“Well, doesn’t that make sense anyway?” Lina asked. “I mean, Tacoma to here is kind of a long commute.”
He gave her a look she ignored. After two slices of pizza, she was full, which left her free to speculate.
“Plus,” she continued, “surely they’d have wanted to, I don’t know, scope out the bank in advance. Why did they pick that bank and not Chase or Opus or Whidbey Island Bank?”
He sighed. Starting at the crack of dawn, he’d watched videos from another local bank until his eyes were crossing. Charlie was doing the same, as were several borrowed deputies. The FBI had generously taken the footage from the bank that had been robbed. They’d let the locals waste time on banks the pair hadn’t targeted.
“You’re right. We’re going back a couple of days, thinking we’ll see the same face appearing at a couple of other banks. They are unlikely to have gone in together, because two men would draw more attention than one alone.”
“What if one of them was in Snoqualmie Community,” she suggested, “oh, ages ago and knew the layout was perfect and the only window on the street looks in at a conference room instead of the bank proper?”
“But why would he have been if he’s not a local?”
“He has a girlfriend or just a friend up here who needed to stop at the bank one day when they were together? He’d go in out of professional curiosity, wouldn’t he?”
Bran did not want to believe either of those slugs had any reason to feel at home in Harris County, because if that was the case, the likelihood became greater that he had somehow encountered Lina and that the spark of familiarity she felt was because she had actually encountered the creep.
“We have to look,” he said.
“I know.” Sitting cross-legged on the sofa, she made a face. “I’m sorry. You know what you’re doing. I won’t think of anything you haven’t already considered.”
He braced himself. “I don’t mind hearing ideas, but that’s not what I’m here to talk to you about.”
Her wariness showed. So did her belly. He was still shocked at the way arousal had slammed him when she opened the door. Not once had he ever noticed a pregnant woman at the grocery store and thought, Wow, she’s sexy. Apparently Lina was different.
Part of it, he guessed, was the fact that she was carrying his baby. And then there were all the memories of that night, and especially of the morning when he’d made her pregnant. God, it had been amazing. He’d never felt anything like that before.
Also, unlike the day before, she wasn’t making any effort to disguise her pregnancy. No coat or thigh-length sweater. Nope, over black leggings she wore a stretchy black top that clung like a second skin to the generous curves of her body. Maybe she’d planned to do yoga or something. Her feet were bare, too. He kept finding himself fascinated by her long toes and high arches. With the nails unpainted, her feet looked innocent. Maybe she couldn’t reach them anymore, it occurred to him.
Her cheeks were turning pink, which meant he was staring.
He felt some heat in his own face. “Do you have plans tonight?”
“Why?”
“Because my brother and sister-in-law suggested you join us for dinner.”
Her mouth fell open. “You told them about me?”
“Shouldn’t I have?”
“I don’t know! We haven’t decided anything!”
“You decided to admit that you’re pregnant with my child.”
“Yours? Like you own her?”
“You know that’s not what I mean,” he said, exasperated. Why would she flip out because he’d told his brother she was pregnant?
Her eyes narrowed. “Did you tell them how it happened?”
Until this minute, it hadn’t occurred to him that she might mind, and why. Oh, crap. Should he lie? Be honest?
No lies, he decided, not ever. “I did,” he admitted.
Lina’s glare felt like the midday, equatorial sun. He’d wake up in pain tomorrow. Her voice, in contrast, was exquisitely polite if also steely. “Then you may tell them thank you, that I appreciate their kindness, but no, I can’t join them tonight.”
He had to fix this. “They’re not judgmental people, Lina. Once they knew your due date, they’d have figured out when you got pregnant. That alone would tell them I’d done something stupid.”
“Which stupid thing are you talking about? Not wearing a condom? Or did you mean, being careless enough to leave the wedding invitation lying in plain sight? But wait. Maybe you did that on purpose to make sure I didn’t hang around with any illusions, like hoping that we’d just had a beautiful beginning.”
