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here.”
    â€œFine,” McCoy said. “Mr. Nicholson, Mrs. Nicholson, I’ll be back at seven. That will give us an hour before I’m supposed to be at the phone booth with the money. Miss Hatfield, if you’re with me …” He waited, arching a brow at her.
    Julie smiled reassuringly at the Nicholsons, then hurried along behind McCoy.
    He had very long legs. He strode ahead of her to the car and got in. She thought he was going to gun the motor and escape without her.
    But that wasn’t his intention. She had nearly reached the car when he pushed open the passenger door from inside. “Get in, will you?”
    She crawled into the car quickly. She was barely seated before they were pulling out onto the road.
    â€œMcCoy,” she said, “I am coming with you tonight.”
    He didn’t answer her.
    â€œMcCoy?”
    â€œDamn it! Don’t you know that these things can be dangerous? I’ve got to confer with Petty. We’ve got to be very careful. There’s going to be backup on this, but it’s damned hard when you’re sent from phone booth to phone booth—and when this guy seems to have eyes in the back of his head. If you’re with me, you could be putting your own life in jeopardy.”
    â€œHow charming! I didn’t realize that you were so concerned for my health and welfare.”
    His dark glasses were on but she could feel the heat of the glance he cast her way.
    â€œMiss Hatfield—”
    â€œThe name seems to be giving you problems. Perhaps if you called me Julie—”
    â€œPerhaps I would like it very much if I didn’t have to speak to you at all!” he exploded.
    â€œBut you do have to speak to me! Damn you, don’t you understand? I might be able to find Tracy. And that is the most important thing.”
    He was quiet for a long moment, then he sighed. “I do realize that Tracy is our priority. What do you think I am, Miss Hatfield, a block of ice?”
    â€œWell—”
    â€œNever mind, don’t answer that. It’s just that maybe I don’t believe you can do Tracy any good.”
    â€œBut what if I can?”
    â€œI don’t believe in—”
    â€œYou don’t believe! But what if I can help Tracy? What if it’s even a one out of a hundred shot? What if I could even make a lucky guess?” She had grown very passionate in her argument. She was almost touching him, she realized.
    And then she felt a set of hot, electric fingers dancing a pattern down the length of her spine.
    Julie moistened her lips. The passion remained in her voice. She had to convince him. “Give me the chance. Give Tracy the chance!”
    â€œAll right, all right, you’re with me!” he exploded.
    She settled back in her seat, strangely worn, as if she had just completed some great feat of manual labor.
    â€œWhere are we going now?” she asked.
    â€œBack to see Petty first. I have to set up whatever cover I dare with him. There are the usual warnings. If I’m seen being followed, he’ll kill the girl. We have to be very careful.”
    â€œThen where are we going?”
    He cast her a quick look. “Dinner, Miss Hatfield. It’s been a long day, and it’s going to be a longer night. I haven’t had a chance to eat. Any objections?”
    Julie shook her head. “No,” she said pleasantly. “No, none at all.”
    â€œIf you really have any abilities, close your eyes and picture me the best steak in the area.”
    She sniffed and sat back. “I thought you knew where you were going around here.”
    â€œI do. But it’s been awhile … well?”
    â€œThat’s easy,” Julie said softly. And she named her favorite steak house. “But how on earth you can eat—”
    â€œHunger. It does it every time,” he told her. “Of course, I can leave you off—”
    â€œAnd not come back for me,”