“Thank you. I’m seriously thinking I’m addicted to these things.”
He chuckled under his breath. “Well, then I suggest you drink it slow. We can’t have you dancing on the operating tables, now can we?”
She smiled, remembering his funny personality and how she felt so comfortable with him that night. “As I remember it, you got on the table first. I was only trying to get you down.” After all the innocent flirting in high school, finally being able to interact with him on a more personal level had felt nice. Like now. Her face flushed at her silent confession.
“Funny. My mind tells a different story.” He bumped her shoulder with his, and her body reacted immediately to his hard, muscled form.
“Oh, it does? We’ll just have to agree to disagree then,” she laughed, knowing she was treading on dangerous ground.
Once they had their beverages of choice from the vending machine, they made their way to an empty waiting area not far from Sam’s room.
“Can we sit and talk?”
“Okay.” She eased down on a faux leather couch, taking a large gulp of her soda to ready herself for what he had to say. She wasn’t prepared to talk about what happened all those years ago with him. She liked these good feelings. Didn’t want to hash up the bad ones.
“The doctor said your friend is resting now. Best not to disturb her for a few hours.” He took the seat next to her, his eyes focused on her face. “From what he can tell, she’ll make a full recovery. But they want to keep her a few days for further observation.
“That’s good news.” She eased back on the couch so her knees were supported against the cushion. By the strained tone in his voice, this was not the topic he’d intended to discuss. But she was going to go with it. Keep the focus on the here and now. “Do they know what type of drug was used?”
“No. Not until they get the blood work back.” He gave her a concerned look. “You had yours drawn as well?”
“Yes. But I feel fine.” It wasn’t a total lie. The nausea had dissipated slightly, and she did feel more in control. But not near normal.
He tilted his head. “Good. Just a precaution. My guess is, it was some type of date rape drug. No long-term side effects.”
“Well, I guess that’s good to hear.” Joanna sat her drink down on the table beside them and folded her arms loosely across her chest. Date rape drug? Not at all the best news. Wonderful.
“You going to look after your friend until her eyesight returns fully?”
“She doesn’t have family close, so yes, that would be me.” Joanna laughed. “Do you think she will have vision problems? I mean, long term?”
Setting his coffee down, he twisted on the seat to face her. His knee brushed the outside of her thigh and danged if sparks didn’t shoot up her leg. “I’m not a doctor, but, no. It’s a side effect of the most common date rape drug. But I’ve never heard of it leaving permanent damage. The doctor said it looked like she’d been given quite a big dose of the drug, though. The bruises on her arms were caused by using a needle improperly. That’s one of the reasons they want to keep her here.” He took her wrist gently, straightening her arm and turning it to look at the veins in the crook of her elbow.
She raised a brow confused but was more alarmed by the response his innocent touches evoked in her body.
“Just checking,” he said with a lazy smile. “If you were knocked out, there’s no telling what else they could have given you.” He released her wrist and swiped a stray hair behind her ear, his finger lightly grazing the tip. Electric currents sizzled to the surface.
She gave him a troubled, uneasy smile. “Don’t remind me.” Distance. She needed distance. Fast. Remember him ordering you around, just like your father. But she couldn’t move a muscle.
After a moment, Ryker drifted in closer, his face inches from hers as he stared deep into her eyes. “Your eyes are the prettiest shade of green,” he said, his words slow and deliberate, as were his actions.
He’d given her plenty of time to retreat, but she inhaled the scent of him instead, her body warming in all the right places. She remembered how his lips felt against hers that night. Soft at first, then strong, demanding and earth shattering as they moved in unison with hers. God, how she wanted him to kiss her.
When she didn’t respond negatively, his breathing changed, quickened, his hand lifting to trail sensuous chills from her ear to her chin. And then he did kiss her, lightly, a brush of his warm lips against her own. Heart pounding, her lips parted in an open invitation and he accepted, deepening the kiss. With each flick of his tongue, the wild flutters multiplied in her chest, goose bumps traveling along her arms and legs.
“This is a hospital.” An unfamiliar voice broke their passionate trance. “Get a room, you two.”
Ryker pulled away first, his breath ragged, his dark, heavy-lidded eyes full of mischief and a hint of forbidden pleasure as he studied her gaze. “Sorry ‘bout that. I couldn’t help myself.” His husky voice did even crazier things to her pulse.
“Yeah.” She touched her lips with a shaky hand.
“But it was nice.” He ran his forefinger along her chin. “I’d forgotten how good a kisser you were.”
Butterflies danced in her chest. He remembered. Joanna felt her face flush hot, not only from the amazing kiss and being caught in the act, but also from the fact he’d admitted he remembered their special night together. The nurse who’d spoken never stopped or turned back around, but the interruption brought her back to the present. Unable to form simple words or draw in air, due to the fact that he’d set his hand lightly on her hip during the kiss, she nodded.
He smiled, giving her side a quick squeeze before pulling back. “I have some things I need to check into. But I’ll be back. I can take you home if you like.”
She nodded. “I want to talk to Sam’s doctor before I leave.”
“Okay then. I’ll call and check in later.” He stood, grabbed his coffee, and was gone before she could swallow.
