermaleattachmentswhilepeoplecameandwentin
thewaitingroom.Shedrankendlesscupsofblackcoffeeandtriednottodwellonherfears.IfKell
couldjustwalkagain,shetoldherself,themiseryofthepastfewdayswouldbeworthit.Ifonly!
FinallythesurgeononKell‟scasecameouttospeakwithher,smilinginhissurgicalgreens.
“We removed the shrapnel,” he told her. “I‟m confident that we got it all. Now we wait for results,
onceyourbrotherhastimetoheal.ButI‟mcautiouslyoptimisticthathe‟llwalkagain.”
“Oh,thankGod,”shebreathed,givingwaytotears.“ThankGod!”
“Now,willyoupleasegoandgetsomesleep?”heasked.“Youlooklikedeathwalking.”
“I‟lldothat.Thankyou,Dr.Sims.Thankyousomuch!”
“You‟reverywelcome.Leaveyourcellphonenumberatthenurses‟deskandthey‟llphoneyouif
theyneedyou.”
“I‟lldothatrightnow.”
She went to the nurses‟ desk with her two companions flanking her and looking all around them
covertly.
“I‟m Kell Drake‟s sister,” she told a nurse. “I want to give you my cell phone number in case you
needtogetintouchwithme.”
“Certainly,”alittlebrunettereplied,smiling.Shepulledapadovertoherandheldapenpoisedover
it.“Goahead.”
Cappiegavethenumbertoher.“I‟llalwayshaveitwithme,andIwon‟tturnitoff.”
Thebrunettelookedfromonemantotheothercuriously.
“They‟rewithme,”Cappietoldher.Sheleanedoverthecounter.“Yousee,they‟reinterribledanger
andIhavetoprotectthem.”
Thetwomengaveherasimultaneousglarethatcouldhavestoppedtraffic.Thebrunettemanagedto
smotheragiggle.
“Okay,guys,I‟mreadywheneveryouare,”shetoldthem.
Theonewiththeeye-patchpursedhislips.“Wantaheadstart?”heaskedpointedly.
Shegrinnedupathim.“Youwantone?”shecountered.
He chuckled, and indicated that she could go first. He turned and winked at the little brunette, who
flushedwithpleasure.HewaswhistlingashefollowedCappieoutthroughthewaitingroom.
“You,protectus,”theothermanscoffed.“Fromwhat…..bugbites?”
“Keepthatup,”Cappietoldhim,“andI‟llshowyouabite.”
“Now,now,let‟strytogetalong,”Dead-Eyemurmuredastheywaitedfortheelevatortocomeback
up.
“I‟mgettingalong.She‟stheonewiththeattitudeproblem,”theothermanmuttered.
“Saysyou,”Cappietoldhim.
HestaredatDead-EyeandpointedatCappie.
“Inevertakesidesinfamilysquabbles,”Dead-Eyetoldhim.
“Sheisnotamemberofmyfamily!”theothermansaid.
“Alikelystory,”Dead-Eyesaid.“Anyway,howcanyoubesure?HaveyouhadyourDNAcompared
tohers?”
“IknowI‟mnotrelatedtoyou,”themantoldDead-Eye.
“Howdoyouknowthat?”camethedryretort.
“Becauseyou‟retoouglytobeanykintome.”
“Well,Inever,”Dead-Eyeharrumphed.“Lookwho‟scallingwhougly.”
“Yourmotherdressesyoufunny,too.”
Cappiewasalreadylight-headedwithrelief.Thesetwoweresettingoffherquirkysenseofhumor.“I
can‟ttakethetwoofyouanywhere,”shecomplained.“Youembarrassmetotears.”
“CanIhelpitifhe‟sugly?”thesecondmansaid.“Iwasonlystatingafact.”
“He‟snotugly,”CappiedefendedDead-Eye.“He‟sjustunique.”
Dead-Eyegrinnedather.“Wecangetmarriedfirstthinginthemorning,”hesaid.
“I‟vebeenkeepingaweddingringinmychestofdrawersforjustsuchanemergency.”
Cappieshookherhead.“Sorry.Ican‟tmarryyoutomorrow.”
“Whynot?”
“Mybrotherwon‟tletmedateuglymen.”
“YoujustsaidIwasn‟tugly!”heprotested.
“Ilied.”
“Icanhavemynosefixed.”
Shefrowned.Itwasaverynicenose.
“Icanalteritforyouwithmyfist,”theothermanvolunteered.
“Icanalteryoufirst,”Dead-Eyeinformedhim.
“Nofighting,”Cappieprotested.“We‟llallendupinjail.”
“Some of us have probably escaped from one recently,” the other man said with a pointed look at
Dead-Eye.
“Ididn‟thavetoescape.Theyletmeoutonaccountofmyextremegoodlooks,”
Dead-Eyescoffed.
“Yourlooksareextreme,”camethereply.“Justnotgood.”
“Ifyoutwodon‟tstoparguing,I‟mgoingtohavemybestfriendcomeovertospendthenightwith
us,andyoutwowillbesharingthesofa,”sheassuredthem.
“Just shoot me now,” Dead-Eye muttered, “and be done with it. I‟m not sharing anything with him.
Notunlesshe‟sgotproofheisn‟trabid.”
Theelevatordoorhadopenedwhiletheywerearguing.Dr.BentleyRydelsteppedoffitandstaredat
theyoungermanwhileCappiegapedathissuddenappearance.
“Heisn‟trabid,”BentleyassuredDead-Eye.
“Andhowwouldyouknow?”Dead-Eyeasked.
“I‟maveterinarian,”Bentleyrepliedcurtly.
“Weshouldgo,”Cappiesaid,avoidingBentley‟seyes.
“We?”heasked,scowling.
“Thesearemytwonewboyfriends,”Cappietoldhimwithacoldscowl.“We‟resharingaroom.”
Heknewshewasn‟tinvolvedwithtwostrangers.Hehadaprettygoodideaofwhotheywereandwhy
shewaswiththem.Sheprobablyexpectedhimtobelievethebaldstatement,withhistrackrecord.
“IheardaboutKell,”hesaidquietly.“Howishe?”
“Outofsurgeryandrestingcomfortably,thankyou,”shesaidformally.“Wehavetogo.”
“Canwetalk?”Bentleyaskedsomberly.
“Ifyoucangetthem,”sheindicatedhercompanions,“totiemeupandgagme,sure.
Let‟sgo,guys.”
Shewalkedintotheelevatorandstoodwithherbacktothedooruntilshehearditclose.
CHAPTEREIGHT
CAPPIEDIDN‟Tsleep,ofcourse.Shewasreplayingthelastforty-eighthoursinhermindallnight,
sickwithworryaboutKell.ItwasherfaultthatFrankBartletthadevergottennearthem.Ifonlyshe
hadn‟tbeensoflatteredbyhisattention,socrazyabouthimthatsheignoredKell‟swarnings.Ifonly
shehadn‟tgoneoutwithhimatall.
Pity,shethought,thatpeoplecouldn‟tsettheclockbackwardanderaseallthestupidthingstheydid.
LikegettinginvolvedwithDr.BentleyRydel,forexample,shetoldherself.
Ithadsurprisedhertofindhimatthehospital.SomebodyinJacobsvillemusthavetoldhimwhathad
happened,andhefeltsorryforher.Maybehewaswillingtooverlookhersmarmypastlongenough
to check on her brother‟s condition. That didn‟t mean he believed her innocence or wanted to get
involved with her again. Which was just as well, she told herself, because she certainly wanted
nothingmoretodowithhim!
Shegotupanddressed…..inthesameclothesshe‟dwornthedaybefore.Shehadn‟tpackedanything.
She‟dhavetocallKeelyandaskhertogotothehouseandpackafewitemsofclothingforherand
Kell. But she‟d make sure Keely got an armed person to go with her, in case Frank was waiting
aroundtoseeifCappieturnedbackup.
When she opened her bedroom door, the two men were arguing over the coffee in the tiny little
coffeepotthatcame,withcoffee,asaperkforstayinginthehotel.
“There‟snotenoughforthreepeople,”Dead-Eyewasmuttering,refusingtoletgoofthepot.
“Thenyoucangetyoursatacafé,becauseI‟mhavingminehere,”theothermansaidcoldly.
“We‟re all having ours at the hospital, because I‟m leaving right now,” Cappie informed them,
startingforthedoor.
“Seewhatyougetforstartingafight?Nowneitherofusishavingcoffee,”Dead-Eyescoffedashe
turnedoffthecoffeepotandputthelittlecarafebackinit.
“Youstarteditfirst,”theothermansaidcoolly.
Cappieignoredthebanterandopenedthedoor.
“Holditrightthere.”
Dead-Eyewasinfrontofherinaheartbeat,hishandunderhisjacketasatallmanwalkedintoviewin
thehall.Hestoodimmobile,waiting.
Butitwasn‟tFrank.Itwasanotherman,andawomanandchildsuddenlyappearedbehindhimand
startedtalkingtohim.
“Niceday,”Dead-Eyetoldthemwithasmile.
“Huh?Oh.Yeah.”Themansmiledbackandherdedhisfamilyaheadofhimdownthehall.
Dead-EyestoodasidetoletCappieout.“Waituntiloneofusmakessureit‟ssafe,”hetoldherina
kind tone. “Men who commit battery without fear of arrest are usually not planning to go back in
prison,ifyougetmydrift.Hemightdecideabulletisbetterthanafist.”
“Sorry,”shesaid.“Ididn‟tthink.”
“That‟swhatwe‟reherefor,”theothermansaid,followingheroutthedoorandclosingit.“We‟ll
thinkforyou.”
“Wereyouthinking,justthen?”Dead-Eyegrinned.
Theothermanindicatedhissleeve.Thehiltofalargeknifewasinhispalm.Heflexedhishandand
snappeditbackinplace.“LearnedthatfromCyParks,”hesaid.“HetaughtmeeverythingIknow.”
“ThenwhatareyoudoingwithEb?”
“Learning…..diplomacy.”Hesaiditthroughgrittedteeth.“Theysaymyattitudeneedswork.”
Dead-Eyeopenedhismouthtospeak.
Cappiebeathimtoit.“AndyouthinkIneedanattitudeadjustment?”sheexclaimed.
Theothermanshiftedrestlessly.“Weshouldgettothehospital.”
Cappiejustsmiled.SodidDead-Eye.
When they got to the hospital cafeteria, it was already full. One of the tables was occupied by a
somber Dr. Rydel, moving eggs around on a plate as if he couldn‟t decide between eating them or
throwingthem.
Cappie‟straitorousheartjumpedatthesightofhim,butshedidn‟tletherpleasureshow.Shewasstill
fuming about his assumption of her guilt, without any proof except the word of a man who was a
stranger.
Helookedupandsawherandgrimaced.
“Wantmetofriskhimforyou?”Dead-Eyeaskedpleasantly.“Icandoitdiscreetly.”
“Yeah, like you discreetly frisked that guy at the airport,” the dark-eyed man muttered. “Isn‟t he
suing?”
“Iapologized,”Dead-Eyeretorted.
“Beforeorafterairportsecurityshowedup?”
“Well,after,buthesaidheunderstoodhowImighthavemistakenhimforaninternationalterrorist.”
“HewaswearingaHawaiianshirtandflip-flops!”
“Thebestdisguiseonearthforaspy,andIoughttoknow.IusedtoliveinFiji.”
