Daddy's Home

by A. K. Alexander

  What he saw on the other side of his window today absolutely fascinated him. She was a beauty indeed, and she looked brainy too. Like a hot teacher type with the glasses and long hair. But once the glasses came off, those women were nothing less than totally doable. This one on the other side of the mirror was far more than just doable. She was gorgeous, and he would love getting a piece of her ass. But then he’d heard her mention Shannon’s name over the hidden speaker system, which he used anytime he saw something of interest and wanted to listen in.

  Why was she asking about Shannon? His radar went up. Shannon never mentioned a friend, and certainly none as radiant as this one. All Shannon ever talked about—when talking was involved, that is—was that little girl of hers.

  William liked little girls.

  Guess I better see what this one is all about. He stood, smoothed down his black v-neck, cashmere sweater over his silk gray slacks. Yes, he was a catch, but not just any woman could have him.

  Only the special ones.

  He left his office through the back entrance, as was his practice. There was never a need to tip anyone off about the two-sided glass.

  He approached the front room, breathing in deeply. Ah, her scent. What was that? Gardenia? Freesia? No, tuberose. It was definitely tuberose. Probably wears “Fracas.” Not only was she beautiful, but she also had style, a certain element of sophistication. Maybe she did know Shannon. That could be bad. Or maybe it could be good. This was going to be very interesting.

  The young woman stood as he entered. Seeing her curves hugging the tight dress made it difficult to contain his obvious arousal. But for now, he would have to do that.

  “Ms. Richards, is it?”

  “Yes.” She extended her hand. Nice, soft, but her nails weren’t long or polished. Just very plain. It didn’t fit the image. They would have to work on that.

  “Nice to meet you. Would you like to step into my office?”

  “Sure.”

  For these occasions, William used a different office than the one behind the window. There were only a few special people allowed into that world. Maybe the lovely currently following him into his more appropriate place of business would be one of the lucky few. Time would tell.

  They entered the office which was overflowing with flowers in Art Deco vases. William loved flowers. There wasn’t anything else that came close to capturing the essence of a woman. “So, Ms. Richards, what brings you to our service?”

  “Actually, a friend of mine suggested it. She said that she had quite a bit of luck with meeting people here.” The woman winked at him.

  “Ah, yes. And who was your friend?” William wondered if that wink meant that she knew something about him and Shannon. He shifted uneasily, making the leather in his chair creak. It took a lot to make William uneasy, but this woman was immediately getting under his skin. What was it about her? Something different than any other woman he’d met before. She exuded a type of power that he didn’t find in many of the clients who came through the door. Oh, sure, there were some who held his interest by their controlling nature. It was fun at times to allow the woman to be in charge. But this Ms. Richards . . . well, it was a different thing than the dominatrix-type control he enjoyed during a full moon. Yes indeed, she did make him uneasy.

  “Shannon McKay.”

  He’d planned on this moment the minute she’d slipped Shannon’s name past her lips inside the reception area.

  “Shannon McKay? I’m afraid that I don’t recall her.” He leaned back in his chair, trying to act relaxed.

  “I don’t know how you could miss her—blonde, beautiful, blue-eyed. And a whole lot of fun, if you know what I mean.”

  “Not really.” Oh, yes, he did. But the vibe he’d been getting, that feeling that this woman was in total control of the situation, had only grown stronger in the course of a few seconds.

  She leaned across his desk. Wow, he could almost see down her dress. She was hot.

  “Oh, I think you do know what I mean.”

  “Nope.”

  “Well, then, maybe I am in the wrong place. I’ll have to call my friend.” She stood.

  William stood up as well. “Wait. I’m certain that we can find you someone very special here.”

  “Oh, no. I don’t think so. If you didn’t know Shannon, then I don’t believe that you can help me. You see, I know that she met some very nice people here, lots of fun, and she said that she was sure I would have a very good time with those same people.”

  “Why don’t you get names and numbers from her then, if she was, is, so willing to share.”

