Part 61 (2/2)
Annja moved closer to Tom. ”Does Sheila know how to shoot?”
”Most women in these parts do. It's always good to know how to use a shotgun in case a bear gets too nosy.”
”And Sheila?”
”Better than most, I'd say,” Tom said. ”She grew up in the Southwest before coming north with her mom a long time back. She told me her daddy used to teach her how to handle a gun when she was a kid.”
Annja glanced at Jenny. ”I think we just found our triggerman.”
”Agreed. But what's she helping him with? What's the goal in David's whole enterprise?”
Annja looked back at Tom. ”You said she's been gone a lot lately?”
”Been gone a lot ever since the two of them started carrying on together. I don't know whether she's at his house or just out somewhere else with him. She doesn't exactly come home and regale me with tales of their relations.h.i.+p, if you get my meaning.”
”Probably better that way,” Annja said.
”I'd say so,” Tom said. ”Bad enough that my wife is shacking up with some other man. I don't need updates about it.”
”I wonder what they're up to,” Jenny said. ”It's got to be something that has the potential for a lot of money.”
”We could just stroll out there and ask them,” Annja said. ”After all, they're sitting right there.”
”And risk Dave shooting us on sight?” Joey said. ”No, thanks. I'm not really looking to see my life ended before I even get to date a girl.”
”You could stay here,” Annja said. ”That way, in case we get into trouble, you come in with the cavalry.”
Joey frowned. ”Great choice of words.”
Annja blanched. ”Sorry.”
”Forget it. But if that's how you two want to play this, be my guest. Tom and I will stay here and watch from a distance.”
Annja glanced at Jenny. ”What do you think?”
Jenny took a deep breath. ”At this point, I'm honestly so confused about everything, I don't really care what we do provided we have a fair chance of going home safe and sound when this is all done.”
Annja looked at Joey and Tom. ”I don't think that will be a problem now.”
”Then let's do it.”
Annja pushed through the swinging doors and headed straight for the table. Sheila and David turned at almost the same time, the shock of seeing her clearly registering on both their faces.
Sheila started to sputter something.
David reached for his gun.
<script>