“Something you didn’t hear.”

Dallas held her breath.

“An enthusiastic detective set up an illegal wiretap, got a conversation between Parnell and one of his buddies when he bragged about ‘getting the Martinez bitch.” The details fit her description of the events perfectly”

Dallas let out her breath and her blood pounded in her ears. “Oh, my God.” She’d done it. She’d turned a rapist loose. She felt sick to her stomach.

“Hey, don’t blame yourself. We couldn’t use that evidence , and without it our hands were tied. But if he steps out of line again, believe me, we’re going to nail his ass .”

Fred’s words of consolation had no meaning for her. Celia had been telling the truth, and she hadn’t seen it. Instead she’d helped convince the jury not to convict Neal. She was responsible for a rapist walking free. Justice had not been done, and it was her fault.

She thought of telling Fred about her recent experiences with Neal, but something held her back. What had Gabe said? That he’d rather know where a rattlesnake was than scare it away and have to wonder where it would turn up next?

Heart hammering, she allowed her gaze to roam as much of the dance hall as she could see from her position inside the shop. Neal had disappeared. Then a man in black turned in profile and laughed before continuing a pinball game. Neal. ,

He slammed the side of the pinball machine, laughed again and walked toward the bar. Then, as if guided by some unholy sixth sense, he looked straight across the room toward her.

She got up casually and placed herself in front of Fred, blocking Neal’s view of the man in her shop and Fred’s potential view of Neal. “Well, what you’ve told me is all very interesting. But I guess it doesn’t change the fact that Parnell is a free man.”

Fred stood. “I’m afraid not. I thought of contacting you and other members of the jury after the trial and telling you what we knew, but I perceived you all as conscientious people who would beat yourselves up over this. Please don’t. These things happen all the time.”

“I won’t beat myself up over it,” Dallas lied, her tone grim.

“I hope not.” Fred pulled his hat low over his eyes.

Dallas noticed with satisfaction that he was much less recognizable with the brim curvinga little over his face.

“Thanks for coming all the way out here tonight ” , Dallas said, offering her hand. If he left immediately, Neal might never know he d been here.

“No problem. You know, as long as I’m out tonight , maybe I’ll have a beer and try a few of those line dances : ‘

Dallas fought panic. “Fred.” She put her hand on his arm. She had to lean down a fraction to look into his eyes. “May I speak honestly?”

“Of course.”

“In your profession I’m sure you’ve learned the importance of first impressions.”

“Hmm.” He glanced toward the dance floor.

“Many of the same people come back here night after night, Fred. They 11 remember the rolled cuffs and the wing tips long after you’ve made the transition to tight jeans and Tony Lamas.”

“I suppose you have a point.” He touched the brim of his hat. “Thank you kindly, ma am.”

“Anytime.”

His eyes twinkled. “Prepare yourself for the return of Fred Axton. It’ll be a sight for sore eyes.”

“I’m sure it will.” With a sigh of relief she watched him leave the dance hall. From what she could tell, Neal didn’t even notice the short man in the too-large jeans. But someone else had. Gabe stood, leaning slightly on his cue stick, and watched Fred until he pushed through the heavy oak doors into the night. Dallas turned away before Gabe could realize she was looking at him. She had some heavy thinking to do, and she wouldn’t tip her hand until that thinking was done.

YEARS OF EXPERIINCE allowed Dallas to automatically shampoo and cut hair for the rest of the evening while she gave most of her attention to her problem. Near closing time she took a sealed envelope over to Dave Fogarty.

“Next time you have a chance, please give this to Gabe; she instructed.

Dave stroked his silvery beard. “Now, Dallas. This ain t junior high anymore.” “don’t I know it. I realize it looks juvenile, but I have my reasons why I dontt want to approach him directly. Trust me, this isn’t what you think.”

“Okay, I’ll do it. Mostly because I don’t understand why you two split up all of a sudden, and I’d like to see you work it out.”

Dallas had no idea if her plan would have any bearing on her relationship with Gabe. But like it or not, she needed his help. And she didn’t want Neal to know she’d even asked for it.

At closing time she left without acknowledging Gabe at all. Pepper spray in hand, she unlocked her truck and climbed behind the wheel. She drove home, checking her rearview mirror constantly. No one she recognized followed her.

Once parked under her dusk to-davrn light, she kept the pepper spray handy until she was safely inside her trailer with the door locked. Everything looked in order , but she toured the place, examining locks, checking closets and reassuring herself that she had her gun loaded and available in her bedside table drawer. Then she sat on her couch and waited, Gretchen at her feet.

To keep panic at bay, she focused on her plan, going over the details and testing it for flaws. She was sure there were some, but in general it was a good plan. The time dragged, and she clenched her cold hands in her lap and gazed at the pine paneling, imagining faces in the swirling knotholes.

A key clicked in the back door lock.

Hands clenched, she turned toward the sound as the door opened and Gabe stepped into her hallway. Her breathing quickened. He’d cooperated at least this much.

He approached her warily, the key in his hand. “If you gave me this, how did you get in?”

“I’ve always kept a key hidden out in the tack shed, under a saddle blanket .”

“I wouldn’t advise that anymore : ‘

She held up the second key. “This is it. I won’t put it back there again. Did you drive here through the wash?”

He nodded.

“Where’s your truck?”

“I left it in the wash and hiked the rest of the way.”

She grimaced. “That must have been a sacrifice. I know how cowboys hate to walk: ‘

“I managed.”