Several seconds passed as she just sat, breathing in and out, trying to figure out what happened. How she’d let it happen. When her heartbeat settled into a reasonable rhythm, she forced herself to concentrate.
Did she just tell him he could take her home? Oh, dear lord. What was she thinking? That drug must have impaired more than just her common sense.
Chapter Ten
A few hours later, Joanna paced back and forth across the living room of her father’s guest house. A spacious two-bedroom bungalow that sat at the back of the large estate overlooking the rose gardens and pond, it offered privacy and relaxation. But it wasn’t her first choice. The doctor had told her Sam would be knocked out cold ‘til morning, so she’d planned to head to her apartment for a shower and a recharge.
Too bad the detective in charge had shot that idea to hell and back, instead suggesting she stay here, because it was smaller and easier to watch over. And, he’d had an officer accompany her.
After waiting for over an hour at the hospital, she’d been cleared to go when Ryker had called to inform her he wouldn’t be able to stop back by—something about being called in to the Houston Police Department on another case.
She’d hoped he’d return with new information about the mystery man and his accomplices. Still no word from her father, and she feared he’d already fallen victim to their wicked plans.
The officer interrupted her thoughts. “I’ve checked your place thoroughly. All looks good and locked up tight. So I’ll be in my car if you need anything.”
“Thank you.” She watched him leave, resenting the fact she needed protection. Damn Denise and her crazy-ass schemes.
Shutting the front door and locking it, she picked her cell phone up off the entry table and finding she finally had two bars, dialed her father’s number again. Nothing. She’d called his mobile number numerous times on the drive from the hospital and left messages at work, too. Still nothing.
He had no obligation to answer to her, but there was
no way he’d run off to get married without at least getting word to her about his intentions.
A soft knock on the door zapped her back to reality. Did the officer forget something? Trying to hide her irritation over her current situation, she opened the door, taken by surprise at the fierce brown eyes glaring back at her.
“You should never open your door without asking who it is, Miss McNamee.”
She swallowed hard. “Deputy Kane?”
“May I come in?”
Joanna flinched and longed for a witty comeback, but found it impossible to think with his accusing gaze pinning hers. Even battered, he looked damn good, those alluring eyes taking in every inch of her. Remembering their brief kiss in the hospital and what it did to her, she swallowed. The last thing she wanted, or needed, was to be alone with this man as a thousand emotions tore through her. He made her feel safe, alive, and that was dangerous. Chastising herself for letting her guard down, she moved to the side to let him pass. “Have you heard from my father?”
Deputy Kane eased into the living room, appearing way too comfortable and at home in his tight blue jeans and plain white shirt. “Nothing yet.”
“You off the clock, deputy?” She couldn’t help it. He looked hot in his civilian clothes. So different from his dark pressed slacks and stuffy tan, button-down shirts. She honestly didn’t know how to deal with the strange prickling of her skin at his nearness or the kicking up of her heartbeat.
“Yes, ma’am. I’ve been put on administrative leave.”
“What does that mean? You’re off my father’s case?”
“Technically, yes. But unofficially, I’ve been asked to oversee the outcome and offer my input.”
“Was it something you did or said?”
“Neither. Although being a victim would be a justifiable reason.”
“Sorry.” She lowered her head and her tone. “I forgot.” What an insensitive jerk she was. “How’s your head?” She let her gaze travel over his strong facial features, nasty black bruises forming over his left eye, to his thick, wavy dark hair where a small missing patch hinted at several stitches. Not only had he been knocked over the head and kidnapped himself, but he’d risked his life to save her, although saving people technically came with his job description.
“A few stitches and I’m good to go,” he said, his back to her as he walked farther into the room, his eyes constantly scanning.
“Did they catch the guy who stole the jewelry?”
“Not yet. But they found the real hotel clerk knocked out cold behind the country club’s dumpster. It appears our thief stole his uniform and the key to the vault. And since the hotel hired extra help to work your Christmas party, he was able to slip in and out unnoticed and unquestioned.”
“You’re kidding. Surely they did background checks.”
He twisted his head to face her, and his gaze grew cold. “They said they must have missed one.
She massaged her temples, trying to keep her anger under control. “So what now?”
“I’m working with Detective Turow. He thought it best if I stayed under the radar until we find them.” He turned and caught her staring at his backside, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
She wet hers. Good Lord. Stop checking him out. Get a grip. “Why? Is there something you’re not telling me about my father?”
“Miss McNamee.” His expression turned serious. “We need to talk.”
“Please call me Jo Jo. And isn’t that what we’re doing?”
“How about I call you Joanna.” He shifted his weight, looking uncomfortable.
“Fine, but for the record I prefer Jo Jo.” Something about the way he acted scared her. Like there might be a lot more going on than she wanted to know and him using Joanna only made the anxiety worse.
“May I sit?” He motioned to the couch under the window.
“Of course. Can I get you something to drink?” She grasped her hands in front of her to keep them still. Don’t you dare let him get to you.
“No. I’m good.” He strolled over to the couch and sat down, his handsome form blending well with her father’s decor. His unshaven jawline taut, he kept his dark eyes locked on her face.
