Pete swallowed the last of his pizza and wiped his hands on a napkin. “I checked into Curt Dawson’s background. He grew up in Nebraska with two sisters and parents who are still married. From what I gathered through phone conversations, he wasn’t a popular kid, but he dated quite a bit in high school. He went to college in Colorado then worked for a dot-com company that went broke several years ago. After holding a couple of short-term jobs, he started his own computer tech business in Santa Rosa. It seems to be doing fairly well.” Pete paused to clear his throat then took a sip of cola. “He’s currently dating a woman named Tiffany Randolph, but it doesn’t appear to be serious. Dawson goes clubbing occasionally, though he isn’t a real social guy. Most nights he spends alone.”
“Anything else of interest?”
“He used to see a shrink but quit going after moving to California. There’s no way to access those records without a court order.”
“And we won’t get one without a lot more evidence.” The sheriff frowned. “What was your overall take on him?”
“On the surface he seems fairly well adjusted with no glaring hang-ups. His social life is a little curious. He’s dated a lot but never had any lasting relationships. Maybe he’s just not into commitment. A lot of thirty-year-old men aren’t.”
“True.” The sheriff turned toward his younger deputy. “What about Bob Mayfield?”
Brandon looked down at the notes lined up on the table. “Mayfield is an interesting character. According to his sister, he was a loner growing up. Never more than one or two friends at a time. In high school he smoked some weed and skipped school a lot. According to his test scores, the guy was intelligent, but he wasn’t motivated. After high school he went to work for a private mail company and quit recently when his grandfather died. Mayfield inherited a lot of money and property.”
Kane leaned forward on one elbow. “If the grandfather was rich, why didn’t he pay to send Bob to college?”
“Mayfield wasn’t interested. The old man paid for the older sister’s education. He was something of a hermit, lived up in Lakeport most of the year but didn’t socialize with the locals.”
“Does Mayfield date?” The sheriff reached for another piece of pizza.
“He doesn’t appear to.” Brandon glanced up from his notes. “He didn’t have many friends at work, Chip Stevens being one of the few. According to Stevens, Mayfield has never had a girlfriend. He picked up a few women in bars and has used the services of prostitutes in the past, but that’s about it. Right now he’s moving to Marin from Vallejo. He bought a house by the beach courtesy of the inheritance.”
Kane frowned. “The guy’s a misfit. Is he still doing drugs?”
“From what I could learn, he smokes pot but isn’t using anything harder.”
The sheriff wiped his hands on his napkin. “So he’s a loner with no girlfriend. Mayfield could fit our profile. On the other hand, so could Dawson. His social life is a little odd as well.”
Kane sat back and crossed his arms over his chest. “I’d like to have a second talk with both men. I think I’ll look Mayfield up tomorrow while Rachel’s at work.”
“Don’t push too hard. I don’t want any phone calls about police harassment.”
“I don’t work for you, Stan. I’ll speak to him strictly as an interested civilian.”
“I can’t stop you from doing that.” The sheriff gave a grunt as he pushed away from the table. “We’re done for the night.”
After helping to clean up the trash, Kane and Rachel left the building and headed home. He locked the door then pulled the shades on the first floor windows while Rachel fed Daisy. She smiled when he opened a bottle of wine and poured two glasses.
“Sit down and relax. You’ve had a rough day.”
“No rougher than yours.” Sipping the wine, some of her tension drained away. “Anyway, I can’t relax for very long. I have muffins to make.”
Kane leaned against the kitchen counter. “Wouldn’t it be easier to use a bakery?”
“Not as profitable, and I enjoy baking.” She set down her glass and went to the refrigerator, returning with eggs, milk and cream cheese. “You can get the flour and baking powder out of the pantry for me.” She broke eggs into a bowl she’d pulled from the cupboard. “Bring those strawberries, too, please.”
“What else can I do?”
Rachel raised an eyebrow. “Are you in a hurry?”
“Maybe. The window’s repaired, so I don’t have to sleep on the couch tonight.”
Warmth coursed through her. She took a breath. “Wash the strawberries and cut them up into pieces. I’ll call the girls while I’m mixing the batter.”