“Didyou,really?”Cappieasked,fascinated.“I‟vealwayswantedtogothere.”
“Haveyou?”Dead-EyelookedpasthertoBentley,whohadgottenupfromthetableandwasmoving
towardthem.“Nowmightnotbeabadtime,”headvised.
Bentley had dark circles under his eyes from lack of sleep. But he was just as arrogant as ever. He
stoppedinfrontofCappie.
“I‟dliketotalktoyouforaminute.”
Shedidn‟twanttotalktohim,andalmostrepeatedherwordsofthenightbefore.Butshewastired
and worried and a little afraid of Frank. It didn‟t matter now, anyway. Her life in Jacobsville was
alreadyover.SheandKellwouldstartoveragain,hereinSanAntonio,oncethethreatwasover.
“Allright,”shesaidwearily.“I‟llonlybeaminute,guys,”shetoldDead-Eyeandhispartner.“You
cangetcoffee.”
“Finally,”Dead-Eyegroaned.“I‟mhavingcaffeinewithdrawal.”
“Isthatwhyyoulooksougly?”theothermantaunted.
Theymovedoff,stillfencingverbally.
“Whoarethey?”Bentleyaskedasheseatedherathistable.
“Bodyguards,”shesaid.“EbScottloanedthemtome.”
“Wantcoffee?”
“Please.”
Hewenttothecounter,gotcoffeeandasweetrollandputtheminfrontofher.“Youhavetoeat,”he
said when she started to argue. “I know you like those. You bring them to work in the morning
sometimeswhenyouhavetoeatontherun.”
Sheshrugged.“Thanks.”
Hepushedsugarandcreamtohersideofthetable.
“Iphonedthenurses‟deskonthewayhere,onmycellphone,”shesaidwearily.
“TheysaidKell‟shavinghisbathandthenbreakfast,soI‟dhavetimetoeatbeforeIwentuptosee
him.”
“Italkedtohimbrieflylastnight,”hesaid.
Sheliftedhereyebrows.“It‟sfamilyonly.Theyposteditonthedoor!”
“Oh,that.ItoldthemIwashisbrother-in-law.”
Sheglaredathimoverhercoffeeassheaddedcream.
“Well,theyletmein,”hesaid.
Sheliftedthecupandsippedthehotcoffee,withanexpressionofabsolutedelightonherface.
“Hewasaboutasfriendlyasyouare,”hesighed.“Iscrewedup.”
Shenodded.“Withavengeance,”sheadded,stillglaring.
Hepushedhisplateofcoldscrambledeggstooneside.Hispaleblueeyeswereintentonhergray
ones.“Afterwhathappenedtome,Iwasdownonwomenforalongtime.WhenIfinallygottothe
stagewhereIthoughtImightbeabletotrustoneagain,Ifoundoutthatshewasalotmoreinterested
inwhatIcouldgiveherthanwhatIwas.”Hisfacetautened.
“Yougetgunshy,afterawhile.AndIdidn‟tknowyou,Cappie.Wehadsupperafewtimes,andItook
youtoacarnival,butthatdidn‟tmeanwewereclose.”
She stared at the roll and took a bite of it. It was delicious. She chewed and swallowed and sipped
coffee,allwithoutanswering.She‟dthoughttheyweregettingtobeclose.Howdumbcouldshebe?
Hedrewinalongbreathandsippedhisowncoffee.“Maybeweweregettingclose,”
headmitted.“Buttrustcomeshardtome.”
Sheputdownthecupandmethiseyesevenly.“Howharddoyouthinkitcomestome?”sheasked
baldly.“Frankbeatmeup.Hebrokemyarm.Ispentthreedaysinthehospital.Thenatthetrial,his
defenseattorneytriedhisbesttomakeitlookasifIdeliberatelyprovokedpoorFrankbyrefusingto
gotobedwithhim!Apparentlythatwasenoughtojustifytheassault,inhismind.”
Hescowled.“Youdidn‟tsleepwithhim?”
Theglaretookonsparks.“No.Ithinkpeopleshouldgetmarriedfirst.”
Helookedstunned.
Sheflushedandavertedhereyes.“SoIliveinthepast,”shemuttered.“KellandIhaddeeplyreligious
parents.Idon‟tthinkhetookanyofittoheart,butIdid.”
“Youdon‟thavetojustifyyourselftome,”hesaidquietly.“Mymotherwaslikeyou.”
“I‟mnottryingtojustifymyself.I‟msayingthatIhaveanidealisticattitudetowardmarriage.Frank
thought I owed him sex for a nice meal and got furious when I wouldn‟t cooperate. And for the
record,Ididn‟tevenreallyprovokehim.HebeatmeupbecauseIsuggestedthatheneededtodrinka
littlelessbeer.Thatwasallittook.Kellbarelygottomeintime.”
Heletoutalongbreath.“Mystepfatherhitmymotheronce,forburningthebacon,whentheywere
firstmarried.Iwasfifteen.”
“Whatdidshedo?”sheasked.
“Shetoldme.Itookhimoutbackandknockedhimaroundtheyardforfiveminutes,andtoldhimif
hediditagain,I‟dloadmyshotgunandwe‟dhaveanother,shorter,conversation.Henevertouched
heragain.Healsostoppeddrinking.”
“Idon‟tthinkthatwouldhaveworkedwithFrank.”
“Iratherdoubtit.”Hestudiedherwan,drawnface.“You‟vebeenthroughhell,andIhaven‟thelped.
Forwhatit‟sworth,I‟msorry.Iknowthatwon‟terasewhatIsaid.Butmaybeitwillhelpalittle.”
“Thanks.”Shefinishedherrollandcoffee.Butwhenshegotthrough,sheputtwodollarbillsonthe
tableandpushedthemtowardhim.
“No!”heexclaimed,hishighcheekbonesflushingasherecalledwithpainfulclarityhisopinionof
herasagolddigger.
“Ipaymyownway,despitewhatyouthinkofme,”shesaidwithquietpride.Shestoodup.“Money
doesn‟tmeansomuchtome.I‟mhappyifIcanpaybills.I‟msorryIgaveyoutheimpressionthat
I‟ddoanythingforit.Iwon‟t.”
Sheturnedandlefthimsittingthere,withhisownharshwordsechoinginhismind.
Kellwaslyingonhisstomachinbed.Hisbruisesweremuchmoreobviousnow,andhewaspaleand
weakfromthesurgery.Shesatdownbesidehiminachairandsmiled.
“How‟sitgoing?”sheaskedgently.
“Badly,”hesaidwithalongsigh.“Hurtslikehell.ButtheythinkImightbeabletowalkagain.They
havetowaituntilIstarthealingandthebruisingabatesbeforethey‟llknowforsure.ButIcanwiggle
mytoes.”Hesmiled.“I‟mnotgoingtoproveit,becauseithurts.
Youcantakemywordforit.”
“Deal.”Shebrushedbackhisunkempthair.
“Your old boss came by last night,” he said coldly. “He explained what happened. I gave him an
earful.”
“SodidI.He‟sback.”
“I‟mnotsurprised.Hewasprettycontrite.”
“Itwon‟tdoanygood,”shesaidsadly.“Iwon‟tforgetwhathesaidtome.Hedidn‟tbelieveme.”
“Apparentlyhe‟shadsomehardknocksofhisown.”
“Yes,thatexplainsit,butitdoesn‟texcuseit.”
“Pointtaken.”Heglancedpasthertowardthedoor.“You‟vegotbodyguards.”
“Yes.SomeofEbScott‟sguys.Theydon‟tlikeeachother.”
“Chethasachiponhisshoulder,andRourkelikestotakepotshotsatit.”
“Whichiswhich?”sheasked.
“Rourkelostaneyeoverseas.”
“Oh.Dead-Eye.”
Hechuckledandthenwinced.“That‟swhathecallshimself.He‟sgotquiteahistory.
HeworkedfortheCIAoverintheSouthPacificforseveralyears.Nowhe‟stryingtogetbackin.His
language skills are rusty, and he‟s not up on the latest communications protocols, so he‟s studying
withEb.Chet,ontheotherhand,istryingtolandajobdoingprivatesecurityforoverseasembassies.
Hehasangerissues.”
“Angerissues?”
“Hetendstoslugpeoplewhomakehimangry.Doesn‟tgooverwellinembassies.”
“Icanunderstandthat.”Shefrowned.“Howdoyouknowthem?”
Hesighed.“That‟salongstory.We‟llhavetotalkaboutitwhenIgetoutofhere.”
She was adding up things and getting uncomfortable totals. “Kell, you weren‟t working for a
magazinewhenyouwenttoAfrica,wereyou?”sheasked.
Hehesitated.“That‟soneofthethingswe‟lltalkabout.Butnotnow.Okay?”
Sherelented.Hedidlookveryrocky.“Okay.”Shelaidagentlehandonhismusculararm.“You‟re
my brother and I love you. That won‟t change, even if you tell me blatant lies and think I‟ll never
knowaboutthem.”
“You‟retoosharpforyourowngood.”
“I‟vebeentoldthat.”
“Don‟t stray from your bodyguards,” he cautioned. “I have to agree with them. I think Frank‟s not
planningtogobacktojail.He‟lldowhateverittakestogetevenwithyou,andthenhe‟lltrysuicide-
by-cop.”
“Jailwouldbebetterthandead,certainly?”
“Frankhasangerissues,too.”
Sheflexedthearmhe‟dbroken.“Inoticed.”
“Don‟ttakechances.Promiseme.”
“Ipromise.Pleasegetwell.Beinganorphanisbadenough.Ican‟tloseyou,too.”
Hesmiled.“I‟mnotgoinganywhere.Afterall,I‟vegotabooktofinish.Ihavetogetwellinorderto
dothat.”
Shehesitated.“Kell,hewouldn‟tcomehere,andtrytofinishthejobhedidonyou?”
sheaskedworriedly.
“Ihavecompany.”
“Youdo?”
“Moveit,youmilitaryrejects,”cameadeepvoicefromthedoor.Atall,familiar-lookingmanwith
silvereyesandjet-blackhairmovedintotheroom,dressedinbootsandjeansandachambrayshirt,
carryingafoamcupofcoffee.
“Kilraven?”sheasked,surprised.“Aren‟tyouworking?”
He shook his head. “Not tonight,” he said. “I had a couple of vacation days I was owed, so I‟m
babysittingyourbrother.”
“Thanks,”shesaidwithabroadgrin.
“I‟mgettingsomethingoutofit,”hechuckled.“I‟mstuckonthemiddlelevelofavideogame,and
Kellknowshowtocrackit.”
“Isit„Halo:ODST‟?”Dead-Eyeasked.“Ibeatit.”
“Yeah,onthe„easy‟level,I‟llbet,”Chetchided.
“Ididiton„normal,‟foryourinformation,”hehuffed.
“Well,IdiditonLegendary,”Kellmurmured,“soshutupandtakecareofmysister,orI‟llwipethe
floorwithyouwhenIgetbackonmyfeet.”
Dead-Eyegavehimaneatsalute.Chetshrugged.
“Seeyoulater,”Cappiesaid,kissingherbrother‟scheekagain.
“Whereareyougoing?”heasked.
“Onajobinterview,”shesaidgently.“Brenda‟sbossmighthavesomethingpart-time.”
“Areyousureyouwanttomovebackhere?”Kellasked.
“Yes,”shelied.
