"Me too, Bella." She smiled, although it made her face hurt. "Go home and tell your mother she doesn't have to be afraid anymore."
She turned and watched the girl walk toward the exit. Before she reached it, the door opened and Connor walked in.
All the air whooshed out of her chest.
Her skin prickled. Tingled. Heat washed over her, and her stomach quivered.
What was he doing here? What did he want?
His gaze flicked over her, then watched Bella. So. He wasn't here to apologize.
Why would he apologize? He'd been telling the truth.
After that one glance, he focused on Bella. He smiled at Bella as she reached the door. Said something to the girl.
Even from half-way across the gym, Raine saw Bella's shoulders relax. Saw the tension drain out of her. She said something to Connor, too softly for Raine to hear.
Connor nodded his head. Smiled. Bella threw her arms around him.
He patted her back awkwardly until she let him go. As Bella walked out the door, the girl wiped her face with the sleeve of her jacket. Connor put his hand on her shoulder and murmured something. The smile Bella gave him was shaky, but it was genuine. The smart-mouthed, confident teen that she'd missed.
It would take time for Bella to recover. Raine would talk to the school social worker. Make sure Bella got some counseling. Her mother, as well.
Kids were resilient. Maybe by next fall, with her stepfather in jail and her constant fear banished, Bella would be her old self again.
The door slammed shut behind the girl. Connor leaned against the wall, watching her. Raine's heart began to thump. Maybe he hadn't walked away that morning. She swallowed and took a step toward him. Then another.
He crossed his arms over his chest and watched her approach. His gaze was unreadable.
She got closer and closer, until the bright blue of his eyes pinned her to the floor. She stumbled to a halt.
They stared at each other beneath the harsh gym lights. Raine took a deep breath. Then she took another step.
Chapter 16
Connor didn't move as Raine walked toward him. She looked horrible – exhausted and beaten up. Even her undamaged eye had purple shadows beneath it. She held her arm tight to her body, as if it hurt to jostle her shoulder. The bruise on her face was an ugly mixture of black and blue and green against her sheet-white skin.
She moved like an old woman. Carefully, as if every part of her body ached. It was a shocking contrast to the vibrant, energetic woman he'd met a couple of weeks ago.
She looked like shit, and he still wanted her. Wanted that toughness and resolve that defined her. He wanted her steel spine, her won't-back-down attitude and her idiotic stubbornness.
Raine was completely different from any other woman he'd dated. He liked easy-going. Fun and uncomplicated.
No one would describe Raine that way.
He liked that she wouldn't back down. That she stood up to him. That she challenged him.
Raine was a stubborn woman. A woman grieving for her murdered sister. Determined to find justice for her.
He understood that. Respected it.
That's why he'd come to the school. He wanted to help her find a way to do that. A way that didn't put her in danger.
She stumbled to a stop in front of him. "What are you doing here?"
At least she'd spoken to him. He'd figured she'd walk right past him.
He straightened and pushed away from the wall. "I thought you might need a ride home."
"I can take the bus."
There was no anger in her voice. No 'get the hell out of here', as he'd expected. All he heard was weariness.
"Taking the bus means you'd have to walk to the bus stop. My car is parked in front of the school."
Something that could have been amusement flickered in her eyes. "You making me an offer I can't refuse?"
"Nope. You want to take the bus, go ahead."
All trace of amusement disappeared. "You won't try to stop me?"
He held her gaze and shook his head. "No. I won't. And if you're fishing for an apology for this morning, I'm not biting. I'm sorry if I hurt you. Not for anything else."
She studied him for a long moment, and he couldn't read her expression. Had no idea what she was thinking. If she accepted a ride, they could talk. He could tell her what he'd done today.
If she opted for the bus, he'd watch her walk away. He'd made his peace with losing whatever had been growing between them. He'd make sure she was safe, but he wasn't going to apologize and let her think her tactics were okay. He wasn't going to get more involved with her and wait for Northrup to kill her.
She drew in a shaky breath. Swallowed. "Thank you for...for coming to get me. I'd like a ride."
He let out the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. "Okay. You ready to go?"
"I have to get my stuff from the teacher's lounge."
He trailed her into the room and waited by the door. Tables and chairs crowded the small area. A refrigerator stood in a corner, and a row of lockers lined one side of the room. Pieces of blue, yellow, orange and green paper fluttered gently on a bulletin board, teased by a current of air from a heat vent.
Raine stopped at a locker and twirled the knob. The locker opened with a tiny squeal, and he recognized the tan bag she pulled out. Tossing her jacket over her arm, she pushed the locker closed. "Let's get out of here."
The May afternoon was sunny, and the scent of lilacs drifted over from a tree in front of the school. Raine walked slowly, and he wanted to wrap his arm around her waist. Give her some support.
He shoved his hands into his pockets instead.
Once in his car, Raine looked around, and Connor saw the interior through her eyes. She didn't trust cops, and this car rubbed his cop-ness in her face. The radio handset on the dashboard crackled occasionally. The arm meant to hold a laptop between the two front seats was still extended. And every civilian in the country knew exactly what the flat bar of blue and red lights mounted beneath the back window meant.
