Quicksilver Passion (51 page)

Silver, I’d do it again to get you out of here.” He grabbed her arm, his hands trembling.
Get dressed. I’ve got everything planned.”

She felt so numb, it was all she could do to get up and get dressed while Al threw a few of her things, including her jewels, in a bag.

Silver, you may not care about these, but remember jewels can give you as much security as money.” He took her arm and led her out of the house into the night.

It was a blur from then until she found herself on a train headed away from Chicago.
Where—where are we going?”

We’ll catch a stagecoach later. There’s boomtowns aplenty out West and I know a little about running a saloon; Brett taught me.”

Brett had power and influence; they’ll be looking for us.”

Let them look.” His face was pale and grim with determination.

We can’t run very far with no money,” she argued.

We got money; a whole valise full. Did you forget I have the combination to Brett’s safe?”

Silver was horrified.
You robbed him?”

He smiled without mirth.
It was dirty money—illegal money from prostitutes and gambling.”

Oh, Al, how could you have done this? He was your friend. Brett trusted you.”

Al looked out the window at the passing scene.
Judas betrayed his friend, too. This is something I have to live with, Silver, it’s not on your conscience. To help you, I’d do it all over again.”