in a twenty-nine million gallon oil spill, which would be almost three times the size of the Exxon Valdez. Data from the Texas Department of State Health Services reveals a birth defects rate in Corpus Christi that is 84% higher than the rest of the country. So if you’re feeling romantic and want to settle down and have children, don’t do it in Corpus Christi.”
A strange look passed across Nash’s face. I wondered briefly what his romantic ambitions might be, but I didn’t dwell long on that thought. He was good looking, but what woman would ever be able to crack his shell?
“Meanwhile, our politicians allow this to happen. Both parties. They’re both so beholden to Big Oil for campaign contributions they don’t care who gets hurt. Everybody who lives in this town—and countless other towns just like this one—is exposed. A lot of people have died—including Gracie’s husband. I work my butt off every day trying to hold these polluters accountable, and I get virtually no help. I’m asking you for help. Help me get justice for Gracie. Let me in to Schaeffer’s house, and I’ll help you get justice for Schaeffer.”
Nash stared down at the table for a long moment, drumming his fingers on the polished wood surface. When he raised his eyes, he almost looked sad. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I just can’t. But if you really want to help me get justice for Schaeffer, you can tell me where you think he stashed all those files.”
The fajitas I’d just inhaled felt like they had turned to rocks in my stomach. I snatched the napkin off my lap, wiped my hands on it, and tossed it on the table as I stood up. “I’m sorry,” I said, putting all the ice I could muster into my voice. “I just can’t. Dinner’s over. Take me home.”
Nash paid the bill, and we drove back to Kettle in silence.
CHAPTER 5
The phone in Delmont’s chambers rang.
It was about time. Delmont was sick of waiting around. Sick of waiting for a call that he shouldn’t have had to wait for in the first place. Taylor and Nash must have really been talking it up. He was gonna be late for the poker game, at this rate. His wife had been nagging him to host one of their bi-weekly poker sessions at his house for years, and he’d never given in until tonight. If he showed up late, he’d never hear the end of it.
These losers had really screwed up. They couldn’t have offed the guy at a worse time. Not only did it look bad in light of the docket schedule, they had to go and do it right when Nash was sure to be assigned to the case. Delmont knew Nash’s history, and he knew Nash couldn’t be bought off. If these screw-ups had consulted him first, as they had discussed, they wouldn’t be in the pickle they were in now. Delmont would love to get his hands on the guy with the happy trigger finger.
He picked up the phone. “Talk to me.”
“They’re en route. Maybe five minutes.”
Delmont slammed the phone down, not bothering to say “thanks” or “goodbye.”
Immediately, he picked it back up and dialed another number.
The call connected. “Chief Scott,” barked the voice on the other end.
Delmont said, “Five minutes. What’s your status?”
Chief Scott hesitated. “I’m sorry. Best I can tell, she was squeaky clean before today.”
Delmont swore. “Clear out. We’re late for the game, anyway. My wife is gonna have my hide.”
“You shouldn’t have let her talk you into hosting in the first place.”
“I know, but a man can only take so much nagging before he gives in.”
“She’s not gonna play, is she?”
“Course not. But I gotta warn you, she’s been buying all kinds of ridiculous paraphernalia for weeks. Just put it on and humor her, all right?”
“All right, then.”
The line went dead.
CHAPTER 6
Anna Delmont looked at the clock for maybe the hundredth time that evening. Where the heck was her husband? Joe Bob always acted like he could hardly wait to get out the door and get to the poker games at Dick’s house. He was never late to Dick’s house. How come he’d be late to his own party? And why in tarnation wasn’t he answering his phone?
She kept calling up to the courthouse, but all the staff had gone home by now. Maybe she ought to go up there and drag him out of his chambers with her own two hands. But what if the