Dove in the Window (39 page)

“I am, Wade,” I said, tears coming to my eyes. “I already am.”

I watched him drive away until all that was left was the faint sound of the muffler that would need replacing soon.

I started walking back toward the ranch and, halfway there, Gabe appeared in the Corvette. He pulled over and climbed out.

“Looks like you lost your wheels,” he said, leaning against the side of the car juggling his keys from one hand to the other.

“Didn’t lose them. Gave them away.”

“I thought you might.”

I made a face at him. “You did not. You think you know me so well.”

“Better than you realize.” His face grew sober. “Are you all right?”

I smiled and nodded. “Never been better.”

“Looks like I’m your ride.”

“Appears so.”

“Actually, it doesn’t look like you have much of a choice.”

“Friday, we always have choices.”

He studied me for a moment. “So, what’s yours?”

“It might depend on where you’re headed.”

He looked down the road toward the ranch, then the opposite way toward town. “Does it really matter?”

I thought about it for a moment, then answered, “Not as long as I can drive halfway.”

He gave a delighted laugh and tossed me the keys.

Berkley Prime Crime Books by Earlene Fowler

THE SADDLEMAKER’S WIFE

The Benni Harper Mysteries

FOOL’S PUZZLE
IRISH CHAIN
KANSAS TROUBLES
GOOSE IN THE POND
DOVE IN THE WINDOW
MARINER’S COMPASS
SEVEN SISTERS
ARKANSAS TRAVELER
STEPS TO THE ALTAR
SUNSHINE AND SHADOW
BROKEN DISHES
DELECTABLE MOUNTAINS
TUMBLING BLOCKS