Did he even think of her as a suspect anymore? Had he ever, really?
Her expression betrayed both fear and hope. Do you?
No, he admitted. I dont think you killed Tommy.
She released a soft breath, her eyes fluttering closed for a second.
But you know who did, he added.
Her eyes snapped open. So do you. Clint Holbrook.
He nodded. I think so. I think you may have seen it happen.
I saw it happen? She looked queasy. How did he die?
He was shot. Joe closed his eyes, trying not to remember the images of his brothers murder scene. If Clint knows you saw it, it could be why he came after you.
He could have killed me in the apartment. He could have killed me at the cabin. But he didnt.
Joe nodded. Id like to know why he didnt. Wouldnt you?
She looked away, her gaze turning toward the mountains to the west of the city. I dont know, she admitted. He wants me enough to kill people to get to me. That doesnt speak well of me, no matter how you slice it.
He brushed a piece of hair away from her cheek and tucked it behind her ear, his breath catching when she turned to him, her lips parted and a question in her eyes. He dropped his hand to his side. If you dont want to go to the Lady Luck tonight, we dont have to.
She sighed. No. We should go. She started walking again, her pace quick and determined.
He followed, his own pace less hurried, his strides just quick enough to keep her from moving too far ahead.
She was right about one thing. Clint Holbrook wanted her enough to kill people to get to her, including his brother. And until they figured out why, neither one of them would be safe.
SO, YOU WERE counting cards, werent you? As they reached the motel parking lot, Jane broke the silence theyd maintained for most of their walk back to the motel.
Joe shot her a look as they started up the stairs to the second floor. That would be wrong.
She grinned at the flicker of amusement in his eyes. One day in Reno and Cowboy Joe loses all his ethics.
Not all of em- He pulled to an abrupt stop as they reached the second floor, catching Jane off guard. She stumbled into him, grabbing his shoulder.
His arm swept back, keeping her tucked behind him. Can I help you? he said to someone hidden from her view. Curious, Jane craned her neck to see around Joes broad shoulders.
Standing in front of the door to their room was the dark-haired man from her memory flashes. His hair was still long and thick, swept back from his wide forehead in a lush black mane. The silver at his temples had spread to the rest of his hair, streaking the black with liberal strands of white, but there was no doubt he was the man shed worked for as a shill.
Standing in front of the door to their room was the dark-haired man from her memory flashes. His hair was still long and thick, swept back from his wide forehead in a lush black mane. The silver at his temples had spread to the rest of his hair, streaking the black with liberal strands of white, but there was no doubt he was the man shed worked for as a shill.
He caught sight of Jane and for a second, his expression reflected a hint of surprise and something a bit darker. But he recovered quickly, greeting them with a nod. Actually, I think maybe I can help you. The names Harlan Dugan. I hear youre lookin for me.
Joe stepped forward carefully, keeping Jane tucked safely behind him. Looking for you?
Jane pulled away from Joes grasp. Do you know me?
For a second, the mans expression shifted, revealing surprise. But his mask of calm confidence quickly returned. I can tell you that, he said with a broad smile. For a price.
Its a price youre not gonna want to pay, Harlan! The booming voice rattled the Airstreams screen door, making her jump. She looked up in alarm.
I can have the whole thing for you by tomorrow morning. Guaranteed. Harlans voice carried through the hot desert air as surely as it carried through a gathered crowd on a Reno back street. Just give me till tomorrow.
The desperation in his voice made her stomach coil into an anxious knot. She looked away from the Airstream, blinking against the afterimage of the suns hot glare on the trailers silver side, and picked up the walnut shell shed dropped.
What kind of price? Joe asked the man blocking the path to their motel room door, jerking Janes mind back to the present.
That can be negotiated, Harlan said, looking at Jane. He smiled again. The red hair is new.
She touched her choppy bob. Its normally brown.
I remember. Faint affection glittered in his eyes. You used to wear it braided all the time.
So you really do know me.
His brow furrowed. What happened to you, girl?
I dont remember.
Amnesia?
Can you tell her who she is or not? Joe growled.
Jane caught his arm, squeezing. He looked at her.
Theres always a price, she said, shivering despite the desert sun warming her face.
Ive known people like you, Joe said, contempt in his voice. Ive put them all in jail. The Reno police might be interested in your little extortion scheme-
Can you risk it? Harlan countered coolly. How do you know shes not wanted by the Reno police? Since she cant remember who she is.
Jane let go of Joes arm and looked away, another memory dancing just out of reach.
