Wanted by the Lawman

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  “How about I pour us a cup of coffee? I think we could both use some caffeine.”

  She nodded. Who could argue with a proposition like his? “Okay.”

  “Cups above the coffee maker?”

  “Yes.”

  He looked from the coffee maker to her. “What’s this little thing?”

  Wynn laughed. “That’s a one cup machine. I grabbed it at the thrift store.”

  “You should take it back and get something bigger.”

  “Then I’d have to invite company over for a cup of coffee,” she said.

  “Yes, to the invitation.” He winked.

  She watched him in her kitchen, staring intently as he moved with such grace for a strapping man. “Were you a football player?”

  “Yes. In high school. All my brothers and I were.”

  “All as in you have many?” She leaned against the counter and watched his profile.

  “Four brothers and one sister.”

  “Are your brothers as large as you?”

  He laughed. “Pretty much, except Kace is a few inches taller and wider. He’s a giant of a man. He’d been awarded a full scholarship to play football, but after a few years he decided to enlist into the Army, and a few years later the Rangers.”

  “How do all of you fit under one roof?” she joked, enjoying the easy conversation that made her forget her dire situation.

  “Believe it or not, we did. My sister was the only one who had her own room. The boys all shared. I’m surprised we didn’t kill each other.”

  “Do you not get along?”

  He shrugged. “They’re my best friends. Sure, we drive each other crazy at times, but I know they have my back. That means something.”

  She agreed. “You’re going to laugh, but I’ve never ridden a horse.”

  “Huh?” He looked at her. “I’m the guy to give you your first ride.”

  Although she was certain his words were said in innocence, they sparked something inside her that warmed her all the way into her toes. Clearing her throat, she played with a loose thread on her shirt. “Is it inconsiderate of me to ask how old you are?”

  “Thirty-five.”

  He handed her a cup and she sipped. “Let me get this straight. You make a killer cup of coffee, investigate footprints in the snow, wipe tears, and you’re not hitched? Is this a joke?” She looked at him over the rim of her steaming cup.

  Had she really gone there?

  Yeah and she didn’t regret it, not one bit.

  “Not every lady finds the ability to make a cup of coffee a relationship-worthy talent.”

  She turned away from her sexy neighbor and busied herself doing anything but admiring him. Liking someone, getting involved with someone, meant she’d have to jump back in and she didn’t believe she was quite ready for the dating scene this quick. A part of her wanted to explain to Zander why she was so tense. Rory could show up. There was always that chance.

  When the other cup was done brewing, they went back into the living room. He placed his untouched cup on the table. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Where are you going?” Had she said something?

  “Taking your trash out.”

  “No, you can’t. Really, no.” He made coffee and now doing chores around the house? Too much for her.

  “No, I do. It’s almost full and I don’t want you to have to go out in the snow. Hasn’t anyone ever taught you how to dress in winter? Every time I see you, you’re underdressed.”

  Her cheeks warmed. She just knew he was referring to this morning when he saw her naked in the window. Wynn should steer clear of that fiasco, but Lord help her, she needed him to understand that she hadn’t done it on purpose. “Yeah…about that…I didn’t know…” She could hardly form the words on her tongue as the temperature increased.

  “I’m not complaining,” he teased.

  “Yes, but I didn’t flash you on purpose. I’m not that kind of neighbor.”

  “That stinks. A man can hope, can’t he?”

  She grinned. “I guess he can.”

  “And that’s the reason why I’ll handle the trash.” He winked.

  Damn, why did he have to be so helpful? And flirtatious?

  So damn good looking?

  Once he came back in, she met him in the center of the kitchen and handed him his cup. “I topped it off. The other cup got cold. Sorry about the chip in the cup.”

  “You’re talking to a bachelor. I drink out of paper cups and eat off foam plates.” He smiled. She found herself wanting to smile too, even if things were tough.

  He strolled across the room, his boots thudding on the old wooden flooring as he looked out into the back yard. “How’s the firewood burning?”

