by Jen Talty
“Suspect number one would be George and Rudy. Right now Nick is focusing his attention on them, but with that said, ruling out the other possible suspects is just as important. You can never be too careful.” His pulse increased with every word. Never in a million years had he ever expected to feel the importance of sharing his world with someone else.
He sipped his soda, trying to swallow his thoughts. His father always told him that change could be hard, even when you wanted it.
“Who’s second on your list?”
“Tom.”
Shock registered in her eyes. “I would put him at the bottom.”
“That’s why he’s number two. He’s not obvious, which makes him obvious, if that makes any sense. He does have access to your office, so planting that rat is plausible. Besides, you did turn him down, and men can get real mean when their egos are bruised.”
“He’s harmless.”
“Not necessarily. You’d be surprised what people can do when they feel scorned.”
“So, that makes him more suspicious to you?” The inquisitive look she gave him warmed his heart. And made him nervous as hell.
“There are too many unknowns with him.”
“What do you mean by ‘unknowns?’ I mean, you know he’s got some kind of record. You know that he doesn’t take no for an answer.”
Jared coughed, covering up a laugh. “You don’t really say no too well. And even if you did say it flat out, it was probably done in a very ‘nice’ manner. He might feel like you led him on, and you owed him. Might be as simple as he snapped or something more sinister, some deep-seated sexual issue, like being molested as a kid or something. We just don’t know his history, and that makes him dangerous.”
“Lots of things about him you don’t know.” She nodded, like she really understood. “He never talked about his family or anything. On our date I tried to get him to open up, but it seemed like he didn’t want to share anything about himself, only wanted to know about me.”
Jared could see the wheels turning inside her mind. He enjoyed sharing his thoughts with her, but it was an unfamiliar sensation. One he shouldn’t get used to. For the year he’d lived with Lisa, she never once asked him about his job, just when he planned on quitting and going into politics like his father. “It’s important to dig up as much as possible on Tom so we can understand his frame of mind. The more people you can rule out, the closer you get to the real culprit, before he strikes again.”
“Who’s next?” She shifted in her seat, excitement sparkling in her beautiful eyes.
“It’s a tie between Lisa and Eddy.”
“Can I give it a try?” She bit down on her lower lip. She had no idea how sexy she looked when she did that.
“Go ahead.” He smiled, unable to keep her at bay or his enjoyment from just being with her. They were friends, so this was normal, right?
“First, Eddy likes women’s underwear. Mine went missing. I also made a minor snafu with his name while—”
“That’s not a minor thing. Crimes of passion happen all the time.” Not to mention how every time he thought of the weasel touching Ryan it made his teeth grind. Freaking pervert. How she could ever have liked that idiot was beyond Jared. “Jealousy makes people do some crazy things.” But Jared wasn’t jealous. No reason to be. Just concerned. Right.
“Eddy could be mad because I thought he was weird, I mean the underwear thing. I might have made fun of him.”
“That could cause him to snap, but he doesn’t really fit the profile, because he’s more concerned about seeing women in their underwear and not with the act of sex. Wanting to kill me because I touched you really doesn’t fit his profile, but it sure as shit fits Tom’s. You turned him down, but not me. He’s probably pretty pissed about that.”
“I suppose. If he knows I didn’t turn you down, which we don’t know for sure.”
“True enough, but he owns a camera and seems to know how to use it.”
“I won’t argue that. I can see why you love your job. It’s fun.” She tucked her feet under her bottom and stretched out her arms.
He undid the top button of his shirt. It bothered him that this situation felt like it should be a part of his daily life. “Dealing with whack jobs, it’s hard work. And if I screw it up, someone could die. Not something I want to happen, especially when my friends are involved.”
A slow smile spread across her flawless face. “I think you’re very good at what you do. Now, on with Lisa. I don’t like her much.”
“The feeling’s mutual, babe.”
She narrowed her eyes.
“It’s just an expression.” He tossed his hands wide and laughed. “Never going to change, babe. Now let’s hear your theory on Lisa.”
“Okay, babe.” She winked, a twinkle of mischief in her eyes.
“Funny.” He laughed.
“This is based on my observations and what you told me.”
“That’s good police work.”
She smiled at his remark, then adjusted her hair. “For some reason she thought I was a threat to her, and she planned on getting rid of me. When that didn’t work, she tried to force you into realizing you couldn’t live without her, but then Johnny…Johnny died.” A sudden rush of sadness filled her eyes. “I loved him, you know.”
Jared nodded. “That was obvious. You were very good with him.”
“I didn’t think you ever noticed.”
“I was jealous,” he admitted. “I didn’t know how to connect with him, you did. He smiled at you.” For the first time in years, he saw Johnny alive, in her arms, being loved.
“Lisa didn’t make it easy for you.”
“Our marriage was a mistake; Johnny wasn’t,” Jared whispered.
Ryan nodded, then took a sip of her soda. “To Lisa, I stood in the way of her happiness. It was easy for her to place all the blame on me. And from what I can gather, she still holds a grudge.”
