In the wake of those regrets, she might give him his walking papers.
It had been that incredibly infectious smile of hers that had tripped him over the edge that night. Underneath that standoffish facade was a woman made of pure velvet, making her impossible to resist.
No excuse. His mission was to help her, not hurt her further. He had no idea what he was going to say to her. If he got the chance to say anything, he thought with a grimace.
“What’s the matter with you?” Jack demanded, pulling out his chair and sitting down. “Did you eat something that didn’t agree with you?”
Tanner took the easy way out. “Yeah.”
“It’s Irene that doesn’t agree with me. I wish—”
Tanner cut him off. “Don’t start, Jack. Until the election’s over, it’s imperative that we all get along. If I’m going to win, that is. So bury your hatchet, only not in Irene’s skull.”
Irene chose that moment to return, effectively stifling Jack’s comeback. Their waiter also appeared, refilling their wineglasses. They had dined on the finest of Italian foods accompanied by the finest of red wines.
Tanner watched as Irene raised her glass to her lips and envisioned Kasey sitting there instead. He muttered a silent curse before saying out loud in an abrupt tone, “Let’s get down to business, shall we?”
“I have the results of the latest poll,” Jack said, then paused, his pink cheeks looking pinker than usual.
“And?” Irene asked, her tone impatient as she cut her gaze to Tanner then back on Jack.
“Butler’s regained the lead.”
“Damn,” Tanner muttered.
Irene chimed in. “All the more reason to start kicking ass, Tanner, on TV, in front of God and everybody, which is something that’s not happening.”
Jack gave him a perturbed look. “I thought you had corrected that.”
“I did. You and Irene need to see final layouts. They hit Butler where he’s the weakest. His waffling on a pay raise for the teachers is leading the pack.”
Irene drained her glass, then leaned closer to him, her boozy breath repulsing him. “That bullshit’s all well and good, Tanner. But it won’t get votes. We need dirt, darlin’. Mud, if you will.”
“I second that,” Jack said, his voice brisk.
Tanner looked from one to the other, his jaw clenched. “Fine. But you’d better make damn sure none of that mud backfires and splatters on me.”
Fifteen
“So what’s the latest with you?”
Kasey had barely gotten seated with Ginger at their favorite coffee haunt when the question came.
“Sorry,” Ginger added with an apologetic grin. “I should have at least given you time to catch your breath and order.”
Kasey smiled back. “No problem.”
As if on cue the waitress appeared. When she was gone, Ginger raised her brows. “You’re not eating, huh?”
“A latte is all I can handle.”
“I see you’re still on that roller coaster with your tongue hanging out.”
“You got it. We’re trying to get Tanner Hart off and running.”
“Ah, so how’s that going?”
Kasey ignored the twinkle in Ginger’s eyes and concentrated on the waitress who arrived with their order. “It’s got me going, actually.”
“Then you’re in your element. You seem to thrive on a challenge.”
“Believe me, it’s that and more.” Kasey had no intention of sharing her stupid lapse in judgment with her friend. She wished she could stop dwelling on that kiss herself.
“Anything new with the case?” Ginger asked before putting a bite of scone in her mouth.
Kasey hesitated but only for a moment, then decided she would take Ginger into her confidence on that matter. “Hopefully.”
“Oh, really? That’s great. It’s time that creep was off the streets. Crazy as it may sound, I don’t even feel safe.” She paused. “I can’t even imagine how you must feel.”
“It’s not easy, especially since they took me off protective watch.”
“That’s not good, is it?”
Kasey shrugged. “Gallain’s convinced he’s not coming after me.”
“But are you convinced?”
“I’m getting there.”
“Good. So back to what’s changed about the case.”
Kasey explained about the notebook and her subsequent call to Gallain.
“What was his reaction?” Ginger asked. “Was he salivating?”
“Hardly.”
“Figures. I’ve seen that weird-looking guy on TV, and he gives me the creeps.”
Kasey didn’t answer right off, choosing to take several drinks of her coffee before it got tepid. Ginger did likewise.
“You ought to be ashamed of yourself,” Kasey finally said, unable to hold back a grin.
“See, you feel the same way.”
“I’ll admit Gallain isn’t my favorite person, but if he’ll nab Shirley’s killer then he can stay weird. But since no name was anywhere in that notebook, it may not be the smoking gun I’d hoped.”
“I bet it is. When Gallain finds out who she was giving that money to, he might very well find the killer.”
“My thoughts exactly, only it won’t be easy.”
“That’s the police’s problem, not yours.”
“Right. Mine is keeping the agency open after Tanner’s contract runs out.” Kasey removed the lipstick off her cup with a napkin, then looked back at Ginger. “I have a really talented staff who deserve better.”
“So do you. Look what you’ve sacrificed. Still are. I know you’re having a tough time keeping your head above water financially.”
“I’m already underwater.”
“Why don’t you let me loan—”
“No, absolutely not. I haven’t gone to the bank yet. But even as I speak, I have Don out calling on companies, trying to drum up business. I know word has gotten out that we’re working with Tanner Hart. That has to pull some weight.”
