Starbleached (14 page)

Marco was quiet for a few more minutes while he tried his
steak and she ate a bite of quail. It had a strong citrus flavor, and was
dreamily tender.

“So that’s why you were working at a convenience store?”

She nodded. “The medical bills are pretty big.
Reconstructive surgery. Physical Therapy. And I’ve had to have three knee
replacement surgeries. The first one was experimental and had to be replaced,
the second was just plain bad.”

“Wouldn’t Jack have to pay for it as part of the divorce?”

Casey shrugged. “I filed in Texas. A no-fault divorce. I got
the money from my books, but I also got my bills to take care of. And I was
just so tired…at the time, I didn’t want to fight anymore. I just wanted him
out of my life. It was nasty. I don’t get alimony, I couldn’t keep any of his
paintings. In one year he went from being the best human being I ever knew, to
being this…vindictive, dangerous child.”

“And he broke you.” Marco said.

“Yes. He did.” She took another bite of quail. Outside the
window, the hawks were settling in for the night. She shivered, and wasn’t
entirely sure she wanted to keep eating.

Then Marco’s beeper went off.

“Jesus. Who even has those anymore?” she leaned forward,
looking for the little black box.

“Razielara got one in the nineties and fell in love with it.
I’d buy her a cell phone and she’d use it for target practice.” He studied the
number, then pulled his phone out of his pocket. “It’s probably a land line.
Hers, someone else’s, maybe a pay phone.” He dialed the number. “I’m sorry—”

“You have to take it. I understand.” And she did. Something
told her a relationship with Marco Creed would be a little bit like dating a
cop.

After two rings, Marco flinched. He didn’t identify himself
either, just listened for several minutes. “Wait,” he said, “Wait a second.
She’s not—” more time passed as words flew across land lines and the
atmosphere. Then finally, he sighed. “Alright. I’m making no promises.” He hung
up and looked at Casey. Stormclouds brooded in his eyes, along with bone deep
fear.

 “Raziel wants to meet you.”

Look for
Blue Ghosts
e-book, released October 2012.
But first, find out how it all begins in
Silver Bullet
.