  “I would do that. However, I haven’t been able to get a hold of her for a few days, and I figure that maybe she’s out of town. And you know how we can all get when we’re feeling a little . . . needy.” She placed her hands on her hips and smiled coyly.

  Yes, he did know that feeling. “I think maybe you’re right. Maybe you should try to reach your friend, because for the life of me, I certainly cannot remember a Shannon McKay.”

  “Fine. Thank you for your time. I may be back.”

  She stood, and William escorted her out of his office. She brushed against him. What did this lady really want? What had Shannon told her? As fine as she was to look at, and as much as William had wanted her when she’d walked into his building, he couldn’t wait to see her go. “I’m sorry we couldn’t be of any help.”

  Ms. Richards waved a hand at him and left the building. Perplexed, he watched her go.

  “You okay?” Darla, his receptionist and his on-again, off-again, asked after the woman walked out.

  “Yes.”

  “Do you think she really knew Shannon?”

  “I don’t know. But I want to know exactly who she is. I don’t believe she was here for a date.” He left Darla staring at him, knowing that her stupid little mind was spinning. He regretted ever telling her anything about that night with Shannon.

  Ah, the things they had done. Shannon better not have talked to anyone about that night. He’d discussed the consequences of talking about their escapades and what they could mean for her charming little daughter. But Darla didn’t have anything so sweet to be blackmailed with, and she wasn’t nearly as bright as Shannon. He might have to take care of Darla. She could talk if she grew angry enough. And this Katrina Richards . . . what did she know exactly? He’d have to find out a little more about her. Damn, he’d have to find out a whole helluva lot about her. There could be no loose ends in his kind of business, and Katrina Richards, if that was really her name, could be a loose end.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  “That perverted bastard knows something,” Holly said. “I feel it right down to my soul. I’d like to get a subpoena and search that place.”

  “On what basis? That you think William James knew Shannon McKay?” Chad asked. “I agree with you. He’s a slime-ball. I could hear it in his voice while you were in his office. But let’s face it, Holly, unless we get something further than the fact that he’s creepy, we’ve got nothing to go on.”

  “Hopefully Craig will have found some dirty little secret on him by the time we get back to work in the morning,” Maureen said.

  “If he doesn’t, I say we go back in there anyway and bully him a bit. Get him to ‘fess what he knows.” Holly took a drink from her margarita. The tart mixture of tequila, lime, and splash of Grand Marnier went down smooth. She checked her watch. It was a little after six. Time was running short, and she knew that she’d have to go easy on the booze. Just because she was a cop didn’t give her a license to drink and drive, and she should probably finish only three-quarters of the strong margarita.

  “I’m betting that he has himself an expensive attorney on retainer who is just as sleazy as he is. So, if we want to get him yapping, our best bet is the way we went about it. If nothing turns up on him, you’re going back in, Holly. It’s the only answer,” Chad said.

  Holly held up her hand, fingers crossed. “I’m hoping and praying that Craig tu
rns up something, because the last thing I want to go and do is play Miss Trampy Tina with that scuz again.”

  “Seriously,” Maureen said. “I’ll be shocked if we don’t find something on him. At least enough info to bring him in and throw some questions his way. I’m going to grab another drink. Anyone want one?” she asked.

  “Not me. I’m good,” Holly said. “Besides, looks like there’s quite a group at the bar, and by the time you get back here with it, I’ll probably have to head out and pick up Chloe.”

  “Okay, nice job today. There’s a friend at the bar I’d like to say hi to.” Maureen waved and sidled over to the bar, right on up to one terribly good looking man that Holly knew was Maureen’s trainer at the gym. He was Maureen’s once-in-awhile, convenient affair. That was Maureen for you, and Holly sometimes wished she could be more like that herself. But men and relationships were far from convenient for her, and she had a child to think about. Then, of course, there was Jack, and each time she thought about him it pretty much destroyed any hope for what she might be able to find with another man.

