Trail of Lies by Margaret Daley Page A

really all right?”
    His first query threw her off for a few seconds. She nodded.
    â€œWhat were you doing in a cab?”
    â€œHow did you know about that?”
    â€œI have connections. I checked with the police about the wreck. A hit and run.”
    â€œYeah, the man fled the scene. Probably didn’t have insurance.”
    â€œWhat’s going on?”
    Still achy and mentally exhausted, Melora crossed the office to a grouping of chairs and sat. “I was in a wreck. It happens. But I’m okay now and so is Kaitlyn.”
    Uncle Tyler took a seat across from her. “Why were you in a cab? What’s this about an adventure?”
    â€œWith all that has happened lately, I thought it would be nice to get out of town for a while. Just Kaitlyn and me.”
    One of his bushy eyebrows rose. “Without telling me?”
    â€œIt was a spur of the moment decision. I was going to call you later.”
    â€œIs something going on you should let me know about? Why did you call Daniel Riley?”
    â€œHe’s been looking into Axle’s death, and we’ve renewed our acquaintance.”
    â€œI didn’t realize you knew him.”
    â€œCasually. He’s been working with the Alamo planning committee concerning the security.”
    Her uncle’s gaze bore into her. “If something is wrong, you know I can protect you. You are my only family, Melora. You and Kaitlyn.”
    Love filled each of his words, and for a second she considered telling him everything. But looking into his dear features, she couldn’t. Not yet. He’d given her a home when she’d lost her parents. He’d become like a father to her. She couldn’t put him in the middle of this. She would never forgive herself if something happened to him because she’d involved him. Daniel was better equipped to protect her and Kaitlyn. She had to put her trust in him.
    Melora pasted a smile on her mouth. “I love you, Uncle Tyler, and I’m going to be fine. Wrecks happen all the time in San Antonio. The police will find the driver.” She hoped.
    Â 
    Two hours later in her living room Melora eased onto the couch, so tired all she wanted to do was stretch out and sleep like Kaitlyn was. After spending most of the previous night going over her plan to escape, Melora was exhausted both mentally and physically. Then her visit with her uncle had only added to that, but he’d left a half hour ago.
    Daniel swiveled around from staring out the window that overlooked the several acres of backyard. His features firmed in a determined look, he moved toward the sitting area and took a wingback chair across from her.
    â€œThanks for waiting for your answers until Uncle Tyler left and I got Kaitlyn settled down for a nap. She went right to sleep.” This time when she attempted to smile, the corners of her mouth lifted—slightly for a few seconds before collapsing.
    â€œI’m glad. I was worried. She chattered for a while when she was eating her ice cream, then she became quiet. No amount of coaxing could get her to say much until you and Tyler came into the kitchen.”
    â€œEven then she was quieter than usual. I think everything was sinking in.”
    He removed his hat and placed it on the coffee table then lounged back. “Tell me what happened. Why were you in a cab?”
    She prayed Daniel was the right person to trust. She looked him in the eye and before she lost her nerve said, “I was leaving San Antonio.”
    â€œLeaving? A vacation?”
    â€œNo, getting as far away from here as I could.”
    A shutter dropped into place over his expression. He straightened, leaning forward, his elbows on his thighs. “Why? Who has you scared?”
    â€œI don’t know who. The man who broke in was delivering a message to me to keep quiet or I would end up like Axle.”
    â€œQuiet about what?”
    â€œThat’s just it. I don’t know. He