by Loyd, Sandy
“Why don’t you lie down?” he suggested, propelling them both inside after she’d unlocked her front door. “I’ll fix dinner.”
“Okay, if you insist.”
The idea sounded too good to ignore. She strode purposefully for her bedroom, kicking off her shoes along the way to her bed, and Jason followed. At the double-door entrance, he dropped his bag and took a long look around.
“Feminine. Nice.”
Claire glanced about. The pale blue damask and white lace did look feminine. She offered a wan smile and a slight shrug. “I never thought about it before. I guess it is a bit girlish.”
“Not girlish. Feminine,” he murmured as he came up behind her and wrapped his strong arms around her. She leaned her head against his chest and heaved a weary exhale.
“Female and all woman.” Slowly, he turned her in his arms. “Just like you. A woman I can’t seem to get enough of,” he whispered, right before his lips found hers.
Enjoying his kiss, she let the warmth his mouth generated flow through her body. For too long she’d felt cold; now all she felt was Jason. Claire’s eyelids closed. Instinctively, she stepped closer, drawn by his heat.
When he broke the kiss and started to pull away, her grip tightened.
He indicated the bed with a nod. “You should rest.”
“Don’t leave me yet.” She met his questioning gaze with an inviting smile, patting the bed. “Lie with me for a few minutes. Please?”
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Sure. For a few minutes.” Then, sitting on the bed, he yanked off his shoes and tugged her next to him. His head hit the pillows he fluffed as he drew her near, keeping her in the circle of his arms.
Claire sighed and relaxed more fully as his soothing hands caressed her arms, adding to her sense of calm. Of its own volition, her hand went to his stomach, and she let it slide up and down his chest, feeling lean muscles bunching under her fingers. At the same time, she caught sight of his noticeable erection forming.
“Sorry,” he said into her neck. “I get within a foot of you and I can’t help myself.”
“It’s okay.” She smiled and moved closer. “I like knowing I affect you like that.” She waited a heartbeat and added, “Wanna fool around?”
He chuckled. “Go to sleep. You’ve had a shock and you’re not thinking clearly. No way I’m going to take advantage of you like that.”
She’d definitely had a shock learning about Carl’s death. What’s more, she couldn’t rid herself of the suspicion that the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office thought she’d killed him. She didn’t want to think about any of that. Her morbid thoughts had already run their course. She couldn’t change things.
In an effort to forget, she nuzzled closer, stroking Jason.
He captured her wandering hand and gripped her wrist. “Claire?”
She opened her eyes. “What,” she asked, peering into glistening blue eyes that said it all.
“We’re not making love tonight. Is that clear?”
She nodded and closed her eyes. Later. She’d have to attack him later.
• • •
A ringing in the background cut through Claire’s consciousness, pulling her out of a sound sleep. She felt Jason stir next to her, and a rush of tenderness filled her. Then she grabbed the annoying phone.
“Hello?”
“That you, Claire?”
“Were you expecting someone else?” Claire asked, recognizing Crystal’s voice.
“Don’t be cocky. That’s my job.”
“I’m changing. Becoming more like you.” She smiled into the phone at her sister’s snort. “What’s up?” She turned and met Jason’s raised eyebrows and reality set in.
“I just heard about Carl.”
“Oh.”
Claire sat upright, leaning against the headboard as she sobered. In a flash, she remembered Carl, could picture his dead body lying on a morgue slab in Key Largo. Taking a nap with Jason so close had kept the horrible memory away.
“Yes.” Claire sighed. “He’s dead.”
“I’m worried. Want some company?”
“No. Jason’s fixing me dinner and spending the night.”
“Okay, so tonight’s covered. What about tomorrow?”
“What about it?”
“I’ll stop by the office tomorrow. You shouldn’t be alone.”
“Sure,” she murmured, wondering why Crystal was so concerned all of a sudden.
