by Mia Dymond
“Um,” she said quickly while clearing her mind. “Jack, maybe?”
“Perhaps, but Jack is a former military man. If I were sensing Jack, I should feel respect and pride. I don’t feel either.”
“I normally see bands of orange and red around military men,” Holly added. “All of our husbands glow with it. I don’t think the presence is Jack.” She stood and touched the recorder. “More scarlet red here.”
“Ego because the disc is missing.” Claire raised a hand to Holly in a gesture to help her up off the floor. “Our perp is convinced we won’t be able to find the culprit.”
Holly pulled Claire to stand. “Well, so far we haven’t. But Tess isn’t the suspect.”
“No,” Claire agreed. “The force I feel is cold or distant with a strong desire for money.”
Holly laid a hand on Tess’s forearm. “Your aura is wrapped in clouds of various shades of blue. Blues indicate serenity, peace, and calm.”
“That’s all?”
“Um, I see a whole lot of another color but I don’t think you want me to tell you right at this moment.”
Tess swallowed hard. “Should I panic?”
“No.” She glanced at Claire. “You feel it too, right?”
“Yep. The force almost knocks me over and that’s quite a feat – I’m eight months pregnant.”
Holly sighed. “I don’t think we’re going to get anything else. There’s just nothing here.”
“Believe it or not, you may have given us something.” Brett stood and approached the bar. “We’ll run it by the others and see what we can come up with.”
“I really appreciate this.” Tess placed a hand on Holly’s forearm. “It means a lot to me.”
Holly laid a hand over hers and squeezed. “We’re getting closer, I feel it. It will all be over soon.”
“Yeah,” Claire agreed, “and in the meantime, you can always take up mountain climbing.”
***
Ranger rubbed the back of his neck with one hand as he sat around the conference table with the team and tried to piece together a viable suspect in Jack’s robbery for about the thousandth time. Although he would’ve jumped at the opportunity to watch Claire and Holly in action earlier, he knew it was probably in his best interest to stay behind. His feelings for Tess were strong and he knew for a fact both Holly and Claire would pick up on that fact and run with it.
He released a hard breath. Who in the hell was trying to set her up? Frustration knotted his already-tense nerves as he listened to Shadow and Steele reveal Holly and Claire’s findings.
“According to Claire, emotion can be attributed to a criminal’s psyche,” Shadow explained. “The place reeked of desperation and fear. Most criminals rob out of desperation. Fear? Yeah, maybe. The one thing that peaks my interest though, is that Claire claims that the fear comes from the worry that there won’t be enough money in the safe. “
Sterling rubbed his chin. “So our perp needs a definite amount of money.”
“That’s my conclusion,” Steele admitted. “Otherwise, what thief would care? Any money is profit.”
Shadow nodded. “Claire felt ego, as well. Most criminals are cocky.”
Ranger rolled all the facts around in his mind. A cocky crook with a hefty debt – although that made perfect sense, it didn’t give them much as far as evidence. “Does someone owe Jack money?”
“Not as far as I can tell.” Hawke shrugged. “And according to my research, Jack doesn’t owe anyone either. The building is bought and paid for and he pays his vendors in cash.”
“What about the Hicks?”
“Nada. Not on the books anyway.”
Ranger shook his head. “I would be willing to guess that Tess doesn’t have debt, either.”
“No.” Hawke grinned. “In fact, she donates a lot of money.”
“Holly mentioned stress,” Steele added. “Could our suspect be robbing for a specific reason?”
“Maybe.” Hawke frowned. “No sense of identity?”
Steele shook his head. “They felt a female presence, but couldn’t connect her to the crime. Hell, there’s women all over that place.”
“Claire did say that the presence wasn’t an employee.” Shadow leaned forward and braced his elbows on the table. “So, if we still think the robbery is an inside job, we have to rule out anyone Jack employs.”
Sterling raised an eyebrow. “Do we have any more female suspects?”
“Only Veronica Hicks.”
“What’s your take?”
“She claims she had nothing to do with it and quite frankly, I don’t either. Her husband gave her an alibi. She takes sleeping medication and was next to him in bed, dead to the world.”
“Do you suppose she’s skilled enough to steal Tess’s identity somehow?”
“Plausible, but not likely,” Hawke said. “Tess’s identity may be public, but her personal information is kept under lock and key. Even I couldn’t penetrate the security of her financials.”
Ranger agreed. “I asked Tess about her credit cards. She only carries one credit card for emergencies. She’s checked with the bank and the credit card company and no unauthorized activity has been reported.”
“Any pending activity?” Sterling asked.
“No,” Hawke answered. “She has a personal banker who watches the accounts closely.”
“What about vendors?”
“Jack’s manifest indicates all deliveries are made by men.”
Sterling released a hard breath. “I’m beginning to think our perp is not female. There’s just no clear-cut evidence.”
“Except that both codes that were used to breach the safe belonged to women,” Steele pointed out.
“Is there anyone else with access to Tess’s personal information?”
“Not that we’ve identified.”
“What about insurance policies?”
“I found several,” Hawke admitted, “all kept in a safe deposit box at the bank, out of public view.”