  “So where’s the good doctor?” Holly asked Chad. If she was right, she could swear she saw him blush.

  He looked at his watch. “She should be here any time.”

  “Something is up, partner. What is it?”

  “Nothing.” He took a long sip from his gin and tonic.

  “I’ve got a hunch that it’s more than nothing. And my hunch tells me that nothing starts with a capital B and ends with an M.D.” She grinned at him.

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Chad said.

  “Sure, sure. Go ahead, play dumb. You know what I think? I think every time anyone mentions Dr. Madison, you start fidgeting, and a little color rises to your cheeks. I’ve also noticed that she’s joined our evening bar sessions in the last month, and I haven’t said anything. Come on, since when does the office shrink join a bunch of detectives for drinks after work?” Chad started to protest, but Holly cut him off. “Now, don’t get me wrong. I like the good doctor. I think she’s a real sweet gal and one helluva psychiatrist. Without her, I don’t think we could get into the minds of some of the bastards we hunt down. She’s good. Really good. And we want to keep her happy so we don’t lose her to the Feds.”

  “But? ‘Cause I know there’s a ‘but’ in there,” Chad replied.

  “At least you’re not denying that the two of you are screwing.” Chad gave her the evil eye. “I guess all I’m trying to say is, keep your relationship under wraps.” Holly laughed. “Guess that’s what you’re doing. No, seriously, you know that Greenfield would have a shit fit if he knew that you and the doc were fooling around.”

  “Believe me, I’m just as versed on Greenfield’s policy on fraternization as the rest of the force.” He paused. “Holly, I really like her. No one has ever made me feel this way.”

  “That’s great. It really is. But before you go getting yourself in some kind of trouble with the boss, see if this thing lasts past the bump and grind stage. If it does, then you may want to let Greenfield know that you and Brooke are serious.”

  Chad nodded. Holly could see by his expression that he was somewhere in between embarrassment and relief. “Um, Holly?”

  “I know what you’re gonna say. Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. However, if I were you, and I didn’t want anyone else knowing, I might think of taming down the after work drinks and staying real low key. If you don’t, it won’t be long before the cat is out of the bag. Let’s face it, you aren’t the best at keeping your emotions in check.”

  They both knew this to be true about Chad. When he was taken with a woman, he had a hard time hiding it. Holly had figured out, or at least suspected, there had been something going on between Brooke and Chad for about two weeks now. Tonight, she had confirmed it.

  Not only was she a bit fearful of losing Chad as a partner if Greenfield found out, but her instincts told her that Dr. Brooke Madison was a little more high maintenance than what Chad was used to. Holly had the distinct feeling that once Brooke had him wrapped around her finger, she could easily break Chad’s heart. Holly did not want to see that happen. Chad was the brother she never had; growing up with sisters, she’d really wanted a brother at times. All that female energy under one roof had not been easy, to say the least. Holly loved her sisters, but she was glad they were now all grown and living separately. They were actually much closer that way.

  “Okay, Inspector Clouseau, now that you have me and my love life figured out, I have a few questions for you,” Chad said.

  Holly set down her drink and put on her best I-don’t know-what-you-mean face. “What kind of questions?”

  “I tried that innocent act on you a few minutes ago and you didn’t buy my line. What makes you think I’m buying yours? I’ve got a feeling about you too, Detective. I think there’s more to this man who’s the parent of a little girl in Chloe’s class. If I’m not mistaken, there’s something behind those eyes at the mere mention of this guy. Is there something I should know?”

  Holly set down her drink. “There is nothing you should know. It’s exactly what I said it was. I have to pick up Chloe at a friend’s house.”

  “Yes, you did. But you also said at the dad’s house, which means he’s divorced. I am a detective, remember?”

  Holly shrugged her shoulders, not sure she wanted to get into this with him.

  “Holly?”

  “What?” she asked sheepishly.

  “Who is he? Am I right? Are you interested in him?”