“That’s the spirit.” He grinned as he passed her on the way to the sink. “Multi-tasking is a beautiful thing.”
Rachel dialed her sister’s number and updated her on the previous night’s shooting.
“I can’t believe this is happening.” Susan lowered her voice. “Are you going to tell the girls?”
She positioned the receiver between one ear and her shoulder. “No, it would just worry them.”
“It worries me. Are you sure you’re safe?”
“The place is locked up tight, and Kane is with me.” Rachel turned on the oven then folded the strawberries into the batter. “We’ll be fine. How’s everything there?”
“Wonderful. We had a great time at the beach. I promised everyone a trip to the zoo tomorrow.”
“Susan, you don’t have to entertain them so lavishly. They’d be happy spending the day in your pool or at the park.”
“I don’t mind. I’d planned to take my kids, anyway.”
“At least let me pay. I gave Lark a credit card for emergencies. Charge the entrance fees.”
“Paying for the zoo isn’t going to break me.”
“I feel guilty about it. You’re already doing me a huge favor by keeping the girls.”
“Don’t feel guilty. We’re enjoying having them. Do you want to talk to Jade? She’s standing at my elbow, and I think she’s going to explode if she doesn’t tell you her news.”
“Put her on. Thanks, Susan.”
“You bet. Take care of yourself.”
“Mom! Guess what?”
Jade told her all about her surfing lesson. Then Ivy relayed every detail of the giant sand castle she’d built with her cousins. Finally, Rachel spoke to Lark.
“Hi, honey. How was the beach?”
“Okay, I guess.”
“Did you try surfing?”
“No, I just worked on my tan. Yes, I wore sunscreen.”
“Good girl. I love you.”
Lark was quiet for a moment. “When can we come home?”
“I’m not sure, but the police are making progress. They eliminated another suspect.”
“Which one?”
“Mr. Olmstead.”
“I guess that’s good. It would have been weird if your stalker turned out to be my old teacher. Is Kane there?”
“He’s helping me make muffins.”
“Is that what people over thirty call it?” Lark’s voice hardened.
“Lark!”
“It was a joke. Bye, Mom.”
The phone went dead. Rachel hung up and smiled. “My daughter was in rare form.”
“Lark usually is.”
“They’re having a terrific time. Susan is spoiling them rotten.”
He put his arms around her. “Good for Susan. You deserve a little spoiling, too.”
Rachel glanced over at the timer. “I’m counting on it, but not for another six minutes and forty seconds.”
“I can think of several ways to spend the time.”
His breath was warm on her neck.
Rachel quivered. “Washing dishes?”
“That wouldn’t be my first choice, but let’s get it done.”
The kitchen sparkled in record time. Rachel left the muffins on the counter to cool with
a dishtowel over the top of them.
“All finished.”
“Good. Let’s go to bed.”
Chapter 24
Outside, a bird chirped as dawn broke.
Eyes flickering open, Rachel stretched, her back coming up against a hard, warm chest. Smiling, she snuggled closer.
“If you keep wiggling that sweet little tush of yours, you’re going to get more than you bargained for.” Kane’s voice rumbled in her ear.
“Who says?” She rolled over until they were nose to nose. “Maybe that’s what I was counting on.”
He slid between her legs. Taking her face in his hands, he kissed her. “Good morning, beautiful.”
“It certainly is a good morning. I love you, Kane.”
“I love you, too.”
He pushed inside her, filling her soul.
Her breath whooshed out. “Oh, my.”
Light streaked across the ceiling as they moved together in a rhythm as old as time. When they reached a mind-shattering end, he rolled with her until she lay across him, limp and sated. A cool breeze blew through the partially opened window, drying her damp skin. When she opened her eyes, Daisy’s furry face was inches away.
“Go lay down.”
“I am lying down. In fact, I may never get up again.”
She smiled against his shoulder. “I was talking to the dog.”
“Is that mutt still here?”
“Yep. I think she was critiquing your style.”
“Oh, yeah? How’d I do?”
“A ten, definitely a ten.”
Opening his eyes, he smiled. “Let’s go take a shower and see how I score in the water sport category.”
