Page 63 of Alibi for Murder

“All right.” She closed the photo album. “But we have to wait until morning. She lives in a building where there are certain visiting hours. We can’t go in the middle of the night like this.”

Headlights swept across the front window.

Tommy moved to the window and stared out. “Someone is here.”

Allie wished she knew what the best course of action was.

She should run while he was distracted. It could be Rivero coming back.

“A man is coming this way.” Tommy turned around. “We should go downstairs.”

Shouting outside drew Allie’s attention beyond Tommy and to the window. Banging on the front door came next.

“Allie! Are you in there?”

Steve.She started for the door.

A strong hand clamped on her arm. “We cannot allow him inside.”

Allie winced at his tightening grip. “This man is my friend. His name is Steve, and he isn’t here to cause trouble. He wants to help.”

“How can I be certain?”

“Why would I lie to you?”

“You are a target. Targets often lie.”

“I told you Rivero is the one who lied,” she reminded him.

“Allie! Are you in there?”

“Please,” she urged. “Steve and I will see that you get to your grandmother, but you have to trust me. Please.”

He released her.

Allie walked to the door and unlocked it.

Steve stared at her. “You okay?”

She nodded.

“Thank God.”

She moistened her lips, struggled with whether she should tell him to run or…didn’t matter, he wouldn’t. “I think you should come in.”

“Where’s Rivero?” he asked as he stepped inside.

That was the moment Steve’s gaze landed on the other person in the room.

Allie saw the recognition flare in his eyes. “Hello.” He extended his hand. “I’m Steve. Durham. Steve Durham.”

Tommy looked at his hand a moment then grasped it with his own. “Tommy. Madison. Tommy Madison.”

Steve glanced at Allie. She explained, “Rivero introduced me to Tommy, and then he left.”

Steve nodded. “I see.”

“You’re taking me to my grandmother,” Tommy explained. “I have paused my termination of the target until I determine the accuracy of her statement.”