West Texas Dead: A Kailey and Shinto Mystery

by Frances Hight

  I looked at her. Tried to figure out the agenda behind the question. “You mean, don’t leave town. Stay close. That sort of thing?”

  She shook her head. “We’re not all assholes, Junior. No. I really want to know. You seemed to be getting your life straight before . . . when . . .”

  “When everything went to shit and two amazing women that seemed to give a crap about me got themselves killed.”

  She narrowed her eyes and stared hard at me. “It wasn’t your fault, Junior. None of it.”

  “Easy to say.”

  “Not so easy. I’ve been where you’re at.”

  “Doubt that.”

  “My husband murdered my sweet little girl, two years old, one of God’s angels on earth. To get back at me for leaving him. I didn’t get a chance to gut the bastard like you did. He chickened and shot himself before I got the chance.”

  “Jesus. I’m sorry.”

  “My mom died two months ago. The only other person in my life who gave a shit whether I lived or died. So yeah, I think I qualify. In fact, you may have a little catching up to do.”

  I laughed. On a day when I might have killed someone for cracking a smile, I actually laughed out loud. “If you don’t mind, I’ll let you keep the lead on that one.”

  We shared a chuckle and stood silent together. Neither one knowing what the hell to say.

  I broke the silence and turned her question around on her. “You got any plans?”

  She nodded solemnly. “Shinto and I are going to start in our tiny corner of Midland, Texas, and put every motherfucker who harms a child and/or a woman behind bars or in the ground. Whichever comes first.”

  “I like your style, Professor,” I said.

  “You ought to. I learned it from you.”

  “Harper would like that. And while we’re on the subject of plans, I got some unfinished business of my own I want to clean up.”

  “I thought we took care of all your loose ends.”

  “Your DEA boys missed one. We’re standing here because Miguel’s mad dog stuck a knife in Harper’s back. I owe her to make that right.”

  “Miguel’s in Mexico, Junior. Surrounded by his cartel buddies. We have no jurisdiction in Mexico.”

  “I don’t need jurisdiction. All I need is to get close to him.”

  “Let’s make a deal.”

  “I haven’t had great luck making deals with cops. No offense.”

  “Come back to Midland with me. We’ll get you settled. I have a good friend in Dallas law enforcement we can use to go after Miguel. Together.”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “Cartel’s not going anywhere, Junior. Miguel’s not going to disappear. Unless his partners in crime do the deed for us.”

  “That’s what I’m worried about.”

  “Revenge isn’t much of a plan, Junior. You’ve got a chance at a real life, with real goals, making a real difference. Don’t screw that up.”

  “I’ll think about it.”

  “Think harder.” She stepped up to me and threw her arms around me and hugged me. Tight. Took me a second to return the hug. She pushed away from me and looked me in the eyes. “There’re other people who care about you, Junior. If you give them the chance.” She turned to leave. “See you back home.”

  “Hey, Professor,” I called. “That rat hole restaurant of yours was—?”

  “La Condesa?”

  “Still in business?”

  “Twenty-seven years and counting.”

  “Maybe we can order up some nachos and beer sometime.”

  She put her hat back on and squared it. “I’d like that. Oh.” She snapped her fingers. “I almost forgot. Next semester starts in a month, and I’m getting the hang of this teaching thing. I’ll expect you in your regular seat.”

  The End

  I do hope you enjoyed the first Kailey and Shinto Mystery as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you did, please leave a review on Amazon. It will help me out immensely and it will help other readers, like you, find my work. I’m busy writing their next adventure. For special sneak peeks, sample chapters, and lots of fun join my newsletter. I promise I will only send you news-filled mail, and no spam. Sign up for all the latest and join me at franceshight.com.