Best Kept Secrets(29)

grasping at something. "That's why this racetrack is so

damned important. It would set Purcell back on its feet and

then some." His blue eyes sparkled with enthusiasm for his

argument. "Well, what do you think?"

"I'm not a moron, Mr. Minton, uh, Angus," she corrected.

"I realize what the track could mean to the county's

economy."

"Then, why don't you drop this ridiculous investigation?"

"I don't think it's ridiculous," she retaliated sharply.

Studying her, he absently scratched his cheek. "How could

you think that I killed your mama? She was one of Junior's

best friends. She was in and out of this house on a daily

basis. Not so much after she got married, but certainly before

then. I couldn't have lifted a finger to hurt that girl."

Alex wanted to believe him. Despite the fact that he was

a suspect in a criminal case, she admired him very much.

From what she had read and gathered through conversation,

he had started with nothing and built an empire.

His brusqueness was almost endearing. He had a persuasive

personality. But she couldn't let his colorful persona influence

her. Her admiration for Angus wasn't as strong as her need



to know how she, an innocent baby, had prompted someone

to murder her mother.

"I can't drop the investigation," she said. "Even if I

wanted to, Pat Chastain--"

"Listen," he said, scooting forward. "You bat those big

baby blues of yours at him, tell him you made a mistake,

and by this time tomorrow, I guarantee that he won't even

remember what you came here for."

"I wouldn't do--"

"Okay, then leave Pat to me."

"Angus," she said loudly, "you're missing my point."

When she was assured she had his attention, she said, "As

strongly as you believe in your racetrack, I believe that my

mother's murder case was mishandled. I intend to see that

rectified."

"Even though the future of a whole town is at stake?"

"Come on," she cried in protest. "You make it sound like

I'm taking bread from starving children."

"Not as bad as that, but still--"

"My future is at stake, too. I can't go on with the rest of

it until the case is resolved to my satisfaction."

"Yes, but--"

"Hey, time out." Junior opened the door suddenly and

poked his head inside. "I've had a great idea, Alex. Why

don't you stay for supper?"

"Damn you, Junior," Angus thundered, pounding the arm

of his chair with his fist. "You wouldn't recognize a business

discussion if it bit you in the ass. We're talking seriously

here. Don't ever interrupt me when I'm in a private conference

again. You know better than that."

Junior swallowed visibly. "I didn't know your conversation

was so private or so serious."

"Well, you damned well should have, shouldn't you? For

crissake, we were--"

"Angus, please, it's all right," Alex said quickly. "Actually,

I'm glad Junior interrupted. I just now noticed how

late it is. I need to be going."



She couldn't stand to watch a grown man get a dressing

down from his father, especially in front of a female guest.

She was embarrassed for both of them.

Most of the time, Angus was a good ole boy. But not

always. He had an explosive temper when crossed. Alex had

just witnessed how short his fuse was and just how slight a

transgression it took to ignite it.

"I'll see you out," Junior offered woodenly.

She shook hands with Angus. "Thank you for showing

me the model. Nothing you've said has diverted me, but

you've clarified some things. I'll keep them in mind as I

pursue the case."

"You can trust us, you know. We're not killers."

Junior walked her to the front door. After he had held her

coatforher, she turned to face him. "I'll be in touch, Junior."

"I certainly hope so." He bent over her hand and kissed

it, then turned her palm up and kissed it, too.

She took it back quickly. "Do you flirt like this with every

woman you meet?"

"Just about." He flashed her an unrepentant grin. "Are

you susceptible?"

"Not in the least."

His grin widened, indicating to her that he wasn't convinced

and knew that she wasn't either. After saying another

quick good night, she left.

Her car was cold. She shivered inside her coat. As she

drove down the private road toward the highway, she noticed

the outbuildings on either side of it. Most were stables. There

was a faint light burning inside one of them. Reede's Blazer

was parked at the door. On impulse, Alex pulled up beside