Page 64 of Gentle Persuasion

“Right,” Debbie said shortly, “by way of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma?”

He looked taken aback. “Check that out,” Tillet ordered. One of the men scurried from the room.

“If you claim not to know anything about how it got in your luggage, then how do you explain your knowledge of it?” He had her there. He just knew it.

“I didn’t say I’d never seen it. I just said, I didn’t know Buddy had put it in my bag.”

Now we’re getting somewhere. She’s about to name an accomplice. They always do when they’re about to be caught. They never want to go down alone. “So, exactly what’s your buddy’s real name?” He leaned forward and pinned her with a stare.

“Robert Allen Brownfield,” Cole said. “And unfortunately, he’s my brother.”

Cole was silent, waiting for a response to his announcement. He’d probably get arrested, too. The Chief would love that, Cole thought, picturing his boss’s face when he tried to explain this mess back at the P.D.

Debbie leaned back in her chair, covered her eyes with her fingers, and pressed tightly. Thank God!

Cole saw her actions and felt the floor tilt beneath him. She’s furious. She’s never going to forgive me or anyone claiming a remote relationship to a Brownfield.

Tillet jumped. “Who’s he?” he asked.

Cole reached for his pocket. Two officers reached for their guns. He rolled his eyes. “In my pocket, please,” he said.

An officer handed the wallet to Tillet.

A detective…with the Laguna Beach P.D.? What’s going on here? They’d better not mess with me. This is my territory. I won’t have anyone claiming credit for something I’ve—

“Brother?” What the detective had said finally registered. “What’s going on here?” Tillet asked.

Cole shrugged free of his restraints and claimed his badge. “If I may…” he leaned forward and picked up the offending black box.

Everyone jumped back and several more officers drew their weapons. “Don’t shoot,” he drawled, “or I’ll never get that damned princess out of the tower.”

The machine came to life beneath his fingers, and for the first time, he was thankful that this was one of Buddy’s games he knew how to work.

Lights came on, a computerized version of trumpets blared, and a tiny, robotic figure appeared on the small screen. It thrust and parried as the game’s instructions were given to proceed.

“Prince Robert,” Cole grinned, as he introduced the dashing little figure. He looked at Tillet and asked, “Do you want to take the road to Challon or go by water? I’ll warn you, if you go by water, there’s a hell of a monster just past the first set of cliffs that’ll eat your damned boat every time.”

The men assembled started to grin. One even stepped forward and held out his hand. “I’ll give it a try,” he offered. “I’m real good at—”

“Get back to your post,” Tillet ordered. He hated days like this. “Miss Randall, I’m sorry you’ve been detained unnecessarily, but I’m certain you understand our position. We’ll give you a personal escort to the plane and see that you get on it. It’ll take about a half an hour to reload the baggage, and then you may resume your trip in peace.” It was obvious that he’d be happy if he never saw her again.

Cole stepped forward. “That won’t be necessary,” he said. “If you’d be so kind as to get her bags off the—”

Debbie spoke. “Don’t remove a thing. And I’ll get myself to the proper gate.” She walked out the door.

No!

Cole bolted after her.

Tillet sank down onto the nearest chair and stared at the figure of Prince Robert going down for the third time. A grinning dragon appeared on the screen and then a series of trumpets blared. The dragon had won. The princess was still in the tower, and Tillet was going to be the laughingstock of the week.

***

“What do you think you’re doing?” Cole yelled, ignoring the curious stares sent their way.

Debbie didn’t answer. She just kept walking.

“So, you’re quitting! It doesn’t surprise me,” he shouted. “I always knew that my being a cop bothered you.”

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