“I hope you’re right, but with Shirley being murdered, people are leery of getting involved.”
“I know,” Kasey said, down in the mouth.
“So how’s the kid?”
Kasey smiled suddenly, glad of the change in subject. For a while they talked about Brock, then their conversation turned to trivial women’s stuff.
Afterward, Kasey asked, “So what about the divorce? How’s it progressing?”
“It’s not.” Ginger’s features clouded. “Which sucks big donkey balls.”
Kasey laughed. “Okay. Whatever you say.”
“Matt’s a turd, the floating kind, and always will be.”
“Yuk, Ginger,” Kasey exclaimed, “that’s gross.”
“Gross but true.”
“I just wish you’d dump on me,” Kasey said in a petulant tone. “Every time we’re together, it seems my problems monopolize the conversation.”
“That’s because I’m pretty dull right now. I work and fight with Matt through the lawyers. How exciting can that be?”
“Doesn’t matter. I want to be here for you.”
“What I want is that piece of eye candy, Tanner Hart, to walk through the door like he did the last time we were here.” Ginger’s eyes twinkled.
Just the mention of Tanner’s name sent her pulses skyrocketing. Then realizing her reaction, Kasey gritted her teeth. “That’s not likely to happen. I imagine he’s on the campaign junket.” She didn’t know that, of course, since she hadn’t talked with him in a couple of days. Sooner than later she would have to face him again, and she wasn’t looking forward to that.
“Aw, that’s too bad,” Ginger was saying in mock despair.
“You can always stop by the agency, and I’ll introduce you.”
“That’s okay, I’ll just stick to my dreams.”
Kasey rolled her eyes, then stood. “Let’s get out of here. I have work to do.”
“When we marry again,” Ginger quipped o
utside the coffee shop, “let’s hope it’s to some rich old farts so we won’t have to do hard time in an office.”
Kasey grinned. “I’ll pass. I don’t want another man.”
Ginger gave her a knowing look, then walked off.
Kasey made her way into the art room and pulled up short.
Billboards in vivid colors, with Tanner’s name front and center, lined the walls. Excitement sent Kasey racing forward to get a closer look. Red and Angie had done a fantastic job on the artwork.
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the largest table had the latest newspaper ads splayed across it. They were equally good as the signs. Her excitement rose another notch. Vince and Dwight had taken her ideas and worked up a masterpiece. What a great team she had. She couldn’t wait to compliment them.
If Tanner didn’t like this package, then he couldn’t be pleased. Period.
The phone rang several times and no one picked up. Where was Monica? she wondered, reaching for the receiver.
“Parker Agency.”
“Kasey, is that you?”
For a second her heart almost stopped beating. “Hello, Tanner.” She was barely able to squeeze that greeting through stiff lips.
“Did I catch you at a bad time?”
“No, not at all.”
“Can you hear me all right? I’m calling from my cell.”
“I hear you fine.”
There was a short pause.
“Are you okay?”
She bristled. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”
Another pause.
“No reason.”
His voice was low and on the husky side. She gripped the receiver tighter.
“I’m out of town, but I’ll be back tonight. I’m assuming you have something to show me?”
“Do I ever,” she responded with enthusiasm feeling on firmer ground now that they were discussing a safe topic.
“So should I just call you tomorrow?”
“That will be fine.” She knew her tone sounded stilted, like she was talking to a complete stranger. But that was the only way she could cope. Just hearing his voice had affected her. She was loath to think about how she would react in his presence. She dared not think about that.
“Kasey, are you still there?”
“Uh, yes.”
“Until tomorrow then.”
She expected to hear a dead silence indicating he’d ended the call. Only that didn’t happen. Although he hadn’t said anything more, she knew he remained on the line.
“Kasey—” He broke off, then muttered an expletive. “To hell with it. I’ll talk to you later.”
For the next few minutes, she walked around in a daze, her heart refusing to settle back into its normal pattern. She couldn’t get involved with him. She couldn’t.
Why not?
That unexpected question froze her. Where had that come from? She squashed her panic. It was okay to play the devil’s advocate. She was simply trying to put things in perspective. Just because she was attracted to him and had kissed him back, didn’t mean she’d compromised herself in any way.
She was making much more out of what had happened than was necessary.
“I found you.”
Kasey swung around with a start. Monica had stuck her head around the door.
“Where have you been?” Kasey asked.
“In the little girl’s room.”
“You need me?”
Monica cut her eyes toward the reception area. “There’s a man to see you.”
“He didn’t give you his name.”
“No. I figure he’s a new client.”
Let us pray. “Tell him to come on in.”
Moments later a sober-faced man walked in, his hand extended. Kasey judged him to be in his fifties, give or take a year or two. He was tall and good-looking. It was his eyes that gave her pause. They appeared empty.
She shook his hand as he introduced himself. “I’m Burt Parker, Shirley’s cousin.”
Sixteen
Buck Butler massaged his right jaw, his meaty features steeped in a frown.
“What’s wrong, you got a toothache or something?”
