Part 10 (2/2)
”We?”
He winked. ”You and me, kid.”
”Thanks for the offer, but I don't want anyone else involved in this. Besides, I don't think he'll find me here.”
”It doesn't take a genius to find someone hiding out at a major hotel-particularly if she's using her real name.”
”Thanks.”
”How long have you been here?”
”This is the third day. I got in Thursday afternoon.”
”Then you've been here much too long. You're lucky he hasn't already shown up.”
”He doesn't even know what city I'm in, Scott.”
”You're not from Tucson?”
”No.”
”But I'll wager this is the nearest large city, and the place he'll look first.”
”I guess so,” she admitted.
”If I were you, I'd get out of here today and check into a different hotel. Better still, head for another town.”
”It's past checkout time. Besides, I don't want to. I like this one.”
Scott shrugged. ”In that case, I think you should allow me to act as your escort.”
”No. Really, Scott...”
”I'd be happy to do it. After all, you're a beautiful woman, and we're both alone in the city. How could I spend my time better than by keeping company with a creature like you?”
”A creature?” she asked, smiling.
”A damsel in distress.”
”It might be dangerous.”
”I'm good with my dukes. Besides, I pack heat.”
”A gun?”
”A Colt.45 automatic. Never go anywhere without it. Except, of course, to the swimming pool.”
”What are you, a bank robber?”
”You ever hear of Charlie Dane?”
”San Francisco Hit, Manhattan Mayhem...?”
”Tucson Death Squad. That's to be his latest battle against the forces of evil. The galleys are up in my suite this very moment.”
Lacey stared at him, frowning. ”But those are written by Max Carter.”
”Otherwise known as Scott Bradley.”
”You.”
”Me.”
”That still doesn't explain the gun.”
”Max keeps the rod at his side when he sits at the old typewriter. It puts him in touch with Charlie Dane.”
Lacey grinned. ”Does Max also wear Charlie's trench coat?”
”Too hot. But he does don the battered fedora.”
”Not while he's escorting me, I hope.”
”I'll leave Max in the room, and borrow his piece.”
”He won't mind?”
”He's always eager to please.”
CHAPTER TWELVE.
Carl grabbed the phone before its second ring. ”Tri-bune.”
”Carl?”
His heart began to hammer. ”How's it going, Lace?”
”So far, so good. He hasn't found me yet. Any activity on your end?”
”Nope. There haven't been any incidents since you left.”
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