So be it. He was a cop. If she had a problem with that, tough.
"We have to talk," he said as he started the car. The powerful engine rumbled beneath the hood, but he didn't shift into gear. "There's a little park a few blocks away. You want to go there?"
"Talk?" She turned to look at him. "I think we covered it all this morning."
"Not quite."
"I thought you said you weren't going to apologize."
"I'm not."
"Then what...?"
He held up his hand, interrupting her. "At the park."
She lifted her chin. "Fine. I have some stuff to say, too."
"Okay." He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. Maybe she wanted to rip him a new one about what happened that morning.
She could rip all she wanted, as long as she took his deal.
As he pulled into the park, a group of teen-aged girls wearing bright yellow and orange vests practiced soccer on a field to their right. A woman with long dark hair pulled back in a pony tail stood behind them, a whistle in her mouth. It looked as if she was shouting instructions and walking through plays.
Just like Raine coached her team.
Did that coach care about her kids as much as Raine cared about her girls?
Doubtful. How many people would take a punch for a kid they coached?
As stupid as Raine had been, she'd done it to save Bella. Part of him admired her courage. Her steadfast loyalty to her girls. Her fierce need to protect Bella.
Maybe that was another reason he hadn't been able to stay away from Raine.
Connor had never counted on anyone but his family. No one else ever had his back the way Raine had Bella's back.
How stupid was he to be jealous of a kid?
Turning away from the soccer players and their coach, he parked close to a small pond. The water rippled in the sunlight. Scattered picnic tables dotted the edge of the pond, and the helicopter seeds
from nearby maple trees danced across their surfaces. It looked festive. Spring-like. Happy.
His conversation with Raine was shaping up to be just the opposite. He was prepared for anger. Refusal. A curt dismissal.
So be it. If she didn't agree, he'd walk away from her.
As the car rolled to a stop, Raine reached for the door handle. Without waiting for him, she opened her door and shuffled toward the pond.
Stiff and slow, she stopped at one of the picnic tables. But instead of lowering herself onto the bench, she clambered on top of the table. Claiming the high ground, he thought, his mouth curling into a reluctant smile.
When he settled beside her, she was resting her elbows on her knees and staring at the water. "Talk." She stared off into the distance.
Okay. No beating around the bush. No pleasantries. That suited him, too. "We're going to make a deal. You're going to stay away from Northrup. Completely. No running past his house. No standing in front of it. No following him. From now on, as far as you're concerned, Northrup doesn't exist. You got that?"
"Why would I agree to that?" She gave him a 'fuck you' stare. He should be pissed at her attitude, but he had to admire her balls.
He stared right back, not sure if he was more irritated with her or himself. How could he be so into a woman who wouldn't give an inch? A woman who wouldn't back down, no matter what?
Because he admired her tenacity. Her determination to get justice for her sister. And she was willing to put herself on the line to do it.
He wanted to protect her. From Northrup.
From herself.
"Because, in exchange, I'm going to figure out what happened to Genie Northrup. I'm taking over her case."
She straightened slowly, staring at him with a faint glimmer of hope. "You think you can solve her murder? Get Peter?"
"Can't promise that. But I'm going to try." He watched her for a moment. Saw doubt in her gaze. He couldn't blame her. The guys who'd handled her sister's case gave every cop on the force a bad name. Covering their asses, doing as little as possible to get by, going for the easy close. Every occupation had people like that, but when they were cops...Yeah. Made his blood boil. "I got the file today."
"Those detectives gave you the file?" She sat up straight. "Did you read it? What does it say?"
"Yes, yes and none of your business."
"My sister. My business." She stared him down, daring him to refuse. Her blond hair ruffled in the breeze, and her green eyes were sharp as cut glass.
Why did he find her stubbornness so hot?
Apparently he had a thing for strong women. His brothers would laugh their asses off if they met Raine. He never dated...complicated women.
He wanted to shake some sense into her. He wanted his hands on her.
He wanted to keep her safe.
"After I've studied it, I'll give you the Wiki version. Right now, all you need to do is agree to my conditions."
"You expect me to stay away from Peter? Step aside and play the helpless woman while you do your macho thing?" She lifted her chin and held his gaze.
He clenched his teeth and counted to ten. "No. I expect you to act like the smart woman you are and realize I'm right. That by working with me, you have a better chance of getting what you want. That your macho bullshit isn't going to work."
She turned away and stared out at the lake, her gaze following three fat ducks, and he waited. This was the pivotal moment. If she didn't agree, they were done.
"Fine. I agree. Under one condition."
Of course she'd have a condition. "What?"
"You said 'with me.' We do this together."
He shifted on the table so he was facing her. "Of course we'll do it together. There will be stuff I need to know about your sister. About Northrup. I'll need your help for that."
She shook her head slowly, a steely glint in her eyes that didn't bode well. "Not what I'm talking about. I'm your partner. I help you with everything."
"Hell, no."
Her chin lifted. "Why not?"
He dug into his pocket and his fingers closed around his badge. He held it in front of her. "Because of this. See what it says? 'Detective. Chicago Police Department.' Now, if you have one of these, you can be my partner. If you don't? Not happening."
