Land of Entrapment (27 page)

She backed up and exited the parking lot, turning left onto the side street closest to the phones. At the first cross street she turned right and slowed down.

“That’s it,” she muttered, gesturing with her chin at a small white house on the left. A four-foot chain link fence surrounded the front yard and a couple of pit bulls lolled in the sun, showing only mild interest in us as we passed. Nondescript brown drapes covered the front windows and the front porch was little more than a small stoop. I caught a glimpse of a darkened interior through the screen door, which had a huge tear in the lower left-hand corner. Probably from the dogs. Three different vehicles stood in the driveway, shoved in off the street. One was a beat-up older model white Ford pick-up, another was a brown Chevy Lumina that had a right rear tire so low I wondered if it had been driven recently. And the third was Megan’s blue Toyota Camry.

“Shit,” I breathed. It was all I could do not to jump out of the car and go racing in there to drag Megan out. Sensing that, Chris put a hand on my arm.

“No, Kase. Not yet.” She accelerated slightly and didn’t take another cruise past the house, probably because she didn’t want to arouse suspicion.

“All right,” she said. “Here’s the deal. I’m going to contact Utah tomorrow and see what we can get going with Watkins. See if you can find out who owns that place. I’ll also talk to Mark about Eight Ball on Tuesday. If I can get the okay to bring Sorrell in, we’ll do so. But before we do that, we need to know exactly what he’s up to. Bringing him in might endanger Megan because if he doesn’t trust her, chances are his friends don’t either, and she’s the first one they’ll blame if anything happens to their noble leader. So let’s see how things go on Tuesday.”

I stared out the windshield, watching the lengthening shadows as we approached the mountains for the twenty-five-minute drive to the other side.

“You okay?” Chris asked quietly after a while. She took my left hand with her right, stroked the back of it with her thumb.

I sat for a minute longer before responding. “It’s different, when what you research becomes so personal.”

Chris didn’t respond and we sat in silence for a few minutes. Chris broke it first.

“On the plus side, she’s alive and probably okay physically. And if you’re right, she seems to want out.” Chris squeezed my hand. “We’ll get her out.

And we’ll bring these bastards down.”

“But it won’t change them. And there’ll be more.

There’re always more.”

“Each one we stop is one less to deal with in the future. Don’t go down this road. You’re doing a good thing.”

“But what if she’s not done with the movement?

What if she’s just done with Cody?”

She shrugged. “She makes her choices. If she goes back in, that’s her decision. And you might have to let her go. I know that sounds harsh.”

My stomach clenched. “You’re right. It’d be enabling her if I chased after her again. I guess I’ll just hope that when this is over, she’ll be done with it.” She squeezed my hand again. “Hang in there, esa.

We’ll get through it.”

“Thanks for bringing me out here. And thanks for everything.”

She smiled at me. “You’re my best friend in the world. There’s no way I’d let you go through this alone.”

I felt a huge lump in my throat. “I love you, Chris.”

“I love you back, Kase. Speaking of which, how’s Little Miss Hurricane?”

She was trying to distract me because she knew how I could get all caught up in my analyses and my wheels spin and I can hit a downward spiral. But I also knew she was interested in my personal life and wanted to make sure I was okay.

I sighed heavily. “A problem.”

Chris shot me a quick look. “Oh, really? In a good way or a bad way?”

“It depends on your definition of those terms.” I told her what had been happening with Sage and also about the night before.

“Holy shit,” Chris breathed when I had finished.

“I have got to meet this woman. Anybody who has K.C. Fontero acting like a head case is a person of interest.”

“It’s not funny.” I groaned and looked out my window. “I mean, she’s a bit younger than I am.”

“Whatever. She’s thirty. You’re thirty-four. Like that’s such a huge difference.”

“I live in Texas.”

“So?” Chris glanced in her rearview mirror and then passed a slow-moving RV. She eased back into the right-hand lane. “All right, listen. Let’s suppose you hook up with her.”

I shot her a glare.

“No, c’mon. Just suppose. If it’s going to work, distance won’t matter. And if it’s not, it won’t. What exactly are you looking for with her?”

“I don’t even know. I don’t think she’s the summer fling type.” I adjusted my seat slightly and leaned back.

“Doesn’t sound like it. And if that’s all you want, then you’d better not mess with her. It’s dishonest.