“No lie, she’s definitely up there with Tom.” Tired of fighting his desire to be closer to Ryan, he moved to the sofa. He slipped his hand through her silky hair and across the back of her neck. “There’s more about her life I can’t share with you, but just know she’s a scorned woman.”
“She feels wronged by us.” Ryan sighed, then shifted her weight, resting her head on Jared’s shoulder. “George feels wronged by the world.”
“Still like my job?” He wrapped his arms around her firm body and lifted her into his lap.
“Is it hard to be so cynical about people all the time?”
He opened his mouth to give his standard cop response, that in the right set of circumstances, any person could be capable of committing some of the most outrageous crimes. But when his eyes locked with hers, for the first time in his career, he questioned his own reasoning.
The woman looking back at him was pure and honest as the winter snow was white. For the first time, he questioned his goals and what he really wanted out of life. He wasn’t supposed to be able to love.
“Sometimes,” he said. “But the citizens of this fine state need me to be cynical.”
“I guess someone’s got to do it. I’m glad it’s you.” She cupped his face, fanning her thumbs across his cheeks. “When does your new job actually start?”
“They’d take me tomorrow.”
“I don’t want you to stay behind because of my case. While I know you’re probably one of the best cops around, Nick seems pretty good.”
“Nick’s the best.” He kept his look serious. “No offense, but no matter what, I plan on being here by the end of next week. I’ve even got a place to crash until I can find a house.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
Against his better judgment, he slipped his hands under her shirt. Her hot skin scorched his fingers. “If your case isn’t wrapped up by then, I’d like you to consider a few things.”
“Got it covered.”
“Really?” He lifted a brow. “How so?”
“I promised Marci
I’d come stay with her for a few days. I know she’s not a cop, or a man, but safety in numbers. Besides, this manager of Pat’s is starting to work out, so the bar can practically run itself, freeing up some of Pat’s time.”
He opened his mouth, but she covered it with her hand.
“Then, Penny’s lease is up, but she won’t live with Chuck until they’re married, which won’t be for two months, so if it’s okay with you, she’s going to move into the carriage house with me.”
“What if the house sells?” Annoyed by her handling the situation, he tried to poke holes in her well-laid plan.
“I’m sure the culprit will be caught by then, and hopefully I will have found a new apartment and can still live with Pen until the wedding. But worst case, I’ll move in with Pat.” Undeniable confidence sparkled in her eyes.
“I guess I can’t argue with that.” He rolled her from his lap, gently resting her back against the couch, then pressed his rigid body against hers. “I’m glad you have a plan.”
“I’m glad you approve.” She glanced across the room. “What time are we meeting your friends? And don’t we have to check out?”
“I paid for a late checkout, so anytime in the next hour, and we’re meeting them across the street.” He felt guilty because of his strong, powerful desire for her. He wanted to believe it was wrong, but she felt so right in his arms.
Temporary, he reminded himself. So much in his life had changed. The way he dealt with his agonizing grief, his job, his home, but this thing with Ryan was temporary.
The strong connection he felt for her only intensified because of the threats. This bond they shared was nothing more than him jumping into his job with two feet, like he always did. He wouldn’t allow it to be love.
* * * *
Ryan wanted to slap herself across the face. Would she ever learn? The more she made love to Jared, the worse she felt.
“You done in there?” Jared banged on the bathroom door, impatience in his tone. “The car is in the front loop.”
She checked herself over one last time, knowing she looked fine. If she was being honest, she looked damn great. Twisting the handle, she pushed back the door. “Are you ready yet?” She smiled. Somewhere along the line she missed the boat. She should’ve been an actress.
He just laughed, shaking his head, then grabbed their overnight bags.
“What’s the girlfriend’s name?” Ryan asked. Why she wanted to impress these people was beyond her. She’d probably never see them again.
“His name is Brad Gloshen, and her name is Wendy something.”
“Have you met her?” She slipped into the car, then Jared pulled out of the parking area and across the street to the Hensman Pub, a local hot spot. Looking down the street as the car zoomed across, she had to admit the town was quaint, but it wasn’t Lake George.
“I just met him last month. Didn’t even know he had a girlfriend until I told him you were coming.”
“Oh.” She stepped out of the car and headed toward the restaurant.
Jared pushed open the door into the noisy restaurant and bar. “He’s kind of my superior, so when he suggested we go out, I couldn’t say no, now could I. There he is.”
She squinted across the crowded room, eyeing a very handsome older gentleman. He had grayish hair, but it offset his gorgeous eyes. His body wasn’t too shabby to look at either. “Are all troopers hot?” she said, half to herself.
“I wouldn’t know,” Jared said with a chuckle. “But his girlfriend is a looker.”
Ryan shifted her gaze to the tall brunette standing next to Brad. She didn’t look old, but Ryan guessed her to be at least thirty-five. “She’s too old for you.”
“Breasts too big, too,” Jared whispered. “I like mine a bit smaller.” He patted her butt.
“Like I said, a Neanderthal.”
“Jared, so glad you could make it. I know it’s a long ride home. This is Wendy Brooks.” Brad guided them to a table in the other room, where it was a little quieter.
“Wendy, nice to meet you. This is my friend Ryan O’Connor,” Jared said.
