Page 10 of Shades of Mercy
He blew out an irritated breath. “I’ll take care of them. You take care of yourself. Now go inside and talk to Howie and McKinley. Tell them as little as possible. Make up an excuse why you’re leaving. Tell them I’ve convinced you to lay low for a while.”
“They’re my partners, Mateo. I trust them.”
“And that’s a mistake,” he growled.
“Are you suggesting that they are somehow involved in this crime ring? That makes no sense.”
“I’m saying that for now, you can’t trust anyone. Now hurry. The quicker we get this wrapped up the better it’ll be for all of us.”
Chapter Four
Two hours later, they were well out of the city, having made two stops. One, for gas and coffee, and another at a Western apparel shop off the interstate. Mateo instructed her to stay in the truck while he went inside. She probably would have drawn too much attention in her ripped and dirty dress and bare feet.
He returned with three plastic bags and a travel bag adorned with horses and lassosforhandles. He laid the items in her lap.
He wasted no time in getting back onto the highway.
She sifted through the bags, examining each article of clothing, each one less her style than the last. “I’m unsure if I’ll be in a safe location or an episode ofYellowstone.”
She slid the pair of flip-flops on her feet, glad they were her size.
“I don’t think you’re in the position to be choosy.”
“Noted.” After putting the items into the overnight bag, she zipped it and tossed it into the backseat. “Since we’re stuck in this truck, I have you cornered. How’s Adriana?”
“What about her?” A tense undercurrent filled his voice.
“Sheisyour wife.”
“We haven’t talked in a while.”
“Is she coming home?” Mercy and Adriana formed a close friendship when Mateo first introduced her. She seemed like the ideal partner for him. While Mercy was uncertain about the issues in their marriage, she hoped her brother would make the effort to save his relationship with his wife. He could be bullheaded at times.
“I don’t have the energy to talk about her.”
‘So that means you two aren’t even discussing getting back together?”
“This isn’t the time for a lecture,” he said irritably.
“That’s never stopped you in the past,” she said flippantly.
“She doesn’t want to be married to someone who is married to his job. I can’t change who I am.” He rolled down the window, allowing the cool evening air to come in.
“She knew who you were when she married you. Where are you taking me?” She didn’t recognize any of the landmarks.
“You’ll be safe. Just promise to stay out of trouble.”
“Are you keeping the location a secret? I have a right to know.”
“No, I’m not keeping it a secret. I’ve asked a friend to meet us —someone I know I can trust, someone you can trust. I think I’ve done a good enough job of safeguarding that no one is trailing us.” He reached into the backseat and placed a brown paper bag into her lap.
“I can’t wait to see what else you've got me?” She looked inside. “Why did you give me a gun? Is it necessary?”
“In my line of work, we know there are never too many precautions we can take. I know you don’t like weapons, but take it. You remember how to use one, right?”
“Daddy always said shooting a gun was like riding a bike. Once you learn, you never forget. Thirty years in the police force meant everyone around him knew how to use a gun. Who’s the friend?”
“Promise me you’ll hear me out.”
