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Frankie.”
    “You can’t do that.” The tears were stinging her eyes again. “They killed him, Robert. He wasn’t involved in this at all. He was in the way and they killed him. That’s no reason for a man to die.”
    “No, it’s not.” He paused. “What are you going to do now, Grace?”
    “I don’t know. It’s too soon. I always made plans for different scenarios, but I never planned on this happening to Charlie. Or maybe I blocked it out because I couldn’t bear thinking I’d be responsible for him dying.”
    “You’re not responsible.”
    “The hell I’m not.”
    “Because he owned the farm you worked at? You couldn’t live in a vacuum. Your life had to touch someone. And in this case it touched and enriched Charlie more than you knew. These last years were probably the best ones of his life.”
    She shook her head.
    “Grace. I know what I’m talking about.” He paused. “He left the horse farm to Frankie and appointed you as guardian.”
    She stiffened. “What?”
    “He loved that little girl. He loved you. He didn’t have any close family, but he thought of you as that family.”
    “Oh, shit.” The tears that had brimmed were running down her cheeks. “We loved him too, Robert. What the hell are we going to do without him?”
    “What you always tell Frankie after a fall. Get up and get back on the horse.” He smiled faintly. “And when you’re more yourself, you’re going to hate me telling you something you know anyway.”
    She shook her head. “My head’s messed up right now. I’m grateful for any help I can get.”
    “Is there anything else I can do for you?”
    She tried to think. “Have a rental car waiting for me tomorrow morning. I left my car at the farm.”
    “I’ll take you anywhere you want to go.”
    “Just get me the car.” She smiled without mirth. “Don’t worry. I’m not going to run right now. Kilmer said I had a little time.”
    “Good.” He didn’t speak for a minute. “Because when I called Washington, Les North told me he’s bringing his superior, Bill Crane, down here to talk to you.” He glanced at his wrist. “It’s three-forty A . M . now. He should be here by noon.”
    “No.”
    “You can tell him that. I don’t have anything to say about it. I’m very low on the totem pole.”
    “Let him talk to Kilmer.”
    “I’m sure they’re very eager to do that. North perked up when I mentioned Kilmer’s name. Would you care to tell me how he’s involved in this? I’m really tired of acting as bodyguard without knowing who I’m guarding you against. This ‘need to know’ basis is bull.”
    She rubbed her temple. “Not now.”
    “But you don’t feel threatened by Kilmer?”
    She did feel threatened. The moment she had seen him again, every instinct had started vibrating like a fire alarm. “No, I’m not afraid of him.” It wasn’t exactly what Robert had asked but it was all she would allow herself to admit. “Where is he?”
    He shrugged. “After he dropped us at the lobby, I guess he took off.” He paused. “When I told North that Kilmer had taken out those three bastards at the farm, he said he wasn’t surprised. Is Kilmer really that good, Grace?”
    “Yes.” She turned and gently opened the adjoining door. “He’s very, very good. Good night, Robert.”
             
    A moment later Grace was staring down at Frankie. Still sleeping, thank heaven. Her face was swollen from weeping and her tousled curls were a silky mop on the pillow. She had been too exhausted and broken to ask questions when Grace was putting her to bed, but they would come when she woke.
    And Grace had to be ready for them.
    She sat down in the chair by the bed. She wasn’t ready. But then, she’d never be ready. She had to decide what facts to tell and what to leave for another time when Frankie was more able to accept them.
    It was going to be a long night.
             
    W e’ll have to get a rental car from here. I’ve already