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you mention you were married, Sergeant. So I just might turn the tables and ask you if you'd want anybody around if you and your wife were having a little disagreement?'' |
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The expression on Seacraft's gaunt face changed from weary hopelessness to curiosity. "The folks around these parts aren't long on polite talk, Miss Bowles. Is that a polite way of lettin' me know Ted and Betty Frazier were havin' a fight last night?" |
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Peggy took a long sip of coffee and set her cup down. "You can draw your own conclusions, Sergeant," she said icily. |
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Charlie could have kissed her. She had jumped in at just the right time. "Miss Bowles is right. When we saw how things were going, we thought it would be better if we stayed at the motel last night." |
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Seacraft studied them for a moment, started to ask another question and thought better of it, tipped his hat, nodded and left. |
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Peggy waited until she was sure the man wasn't going to stop again and reached back across the table to recapture Charlie's hand. "Did I do good?" she asked, smiling. |
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Charlie nodded. "You did good," he con, firmed. "Very, very good." |
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"Okay, my pet, if that's the case, suppose you drop the big damn mystery and tell little Peggy what the hell's going on. You're up to |
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