A Way to the Manger by Susan Slater

Author:Susan Slater
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: amateur sleuth, holiday mystery, christmas stories, small town mystery, native american fiction, indian pueblo, new mexico setting, american indian mysteries
Publisher: Columbine Publishing Group, LLC

ELEVEN

“I think it’s the dumbest idea I’ve heard yet.” Ben wasn’t trying to mask his anger. She was being impossible. Irresponsible. Putting her life in danger and maybe Charlene’s.

“Ben, listen to me. The paper will support me. They want me to do this.”

“Anything for a story? Is that the mentality? No concern for your safety, no way to monitor your safety, just take your chances. Is this ego or a chance to help Charlene?”

“I think that stinks. You should know how I think by now.”

And, in fact, Ben thought he did, but to go undercover, pretend she was a runaway teen just to see if there was any information on Charlene ... Well, that was just too risky. He’d shared Molly’s information. Perhaps he shouldn’t have. But Julie was a confidant, someone he hoped would be a lot more someday, and he valued her opinion. But not this, not putting her life in danger. Wasn’t his biggest concern that he wouldn’t be there to help?

“Did I lose you?” Julie was in her apartment in Albuquerque, sitting out the slick roads.

“Sorry. I was just thinking.”

“That could be dangerous.”

Even her attempt at humor didn’t lighten his mood.

“I won’t stay out at night unless I have to.” She paused and he knew she wished she could take back that last part.

“What will you be looking for?”

“Anyone who has seen Charlene or knows where pregnant teens can go for help.”

“What are you going to wear?”

“Ben, I’m going to look like I’m sixteen.”

“I’m thinking of bad pop singers, more skin than should be exposed at puberty.”

“Ben, you’re not my mother.”

Not your mother and not someone who has been in your life long enough to give orders. He needed to back off. But, damn it, he cared about this woman and didn’t want her to put herself in danger.

“I appreciate the caring. Honest. I’ll be careful.”

“Do you have your cell phone?”

“I’m not sure that’s what all the chic down-and-outs own.”

“If you get in trouble, what will you do?”

“I don’t plan on getting in trouble.”

Famous last words, Ben thought, but said, “A person always needs an escape route.”

“I just don’t know exactly what I’ll be doing. I thought I’d try the clinic for the homeless first.”

“Good choice. Will you let someone know who you are?”

“No. I’m going to be a pregnant teen.”

“Julie—”

“Ben, please, let’s just see what happens. Do you have a better idea?”

And, of course, he didn’t. Would pregnancy have forced Charlene to run? Maybe. But he just didn’t have a good feeling about finding her safe and now Julie ...

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