Have you ever been to Montana before, Ms. Webster? Jesse asked.
No. Its never been particularly high on my list of places I wanted to go.
But now were here, and thats that, Keller said flatly.
Would you like something to drink? Something to eat, perhaps? Jesse offered.
No, thanks, Keller replied.
An uncomfortable silence fell among them. Keller looked at Jesse and nodded toward the door. Why dont you walk me out? You can get Ms. Websters things from the car. I need to get back on the road.
Keller stood. Cecilia, Ill be in touch.
She nodded, appearing to grow smaller as she wrapped her arms around herself and sank deeper into the sofa cushions.
Jesse followed Keller outside. The older man said nothing until they reached the car. We thought the investigation shes involved with would only take a couple of weeks, but its taking longer. For the last month weve had her in dozens of motel rooms. But mentally she hasnt been handling it real well, so we decided she needed something more permanent. He opened the trunk and withdrew a large suitcase and a smaller, overnight bag.
Why not the Witness Protection Program? Jesse asked.
Because the people she will be testifying against could possibly have access to information from the Witness Protection Program. We couldnt take the risk. We decided to go outside the system to try to find her a safe haven.
Jesse was definitely intrigued. But why me? It was a question that had plagued him since the initial phone call from Sanford.
For the first time a ghost of a smile lifted the corners of Kellers mouth. Mustang, Montana, isnt exactly a well-known metropolis. I dont know of anyone who even knows Mustang exists.
I wouldnt say that to the citizens that call Mustang home, Jesse said dryly.
Keller closed the trunk, then looked at Jesse once again. We chose you for several reasons. The town is small, your record is excellent and you have no family.
Jesse almost smiled. Keller obviously didnt know about small-town living where everyone considered everyone else family of sorts.
We also know you have no close personal relationships, no wife, no girlfriend.
The smile that almost made it to Jesses lips instantly dissipated as he wondered how deeply theyd delved into his private life.
Besides, Keller continued, Sanford said you owed him and you wouldnt tell us no.
Bob Sanford had been his mentor when Jesse had gone to the police academy. Without Bobs personal interest and patience, Jesse would not have made it through the grueling training.
So, is there anything specific I need to know? Jesse asked.
Just go about your business as usual. As much as possible, try not to break from your normal routine. Tell anyone who asks that shes your girlfriend, come to
stay for a brief visit. Basically your job is that of glorified baby-sitter. Keller walked around to the drivers door and opened it. We arent expecting any problems. There are only three of us who know her actual location. Still, you shouldnt forget that she is at the center of an investigation that puts her life at risk.
Shes a material witness thats vital to the investigation. Trust nobody, and make sure she doesnt, either. Keller slid behind the wheel and started the engine. Im sure everything will be fine. Shes a long way from the bad guys here.
Dozens of questions whirled in Jesses mind. How do I get in touch with you if I need to?
You dont. Keller slammed the car door and pulled away from the curb.
Jesse watched the car until it disappeared from his sight, then he turned and eyed the neat, threebedroom ranch-style house he called home. For the next week or two he would share his home with a blind material witness whose life was in danger. How could a blind woman be a witness to anything?
Questions spun through his mind, but Jesse knew he could expect no answers. Keller had told him what he absolutely needed to knownothing more, nothing less.
When he walked inside, Cecilia was sitting exactly where they had left her, the dark glasses still perched over her eyes.
He wondered about her blindness. How long had she been blind? Had she been blind since birth or had she enjoyed the wonder of sight only to lose it through some tragedy?
Some place deep inside him, a grievous memory stirred to the surface, but he mentally shoved it away as he had done countless times in the past.
Sheriff Wilder? There was a slight panic in her voice.
Yes, its me, he answered hurriedly and set down the two suitcases. But youd better call me Jesse. According to Keller, Im supposed to tell everyone that youre my girlfriend.
Lucky you, she said, an underlying bitterness scoring her words.
Jesse shifted from one foot to the other, unsure what to do next. Can I get you something to drink? Are you hungry? Hed asked before, but she hadnt replied.
No, Im fine for now. She lay the cane next to her and entwined her fingers in her lap. If Im going to play the part of your girlfriend, then I guess we should come up with some background story.
Jesse once again sat in the chair facing her. Hed never before realized how he depended on seeing a persons eyes to assess their character. He found the dark glasses rather disconcerting.