The color deserted her face, but her tone remained sharp. “So what do you propose to do?”
“Hire another agency, of course.”
“Here?”
“Yes.”
She opened her mouth only to snap it shut, clearly at a loss as to how to deal with this latest turn of events.
“I know what you’re thinking.”
“You have no idea,” she responded with unveiled sarcasm.
He ignored that. “I’m hoping to hire the Parker Agency.”
She lunged to her feet. “What’s the matter with you, Tanner? The owner just got popped, for God’s sake.”
“I realize that,” he said, struggling to hang on to his patience and his temper.
Irene merely looked at him.
“Shirley has a partner.”
“Which doesn’t mean shit. Clients have been deserting the Parker firm like rats on a sinking ship for a long time now, and you know that. Granted, there seems to be no reasonable explanation, but that shouldn’t matter.” Irene paused as though to get a breath. “The fact that it’s happening should be enough to stay away.”
“The partner’s husband was an old friend of mine.”
“So?”
“So, I’m going to hire her.” Tanner’s eyes narrowed on her. “Do you have a problem with that?”
“You’re damn right I do.”
He hadn’t consulted her first. Tanner suspected that was what fueled her anger. She wanted to micromanage everything that concerned him. Mainly his life. Not going to happen.
“So where does that leave us?” he asked.
Irene tapped her foot. “I’m not sure.”
“Is that a threat?”
“Maybe.” Irene walked to the door, then turned. “Screw it. I’ll talk to you later when we’re both calmer.”
Once she was gone, Tanner plopped down in his chair and put his head in his hands.
The tearoom was hopping. But then it usually was at noon. Hectic or not, Kasey loved eating there because it was also a gift shop with lots of pretties. Today, however, she wasn’t in the mood to meander and finger the goods. Instead she was taking advantage of her cousin’s company as they sat at a table for two.
“I’m sorry about Shirley,” Ginger Davenport said, once the waitress had taken their orders.
Ginger was not only her first cousin but a dear friend whose company had moved her here from Houston several years ago. At thirty-eight she was one year older than Kasey, and in the process of getting a divorce. Tall and willowy, she had wide-set hazel eyes and a thin mouth that she made more generous with a lip pencil.
The fact that Ginger lived in Rushmore had been another reason why leaving Dallas after so many years hadn’t been so overwhelming to Kasey.
Yet they didn’t see each other as often as Kasey would’ve liked. Ginger worked for a high-powered investment firm and traveled often. When they did get together, however, they made the most of it.
“I’m devastated,” Kasey responded, “for more reasons than one.”
“I’m sure.” Ginger leaned closer and lowered her voice. “It scares the hell out of me to think that someone you worked with got murdered. I’m guessing you don’t have a clue as to why.”
“You’re right, I don’t.” Kasey’s voice shook. “I saw her get shot.” She hadn’t planned on blurting out that shocking piece of news. It seemed to have just rolled off her tongue.
Ginger’s eyes widened, and she covered her mouth as if to stifle a cry. After a moment, she wheezed, “You were the witness the paper mentioned?”
Kasey nodded, emotion tightening her throat.
“Oh, my God, you poor thing.”
“It was awful, Ginger. I’ve nearly lost my sanity over it, though I didn’t see who pulled the trigger.”
“But did he see you? That’s what’s important.”
“I’m convinced he didn’t and so are the police. Otherwise, he would’ve already made a move to…silence me. But just to be on the safe side, I’ve been placed under protective watch.”
“You have?” Ginger’s head turned to the right, then left.
Kasey smiled. “He’s lurking around here somewhere.”
“This is all too mind-boggling,” Ginger said, shaking her head. “I know you have to be scared out of your wits. Want to move in with me for a while?”
“No, but thanks. I guess I’m still in shock.”
“You’ve told Brock, right?”
She gave Ginger the gist of that conversation.
“God, what a mess.” Ginger’s features were pinched. “I wish your mother and brother weren’t in Wyoming. On second thought, maybe I don’t. You and your mother are like oil and water—you don’t mix.”
“Since she’s been in the nursing home, things have gotten better between us. Still, I wouldn’t think of telling either of them since there’s nothing they can do.”
“What are you going to do about the agency?” Ginger asked, changing the subject.
Kasey sighed. “I’m assuming the partnership’s still intact. Even so, I’m not sure I can get it solvent again, especially now, though I might be offered a reprieve of sorts.”
Ginger didn’t respond right off as the waitress brought their salads. Kasey stared down at hers, and though it looked yummy, she wasn’t sure she could eat a bite.
“Eat, cuz,” Ginger ordered. “You need nourishment.”
“I’ll try, but I’m not hungry.”
For several minutes, they munched in silence. Then Kasey pushed her plate away. “I can’t eat another morsel, or I’ll be sick.”
“I understand. I feel the same. Imagine that? Me turning down food.”
“Sorry I ruined your appetite.”
“Under the circumstances, that’s not important. Besides, I should skip a lot of meals and drop some of this weight.” Ginger paused, then changed the subject. “You mentioned you might be offered a reprieve. I sure hope so. I don’t want you going back to Dallas.”
“Do you know Tanner Hart?”
“Do you?” Ginger’s eyes were wide.
Color stung Kasey’s cheeks. “Yes. He’s from Rushmore and was one of Mark’s best friends in college.”
“All I know about him,” Ginger said, “is that he’s running for the Texas Senate against that prick Buck Butler—”
“Why, Ginger,” Kasey exclaimed with a chuckle.
“Well, that’s what he is. I know because he does business with our firm. And Matt, my soon to be ex, works for his campaign. But that aside for now, what’s the deal with Hart?”
Kasey explained about Tanner approaching her at the cemetery.
“You think he might want to hire you?”
“I’m