  “Oh, fine. I opened the can of worms by giving you the third degree, so I guess trying to close it now isn’t possible. Yes, I am kind of interested in him. I guess. We had pizza with the kids one night, only because I had to pick up Chloe from him and it worked out that way. And then we did some volunteer work for the teacher and wound up having some wine afterwards. That’s it, nothing more to tell. He encouraged me to take a yoga class with him, so I have been, but with this case and all, I haven’t gone for a few sessions. That’s it. Nothing more to tell.” There, she’d let it all out. Well almost all of it anyway. She’d finally confided in her partner and best friend. What she didn’t tell him was how good it had felt to be around Brendan.

  “No way. I had no idea that you had a thing going on, Holly. I knew you might have a crush or an interest, but it sounds like you’ve got a thing.” Chad finished off his drink. He was obviously looking around for Maureen to get him another one, but she was far too busy flirting with the personal trainer to take notice.

  “Want the rest of mine? I’ve got to get going,” Holly said, shoving her margarita over to his side of the table. “It’s not a thing. Yoga class and a couple of glasses of wine don’t constitute a thing.”

  “Oh, no, you’re not skipping out on me after dropping a bomb like that. But, yeah, I will take the rest of your drink if you don’t want it. I didn’t mean your telling me about the class and your wine date made it sound like a thing. It’s the sound of your voice when you talk about him. And I can see it in your eyes.”

  “Like I said, it’s nothing. It certainly isn’t a thing. He’s a nice man I’ve spent a bit of time with, and we enjoyed each other’s company. But I am not ready to get involved.”

  Chad shook his head. “Really?”

  “Yes, really.” Holly stood just as Brooke walked into the bar, all long legged and dressed as if she’d just stepped out of Neiman Marcus. She let out a low whistle. “Someone is dressed to impress.”

  Chad glanced at the door and turned away.

  “Are you blushing?” she teased.

  “No. And we’ve only got a minute or two before she spots us and makes her way over, so give it to me straight, partner.”

  She rolled her eyes at him and said, “I did give it to you straight. He’s a nice man, that’s it. End of discussion.”

  “Wait a minute. Oh, wow, Detective Holly Jennings has a major crush.”

  “I do not,” she hissed, gi
ving his arm a hard knuckle-rap.

  “Hey, I told you to watch that swing of yours. You’re brutal. I hope this guy can hold his own. So, what does he do anyway?” He looked back over at the entrance. Brooke was still trying to get through the crowded bar. It was one of those places that had standing room only once the five o’clock hour hit.

  “He’s a vet.”

  “Cool, cool. You like animals.”

  “I work with you, don’t I?”

  “Low blow, Detective. All right, enough beating around the bush. Give me the whole story for real, and I’ll be nice for the rest of the week.”

  “You are so lucky I don’t tell Brooke that I know the truth. But since you’re a relentless ass, I’ll tell you this much. He’s cute, he’s nice, he’s funny, he’s a good dad. I don’t know. He’s about as close to perfect as any man could get, I suppose.”

  “Boy, has he got you snowed. You know that we men are all liars. But since you’re the one who used the word perfect, tell me, what’s the problem?” Chad asked, eyeing her suspiciously. “Or should I answer that and say that Jack is the problem?”

  “I knew I shouldn’t have said anything.” She grabbed her purse off the booth.

  “You know what, I’m glad you did, because every time Jack’s name comes up you run or change the topic as fast as you can, and personally, I think you need a shrink to work that out. But since I know you well enough to know you’re not about to puke your past traumas and emotional hang-ups while laying back a on therapist’s couch, you need to talk to me.”

  “I suppose it is about Jack.” She turned and waved to Brooke who caught her eye and continued pushing her way back to them. Then she stopped at the bar to order what Holly was certain to be a Cosmopolitan. Maybe something a bit more demure, like a simple glass of merlot. Holly didn’t have Brooke completely figured out yet.

  “Of course it is. Holly, it’s been nearly eight years. Don’t you think he would want you to move on?”