“I think we need to question the bank employees.”
“Will do.”
Sterling’s brow wrinkled. “What about Veronica’s information? Surely her husband has access.”
Shadow shook his head in the negative. “He claims he doesn’t know her social security number. Besides, if they were both in bed together, he couldn’t have robbed the safe.”
“Have there been any attempts at entry since we moved the money?”
“No.” Ranger knew that for a face. “And all the deposits are accounted for.”
Steele tilted his head to one side. “If it is an inside job, the perp is well aware of the changes. Maybe that’s the end of it.”
“Maybe,” Sterling agreed. “Depends on the level of desperation. Does Tess leave alone at night?”
Ranger shook his head. “No. Jack walks her to the car.”
“What about her home?”
“Alarm system,” Shadow said. “I scoped out the place yesterday.”
Sterling ran a hand across the top of his head. “I think we can call off the dogs at the club. We’ve got it on pretty tight lockdown and we can better use Ranger for interrogation.”
“I’ll wrap it up tonight,” he agreed, as his heart gave a regretful thud. “I’ll double check the security and bring Jack up to speed.”
“Affirmative,” Sterling said with conviction. “We’re getting closer, I can feel it.”
***
Ranger spent his final evening at The Cathouse sitting at the bar, nursing his two bottles of beer, and pining away for Tess. He hadn’t even left yet and he missed her. He released a hard breath while his conscience mocked him. Shake it off, soldier. It wasn’t like he couldn’t see her again - he had every intention of making absolutely sure they spent time together. He’d just have to convince her first.
At closing time, Ranger walked down the hallway to Tess’s office, both his boots and his heart heavy while the thought of not seeing her every night still pinched hi
s nerves. Over the time they’d spent together, he’d grown to know a very sensitive, smart woman who both challenged him and aroused him. Besides, he owed her. That thought brightened his mood.
She came out of her office just as he approached. His heart skipped a beat and he gave Lady Luck a big, loud kiss. If he had been any later, he would’ve missed her.
“Calling it a night?”
“Yes, all done until tomorrow.”
“Do you need to make the drop?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll follow.” He gestured back down the hallway with one hand and then issued a desperate invitation. “Are you in a hurry to get home?”
“Not really, why?”
“Can I interest you in a cup of coffee?”
“You asking me out again?”
“Do you want me to?”
She didn’t even blink. “Yes.”
“Then, I am.”
“How about my place?”
He grinned and placed a hand to her back. “After you.”
Behind the tinted windows of his truck, Ranger followed behind Tess’s silver Mercedes sedan, as she first dropped the deposit into the night depository of Diablo National Bank and then led him across town to an exclusive neighborhood. He followed her up a long driveway and then parked behind her in front of a gray, two-story colonial. Although the home represented wealth, the personal touches on the outside softened the image.
Soft, low-watt candle lights lit the porch that wrapped the exterior of the home. White shutters accented the two bay windows in front. Around the walkway to the front door, manicured flowerbeds overflowed with bright colors and green plants. One word came to mind: home.
He left his truck and followed her to the front door, waiting patiently as she unlocked the door. Just as Shadow advised, the beep of the alarm sounded until she silenced it with a series of numbers. He noticed the code contained more than four numbers.
“Come on in,” she told him as they entered.
Bright light from an obnoxious chandelier nearly blinded him, forcing him to blink past the glare.
“Living room is there.”
He squinted to see where she pointed and then headed that direction.
“I’ll go put on the coffee.”
By the time she returned with two steaming mugs, his sight had returned to normal.
“That was fast,” he said as she handed him a cup.
“I’m impatient. I have one of those K-cup makers. Coffee in minutes. I assumed you take it black.”
“You assumed correctly.” He took a swallow of the hot liquid. “Nice place.”
“Thanks. I bought it after I graduated from college.”
“Did you major in accounting?”
“I had a double major – accounting and finance.”
“Impressive.”
“Not really. Numbers come easy for me, remember?”
“Yeah, but that still takes a lot of work.”
“It did, but it was worth it. What about you?”
“One major - criminal justice. After I left the Army, I enrolled at the police academy, took the detective’s exam, and became a detective on the Navajo Arizona force.” He grinned. “Not nearly as exciting as accounting.”
Her soft laugh caused goosebumps on his skin and his cock twitched. Damn, if only he could bottle her voice.
“You left Navajo to work with Max Sterling?”
He nodded. “My partner was murdered during an undercover drug buy. My heart just wasn’t in it anymore.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Thank you. I’ve been at SEALs, Inc. for six months and I’m settling in.” He took another swig of his coffee while he tried to find the nerve to tell her about the change of strategy in the case. “We’ve decided to change things up in the investigation.”
“Really? How?”
“Since we’re fairly sure the theft is not an inside job, I don’t need to be there.”
“Oh.”
“But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to see you.” He grinned. “I’d very much like to continue seeing you.”
“I work wacky hours.”
“We’ll work something out.” He leaned his head to one side. “Are you happy working with Jack?”
“Yes. He’s a good guy and a great boss.”
“Can I ask you a personal question?”
“Can I stop you?”
“Probably not.”
“Sure, ask away.”
