Saving Madeline

by Rachel Ann Nunes

  “I’ll be working late,” he said. “To make up for this morning.” She nodded. Was that disappointment in her eyes? It was all he could do not to stride to her and take her in his arms.

  He walked down the hall, stopping once to look back in her direction. She was in the hallway now, talking to that pretty-faced DA, the one who wanted to put him in prison. She was smiling. The man put a hand on her back, leaning forward as though concentrating on what she was saying. Touching her.

  This was a man from Caitlin’s world, the kind of man who wore suits and who worked out in a gym where there was always water and soap nearby. A man who spoke the language of depositions and briefs and arraignments.

  Yet she had kissed Parker.

  Stop.

  It was over. After tonight there wouldn’t be any reason to worry about Caitlin.

  • • •

  “Well, I don’t know,” Caitlin said to Mace, aware of how close he was. With difficulty she forced her mind from Parker and the disappointing visit with Madeline. “Tonight is hard.”

  “You have to work?”

  “No,” she said, and then immediately wished she’d lied. In a lower voice she added, “It’s my sister.”

  “Your sister?”

  He leaned forward to better hear her reply, placing a warm hand on her waist. As she stiffened with surprise at this public display, she spied Parker at the end of the hall, heading out of the courthouse. Their gazes met briefly and then he was gone.

  It’s not what you think, she wanted to yell. But wasn’t it? Last week she’d been dreaming of being somewhere romantic with Mace.

  So what did she really want?

  Two young attorneys she didn’t recognize walked by, their conversation abruptly ceasing. They nodded as they passed, both ogling Caitlin and giving knowing smiles to Mace. She could have sworn one winked.

  Men.

  “So what if we made it short?” Mace said. “I really have to be at that meeting with the Salt Lake DA tomorrow evening. I hate changing our date, but it’s sort of an emergency thing.”

  “I heard she’ll be picking another assistant soon. Is that true?”

  “Actually, yes.”

  So Mace was angling for the job. She couldn’t see the purpose. Who’d want to spend more time managing than actually being in the courtroom?

  “I could pick you up right at five tonight. We can have a quick dinner and talk. There’s something important we have to discuss.”

  Caitlin was tempted to agree, but what if Parker showed up at her house and she wasn’t there? He needed her. Or was she fooling herself? “Why don’t we discuss whatever it is right now? I can make time.”

  Mace looked momentarily flustered, his eyes darting around as though looking for some way out. “All right. I know where there’s an empty room.”

  “Why don’t we use this one? No one’s here at the moment.” Caitlin went inside, feeling vaguely uneasy. If she’d thought the room small when it contained a rambunctious four-year-old and her frustrated father, now it seem microscopic.

  Mace closed the door behind them, locking it. “So we’re not disturbed.” He came toward her, reaching out and pulling her over to the side so they couldn’t be seen through the small oblong window next to the door.

  “Mace, what are you doing?”

  “Finally we’re alone.” He lowered his head and began to kiss her. “This was a great idea,” he whispered against her lips. “I’ve been dreaming of doing this all day.”

  Caitlin turned her face away. “Look, Mace. Not here.”

  He stopped kissing her, but his arms tightened around her. “I know you like me, and I feel the same way.” His hand began to slide up her back.

  “Mace! This wasn’t what I intended when I invited you in here. You said we needed to talk. This isn’t the time or place for . . . this. Let me go!”

  “Why?”

  “Because I want you to.” She took a breath. “Look, I’m sorry, but there’s someone else. I didn’t know myself until last night. I didn’t mean it to happen. I can’t go out with you.”

  His eyes hardened. “I know you aren’t what you seem. I know you were responsible for the conviction against Chet Belstead, particularly how the police found the murder weapon. I can’t prove it yet, but I think there’s enough circumstantial evidence that would destroy your career.”

  She held her body rigid. “What are you saying?”

  “I’m saying I know what you did.”

  “Is this how you’re getting dates these days?”