  “Once I get it going, it’s not bad.”

  “Around these parts we’re known to have power outages regularly. The snow gets heavy on the electric lines and it can take hours, sometimes days, to have the power back on. Best to be prepared. Stock up on necessities, not just cookies.”

  She heard the smile in his voice and resisted the urge to laugh. “I’ll try to keep that in mind.” Were they making small talk? He did seem the type for chit-chat. “Thank you for the warning. Any more thoughts on Susie-Q?”

  “What are neighbors for? I think she’d appreciate the company.”

  So would I. “Great.”

  “Are you feeling better now?”

  “I am.” A knock made her jump. She wasn’t expecting anyone. “I’ll go check to see who that is.”

  ~~~**~~~

  Hearing a familiar voice, Zander set his coffee cup in the sink and stepped out into the living room where Rudy and another man dressed in a black suit, silk tie, definitely a fed, stepped in.

  “Cade.” Rudy dipped his hat.

  “Are you here about the door being ajar?” Wynn asked. She met Zander’s gaze and he shook his head.

  “A door ajar?” Rudy looked semi-confused. “No, Miss Makelti. Agent Gaines stopped by my office this morning doing some investigative work on a case out of New York. He has a couple of questions he’d like to ask you, ma’am.”

  The flush in Wynn’s cheeks didn’t go unnoticed to Zander. He stepped up to her side, hoping to offer some support. The mere mention of the two words “agent” and “investigation” tended to make citizens anxious. “What’s this about, Rudy?”

  “I have a few questions for Miss Makelti regarding Rory Salvano, her boyfriend—”

  “Ex-boyfriend,” she clarified.

  Gaines gave her a look of indifference. “Fine. Your ex.”

  From Zander’s peripheral, he could see her work her lip. Maybe his instincts about her had been wrong. It wasn’t everyday a fed showed up on a woman’s doorstep. And a boyfriend—or ex-boyfriend? Damn, he knew Wynn spelled T-R-O-U-B-L-E.

  “Okay...I don’t know what I can tell you…”

  Zander took a small step. “Wait, before you ask any questions, I have a few of my own.”

  “Are you Miss Makelti’s attorney?” Gaines used the tip of his pen to scratch his temple.

  “No. Does she need one?”

  “We haven’t gotten that far yet. If she chooses not to cooperate, we can do a formal interview—”

  “I’ll cooperate.” Wynn gave Zander an assuring look.

  “Why are you here all the way from New York? That’s an awfully long way just to ask a couple of questions.” Zander felt some explanation was needed.

  With an irritated sigh, Gaines crossed his arms over his chest. Apparently, he was a man who didn’t like being grilled. “Mr. Salvano had been under investigation with the FBI for several months. Our current situation is that he is missing, and we need to find him.”

  “Missing?” Wynn’s face paled.

  “Yes, Miss Makelti. He’s missing. When he didn’t show up for work three days ago, his secretary was worried and called the local authorities. They found his condo empty and we were notified.”

  “Still doesn’t seem worthy of you m
aking a trip all the way out here to the mountains. You could have had Sheriff Graham ask Miss Makelti about Mr. Salvano,” Zander said.

  Gaines’ jaw tightened in agitation that he wasn’t bothering to hide. “Right. There was evidence of a possible crime.”

  Zander heard Wynn’s gasp.

  “Why are you here? Am I in trouble?” she blurted.

  Rudy scraped his palm down his jaw. “He’s only here to ask questions, ma’am. This is routine protocol when someone goes missing. There were drops of blood on the carpet that were tested and matched Salvano’s.”

  “When was the last time you saw your boy—ex?” Gaines directed his question to Wynn.

  “Nine days ago. When I left him he was fine, and not bleeding,” Wynn answered.

  “Mr. Salvano’s secretary told local authorities that you and her boss were having…” he stopped as if he searched for the right word, “problems. Can you explain?”

  Wynn tilted her chin. “Rory’s “secretary” was actually his “sexual partner”. So, yes, I guess you could say we were having problems, enough that he handcuffed me to him and blocked the door to my closet to keep me from leaving. Because he has a drinking problem, all I had to do was wait until he passed out before I unlocked myself from him. Yet, why do I get the feeling that since you were investigating my ex you already know most of this, and much, much more than I ever knew about a man I spent three years with. All I can say is that when I left Rory, he was alive and asleep.”