Gwen’s warning came back to her, and niggling questions formed. She wasn’t used to her twin’s attention. Feeling a tad paranoid, she pushed the negative thoughts from her mind and hung up the phone after exchanging good-byes. It immediately rang again.
“Hello.”
“Claire? It’s me, Amy. I heard about Carl.” She paused for several seconds before adding, “I’m so sorry.”
“Thanks, Amy.” A smile touched her face at the worry in her assistant’s voice. She took in a deep breath. “I really appreciate your concern. How’d you find out?”
“It was on the news. It sounded horrible. I mean, what happened to him?”
“The news?”
“Uh-huh. Big story at six o’clock. They’ll probably show it again at eleven.” She cleared her throat. “Do they have any idea who could’ve done such a thing?”
“No.” Claire sighed. “They’re investigating that now.”
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. I’m just gonna grab some dinner and go to bed.”
“If you need anything, anything at all, you call me. You hear?”
“Okay. I’m really glad you’re there. It helps to know you care.”
Claire placed the phone in its cradle and glanced at Jason as he stood up and headed for her kitchen.
“I’m hungry,” he said over his shoulder. “Let’s see what we can dig up.”
She followed, very happy she wasn’t alone. As long as Jason was here, she wouldn’t have to think about why someone would kill Carl.
Jason’s presence didn’t disappoint. He entertained while he foraged in her kitchen, searching for pans and compiling ingredients. He cooked the same way he sailed, like he loved it. And the scents wafting from her kitchen less than an hour later had her mouth watering.
They ate a gourmet meal of chicken, sautéed vegetables, and wild rice, and neither of them mentioned anything about Carl or what had happened to him.
That night she slept soundly, nestled snugly in Jason’s arms.
Chapter 38
The next day sped by in fast-forward for Claire, one in which she felt as if she were living a dream, nightmarish in quality.
The office was quiet except for the hushed whispers of those around her; at least, until she got to within listening distance. Then there was complete silence.
Did they think she had something to do with Carl’s murder? Of course they did, she thought when she walked into the conference room and the same thing happened again.
The silence bothered her, adding to her feeling of guilt.
“Time to cut out. Come on. I’m taking you home, and then we’re going for drinks and dinner,” Crystal said, having arrived at her office shortly before five that afternoon.
Claire balked, but she couldn’t put much effort behind it. The idea of being alone with nothing but morbid thoughts was totally unappealing. She grabbed her purse and dutifully followed her twin. Her car would be fine one more day parked in the lot.
Two county sheriff’s cars were parked at the street when Crystal pulled into her driveway. Claire jumped out of the car and ran up the walk, halting at the wide-open front door—one letting out all the cold air.
She stopped abruptly when she spied two officers in her living room, rooting through her things. “What’s going on here?”
“Investigating a murder, ma’am,” said the officer who looked as if he was in charge. He straightened and pulled out identification. “Deputy Steve Perkins. My partner, Jeff Hinders.”
The other of
ficer nodded when Claire glanced at him.
“You’re tearing up the place.”
“Sorry. You gave your permission.”
“Come on, Claire, let’s let them do their jobs,” Crystal urged, gently tugging Claire outside.
Then her twin turned back to Perkins and said in a severe tone, “She’s cooperating fully with your investigation. If you don’t want to be kicked out and forced into a search warrant, I suggest you show some respect. At least keep the door closed.”
Crystal led Claire to her car. “We can still get that drink.”
“I need to call Jason.”
“Let’s go to my place. I’ll call on the way.”
Thank God Crystal was with her. That was Claire’s only thought as Crystal hung up after talking to Jason. She couldn’t think clearly. How could she think clearly when someone was rifling through her personal stuff, obviously looking for incriminating evidence?
“He and Jimbo are meeting us at my place. They’ll stop for pizza on the way.” She felt Crystal’s hand on her knee. “Don’t worry. They’re two of the best to have on your team.”
She sucked in a deep breath, keeping her gaze on Crystal’s hand as she squeezed. The gesture as well as her sister’s reassurance had a calming effect. She nodded.
