Debbie Sue’s brain cells began to churn. Salt Lick was located between Midland and the Mexican border. True, it was off the commonly used highways, but wouldn’t a fugitive from the law avoid the beaten path? Salt Lick could lie on Wilson’s route to the border. She set her mug on the counter with a clack and speed-dialed Buddy’s cell.
He came on the line immediately. “Hey, Flash.”
“Buddy,” she said breathlessly, “have you heard the news?”
“Something tells me you’re talking about John Wilson.”
“What are you hearing about his escape?”
“Not much. I’m a long way from there. Listen, Debbie Sue, I want you to stay out of Midland. I don’t want you and Edwina anywhere near this, you hear? The guy’s already got two murders on his sheet. He’s proved he’s capable of killing. And he’s armed and dangerous.”
“Buddy Overstreet! I cannot believe you are talking to me like I’m ten years old. Why would Ed and I go near it?”
He chuckled, the devil. “Exactly my point. Why would you?”
“The newswoman says they can’t find him, but you’ve got inside information. Do you know where they think he might be hiding out?”
“It’s not something you need to concern yourself with. The cops in Midland or the Rangers up there will take care of it. What’s your plan for the day?”
He had changed the subject entirely too quickly. “I’m still thinking about it. Where are you?”
“Laredo. I’m waiting for some information. Soon as it shows up, I’ll be leaving for home. I should be back up there this afternoon if nothing happens to keep me here.”
“Great. Vic’s supposed to get home today, too. Ed and I’ll plan something.”
He gave a wicked laugh. “Don’t make it too complicated. I’ve got a plan of my own.”
She lowered her voice. “Oh, yeah? It wouldn’t involve you stripping me naked, would it?”
“It might.”
“Hah. I thought so. You are naughty, Buddy Overstreet.”
“You do look a lot better without all those clothes.”
Instantly, her mind darted toward the sexy red corset and matching panties she had bought from a mail order catalog and hidden in her dresser drawer. “If that’s your plan, I just might have a surprise.”
“Hmm. I like surprises.... Oops, got another call coming in, babe. Listen, take care of yourself and keep an eye on my pal, Jake. Don’t let him get the best of you and Ed.”
“Oh, believe me, he’ll be busy. Vic’s still teaching him. He asks him questions and the silly parrot answers them correctly. You take care of yourself, too. Love you, sugarfoot.”
“Love you, too....And stay out of Midland.”
Debbie Sue disconnected and shot a look at the digital clock on the oven. Not quite seven o’clock. She rarely called Edwina at home before seven, but talking to her ASAP was necessary.
By the time she finished another mug of coffee, the clock showed 7:02 a.m. She pressed in Edwina’s number.
Edwina came on the line. “Mmph.”
“Hi. Did I wake you up?”
“What time is it?”
“Have you seen the news?
“I’m asleep. Did a bomb go off?”
“You could say that. John Wilson broke out of jail. They have no idea where he is.”
“Debbie Sue, I’m asleep. Why is that important to me?”
“I’m just telling you, they might need some extra help.”
“Uh-huh. To do what? Does Buddy know he broke out of jail?”
“Yeah. I just talked to him.”
“And what did he say about us offering our services?”
“You know what he said.”
“Sounds like good advice to me. I’m going back to sleep.”
“Ed, you can’t. Get up. Let’s drive up to Midland and see what’s going on.”
“Nope, not doing it, Debbie Sue. I’m not gonna let you drag me into something that might get me killed. Besides, Sandi showed up last night to visit Jake. And she’s expecting Nick to meet her at the shop.”
“You’re shitting me. After all that bullshit in court?”
“I told you they had the hots for each other. You never believe me. Besides that, I’ve got a light day. Since she’s here and it’s her fault I’ve got this loudmouthed pest on my hands, she’s gonna help me clean his homes.”
Damn! Jake again. Debbie Sue bit down on her bottom lip. She had heard about a person sucking all of the oxygen out of a room, but she had never heard of a parrot doing it. “You know what, Ed? Since you got that parrot, you’re no fun at all. It’s hard to be an effective detective when your partner spends all of her time poop scooping.”
“Effective detective? Poop scooping? Ain’t that cute. I think I like it.”
Trying to maneuver Edwina in a direction she didn’t want to go was an unwinnable battle. Debbie Sue closed her eyes, heaved a sigh and gave up.
She arrived at the Styling Station at 8:00 a.m. as usual. She put a pot of coffee on to brew and checked the appointment book. Edwina did indeed have a light day and so did she. No customers until late morning. She dug the cash for the day out of her purse and put it in the cash drawer.
She had stopped at Hogg’s and picked up breakfast, so she sat down in her styling chair with a cup of coffee and a sausage-and-egg burrito. The front door opened and she came to attention. Quint Matthews stepped into the salon. She choked on a bite of sausage and at the same time, her thoughts flew to her conversation with Buddy just minutes ago: ... then I’ll be leaving for home. I should be back up there this afternoon if nothing happens to keep me here....
“Quint! Forgodsake! What are you doing here?”
“Mornin’, darlin’. I figured this was a good time to finish that conversation we started at Tag’s place. Hell, Debbie Sue, I left home before daylight.”
Panic began to dance in Debbie Sue’s stomach. No telling what Buddy would do if he walked in and found Quint
