Possessive Protectors [Triple Dare County, South Dakota 1] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance)

by Paige Cameron

  Chapter Two

  Holt Ramm came into Gray’s office and shut the door. “Your secretary said you wanted to see me first thing this morning.”

  He walked across the dark blue carpet and sat in a chair in front of Gray. “What’s up?”

  Gray had printed most of the material he found last night. He slid the papers across the desk to Holt. “She’s our new client. He”—Gray pointed to Tom Newlyn—”was murdered night before last. The police are centering their attention on the wife.”

  “What’s the evidence?”

  “The prosecutor said he’d send what they had to me today. I want you to start your own investigation. Find out all you can about both of them.”

  “How’d you get the case?”

  “She’s from Triple Dare County, and her father is best friends with mine.”

  “Ah, do I sense an old girlfriend?” A half smile cracked the solemn demeanor Holt usually exhibited.

  “Not really. We were fifteen, her first kiss, a quick summer romance with no sex.”

  “I didn’t think you were ever that innocent.” His wry, dry humor had Gray smiling.

  “She’ll be here at ten. Do you want to meet her before you begin working?”

  “No. I’ll introduce myself soon enough.” Holt rose. He stretched his long, lanky body then headed out the door.

  “Keep in touch.”

  “Don’t I always?”

  “In your own good time, yeah.”

  “That’s what you get for hiring a maverick.” Holt closed the door behind him.

  Gray leaned back in his chair. He and Holt had become friends years ago in college. Holt later went into the service, Special Forces. When he decided to get out, he contacted Gray. Holt had been invaluable. It was incredible the way the man could find things that were well hidden. If Natalie Newlyn was innocent, Holt would find the evidence to clear her. And Gray would find pleasure in wiping the smirks off of two of his least favorite detectives.

  Gray’s phone rang. “There is a Mrs. Newlyn on the line, Mr. Callahan,” his secretary said.

  “Put her through.” Gray did not expect the rich, cultured voice speaking from the other end of the phone line.

  “This is Tom Newlyn’s mother, Mr. Callahan. I heard you are representing my ex-daughter-in-law.”

  “From what I understand she wasn’t quite an ex yet. What can I do for you? You must know it’s really not appropriate for us to be talking unless I’m questioning you.”

  “Nevertheless, how much will you take not to represent her?”

  For one of the few times in his life, Gray was stunned speechless.

  “Mr. Callahan?”

  “I’m here, and I decline your inappropriate offer. Good day, Mrs. Newlyn.” Gray placed the receiver down softly. He’d like to have slammed it in her ear. Why was she so anxious to see Natalie convicted? It didn’t make sense.

  At exactly ten o’clock his secretary notified him of Natalie’s arrival.

  He walked around his desk as she came in the room. “Natalie, it’s good to see you. I’m sorry it’s under these circumstances though. Please have a seat.”

  She was a natural beauty. She’d pulled her hair back in some kind of twist, leaving her delicate chin line exposed. Her creamy skin had a hint of rose color in her cheeks. Large, golden-brown eyes studied him. She’d worn a pale-pink suit with cream-colored, medium-height heels. When she moved closer he caught a whiff of her light, floral scent.

  “May I offer you a cup of coffee?” Gray asked.

  “No, thank you.” She sat in the chair, legs close together, and held her hands tight in her lap.

  “Then perhaps a cup of tea. I’m going to have coffee.” He strode across the room, wanting to put distance between them until he had better control of his reactions. His body had instantly responded to her. He was surprised. Gray Callahan was known for his control in all situations.

  He poured hot water in a cup and added a tea bag, then poured his coffee. He sat her tea in front of her and was relieved to sit behind his desk.

  “I’ve asked the prosecutor to send me any evidence they’ve collected. Do you have any idea why they’re concentrating on you?”

  She looked down at her lap. “Tom’s mother insinuated I was angry about the divorce.”

  “Why would she do that?”

  Nat raised her eyes. “She never liked me. I wasn’t from the local society group. I taught school and refused to quit. She expected me to get involved in her many charities.

  “But the main reason is I refused to forgive her son for his infidelities. She has looked the other way for years when her husband played around. As she told me, a lady understood a man had strong needs. It wasn’t proper to bring out dirty laundry for the public to see.”

  “So you wanted the divorce?”

  “Yes.”

  Gray drilled her with questions about the infidelities, about her husband’s best friends, and had he mentioned any problems at work.

  “You’d do better asking his latest lover.” She gave him the woman’s name. “He and I have had little contact this past three or four months. After he realized I was serious about the divorce he went his own way.”

  Gray closed his notebook and studied Natalie. “Did you kill your husband?”

  She looked shocked and pale. “No.”

  “Good enough. I have an investigator working on your case already. At some point he’ll introduce himself. He’s good. He’ll find the truth.” Gray sat forward. “Do you want to go to Triple Dare to be close to your family? That might be the best place for you to hide from the reporters.”

  “I’d love to. Can I go today?”

  “Maybe. I’ll let you know. If you do, you’d better stay in my cabin located in the back acreage of my fathers’ land. Just in case the news people find your dad’s place.”

