Page 81 of Crosshairs

“How many times do I have to tell you? It’s all about the election and Kingston dragging our long-ago history into the campaign.”

“Why not answer with the truth—that was a terrible time in our history, and yes, your great-great-grandfather Robert Chamberlain inherited slaves, but he freed them all?”

He laughed, but there was no mirth in his voice. “I can just hear my campaign manager’s response.”

“Dad, you have a reputation for fighting for minorities. Trust the voters to do the right thing.”

“You’re being naïve.” But his voice had softened. He dipped his head toward her. “How do you know about my reputation?”

“I, uh ...” What had made her say that? Ainsley wasn’t even sure where it came from. “You have great cheerleaders in Gran and Cora.”

“They are that.” He checked his watch. “I’m running late. Look, in case you’re worried, there will be enough security to keep you safe—the firm I’ve hired is even providing a helicopter to sweep the area. But do get Linc to drop you off at the frontentrance.” Just before closing the door, he looked over his shoulder. “And wear something dressy, but not too dressy.”

“I planned on it.” It wasn’t an order, more like a suggestion. Was it possible there was a thaw in their cold war?

Ainsley had been trying to envision what to wear tonight that would accommodate the Kevlar vest and so far had come up with zilch. Maybe she could leave the vest off since security would be tight with not only his rent-a-cops but probably state police as well. Nope. Not happening.

The sketch! She grabbed her backpack and hurried after him, catching her dad before he got into his car.

“Wait!”

He turned around, and Ainsley fished one of Maddox’s sketches from the backpack. “Would you make copies of this and distribute them to your security detail?”

He took the sketch. “Is this the man you think is after you?”

“I’m not sure, but it won’t hurt for them to be on the lookout.”

“I’ll make sure they get this.”

Ainsley watched as he backed out of the drive. Her dad seemed to be mellowing a bit. Was it possible they had turned the page on a new relationship?

42

The Tahoe had left with only the man in it, and before long the Lexus drove away. Could he risk breaking in now and taking care of Beaumont? The desire to get it over with and leave Natchez was tempting. All he had to do was slip in the back door, and after he made sure she knew who was killing her, do the job.

“Yoo-hoo, Mr. Banks!”

Maddox ground his teeth and then turned to see Mrs. Johnson making a beeline for him.

“I hate to impose, but could you change a lightbulb or two for me?”

He forced his jaw to relax. “Of course, Mrs. Johnson.”

She pressed bills into his hand. “I know you don’t want me to pay you, but I just have to give you something.”

He glanced down at the two twenties and slipped them in his pocket. He’d spend five of it for something to eat. The rest would go into his gas tank. “Thank you, ma’am. I’ll donate it to the church tomorrow.”

Just as he laid his rake against the porch, a woman crossed the street carrying two bags, and he watched her walk up to the Chamberlain front door. Had to be Beaumont’s grandmother.

Mrs. Johnson may have just saved him from a close call.

43

As soon as her dad left, Ainsley went through her clothes. The outfits she’d worn for dinner on the ship were too dressy for a barbecue, and the rest of her cruise wardrobe consisted of shorts and tank tops. Her phone rang. Gran. “Has something happened to Cora?”

“No, dear. She’s much improved and the doctors are talking about moving her into a room on the surgery floor Monday,” Gran said. “Have you dressed yet?”

Ainsley groaned into the phone. “No. I was just trying to pull something together.”

---