Three to One Odds by D. M. O'Byrne

Author:D. M. O'Byrne
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: daughter trying to clear fathers name, innocent man accused of murder, raising thoroughbreds, running away from domestic abuse, small town police department arrests wrong man, taking a new identify, women investigating murder
Publisher: Black Opal Books

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The evening shadows were lengthening across the pastures the next evening as Tonya, Mike, and Lexi ate a silent meal together, all lost in their own thoughts. Mike ate very little, just a piece of beef and some vegetables. When Lexi asked him about dessert, he just shook his head and left the table.

He sat at the computer, pulling his books out of his backpack.

“I’ll be right with you,” Tonya assured him. “As soon as I help Lexi with the dishes.”

“Don’t bother with the dishes,” Lexi said quietly once they were in the kitchen. “I can manage. And Mike needs you.”

Tonya nodded, aware that she had been neglecting him lately. She left the kitchen and pulled a chair up to the computer. “What’s on the schedule tonight?” she asked.

“English grammar. It’s killing me.”

Tonya laughed.

“I don’t know why English has so many words that mean the same thing. Spanish isn’t like that. We have a different word for everything.”

“Like what?”

“Everything. Take this book. In English, book can be this thing with pages. It can also mean to make a reservation, like ‘book a room.’ Or describe the guy who takes bets, the bookie. It’s loco.”

“I guess I never thought about it. It does seem just about every word has more than one meaning.”

Mike shook his head. “No wonder so many Chicanos have a hard time making a living here and mostly just work in the fields.”

“It can’t be easy learning a new language. Not to mention a new culture. But you’re way ahead of me, Mike. I can only speak one language.”

Mike grunted in a noncommittal way.

“And just think,” she continued. “Once you’re a vet, you’ll have an advantage over guys who can only speak English, especially in this area. You’ll get all the clients.”

That seemed to perk him a bit. “Maybe. But first, I have to pass the English part of the GED test.”

“Okay,” she said. “Let’s do this exercise. Do you know the difference between these three words?” She pointed to the screen where the words there, their, and they’re were printed.

“I’m not sure.”

“Well, they’re is the easy one. It means--” Her cell phone rang and cut her off.

“Hello? Oh, hi Adam.”

Mike scowled and turned back to the screen. Tonya got up and went into the kitchen. Adam’s voice made her pulse increase ever so slightly.

“What are you up to?” he said.

“Just helping Mike with some grammar exercises. How about you?”

“Not much. I was wondering if you’re busy tomorrow night. If you’re not doing anything, would you like to have dinner with me?”

Tonya hesitated a moment. “Do you have some more information about the case?” Lexi looked up at her, her eyes hopeful.

Adam exhaled slowly. “No. But not everything has to be about the case. I just want to see you.” When she hesitated again, he said, “Nothing special. Just a meal at Hank’s. Not going to the country club again or anything fancy.”

Tonya shook her head at Lexi who turned back to the dishes in the sink. Tonya was torn between wanting to see Adam again and not wanting to upset Mike.

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