Nicol realized the change. His temper resented it. But his cunning robbed him of the retort that leapt to his lips. And all the while the girl's cold, pretty eyes provoked those passions in him which the dead mother had dreaded. Keeko could have no understanding of the unbridled licence rampant in his besotted body.
He nodded.
"It's so big I just can't get all it means—yet. You and me—we're going to be partners in it."
"Partners?"
"Sure."
"What's needed from me?"
Keeko's suspicions were stirring When Nicol talked of "big money" and snatching that held out to him, it was not easy to believe in the honesty of it all.
"Just stop around till I get back."
The girl withdrew her gaze and sat with hands spread out to the warmth of the stove.
"You best tell me," she said quietly but firmly.