Page 67 of Irish Rose
“Well, assuming that your wife’s disappearance had something to do with the trouble last week, which was a big assumption, I had to figure out who had the most to gain. That would be Durnam. I take it you’d already worked that out.”
“I had everything but proof.”
“We’ve got that now, too. The man was already on the edge. Our call coming in was all it took to push him over. He’d cleaned out his bank account, what was left of it. Knew that, did you?”
“Yeah, I knew that.”
“Had his bags packed. But he wasn’t going to miss that race tomorrow. Today,” Hallinger corrected with a glance up at the lightening sky. “He wanted that Derby win bad. Funny how people can set their minds on one thing and forget about the consequences. How’s your wife?”
“She’s hurt. Where are you keeping him?”
“That’s police business now, Mr. Logan.” He examined his cigarette thoughtfully before taking another drag. “I know how you feel.”
Burke cut him off with a look. “You don’t know how I feel.”
Hallinger nodded slowly. “You’re right. And I doubt you’re in the mood for advice, but here it is. You haven’t been a Boy Scout, Logan.” He smiled, a little sourly, when Burke only continued to stare at him. “I make it my business to check details. You’ve had a few scrapes in your time. Some bad luck and some good. Right now I’d say you’ve got yourself a good woman and a chance to make things click. Don’t blow it on something as pitiful as Charles Durnam. He lost a hell of a lot more than a horse race. Isn’t that enough?”
“No.” Burke pulled open the door of his car, then paused to turn back. “He gets out in a year, in twenty years—he’s dead.”
With some regret, Hallinger flipped the butt of his cigarette away. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
When Erin awoke, she opened her eyes cautiously. The hospital. The wave of relief came as it did every time she awoke to find herself safe. The light beside her bed was still burning. She’d hated to be weak, but had insisted the nurse leave it on even when the sun was coming up.
Burke hadn’t been there. She’d fretted and asked for him, but they’d wheeled her to a private room and tucked her into bed, promising he’d be with her soon. She was to sleep, to relax, she wasn’t to worry.
But she wanted him.
Listless, she turned her head. There were already flowers in the room. She imagined Travis or Paddy had seen to that. They’d been so kind.
But she wanted Burke.
Shifting in search of comfort, she pushed herself up in bed. And she saw him. He was standing by the window, his back to her. Everything fled but the pleasure of knowing he was there with her.
“Burke.”
He turned immediately. His first thought was that she was sitting up and her cheeks were no longer pale. His second thought was that if it hadn’t been for him she wouldn’t be in a hospital bed with bandages on her wrists. Because she was holding out a hand, he went to her and touched it lightly.
“You’re looking better,” he said inadequately.
“I’m feeling better. I didn’t know you were here.”
“I’ve been around awhile. Do you want anything?”
“I could eat.” She smiled and reached for his hand again, but his was in his pocket.
“I’ll get the nurse.”
“Burke.” She stopped him as he reached the door. “It can wait. Look at you, you haven’t slept.”
“Busy night.”
She tried another smile. “Aye, it was all of that. I’m sorry.”
His eyes went hard and flat. “Don’t. I’ll get the nurse.”
Alone, Erin lay back on the pillows. Maybe she was still confused and disoriented. He couldn’t really be angry with her. With a half sigh, she closed her eyes. Of course he could. There was no telling with men, and with Burke in particular. Whether it was her fault or not, she’d put him through hell. And now she was tying him to a hospital room on the most important day of his life.
When the door opened again she made sure her smile was cheerful, and her voice, though her throat still tended to ache, mirrored it. “You should be at the track. I had no idea it was so late. Did anyone think to bring me a change of clothes? I can be ready in ten minutes.”