Ryan nodded, shaking Wendy’s hand, then Brad’s, feeling a little annoyed at being introduced as a friend. But what did she expect? That’s what she was, and introducing her as his friend that he just had sex with wouldn’t be very appropriate.
Once seated, the small talk began, and Ryan found herself enjoying the company. Wendy was a successful lawyer and one of the most interesting women Ryan had ever met. Not to mention Brad was just adorable, and very smitten with Wendy.
Ryan listened to Brad and Jared talk about the job, and she had to admit, it worried her. His new job sounded very dangerous.
Her stomach fluttered when the waitress put their dinner plates on the table. Usually she loved the smell of sizzling steaks and piping hot potatoes loaded with sour cream, but at this moment, her stomach churned. Must have been the green tea.
She swallowed and fiddled with her food, hoping it looked like she was eating. She smiled and nodded a lot and tried to add to the conversation. Finally, she just couldn’t stand it anymore, and she pushed her plate away.
“You okay?” Jared asked, leaning closer to her. His hand rested on the back of her neck while his thumb stroked the skin at the base of her head.
“I think I’m just tired,” she said, forcing a smile.
“You can climb in the back and sleep on the way home.”
Brad waved the waitress over, asking for the check. “We should let you guys hit the road. I hope I’ll have the pleasure of your company again, Ryan.”
“I did enjoy myself, thank you,” she said, slipping out of the booth. “Just need to hit the little girls’ room.”
“I’ll join you,” Wendy said.
Ryan pushed back the door. She felt a little better, but her stomach was still queasy. An overwhelming fear loomed in the back of her mind. She could be pregnant.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Wendy asked.
“I think I had too much green tea at the spa today.” Ryan smiled politely, then splashed cool water on her face. “Not used to being waited on. Maybe all that aromatherapy has gone to my head.”
“Hardworking girl, huh?” Wendy joined Ryan at the sink, rinsing her hands. “I spent the last ten years of my life making it big and let the rest of the world pass me by. Not this time. I’m landing that guy once and for all.”
“You look good together.” Ryan turned, leaning her hip on the sink.
“He wanted to marry me ten years ago. I turned him down, so he married someone else.”
“Excuse me?” Ryan’s eyes widened.
“He’s divorced now, but I’m not letting him go, not this time. He’s being a little wishy-washy, afraid I’ll change my mind, my career and all. But I want kids, and I’m not getting any younger. Neither is he.”
“Good to know what you want,” Ryan said, holding her stomach as it did another flip. Just nerves, she told herself.
“What do you want?”
“Honestly, I don’t know.”
“I think you do, you’re just afraid to ask for it,” Wendy said. “But sometimes we have to learn the hard way. Come on.” She pushed back the bathroom door. “You’ve got a long drive and a lot of thinking to do.”
Ryan swallowed. Thinking would get her into trouble. The only thing she needed was for the psycho to be caught and Jared to move.
Chapter Sixteen
Jared stepped out of the restaurant into the spring air. He missed the cool lake breeze, but he liked Rochester. Or at least he knew he’d like it. What wasn’t to like? His job sounded exciting. The guys he’d be working with seemed like decent men. Okay, so he’d miss Harmon.
“She plan on moving with you?” Brad asked. A beaming smile spread across his face.
Jared’s gut twisted as though he’d been sucker punched. “We’re just friends.”
“You certainly don’t act like ‘just’ friends,” Brad said, his smile not fading, and that ju
st annoyed Jared.
“You could say we have a temporary thing going. We’ve got a long history, but her life is there, and mine is here. End of story. It’s nothing, really.” A noise from behind him caught his attention.
“Ready?” Ryan asked, with a sarcastic grin.
He knew she’d heard him. But she had no right to be mad. It was the truth, and she knew it.
“Thanks for dinner. I really had a great time,” Ryan said, giving Wendy a hug, then kissing Brad on the cheek. “If you’re ever in Lake George, look me up. My brother’s got a great restaurant, and I’d love to return the favor.”
“You are so on, girlfriend.” Wendy gave Jared the evil eye.
What the hell had he done? Heck, he’d never understand women. You give them what they want, and somehow you ended up the bad guy. “Take care. It was nice meeting you, Wendy.” Jared opened the car door, letting Ryan get settled before jogging around the front of the car and slipping into the driver’s seat. “See you next week.” He waved, then slammed the door and drove off.
Once on the highway, he glanced over at Ryan. Her eyes were closed, and her head was propped against the window. She was probably faking sleep, but he didn’t feel like talking.
He didn’t want to feel anything. But try as he might, no matter how he looked at it, leaving her would be hard. But he had to do it. Not just because he’d never be able to give her what she deserved, but because this job meant the world to him. Meant more to him than she did, didn’t it?
He pushed down on the gas pedal. If he got pulled over, so be it. She could be mad all she wanted. Might even make things easier if she was pissed off enough to leave him alone.
His cell phone rang out. She jumped.
“Sorry, forgot to put it on vibrate,” he muttered, glancing at the number.
“Harmon?”
“I hope you’re on your way home,” Harmon said.
“What’s going on?” Jared glanced at Ryan. She sat up and looked at him with wide eyes.
