She looked at her mom. “Do you really think I could make enough money to support myself and my baby?”
“I say it’s worth a try. You’re certainly talented enough. I took the painting you gave me last week for my birthday to work to show my coworkers and everyone loved it. It may not provide a large, steady income, but I think you could open up a studio right here in Providence and sell your work.” Her mom leaned forward to make sure she had Jessie’s attention. “You will never know until you try, honey.”
She sounded like Robert.
The thought of trying and failing scared Jessie to death. But her mom was right. She would never know until she tried.
Chapter 31
Robert cranked up the air conditioner as soon as he started his Tahoe. The temperature already this morning promised a warm day. They’d probably hit mid-nineties by this afternoon. Not unexpected for late August but also not typical for south eastern Washington.
A flashy red and blue sign caught Robert’s eye as he stopped at the entrance to his subdivision.
Jackson for Sheriff.
That was not the same sign Jackson put up last week. This one was larger, more colorful, and eye-catching. The sign was much higher quality than the dozen signs Jackson had originally put up.
How had Jackson come up with the funds for additional signs?
Similar signs mocked Robert from almost every corner on his drive to work. He let out a low whistle. Jackson was getting serious about this election.
Robert needed to, as well. He’d finally dusted off his old signs last weekend, but he’d decided he couldn’t reuse them because they said “Elect” not “Re-elect.” It looked like he’d better get on the ball and drum up some campaign funds. Judging by the quality and number of Jackson’s signs, Robert needed some substantial funds.
He knew a certain wealthy young widow, who would love to contribute to his campaign, but Robert would not go there. He didn’t want to be obligated to Debbie in any way.
As soon as Robert arrived at work, he turned on his computer. He wanted to figure out how Jackson could afford so many new signs. He’d just accessed Jackson’s campaign finance report, which was a public record, when Dale knocked on his open office door.
“You should be home in bed,” Robert said by way of a greeting.
“I’m headed there, believe me, but there’s something I need to discuss with you.”
Every muscle in Robert’s body tensed at the serious tone in Dale’s voice. His mind raced, concerning all the things that might have gone wrong last night, and every one of them landed on Jessie. Surely if something had happened to her, someone would have notified Robert.
Dale dropped into the chair opposite Robert. “I’m afraid I have some bad news.”
Robert’s stomach churned, sending burning acid shooting up into his chest. “Spit it out, man,” Robert said when Dale pulled out his knife and started cleaning his fingernails.
Dale’s hands stilled, and he lifted his gaze to meet Robert’s. “Saw Pendleton last night.”
A sudden spike in temperature in the small office sucked the air from Robert’s lungs. “Where?” the single word came out low and gruff.
He knew it was only a matter of time until Pendleton showed up again.
“Spotted him putting up one of Jackson’s new campaign signs. Almost didn’t recognize him. His hair’s longer and he has a beard now.” Dale went back to digging at his nails. “I followed him out to the Sleepy Inn Motel. He stared right at me and grinned as he got out of the car and walked into his motel room.”
Pendleton was here in town, staying at a motel out by the county line? Robert sprang from his chair and pulled his firearm from his desk drawer.
Dale pocketed his knife and got to his feet, too. He blocked the doorway. “You know you have no grounds to arrest him, right?”
“But Jessie’s in danger.”
“Relax. I made Kyle park his car at the gate of the Double Diamond and keep watch all night while I did the patrols, including frequent passes by the motel. To my knowledge, Pendleton was there all night. Vickie spelled Kyle off about an hour ago.”
“Why didn’t you call me last night?”
“So you could do what?” Dale pinned Robert with a glare. “Go after the man half-cocked while you’ve got Internal Affairs breathing down your neck?”
Robert rolled his shoulders and popped his neck. “You’re sure it was really Pendleton that you saw?”
