Page 31 of Devil's Due

But my reminiscing is beside the point.

Why is she lying?I dismiss the notion her having Max was the result of a theft. He’s too well trained.Perhaps she’s not kept up with the insurance?Well, at times anyone can struggle to make ends meet.

I think more on it as I lead her out to my bike and decide that’s probably the most likely explanation. She wants,needs, her dog back and is saying all the right things to get him fixed. She’ll worry about paying for it when he’s fit. Yeah, I’m sure I’ll find money at the root of it. I’d meant it when I said I’d step in and help. I’ve got money doing little more than sitting in a bank account and earning more of it, thanks to Dollar’s advice. Using it for a charitable purpose, don’t people do that all the time?

For now the vet’s got two assurances of payment, one on her card, one on mine. We’ll worry about everything else later.

Almost an expert now, she climbs on the bike behind me without hesitation. As her arms go around my waist, I can feel slight vibrations as if she’s shaking. It’s clear she’s upset. Worrying about Max? Or about the money.

“Babe. Got some winnings burning a hole in my pocket. Feel like stopping off and getting something to eat?”

She doesn’t answer immediately. “It’s a nice idea Beef, but not tonight, okay? I’m worried about Max, and not in the mood for company.”

“Those forms. You want help with them?”

This time her answer comes fast. “No, I can do it myself.”

Can she though?Or, will she even bother?

I’ve no choice but to take her home, walk her to the front door just to be gentlemanly, then it’s awkward on the doorstep. For some reason her demeanour has completely changed, it’s as if I’m a stranger, no longer a friend.That hurts.

I try once again. “I’d like to help you, Stevie.”

She stiffens. “I don’t need help.”

Not knowing her well enough to press it, I’m going to have to leave it for now. “Okay. Call if you need me. I’ll check in with you about Max tomorrow, see how he does after the op.”

“There’s no need, Beef.”

“It’s no trouble. You want to visit him? You call me, not a taxi, okay?”

A nod, which doesn’t tell me anything. Then her key is placed directly into the lock, the door opens then closes behind her. I’m left staring at the wood, wondering why I have this feeling that anything between us had just turned into dust.I’ve known her for twenty-four hours.Why should her dismissal matter?

I have no idea. But it does. Maybe it’s because I’m a natural carer. I see a problem, I want to help solve it.Yeah, and that’s how I got chained to Sally.

Riding back to the compound, my uneasy feeling doesn’t get any better. In fact, it gets worse. Something about the woman I just left is worrying me. As I back into a free parking space against the wall of the clubhouse, I come to the conclusion that if she won’t tell me, I’ll find out about her myself. Then, if she needs assistance, I can be prepared to provide it. As long as I maintain the boundaries, can’t be any harm in that. She’s apparently got no one else.

If I was walking into the Tucson clubhouse it would take more than a minute to get to the bar, brothers would be stopping me, engaging me in conversation. Might be questions about my bike, might, under these circumstances, be right up in my business about the blind woman and her dog. Here I’m still a visitor rather than a trusted friend, so apart from Pyro calling out, “How’s the dog?” and my raised thumb to show he’s still okay, that’s the end of any impedance.

Soon I have a beer in my hand and am making my way to Cad’s corner.

Back in Tucson, Mouse had his own office, preferring to work in quiet and secrecy. I wonder why Cad is so different.

“Can’t they find you an office space, Cad?” I wave at the chair opposite him, then at his chin jerk sit down.

He offers a quick grin. “There’s no room. I have thought about emptying out a storeroom, but to be honest, I prefer it out here. I can keep my finger on what’s going on. And, of course, it’s closer to get my drink refreshed.” As his eyes fall on his empty bottle, then rise to meet mine, I bark a laugh.

Taking the hint I stand, rap the bar, and get Wills’ attention.

“Okay,” Cad’s eyes narrow when I bring his beer back. “Don’t think you’ve come to pass the time of day. What’s on your mind?”

Hoping I’m doing the right thing as I’m about to stomp all over her independence, I take a deep breath. “You made an offer to find out about that woman I met. Got a feeling she might have money troubles or some such shit. I’ll admit I’m curious. She shut down when the clues started coming. If she’s in trouble, I’d like to offer help.”

“She need it, you reckon?”

Do I? Had all I saw just been worry and concern about her dog? Nah, my gut is telling me something different, and I’ve done well before to listen to it.

Cad sees my reluctance. He leans forward. “You’re not sure if you’re doing the right thing prying into her business. It can’t hurt. We don’t find anything? No one needs to know we looked.”

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