Page 50 of Texas-Sized Secrets

He pulled the drawers open, quickly moving through the kitchen without finding anything worth clueing in on. In the tiny living area, a massive television stood in the corner, blocking most of the window. A sofa with missing cushions and a crocheted blanket thrown over the back looked as if it had been lived in by rats. Beer bottles littered the rickety coffee table and the threadbare rug. The place reeked of stale beer, old shoes and filth.

On an end table, buried beneath the television guide and dog-eared copies ofSports Illustrated, Reed found a bank statement.

“Find something useful?”

Reed spun, dropping into a fighting stance before he realized the voice in his ear was Mona’s. “I thought you said you’d play lookout.”

“Figured I could hear a vehicle from inside as well as outside, given how old the house is and the fact it probably isn’t well insulated.”

“Still, I’d feel better if you waited outside.”

She tilted her head to the side, her eyes going wide. “Too late.”

Reed froze, his ears picking up the sound of an engine headed their way. “Quick. Out the back door.”

“Can’t.” Mona ducked to peer out the window. “He’s pulling around that way.” She ran for the front door, but the door was jammed shut. “Shootfire, it won’t open.”

“Come on.” Reed grabbed her hand and raced into a tiny bathroom. He shoved her into the claw-foot tub, surrounded by an ancient shower curtain hanging by its last five intact rings, and climbed in beside her. “How can I keep you safe if you refuse to do what I say?”

“No one tells me what to do, cowboy. Haven’t you figured that out yet?” She shot him a crooked smile about the time the back screen door opened and slammed shut. Booted feet clomped through the house into the bedroom, where dresser drawers were opened and slammed shut. A door banged open and closed with enough force to rattle the bathroom walls.

Mona jumped, clamping a hand over her mouth.

Reed circled her waist, resting his palms over her baby bump, gently pulling her against his chest.

The stiffness in her shoulders relaxed only slightly, but she leaned against him, her hands coming up to cover his. He liked it.

Too much. Inhaling the scent of her hair almost made him forget the compromising position they were in, standing in Gaither’s tub.

“Hey.” Dusty’s voice, muffled by the thickness of the walls. “I need more money. Meet me behind the bank in five minutes or I’ll let the cat out of the bag.” The plastic crack of a phone hitting the cradle carried through the walls. “Stupid son of a—” Footsteps moved toward the small bathroom.

Reed held his breath and Mona’s wrist. Her pulse beat like a runaway metronome.

The toilet lid clattered against the tank and the sound of liquid spraying into water was accompanied by the sharp odor of urine.

Mona’s belly clenched and her hand moved to cover her mouth and nose.

The rasp of a zipper was followed by footfalls and Dusty left the bathroom and the house, the screen door slamming behind him.

“He didn’t even flush or wash his hands.” Mona stumbled out of the bath and into the living room.

Reed followed, checking out the kitchen window to see Dusty’s truck pulling out of the driveway. “Come on.” Reed grabbed her hand and ran out the back door and to the street. When Dusty’s truck disappeared around the corner, Reed ran across the road and through the neglected yards of the abandoned houses.

Mona pulled her hand free of his and stopped, bending double, her face creased in pain. “Go on without me.”

Guilt hit him in the chest like a tight knot. He’d forgotten for a moment that Mona couldn’t run as fast as he could in her condition. He slid to a halt and hurried back to her. “Are you all right? No labor pains or anything?”

“No, just a stitch in my side. I’ll be fine as soon as I catch my breath. In the meantime Dusty’s getting away. Go on. I’ll be fine. I can walk downtown to Dee’s Diner and wait for you there.”

Reed shook his head. “I won’t leave you.”

As she straightened, Mona forced a smile, her face tight. “See? I’m fine. Now go on.” Then she doubled over again, clutching her side. “Damn!”

Reed scooped her into his arms and carried her to the truck as though she were no heavier than a sack of feed.

“You can’t go carrying me around everywhere, you know.” Mona’s lips pressed into a tight line and the arm around his shoulder remained stiff. “You’re going to miss who Dusty is meeting with.”

Reed eased her onto the truck seat and buckled her in before going around to the driver’s seat. “I think we need to take you to the hospital.”

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