Page 18 of Thick as Thieves

“She’s never been married.”

“You know that as fact?”

“Hell, yes. I checked.”

Arden had deliberately dodged his probing about the identity and whereabouts of her baby’s father. Admittedly, he was curious, but, for Rusty’s benefit, he feigned indifference. “Then she’s got a well-heeled boyfriend.”

“There hasn’t been a man around since she got here.”

“You’ve been watching?” Ledge asked, maintaining his casual tone.

Rusty didn’t admit to that but thoughtfully scratched his cheek. “Maybe he dumped her when he found out about the kid. He paid her off, wished her luck, then sent her on her way to have the baby alone.”

“Or maybe he was a loser, and she dumped him.”

“Maybe. But that brings us back to her unknown source of income.” Rusty leered, whispering, “Take a wild guess.”

“I’ll leave the wild guessing to you.”

“Okay, how’s this? Daddy’s had it stockpiled all these years, and has just now divvied it up.”

“If that were so,” Ledge said, “she could do better than to move back here.”

“Money doesn’t stretch as far as it used to.” Rusty shook an ice cube from the glass and into his mouth. Crunching it, he said, “I intend to keep a close eye on Miss Arden Maxwell and her spending habits.” He playfully socked Ledge’s arm. “Same as I’ve kept a close watch on you, buddy.”

Although Ledge wanted to deck him for touching him, he did nothing except fix a hard stare on him. “And same as I have on you. Buddy.”

Across the short distance separating them, the two adversaries glared at each other and, in that moment, came to a meeting of the minds: The gloves were coming off. For all these years, the two of them had waged a silent war. As of now, it had been officially declared.

Don, seeming to sense the volatility of the moment, ambled over and asked Rusty if he wanted a refill.

“No thanks.” Without breaking eye contact with Ledge, Rusty pushed himself off the stool. “Like I said, I just dropped in to see what Ledge has been up to.” Then he flashed his crocodile grin and ambled out.

He was clear of the exit and the door had closed behind him before Don released his held breath. “You two look at each other, and smoke comes out of all four ears. Are you ever going to tell me the origin of this longstanding animosity?”

“No. But you didn’t have to keep fingering that sawed-off shotgun under the bar.”

Smiling wryly, Don said, “How’d you know?”

“I know.”

“I probably wouldn’t ever use it,” Don said, “but looking at that bastard’s back just now, it did cross my mind what a prime target it would make, and I don’t think many in the county would mourn the passing of our illustrious DA.”

Ledge continued to stare at the door through which District Attorney Rusty Dyle had exited. “One of these days I’ll probably have to kill him.” Then turning to Don, he added, “But when I do, I’ll be looking him in the eye.”

Chapter 5

Fresh from the shower, Arden had just finished dressing when someone knocked on her front door. Looking out the window of her temporary bedroom, she was astonished to see the enormous black pickup in her driveway.

She considered not going to the door, but he would know that she was at home because her car was there. Besides, avoidance would make her look cowardly. She pushed her feet into a pair of flats. On her way out of the room, she gave herself a quick check in the mirror above the dresser and resented herself for caring about her appearance even to that extent. Her hair hadn’t completely dried, and because she hadn’t slept well, she looked peaked. But there was nothing to be done about it now.

As silently as possible, she approached the front door, peered through the small diamond-shaped window in its center, and was startled to be met by her own reflection looking back at her from the dark lenses of his sunglasses. He was looking straight into the window as though he’d been waiting for her face to appear.

Coolly, and with a dash of spite, she repeated the question he’d asked her yesterday. “What can I do for you?”

“Let’s talk about your overhaul.”

“You said discussing it would be a waste of time.”