“We did have a beautiful beginning,” he snapped, then was shocked when he realized what he’d said. But he tried to be honest with himself, and he’d felt something unfamiliar that morning. The timing might have sucked, but the woman and he had meshed in a whole lot of ways.
She blinked a couple times, obviously taken aback. “Why would you say that?”
Bran rolled his shoulders. “Because it’s true. I don’t make a habit of picking up women in bars. Yeah, I had too much to drink, and yeah, having Paige dump me at the last minute like that stung, but that’s not why I wanted you. You’re beautiful, and you seemed sad, and I liked you.” He felt awkward. “I would have asked you out if you’d still been there when I came out of the bathroom.”
“Oh.” Lina nibbled on her lower lip for a moment. Her gaze shied away from his momentarily before connecting again. “I would have said yes.”
“Good.” It was too soon to suggest marriage, even if he’d like to have it settled. His plan to create a family had stumbled over an obstacle, but now he had another chance. One he liked even better.
One step at a time, he told himself. Zach was right, he’d need to find out why she’d gotten drunk and had sex with a stranger. This wasn’t the moment, though, especially not if he wanted to spend Christmas Eve with her.
So, keeping his voice gentle, he said, “You didn’t answer my question about tonight. Do you have plans?”
After a moment, she shook her head.
“Then won’t you come with me to Zach’s? I’d really like you to get to know my brother and sister-in-law.”
She searched his eyes, her own betraying more vulnerability than she’d probably like. “Are you sure I’m welcome?”
“I’m sure.”
Her knotted hands clenched and tightened a couple times. “Okay. I admit, I wasn’t looking forward to tonight, especially not after...you know.”
He nodded. “I do know. Uh... I’d better get back to work. I’ll pick you up at five thirty, if that works.”
“Thank you,” she said with dignity. “Can I bring anything? I mean, food?”
He guessed there’d be plenty, but he said, “Don’t rush out to the grocery store, but if there’s a dish you can make easily, Tess would probably appreciate it. I know she’s baking a ham.”
She told him she’d think of something, and escorted him to the door. Bran wanted to touch her, but the way she held herself aloof told him that wouldn’t be smart. Soon, he told himself. He’d just achieved a significant win. He shouldn’t get greedy.
CHAPTER FIVE
“I’LL HELP YOU clear the table.” Lina pushed back her chair and began gathering dirty dishes before anyone could argue.
But as it happened, none of the men, which included Tess’s father, leaped up and insisted that in fairness they should handle the cleanup.
Already holding two empty serving dishes, Tess smiled. “Thank you.”
In the kitchen, Lina said, “I suppose you cooked the entire meal.”
Tess laughed. “I did. To be fair, though, Zach worked a shift today, while I stayed home. My partner and I decided not to open the store. Who was going to shop for carpet on Christmas Eve
?”
Lina had learned that Tess was half owner of Fabulous Interiors, which offered flooring, window coverings, tile and more. The house Tess and Zach were still restoring had benefited from her ability to buy materials at cost. The gorgeous tile in the bathroom was a good example. Lina had had several opportunities to admire it and the claw-footed tub. As frequently as she needed a bathroom now, she was afraid she might as well move into one the last month.
Bran had told her that Zach was also a sheriff’s deputy. He was probably lucky not to be out patrolling this evening. Law-enforcement agencies couldn’t shut down for holidays.
“I like your dad,” she said tentatively. He’d been positively courtly to her.
“I’m glad. I feel lucky to have him.” Tess glanced over her shoulder and then lowered her voice. “He had a massive stroke almost three years ago. Rehab was slow, and I keep waiting for him to have another one. I feel blessed every day he’s still here.”
“That must keep you on edge. He looks good, though.”
“He does,” Tess agreed. “Better all the time.”
“It seems like he and Zach are good friends.”
