“What did they want to know?”
She glanced at me quickly. Once again her lips smiled, but her eyes were suspicious. “They didn’t want to know anythin’, darlin,” she said.
“Yeah? Then why did they beat you up?”
The memory of that made her face darken. “I’ve told you… that’s the way he gives out he’s tired of you.”
I shrugged. I certainly wasn’t getting anywhere on these lines. “What do you know about Spencer?”
She looked blank. “Never heard of him.”
If she and Ananias got swopping stories, I’d know who I’d have my money on.
“Ever heard of a girl called Mardi Jackson?”
Again she shook her head. I gave up. She was too tough to get wild with. She would only laugh at me.
“Okay, sister,” I said, getting to my feet. “I can see you an’ I ain’t goin’ places. Maybe one day you’ll think better of it an’ give it me straight. I’m hoping it won’t be too late for you. Suppose you tell me your plans. I can’t keep you here, you know.”