Cursing softly, he ran after her, grabbing her arm before she darted into the open area behind the building. Wait a second! he hissed.
The sounds of a struggle echoed through the alley, and Joe had to hold on to her to keep her where she was. Someones hurting him! she whispered urgently.
You stay right here. He crept forward to the edge of the building and peered around the corner.
In the dimly lit parking lot at the back of the bar, two large, muscular men took turns pummeling Harlan Dugan while the older man tried to fend off their blows.
It was a warning beating, Joe recognized immediately, not a real attempt on the old mans life. The thugs were pulling their punches too much to be really serious about it, like a couple of tomcats toying with a scared mouse.
He didnt see either man carrying any weapons, though he supposed they might have weapons concealed beneath their jackets or in their boots. It wasnt a risk he wanted to take, however. Not with Janes life at stake, too. Better to call 911 and tell the cops there was an assault taking place in the parking lot of the Lady Luck. He turned to tell Jane his decision.
But she was nowhere in sight.
Chapter Thirteen
Joe hurried up the alley, biting off a string of curses. Hed told her to stay put, damn it! Where the hell had she gone?
He had almost reached the street when two enormous men filled the narrow opening of the alleyway, carrying what appeared to be large nightsticks. They stopped short, apparently surprised to find him staring back at them.
Bring it on, Joe thought, his muscles tightening in anticipation of a fight.
Then Jane appeared around the edge of the building. Hes with me, she told them.
The two men nodded and moved past Joe toward the parking lot, where the sounds of a struggle still played out in muffled tones. Joe watched them go, not sure if he was relieved or disappointed.
Bouncers, Jane said.
So I gathered. I thought I said to stay put.
I dont always do what Im told. She tugged his arm. We need to get back to the car.
He looked at her, surprised. I thought youd want to make sure your father is okay.
Those two guys beating him up? Clint sent them. She started walking back toward the car at a fast clip.
How do you know? Joe asked, catching up with her.
I asked around while the club manager went to get the bouncers. The girl who takes the cover charges said a couple of guys came looking for my father and said to tell him Clint sent them.
He told Clint where we are. Damn it!
I know, she said, her jaw rigid as she turned to look at him. He probably called Clint as soon as he left the motel. Her gaze shifted away from him, looking at something behind him.
Joe turned and saw Harlan Dugan emerge from the alley alone, staggering a little. Leaning against the wall, he lifted his head and looked in their direction. He lifted his hand in a small wave and turned away. Jane got behind the wheel without another word.
Joe rounded the car and slid into the passenger seat. Im sorry.
I dont feel surprised, so I guess Im used to it from him. She gripped the steering wheel so tightly her knuckles whitened. I suppose he thought he was protecting me when he warned me to leave.
Joe looked back at the tavern. Dugan still slumped against the front wall, head down.
Self-serving son of a bitch.
Good thing you suggested checking out of the motel before we left, Jane murmured.
Yeah, no going back to the room now. Hed planned to take one last look around their room to make sure they hadnt left anything behind, but now they couldnt risk it. It would be risky enough to take the borrowed car back to the motel.
Joe didnt think Clint would connect Melissa Blake to him, at least not right away, even if he came to town and started checking all the hotel and motel registers in Reno. And shed be flying back to Wyoming the next morning if everything went as planned.
Shortly before ten, they reached the motel where Melissa had booked a room. Jane cut the engine and turned to look at him. Does your stepmother know Im with you?
He shook his head. I couldnt risk telling her.
Because she still thinks I killed her son?
Yeah.
Jane frowned. So youre going to spring it on her when she gets here?
Well, I wasnt thinking of it quite that way-
What if she refuses to hand over the rental car?
Well just convince her that you didnt kill Tommy.
Jane looked skeptical, but she settled quietly against the car seat, nibbling her lower lip.
Melissas call came at precisely ten forty-five. My flight got in a little early. I just picked up the rental car. Is everything still on?
Still on, Joe said, looking at Jane. Were already at your motel, waiting for you.
Thirty minutes later, a silver Chevrolet pulled into the motel lot and parked a few slots down from where they waited. Joe saw his stepmother emerge from the drivers seat and look around. He got out and met her gaze across the tops of the cars parked between them. Melissas dark eyes crinkled and she offered a hesitant smile.
Joe crossed to meet her, taking her overnight case from her. Thanks for coming.
Youre welcome. A furrow creased her brow. You look tired, Joe.
Joe blinked back hot tears burning his eyes and took her outstretched hand. You look beautiful as ever.