  “You have a cabin?”

  Gray smiled. “I had it built a few years ago. When I need time away I hide there. I bought ten acres and put a high fence around it. You’ll like the privacy.”

  “I’m sure. Photographers were taking pictures of me this morning when I left my condo.

  “Yeah, Anderson and Castor would have let a few hints drop that you were a person of interest. I can’t wait to cut them down. Where are you headed now?”

  “To the private school where I work. The principal called. I’m pretty certain she’ll want me to take a leave of absence until this is cleared up. There mustn’t be a smudge of impropriety regarding her school and the teachers.”

  “Just as well. I’m going to notify the assistant prosecutor where I’ll be sending you. Unless he has more information than I’m aware of, he can’t deny you going to a safe place.”

  Natalie stood. “Thank you. I won’t take any more of your time. This is my cell phone number.” She handed him a sheet of paper.

  Gray came around the desk. He towered over her. Heat flashed along every nerve in his body. He took her hand to shake it, and a jolt had them both staring into each other’s eyes.

  She dropped her hand. “Thank you.”

  He watched her slim backside as she hurried from the room. Oh, yes. The rest of her was a very good match for that sultry voice. He’d always made it a rule not to get involved with clients. This one time he might have to break his rule.

  * * * *

  Natalie got in her car and rested her head on her steering wheel. Thank goodness she’d learned to hide her emotions. Gray Callahan could melt any woman into a puddle of need. He was gorgeous, he smelled sexy as hell, and his touch was electrifying. On top of everything else, she didn’t need the complication of her lawyer stirring her hormones. Her feelings for him at fifteen had only matured into a more deeply felt response at thirty. She started her car and drove to the private high school where she’d taught math the past six years.

  Her working was one of the many arguments she and Tom had over the years. No doubt his mother encouraged him to try to turn her into a socialite.


  Being Saturday, the halls were empty and silent. She missed the sounds of the locker doors slamming, chatter between the teenagers, and the hustle of steps across the floor.

  The principal waited in her doorway. “Thank you for being so prompt. Please come in.” She motioned for Natalie to be seated. “I’d like to express my condolences to you and your husband’s family.” She sat across from Natalie and gave her one of her “I’m smiling but you won’t like it” looks.

  “I’m sorry to say it was brought to my attention by one of our parents that you are considered a person of interest in your husband’s death.”

  “A mere formality,” Natalie said and crossed her fingers. “They always check the family first. But I’m confident this will all be explained away in a short time.”

  “However, we must be proactive until this is settled. I’m offering you a paid leave of absence. If you are cleared, you may return in the fall.”

  “Don’t you mean when I’m cleared?” Natalie raised her head and glared at the principal.

  She wasn’t deterred. “Of course, my dear. When you are cleared.”

  Natalie’s head felt like it might explode at any moment and shoot fire and darts around the principal’s office. She smiled at the thought.

  “I hardly see anything humorous about this situation.” The principal’s back had gone rigid.

  Nat rose from her chair. “I will consider contacting you in the fall. I might have different plans by that time."

  “If I don’t hear from you by the middle of August, your position will be filled.”

  “Fine.” She wanted to say more, but didn’t. The woman had already decided she was guilty. It was unfair, but she wouldn’t be the only one. Natalie forced herself to pretend to be unconcerned. She sauntered out of the office and back to her car. Once out of sight, she let the tears roll down her cheeks. Grabbing a tissue, she wiped her face and started the car.

  She wanted to go home, now. To feel her fathers’ arms around her and to have the support of her family and friends in Triple Dare County would be wonderful.

  Since all that had happened, she should call her mother. But her mother would react angrily at hearing Natalie was going to the ranch. She had always been jealous of the time Nat spent there. Another difficult conversation Nat didn’t need today.

  This time one lone man leaned against the door to her condo. He looked totally different than the detectives. For one, he wore jeans, a tight blue T-shirt, and boots. His thick brown hair was a little long at the nape of his neck, and he stared at her out of ice-cold, light-blue eyes.

  Natalie stopped walking a few steps away. “And you are?”

  He raised himself off the door, adding inches to his height. He towered over her. She backed off more.

  With one hand, he flipped open a black wallet to show his ID. “Holt Ramm,” he said. “I’m Gray’s investigator. I’ve just visited your husband’s parents. I’d like to talk with you.”

  “You must have made a good impression in those fancy clothes. How did Tom’s mother respond?”

  A reluctant smile turned up the corner of his mouth. “Like I was trash she’d been forced to allow to enter her home. I’m sure she sanitized the chair I sat in when I left.”

  “I’m surprised she let you in at all. You look like a dangerous man.”

  Holt moved quickly into her space. “I can be.”

  She took a breath, and his tantalizing musky scent filled her nostrils. He reminded Natalie of the bad boys her mother had always cautioned her to ignore, which only made them more appealing.

  “Are you going to let me inside?”

  “I suppose I must since you’re working on my case. Gray says you’re the best.”

  The man shrugged off the compliment. He waited for her to unlock the door and then followed her in. She noted his quick look around. Sizing up her taste, she supposed.

  “Would you like something to drink?”