“Goodluck,then.”
“Thanks.Seeyou,Kilraven.Thankyou,too.”
Hegrinned.“Keepyourgunpowderdry.”
“Tellthem.”Shepointedtohertwocompanions.“Ihateguns.”
“Biteyourtongue!”Kilravensaidinmockhorror.
Shemadeafaceandwentoutthedoor,hertwocompanionsrightbehindher.
Bentleymetthemattheelevator.“Whereareyougoingnow?”heaskedher.
Shehesitated.
“Jobinterview,”Rourkesaidforher.
“Youcan‟tleavetheclinic,”Bentleysaidcurtly.“Idon‟thaveanybodytoreplaceyouyet!”
“That‟syourproblem,”sheshotback.“Idon‟twanttoworkforyouanymore!”
Helookedhunted.
“Besides,KellandIaremovingbacktoSanAntonioassoonasheheals,”shesaidstubbornly.“It‟s
toofartocommute.”
Bentleylookedevenmoreworried.Hedidn‟tsayanything.
“Aren‟tyousupposedtobeatwork?”sheadded.
“Dr.King‟sfillinginforme,”hesaid.
“Untilwhen?”
Hispaleeyesglittered.“UntilIcanconvinceyoutocomehomewhereyoubelong.”
“Please.Holdyourbreath.”Shewalkedaroundhimandintothenextopenelevator.
Shedidn‟tevenlooktoseewhichdirectionitwasgoing.
It was going up. She was stuck between two oversize men and two perfume-soaked women. She
started to cough before the women got off. The men left two floors later and the elevator slowly
starteddown.
“Wasn‟tthatheaven?”Rourkesaidwithadreamysmile,inhalingtheair.“Iloveperfume.”
“Itmakesmesick,”Chetmuttered,sniffing.
“Itmakesmecough,”Cappieagreed.
“Well,obviously,youtwodon‟tlikewomenasmuchasIdo,”Rourkescoffed.
Theybothglaredathim.
Heraisedbothhands,palms-out,indefenseandgrinned.
TheelevatorstoppedatthecafeteriaagainandBentleywasstillthere,smoldering.
Cappieglaredathim.Itdidn‟thelp.Hegotontheelevatorandpressedthedownbutton.
“Wheredoyouthinkyou‟regoing?”Cappieaskedhim.
“Onajobinterview,”hesaidgruffly.“Maybetheyneedanextraveterinarianwhereyou‟reapplying.”
“Doesthismeanthatyou‟renotmarryingme?”Rourkewailedinmockmisery.
Bentleygaped.“You‟remarryinghim?”heexclaimed.
“Iamnotmarryinganybody!”Cappiemuttered.
Bentleyshiftedrestlessly.“Youcouldmarryme,”hesaidwithoutlookingather.“I‟mestablishedina
professionandIdon‟tcarryagun,”headded,lookingpointedlyatthebuttofRourke‟sbig.45auto
nestledunderhisarmpit.
“SoamI,establishedinaprofession,”Rourkeargued.“Andknowinghowtouseagunisn‟tabad
thing.”
“Diplomatsdon‟tthinkso,”Chetmuttered.
“That‟sonlyuntilotherpeoplestartshootingatthem,andyousavetheirbutts,”
Rourketoldhim.
Chetbrightened.“Ihadn‟tthoughtofitlikethat.”
“Comeon,”Cappiegroanedwhentheelevatorstopped.“Iswear,IfeellikeI‟mleadingaparade!”
“Anybodygotatrombone?”Rourkeaskedthepeoplewaitingaroundtheelevator.
Cappiecaughthisarmanddraggedhimalongwithher.
Theytookacabtotheveterinarian‟soffice.Thecarwasfull.Themenwerehavingaconversation
aboutvideogames,buttheyleftCappiebehindwhentheymentionedinnovationsthey‟dfoundonthe
Internet,abouthowtodoimpossiblethingswiththeequipmentintheHaloseries.
“UsinggrenadestoblowaScorpionupontoamountain?”sheexclaimed.
“Hey,whateverworks,”Rourkeargued.
“Yeah,butyouhavetoshootyourbuddiestogetenoughgrenades,”Chetsaid.
“That‟snotethical.”
“This,fromaguywholiftedapoliceman‟sriotgunrightoutofthetrunkofhiscar!”
Rourkesaid.
“Ineverliftedit,Iborrowedit!Anyway,everybodywasshootingriflesorshotgunsandIonlyhada
.45,”hescoffed.
“Everybodyelse‟swasbiggerthanhis,”Rourketranslatedwithanangelicpose.
Chethithisarm.“Stopthat!”
“Seewhyhecan‟tgetajobwithdiplomats?”Rourkequipped,holdinghisarminmockpain.
“I‟mamazedthateitherofyoucangetajob,”Cappiecommented.“Youreallyneedtoworkonyour
socialskills.”
“I‟mtryingto,butyouwon‟tmarryme,”Rourkegrumbled.
“Ofcourseshewon‟t,she‟smarryingme,”Bentleysaidsmugly.
“Iamnot!”Cappieexclaimed.
“Nowomanisgoingtomarryaveterinarianwhenshecanhaveadashingspy,”
Rourkecommented.
“Doyouknowone?”Bentleyaskedcalmly.
Rourkeglaredathim.“IcanbedashingwhenIwantto,andIusedtoworkfortheCIA.”
“Yes,butdoessweepingfloorscountasarealjob?”Chetwantedtoknow.
“Yououghttoknow,”Rourketoldtheotherman.“Isn‟tthatwhatyoudidinManila?”
“Iwasthepresident‟sbodyguard!”
“Anddidn‟theendupinthehospital?”
“We‟re here!” Cappie said loudly, indicating where the cab was stopping. “And the ride is Dutch
treat,”sheadded.“I‟mnotpayingcabfareforbodyguardsandstubbornhangers-on.”
“Who‟sahanger-on?”Rourkeasked.
ButCappiewasalreadyoutofthecab.Thethreemenfollowedherwhentheysettledtheirpartofthe
fare.
Shewalkedintotheveterinarian‟sfrontoffice,whereKateSnowwasstillholdingdownthejobof
receptionist. She was twenty-four, tall, brunette and had soft green eyes and a pleasant rather than
prettyface.Shesmiled.
“Hi,Cappie,”shegreeted.“Cometovisityouroldstompinggrounds?”
“ActuallyI‟mheretoapplyforsomethingpart-time,”shereplied.
“Brendasaidthat,butIdidn‟tbelieveher,”Katereplied,stunned.“YoujustmovedtoJacobsville.”
“Well,I‟mmovingback.”
“I‟ll buzz Dr. Lammers,” she said, and pressed a button on the phone. She spoke into the receiver,
nodded,spokeagainandhungup.“He‟swithapatient,buthe‟llbeoutinaminute.”Shelookedpast
Cappie.“CanIhelpyou?”sheaskedthethreemen.
“I‟mwithher,”Rourkesaid.
“Me,too,”Chetseconded.
“I‟mapplyingforajob,too,”Bentleysaid.“Ithoughtyoumightneedanextravet.”
Hesmiled.
“Whoareyou?”Kateasked,surprised.
“He‟smyex-boss,”Cappiemuttered.
“You‟reDr.Rydel?”Kateexclaimed.“ButyouhaveyourownpracticeinJacobsville!”
“Ido,butifCappiemoveshere,Imovehere,”hesaidstubbornly.
“Wemightmovehere,too,”Rourkeinterrupted.“Icaninterviewforajobhere,too.Icantype.”
“Liar,”Chetsaid.“Hecan‟ttype.”
“Icanlearn!”
“Allyouknowhowtodoisshootpeople,”Chetscoffed.
“Sir,it‟sillegaltocarryaconcealedweapon,”Katebegannervously.
Rourke gave her his most charming smile. “I‟m a professional bodyguard, and I have a permit. If
you‟dliketoseeit,I‟lltakeyoutothislovelylittleFrenchbistrodowntownandyoucanlookatit
whileweeat.”
Katestaredathimasifhe‟dgrownhorns.
“There‟saguystalkingher,”Chettoldher.“We‟regoingtocatchhimifhetriesanythingandturn
himovertolocallawenforcement.”
“Stalkingyou?”Katestammered.
Cappieglaredatthetwomen.“Thankyousomuchformakingmeanemploymentliability!”
Rourkemadeherabow.Chetjustglowered.Bentleybeamed.
“Idon‟tmindemployingyou.Notonebit,”Bentleysaid.“Thesetwocanworkforthegroomerand
we‟llprotectyou.”
“I‟mnotgroominganything,”Chettoldhimbluntly.
“Okay.Thenyoucandealwithsurlyclients,”Bentleycompromised.
Chetgavehimanappreciativelook.
“ActuallyIknowhowtogroomthings,”Rourkesaid.“Ionceshavedamonkey.”
Cappiehithim.
“There you are!” Brenda exclaimed, coming out of the back in a green-and-blue polka-dotted lab
coat.“ItalkedtoDr.Lammers,buthesaidwe‟vealreadygotmorepart-timersthanwecanspare.I‟m
sosorry,”sheaddedmiserably.
“What‟syouraddress?”Bentleyasked.“I‟llsendyouflowers.”
“Ithoughtyouwantedtomarryher,”ChetpointedatCappie.
Brenda‟seyeswidened.“Whoareyou?”sheaskedthedark-eyedman.
“I‟mahired…..”
“…..assassin,”Rourkefinishedforhim.
“Idon‟tkillpeople,Ijustshootthem!”Chetgrowled.
“Ionlywoundthem,”Rourkeadded.“ArewegoingbacktoJacobsville,then?”
“Whoarethesemen?”Brendaaskedagain.
“Well,thesetwoaremybodyguards—”sheindicatedthem“—andthat‟smyex-boss.”
“Whyisyourex-bosshere?”sheasked,allatsea.
“He was going to get a job here, too, but there are no openings for part-timers or vets, so I guess
we‟re all going back to Jacobsville,” Cappie said miserably. “That is, if Frank doesn‟t shoot me
first.”
“Nobody‟sshootingyou,”Rourkeassuredher.
“Youcanbetonthat,”Chetsaid.
Brendasmiledatthem.“Thanks.She‟smybestfriend.”
Cappiehuggedher.“Thanksanyway,fortrying.I‟llcallyou.Seeyou,Kate!”
Katewavedasshepickeduptheringingtelephone.HereyeswerestillonRourke,whogrinnedather.
“Comeon,let‟sgo,”Cappietoldthemen.
“How‟sKell?”Brendaasked,walkingthemout.
“He‟sgoingtomakeit.Wewon‟tknowifhecanwalkforseveraldays,though.”
“Ifyouhavetogohome,I‟llvisithimforyou.”
“Ican‟tleavejustyet,”Cappiesaid.“NotuntilwefindFrank.”
BrendastaredatBentley,whowasallsmiles.“Aren‟tyougoingbacktoyourpractice?”
“WhenwefindFrank,”hecommentedpleasantly.
“You‟renotpartofthisbodyguardunit,”Chetremindedhim.
“Iamnow,”Bentleyassuredhim.HiseyessmoothedoverCappie.“I‟minituntiltheend.”
Cappiehatedtherushofpleasurethatcommentgaveher.SoshedisguiseditbyhuggingBrendaand
promisingtokeepintouch.
