She Walks the Line (Harlequin Super Romance)

by Fox, Roz Denny

  Belinda, who liked having the last word, tossed out her show-stopper. “She could be like our stepmom, couldn’t she, Bobby?”

  Mei Lu sensed Bobby gearing up to attack his sister, so she stepped between them and took their rolled-up kites. “Kids, a lot more goes into becoming a stepparent than just giving someone the title. Your father would have to get married again for you to have a stepmother. I’m positive he wouldn’t do that without talking it over with you two first. So, Bobby, you’re safe. And I’m famished. Will you take Foo and get settled in the back seat? I’ll store your kites in the trunk.”

  Seemingly mollified, the children told their new friends they’d see them soon. Peace descended once more.

  Cullen had missed the whole stepmother discussion because he and Ron lagged behind, once again talking about the case they’d worked on together.

  But Bobby had planted an idea in Mei Lu’s mind. From the time they all climbed into Cullen’s car, until after they’d ordered lunch and now sat like families did around a shared picnic table, she tried to imagine what it’d be like to be married. More than that—to be married to Cullen Archer.

  Four lives would be altered. She didn’t have to ask Foo if he wanted ketchup or mustard or both on his hamburger. Not that he got a hamburger. He never argued about which dog food she gave him. Mei had a distinct feeling that mealtime arguments were minor when you were dealing with children on a daily basis.

  She munched quietly on her chicken sandwich and watched the Yees interact. Their reactions seemed to be choreographed, but as Angela had mentioned, they’d been married for ten years. Cullen had been divorced for six, and he had an ex-wife to placate when it came to his children.

  Jana Archer hadn’t been on his mind last night. And judging by the many times he’d casually touched Mei since they’d taken seats across from the Yees—idly running his fingers through her hair or stroking her back as he talked— Mei knew that in some ways she’d already replaced the former Mrs. Archer.

  Mei’s cell phone rang about the time all four kids took off for the playground. She found the phone in Foo’s duffel and frowned at the readout.

  “Problems?” Cullen asked at once. “Is it your mechanic? You know, Mei Lu, I can lend you a vehicle.”

  “It’s Catherine,” she said, dropping her sandwich.

  “Who?” Cullen paused as if he were trying to recall the name.

  “Chief Tanner.” Mei Lu shook back her windblown hair and covered her other ear in order to hear better. “This is Lieutenant Ling,” she said, all business because she fully expected to hear Annette, Catherine’s personal assistant, at the other end of the line.

  “Mei Lu? Where are you? What’s all the background noise? Sounds like a schoolyard.” It was Catherine herself. Mei scooted from her bench seat to walk a few paces away.

  “I’m at lunch,” she told the chief, seeing no reason to make up excuses.

  “I guess it is that time of day. Damn, another morning down the tubes. Is your meal something you can eat on the way to the station? I’ve got a development on your case, and I’ll be locked all afternoon in meetings I can’t change or cancel.”

  Mei Lu dashed a confused frown at Cullen. “My car’s in the shop. Cullen picked me up today. He has his twins here at lunch with us. I can ask him to drop me at the station and then later I can take a bus home.”

  “If Archer’s there, bring him. He was going to be my next call.”

  “This is crucial, then?”

  “I’ll let you two determine that. Can you be here in, say, twenty minutes? I’ll have Annette go next door and grab me a sandwich.”

  “Uh, let me ask Cullen.” Mei hadn’t told Catherine that she also had Foo to contend with. Putting down the phone, she laid out her concerns.

  Angela Yee quickly offered an alternative to driving across town to Cullen’s place, where his housekeeper was available to baby-sit. “I realize we’ve just met, but Cullen and Ron have apparently discussed getting the kids together. We live only a few blocks from here, and we’d be glad to have the twins and Foo come over this afternoon.”

  Mei Lu waited. This was Cullen’s decision.

  “I hate to impose. I know we talked about getting our kids together.” Cullen listened to Angela’s protests that it really was no trouble. “Okay, on one condition. You let me return the favor tomorrow. Bring Ronnie and Jennifer to our house in the afternoon. Angela, you and Ron plan to stay for dinner when you pick them up. Mei Lu, you come, too. I realize Ron’s working, but Angela, I’m sure you can use a half day to yourself.”