She shouldn’t have expected anything but these taciturn responses, but they knifed through her, nonetheless She waved him toward the rocker. “Have a seat.”

“I’ll stand: ‘

“All right.” She adopted his brusque attitude. “I’ll make this quick. I have reason to believe that Neal Parnell did rape your sister, as you said.”

His eyes flickered, but other than that he gave nothing away by his expression. She’d bet he was one hell of a poker player.

“Because I feel responsible for setting him free, I plan to help put him in j all, where he belongs .”

Gabe hooked his thumbs in his belt loops and waited.

“I remember all the details from the trial, and my guess is he’s more comfortable attacking someone in a deserted parking lot than breaking into their home, not that he wouldn’t do that, if all else fails. But if I guide him to the parking lot, he’ll try to rape me there, I think

: ‘


Gabes stoicism vanished and his face contorted. “You’ll whatY’

Her heart hammered and breathing became difficult , but she continued. “I’m going to lure Neal into the parking lot. I’ll spread some story around Rowdy Ranch that I’m staying late to do inventory.” She chuckled without mirth. “It could be the truth. I am behind on that little chore, thanks to all that’s happened”

His fists clenched at his sides. “Forget it.”

She gazed into his dark eyes that burned with anger. “That’s just it, Gabe. I can’t forget it. i can’t forget the trial, or Celia s testimony, or Neal’s part in traumatizing her. I’m going to make it right by catching him in the act .”

“No : ‘

Her shoulders slumped. “I had hoped you’d help me.

You and your two bounty-hunter friends.”

He took a step forward. “If you think for one minute that I’d allow you to put yourself in-“

“Allow?” His use of the word propelled her from the sofa to brace herself in front of him. “How dare you imply you control me? You have nothing to say about it.”

“The hell I don’t: He grabbed her and hauled her against his chest. “I won’t let you be the bait for that bastard:’

The rich scent of him filled her nostrils. Amber was right. She d know this man with her eyes closed. She longed to tangle her fingers in his hair, crush his lips to hers, but she struggled to put distance between them. As much as she wanted him, she wouldn’t ever be dictated to.

He held her fast. “Listen to me, Dallas. Please: ‘

“I’m doing this: She shoved hard at his chest. “With you or without you. “

“You’re crazy!” he gasped, holding her with effort. “Now be still and

“


“Never: She was panting, but she met his gaze straight on. “I’ll never be still. I’ll fight until the day I die to be my own person and make my own decisions.

Got that, Escalante? Now let me go before I kick you in a very uncomfortable spot.”

Slowly his arms came to his sides. He spoke through clenched teeth. “I’ve never met a woman like you.”

She lifted her chin. “Then it’s about time: ‘

He continued to stare at her. When she stared back, he glanced away and rubbed the back of his neck. “You want to lure him into the parking lot?”

She sensed the tide might be changing in her favor.


:’


“Then what?”

“You’ll be there. I checked tonight, and there’s a Dumpster that would keep you hidden. I’ll get him talking. You’ll be the witness I need to show what his intentions are.

Gabe shook his head.

“What’s wrong with that?”

“Everything. He might grab you before you get to me. He might somehow grab you inside the building.”

“I thought of that. Station one of your friends inside Neal doesn’t know what they look like. You won’t even be there that niqht, but your friend will. At closing time your friend can hide somewhere-inside a rest room stall or something-and be available if I need him. But I think Neal will try to get me outside, where he has a clear escape route.”

He groaned. “You really think this is possible, don’t you? You have no experience with criminals. You don’t “

“And what’s the alternative? Do you enjoy hanging around this guy, waiting for him to make a false move? Do you want him to have that kind of power to keep your life on hold?”

“I won’t put your safety on the line!”

“But I will, she said quietly. “And you’re either in or you’re out :

‘


“If I say no, who would you get?”

She had no clue, but she didn’t want him to know that. “I know some guys. I’m sure they’d help.”

“Amateurs,” he retorted.

She could feel him weakening. “Well?”

His sigh seemed torn from the depths of his chest. “Damn you, Dallas”

“Help me do this, Gabe: ‘

His gaze was tortured. “I’d as soon be in hell: ‘

“If you won’t help me, that’s where I’d wish you.”

With a cry he turned away from her. After many long minutes he turned back, resignation and frustration obvious in the set line of his mouth. “I’d want both guys on this. One inside with you, another near the door where you’d come out, in case he grabs you there and tries to force you into his car or something: ‘

“Fine, three of you, then. Four of us, counting me. We can do this, Gabe. We can hang this guy.”

He stood, silent and brooding, in front of her. “How far am I supposed to let him go?” he asked quietly.

As GAsE wnI’rED for her answer, images assaulted him-of Parnell tearing at her clothes, of him putting his filthy hands on her skin and his insolent mouth on her lips. He closed his eyes as if to block out the ugly pictures. “How far, Dallas?”

“I… hadn’t thought that out yet.”

“I think you’d better consider that angle.” He knew from the way her glance shifted that he’d hit a nerve.

Then her gaze swung back to him, the gray depths cold as slate. “Far enough that he thinks he’s going to get away with it and starts saying things that will incriminate him.” She lifted her chin. “I realize it will be… unpleasant, but I’ll survive. When I think he’s gone far enough, I’ll shout a code word or something.”

He felt the sharp pain originate in his heart and spread outward to his arms and fingers. The pain engulfed his stomach and plunged dowm his legs as his body rebelled at what she was saying. “And I’m supposed to watch him paw and insult you? What are you asking of me, Dallas?”