CHAPTERNINE
BENTLEYWENTwiththembacktothehotelwhereCappiewasstaying.Heleftthematthedeskto
getaroomforhimself.Hemanagedoneonthesamefloor,twodoorsdown,andthenwentbackto
theotherhotelwherehe‟dbeenstayingtopackhisbagsandcheckout.
“Great,”Cappiemutteredwhentheywerebackinhersuite.“Nowwe‟rereallygoingtobeaparade.”
“He likes you,” Rourke pointed out. “And at this point, the more eyes, the better. He might see
somethingwe‟dmiss.Afterall,heknowswhatFranklookslike.Weonlyhaveamugshot.Andyou
saiditdidn‟treallylookmuchlikehim,”headded,becausehe‟dshownittoherearlier.
“Allright,”shesighed.Shemovedtothewindowandlookeddownatthebusystreet.
“At least Kell‟s in good hands. I wouldn‟t want to walk in on Kilraven, even if he was in a good
mood,withevilintent.”
“There‟sanoddbird,”Rourkecommented.“Wecan‟tevenfindoutwhichbranchofthegovernment
hereallyworksfor,andwe‟vetried.HisbrotherworksfortheFBI,butKilraven‟strueaffiliations
arelessobvious.”
Sheturnedtohim.“IsheCIA?”
“Ifhewas,hewouldn‟tsayso.Andjustfortherecord,”headdedwithagrin,“noCIAofficeaddress
iseverlisted,inanycitywherewehaveoffices.Wedon‟tevenmentionwhichcitiesthoseare.”
“Whatashadowybunchyouare,”shecommented.
Hejustgrinned.“That‟swhywe‟resogoodatwhatwedo.”
“Whatwedo?”sheasked,hittingontheobviousassumption.
“Ididn‟tsayIwasstillwiththem,”hepointedout.
“Youdidn‟tsayyouweren‟t,either,”shereplied.
Hemadeafaceather.
“Atleastmyjobisup-frontandeverybodyknowswhatitis,”Chetsaid.
Theybothlookedathimwithwideeyes.
Heglaredatthem.“I‟mabodyguard!”
“Well,soamI,rightnow,”Rourkesaid.“Butit‟snotwhatIdofull-time.”Hegavetheothermana
narrow-eyedappraisal.“Anditisn‟twhatyoudofull-time,either.”
Chetlookeduncomfortable.
“Whatdoeshedofull-time?”Cappieasked,curious.
“Itinvolveslong-rangeriflesandblackops.”
“Itdoesnot,”Chetmuttered.
“Itusedto.”
“Well,afterIbrokemyleg,IwaslessenthusiasticaboutjumpingoutofBlackhawks,”hemuttered.
“Youbrokebothlegs,Iheard.”
Chetsighed.“Andanarm.Breaksneverhealproperly,evenwithgoodmedicalcare.”
Hesighedagain.“Youtrygettinggoodmedicalcarein…..”Hecaughthimselfandclosedhismouth.
“Iwasn‟tgoingtosayaword,”Rourketoldhim.
“Well,don‟t.I‟moutofcigarettes.I‟mgoingdownthestreetandseeifIcanfindanybodyinthemob
tosellmeapackunderthetable,ifthepolicearen‟tlooking.”
“Smoking‟snotillegal,isit?”Cappieasked.
“Anydaynow,itprobablywillbe,”Chetsaiddespondently.“Can‟tspitwithoutafederalpermitthese
days,”hesaid,andkeptmutteringallthewayoutthedoor.
“Quick,tellme,”CappiesaidtoRourke,“washeasniper?”
“I‟veneverbeensure,”hetoldherwithagrin.“ButheandCashGrierareprettychummy.”
“Shouldthatmeansomething?”
“Grierwasahigh-levelgovernmentassassininhisyoungerdays,butIdidn‟ttellyouthat,”hesaid
firmly.“Somesecretshavetobekepttosaveone‟sskin.”
“Well!”sheexclaimed.“I‟dneverhaveguessed.”
“Neither would most other people. I‟m going down the hall to loiter and see if I see anybody I
recognize.Keepthedoorlockedanddon‟tansweritunlessyourecognizemyvoice,orChet‟s.Got
that?”
Shenodded.“Thanks.”
“WhenIdoajob,Idoajob,”hetoldher.Heclosedthedoorbehindhimwhenheleft.
Shewasjumpy.Withherprotection,sheshouldn‟thavebeen,butshekeptrememberingherlastsight
ofFrankBartlett,cursingherforallhewasworthwhenthejudgeannouncedhissentence.He‟dbeen
yelling vengeance at the top of his lungs, and he‟d almost managed to get away from the sheriff‟s
deputywhohadhiminhandcuffs.Ithadbeenascarymoment.Almostasscaryasthememoryofthe
nighthe‟dbeatenher.
Shewrappedherarmsaroundherribcageandclosedhereyes.Shedidhopethey‟dcatchhimbefore
hegottoher.Surelythejobhe‟ddoneonKellwouldguaranteehimsomequalityprisontime.But
whatifhegotoutagain,afterthat?WouldshehavetoliveherentirelifebeingafraidofFrank?After
all,hecouldgetoutongoodbehavior,nomatterhowlonghissentencewas.Orhecouldhangajury
athisnexttrial.Orhecouldbreakoutofprison.
There were plenty of horrible possibilities, all of which would leave Cappie hiding behind locked
doorsaslongasshelived.Itwasn‟tapossibilityshelookedforwardto.
Thesuddenknockonthedoorbroughtacryofpanictoherlips.Shemovedtowardthedoor,butshe
didn‟ttouchtheknob.“Who…..isit?”shecalled.
“Roomservice.We‟recheckingtoseeifyourveterinarianhasbeendeliveredyet.”
Sheburstoutlaughing.Sheknewthatcurtvoice,aswellassheknewherown.
“Bentley!”Shemovedclosertothedoor.“Idon‟trecallorderingaveterinarian.”
“Well, we‟re delivering one to you anyway, just in case you regret not ordering him later,” he
drawled.
Sheunlockedthedoorandgavehimadrolllook.“Nicetactics.”
Heshrugged.“I‟mdesperate.Youwouldn‟tletmeinifIjustasked.”Helookedbehindherandthe
smilefaded.“Whereareyourbodyguards?”
“ChetwentlookingforcigarettesandRourkeisdownthehallcheckingforintruders.”
“Andyou‟reinherealone.”
“Well,thedoorwaslockeduntilyouaskedtocomein,”shepointedout.
“Fair enough. Want to come downstairs and have coffee and pie with me? Then we can go to see
Kell.”
“Iguessthatwouldbeokay.ButIhavetotellRourkewhereI‟mgoing…..”
“Healreadyknows,”cameanamusedvoicefromthegeneraldirectionofherpurse.
“Howdidyougetinhere?”sheasked,liftingthepurse.
“Ihidamicrophoneinthereearlier,incaseyouescaped.”
“I‟mgoingdownstairstohavecoffeeandpie,thenBentleyandIaregoingtoseeKell.”
“Okay.I‟llbearound.Havefun.Anddon‟thithimwiththepie.Youwillbegoingtoahospital.”
“Onyourwaytoahospitalisthebesttimetohitpeoplewiththings,”sheretorted.
“Therearedoctorsthere.”
“Yes,Iknow,”Bentleyspokeintoherpurse.“Iamone.”
“You‟reaveterinarian,”Rourkeshotback.
“IcantreatinjuriesifIwantto.”
“Trynottolethergiveyouany.”
“Youstopthat,”Cappietoldherpurse.Nobodyanswered.“Hello?”shesaid,lookinginsideit.
“Don‟t do that in public, okay?” Bentley asked as they walked to the door. “There are probably
psychiatristsaroundthehospital,too.”
Sherolledhereyesandwentoutintothehalljustaheadofhim.
Thehospitalcafeteriawascrowded.Theyfoundatable,buttheyhadtoshareitwithanelderlycouple
who‟dcomeallthewayfromtheMexicanbordertovisittheirdaughter,who‟djusthadababy.They
had photographs, and showed every single one to Bentley and Cappie, who made the correct
responsesbetweensipsofcoffeeandbitesofapplepie.
Finallytheelderlycouplefinishedtheirsoftdrinksandwentofftowardtheelevator.
“Aloneatlast,”Bentleyteased.
“One more photograph would have done me in,” she confessed. “I swear, if I ever have a
grandchild…..”
“…..you‟llhaveevenmorephotosthantheydid,andshowthemtototalstrangers,too,”hechuckled.
Sheshruggedandsmiled.“Yes.IguessIwould.”
“Babiesarenice.IusedtothinkI‟dlikeoneortwo,myself.”
“Youdon‟tanymore?”sheasked.
He moved his coffee mug around on the table. “I sort of gave up hope. Until you came along.” He
didn‟tlookatherashesaidit.
Shefelthertoestingle.Shehatedtherushofpleasureshefelt.“Really?”
Helookedup.Hispaleblueeyesmadesparksastheymethers.“Really.”
Shehesitated.
“I never should have believed a man I just met, who sat in my office and told lies about you with
perfectinnocence.But,then,Iwasafraidyouweretoogoodtobetrue.”
“Nobody‟sperfect.”
“Irealizethat.Youdon‟thavetobeperfect.Ijustdon‟twanttogetinovermyheadandgetkickedin
theteethagain.”
“I‟mnotthatsortofperson,”shetoldhim.
Hiseyesnarrowedonherface.“Hereallyhurtyou,didn‟the?”
“IthoughtIlovedhim,”shesaidquietly.“Heseemedtobekindandconsiderate…..butthefirstdate
wehad,hekickedmycat.Ishouldhaveknownthen.Kindpeoplearen‟tcrueltoanimals,ever.Ifound
outlaterthathe‟dbeenabusivetoatleasttwootherwomenhedated,buttheyweretooafraidofhim
topresscharges.”Shesmiledwanly.
“Well,sowasI.ButKellinsisted.HesaidthatFrankmightendupkillingsomeoneifIdidn‟thave
himprosecuted.ThenI‟dhaveitonmyconscience.Ijustdidn‟trealizethatitmightbemethatFrank
killed.”Sheputherfaceinherhands.“Itwon‟teverend.Evenifhegoesbacktotrial,hecouldget
off,ortheycouldreleasehimforgoodbehavior,orhecouldbreakout…..I‟llneverbefreeofhimas
longasIlive.”
“Don‟ttalklikethat,”hesaidsoftly.“Iwon‟tlethimhurtyou.”
Shetookherhandsaway.Shelookedolder.“Whatifhehurtyou?Whatifhekilledyou?Anybody
aroundmewillbeatarget.IalmostputBrendaindangerwithoutevenrealizingit.”
“I‟mnotafraidofthelittleweasel,”hetoldher.“Andyou‟renotgoingtobeafraidofhim,either.
That‟showhecontrolswomen.Withfear.Don‟tgivehimafootholdinyourmind.”
Shebitherlip.“I‟mjustscared,Bentley.”
“Yes,butyoudidtherightthing.Andyou‟lldoitagain,anytimeyouhaveto.Youaren‟tthetypeof
personwhorunsfromtrouble,anymorethanIam.”
“Youthinkso?”
“Iknowso.”
Shesearchedhiseyes.“Iwasscaredtodeathofyou,atfirst.ThenIwasinawreckandyoudroveme
home.”Shesmiled.“Youaren‟tashorribleasyouseem.”