Buck stared at Mick Gibson, his number one campaign strategist. A tall, clean-cut young man, Mick was as organized and brilliant as he was loyal. Buck had learned long ago that it was wise to sprinkle young men and women throughout his staff. Of course, the old, wise guards were necessary as well. But it was the young, eager minds that had made his tenure in the Texas Senate work like a well-oiled machine.
A machine that he intended to keep running.
“Did you hear me?” Mick asked in his soft modulated voice.
Buck released such a harsh breath that his full lower lip fluttered. “As a matter of fact, I do. Woke up with my jaw throbbing in the middle of the night.”
“You should be at the dentist instead of here with me.” Mick’s lean features registered his disapproval.
Buck slapped at the air in disgust. “Ah, it’ll pass. I took some pain pills a little while ago. They just haven’t taken effect yet.”
“You’d better hope it passes.” Mick didn’t sound at all convinced. “If your face swells, you’ll be a pretty sight in front of your constituents.”
“That’s not going to happen.” Buck took a swig of coffee. “Let’s get down to business, shall we?”
Buck had called Mick into his office early that morning to discuss Tanner Hart. While his plate was full with scheduled speeches and meetings, he couldn’t concentrate on any of them thanks to Hart.
Mick opened his notebook and picked up his pen.
“Forget that for now,” Buck said in a clipped, cold tone. “What I want to know is how the hell Hart managed to even catch up with me in the polls, much less pass me.”
Mick’s face drained of color. “We discussed that at length last evening while you were at that fund-raiser.”
“And the conclusion?”
“There’s no clear-cut answer, I’m afraid.” Mick squirmed in his chair as though he were in a hot seat.
“Well, I’m afraid that answer sucks,” Buck shot back, sarcasm further altering his gravelly voice.
“There’s apparently something about Hart that appeals to the voters, something we hadn’t counted on or nailed down.”
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t that your job, why I hired you?”
“Uh, right, sir.”
That “sir” convinced Buck he’d gotten his message across. Too, Mick’s face had now taken on a greenish tint like he was about to upchuck. He had him exactly where he wanted him—his balls on a hot plate.
“I don’t intend to lose my seat to that inexperienced, conniving upstart. Do you hear me?”
“That’s not about to happen, sir.”
“Oh, but it is happening, and that’s why I’m pissed.” Buck’s voice dropped another degree. “With the race heading into the final stretch, there shouldn’t even be a contest. Hart should be a whipped dog instead of breathing down my neck, for chrissake.”
“We’ll take care of that. This surge of popularity is short-lived, believe me.”
“Then you’d best find something I can use on the bastard that will cost him big.”
“As we speak, I have someone on it.” Mick paused, taking a deep breath. “But with all due respect, when you found out Hart was challenging you, you told us he wouldn’t pose any threat, that you could whip his ass with one hand tied behind you.”
A look of venom darkened Butler’s eyes. “Are you saying this debacle is my fault?”
“Of course not,” Mick said quickly. “It’s just that since we didn’t consider Hart a viable candidate, we didn’t do our homework. Now, we’re having to make up for lost time.”
Butler lunged out of his chair, his eyes narrowed in a glare. “He’s so goddamn arrogant, so self-assured. In that latest TV ad, he comes across as knowing exactly what the fuck he’s talking about. And he doesn’t have a clue.”
&
nbsp; “Have you seen the one that ran earlier on Good Morning Texas?”
Butler felt his entire body stiffen. “You mean there’s a new one?”
“I’m afraid so. He hammers you big time on your voting record, accusing you of missing the majority of the important sessions.”
Butler’s top lip curled back. “Before this is all over, I’ll castrate that SOB.”
“You know he’s hired a new ad agency. We think that’s partially responsible for his change in his tactics.”
“Shut him down.” Feeling his insides sting like he was being attacked by millions of fire ants, Butler began pacing the floor, then suddenly stopped midstride and gave Mick a harsh glare. “Stop that bastard any way you can, with whatever artillery it takes.”
“You got it.”
As though Mick hadn’t spoken, Butler stressed, “I want Hart in his place, which is at the bottom of the polls.”
“That’s not a problem, either. Since he’s never been in the limelight like you have, his secrets, so to speak, remain buried. All we have to do is find them and he’s history.”
“I don’t intend to lose this election, Mick.” Butler’s eyes drilled him. “You’d best make that clear.”
“I understand. But again, we—”
Butler cut him off. “I know what you’re going to say, but that old dog no longer hunts. I don’t want excuses, I want results.”
“And you think we don’t, sir?”
He heard the defensive note in Mick’s voice, and his fury shot up another level. “Listen here, you little twerp, I’m holding you accountable for this fuckup, so I suggest you get off that lofty pedestal before you’re kicked off.” Butler paused for emphasis. “Is that also clear?”
Mick visibly gulped. “Yes, sir.”
“Then get your ass out of here and get to work.”
Kasey still couldn’t believe she was sitting across the table from Tanner in an out-of-the-way restaurant. Her only excuse was that he’d caught her in another weak moment.
He’d pulled his usual stunt and had shown up unexpectedly at the agency. For her, it had been poor timing. She was still reeling from the shock of dealing with Shirley’s cousin who had appeared out of nowhere.
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