Within minutes, she somehow found herself sitting in Crystal’s living room with a bourbon on the rocks shoved into her hand.
“Drink,” her twin commanded as she poured a hefty amount into another tumbler.
Claire took several sips. The fiery liquid burned going down but warmed her insides. After drinking half a glass, numbness set in, easing the panic she’d felt since leaving her house.
Crystal seemed satisfied with Claire’s progress. She pulled the stopper off the decanter and asked, “You want some more?”
Claire shook her head and took another sip. “I can’t believe they were going through my things. Like I’m a common criminal.”
“They’re investigating a murder. What did you expect?”
“I told Jason that Snyder thinks I did it.”
“You’re the spouse.” Crystal snorted. “The obvious choice. Of course they suspect you.” Crystal gulped a swallow, leaned back against the chair, and kicked off her shoes. “Don’t read anything into it. And be prepared to deal with some shit.”
“That’s what Jason said.”
“He’s right. Cops don’t like it when someone ends up dead from a knife wound on their turf.”
Just then the buzzer sounded.
Crystal jumped up. “They’re here.” She headed toward the front door.
Seconds later, Jason and another good-looking man hurried into the condo.
After placing the pizzas on the bar, Jason aimed straight for her. Reaching her, he bent from the waist and kissed her on the cheek.
“You okay?” he asked, catching her gaze.
She nodded.
He offered an encouraging smile and glanced at Crystal as the other guy sauntered closer.
“Hey, Red,” he said. “You look good.”
“Jimbo,” Crystal murmured, giving him a wary nod.
Jimbo smiled and reached out to push back an errant lock of Crystal’s hair. His finger trailed down her face before he clasped a hand around her neck. Then he leaned in, brushing his lips over hers for a brief kiss.
Crystal stepped deftly out of his reach. She cleared her throat and turned to Claire. “This is Jim O’Malley. Jimbo, meet Claire, my twin.”
Observing the exchange, Claire noticed both the proprietary way Jimbo treated Crystal, as well as her sister’s schoolgirl reaction to it. If she didn’t know better, she’d think her sister was glowing. How interesting.
Claire’s lips curled into a real smile for the first time in hours. Though Crystal put up a good front, she wasn’t immune to the craggy, attractive man whose X-rated gaze flickered with amusement after he’d finished raking it over Crystal’s body.
“Nice to meet you, Jimbo.” Claire stuck out a hand that he quickly took in a firm grip. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Not all bad, I hope.” He flashed dazzling white teeth that contrasted sharply against a tanned face.
Her smile deepened at the soft drawl floating past her ears. “Not all.”
The guy appeared to be the perfect match for her sister.
“Okay, we need to strategize.”
Jason’s voice interrupted, and she turned her attention to him.
“Let’s go over this in detail,” he said as he started pacing.
“Strategizing can come while we eat.” Crystal headed for the kitchen. “I’m hungry, and I’m sure Claire is too.”
They spent a few minutes eating pizza in silence.
Eventually, Jason spoke. “Snyder’s still following procedure, but we have to plan a good offense to avoid being stuck in a defensive position. I want to know everything that’s happened in the past three weeks, no matter how trivial.”
• • •
After two hours of talking, Claire sighed and rubbed her temples. Her head hurt. She quickly grew tired of all the questions. She’d gone over it again and again, telling them everything she could think of leading up to the day Carl disappeared.
Everything except the stocks and the loan, that is. She couldn’t seem to tell Jason about them without appearing more gullible and stupid. Why had she waited so long to dump the jerk?
Hindsight provided an excellent window to the ugly picture of Carl playing her expertly, with the precision of a concert pianist playing a grand piano.
“How much longer?” Claire asked.
“I think we’re about done.” Jason turned to Jimbo. “What do you think?”
“Not much to go on. I’ll work on digging deeper.”
“There’s got to be something we’re missing. Someone killed Carter.”
