Quicksilver Passion (142 page)

She whirled on him.
I don’t need your ideas! I already got most of the business in town.”

I heard that.” He took the pokes of gold out of his vest.
You may have bit off more than you can chew by crossing Big Ed and the others. I think they’re beginnin’ to think of playin’ rough. Besides, with my ideas, we kin end up with most
all
the business.”

He saw the greed in her eyes.
How?”

Missy, if you don’t beat all!” He tossed the gold sacks out on the desk.
Maybe that’s why we sure make a good pair, we are both unscrupulous and ruthless about getting what we want. Here, to show you I trust you and that there’s no hard feelings, here’s my gold to hold in your safe—partner.”

She came over and looked down at it a long moment.
You’re too lazy to try prospecting. Where’d you get that?”

What do you care as long as I share it with you? Ain’t those funny little gold sacks though?”

The girl was too greedy to be cautious, he thought with satisfaction. She went over and bent to whirl the combination. Jake watched carefully, remembering the moves of the dial. If he needed to clean out the safe, he’d know the combination. She swung the big safe’s door open.

There was a sudden rap at the door. Gray Dove looked at Jake.

He whispered,
Find out who it is.”

Who’s there?”

Miss Jones and Waanibe.”

Jake gave Gray Dove a questioning look.

It’s the governess and my little girl.”

You got a kid?”