"These are the last, except for what is held by her estate. The prices can only go up. Are you a collector?"
"Only in my dreams."
"I have some of Erma's pendl drawings hanging in my office. Mostly studies for her earlier egg temperas and watercolors. They're quite reasonably priced. Would you like to see them?"
"I would love to," Sara said.
An hour later, Sara left the gallery with a signed, framed pendl sketch of Hermit's Peak in hand. The reasonable price had gouged a hole in her vacation funds, but Sara didn't care.
"When are you going to give it to him?" Susie asked as they walked to th e car. Her eyes were smiling.
"When I get back to Santa Fe," Sara answered.
"When are you leaving?"
"Ibnight."
Susie unlocked the car and got behind the wheel.
"I thought so. Do me a favor before you see him."
"What's that?"
"Don't try to have everyfhingfigured out. Let Kerney tell you what he wants."
"He may not want anything."
"Do I detect a note of insecurity?"
"Maybe. Until I met Kerney, I've always encouraged the men I've known to move on."
Susie cranked the engine and pulled out of the lot.
"And now?"
"I can't seem to stay that tough-minded about him."
"TeH him that."
"Those aren't words I'm comfortable saying."
"Practice. You've got all night."
"Love is scary."
"Yes!" Susie said, holding up her hand for a high five.
Sara slapped Susie's open palm.
"What?"
"You used the F word."
"I did, didn't I?"
"First time, about a man?"
"First time ever, about a man."
"Use it with Kerney."
"Youthink?"
"You'd better. Otherwise, he's fair game for the likes of me."
"No cuts. Get at the back of the line."
"Thatta girl."
Kerney studied Orlando Gonzales while he waited for the young man to finish his stint at the drive-up window of the burger joint. Orlando had his fast-food drill down to a well-oiled routine. He began filling orders as they came in over the drive-up speaker, moving quickly between drink dispenser, french fry cooker, and burger-warming trays.
Kerney saw a hint of Gabe in the boy's features, particularly the shape of his head and his chin. But his face was thinner and his eyes a bit less deeply set than his father's.
When the drive-up traffic slowed, the night manager relieved Orlando at the window and pointed in Kerney's direction.
Orlando pulled off his red company logo cap as he hurried around the counter.
"Is my dad all right?"
"He's fine, although you may not see much of him until tomorrow. He's fairiy busy right now."
Orlando's shoulders relaxed as he sat down.
"Man, you scared me for a minute. All my boss said was that a cop wanted to see me."
"Not to worry. Gabe hasn't been hurt."
"So, who are you?"
"Kevin Kerney." Kerney displayed his shield.
Orlando read the engraved rank on the badge.
"Is my dad in trouble?"
Kerney smiled reassuringly.