“So far nothing’s panned out.” Jimbo shrugged. “Nothing that gives anyone motive enough to kill him, that is. The guy laid low the week before he died. Haven’t even dug up a maid who actually saw him. Hell, I didn’t even catch a glimpse while I was watching who entered and left his room. As far as I could tell, he had only three visitors—Claire, Crystal, and Elise. I plan on checking out the hotel’s security footage to see if there’s anything I missed. But that’ll take time.”
“Doesn’t sound promising.”
“I see why Snyder’s stuck on Claire as a lead,” Jimbo said as he rose to his feet. “He’s not stupid. He’ll soon discover Crystal’s involvement, and that’ll open another Pandora’s box.”
“I’ve thought of that.” Jason raked a hand through his hair. “We need to be prepared.”
“How do you prepare for a ten-ton bus coming straight at you?” Jimbo asked.
“You roll and get out of the way.” Jason stood and grabbed Claire’s hand to pull her with him. “Come on. You shouldn’t be alone tonight.”
“She’s not. She’s got me.” Crystal jumped up. “I’ll take good care of her.”
“Let ’em go,” Jimbo murmured as he reached for the decanter of bourbon and poured, filling first his glass and then moving to refill Crystal’s. “We need to talk.”
“Claire’s staying here, and you can go with Jason.” Crystal’s voice, along with the fuming glare she sent Jimbo while grabbing the decanter, dared him to continue.
“That’s okay. I’ll be fine with Jason.” Claire placed a hand on her sister’s arm. When Crystal’s searching stare met hers, she nodded reassuringly. “You probably do need to talk. Thanks for being there today.” She hugged her twin and turned to Jason. “I’m ready. Maybe we could stop by my place so I can pick up a few things.”
“Sure.” He placed his hand on the small of her back, gently propelling her toward the door. Together they walked out, leaving Crystal with Jim.
“Do you think they’ll be okay? Maybe I should’ve stayed. Crystal looked ready to kill him.”
“He can hold his own. Let them work it out.” Jason stopped and bent to giv
e her a quick kiss. “Besides, I’m being selfish. I’d rather have you with me tonight.”
Chapter 39
“Don’t get too comfortable because you’re not staying,” Crystal said, sending Jim another glower as she reached for the drink he finished pouring once she let go of the bottle.
“You’re a hard woman.” He made no move to leave, just sat back and made himself more comfortable.
“Well?” she snapped after enduring his silent scrutiny.
The guy was too much. How could he sit across from her acting so calm when everything inside her was screaming? Part of her couldn’t wait until he left, while the other part wanted to latch onto him and never let him go. That only irritated her more.
“Finish your drink and go.” She downed the rest of hers in one gulp and slammed the glass on the table. “You seem to have a hard time understanding the fact that I don’t want you here.” She started for her bedroom. “You can let yourself out when you’re done.”
“Get back here, Red,” Jimbo ordered when Crystal was almost out of the room, and then let out a heavy sigh. “I meant it when I said we need to talk.”
She stopped in the doorway and pivoted to see he’d put his drink down and had come out of the chair.
Her chin went up and she crossed her arms. “You can’t just waltz into my place and start giving me orders.”
“I can and I will,” he said with conviction. He nodded to the chair. “Now, sit.”
“No.” She stomped up to him and shoved him as hard as she could. All the move did was stun him a little. But he quickly recovered, wrapped his arms around her, and pulled her toward him.
Crystal stiffened, not allowing his touch to affect her. “Go away, Jimbo,” she shouted. “I don’t want you here. I hate you for coming back.”
She didn’t trust herself, didn’t want a repeat of Friday night. She pulled away and punched at him over and over, putting as much force into the blows as she could. A few tears broke free. As much as she tried, she couldn’t stop them from flowing, so she kept pummeling him.
“Shush,” he said, absorbing all the blows. When she finally ran out of energy, he only pulled her closer, rubbing his hands over her back as he murmured, “It’ll be okay.”