For both of you.” Chris slowed down at a curve.

“After last night, there’s no way I would even try a fling. She’s too—I don’t know. She’s a force of nature. That’s the best way to describe it.”

Chris started laughing. “Whoa.”

“I mean, she taps into you. It’s like she reads runes on your soul or some crazy shit like that. Not in a bad way. She just is. She lays it on the line and I get the feeling if you didn’t meet her halfway, she probably wouldn’t give you the time of day.”

Chris was quiet for a bit. “This sounds potentially serious.”

“I don’t know what it is. But she moves me. And it scares the living shit out of me.”

“Hey.” She reached over and took my hand again.

“No. No, no, no. Do not close yourself off because you had a bad experience with Melissa. Yeah, she fucked up. And yeah, you went through hell with that and maybe screwed up a little, too. But one bad experience does not a lifetime make. If Sage is everything you think she is and if she sees what a fine woman you are, there is no reason in hell not to give it a shot.”

“This from a woman who isn’t the marrying kind,” I muttered.

“Just because I’m not doesn’t mean I diss it in others. You’re the marrying kind, Kase. I know that about you. I know that some day, the part of our relationship that involves sex is going to end because you’ll meet her, whoever she is.”

I opened my mouth to say something but Chris overrode it.

“Don’t worry. I’ve always known that. So have you. And there’ll be times that I’ll miss that with you—no doubt. I have enjoyed that aspect of our relationship and I don’t know why I got so lucky to get that with you, but it’s too precious to forget. I will always have the memories and I will always be your friend, no matter how we express it.”

“Dammit, Chris, I’m gonna cry.” I felt tears welling up in my eyes. I wiped with my free hand.

She kissed my knuckles.

“My advice? See where this goes with Sage. I think she might be really good for you. And if it lasts, there you go. If it doesn’t, it’s not like you haven’t been there before.”

“I am so lucky to have you in my life.”

“Damn right. And don’t you forget it.”

I started laughing as we crested the rise that would take us back into Albuquerque.

WE PULLED UP in front of Sage and Jeff’s. Both their vehicles were parked along the curb. Mine was still around the corner. I had bought Chris dinner as promised at Monroe’s, another Mexican and New Mexican restaurant near Old Town. Chris shut the engine off and we both got out.

“Hey!” Jeff was sitting on the front porch smoking a cigar with Rob and Mike from the barbecue.

“How was your trip?” I asked as we mounted the steps.

“It was good. Way hot. I can’t believe I grew up there.”

“Hey, guys,” I said to Rob and Mike. “This is Chris, a friend of mine.”

Introductions established, Jeff asked if we wanted a beer. “Plenty left over from the party,” he said, laughing.

Sage suddenly appeared at the front door. My heart stuttered.

“Hi,” she said, bubbly as usual. “You must be Chris. C’mon in.”

Chris shot me a look as she followed me inside.

Sage was already in the kitchen rummaging in the fridge. “Beer?”

“Not for me, thanks,” Chris responded. “I have to work early tomorrow. But don’t let that stop you.”

Sage grinned and took two Rio Grandes out. “You need one,” she said to me as she popped the top and handed it over. She was right.

“And yes, I’m Chris.” She shook Sage’s hand.

“How about iced tea, then?” Sage asked.

“Love some.”

“Cool. You want to sit down? How about out back?”

“That would be great.” Chris preceded me to the back porch, where Sage and Jeff kept a few chairs. She sank gratefully into one and I took one on her left. I could hear Sage singing softly in the kitchen as she got Chris’s drink.

“She’s hot,” Chris said softly. “You’d be an idiot not to follow up.”

I glared at her.

Sage emerged, carrying a beer for herself and a big glass of tea for Chris. She handed it to her and sat down on Chris’s right.

“And how was your day?” she asked both of us.

I told her briefly what had happened, including the trip to Edgewood.

“Well, I feel better about you playing cop with the real thing right here,” Sage teased, throwing a grin at Chris. “Although it’s a tough job, keeping an eye on K.C.”

“You have no idea,” Chris said innocently before she took a sip of tea.

“Hey!” I retorted, pretending to be insulted. My Austin cell phone rang. The number in the ID looked vaguely familiar. Oh, yeah. Dragon. “Excuse me, y’all.

It’s my tattoo contact.”