Whats the price? Joe asked with a sigh.
I understand you had some success at the casinos, Harlan said. About three grands worth.
Go to hell, Joe said, putting his arm around Jane and starting to go around Harlan Dugan.
Are you sure you want to risk it? Harlan asked.
Joe stopped within a foot of him. He towered over Harlan Dugan, who was only a couple of inches taller than Jane herself. What do you mean by that?
Someones looking for her, am I right? Harlan looked around Joe, meeting Janes eyes. Someone I dont think you want to find you.
Joe grabbed the front of Harlans shirt. Stop it with the games, old man.
Im tired of your games, old man! A giant of a man, burly and bald, burst through the screen door and strode outside the Airstream trailer, his snakeskin boots thudding against the hard-packed soil a few feet from where she sat, legs crossed, practicing with the walnut shells.
She tucked her knees up to her chin, ducking her head as he turned to yell at Harlan, who stood in the doorway. Two grand by tomorrow at noon!
The bald man straddled his dusty motorcycle, revving the engine for effect, and drove off, kicking up a cloud of dust behind him.
She looked up as Harlan stepped outside, scratching the side of his neck in a nervous gesture she knew meant bad news. He crossed to where she sat. She could smell his fear mingling with the odor of tobacco smoke and sweat. Come on, kitten. We gotta go to work now.
Do I have to? she asked, her stomach hurting.
Jane jerked her head up and looked at Harlan Dugan, realization dawning. He met her gaze, his eyes narrowing as he realized the game was over.
Tell her who she is, Joe warned him, his fingers still curled in the front of Harlans shirt.
Im his daughter, Jane said.
Chapter Eleven
Joe stepped back, releasing Harlan Dugans shirt. He looked at Jane, his expression tinged with both surprise and concern. His daughter?
So you remember me now? Harlan asked, his face an impenetrable mask.
Not entirely, she said. Just enough to know you used me as your shill from the time I was a child.
People always fall for the kids, Harlan said with a faint smile. And you were good, kitten. Real good. You were a natural with a story.
Jane looked away, her stomach roiling. Joes hand settled in the middle of her back, but she drew away, not wanting him to touch her right now.
Harlan looked at the motel room door. Reckon we could go inside and have a little sit-down? Im not as young as I used to be, and all this standing around is bad on my knees.
Jane looked at Joe. He seemed reluctant, but after a brief pause, he unlocked the motel room door and ushered Jane and her father inside.
Harlan took a seat at the small table by the window, leaving Jane and Joe to sit on the edge of the nearer bed. This place is nicer on the inside than it looks on the outside, Harlan commented. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. You mind?
Yes, Jane said firmly, the phantom smell of tobacco lingering with her, making her stomach churn even more.
Harlan put the half-empty pack back in his breast pocket and drummed his fingers on the table. Why were you looking for me?
Whats her name? Joe asked.
Harlan looked at him. Who are you, anyway?
Hes a friend, Jane said firmly.
Harlan looked around the motel room, taking in the signs of obvious cohabitation. Should I be saving up to pay for the wedding?
Just tell her what her name is. Joes voice was low and tight, the look in his eyes deadly.
Shannon, Harlan answered after a short pause. Shannon Erica Dugan. Born on Valentines Day twenty-six years ago.
So she was twenty-six, just as shed told Joe. Good to know there was something she hadnt lied about. What about my mother? she asked. Wheres she?
Buried next to her mama in Gallup, New Mexico. She didnt stop bleeding after you were born.
Joe touched her again, his hand warm against her spine. This time she let it stay, needing the feel of him beside her just to stay upright. She struggled against a powerful, unanticipated sense of loss. How long has it been since you saw me? she asked, her voice strangled.
About eight years. You hit the road once you were legal and never looked back.
Did I leave with someone?
Harlans eyes narrowed. I suppose there was a fellow. Isnt there always?
Did I leave with someone?
Harlans eyes narrowed. I suppose there was a fellow. Isnt there always?
But you never met him? Joe asked.
No. I suppose Im not the sort of daddy a girl would want to take a boy home to meet.
Ever heard of a man named Clint Holbrook? Joes hand pressed more firmly against Janes back as he asked the question shed been dreading.
No, Harlan answered quickly. Too quickly. He rose to his feet. I think you had the right idea, kitten. You were smart to get outta here the first time. Youd be smart to do it again. The sooner the better.
Thats it? Thats all youve got to say to your daughter? Joe stood to face Harlan, his body radiating with anger. God, youre a piece of work.