“Thanks.Ithink.”Hesmiledback.
“Okay.I‟llstickitout.IfFrankescapesanotherjailsentence,maybeIcangetRourketohidehimina
jungleoverseas,sodeepthathe‟dneverfindhiswayout.”
“Ahem,”herpursereplied,“IdonotkidnapAmericancitizensandcarrythemoutofthecountryfor
nefariouspurposes.Notevenforprettywomen.”
“Spoilsport,”shetoldhim.
“However,Iknowpeoplewhowould,”headded,withasmileinhisvoice.
“Goodman,”Bentleysaid.
“Why don‟t you marry him?” Rourke asked. “At least he‟d make sure you were never in harm‟s
way.”
“Ifyou‟llgivemeyourboss‟stelephonenumber,”Bentleytoldthepurse,“I‟llcallhimandgiveyou
aglowingrecommendation.”
“Whatapal!”
“Ialways…..”
Bentleystoppedtalkingbecausethreepeoplewerestandingattheirtablewithopenmouths,watching
himspeakintoCappie‟spurse.Heclearedhisthroat.“There,theradio‟sturnedoffnow,”hesaidina
deep,deliberatetone.Hehandedherbackthepurse.
Thethreepeoplelookedsheepish,smiledandleftthecafeteriainabitofarush.
Cappieburstoutlaughing.Bentley‟scheekswerethecolorofbubblegum.
“Quickthinking,there,Dr.Rydel,”Rourkecalledovertheradio.“Wanttocomeworkforus?”
“Goaway,”Cappietoldhim.“Iamnotgoingtoconsidermarryinganybodyinyourlineofwork.”
“Spoilsport,”Rourkesaid.“Shuttingupnow.”
CappiemetBentley‟seyes,andtheybothlaughed.
Kellwasgroggyandquiet.Thepainmusthavebeenprettybad,Cappiethought,oncetheanesthetic
woreoff.Hewasmuchlesstalkativethanhe‟dbeenwhenhewasjustoutoftherecoveryroom.He
waspaleandhelookedasifitwasanefforttosayanythingatall.
Theyonlystayedacoupleofminutes.Kellwasasleepbeforetheygotoutthedoor.
“Doyouthinkitwouldbesafetostepoutsidejustforaminuteandgetabreathofair?”Cappieasked.
“Therearepeopleeverywhere.”
“Idon‟tknow,”Bentleysaid,hiseyesroving.
“Rourke,whatdoyouthink?”sheaskedherpurse.
Buttherewasnoreply.Shelookedaround.Shedidn‟tseeRourkeorChet.Thatwasodd.They‟dbeen
visibleeveryminutesinceshecametoSanAntonio.
“Maybeitwouldbeallright,”shesaid.“Ijustwanttostretchmylegsforaminute.”
“All right,” Bentley said. “But you stay close to me.” He slid his big hand into her small one and
closeditwarmly.“I‟lltakecareofyou.”
Shesmiledwearilyandlaidherheadagainsthisshoulderforaminute.“Okay.”
Theywalked out intothe cold nightair. The sidewalk wascrowded. Traffic passedby. There was a
policemanonthecorner,leaningbackagainstastorefront,talkingintoacellphone.Nearby,twomen
insuitsweretalking,oblivioustopassersby.
Allaroundthem,neonsignsandholidaylightsbrightenedthedarkness.“It‟salmostChristmas,”she
exclaimed.“Withallthat‟shappened,Iforgot.”Shegrimaced.“Wewon‟tgettoopenpresentsunder
thetreethisyear.KellwillneverbeabletogohomebyChristmasEve.”
“Thenwe‟llputupasmalltreeinhisroomandtransferthepresentsupherefromJacobsville,”he
promisedher.“We‟llhaveChristmashere.”
Shelookedupathimwithsoft,quieteyes.“We?”
Hisjawtautened.“I‟mnotleavingyouagain.Notevenforaday,”hesaidhuskily.
Thewordsmadetearsbriminhereyes.Thewayhesaiditwassopoignant,sopassionate.Hedidn‟t
evenneedtosaywhathewasfeeling.Shereaditinhisface.
Hepulledherintohisarmsandheldherclose,huggedhertight,buriedhisfaceinherlong,softhair.
“Marryme.”
Sheclosedhereyes.“Yes.Yes!”shewhispered.
Hischestroseandfellheavily.“Ofalltheplacestogetengaged,”hegroaned.“Withathousandeyes
watching.”
“Itdoesn‟tmatter,”shewhispered.
No,hethought.Itdidn‟t.
“Holdhim!I‟llgether!”
ThevoicescamesuddenlyintowhatwasthesweetestdreamofCappie‟slife.Shewassorelaxed,so
happy,thatittookprecioussecondsforhertorealizewhatwasabouttohappen.ShefeltBentleytorn
fromherarms.Twomenwerepullinghisarmsbehindhim.Aviolentjerkbroughtheraroundastwo
bruisinghandscaughthershouldersandtwistedthem.
Aboveher,FrankBartlett‟sangry,contortedfeaturescameintoview,hisnarrowdarkeyespromising
retribution.
“Gotyouatlast,didn‟tI?”hegrowled.“Now,you‟regoingtopayforwhatyoudidtome!”
Shecriedoutandtriedtopullawayfromhim,buthishandsweretoostrong.Hedrewonebackand
slappedherashardashecould,sohardthatshestaggeredandwouldhavefallenifhehadn‟tjerked
herbackupbrutallywiththeotherhand.
Herfacestunglikefire.Therewouldbeabruise.Butitonlymadehermad.Shedrewbackherhigh-
heeledfootandkickedhiminthecalfmuscleashardasshecould.Heyelledinpainandslappedher
again.Butbeforehecoulddrawbackanothertime,hesuddenlywentdownunderavicioustackle.
“That‟stheway,brother!”cameacheeringcryfromthesidelines.
“Gogethim!”cameanotherheartyvoice.
BentleywasknockingthestuffingoutofFrankBartlett,hisbigfistsmakingtheotherman,amatch
forhimpoundforpound,cryoutinpain.
“Now isn‟t he talented?” Rourke murmured as he drew a shaky Cappie back from the crowd. He
lookedatherbruisedfaceandwinced.“Sorrywedidn‟trushrightin,butwewantedtomakesurewe
hadplentyofwitnessesandanexcellentcasefortheprosecution.”
HejerkedhisheadtowardChetandthetwomeninsuits.TheyhadthetwomenwithFranksubdued
andhandcuffed.Theuniformedofficerwho‟dbeenonthecornerwasstandingwiththem.
“We had you staked out,” Rourke told her. “I wouldn‟t have done it this way, if there had been any
otherchoice.”
She reached up and patted his cheek. “You did good, Dead-Eye,” she said with a smile, and winced
whenithurt.“I‟mgoingtolooklikeanaccidentvictimforafewdays,I‟mafraid.”
“Nodoubtaboutthat.Yourpoorface!”
SheglancedbacktowardFrank.Bentleywasstillpoundinghim.“Shouldn‟tyousaveBentley?”
“Bentley?”heexclaimed.
“Fromahomicidecharge,Imean,”sheclarified.
“Oh.Right.Probablyshould.”
He moved forward and pulled Bentley off the other man. It took some doing. The veterinarian was
obviouslyreluctanttogiveuphispastime.
“Now,now,”Rourkecalmedhim,“wehavetohaveenoughlefttoprosecute.Besides,Cappieneeds
someTLC.She‟sprettybruised.”
Bentley was catching his breath as he walked quickly back to Cappie. He winced at the sight of her
face.“Mypoorbaby,”heexclaimed,bendingtokissherbruisedcheekwithexquisitetenderness.“Let
mejustgobackoverthereandhithimonemoretime…..!”
“No,”sheprotested,grabbinghissuitcoat.“Rourke‟sright,wehavetohaveenoughofhimleftto
prosecute.Bentley,youweremagnificent!”
“Sowereyou,kickinghimintheleg,”hechuckled.
“Iguesswemakeaprettygoodteam,”shemused.
“Youcansaythatagain.”
Sheputahandtohercheek.“Boy,thatstings.”
“Itlookslikehell.You‟llhavetoseeadoctor.”
“Fortunately there are plenty of those right inside,” Rourke came back in time to reply. “See the
letters?Theyspellouthospital.”
Shedrewbackafist.
Rourkeheldupbothhands.“Now,now,I‟monyourside.”Henoddedtowardoneofthemeninsuits
whohadalongblackponytail.“Recognizehim?”
Shefrowned.“No…..”
“That‟sDetectiveSergeantRickMarquez,”hetoldher.“Hewasjustonhiswaytotheoperawhenwe
phoned and said an assault with intent was going down in front of the hospital. He broke speed
recordsgettinghere.”
“Howkindofhim,”Cappiesaid.
“Notreally.Healwaysgoestotheoperaalone.Hecan‟tgetwomen.”
“But,whynot?”shewondered.“He‟sadish.”
“Hecarriesagun,”Rourkepointedout.
“Youcarryagun.”
“Ican‟tgetwomen,either.”
“Whatashame.”
Hemovedcloser.“I‟mavailable.”
ShelaughedasBentleysteppedinfrontofher,glowering.
“Wait,scratchthat,Ijustremembered,I‟mnotavailable,”Rourkesaidquickly.
“Evenifyouwere,she‟snot,”Bentleysaid.
“Thereyouare,again,startingtrouble,”RickMarquezchuckled,joiningthem.HelookedatCappie‟s
faceandgrimaced.“Damn,I‟msorrywedidn‟tgetheresooner,”heapologized.“Icouldn‟tgetacab
andIhadtorunalltheway.”
“Fortunatelyyou‟reingreatshape,”Rourkesaid.
“FortunatelyIam,”Marquezagreed.“WhatareyouandBillingsdoinghere?”
“Trading favors with Eb Scott.” Rourke grinned. “We‟re bodyguards. Well, not anymore. Not now
thatyouhavethosethreejackalsincustody.”
Marquezmovedastepclosertohim.“HowabouttellingChetthathe‟snotallowedtosmokehere?”
“Whydon‟tyoutellhim?”Rourkeasked,surprised.
“Toomanywindowsoverlookmyapartment,”cametheamusedreply.“Hemightnotbeabletoresist
thetemptationtogeteven.”
“Goodpoint.I‟lljustpassthatalong.Aboutthesmoking!”Rourkeaddedquickly.
“Anyway,hewouldn‟tshootyou.He‟snotsanctioned.”
“Yet,”Marquezenunciated.
Rourkeshrugged,grinnedandwenttofindhispartner.
“Theyreallyweregreat,”Cappietoldthedetective.“I‟veneverfeltsafer.Well,untiltonight.”
“Weletyouwalkintothetrap,”Marquezrepliedquietly.“Itwastheonlywaywecouldguaranteea
caseagainstBartlettthathecouldn‟tescape.Hissortdoesn‟tgiveup.”
“Yes,buthecouldgetoutagain…..”
“He won‟t,” Marquez said curtly. “I promise you that. See that guy I was standing with? He‟s the
assistantD.A.whoputFrankawayinthefirstplace.”
“Ithoughthelookedfamiliar,”Cappiereturned.
“He cursed a blue streak because the judge gave him such an easy sentence. He‟s been working
behindthescenestogetdepositionsincaseFrankslipped.”Hegrinned.“AnddidFrankeverslip!In
front of all these witnesses, too.” He indicated the uniformed officer, and two others who‟d joined
him,whowerequestioningbystanders.“Frankisgoingbackinjailforalongtime.”