  “Are you denying it?”

  She lifted her chin until their faces were inches apart. “Chet Belstead raped that girl. He stabbed her with a knife so many times she almost died. That’s what’s important. Any evidence the police found has no connection to me. Now take your hands off me!”

  “I’ve decided I’ll stay quiet. You don’t have to worry. I like you.” His face bent toward hers again. “All you have to do is be nice to me.”

  Fury burst to life in her heart, fanned by the degradation she felt. She wanted to kill him. She wanted to smash him into a bloody pulp and bury his remains in an unmarked grave. Better yet, she wanted him to experience the fear and humiliation Belstead’s girlfriend had felt the night she’d been attacked. “Oh,” she said with false sweetness, “but wouldn’t my confession help you win the appointment with the DA?”

  His hold on her relaxed slightly. “That was my plan at first, but I don’t care about that now. You can’t deny the attraction between us. Everyone knows how you feel about me.”

  His utter assurance disgusted her. Had she really been so obvious? “Whatever I felt for you walked out that door the moment you brought me in here,” she retorted. “Frankly, I’d rather be disbarred than spend another minute with you.”

  Shock filled his face, and she took advantage of his surprise to break free and start walking to the door. A second later he grabbed her, his fingers digging cruelly into her upper arm. Fear abruptly sliced through her anger. “Let me go!” she demanded.

  He hesitated, apparently still confused. “I said let me go!” she repeated, accentuating each word. “Or are you another Chet Belstead?”

  His expression went from angry to furious. “So that’s the way you want to play. Well, you’ve made yourself very clear. You’re going to regret this. Mark my words.” His lips curled. “Frankly, I don’t know what I ever saw in you.” He relaxed his hold just as a key turned in the lock. Wyman Russell appeared in the doorway with the two young attorneys that had passed them earlier. Wyman looked concerned, the others eager.

  Mace tried to fake a confident smile, despite the flush of anger still covering his good-looking face. Caitlin laughed, walking toward the door. When she passed the young attorneys, she said, loud enough for everyone to hear, “Sorry to disappoint you guys, but he’s definitely not my type.” She turned on her heel, leaving them gaping after her.

  She was nearly out of the building when Wyman caught up with her. “You took him down a notch or two,” he said, chuckling.

  Her anger was dissipating. “I shouldn’t have done that. He says he’s going to try to get me disbarred, and if he does, how will I support my sister?”

  “I can think of a way.”

  “What, go out with you?”

  “I didn’t mean that.” His face flushed. “I meant working for my new law firm. Look, it’s going to be okay. There were three witnesses to what just happened, and if he goes after you about the Belstead case, there won’t be a judge or attorney in town who won’t know he’s doing it because you burned him.” He laughed. “I mean, what a shock! He hasn’t lost a bet in three years.”

  “He had a bet about me?”

  “Well, it’s sort of understood. He hits on all the single attorneys eventually. Like I said before, you can’t trust him. That’s what I meant. I knew he was angling for you. I also know he’s still stringing along that woman in California.”

  She sighed internally. “Thanks
for coming when you did. Things might have taken a turn for the worse.”

  “I saw you go in there with him and rounded up a key right away.”

  That was sweet. Why couldn’t she fall for a man like Wyman? He might not be as hot as Mace or Parker, but he was a nice guy. A nice married guy.

  “How’s your wife?”

  He shrugged. “We’re meeting this weekend to talk.”

  “Good luck.”

  “I meant what I said about working with me.”

  She flashed him a smile. “If Mace gets me fired, maybe I can be your assistant.”

  “You mean one of our attorneys.”

  “Not if he manages to get me disbarred.”

  “Then he’s actually got something on you?”

  “I didn’t do anything I wouldn’t do again.”

  “Then I’ll trust you and hope you’ll only be fired, not disbarred.”

  She couldn’t help but smile. “Thanks, Wyman.” She turned and walked out into the cold streets, wrapping her arms around herself for warmth. Exhaustion fell heavily on her shoulders. She wished she could go home. She wished she could see Parker.

