“You didn’t do anything to save him.”

“No. I was scared. I was out of my league. I told myself that Sandrino could take care of himself.”

“Most of the time he could,” Tanner said wearily. “And maybe this time he did, too. I’ll have to investigate that postcard from Santa Rosa.”

“I’ll still have to hedge my bet. Volkov is mean, but he’s smart, too,” Walker said. “That’s why I have to get away from here. Will you take me somewhere safe?”

“Yes. But no more tricks. I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning and we’ll go over those notes. Then I’ll put you in the custody of someone I trust who will take you out of Vegas and keep you safe until it’s secure enough for you to come back here. Is that good enough?”

“That’s great, thanks,” Walker said eagerly. He rattled off an address. “I’ll be packed and ready to go by nine.”

“See that you are.”

“And I’ll dig up those dog tags and have them ready to give to you. Thanks again, Tanner.”

“No problem.” He cut the connection.

“Is there really no problem?” Lara asked from the chair where she was sitting. “You seemed upset.”

“A little.” He turned to her. “He hit me where it hurt.” He smiled sardonically. “But on the other side of the deck, he didn’t ask me for money. Your faith was restored.”

“Sometimes money doesn’t help, it gets in the way.” She met his eyes. “Are you going to let me go with you tomorrow morning?”

He nodded. “I’ve given up that battle. I know you’d only find a way to go by yourself. At least, I can keep track of you if you’re with me.”

“And it’s where I should be.”

“Which is debatable.”

“Yes, but I’m right, and you’re wrong. End of debate.” She got to her feet and crossed to the desk. “Now be still for just a minute.” She took his hands and held them tight. “Look at you, stiffening up. Go ahead. This isn’t any more than I’d do for Maria if I felt she needed someone to reach out to her. I swore I wasn’t going to touch you again. I was very angry with you. I was even insulted. But it doesn’t seem to make a difference. For some reason I don’t like to see you hurting. It would be easier if you didn’t sometimes have that black cloud hovering over you. I know you’re tough. I know you don’t need comfort. But for some reason I need to give it.” Her grip tightened for an instant in a caress that wasn’t really a caress. Then she pushed him away. “And now it’s done. And neither one of us was hurt by it.”

“I’m not so sure,” he said quietly.

“Then do what Maria told me to do,” she said. “Figure it out the best you can. Even though I didn’t do so well this afternoon. I guess every step prepares you for the next one.” She was heading for the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning, Tanner.”