“They are.” She laughed. “Now.”
Lina returned to get another load of dirty dishes while Tess started rinsing off plates and loading the dishwasher. Lina was feeling increasingly comfortable with the woman who, it had occurred to her during the evening, would be her baby’s aunt.
“I’m glad you’re here,” Tess said unexpectedly, after she’d started to slice two of the pies. “Bran is so alone.”
“Do you think so?” Lina asked, startled. “I would have said he’s guarded, but he’s been...” How to put it? “More generous and open than I expected, I guess. I thought he’d be mad at me for not telling him right away about the baby.”
“I’ll bet you could hardly wait to have that conversation.”
“It was like staring up at Mount Everest, and I was supposed to climb it without oxygen.”
They were both giggling when Bran appeared in the kitchen. He eyed them cautiously. “Tell me you weren’t talking about me.”
They laughed again.
With a glint in his eyes that might have been humor, he asked if the coffee was ready.
“It is,” his sister-in-law said. “I’ll pour if you’ll go take orders for pie.”
“Do you have ice cream?” he asked hopefully.
Tess patted his cheek. “Of course I do.” She paused for a moment, watching him go. “He’s loosening up.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t think he liked me at first. Or he didn’t want to like me. Or he liked me, but didn’t know how to show he did. Or—” She made a face. “I feel as if I still don’t really know him. He and Zach have reasons for not being very trusting—” At the sound of footfalls, she broke off.
“Two blueberry, one apple,” Bran reported. “Ice cream all around.”
The women decided to each try the other’s pie.
The men had been talking about college football and the upcoming bowl games when the women served them, but lost interest the minute they had forks in their hands.
“I like football,” Lina said into the silence as they dug into the pie. “Mostly pro. Since I grew up in Minnesota...”
The men all groaned.
Eventually, they got around to talking about the next day. Zach was working the day shift again. With not much seniority, he hadn’t been given a choice. He shrugged. “I’d have volunteered anyway. The guys with kids should have the holiday off. We can celebrate anytime.”
“We’re planning to gorge again tomorrow night,” Tess said cheerfully. “I have a humongous turkey and we’ll open our presents after dinner. Please join us, Lina.”
She groped for a polite out. Her daughter might be family, but she wasn’t. “That’s kind of you, but I can’t.”
Bran’s hand found hers under the table. “Please,” he said softly.
Face burning, Lina looked around to see only friendly, encouraging expressions. Why were they being so nice to a woman Bran had picked up in a bar, for heaven’s sake? But she knew. However they felt about her, she was carrying Bran’s baby.
“I can’t,” she repeated. “I haven’t had a chance to buy gifts for any of you, and—”
“And we haven’t for you, either,” Tess said briskly. “But I can’t stand to think of you alone tomorrow night.”
Isabel had invited her to join her family, too, but Lina had already declined. It was better to be alone than feel like an outsider.
Although, somehow she hadn’t felt like an outsider tonight. She thought it was possible she and Tess might become friends. And Bran was either an amazing actor, or he really wanted her to say yes.
After a moment, she smiled shakily. “Then thank you. This is really nice of you.”
Bran squeezed her hand, but didn’t let go of it. He rotated his coffee cup so he could pick it up with his left hand. Lina wondered if anyone else had noticed. She ought to tug her hand free, but couldn’t make herself. How funny that she hadn’t realized until this moment how alone she had felt, good friends notwithstanding.
The prospect of becoming a single mother was daunting. She’d have more support if she moved back home, but she hadn’t seriously considered it. She loved her job and her coworkers, she liked Clear Creek, she didn’t miss Minnesota winters and she hadn’t felt close to her parents in a long while. She’d opened the distance because they hadn’t liked David, and her mother, in particular, couldn’t resist reminding her every single time they talked that she should have listened to them.