“Whatabouthisfriends?”Cappieasked.
“Iknowwhattheyhelpedhimdotoyourbrother.Wecouldn‟thaveprovedit,before,butI‟mbetting
oneofthemwillbehappytoturnstate‟sevidenceinreturnforareducedsentence.”
“Meanwhile,”Bentleysaid,slidinganaffectionatearmaroundCappie,“we‟regoingtohaveanice
ChristmascelebrationwithKellinthehospitalandthenplanawedding.”
“Awedding?”Marquezsighed.“IusedtothinkI‟dfindanicewomansomedaywholikedcopsand
opera, who‟d love to marry me. But, I‟m really happy to be single. I mean, I have all sorts of free
time,andIgettowatchwhatevertelevisionprogramsIlike,andTV
dinnersarejustwonderful.Infact,IthinkImightliketodocommercialsforthem.”Hesmiled.
“Theyhavepsychiatristsinthere,don‟tthey?”Bentleyasked,noddingtowardthehospital.
Marquezglaredathim.“I‟mhappy,Isaid!Ilovelivingalone!Ineverwantmyprivatelifemessedup
bysomesweet,lovingwomanwhocancook!”
“Anybodygotastraitjacket?”Bentleyasked.
Marquezthrewuphishandsandwalkedaway.
Cappie felt her face begin to throb. Tears stung her eyes. “Could we go back inside and find the
emergencyroom,youthink?”sheaskedBentley.
“Rightthisminute,”hesaidwithobviousconcern.
Marquezfollowedtheminside.“I‟vegotmydigitalcamerawithme,”hesaid,suddenlyallbusiness.
“Wewanttogetphotos,tomakesureajuryseeswhatFrankdidtoyou.”
“Bemyguest,”Cappiereplied.“ButthenIwantaspirinandanicepack!”
“You can come down to my office in the morning to give me a statement. For now, we‟ll get the
photosandhaveadoctorlookatyourface.Afterthat,youcanevenhaveabeerifyoulike,andI‟ll
buy,”Marquezpromised.
Shemadeaface.“Sorry,butI‟dratherhavetheicepack.”
Bentley‟sarmcontracted.“ThenwehavetofindsomewaytokeepKellfromseeingyourpoorface,
untilhe‟sthroughtheworstofhisownordeal.”
“Yes,wedo,”shesaid.“Thatisn‟tgoingtobeeasy.”
Marquez, seeing the bruising increase by the second, had to agree. And she didn‟t know yet how it
wasgoingtolookadaylater.Buthedid.
TheydidtakeX-raysofCappie‟sface.Marquezgothisphotosandleft.Thedoctortreatinghercame
backintothecubiclewheresheandBentleywerewaitinginthebusyemergencyroom.
“There are two small broken bones,” he said. “I want you to take these X-rays to your primary
physician and let him refer you to a good plastic surgeon. Meanwhile, I‟m going to write you
somethingforpain.Keepiceontheswelling.Nothingisgoingtodisguisethebruises,I‟mafraid.”
HeglancedcuriouslyatBentley.
“I didn‟t do it,” Bentley said easily. “The man who did was taken away in a squad car, with his
accomplices,andhe‟sgoingtobeprosecutedtothefullextentofthelaw.ThoseX-raysweaskedfor
acopyofaregoingtohelpputhimaway.”
Theyoungresidentnoddedsomberly.“Iseefartoomanyinjurieslikethis.Aboyfriend?”hequeried.
“No,”Cappiesaidheavily.“Anex-boyfriendwhospentsixmonthsinjailforbreakingmyarm,”she
added.“Hegotoutandcamelookingforme.Thistime,Ihopehe‟llstayasaguestofthestatefor
muchlonger.”
“I‟ll be happy to testify,” the resident said. He pulled a card out of his wallet and handed it to her.
“Thathappenstoooften,youknow,abrutalmanseekingrevenge.Wehadayoungwomankilleda
fewweeksagoforthesamething.”
Cappiefeltsicktoherstomach.
Bentleyputhisarmaroundher.“Nobody‟skillingyou,”hesaid.
Sheleanedherheadagainsthim.“Thanks.”
TheytooktheextraX-rayinitsenvelope,paidthebillandlefttheemergencyroom,hand-in-hand.
“DoyouwanttogoandseeKelltonight?”Bentleyasked.
Sheshookherhead,wincing,becauseithurt.“I‟mtoosick.Ijustwanttoliedown.”
Shelookedup.“WillyougowithmetoMarquez‟sofficeinthemorning?”
“You‟dbetterbelieveIwill.”
“Thanks.”
His arm contracted around her. “Not necessary. Let‟s get you back to your room. It‟s been a long
day.”
“Tellmeaboutit,”shemused.Atleast,shethought,herordealwasoverforthemoment.Tomorrow
shecouldworryaboutthedetails,includingtellingpoorKellwhathadhappened.
CHAPTERTEN
CAPPIEGROANEDatherownreflectioninthehotelmirrorwhensheclimbedoutofbedthenext
morning.Onewholesideofherfacewasabrilliantpurple,andswollentoboot.
“Youokayinthere?”
Shesmiled.Bentleyhadinsistedonsleepingonthesofainthesuite,justincase.
RourkeandChetwerealreadyupandpackingtheirthingsforthetripbacktoJacobsville.
CappieandBentleywerestayingforanotherdayortwo,whileshegavestatementstothepoliceand
lookedafterKell.
“Ithinkso,”shesaid.“Ijustcan‟tbeartolookatmyself.”
“I‟ll bet Chet knows exactly how that feels!” Rourke called from the doorway of the room he and
Chethadshared.
“Willyoushutup?”Chetmuttered.
“Now,that‟sagoodexampleofhowmuchworkyourdiplomaticskillsneed,”Rourkeadmonished.
“I‟mthroughtryingtobediplomatic,”Chetsaidcurtly.“I‟mgoingbacktothecompanyandletthem
sendmeoffonloneassignments,allbymyself.AnywhereIdon‟thavetotrytobenicetopeople!”
“Yes,andyoucantakethosesmokeswithyou,”Rourkeadded.“Havingtosharearoomwithyouis
punishmentenoughforanylawbreaker!Man,youreek!”
“Cigarettesmokeisbeneficial,”Chettoldhim.
“Itisnot!”
“Ifyourquarrysmokes,youcansmellhimfromfivehundredmeters,”Chetreturned,andheactually
smiled.
Rourke‟sjawdropped.He‟dneverseentheothermansmile.
Chetgavehimahaughty,arrogantstare,pickeduphisbagandwalkedout.“Hopethingsgowellfor
you,MissDrake,”hesaidasshecameoutofherroomwrappedinathickrobe.Hewinced.“Itwill
lookmuchbetterinaweekorso,”heassuredher.
Shetriedtosmile,butithurttoomuch.“Thanksforhelpingkeepmealive,Chet.”
“Mypleasure.SeeyoubackatScott‟splace,Rourke.”
“Youwaitforme—I‟mnotpayingcabfarebacktoJacobsvilleallalone,”Rourkesaid.Hepickedup
hisownbag,shookhandswithBentleyandbenttokissCappie‟sundamagedcheek.“Ifheeverwalks
outonyou,justgetwordtome,andI‟llbringhimbacktoyouinanet,”hesaidinastagewhisper.
“Thanks,Rourke.ButIdon‟tthinkthatwilleverhappen.”
Bentleysmiled.“Icanguaranteeitwon‟t.”
“Cheers,then.Seeyou.”
Theywavedthetwomenoff.Bentleystudiedherpoor,damagedfacewarily.“Iwishtherehadbeen
somewaytopreventthat.”
“Me,too.Butit‟sinsurance.Let‟sgetbreakfast.ThenwecangodowntoDetectiveMarquez‟soffice
andstartgivingstatements.Later,”sheaddedreluctantly,“wecangoseeKellandtrynottoupsethim
toomuchwhenwetellhimwhathappened.”
“Suitsme.”
DetectiveMarquez had asmall office ina big department. Itwas noisy andpeople seemed to come
andgoconstantly.Thephonesrangoffthehook.
“Thislookslikethosecrimeshowsontelevision,”Cappieremarked.
Marquezchuckled.“It‟smuchworse.Youcan‟tgetfiveminutes‟peacetotypeupareport.”Hegot
uptoretrievethereporthe‟dtypedatthecomputerashequestionedher.Hetookitoutoftheprinter
tray and handed it to her. “Check over that, if you will, and see if I‟ve got it right.” He pulled out
anotherone.“Thisone‟sforyou,Dr.Rydel.”Hehandedthevetanothersheetofpaper.
Theywentovertheirstatements,madeacoupleofcorrections.Marquezinsertedthecorrectionsand
printedthestatementsoutagain.Theysignedthem.
“I‟llbetFrank‟sfoamingatthemouth,”Cappiemused.
“He really is, but this time he‟s not going to fool any jury into thinking he‟s the injured party,”
Marquezassuredher.
“I‟llbetthatjudgeisfeelingbadaboutnow,”Bentleymuttered.
“Thejudgedidfeelbad,”Marquezagreed.“Sodidthedistrictattorney,especiallyafterFrankandhis
cohorts beat up your brother. The whole justice system here in San Antonio went into overdrive to
catchtheperp.”
“Really?”Cappieasked,surprised.
“Really.Theassistantdistrictattorneywhoprosecutedyourcasewasinthevanguard.”
“Somebodyneedstotakehimoutforabigsteakdinner,”Cappiecommented.
“I‟m taking him out for one, at my mother‟s café in Jacobsville,” he chuckled. “Of course, he‟s
eligibleandsoismymother.”
“Iseewheelsturninginyourhead,”Cappiesaid.
Hegrinned.“Always,”Marquezsaideasily.“HeandIhaveworkedseveralcasestogether.Ilikehim.”
“Me,too,”Cappiesaid.Shehesitated.“Frankwon‟tgetoutuntilthetrial,willhe?”
Marquez shook his head. “The assistant D.A. is having the bond set in the six-figure range. I don‟t
thinkFrankknowsabailbondsmanwho‟lltakeachanceonhimforthatamountofmoney.”
“Let‟shopenot,”Bentleysaid.
Marquezgavehimakeenglance.“He‟llprobablystayinjailvoluntarily,tokeepfromhavingyou
comeathimagain.Thatwassometackle.”
Bentleyshrugged.“Iusedtoplayfootballincollege.”
“Iplayedsoccer.Don‟tgettodomuchtackling,butIcanknockaballhalfablockwithmyhead.”
“Isthatwhyitlooksthatway?”afamiliarvoicedrawledfromthecubicledoorway.
“Kilraven,”Marquezgrumbled,“willyoustopstalkingme?”
“I‟m not stalking you,” the tall man said easily. “I‟m just waiting for you to answer my ten phone
calls,sixvoicemailsandtwentye-mails.”Hegloweredattheyoungerman.
Marquezhelduphishands.“Okay.JustletmefinishupwithMissDrakeandDr.
RydelandI‟llberightwithyou.Honest.”
“Nohurry,”Kilravensaid,smiling.“I‟llbestandingrightouthere,intimidatinglawbreakers.”
“ThanksforlookingoutforKell,”Cappietoldhim.
“Whatarefriendsfor?”heasked.