  “Depending on this new development, Cullen, I may be tied up tomorrow.” Mei Lu scowled at him for arbitrarily making plans for her.

  “Darn, I can’t tomorrow,” Angela lamented. “Both kids have appointments to get their teeth cleaned and checked. Friday would work for us, though. If it does for you guys,” she added.

  “Cullen, can you be quick with a yes or no? I can’t keep the chief waiting.”

  “Saturday’s even better. It might take the twins’ minds off leaving the next day.”

  Mei Lu slid the phone back to her ear. “Catherine, we’ll be there as soon as possible.”

  They collected the kids, who of course fussed until they learned about the change in plans. “Goody,” Belinda squealed. “Jenny has a Barbie castle. The one I want for my birthday, Daddy.”

  Bobby plucked his father’s sleeve. “Why do you hafta go to the police station?” he asked Cullen. “You’re not a cop. She is.” He pointed at Mei Lu.

  “Bobby, you know we’re working on the same case. If you’re going to cause a problem for Mr. and Mrs. Yee, I’ll phone Freda and have her meet us at the station.”

  Ronnie Yee offered an enticement. He said he had three remote-controlled airplanes.

  Bobby nodded. “That’s cool. Okay, I’ll be good, Dad, so you don’t hafta lecture me on the way to their house or nothin’.”

  The adults all laughed at that. They loaded up, and Cullen said they’d follow Ron’s car. On the drive he did phone Freda, who agreed to pick up the children and Foo in two hours. Cullen relayed that to Angela as they entered the Yees’ large, beautiful home, and left all the necessary phone numbers to reach him or his housekeeper.

  Cullen waited until he and Mei Lu were back in the BMW before he bombarded her with questions. “What happened? Why did we have to drop everything and rush to the station?”

  “I don’t know. Catherine didn’t elaborate beyond calling it a ‘development,’” Mei Lu said, amusement twitching her mouth.

  “That’s not very helpful. I wonder if another courier’s shown up dead.”

  “Doubtful. Otherwise Homicide would’ve called. And frankly, I wouldn’t expect the chief to use that term if someone had died.”

  “Well, what do you think this is about?”

  Mei Lu gave an exasperated shrug. “I have no idea. I’m not in the habit of interrogating Houston’s chief of police, Cullen. Maybe that’s how you work with Interpol. But we have channels. Protocol.”

  Cullen reached out and wrapped his right hand around Mei Lu’s left as she drummed her fingers nervously on her knee. “Don’t get huffy with me. Whatever it is, let’s hope it’s the break we’re looking for.”

  She stilled her fingers. “Sorry, Cullen. Catherine was really helpful to a group of us women during our academy phase. After she was made chief, there were many people who believed—and still believe—that she’s moved us up the ladder. But she’s very careful not to play favorites. I’m not used to having her call me in the middle of a workday unless it’s something very serious. So, yes, I’m nervous.”

  “Your face has guilt written all over it.”

  “Because…cops don’t take time out during work hours to play. I let you talk me into doing that this morning, and Catherine caught me. You’re corrupting me, Cullen.”

  He brought her fingers to his lips. “Wrong, Lieutenant. If I had corruption in mind, I’d pull over somewhere private an
d make love to you right in the car.”

  Mei felt herself blushing furiously.

  Cullen let go of her hand and laughed. “You’ve acted so cool and controlled all day, Mei Lu. I’ve been dying to shake you up. Have I told you I’ve never met any woman who blushes as beautifully as you? And may I remind you that we’re both adults? Neither of us is encumbered. I want to spend more evenings the way we spent last night. Don’t you?” When she didn’t respond, he looked at her sharply. “You did say you had no regrets.”

  “I don’t. Well, none before you made that parting shot about being a notch on my belt. As if you’d have to wade through a crowd of men all used to—well, you get my drift, Cullen. Nothing could be further from the truth.”

  “I know that, Mei Lu. It was a poor choice of words on my part.” He clasped her hand again, and this time brought it to his chest, where she could feel his heart beating. “I was only trying to make a point about intentions—and my feelings. I guess I made a bad job of it. I should’ve said I mean to stick around, and that I don’t think of last night as a one-night stand.”