“Don’t mind us,” Chris teased. “Wouldn’t want to interrupt something like that.”

“Whatever,” I snapped good-naturedly as I stood up and headed into the mud room. “Hello?”

“Hi, K.C.? It’s Dragon.”

“Yeah. Thanks for calling. Listen, that situation I was telling you about is a go for Tuesday. But I was wondering if we could meet somewhere besides the shop. I don’t want anyone to spot me getting worked on who might have, you know, connections.”

“Oh, yeah. Totally. I get off work tomorrow at eight. I don’t mind if you come to my place. I’m over on Girard and Lead. Eighteen twelve Lead. You’ll know the place ’cause of the mailbox. I’ve got materials there.”

“Excellent. Thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow.” We signed off and I called Melissa. She picked up on the second ring. I had to tell her what was going on with Megan and I also knew that Chris would use the time to get a read on Sage.

“Hi. I’m sorry I haven’t called back. I heard from my realtor and it’s a go. They’re accepting my offer.

We’ll be able to close in a couple of weeks, maybe the first week of August.”

She sounded really excited. “Wow,” I said, excited for her. “That’s awesome, Meliss’. How are you doing otherwise?”

“Hanging in. I started boxing some stuff up. It feels really good.”

I took a deep breath. “And speaking of good, Megan’s prints aren’t anywhere on the envelope or the CD.”

“Oh, my God.” Relief flooded her voice.

“I think either Cody or Watkins hid it there and now both want it back. I don’t know if they’re on the outs or not, but they’ve both been by.”

“I’m trying really hard not to think about the fact that Megan’s with a potential murderer.” Melissa’s voice sounded distant.

I didn’t know what to say to that, so instead I quickly briefed her on my trip to Edgewood with Chris.

“Did you see her?” Melissa’s voice sounded hopeful but strained.

“No.” I then explained what Chris had told me about bringing Cody in and how we needed to go slowly and make sure everything was in place. She wasn’t happy about it.

“I know how this goes. I know how it is with info-gathering and police work. Doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

“I’m not exactly thrilled myself. But I’ll keep you updated, okay?”

She was quiet for a second before speaking again.

“I wish I knew how to thank you.”

“Hey, what’s important here is making sure Megan’s okay and also making sure you’re okay. How are things at home?”

“Same as they have been for six months. Don’t worry.”

“Okay. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Thanks.”

“And congrats again. That’s great news about the house.” We said our goodbyes and I hung up. I rejoined Chris and Sage on the porch, sliding into my recently vacated chair. “Okay, you can stop talking about me. I’m back.”

Chris laughed. “Suspicious, aren’t you?” She stood. “I have to take off. I do have to be up early and I need to get a little sleep. Wouldn’t want those bad guys to kick my ass.” She set her empty glass down on the little end table that stood against the back wall.

“I’ll talk to you in a few, Kase.” She turned to Sage.

“It was an absolute pleasure meeting you. I hope I see you again.”

“You will,” Sage said, flashing a meaningful glance at me.

“Thanks, Chris,” I said as she descended the back steps. “You’re a goddess.”

She waved.

“Bye,” Sage yelled after her.

I took a swig of beer. Sage moved into Chris’s seat. I felt heat race through my veins. “So what did you two talk about?”

She smiled at me and I could see it even in the gloom of early nightfall. “You, of course. She’s very perceptive.”

“I know. I hate that about her.”

“Come on,” Sage said softly. She reached out and pulled on my hand. “I’m taking you home.”

I followed her to Megan’s and she waited while I unlocked the doors. She followed me in and locked the security door behind us before she turned on the swamp cooler. I watched her. It felt perfectly natural, having her around like this. She pushed me gently toward the bedroom. “Go lie down.”

I forgot how to swallow but I managed to put my beer bottle on the shelves in the living room. I followed her into the bedroom, where I stood by the bed, sparks shooting through my stomach. Sage went into the bathroom and emerged with a bottle of lotion

“Take your shirt off.” She motioned to the bed. “And lie down on your stomach.”

“Excuse me?” This was definitely not how I envisioned things happening between us.

She arched an eyebrow, a teasing remonstration.

“You’ve had a rough day. I’m going to work on your back. You need to let the bad energy out. Now take your shirt off.” She turned away. “I’m not looking.”