“You did before.”
“Not this time. Besides, you need to wait for Connell’s call about Jeff. Don’t forget to charge your phone.” He nodded toward a wall outlet where Connell’s charger was plugged in. “If Jack can’t reach me, he’ll call you. He has your number, right? Knight and Grange, too?”
“Yes, but—”
“No buts, Doc. Jeff’s secure, which is the only reason I’m leaving you alone. But my business right now is with Norman and Will.”
As he pulled open the door, she grabbed his arm. “You said you wouldn’t kill them.”
“They don’t know that.”
* * *
In a week full of surprises, Jeff received the most unpleasant one of all when he pulled open the door of the suite to find Alice standing on the threshold, fist raised, about to knock.
“Alice. How untimely. What are you doing here?”
“I thought we should talk.”
“Not now. I’m on my way out.”
“Now, Jeff.” She nudged him aside as she stepped into the entry. Noticing that he was already dressed for outdoors, she asked, “Where were you off to?”
Frowning, he checked his wristwatch. “I’ll give you five minutes. People are waiting for me.”
“What people?”
“Those hillbilly brothers.”
“The ones Emory tangled with?”
“Yes. That lot. Emory and Hayes Bannock are the sister’s champions. I thought if anything would lure them out, it would be she.”
“What are you talking about? What have you done?”
“Doesn’t matter. It’s Sir Bannock to the rescue.”
“What about Emory?”
“Hopefully she will be with her cavalier. If not, Norman assured me he’ll happily work on him until he gives over where he’s stashed her. Besides, I think it’s time I met her mystery man.”
“You described these brothers as reprobates.”
“They are.”
“But you’ve cooked up a scheme with them? Have you gone mad?”
“No.”
“I think you must have, Jeff. Whatever your plan is, it could go terribly wrong.”
“I’m prepared for that eventuality.”
He opened his coat and showed her an inside pocket. She gaped at him. “You have a gun? You?”
“I have a gun. Me.?
?? He removed the revolver from the pocket and balanced it in his palm. “Small but trusty.”