  Zander clenched his hands into fists at his sides. He knew there was much more to this woman. And he liked how she didn’t wither under the agent’s overbearing attitude.

  “You were Mr. Salvano’s assistant, was it?” Gaines continued.

  “In name only.” She crossed her arms and tapped her foot. “Outside of running some errands and decorating his office I wasn’t much use.”

  There was a short hesitation. “Do you understand Mr. Salvano was being investigated for several things including, but not limited to, money laundering, fraud, and illegal activity across the border? We have reason to believe he had business connections with serious criminals who might see Salvano as a threat. Up until this point your ex has refused to cooperate with the bureau. To be perfectly frank, ma’am, I find it hard to believe that you weren’t aware of the illegal dealings Mr. Salvano was involved in. How convenient it would be for him to disappear.”

  “What exactly are you suggesting?” She lifted her chin.

  “Nothing, Miss Makelti.” He smiled but it was blank of humor. “What’s important, if he should show up, which I do believe he will, I’m hoping you’ll call me at once.” He reached into his pocket and withdrew a business card.

  Wynn took the card.

  “Let’s be clear, ma’am. Keeping information from the feds is a federal crime. If Salvano crossed the wrong people, made some bad enemies, I hope you wouldn’t be on their list.”

  Zander stepped up. “She’s answered your questions and she has no clue where he is.”

  Gaines nodded. “I’m sure she doesn’t. For my records, who are you?”

  Wynn laid a hand on Zander’s arm. “This is my neighbor—”

  “Special Agent Zander Cade with the Wyoming DCI stationed in Laramie.” He reached into his pocket and flashed his badge to the agent. Zander wasn’t sure who was more surprised. Gaines or Wynn who let out a surprised gasp that made the hair on Zander’s neck stand. He’d have some explaining to do, and so would she, but for now, they needed to figure out what information the stiff-lipped agent had that brought him out here to the mountains. “So, I’d like for you to tell us exactly what you have on Salvano and why you think he will show up here in Crooked Creek.”

  CHAPTER 8

  THE SECOND THE door closed behind Sheriff Graham, Agent Gaines and Zander, she raced upstairs, taking two steps at a time and dashed into the bathroom to glance at herself in the mirror. She felt like she was being ripped apart in several different directions, but she’d just witnessed Zander take control of the wild mess and wrangle some sense out of everything. What would she have done without him? Would she have ended up in handcuffs and sent to jail? Agent Gaines didn’t seem convinced that she was innocent.

  How had she not known how deep Rory was into criminal activity? All those trips out of country for work had been a lie.

  Where was Rory? Was he okay? Did he cross the wrong people as Gaines had suggested? Or was he looking for her? Chills washed over her. Inhaling deeply, she exhaled slowly. She wasn’t his keeper.

  Her heart was still racing as she checked her reflection. Several strands of hair had fallen out of her top-knot, but that wasn’t the worst part. Her eyes were swollen and bloodshot. Her cheeks were red and she had a snotty nose. No wonder Zander wanted to help her. He probably felt sorry for her. She was a hot mess.

  A Special Agent…wow. She was still working her brain around that tidbit, but it wasn’t so difficult to believe. After all, there were two types of people. Followers and leaders, and Zander was without a doubt a leader—a powerful, rugged leader.

  Hurriedly, she redid her hair, splashed her face with cold water, and thought about applying a little make up, but then Zander might think she was trying to impress him which, maybe in a way she wanted to, but he’d already seen her puffy and disheveled. She settled on a light smear of lip tint and headed back downstairs.

  Anxious, she stepped over to the window and lifted the curtain several inches, just enough to see outside without revealing herself.

