Banks went back into the office. The door was locked. Clancey had gone home. He’d been trying to find someone willing to tail her little brother night and day, and without luck. Then he remembered that Cal Hollister had mentioned that he’d already done that.

He pulled out his cell phone and punched in numbers.

Hollister picked up on the third ring. “Hollister,” he said curtly.

“It’s Banks. Have you still got somebody watching Clancey and her brother?”

“I did,” he said angrily. “Two guys. They had a disagreement, got into a fight and ended up in jail for creating a public disturbance.” He let out an angry sigh. “I’ve been trying to find somebody to take over for them...”

“Tomorrow’s Friday. I’m going to take them down to the ranch with me after quitting time. I’ll speak to my sister and have her move in with us for the time being to keep Clancey from worrying about her reputation.”

Cal let out a breath. “I offered for them to come here, but she won’t,” he said. “She’s so damned proud. It’s hard to do anything for her, because she thinks it’s just charity, or worse, pity. She and Tad are sort of like family. I don’t really have anybody else.”

Banks ground his teeth together. He felt sorry for the man and he didn’t want to. He felt jealous as well, and that set him off.

“I’ll talk to my sister and then I’ll drive over to the Brandiff Apartments and persuade Clancey.”

Cal chuckled. “Good luck.”

“I can be persuasive,” he said. “I’ve got a big, friendly Maine Coon cat named Miss Kitty and my sister, Brenda, fosters stray cats. Right now she’s got a big furry kitten that’s homeless. I’ll have her bring it down here, too. Clancey loves animals.”

“Yes, she does. Let me know how it comes out, okay? I’ll be at the office until late. We’re working another homicide.”

“Will do.”

He locked up the office and went to see his sister at her apartment.

Brenda was overjoyed and trying very hard not to let it show. Grace was a friend, and she admired her, but she was no match for Brenda’s impulsive, mercurial brother. Clancey was a far better match for him.

“I can go tonight, in fact,” she said. “I don’t work tomorrow. The boss gave me the day off, and a trainee’s taking my place while they teach her the ropes.”

“That will work out nicely,” Banks said. He grinned. “Clancey loves cattle,” he added.

“She’s a country girl,” Brenda replied. “Her mother was born down around Floresville and her father commuted to his job in San Antonio. Clancey doesn’t really like living in town, but when her mother remarried, she had no choice. She was still in high school at the time.”