  Where was he at that moment? Was he thinking about her? How odd that in this past week he’d become so large a part of her thoughts. Seeing him stuck in that small room with Madeline had torn her apart, but nothing she did for his case seemed to make any difference. As it stood, he was headed toward prison, leaving Madeline to be raised by a woman who might be on drugs, and there was nothing she could do about it.

  She’d told him to trust her, but what if she couldn’t deliver?

  Taking out her phone, she dialed Kenny once more. “Sorry,” he said without greeting. “I just don’t have anything except my gut that tells me she’s hiding something. This woman is not good for those children, but I can’t prove it.”

  “Yet, you mean.”

  “I’m looking into the boyfriend now. That might be where I get the break. He appears to have a nice job and car, but there’s something odd about him.”

  “Thanks, Kenny.” Caitlin tried to keep her disappointment from her voice. “Call me if you hear anything.”

  “Of course. Bye now.”

  In Parker’s place, she might just take Madeline and run. And that, she knew, was exactly what he planned to do.

  Unless she stopped him.

  Chapter 19

  Caitlin reached her car, opening the doors with a click of her remote and sliding inside. She dialed Sally’s number and plugged in her earphone before starting the car. “Anything new?” she asked hopefully when Sally answered.

  “Sorry. We did a small drug bust at a party in that circle—friends of Dakota’s friends—but they claim Dakota has no connection to them.”

  “Lying?”

  “Maybe. People like that lie about everything, even when they don’t have to lie. It’s an addiction. Most don’t even know the truth anymore.”

  Caitlin was all too familiar with the type. “Look, Sally, I have another favor to ask.”

  “Anything.”

  “Could you take Amy home with you again? There’s something I have to do tonight.”

  “Does this involve Parker?”

  “It’s just that—Sally, I’m afraid he’s going to run.”

  “Do you know that, or are you guessing? Because if you think it’s true, I have to act.”

  “No, you don’t. I’m telling you this as a friend, not in your capacity as a police detective.”

  Sally was silent a moment. “Fine. But think about this: maybe we’ve both been wrong about Parker Hathaway. Maybe he’s the one lying.”

  “You think I haven’t considered that?”

  “What exactly is happening between you two?”

  “I don’t know. I’ve never felt this way before. It’s like . . .” If he doesn’t kiss me I’ll shrivel up and die. But that was silly. She’d only known him five days.

  “Like what?” Sally was still waiting for her to finish.

  “I only met him on Monday, but it feels like much longer.”

  “You’re falling for him, that’s what’s happening. I could see it coming the moment I saw you together Wednesday morning. I take it that means gorgeous DA is out of the picture?”

  “You got that right.”

  “What happened?”

  Caitlin wanted to tell her friend the whole story so they could commiserate together over what a total jerk Mace was, but she couldn’t explain without incriminating herself. Sally was a loyal friend, but she was a stickler for the letter of the law and wouldn’t look kindly upon any interference in the Belstead case.

  “Look, I’ll fill you in on that later. Just take my word for it. The man’s a total moron. I don’t know what I ever saw in him.”

  “Well, he’s good-looking.”

  “I don’t care how good-looking he might be. He’s an idiot. Look, I just wanted to know if you’ve found anything and if you’ll watch Amy for a bit. I understand if you have plans.”

  “No, no. That’s fine. Tony’s got a bowling tournament tonight, and I was going to meet him there but not until later—just to get in on the celebration part. Bowling’s boring for onlookers.” She paused. “Unless it’s in the summer and they take their shirts off.”

  Caitlin rolled her eyes. “Right. Thanks, Sally.”

  “You let me know if you need anything.”

  “I will.”

  Caitlin drove home first and changed into her red silk dress that took inches off her waist, making the most of her figure. Never would she have worn the outfit to work or out with someone like Wyman. She would have worn it with Mace on Saturday, though she knew now that would have been a mistake.