She squeezed his hand. I was surprised to hear from you. I suppose you must be really desperate.
He couldnt argue, though the flood of guilt pouring through him made him wish otherwise. There are a lot of things I still dont understand about why you left without even keeping in touch, but those are questions that can wait until later. He led her to the borrowed Honda.
I thought you brought me here to rent a car for you?
I did. This ones borrowed. He bent and looked at Jane through the drivers window. She rolled it down and met his gaze briefly before she turned her eyes toward Melissa.
Sandra? Melissas voice went low and cold. Joe turned to find her gazing in horror at Jane. She turned on him, stiff with outrage. Whats she doing here? She killed my son!
I didnt kill him, Jane said softly.
Melissa wheeled around to face her. Shut up, Sandra! You just shut up!
I go by Jane now. Jane lifted her chin and met Melissas gaze.
I dont care. Melissa turned back to Joe. Dont let your emotions rule your head-
Like you did when you walked out on my father and me for your new boyfriend? Joe shot back.
Melissa blanched. Thats not how it happened.
We need to go if were going. Jane shot Joe an apologetic look. Were starting to cause a scene.
You made the same mistake with Rita-
He stared at her, surprised. How do you know about Rita?
Canyon Creek isnt that big, Joe. Melissa looked at Jane, her expression dark and loathing. Who are you hiding from? she asked coldly. The police?
Three days ago, someone tried to kill us. Twice, Joe said firmly. He killed her roommate in Idaho. And Im more and more sure hes the one who killed Tommy, as well. He knows were in Reno. Id rather he not find us.
Mrs. Blake, I understand you have doubts about me, Jane said. But Joe needs your help. Dont do it for me. Do it for him.
Melissa pressed her lips together, clearly struggling to control her emotions. She finally turned to look at Joe. I said I would help you. Ill keep my word this time. She took her overnight bag from him and started walking toward the motel entrance.
Joe looked at Jane. Ill be back in a minute. Lock the doors.
Shes going to call the cops the second we leave, Jane murmured.
Ill talk to her some more.
Jane shook her head. She thinks youve let your hormones control your head. Which reminds me-whos Rita?
There wasnt enough time to answer that loaded a question. Lock the door. Ill be right back. He hurried to catch up with his stepmother.
Melissa turned to look at him as he reached her side near the front desk. You left her alone? How do you know she wont run?
He took the bag from her again. She could have run a half dozen times so far, and she didnt.
She looked up at him, her eyes troubled. Before he died, Tommy told me you were in love with her. You still are, arent you?
Joe didnt know how to answer, so he just nodded toward the desk clerk waiting expectantly for them at the front desk. Lets get you registered.
JOE SET his stepmothers overnight case on the bed and turned to her. I owe you.
Melissa shook her head. I owe you. Ill never forgive myself for walking away from you the way I did. You know that, dont you? You know how sorry I am?
The old pain still lingered, tight and hot in the center of his chest. He shook his head. We dont have time to get into who did what.
I loved you. I never stopped. The day you found Tommy was one of the happiest days of my life. I always hoped youd find a way to see him again.
But you never told him about me. All those years, Melissa. You never told him.
Tears rimmed her eyes. You and your father were a package deal. I knew that.
So you hated my father so much that you were willing to walk out on a kid who thought of you as his mother and deny your other child his family?
He hated me that much, Joe. I couldnt live up to your mothers memory, and he never forgave me for that. She wiped her eyes with shaking hands. I dont want to think about what all that hate would have done to Tommy.
He never forgave me, either.
Melissa touched his hand. You were her son.
I was the reason she died.
She frowned. You were a baby.
I was a sick baby she drove to the hospital in a snowstorm the night she ran off the road and died.
Melissa stared at him. He blamed you for that?
Joe didnt answer, hating the way he felt inside, like the same vulnerable child whod listened to his fathers drunken tirade that cold December night twenty-five years ago-the first and last time his father had ever spoken to him about his mothers death.
Bastard! Melissas voice shook with anger.
I wanted you to come find me, he admitted. I wanted you to take me to live with you and Tommy.
She reached out and brushed her fingers across his cheek. I wish I had.
He fought his instinct to bury himself in her arms as he had so many times as a child, and he pulled away from her touch, regathering the steely control that had served him well for twenty-five years. I have to go. He pulled out the roll of bills stashed in the front pocket of his jeans and handed her five hundred-dollar bills. This should cover your expenses and the cab ride back to the airport.