Read Online Always a Thief by Kay Hooper - Free Book Online Page B

chuckled. “No, you trained her too well. As a matter of fact, it was Morgan who mentioned it. She said things had been very strained lately.”
    “Yeah, well—give her two points for observation; it didn't take ESP to see it.”
    “You want me to talk to him?”
    “No, I don't think so.” Jared was glancing at his watch as he spoke. “Between his preoccupation with Storm and his hostility toward me, he hasn't had a lot of time to think about what we're doing, and I'd just as soon keep it that way as long as possible. The last thing I want right now is a lot of questions, especially from Wolfe.”
    Max was silent for a moment, then sighed. “All right, I'll keep out of it. For now.”
    “Thanks.”
    “Don't mention it. Have you told Alex about the ballistics report?”
    “Not yet. We're supposed to meet tonight.”
    “How do you think he'll take it?”
    “The certain knowledge that Nightshade is in San Francisco and is the one who put a bullet in him? I think he'll do something reckless.”
    “Like what?”
    “I don't know. But the possibilities are making me very nervous. Max, we've still got a few days before the collection is in place and the exhibit ready to open to the public. It's not too late to stop this.”
    “That isn't an option.”
    “You're a hardheaded bastard, you know that?”
    “As a matter of fact, I do. Look, relax, will you?” Amusement crept into Max's deep voice. “As tense as you are, anybody'd think there was something dangerous going on.”
    Jared made a rude noise and cradled the receiver without force. His somewhat rueful amusement didn't last long, however. He checked his watch and remained by the phone for some minutes, but when it finally rang it pulled him away from the window for a second time.
    And, this time, the conversation was much briefer.
    “Yeah?”
    “You sound impatient. Am I late?”
    Jared checked his watch again. “Yes. I was about to go looking for you.”
    “You wouldn't have found me.”
    “Don't bet on it.”
    A soft laugh. “One of these days, we'll put that to the test, you and I.”
    “If we live long enough, you're on. Now, do we need to meet tonight?”
    “I think so. . . .”
     
    The cold fog drifting over the bay began to obscure the distant, hulking outline of Alcatraz, and Quinn was glad. Though it was no longer a place where dangerous criminals were held, the defunct prison and its lonely island continued to be a stark, visible reminder of the price demanded of those who chose to be lawless.
    Quinn didn't need the reminder.
    Still, as he turned the collar of his jacket up and dug his hands into the pockets, he watched the rocky island until the mist enveloped it and rendered it invisible. It was an eerie sight, the fog creeping over the water toward him while, behind Quinn, the moonlight gleamed down on the city. At least for now, some time after midnight. In another hour, Quinn thought, he probably wouldn't be able to see his hand in front of his face.
    He was beginning to really like this city.
    “Why the hell are we meeting here?”
    Quinn had been aware of the presence before he heard or saw anything, so the low voice didn't startle him. “I thought it was rather apt,” he murmured in response. “Before the fog rolled in, Alcatraz was shining like a beacon in the moonlight.”
    Jared sighed. “Are you getting edgy? You, Alex?” His voice held a very slight note of mockery.
    Quinn turned his back on the archaic, mist-enshrouded prison and looked at his companion. “No, but I'll be glad when this is over. I'd forgotten how long the nights get.”
    “Your choice,” Jared reminded him.
    “Yeah, I know.”
    Jared had keen eyes, and the moon was still visible hanging low over the city, so he was able to see the lean face of his brother clearly. “Is your shoulder bothering you?” he asked a bit roughly.
    Quinn shrugged, the movement easy and showing no sign of the damage a bullet had caused barely more than a week previously.