“Why are you working as a bookkeeper at The Cathouse with two degrees?”
“You won’t believe me if I tell you.”
“Try me.”
“You know who I am by now. I work for Jack because I can use my skill. As strange as that sounds, it’s the truth. My name and reputation opens a lot of doors for me, but not always because of my abilities. At The Cathouse, I remain anonymous. I prove myself for my skill and intelligence.” She lifted her cup, took a sip, and then swallowed. “And I’ll tell you something else you probably don’t know. I donate my paycheck to charity.”
He set his cup on the table in front of them. “No, I didn’t know that. I, too, have something to say that you probably didn’t know.”
“Oh yeah? What’s that?”
He reached between them, took her cup and set it next to his.
“I am very attracted to you, Tess Michaels.” He scooted closer to her and tilted her chin with one finger. “And, I’m going to kiss you.”
“I knew that,” she murmured just before he pressed his mouth to hers.
As her lips softened beneath his, he swore he heard fireworks hiss in the air.
The minute Ranger’s lips met hers, Tess knew for sure she was on fire. Flames began at the tips of her toes and consumed her right up to the very top of her head, burning every single inch of her body in between. Desperate to taste more of him, she opened her mouth in a blatant invitation. His tongue swept inside, tangling with hers, teasing her with the sweet, sweet taste of seduction. Her hands left her sides to rest on his neck, her fingers running through the short locks of his brown hair, squeezing as her desire escalated.
Fueled by the sheer delight of touching him, she captured his tongue between her lips and gave it a good hard suck. A masculine grunt answered.
Once she released him, he took her lips hard, his touch demanding and fevered. Her scalp tingled as his fingers burrowed in the depths of her hair, pulling and squeezing as if he were hanging on for dear life.
Her breathing escalated to the point of near-hyperventilation. Her nipples hardened. A familiar hum began between her legs.
And then he lifted his lips.
Her body screamed and she resisted the urge to sock him in the jaw as she struggled to regulate her breathing.
“Wow.” He shook his head as if he couldn’t believe what they’d just done.
She gave a mental snort. At least he was breathless, as well.
“Yeah, wow,” she agreed.
“You know what this means.”
“I do?”
He nodded. “You’re mine.”
“Ya think?”
“I know.”
“If only Holly could see me now,” she mumbled.
“Huh?”
“I’m probably bright pink.” She giggled. “Apparently that means I’m lusting for you.”
“Well, I hope I’m not pink but I think it’s a little more than lust.”
“I think you’re right.”
“I should go and let you sleep.” He stood and took her hand, gently pulling her to stand. His thumbs began a soft caress on the tops of her knuckles. “Are you going to the block party tomorrow?”
“Actually, I am. I’m going to take tickets and tally the proceeds.”
“Then I’ll see you there. SEALs, Inc. has a dunk tank.”
“So I heard.” She gave his hand a squeeze and then led the way to the front door. “Watch out, Cameron’s been practicing.”
She stopped with one hand on the doorknob
. “I’ll make sure Sterling’s in the seat when she throws.”
“Goodnight, Ranger.”
He leaned to place a small peck on her lips. “Goodnight, sweet Tess.”
CHAPTER SIX
From the roped off area designated for the SEALs, Inc. dunk tank, Ranger leaned back against the tub and took in the activity around him. The Professionals for People Block Party had started an hour ago and the streets were already packed with visitors. Rachel and her team had done a phenomenal job of creating an old-fashioned county fair atmosphere, family friendly and organized to attract the attention of anyone who passed by.
The booth that sat on the right side of the tank housed a pegboard covered in balloons and for a dollar, partygoers purchased five darts to break balloons and win prizes. On the opposite side, another booth held a table full of soda bottles. Customers bought three rings for a dollar and tossed them in an attempt to hang them on the bottles for a variety of prizes. Several more booths decorated the main street, all with games and activities designed to entertain adults and kids of all ages.
Further down the block, a carousel spun with smiling children straddled atop wooden horses and a winding roller coaster raced along its metal track, carrying screaming riders with adrenaline-fueled smiles. Oversized metal, recliner-shaped chairs spun on a platform while threatening to make even the most experienced rider lose his lunch, and Shetland ponies walked behind one another in a circle, guided by a wheel strapped to their halters, and carried small children.
He drew in a deep breath through his nose, inhaling the familiar scents of sugar, vegetable oil, and charcoal that took him back to his childhood. Comfort food. Treats he was only allowed to eat when the fair was in town. Food vendors nearby worked diligently to fill orders of cotton candy, funnel cakes, corn dogs, and hamburgers. The smell brought a smile to his face as he truly appreciated being an adult.
From where he stood, he had a perfect view of the booth near the entrance where Tess sold tickets. She sat at a small, folding table that was surrounded by landscape timbers that boxed in the area to separate her from visitors while she collected money and passed out tickets. Although he could only get a side view of her profile, it was enough of a picture to kick his libido into overdrive. His whole body heated as memories of the previous night’s kiss flooded him and hardened his cock. Damn. If a kiss affected him this violently, he was in major trouble if they ever made it between the sheets. When they made it between the sheets.