“Howwouldyouknow,Kilraven,youdon‟thaveanyfriends,”apassingdetectivedrawled.
“Ihavelotsoffriends!”
“Oh,yeah?Nameone.”
“Marquez!”
“He‟syourfriend?”thedetectiveaskedMarquez,stickinghisheadintothecubicle.
“Heisnot,”Marquezsaidwithoutlookingupasheglancedoverthestatementsonelasttime.
“Iamso,”Kilravensaidinasurlytone.
Marquezgavehimaspeakingglance.
Kilravenmovedbackoutofthecubicle,mutteringtohimselfinsomeforeignlanguage.
“I know what that means in Arabic,” Marquez called after him. “Your brother speaks Farsi fluently
andhetaughtmewhatthosewordsmean!”
Arollingbarrageinyetanotherlanguagecameliltingintothecubicle.
“What‟sthat?”Marquezasked.
Kilravenpokedhisheadinandgrinned.“Lakota.AndJoncan‟tteachyouthat—hedoesn‟tspeakit.
Ha!”
Heleft.
Marquezgrimaced.
“He‟sreallyverynice,”Cappiesaid.
Marquezleanedtowardher.“Heis,butI‟mnotsayingitoutloud.”Hisexpressionbecamesomber.
“I‟mworkingonacoldcasewithhimandanotherdetective,”hesaidquietly.“Itinvolveshim.He‟s
impatient,becausewegotanewlead.”
Bentleynoddedquietly.“Iknowaboutthatone.Oneofmyvettechsismarriedtothebestfriendof
ourlocalsheriff.Ihearmostofwhat‟sgoingon.”
“Tragiccase,”Marquezagreed.“Buthopefullywe‟regoingtocrackit.”
Bentleygottohisfeet,tuggingCappieupwithhim.Hewincedassheturnedtowardhim.
“IappreciatethecopiesofthoseX-rays,”Marquezadded,walkingoutwiththem.
“EverythingwecanthrowagainstBartlettwillhelpputhimaway.”
“He‟dbetterhopehenevergetsout,”Cappiesaid.“Mybrotherwillbewaitingforhimifhedoes.”
Marquez chuckled. “If it hadn‟t been three to one against, and your brother hadn‟t been in a
wheelchair,I‟dprobablybehelpingdefendhimonhomicidecharges.”
“Nodoubt,”Bentleyrepliedsomberly.
Cappiefrowned.“IsthereaconversationgoingonthatIdon‟tknowanythingabout?”
sheasked.
Bentley and Marquez exchanged covert glances. “Just commenting on your brother‟s justifiable
anger,”Bentleytoldhereasily.Hecaughtherfingersinhis.“Let‟sgoseeyourbrotherandtellhim
he‟sabouttohaveanewbrother-in-law.”
Kellwasalittlebetter,untilhesawCappie‟sface.Hesworebrilliantly.
“Iknowhowyoufeel,”Bentleysaid.“Butforwhatit‟sworth,Bartlettprobablylooksmuchworse.It
tooktwodetectivestopullmeoffhim.”
Kellbrightened.“Goodman.”Hewincedathissister‟sface,though.“I‟msosorry.”
“I‟llheal.”Shedidn‟tmentionthepotentialsurgeryshemighthavetoundergo.Therewasnoneedto
worryhimevenmore.“DetectiveMarquezsaidthatFrankwon‟tgetoutforalongtime.Heexpects
one of Frank‟s accomplices to turn state‟s evidence. If they charge him with battery on both of us,
he‟lldosomeserioustime.”
“I expected Hayes Carson to show up here and ask me for a statement for what Frank did to me in
ComancheWells,”hemurmured.
“Iimaginehe‟sgivingyoutimetogetoverthesurgery,”Cappiesaid.
“Probablyso.”
“Haveyouspokentothesurgeonyet?”Cappieasked.
Hesmiled.“Yes.He‟soptimistic,especiallysinceIhavefeelinginmylegsnow.”
“Atleastsomethinggoodmaycomeoutofallthismisery,”shesaidgently.
KellwaslookingatBentley.“Justbeforewecameupheretothehospital,shesaidshedidn‟twantto
liveinatownthatalsocontainedyou.Youtoldmepartofthestory,butnotanymorethanyouhadto.
Shewasgoingtoexplain,thentheyknockedmeoutwithashot.Caretocomment?”
“Imadeastupiddecision,”Bentleysaidwithasigh.“Iexpecttobeapologizingforitfortherestof
mylife.Butshe‟sgoingtomarrymeanyway.”Hegaveheratendersmile,whichshereturned.“Ican
eatcrowateverymeal,forhoweverlongittakes.”
“IstoppedbeingmadatyouwhileyouwerebeatingthestuffingoutofFrankBartlett,”shepointed
out.
He glanced at his bruised, swollen knuckles. “I‟ll have permanent mementoes of the occasion, I
expect.”
“You‟regettingmarried?”Kellasked.
“Yes,”Cappiesaid.Shetouchedherfacegingerly.“Notuntiltheswellinggoesdown,though.”
“AndnotuntilI‟mabletowalkdowntheaisleandgiveyouaway,”Kellinterjected.
Bentleypursedhislips.“IcouldgetChetandRourketocarryyoudowntheaisletogiveheraway,”
heoffered.
“ThelastweddingChetwentto,hespentthenightinjailforincitingariot,”Kellpointedout.
Cappiefrowned.“ExactlyhowwelldoyouknowChetandRourke?”sheaskedpointedly.
Hegroaned.“Oh.Thepain.Ineedtorest.Ireallycan‟ttalkanymorerightnow.”
Cappie‟seyesnarrowedonthedripcatheter.“Doesn‟tthatthingautomaticallyinjectpainkillerinto
thedripwhileyou‟repost-surgical?”sheasked.
Kellkepthiseyesclosed.“Idon‟tknow.Ifeelterrible.Youhavetoleavenow.”Heopenedoneeye.
“Youcancomebacklater,whenI‟llbemuchbetteraslongasyoudon‟taskpotentiallyembarrassing
questions.Ifyoudo,Imayhavearelapse.”
“Allright,”Cappiesighed.
Hebrightened.“BegoodandI‟lltellyouhowtogetpasttheHuntersinODST.”
“Cashtoldyou?”sheasked.
Hechuckledandwinced,becausemovinghurt.“Notwithoutabribe.”
“Whatsortofbribe?”
“RememberthatoldBetteDavismovie,whereshemurdersherloverandthenhastoblackmailthe
man‟swidowoveraletterthatcouldconvicther?”heasked.
“Yes.It‟scalledTheLetter…..it‟soneofmyfavorite…..”Shestopped.“Youdidn‟t!”
“Hey,it‟snotasifyouwatchitthatmuch,”Kellprotested.
“Kell!”
“DoyouwanttogetpasttheHunters,ordon‟tyou?”heasked.
Shesighed.“IguessIcanalwaysfindanothercopyofitsomewhere.”
“That‟sanicesister,”Kellsaid.
“If I buy you another one,” Bentley interrupted, “will you tell me how to get past the Hunters?” he
askedher.
Theyalllaughed.
Two weeks later, Kell was walking down the hall, wobbling a little, in his pajamas and robe while
Cappieheldhimup.Theswellinginhercheekhadgonedown,butitstillhadayellowishtingetoit.
Kellwasmuchbetter.Hewaslearninghowtowalkalloveragain,courtesyoftherehabdepartment
intheJacobsvillehospital.
“Thisisslow,”hemuttered.
“It is not,” Bentley retorted, and the sound of gunfire came from the television in the living room.
“Ha!That‟soneHunterdown!”
“Rubitin,”shecalled.“Itwasn‟tevenyourfavoritemovieyouhadtosacrificetolearnhowtodo
that!”
“Iboughtyouanewone.It‟sintheDVDplayer,”hecalledback.
“Fatlotofgoodit‟sdoingme,sincethatgameconsolehasn‟tbeenoffforfiveminutesallday,”she
muttered.
“Stoppickingonmyfuturebrother-in-law,”Kellchided.“Itisn‟teverymanwhocanmaketortillas
fromscratch.”
“Heonlydidittobutteryouup,”shetoldhim.
“Itworked.When‟sthewedding,again?”
“Threeweeksfromnow.MicahSteelesaysyou‟llbeabletomanagethechurchaislewithjustacane
bythen.Andwecanhopetherewon‟tbealargeanimalemergencyanywhereinthecountyduringthe
ceremony!”sheraisedhervoice.
“I‟m borrowing a vet from San Antonio to cover the practice for me until we‟re back from our
honeymoon in Cancún,” he said. They‟d picked the exotic spot because it had been the dream of
Cappie‟slifetoseeChichenItza,theMayanruin.
“Ihopethevetknowshe‟scoveringforyou,”shesaid.
Hechuckled.“Hedoes.”
“Theguestlistjustkeepsgrowing,”Cappiesighed.“I‟vealreadysentoutfiftyinvitations.”
“DidyouputMarquezandtheassistantD.A.onthelist?”
“Yes,”shesaid.“AndRourkeandChet,too.”
Kellgroaned.
“Chetwon‟tstartanyriots.I‟llhaveatalkwithhim,”shepromised.“Theytookgoodcareofmein
SanAntonio,”sheadded.
“Yes,butIwastheonewhotookdownFrank,”Bentleycalled.“Canyoubelievethatlittleweaseltried
tosuemeforassault?”headdedhuffily.
“Hedidn‟tgetasfarasfirstbase,”Kellassuredhim.“BlakeKemphadalongtalkwithhisattorney.”
“WhywouldourD.A.betalkingtoadefenseattorneyinSanAntonio?”Cappiewantedtoknow.
“Becausethedefenseattorneywasn‟tawareofthefamilialconnectionsofthedefendant‟sassailant,”
Bentleymurmured.“Ha!TherewentanotherHunter!”heexclaimed.
Cappieblinked.“Familialconnections…..?”
Kellleaneddowntoherear.“Don‟task.Theupshotisthatthelawsuitisgoingnowhere.Fast.”
CappiewasstillstaringatBentley.“Whatfamilialconnections?”shepersisted.
“Thegovernorismyfirstcousin.Ha!Anotherone!”
“Ourgovernor?”sheexclaimed.
“Weonlyhaveone.Thisgameisgreat!”
Cappiesighed.Shelookedupatherhandsomebigbrother.“Thegameisnotgoingwithusonour
honeymoon,”shesaidfirmly.
Bentleygaveheraroguishglance.“NotevenifItellyouhowtogetpasttheHunters?”
“Well,inthatcase,maybeIcouldreconsider,”shechuckled.
Kelldidmakeitdowntheaislewithacane.ThelittlecountrychurchinComancheWellswasfilledto
capacity. Only people they knew got an invitation, but there was still standing room only. A good
manyoftheguestswereinuniform,eithermilitaryorlawenforcement,ononesideofthechurch,
while a number of Eb Scott‟s guys were seated across the aisle from them. Covert glares were
exchanged.DownthecenteraislemarchedCappieinherlovelywhitegownwithwhatseemedacres
oflaceandaprettyfingertipveil.Shewascarryingabouquetofyellowrosesandwearingasmile
thatwentfromeartoear.