  “This isn’t a social call. Sit.”

  Her annoyance with his take-charge attitude must have shown on her face. He smiled. “Been spoiled by Daddy and Hubby?”

  “I’m not spoiled. I don’t like your attitude.”

  “Better get used to it. You’ll be getting worse from others.” His cell rang. “Yeah, I’m here with her. Right.”

  He snapped the phone shut. “They want you down at the precinct for questioning. Gray will meet us there.” He looked her up and down. “Put on something in a dark color. People see you as a widow whether you do or not. I’ll wait. Hurry.”

  For some reason his bossiness and blunt manner irritated her. She stood her ground and glared. “There is nothing wrong with my clothes.”

  “Do you want to win your case?”

  “Of course.”

  “Then get used to doing what Gray and I say. Otherwise you might hear those iron doors clanking shut behind you. As I said, hurry. We don’t have time for this.” He leaned against the bar between her kitchen and living area. His arms were crossed, and his eyes challenged her to comment.

  “Humph.” She turned toward her bedroom and stalked off.

  * * * *

  Holt studied her delectable ass as she stormed away. He’d managed to hide his immediate response to her when she came around the corner from the elevator. She was tiny compared to him. Not over five foot five inches to his six foot two. Her striking brown hair made him want to tear out the hairpins and brush his fingers through the thick mass. His desire had stirred his body to full alert.

  When she’d stepped closer and he smelled her scent, his male brain yelled “mine.” But even with the difference in size she didn’t back down. He liked a woman with spunk.

  “Is this all right?”

  He almost groaned. She’d put on a black suit with a tight skirt that hugged her curves. Her short black jacket covered a thin white blouse. And she’d put on stiletto black heels.

  “Well?”

  “It’ll have to do. We’re late as it is.” He put his hand at her waist and led her out the door and down to his car. She tried to walk faster to keep his hand off of her. He chuckled to himself as he easily kept pace with her.

  In the car, she faced him. “I don’t like you touching me.”

  “Is that just me or anyone?”

  “Does it matter?”

  “Yes.” He put the key in the ignition. “If it’s me that’s personal. If it’s everyone then my guess is you need someone, like me, to show you the benefits of touching.”

  Holt started the car and pulled out into traffic. He glanced her way. “If you said it was me, you’d be lying. Your hands are trembling, and not from fear.”

  “How do you know? As I said earlier, I think you’re a dangerous man.”

  * * * *

  His soft laughter slid along every nerve in her body, leaving a trail of heat. He was a dominant man, not her favorite type. And yet her body urged her to close the space between them and lean into him. In consequence, she scooted closer to the door.

  Holt laughed. “I’m going to enjoy seducing you, teaching you about touching.”

  “You aren’t going to do any such thing.”

  “Not this minute. But soon.”

  Chapter Three

  Gray opened her door when they stopped. She all but leaped out of the car at him. He glanced across the front seat at Holt.

  Holt shrugged. “She’s a little jumpy. Keep her close. I’m going to do some more checking.” He waved and weaved back into the traffic.

  Natalie told herself she was glad he was gone. Her body mocked her.

  “Don’t be worried. I won’t leave your side,” Gray said. “Look at me when they ask a question. I’ll nod yes or no about whether you should answer.”

  His reassurance and warm regard helped settle her oversensitive nerves. She was surprised how her body responded to both of these men, although warmth and reassurance wouldn’t describe her reaction to Holt. Maybe her celibate state had affected her brain.

  Gray o
pened the door to the police station for her. They were promptly greeted by Castor and Anderson. Their cocky attitude made her fear they knew a secret she didn’t. Once they were all seated in a small interrogation room, Castor handed Gray a folder.

  “The boss said you wanted a look at the evidence.”

  They leaned back and smirked at Nat while Gray looked through the papers. “This is it. All you have?”

  “Enough for a start.”

  “But not what you need to make charges. So you thought you’d get public opinion on your side.” Gray kicked the empty chair next to him. The clack it made had both detectives jumping. “My client is going home to be with her family later today. If you want to contact her, you go through me, and you’d better have a lot more evidence.”

  The two men frowned at him. “Well before she leaves we’re asking some questions.”

  “Go ahead. I’ll tell her whether to answer, and you know how often I’ll say no.”

  “Shit,” Castor said.

  Anderson leaned close to Nat’s face. “We’ll find what we need and bring you in, little lady. It’d go better for you to tell us the truth now.”

  Nat butted her nose up against his. “I did. I’m innocent.”

  The detective sat back down, a look of disgust on his face.

  “You two might find the real killer if you looked around instead of hooking onto my client first and hanging on like a stupid bulldog.”

  Gray took her arm and led her out of the stuffy room. “Round one for us. But we have a long way to go.” He put her in his car.

  “Can I really go to South Dakota today?”

  “I want you out of here as soon as possible. I’ll fly with you. We still have some talking to do. Especially since I’ve seen their reports. We’ll go by your place. Pack what you need. I’ll come back to get you in an hour and a half. I want to pack and read those papers more thoroughly. I made reservations for us on the five o’clock flight.”

  “How did you know they’d let me leave?”