On The Run Read Free

Sometimes I wonder why I don’t pull up stakes and go somewhere away from small-town rednecks and gossipmongers.”
    “I thought you liked Tallanville.”
    “I do. Most of the time. Slow living appeals to me. Just every now and then I get fed up.” His gaze shifted to Frankie. “Why don’t you bring her in tomorrow and let her show those boys a few moves.”
    “Why should I do—” Her gaze narrowed on his face. “What’s this about, Robert?”
    “Nothing.”
    “Robert.”
    He shrugged. “I just heard Papa asshole muttering to his sons after you drove up. Even after eight years in this town, they still talk about you and Frankie.”
    “So?”
    “I just don’t like it.”
    “Frankie’s illegitimate, and even in this day and age there will always be someone who wants everyone to go by their own standards. Particularly in a small town like this. I explained that to Frankie and she understands.”
    “I don’t. I want to punch someone.”
    She smiled. “Me too. But the kids are much more open than their parents, and Frankie’s not hurting. Except for me.”
    “I bet she wants to punch someone too.”
    “She already did and I had to have a talk with her.” She shook her head. “So we’re not going to have Frankie beat up any of your clients just to make you feel better.”
    “What about making you feel better?”
    “Catering to ignorance and intolerance wouldn’t make me feel better. And it might make things difficult for Charlie. He can be very defensive and he’s not a young man. I’m not going to take a chance on him getting hurt.”
    “He can hold his own. He’s a tough old bird.”
    “He’s not going to have to hold his own. Not about me and Frankie. He’s done too much for us to have a payback like that.”
    “It’s pretty even-steven. You’ve done a lot for him too.”
    She shook her head. “He took me in and gave Frankie a home. All I did was work my rump off to keep the farm showing a profit. I would have done that anyway.”
    “I don’t believe he has any regrets.”
    She didn’t speak for a moment. “And what about you?”
    He lifted his brows. “What?”
    “You’ve spent eight years here. You said yourself that you have your moments when you’re fed up with small-town life.”
    “I’d have my moments even if I lived in Paris or New York. Everyone has their time of discontent.”
    “I don’t.”
    “But then, you have Frankie.” He looked down at her. “And so do we. I’ve never regretted being sent here to watch out for you. For all of us that’s the bottom line. It’s all about Frankie, isn’t it?”
    Frankie was putting up her pool stick, her face alight, her dark eyes glowing with laughter as she talked to Charlie.
    “Yes,” Grace said softly. “It’s all about Frankie.”
             
    H ow about me driving you home, Charlie?” Robert opened Charlie’s car door. “You’re a little on the tipsy side.”
    “I’m legal. I only had two drinks. I don’t need any young whippersnapper chauffeuring me.”
    “Whippersnapper? You flatter me. I’m too close to the big five-O for comfort.” He grinned. “Come on. You may have had only two drinks but you were weaving a bit when you got up from the table. Let me drive you.”
    “My truck knows the way home.” He made a face. “Like old Dobbin.” He started the engine. “If I’d beat you that last game, I might let you drive me home in style, but I reserve that right for our next session.” He smiled. “I was close this time. You’re going down next week.”
    “Just be careful.”
    “I’m always careful. I’ve got a lot to lose these days.” He tilted his head, listening. “Is that thunder?”
    “It wouldn’t surprise me. Grace said it was going to rain tonight. How the hell does she know?”
    Charlie shrugged. “She told me once she was a quarter Cherokee. Maybe it’s in the genes.” He waved as he backed out of the parking lot.
    Robert hesitated, gazing after him. Charlie seemed