Yes, they’d been right and she’d been wrong, but she didn’t need to hear it over and over and over. And now, an unplanned pregnancy and her being unmarried... Even though she claimed she was excited about her first grandchild, Mom would still be going on about the unmarried thing when Lina’s daughter was accepting her college diploma.
Astonishingly, her baby had a father now. None of Lina’s fears had materialized, at least not yet. The generosity of Bran’s family astonished her. Tess, she thought, was genuine. Zach, Lina was less sure of, except that he’d been polite.
No, she couldn’t entirely believe in all of this, but right now, at least...she didn’t feel alone. And that was a gift.
* * *
CHRISTMAS HAD GONE WELL. Bran couldn’t have planned it better if he’d been able to stage the whole thing. He’d seen Lina relax, minute by minute. Family was just what he’d needed to swing her to his point of view.
The twenty-sixth being a Saturday, Bran was at his desk. He’d gone in, hoping Novinski would have sent him the files she’d promised on the other robberies, but apparently she had taken the holiday off. Today, she’d loaded his inbox.
Warring had shown up today, too, as much a workaholic as Bran, and for the same reason. No wife, no live-in girlfriend, no kids. The thought drifted through Bran’s head that he might change, but he shook it off. The threat to Lina, however improbable, had to be his priority.
“Good holiday?” Charlie asked, sitting down at the next desk with a cup of coffee.
“Yeah, it was.” Surprisingly, he meant it. He had managed to buy Lina a present, which had both embarrassed and pleased her, if he was any judge. He’d stopped the afternoon of Christmas Eve at a jeweler and found a gold pendant that, with simple, almost abstract lines, depicted a man embracing a woman and baby. Bran’s message wasn’t subtle. “Had it with Zach and his wife,” he said. And Lina. People would learn about the baby eventually, but he hoped to be engaged to her before then. “You?”
“My parents. They live in Seattle. My sister and her family were there, too.” Charlie shrugged. “Her four-year-old thought Christmas morning was the greatest thing ever.”
Bran’s heart contracted hard, the sensati
on almost painful. Next Christmas, he’d have a kid of his own. Every once in a while, the reality of it hit him.
He forwarded some of the files to Charlie’s email box, and they started to read. Bran, at least, was grimly determined.
It didn’t take him half an hour to discover he concurred with the opinion of the feds: the same two men were responsible for at least five robberies besides the most recent. The first one, they’d made off with about $15,000, hastily gathered by a teller. The timing had been good enough after an armored car had arrived with cash at the Bank of America in Tacoma, they’d gotten away with nearly $100,000. The others were amounts in between, but altogether added up to damn near $300,000. Divided in half, though, that didn’t make them rich men these days, which meant they were probably already planning their next job. The fact that they had killed people this time might make them nervous enough to take a longer than usual break—or getting away with it could have gone to their heads. They were already wanted not only for bank robbery but also for murder. What did they have to lose now?
His concentration wasn’t as absolute as usual. Lina hadn’t said what she would be doing today beyond her intention to swim laps at the high school pool. He didn’t like the idea of her out and about even if common sense suggested that the last thing the two robbers would do was hang around Clear Creek. Unless they knew Lina’s name, of course, but how could they? Even so, it wouldn’t hurt for him to call and check in with her a couple of times.
He also couldn’t forget that Mrs. Greaver, the neighbor from when he was a kid, had agreed to meet with Zach today. Talking to the woman on the phone, Zach, too, had sensed her reluctance. Were they about to catch a break?
Nothing about investigating their sister’s murder had been pleasant. Zach, only nine years old when it happened, had been the one to discover Sheila’s body. He would never be able to wipe that memory out of his head.
Their pretty, unfailingly happy sister had been raped and strangled when she was only six. The police had suspected Michael Murphy, Bran and Zach’s father, if only because they had failed to come up with any other viable suspect. They had trouble believing that anyone could have sneaked into the house and taken Sheila out the back door without waking either of her parents, whose bedroom had been right next to Sheila’s.
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