  Now to find Parker before it was too late.

  • • •

  Parker surveyed the array of items on his bed: clothing for several days for both him and Madeline, food supply, toiletries, all the cash he had in the bank, and the ten thousand he’d gotten from his mother’s card. She’d put more in, she said, and he could use the card again later if necessary. It would take him years to pay her back, but he’d do it and gladly. He was a hard worker and could make good money when he put his mind to it. Maybe he’d finally start that business he’d always been thinking about. First, he had to get through the next few weeks without getting caught.

  He’d signed the deed to his truck over to his mother so she could sell it, and she’d paid a friend for a junky old car with the title to be transferred later. Or more like never, as he’d abandon it in Vegas. Somehow he’d have to get new ID, a new life. Until he did that, he’d be living in hiding.

  A life on the run. Was it really necessary?

  He slumped to the bed, thoughts of Caitlin nearly overcoming his determination. Slowly he took out his phone and dialed Dakota. Maybe she’d be reasonable. Maybe she’d give him a glimmer of hope so that he could stay.

  “Hello?” She sounded pleasant, not at all her normal self. He stiffened.

  “Hi, Dakota. It’s Parker.”

  “Sorry, Parker’s not home. We’re divorced anyway, you know.”

  Wasted.

  “Dakota, this is Parker. Are you alone?”

  “Parker? You can’t call the police. I’m not home. And no, I’m not alone. I’m with my fiancé. That’s right. We’re getting married and leaving this stupid state. How’s that? You may be better-looking, but he gives me what I need.”

  “Dakota, where’s Madeline?”

  “She’s fine. Now leave me alone.” She started calling him dirty, vicious names, her voice still sweet and slurring. The incongruence almost made him want to laugh.

  “Where’s Madeline?” he asked again, but another, deeper voice came on the phone.

  “Bug off. She’s mine now.” Click.

  The boyfriend, the one who had more muscles than he had hair—or sense, apparently.

  If they were together somewhere, then where was his daughter? He began shoving things into the extra suitcase he’d bought. When he w
as finished, he filled his smaller suitcase as well and then set them by the door. Finished. There was nothing more to do. He grabbed his keys.

  Was there time to stop and see Caitlin? But if he did that, would he have the courage to leave? Shaking his head, he opened his door, hefted the suitcases, and crossed the shared living room. His roommate still didn’t appear to be home, and in fact Parker hadn’t seen him once.

  He opened the door and there she was, Caitlin, standing with one hand up to ring the bell. Her hand lowered, and her black coat fell open to reveal a shimmering red dress. She’d never looked lovelier, and he had difficulty forcing himself to ask, “Is there news?”

  “No, but we need to talk.”

  “I can’t.”

  She glanced down at the suitcase in his hand and at the other on the floor where he’d set it to open the door. “Going somewhere?” He didn’t answer as she stepped into the room. “Parker, you can’t leave.”

  “Are you going to stop me?” He set down the other suitcase.

  “No.” She was so beautiful. The copper hair cascaded down her back, over her shoulders. His breath failed him, and for a moment he could do nothing but stare.

  Her coat slid to the floor, and they were in each other’s arms. Nothing in his life had ever felt so right. “It’d be better if you left now,” he whispered.

  “I’m not leaving until we talk this out.”

  He wanted to talk about it, to establish a base where they could go forward into the future. But they couldn’t have a future, and living only for the moment was what had trapped him with Dakota, what had given Madeline such a raw deal. He wouldn’t do that again. He couldn’t promise her what wasn’t his to give.

  Or maybe he was putting too much stock in her words, in her kiss. Caitlin had shown no surprise that he was leaving. She’d known. So maybe she was simply here to say good-bye. At least he’d have this last glimpse of her to warm him over the next lonely months as he struggled to create a new life with his daughter.

  Then a thought struck him. Maybe Caitlin wasn’t there to say good-bye but to convince him to stay. Perhaps that was what he could see in her blue eyes.