Part 40 (1/2)
”How so?”
”Way I figure it, most of Blue's troubles stem from Fred. That skunk is mad at us but he's taking it out on your brother. You go to Contention to help him, and it'll be like waving a red rag at a bull” Christie tried to interrupt but Zee held up a hand. ”No, darlin'. Hear me out. Fred's dangerous.” She gestured at her cheek and her bandaged ribs. ”And he's got friends. Someone could get hurt.
And if it was you, I'd never . . .” She trailed off.
Zee was right, Christie realized with a feeling of frustration. She 262 wanted to make Blue's life better not worse. But how . . . An idea came to her.
”Suppose Fred didn't feel the need to punish Blue anymore?
Suppose he was able to crow about me, instead. To gloat and say 'I told you so' to my face?”
”I don't like the sound of”
”You've had your turn, let me finish. Suppose he thinks he's won?
That might defuse his anger, mightn't it? Make him leave Blue alone?”
”It might.” Zee's gaze was somber. ”But I wouldn't count on it.
Anyway, just how are you gonna do that?”
Christie was quite taken with the simplicity of her solution. ”I'm going to break up with you.”
Zee's jaw dropped. It was the perfect opportunity to kiss her, and Christie took it.
GIF.
The waiting train vented steam and whistled, a mournful sound reflecting Zee's mood.
”Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all,” said Christie suddenly.
Zee breathed a sigh of relief. From the first, she had thought the plan half-baked. If Zee was any judge of character, the only way to persuade Fred to back off was to find some hold over him.
”It's not too late to change your mind,” she told Christie, who was looking very fetching in the turquoise traveling dress Julie Fontenot had helped her make.
”And do what instead?” The green eyes were reproachful. ”I can't just sit around doing nothing, Zee. I have to help Blue somehow. And your way will take time.”
Zee shrugged. ”Go to Contention then, if you must. But you know what I think of the idea.”
”I do. But humor me anyway.” Zee gave her a wry smile and Christie wrinkled her nose delightfully at her. ”Thank you.” A thoughtful silence fell, then Christie continued, ”Suppose there's nothing to find on Fred.”
”Man like him, there's bound to be something.”
”Well all right. But how will you find it?”
263.
”I won't.” Zee tapped the side of her nose. ”But I know someone else who will.”
”Oh . . . It won't be for long, anyway.” Christie gave her hand a squeeze.
”Better not. Gonna be tough not having you around to kiss and cuddle.”
”It certainly is.” Christie heaved a gloomy sigh.
”Wish I was coming with you.”
”So do I. But you have things to do. And I'm sure Fred won't hurt me, Zee.”
Wish I was. ”Not physically, perhaps, but he's gonna say things.
'Bout you and me. Things I'd tear his tongue out for if I was there.”
”I can take it.”
”'Course you can. You got s.p.u.n.k, I know that.” Zee smiled at Christie. ”Just you remember, darlin', no matter how hard he tries to, he can't dirty what's between you and me. I'm yours for good, and I ain't ashamed of that.” She squeezed Christie's hand for emphasis.
”And when I'm through finding Jenny, I'm coming to get you.”
”Just take care of yourself.”
Zee gave a frustrated sigh. If only But it couldn't be helped. She couldn't go with Christie, and that was an end of it. The thought made her pull out her pocket watch and check it. Plenty of time before her appointment.
The train whistle blew again, louder and more impatient this time.
Then again.
”She's getting set to depart. Let's get you on board.” Zee helped Christie up the steps into the carriage, then returned for the cases.
When Christie was installed in a good window seat, her luggage stowed nearby, she turned to say goodbye.
What Zee wanted, more than anything, was to kiss Christie. But some of the other pa.s.sengers eyeing her would be getting off at Contention too. She couldn't risk revealing Christie's play this early in the game.
She drew herself up to her full height. ”Safe journey, Miss Hayes.
Give my regards to your brother.”
Christie's startled disappointment gave way to comprehension.
”Thank you, Deputy Brodie,” she said, equally formal. ”I will.”
Back on the station platform, Zee gazed up at the lovely face behind the soot-streaked gla.s.s. Christie glanced to either side, then 264 mouthed, ”I love you.”
Zee stifled a grin. ”Me too,” she mouthed back. The train lurched forward. The two women locked gazes and Zee kept pace with Christie for as long as she could, but soon the train left her behind.
Chapter 4.