Courting Death - Carol Stephenson [47]
“Not every sob story, Sam, but some. Justice is a two-way street and not everyone accused is guilty, you know that.” I narrowed my eyes. “This isn’t about my meeting with Quint, is it? What’s happened?”
The tension eased from his body, and he covered my hand. “I’ve traced the call made to your house.”
“Who made it?”
“I don’t know that yet. It came from the jail.”
“The ice cream driver,” I said without hesitation. “Joe Poellinger.”
“He’s at the top of the list, of course. We’re checking to see if he made any calls that day and when.” Sam’s fingers tightened around mine.
“But, honey, you’ve put a lot of criminals behind bars. Any one of them could have used the fact you were headline news to take a renewed swipe at you. We’re cross-checking names in the detention facility against those you’ve prosecuted.”
“That’s stretching it, Sam.”
“I agree it’s slim pickings, but it’s all we have at the moment.” He slid an arm around my waist. “Let’s get you to your car and I’ll follow you home.”
We started walking again and reached the corner of Clematis and Olive where we waited for the light to change. Traffic this time of night remained a constant flow as people trolled the restaurants and nightclubs. A group of pedestrians gathered on the corner directly across from us.
“So the only reason you skulked in the corner of the restaurant was you were worried about me?”
Sam kept his gaze fixed on the traffic signal. “Exactly.”
As the light turned and the opposite group surged forward, I managed to poke him in the rib cage with my elbow. “Jealousy had nothing to do with your spying on me tonight?”
“None whatsoever.” Sam stepped off the curb.
“Liar,” I muttered as I followed him.
An engine roared to life on the west side of the intersection, and a dark sedan pulled out from a parking spot. People screamed as it shot across Clematis and nearly missed a northbound car. Horns blared. The sedan swerved and then righted itself.
Sam spun even as he bent over. “Get back.” He drove his body into my middle section and lifted me over his shoulder.
“Oomph.” I braced my hands on Sam’s back as he jumped back on the sidewalk. I lifted my head in time to see the car take dead aim at our corner. Then I gripped the waistband of Sam’s pants and held on for dear life as he sprinted into the deep alcove of the corner front store.
Metal screamed as the car bounced up on the curb and then veered off again. Burning rubber filled the air as the unknown driver gunned the motor and sped down Clematis. Brake lights flared and then disappeared as the car turned toward Narcissus.
Sam shifted and lowered me until my feet touched the ground. Having jelly for bones, I wrapped my arms around his waist. Sam kept one arm around my shoulders as he unclipped the phone from his waist.
A young man wearing a backward baseball cap appeared in the alcove. “Are you two okay?”
I let out a breath and answered as Sam belted out directions in low, urgent tones. “We’re fine. Thank you.”
The man gave a low whistle. “Talk about being drunk. It was like his car had you two in its radar.” He smiled at Sam who closed his phone. “Man, was that some sprint you did with the lady. Did you use to play football?”
He nodded. “Tailback.”
“You still have some moves.”
Sam’s teeth flashed. “With proper motivation I can still haul ass.” He slid his hand down and gave me an affectionate pat on my rear. “Lovely ass that it is.”
The other man snorted, gave a thumbs up and moved away.
I didn’t know whether to hit Sam or kiss him.
“Lovely ass my foot.” I threw a quick jab into his upper arm.
Sam laughed and rubbed his arm. “Quint’s the foot pervert. Me, I’m partial to how your butt moves in those skinny skirts you’re always wearing.”
Then his expression sobered and he ran a reassuring hand up and down my spine. “Are you okay? It was nearly the death of me when I saw that bastard making a beeline toward you.”
The quick retort