  Mei pulled her hand loose. She chewed on her lip, watching the string of cars exiting the freeway. “The truth is, Cullen, you are encumbered.”

  He couldn’t take his eyes off the road, but she could see his frown.

  “The twins,” she said. “Bobby sends out all kinds of messages warning me off.”

  “My kids have no say in who I date. Sure, if I went out with someone who didn’t treat them right, then it’d be different. You like them, don’t you?”

  “Of course. That’s hardly the point.”

  “What is, then? You’re the one who brought it up.”

  “Yes. Oh, shoot. Cullen, up to now I’ve avoided relationships for this very reason. They’re too complicated. Add things like stepparenting and they’re more than I can deal with.”

  “Is that what you’re worried about?” A wide smile replaced his concern. “You’re a natural at handling kids, Mei Lu. Give Bobby time. From what I’ve seen, he’s torn between thinking you’re fantastic and feeling disloyal to Jana. I don’t think that’s uncommon for a boy his age.”

  “No. I’m sure it’s not, Cullen.” Mei might have confessed to more concerns that involved the absent Jana Archer. But they’d reached a parking lot near the station, and Cullen whipped in and immediately paid the lot attendant.

  Mei Lu climbed out. She led the way into headquarters, and fidgeted while waiting for Cullen to pass through the visitors’ scanner.

  In the stairwell, amid the echoing clatter of footsteps, she heard someone call her name. Lifting her head, Mei found herself face to face with Risa Taylor.

  “You look casual and relaxed for a change,” Risa remarked. Because Cullen had stopped behind Mei Lu, Risa moved to the same side and motioned him to pass.

  “He’s with me,” Mei Lu stated. “Risa, this is Cullen Archer. Cullen, Risa Taylor. She works in our sex crime division.”

  “A new detective?” Risa grinned, stretching her right hand. Her left brushed back strands of dark, shoulder-length hair.

  “No,” Mei corrected. “Cullen’s not on the force. He’s a private insurance investigator involved in a case I’m on,” she added, moving ahead. She knew how good Risa was at interrogation, and Mei didn’t want Cullen to be too free with information about the case, considering Catherine had never released her from the promise to keep it quiet. She saw the warm way Cullen looked at Risa. Everyone did; she was just so tiny, cute and personable. No one ever believed she worked the tough job of investigating sex crimes.

  “Hey,” Risa demanded. “You’re taking off when I haven’t seen you in a month of Sundays?”

  “Sorry. We got a summons from the chief.” Mei climbed two more steps.

  “I take it the visit isn’t social. Problem?”

  “We don’t know,” Cullen said, and that resulted in Mei prodding him in the back, and Risa shooting them a quizzical glance.

  “Cullen,” Mei said. “Chief Tanner’s in a hurry. Sorry, Risa, but we really can’t talk.”

  Risa drew back, clearly hurt. “Well, excuse me. I see not much has changed between us, Mei Lu. I ran into Crista and she said you’d heard from Abby. But you’re obviously still too involved with your job to make time for old friends.”

  “No, it’s not that, Risa.” Trying to change the subject, she said, “Abby and Thomas are getting married. Isn’t that great? She left another message, but I haven’t had a chance to phone her again.”

  “Lucy, too. Gosh, it’s a regular epidemic.”

  Mei Lu walked backward up another step. “You and Grady?”

  Risa shook her head. “We’re living in his house in the Heights, though. He loves his job as a full-time professor.” She sighed audibly. “I know you’ve gotta run. Mr. Archer, nice meeting you. Good luck on your case.”

  As Risa turned away, Mei Lu said, “I wish things were still like they were when we got out of the academy. When we all got together for coffee and dinner and—”

  Darting a half-surprised, half-irritated glance over her shoulder, Risa interrupted, “Sure you do, Mei Lu. You were usually the one who phoned everyone and set something up. But I notice you don’t try anymore. Not since…well, never mind. It doesn’t matter.” Risa had reached the landing, and a stride later was through the door.

  Mei’s shock would be hard to miss. Cullen noticed that she wiped at the tears rimming her lower eyelids. He wanted to ask, and would another time. Not now, though, because she lowered her head and charged on up to the next level, yanking open the door, and Cullen had to jog to keep pace.