  Zander and Sheriff Graham were standing by his truck. Zander had his back to the house, but she could see how his muscles bunched under the thick checked shirt. His hands were buried in his front pockets and his hair was damp from the light snowflakes falling.

  When he looked over his shoulder toward the house, she stepped back before he could see her. She wondered what they were talking about, but obviously they were discussing her. What would Zander think of her now? Did he also believe she knew what Rory was involved in? Would he build a privacy fence between their properties and never speak to her again? Why did her heart skip a beat at the thought?

  Maybe the best thing to happen was to forget about Zander.

  In truth, she was even less prepared now than earlier for the sudden rush of emotions for him. Now that she had an FBI agent showing up at her door was proof that her connection with Rory wasn’t exactly severed yet.

  Clearly, she needed to pack up and hit the dirt—or rather snow—and make herself good riddance, but Agent Gaines specifically told her to stay in Crooked Creek. Anyway, where would she go? She should have known Rory wouldn’t make this easy. He could have maliciously set things up to make it look like foul play surrounding his disappearance. But, then again, what if he truly was gone? As in dead? Once upon a time, she’d cared for him and didn’t want to see any harm come to him.

  Or rather, which she needed to think about, he could be on his way here. If the agent found her, why couldn’t Rory?

  Shivers raced up and down her arms. He would be angry. But why would he risk coming to see her when he would know he was being sought out by the law? It didn’t fit…

  She paced the floor, trying to fit all the pieces together. Wynn felt safer knowing she had Zander next door. He was gentle and understanding. Of course, she doubted he responded to every victim the way he had her, with a hug and a sweep of knuckles across her cheek in a mesmerizing caress.

  Truth of the matter was, she was sexually attracted to him. On more than one occasion, she’d allowed her thoughts to wonder what it would be like to be held by his brawny arms. To be kissed by his plump lips. She could imagine what she’d find below his belt…

  Stop right there!

  A man like Zander wasn’t one to fuck with—literally. He’d fielded the questions from the FBI agent like a pro. He’d be on the cautious side now that she was under the scrutiny of the FBI. How the hell did she get herself in the middle of this circus?

  When she heard the doork
nob jiggle, she hurried to sit on the couch, managing to look somewhat in control, or so she hoped.

  He stepped in, gave her a small smile and hooked his thumbs in his front pockets, his blue gaze on her. “So, that was eventful.”

  “Yes, I guess it was.” She moistened her dry lips.

  “Did you tell the truth?”

  “Yes, of course,” she stuttered. “I have nothing to hide.”

  “Do you think it was your ex that was here and opened the door?”

  Although she could see her ex doing a lot of things, she knew without a doubt that if he’d been here, she would have known because he would have made himself visible. He was more of a get-to-the-point aggressor. “Although he can be very impulsive, he wouldn’t go to the trouble of coming all this way without seeing me.”

  He nodded and rubbed his brow. “I guess I should be heading out.”

  She stood, feeling a little disappointed. A part of her needed validation that he believed she was innocent, but how would she appear if she came out and asked him? Probably like a criminal. She very well couldn’t drop at his ankles and cling to him like she would do her parents when she was small. “Zander—”

  “Yes?”

  “Please sit for a minute. I believe we both have some questions we’d like to ask.”

  He hesitated a long moment. Would he deny her? He finally sat down in the chair. “Me first,” he said. “You’ve only been separated from your live-in boyfriend for a week?” His brows scrunched.

  “I-I know this all must seem like a scene out of a murder mystery, but I promise when I left the condo he was alive…or at least he was snoring like a bear. I did sneak away from him because he wouldn’t have let me leave otherwise.”

  “Why the hell were you with a guy who’d have the balls to handcuff you to him and hold your clothes hostage?” His blue eyes penetrated her. She wondered if his questions came from a professional lawman or a personal side.