SheheldontoKell‟sarmtightly,soproudofhisprogressthatshebeamedwithhappiness.Hewas
already talking about a new job working for Eb Scott at his anti-terrorism school. She was really
curiousabouthowwellherbrotherseemedtoknowanynumberofEb‟semployees,butshehadn‟t
madeanycomments.ShewasstillindebtedtoEbforlendingherChetandRourke,whowereseated
togetherinthefrontofthechurch.Aroundthemwereherformerandpresentcoworkers,including
KeelyandBooneSinclair.Boone‟ssister,Winnie,wasbeingwatchedwithrealintensitybyKilraven,
dressedinanexpensivesuitintherowbehindher.
She and Kell stopped at the altar, where he gave her hand to Bentley. He was beaming, too, so
handsomethatCappiejustsighed,lookingupathimwithgrayeyesthatadoredhim.
The wedding service was brief, but poignant. Bentley lifted the veil and bent to kiss her with such
tendernessthatshehadtofighttears.
Thenheledherdowntheaisletothebackofthechurch.Thepeoplewhohadn‟tbeenabletosqueeze
into the church were waiting outside with what seemed like buckets of rice and confetti. They were
totally drenched in both as they ran to the white limousine that was to take them to the town civic
center,forthereception.
Theyfedeachothercake,posedforweddingpicturesandgenerallyhadawonderfultime.Therewas
a live band and they danced together to a slow, romantic tune, which lasted for all of two minutes
beforeCashGrier,withhisbeautifulwife,Tippy,signaledtothebandleader.
Thereweregrins,afanfareandthenafuriousanddeliciousrenditionoftheclassictune“Brazil.”But
Cashdidn‟tstartdancing,aseveryoneexpectedhimto.HeglancedtowardBentleywithachuckleand
aflourish.
BentleygaveCappieawickedlook.“Shallwe?”
“But,Bentley,youcan‟tdance…..canyou?”sheexclaimed.
“Icouldn‟t,”heconfessed,takingherontothedancefloor.“ButCashgavemelessons.Okay.One,
two…..three!”
He twirled her around in the most professional sort of way, in a mixture of samba, cha-cha and
mambothatshefollowedwithconsummateeasewhilepeopleonthesidelinesbegantoclap.
“You‟reterrific!”Cappiepanted.
“Soareyou,gorgeous,”hechuckled.“Arewegood,orwhat?”
About a day and a half later, they repeated the same exact dialog to each other, but for a totally
differentreason.
LyingexhaustedandbathedinsweatinahugedoublebedinabeachfronthotelinCancún,theycould
barelymove.
“AndIthoughtyoudancedwell!”shelaughed.“You‟rejustamazing!”
“Why,thankyou,”hedrawled,grinning.“MayIreturnthecompliment?”
“Yes,well,IthinkI‟maquickstudy,”shesighed.
“Notsonervousanymore,Inotice,”hemurmured.
Shelaughed.Shewasalmostabasketcaseofnerveswhentheycheckedintothehotelthatafternoon.
She loved Bentley, but she had no real idea of what it was going to be like when they were alone
together.Buthewasunderstanding,patientandgentleashecradledherinhisarmsinabigeasychair
andfedhershrimpfromabigplatterofseafoodthatroomservicehadbroughtup.Ofcourse,he‟d
also fed her champagne in increasing amounts, until she was so relaxed that nothing he suggested
seemedtodisturbher.
Slow,tenderkissesgrewslowerandmoreinsistent.Hecoaxedheroutofherclothingwithsuchease
thatshebarelynoticeduntilshefeltthecoolaironherskin.Eventhen,thewayhewastouchingher
wassoelectrifyingthatheronlyconsciousthoughtwastoseehowmuchclosertohimshecouldget.
Therewasonelittleflashofpain,easilyforgottenashekissedherwithdelicatesensualityandlifted
herbackintothefieryhungerthehesitationhadbrieflyinterrupted.Hermindhadgoneintoeclipse
whileherbodydemandedandpleadedforanendtothetensionwhichhebuiltinhersoeffortlessly.
Finally,finally,shefellovertheedgeofitintoablazingheatoffulfillmentthatexceededherwildest
expectations.
“AndIusedtothinkyouwerereserved!”shelaughed.
“OnlywhenI‟mwearingawhitelabcoat,”hemurmureddrowsily.Heopenedhiseyes,rolledover
andstudiedherprettypinknuditywithlazyappreciation.“Wouldyoulikemetogetupandputona
labcoat,andbereserved?”
“I would not,” she retorted, pulling him back down. She kissed him intensely. “I‟d like you to be
unreservedalloveragain,startingrightnow.”
Heslidoverher,hishair-roughenedchestgrazingthehardtipsofherprettybreasts.
“Ican‟tthinkofanythingI‟denjoymore,Mrs.Rydel.”
Shewouldhaveansweredhimback,butshewasmuchtooinvolvedforspeech.
TheywanderedthroughtheruinsatChichenItzahandinhand,fascinatedastheystrolledaroundthe
wide plain that contained the pyramidal Castillo and the other buildings that made up the Mayan
complex.
“Itmusthavelookedmuchdifferentwhenitwasoccupied,allthosehundredsofyearsago,”Cappie
mused,hereyeseverywhere.
“There were probably even more people,” he chuckled, glancing at the crowds of tourists that
abounded,eventhistimeofyear.Hehandedherhishugewaterbottleandwaitedforhertotakeasip
beforehefollowedsuit.Thebustripherewashourslong,anditwouldbeafterdarkbeforetheygot
backtotheirhotel.Itwassomethingthey‟dbothwantedtosee.
“It‟salotdifferent,beinghere,thanseeingitontelevision,”sheremarked.
“Mostthingsare,”hereplied.“Untiltheycandiscoverawaytoletyoutouchandsmelldistantruins,
itwon‟tbeasmuchfuntowatchitonasmallscreen.”
She stopped and looked up at him with her heart in her gray eyes. “I never thought being married
wouldbesomuchfun.”
Hehugged her close.“And we‟re onlyat the beginning ofour marriage,” heagreed, his blue eyes
softastheyscannedherface.“Ihopewehaveahundredyearsaheadofus.”
“Me,too.”Shepressedintohisarmsandclosedhereyes.“Me,too,Bentley.”
Shewentbacktoworkforhiminthepractice.She‟darguedthatifKeely,whowashappilymarried
andwell-off,couldkeepworking,shecould,too.Hehadn‟tprotestedtoomuch.Itdelightedhimtobe
abletoseeheralldaylong.
“Don‟tyouwantacat?”Keelycoaxedtheweekaftertheycamebackfromtheirhoneymoon.“I‟ve
gotsixlittlewhitekittensthatGraceGrieraskedmetofindhomesfor,andI‟veonlyplacedfourof
them.”
Cappielaughed.“I‟dloveone.”
“Me,too,”Bentleyagreed,pokinghisheadaroundthecorner.“DidCyParkscallbackaboutthatnew
bullofhisthatgotcutonthebarbedwire?”
“He did. He said if you‟d drop by on your way home, he and Lisa would feed you both,” Keely
chuckled.“They‟rehavinghomemadechiliandcornbread.”
“Myfavorite,”Bentleysaid.
“Mine,too,”CappierepliedalmostatthesametimeasBentley.
“HesaidyoucouldbringKellalong,”theothergirladded.
“Kell‟sgoneoffsomewherewithRourkeandChet,”Cappiesighed.“Notellingwhere.Theyvanish
fordaysatatime,andnobodyknowswhere.He‟smyownbrother.
You‟dthinkhecouldtrustme.”
“Andme,”Bentleyadded.
“I‟msurehehashisreasons,”Cappiesaid.“Whatevertheyare.”
“It‟sboundtobesomethingcovertanddangerousandexciting,”Keelysaidoutloud.
“More than likely, they‟re helping Detective Marquez stake out a nightclub or something,” Bentley
chuckled.“Hedidmentionthatheneededacoupleofwillingvolunteersforaspecialprojectheand
thatassistantdistrictattorneyareworkingon.”
“Weowethatdistrictattorney,”Cappieagreed.“HetalkedFrank‟saccomplicesintotestifyingagainst
himforreducedsentences.HesaysFrankwon‟tgetoutuntilhishairturnsgray.Mademyday,”she
added.
“Mine,too,”Bentleyassuredher.“Okay,people,backtowork.”
“Yes,sir,Dr.Rydel,sir,”Cappiesaid,salutinghim.
Hemadeafaceather.Thenhegrinned.
Shegrinnedback,turningbacktohercoworkerbehindthecounter.“Who‟snext,Keely?”
“Mrs.AndersonandherChihuahua.Gotthechartrighthere.”
Cappietookitfromherandwentoutintothewaitingroom,whichwasfull.Hereyeswerebrightwith
happinessassheexchangedaglancewithherhandsomehusband,justbeforehewentintothebackto
examineasurgicalpatient.Shefeltasifshecouldwalkonair.
“Okay, Mrs. Anderson,” she told an elderly little woman with a smile. “If you‟ll bring Tweedle on
back,we‟llgetDr.Rydeltotakealookathisbruisedpaw.”
“He‟saverynicedoctor,”thelittlewomantoldCappie.“You‟realuckyyoungwoman!”
“Yes, you are!” Bentley called from the back. “Not every woman gets a husband who‟s as
accomplishedandmodestasIam!Youshouldbeproudofyourself!”
“Iam,dear,andhowdoyoulikeyourpotatoes…..burnedorcharbroiled?”
Therewasapause.“Noteveryhusbandgetsawifeasaccomplishedandmodestasyouare,dear!”he
calledback.
Shechuckled.“Nowthatwillgetyouanicescallopedpotatodishandabeautifullycookedpotroast!”
AnamusedMrs.AndersonwiggledhereyebrowsatCappieasshefollowedhertoatreatmentroom.
Cappiejustgrinned.
ISBN:978-1-4268-5218-3
TOUGHTOTAME
FirstNorthAmericanPublication2010
Copyright©c)2010byDianaPalmer
Allrightsreserved.Exceptforuseinanyreview,thereproductionorutilizationofthisworkinwhole
or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter
invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or
retrievalsystem,isforbiddenwithoutthewrittenpermissionofthepublisher,HarlequinEnterprises
Limited,225DuncanMillRoad,DonMills,Ontario,CanadaM3B3K9.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the
author‟simaginationorareusedfictitiously,andanyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,
businessestablishments,eventsorlocalesisentirelycoincidental.
ThiseditionpublishedbyarrangementwithHarlequinBooksS.A.
For questions and comments about the quality of this book please contact us at
Customer_eCare@Harlequin.ca.
®r) and TM are trademarks of the publisher. Trademarks indicated with ®r) are registered in the
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www.eHarlequin.com
TableofContents
CHAPTERONE
CHAPTERTWO
CHAPTERTHREE
CHAPTERFOUR
CHAPTERFIVE
CHAPTERSIX
CHAPTERSEVEN
CHAPTEREIGHT
CHAPTERNINE
CHAPTERTEN
CHAPTERONE
CHAPTERTWO
CHAPTERTHREE
CHAPTERFOUR
CHAPTERFIVE
CHAPTERSIX
CHAPTERSEVEN
CHAPTEREIGHT
CHAPTERNINE
CHAPTERTEN
Document Outline
- CHAPTER ONE
- CHAPTER TWO
- CHAPTER THREE
- CHAPTER FOUR
- CHAPTER FIVE
- CHAPTER SIX
- CHAPTER SEVEN
- CHAPTER EIGHT
- CHAPTER NINE
- CHAPTER TEN
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