Best Kept Secrets(68)

She held up a hand to stave off his interruption. "Please,

let me finish. Whatever happens regarding the proposed racetrack

after I conclude my investigation will be the responsibility

of the racing commission. I will have nothing to do

with its final decision on this or any other application for a

gambling license.

"Actually, it's coincidental that the Mintons are personally

involved with both issues simultaneously. I reopened my

mother's murder case because, as a public prosecutor, I was

dissatisfied with its resolution, and thought that it warranted

further investigation. I do not hold a personal grudge against

this town, or anyone in it."

Plummet was squirming with the need to speak, so she

let him. "You don't want to see gambling come to Purcell,

do you? Aren't you against this device of the devil that

snatches food from children's mouths, destroys marriages,

and plunges the weak onto paths bound for hell and damnation?'

'

"My views on pari-mutuel betting--or anything else, for

that matter--are none of your business, Reverend Plummet.''

Alex came to her feet. She was tired, and he was a wacko.

She'd given him more time than he deserved. "I must ask

you and Mrs. Plummet to leave now."

He wasn't an educated and eloquent churchman, who had

researched the issue and drawn enlightened conclusions.

There were well-founded arguments for both sides. But

whether pari-mutuel gambling came to Purcell County or not,

Alex had nothing to do with it.

"We're not giving up," Plummet said, following her to



the door. "We're willing to make any sacrifice to see that

God's will is carried out."

"God's will? If it's God's will that the Mintons be denied

that gambling license, then nothing you do will help or hinder,

right?"

He couldn't be trapped with logic. "God uses us to do his

work. He's using you, though you might not know it yet."

His eyes smoldered with fanatical fire. It gave Alex goose

bumps. "You are the answer to our prayers. Oh, yes, Miss

Gaither, the answer to our prayers. Call on us. You've been

anointed by God, and we're your humble and willing servants."

"I, uh, I'll keep that in mind. Goodbye."

Reverend Plummet's theology was warped. He gave her

the creeps. She couldn't get her door closed behind him fast

enough. As soon as she did, her telephone rang.



Nineteen



"How does dinner and dancing sound?" Junior Minton asked

without preamble.

"Like a fairy tale."

"It's not. Just say yes."

"You're inviting me out for dinner and dancing?"

"It's the monthly fete at the Purcell Horse and Gun Club.

Please say you'll go with me. Otherwise, it'll be boring as

hell."

Alex laughed. "Junior, I doubt you're ever bored. Especially

when there are women around. Do most of them fall

for your b.s.?"



"Almost without exception. If you go with me tonight,

it'll be unanimous."

"Tonight?"

"Sure, tonight. Did I fail to mention that? Sorry I couldn't

give you more notice."

"You're actually serious?"

"Would I joke about something as important as the

monthly get-together at the Horse and Gun Club?"

"Of course you wouldn't. Forgive my flippancy."

"All's forgiven if you'll go."

"I really can't. I'm exhausted. Last night--"

"Yeah, I heard about that. Jeez, that must've been awful,

you finding Pasty Hickam that way. I want to help take your

mind off it."

"I appreciate your consideration, but I can't go."

"I refuse to take no for an answer."

While talking, she had struggled out of her dress and was

now standing in her slip and stockings, cradling the telephone

receiver between her shoulder and her ear while trying to pull

on her robe. The housekeeper always turned off the heat after

she cleaned the room. Every evening Alex had a frigid homecoming

to dread.

She glanced toward the alcove where her clothes were

hanging. "I really can't go, Junior."

"How come?"

"All my dressy clothes are in Austin. I don't have anything

to wear."

"Surely a lady as articulate as you isn't resorting to that

cliche?"

"It happens to be the truth."

"And the occasion calls for casual. Wear that leather skirt

you had on the other day. It's a knockout."

Alex had finally managed to wriggle herself into the robe

without dropping the phone. She sat down on the edge of the

bed and snuggled deeper into the terry cloth. "I still have to