Free Blood Red Sundown: Evil Begins by Allen Gates Page B

female victims, so he suggested they
knock off for the night.
    “You want to stop for a drink, Anne? It’s still pretty
early?”
    “If it’s my choice, I say yes. I want you to meet someone
and give me your opinion.”
    “Sounds great, but I want you to promise me you will
send my butt out of there after one drink, because I need to spend some time at
home. I hate what I’m about to say, but I’ll follow you to get to your new love
nest, so don’t lose me with that lead foot of yours.”
    Anne left the building with Lon and they made a pact
with each other agreeing to put the case out of their mind for the night. She backed
out of her parking spot and without thinking pulled out and headed down the road
while Lon was just starting his car. He managed to catch up with her and she waved
realizing that she had done exactly what he had asked her not to do and figured
he was probably upset with her. Turning the corner, Anne saw his car parked in front
of the bar and felt a tinge of excitement.
    This is ridiculous, she thought. You’re a
grown woman, acting like a high school girl. She drove to the parking lot on
the side of the building and parked. Lon pulled in the spot next to her and teased
her about her driving as they walked to the front door.
    It took a second or so for their eyes to adjust and then
she heard her name called and turned to see Terry sitting at a table against the
far wall. He stood as they approached and awaited introduction to the man with her
before reaching out his hand. He made no attempt to hug Anne which she appreciated
as she was not ready for any display of affection in front of her partner.
    Lon sat and listened more than conversed with the pair,
adding an occasional uh-huh, or I see, and waited for the perfect opportunity to
inject a “nice to meet you, but I need to head home. After a few more short stories,
he got his chance, stood up and said “adios compadres.” Anne smiled at him appreciating
his cowboy humor and he felt her look of, what do you think? He gave her a smile
and a wink and left. Terry remained standing and watched the detective exit the
bar.
    “So, now I have met my competition,” he said, as he sat
back down at the table.
    “That’s a silly observation, Terry! He is happily married
with a twelve year old son.”
    “Since when has a family determined whether or not a
man is attracted to another woman? I think he is attracted to you. I understand
the attraction, but I have to admit, it bothers me.”
    “Don’t you think it’s a little early for you to be bothered
by my receiving the attention of another man?”
    “No Anne, I do not think it’s too early. I believe in
telling you exactly how I feel at all times.”
    “I like you telling it like it is, but come on Terry
you’re a little quick with your overly attentive reaction.”
    She saw his face change from concern to one of anger.
It was obvious he did not like her response and his piercing eyes made it known.
    “I do not like his attitude toward me, so it’s time to
think this over carefully before going any further.”

28
    THE DOCTOR FEELING relieved
to be away from the hospital parked in front of her rooming house which has served
her purpose, but now she was anxious to purchase a home. She looked at herself in
the mirror and added a touch of lip balm, totally oblivious to the car parked a
short distance behind her. If she had been more aware she would have seen the car
with Len sitting and watching her as she walked up the steps and entered the house.
    “So, this is where you live?”
    He pulled ahead and drove past her car singing, “I’ll
be seeing you in all the old familiar places.” Pleased with himself, now that he
would definitely be seeing her at locations away from the hospital.
    As she stepped inside Stephanie was met by the owner
of the house apparently anxious to talk with someone and after several exchanges
she went up the stairs to her room to be greeted at the door by her little