  Two more right turns and she stopped at a desk where a woman noticed them and immediately picked up her phone.

  “The chief said it’s about time you showed up,” Annette Hayworth whispered.

  Mei put a hand to her head, feeling a headache waiting to catch hold. She ran her fingers through her hair in an attempt to look less frazzled, then wrenched open Catherine’s office door.

  Far more calmly than Cullen would have expected, Mei Lu introduced him to the police chief.

  “Sit, please,” Catherine requested, pausing only to wrap up the remains of a sandwich. “Can either of you explain this?” She tore two tissues from a box. Spinning in her chair, she used the tissues to lift an open carton and urged her guests to view its contents.

  “Ding porcelain,” Mei gasped, reaching out to touch the piece, only to have Catherine, still using the tissues as gloves, lift it cleanly out of her reach.

  “Of course,” Mei Lu murmured. “You have to preserve possible prints. That exquisite vase is called Ewer with Dragon Head. I believe it was found in the 1960s in an excavation of Jingzhi Pagoda.”

  “It’s on the list of missing museum items,” Cullen supplied. “How did you get the vase?” he asked Catherine.

  “Good question. The box was delivered to my secretary’s desk during a meeting we both attended. There’s no letter. No explanation. Just a handwritten label with my name and the address here at the station. I’d hoped you might be able to shed some light. If someone’s playing cat and mouse with Houston PD, I don’t like it one bit.”

  “Nor do we,” Cullen muttered. Gesturing with one hand, he included Mei Lu in his statement. She’d withdrawn to sit with pinched face and fingers laced tightly together. Of course, that could be a leftover reaction to the encounter on the stairs. Cullen found all her recent actions confusing.

  Mei Lu didn’t look at anyone. She wanted to grab the box and run. Or throw up. Because she recognized every straight, bold black stroke on that address label. Her father. She’d read too many of his handwritten memos in the past to have any doubt.

  What was the meaning of this delivery? Had a courier gone to Michael Ling with this piece, or was he trying to throw her and Cullen off the real trail?

  While she didn’t for one minute assume that her father had any direct involvement in this wretched case, one thing would lead him to circumvent her
.

  If her brother were guilty.

  Right or wrong, Mei made a snap decision. She had to find a way to leave Cullen behind and confront her father alone.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  “THE GOOD NEWS,” Cullen said, “is that apparently no courier’s been knocked off to correspond with this artifact turning up.” He watched Mei Lu out of the corner of his eye, not sure what should happen next. He could use some help here and she offered none. If anything, she seemed lost in thought.

  Getting to his feet, Cullen held out a hand to Mei Lu, and said to Catherine, “Let us know if you get any clear prints. A match in the criminal data bank would certainly make life easier,” he said.

  “Wait,” Catherine exclaimed, also rising as she reached for her phone. “I’ll call in a technician to dust for prints now. Then I’ll sign the piece over to you, Mei Lu. Frankly I’d rather not store a Chinese national treasure in our evidence room.”

  Cullen noticed that Mei Lu still hadn’t budged. “I heard that evidence crucial to the city’s biggest extortion case is the latest to go missing from the police evidence storehouse. So it’s true?”

  Catherine viciously poked a series of numbers on her phone pad. “That evidence must have been misplaced. We record everyone entering or leaving the room. There’s a camera trained on the door. We’ll find the bag,” she said, suddenly changing her tone as someone came on the line. “Joe? Chief Tanner. I need a print kit brought to my office. ASAP,” she stressed.

  Mei Lu stirred at last. “Sign the vase over to Cullen.” She barely acknowledged him with the flicker of an eye. “With all his personal art, I assume he has adequate safes. I’m not equipped to hold anything of such enormous value.”

  Catherine, who’d replaced her phone, studied her lieutenant. “I meant, take it to your father.” Catherine turned her attention to the vase again. “He’d have vaults at his gallery. I realize he doesn’t have security clearance, but I’ve been in the store and I know the value of what he sells.”

  “Cullen’s home is a fortress. His perimeter security alone is daunting. And after all, this is more his case than ours.”