"Why not?"
"I don't work with civilians. It's dangerous. Stupid. Against all kinds of rules."
"Then don't tell anyone."
He blew out a breath. "Jesus, Raine. This is my job. I know what I'm doing. If you don't trust me to do it right, I'll pass the file to someone else. But you're not getting involved."
"Fine. You go do your thing. I'll stick with my original plan."
Anger stirred in his gut. "You're giving me an ultimatum? Either I let you be my 'partner', or you're going to continue your harassment of Northrup?"
"Yes." Her eyes tracked a maple seed, twirling in slow circles and ending up stuck in the mud at the edge of the pond.
He jumped to his feet and paced in front of the table, unable to look at her. He shoved his hands into his pocket. His knuckle bumped his badge, and he curled his fingers around it. Damn it. What was wrong with her?
What was wrong with him? Why was he negotiating with a woman who was such a pain in the ass?
Because he wanted her. Wanted to discover the softer, vulnerable woman that hid behind her bravado and toughness.
He wanted to see the parts of Raine that needed protecting.
That woman, he suspected, would be just as fascinating as strong, self-sufficient Raine.
It was new territory for him. Scary as hell.
What was he supposed to do with that?
He stopped pacing and planted himself in front of her. "You know what, Raine? Go ahead and hang out in front of Northrup's house. Get yourself killed, just like your sister." He picked up a fist-sized rock from the grass and heaved it into the pond. The ripples spread out from the center, growing wider and wider. Just like the consequences of taking that trespasser call for Mia the night he first met Raine.
"I want to try and solve this case for you. But if you're too damn stubborn to let someone help you, then I'm done. I'll pass the file to another detective."
He waited another beat, praying she'd back down. When she didn't say a word, he started toward his car.
"I have to do this."
Her low voice trembled with grief. Guilt. Desperation.
He stopped walking. Turned around. The sunlight reflecting off the pond outlined her in darkness and made it impossible to see her expression.
"Why?"
"It's my fault she died. I should have gotten her away from him. Made her go to a shelter. I should have protected her." Her voice wobbled, and she sucked in a ragged breath. "I couldn't do anything before she died. I have to do something now."
Tough as nails Raine swallowed once, then again. If he were closer, he might see tears swimming in her eyes. But they wouldn't fall. She wouldn't let them.
He walked back to the picnic table until he could see her clearly. She stood rigid on the sparse grass, her arms wrapped around her waist. She stared at a clump of dandelions in front of the picnic bench as if it held the secrets of the universe.
"It's not your fault she died." Sadness leached away his anger. He should have realized her determination was rooted in guilt, but she buried her feelings so deep that no one ever saw them. And he'd never been interested in excavating the emotions of any other woman he'd dated. "It's not her fault, either. The only one who bears the blame is the person who killed her. Period."
She shook her head, blinking rapidly. "That's not how it works, Connor. I've spent the last six months counting all the ways I failed her. The only way I can atone is if I help catch her killer."
He wanted to fold her into his arms and tell her it wasn't her responsibility. Tell her that it wasn't her fault. But his words would fall on deaf ears.
Everyone who loved a murder victim spent weeks, months, years, thinking about what t
hey could have done differently. He got that. He understood.
"Let's go back to your place," he said quietly. "Maybe we can figure out a way you can help me. A way that will matter. That will help me catch her killer."
"Help you catch Peter," she corrected.
"That's the first thing you have to let go of." He wanted to take her hand, but settled for tucking a spike of hair behind her ear. His finger brushed her temple, and she shivered. He snatched his hand away. "Northrup might be the most likely suspect, but we have to prove it. I...we have to have enough evidence for a jury to convict him. So don't say we're going to catch Northrup. Say we're going to find the person responsible."
"But he did it."
"Maybe he did." She narrowed her eyes. He held up his hands. "He probably did it. But I'm not going to assume that. It's how stupid mistakes are made."
She rolled her eyes. "Fine. We'll look at all the possibilities. But there's only one. No one besides Peter had any reason to kill her."
"Okay. Good." He hesitated. "And there's one more thing." She wasn't going to like it, but he had to say it. "If you're lying about going after Northrup, we're done. If anyone catches you within three blocks of him, I'll arrest you for stalking. I'll lock you up and walk away from the case. You understand me?"
"You don't trust me?"
"Hell, no. If you give me your word you'll stay away from Northrup? I might believe that."
"Really?" She raised an eyebrow. "All I have to do is promise and you'll believe me?"
"You're deeply involved in tae kwon do, and honor is a big part of the martial arts. So, yeah. I think if you give your word, you'll keep it."
"Know me pretty well, do you?" Her arms tightened around her waist, then she dropped them and stepped closer. As if she was going to use those martial arts on him.
He nodded slowly. "Parts of you." Not as much as he'd like to know her. And that realization scared the hell out of him.
Anger flared in her eyes, bright and fierce. Then faded, leaving only weariness. "I haven't always been truthful with you, so I guess I deserved that. Fine. I'll stay away from him. I promise."
Trust Me (The Donovan Family Book 4) Page 14
