Dead and Gone by Jack Patterson (universal ebook reader .TXT) 📕

Burns shot Holmes a look. “That was a long time ago—and completely accidental.”

“Maybe. You never know about people.”

“True, but most people can’t hide that kind of darkness forever. Eventually, it comes out.”

“You think people will ever find out what kind of person Carson Tanner really was?”

Burns shook his head. “He was normal—deeply flawed but loving and kind. He did his best and that’s all you can ask for.”

“And he left his daughter fatherless and his wife a widow.”

Burns glanced at Holmes and sighed. “Are you sure you didn’t have anything against Tanner? You sure sound like you don’t have a lot of compassion right now.”

“Rough week.”

“Tell me about it.” Burns reached for his door handle. “I’ll be right back.”

Burns hustled into the hotel with his bag. He was rounding the corner toward his room when he nearly ran over Todd Cashman, who was engrossed with texting someone.

“Whoa there, big fella. Is there a fire down the hall?” Cashman asked after the collision.

“Sorry, Cashman. Just wasn’t paying attention.”

Cashman broke into a wry smile. “I hope you’re paying more attention tomorrow when I school your young driver on the ins and outs of big league driving. This ain’t the kiddie circuit.”

“Oh, we’ll be ready. Don’t you worry.”

“So will I, but that’s probably a shock to you since you think I don’t prepare like a real racecar driver.”

Burns was taken aback by the accusation. “What are you talkin’ about?”

“Oh, that little article in Racing Weekly a few months back. I read it all right. You said that Cashman’s having a good year, but it’s due to the fact that he’s avoided any of the major accidents that have taken out race teams this season and not because he’s more prepared than everyone else.”

“Hey, that was taken out of context. That’s not what I meant.”

Cashman nodded. “Fair enough, tubby. We’ll find out who’s done their homework tomorrow. I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed after I leave winner’s circle drenched in champagne and coated with confetti.”

Burns held his tongue, wondering if this was the moment to broach the subject he needed to talk to Cashman about.

Screw it. I’m going for it.

“Look, Cashman. I know we’ve had our moments over the years, but I do have a favor to ask of you.”

“A favor?” Cashman pointed at his own chest. “From me?”

Burns let out a long breath. “Yeah. And you’re the only one who can help me.”

“How’s that?”

“If I recall correctly, in Texas your hauler was set up with a clear view of the garage across from our car.”

“Yeah. So?”

“And your hauler is rigged with a security surveillance system, right?”

Cashman furrowed his brow and tapped his foot. “What are you gettin’ at, Burns?”

“I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors that someone supposedly sabotaged Tanner’s car last week. And if the story I’ve heard is true, whoever fiddled with the return spring that caused the accident would be on your security video feed.”

“You want me to give you my security tapes?”

Burns nodded.

“Are you crazy?”

“Come on, Cashman. What’s it gonna hurt?”

“My reputation, for one. Everybody’s gonna say that the only reason I’m in the championship race is because someone sabotaged Carson Tanner’s car. And then how do I know you won’t try to tie your little weasel to me?”

“You know we’d never do that. We’ve got enough problems of our own.”

Cashman chuckled. “You sure do. That starts with tryin’ to figure out how to beat me tomorrow.” He jabbed his finger into Burns’ chest. “Better bring your A game, loser.”

Cashman spun and walked away.

“Really? You’re just gonna walk away like that?”

Cashman raised his fist in the air defiantly, refusing to turn around as he continued down the hall. “I’m not gonna taint my title, porky.”

Burns seethed. “You’re not gonna win one either, punk.”

Burns took a deep breath. Convincing Cashman to give up the tape was the easiest path to revealing the saboteur—if there truly was one.

Guess I’ll have to do it the hard way.

CHAPTER 34

CAL REAWOKE IN THE TRUNK of a car bounding over rises and bottoming out in large holes. Whoever had taken him held no regard for his personal comfort. A jack jabbed him in the back every time the car sank into a depression over the rocky terrain. He could tell it was still light outside through the porous holes in the trunk, but he couldn’t guess what time it was—or if it was even still Saturday. He hoped it was, but that was far down on his list of wishes at the moment. He wouldn’t care what day it was if he could escape the thugs holding him hostage.

Since he’d already failed to elude his assailants, he chose to shift his mental energy toward figuring out where he was. Faint traces of dust leaked into the trunk through the various holes. From the sound of the tires, Cal deduced they were traveling on a poorly kept dirt road—if it was even a road at all. His exercise did little to help him deduce his location.

After another fifteen minutes, the brakes squealed as the vehicle lurched forward and came to a stop.

Finally!

Cal heard two doors open and slam shut before the rattling of keys gave way to a mechanical click. The trunk flew open, revealing a dusky Arizona evening. Cal tried to climb out before one of the men yanked him out with one hand and slung him to the ground.

“Get up,” the man snapped.

Cal rose to his feet slowly, dusting off the dirt that caked his clothes.

“I’m gonna make this simple for you,” the man said as he opened up a laptop computer. “Look at this.”

Cal’s jaw dropped as he stared at the image on the screen.

“Recognize her?”

Cal nodded. It was Kelly.

“This is a live feed—and I’m sure you wouldn’t want anything to happen to your dear wife, would you?”

Cal glared at the man. “Leave her out of this. She had nothing to do with anything. Just tell me what you want.”

“We want you to get on