She followed, straightening her hair as she went and hating herself for caring. After arriving at her father’s, she’d thankfully ditched the pumps, rummaging around in a box of stuff she kept in the guest house for storage. Now wearing a pair of plain white tennis shoes, she felt more at ease, but still fought the uneasiness.
“Have you talked to Keith? I was thinking that’s why he called you this morning. To fill you in on what he’d learned. I asked him to keep an eye on Toby and Jerry until the party was over. Maybe he overheard something, a clue that might help? I’m still thinking the other man working with Denise might be one of my former employees.”
“No. We’ve not been able to find Keith.” His gaze traveled over her form with masculine approval, and her palms dampened.
Her heart lodged in her chest. “So why are you here?” She wiped her hands on the front of her jeans, refusing to let the nervous jitters take over.
“I think it might be beneficial for you to know more about what Keith’s been up to. Maybe you can help us find him.”
“Keith?” She swallowed hard, remembering the cute young boy she’d babysat and watched movies with. The man she’d confided in as they got older, the one who’d always been there for her, watched her back. Joanna eased her body down into the recliner opposite him, her legs weak. Surely he didn’t think Keith had anything to do with what happened today… “I’ll do what I can.”
“Six months ago, I transferred back home to Bram from the Houston Police Department. I’d been working on a case and finally came across my first solid lead in years. Only problem was, someone else didn’t like what I’d found.”
“I’m sorry. I’m not following. How does that case have anything to do with my father? Or Keith?”
“Keith Coleman was that lead. Although the name I had at the time was Keith Whalen.”
The ground shifted beneath her feet. Keith’s mother’s maiden name was Whalen. She squared her shoulders as an eerie sensation crept over her skin. Did they really consider Keith a suspect? For what? He was an easygoing guy. What could he have done? She swallowed. “How is he involved? Exactly?”
“It’s complicated. But the short of it is, these people have targeted your father.” Leaning forward, he placed both elbows on his knees, his hands crossed in front of him. “Any idea why they would go after your father?”
Joanna let her gaze fall to those strong hands, her heart pounding in her ears.
“The man with Denise today said he wanted my father’s fracking formula. It will revolutionize the oil industry and is wanted by many of the larger oil companies. Dad had yet to decide which one he was going with.”
His brow arched. That detective brain of his seemed to be spinning, trying to put the pieces together and link Keith to it all.
Her hands went to the arm of the chair, her fingers digging into the soft leather. “The man in the hotel sounded nothing like Keith. It could be any number of people, deputy.” She paused to collect her emotions. “Keith wouldn’t do this. I’ve known him most my life.”
“Did you see the man’s face?”
“Well, no. But—”
“And where is this formula?”
“On my father’s laptop. But you have to have a series of codes to open the files, and Dad’s the only one who knows them.”
Ryker scratched his head. “This laptop in the hotel safe?”
“Yes.” She saw where he was going before he said it. “Well, it was. According to my dad’s secretary, he had a meeting scheduled at the hotel the morning after the Christmas party with a prospective buyer. Was supposed to finalize the decision. That’s the reason his laptop with all his notes and the formula was locked in the hotel safe. But Denise would know that, not Keith.”
“Interesting.” He nodded. “And clear
s up a lot. We believe…the man we are after is using her. Maybe blackmailing her. Up until now, we’ve had trouble figuring out why this man and Denise would work together at all. Where they met. Since he’s much younger than she is and her criminal activities have been going on for years, that part never fit. Trail picks up within the past two years or so.”
She shook her head, knowing he was trying his best to keep the suspect’s name out of the conversation for her benefit. A nervous laugh escaped her. “I’m sorry. You’re wrong. Keith would never hurt my father. Go after his formula. Besides, he can’t stand Denise. I’ve only known her for about a year now. Dad met her at some fundraiser the senator held, and I’ve never trusted her. None of this makes sense.” She fisted her hands. “These two cases can’t be related.”
His eyes narrowed to slits, but he said nothing. Just eyed her relentlessly.
Crossing her arms over her chest she took a deep breath. “So what’s Denise’s story?”
“In the past, Denise has tricked older gentleman into marrying her without a prenup. Several months later, that gentleman dies of natural causes. It’s a crime as old as time, just with different players and rules.”
She closed her eyes and tried to process what he’d told her. Then, training her eyes on him, she searched his face. “If you know who she is, what she’s doing, why haven’t you stopped her?”
“We didn’t know who the key players were. Denise has had more plastic surgery than I can count on one hand. She changes her name, her appearance, her location. When our suspect got on board with her, his connections obstructed law-enforcement efforts, and she became untraceable. It’s a big country.”
She kept pushing away Keith’s possible involvement and tried to change the subject. “You said they die of natural causes. You mean like a heart attack or something?” The room felt like it was about to cave in on her. She’d always thought her father smarter than that, not to mention a tightwad. He squeaked when he walked. A prenuptial agreement would be required, regardless.
“According to the autopsies, they use some kind of drug to induce the heart attacks and strokes. But your father isn’t their typical target. He’s younger than the others. Sharper. And has an heir.” He dipped his head at her.
Sinful Secrets Page 11