“I thought getting up was beyond your abilities?”
“I have amazing powers of recovery where you’re concerned.” He rolled her to her back and levered himself out of bed. “I’ll go turn on the shower.”
The man was truly gorgeous. A strong back rose above a firm butt and long, muscular legs. Her mouth went dry, and she licked her lips. When he turned in the doorway, she could barely drag her gaze above his waist.
“Don’t be long.”
“I wouldn’t think of it.” Rachel sat on the edge of the bed and pushed her hair out of her eyes. The shower started just as the phone rang. She reached for the bedside extension. “Hello.”
“Mom, I forgot to pack the new shirt I bought, the blue one with the stringy things. I think it’s in the dirty clothes. Can you mail it to me?”
“Good morning, Lark. You’re up awfully early.”
“Jade and Scott wanted to go surfing this morning before the zoo. I have to share a room with her, and she isn’t exactly quiet. Can you send the shirt?”
“Sure, honey. I’ll wash it for you today and mail it tomorrow.”
“Thanks. What’re you doing?”
“Shower then breakfast and work.”
“Rachel, the shower’s hot. What’s taking you so long?” Kane’s voice drifted into the bedroom before him. He paused in the doorway. “Sorry, I didn’t realize you were on the phone.”
“Mom, is that Kane? Is he in your bedroom? God, I knew this was going to happen. I knew you only wanted to get rid of us so you could sleep with him!”
“You know very well why I sent you girls to San Diego, and it had nothing to do with Kane.”
“Sure it didn’t. There probably isn’t even a stalker. You probably made it up to get rid of us!”
“Lark, calm down please.”
“I don’t want to talk to you. This blows.”
The dial tone buzzed. Rachel took a breath before placing the phone carefully in the cradle.
Kane sat next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Should you give her some time to cool off before you call her back?”
“I suppose so.”
“I’m sorry about that. I didn’t know you were on the phone.”
She gave him a half-hearted smile. “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have been so anxious to jump into a relationship I wasn’t ready to share with my children.”
“You’re a grown woman. You’re entitled to a private life.”
“I know, but this isn’t just about me. I’m a package deal, and I have to think about how the two of us together will affect my girls.”
“I hope they’ll be affected in a positive way. The girls like me. Even Lark, although she won’t admit it.”
“That’s an understatement. She wasn’t exactly thrilled to find out you were in my bedroom at the crack of dawn.”
“That’s because she doesn’t want to see her mother as a sexual being.”
“I wasn’t planning to throw it in her face.”
“Let her spend the day at the zoo and calm down. You can talk to her about it tonight.”
Rachel nodded. “That’s probably best. I’ll even promise not to obsess over it all day. At least I’ll try not to.” She straightened her shoulders. “Do you think there’s any hot water left?”
“I sure hope so.” Kane took her hands and pulled her off the bed then gave her a little push toward the bathroom. “Let’s find out.”
* * * *
Bob Mayfield’s new home was a weathered gray redwood house with a bank of windows facing an incredible ocean view. It wasn’t huge, but it was a far cry from the apartment in Vallejo. Kane’s shoes crunched on the crushed shell walkway leading to the front door. He rang the bell and waited.
Mayfield opened the door wearing an old pair of cutoffs, a faded T-shirt and a surprised expression. “I wasn’t expecting you, Lafferty, but come in. How do you like my new digs?”
Kane glanced around. “Nice. I hope you won’t mind answering a few more questions. Rachel’s stalker has been busy since we last spoke.”
The man’s lips twisted. “This is getting old. Should I call my lawyer?”
“You can if you want, but I’m not here in an official capacity.”
“That was a joke. I’ve got nothing to hide.” He led the way down a short hall to the kitchen. “Would you like a cup of coffee? There’s still some in the pot.”
“I’d prefer water.”
Bob pulled two bottles from the refrigerator and handed one to Kane. “Let’s go sit on the deck.”
The Adirondack furniture was comfortable, and the view of waves crashing on the beach below them spectacular.
“Impressive.”
“I’m not in Vallejo anymore. Did you hurt your arm?”
He glanced down at the bandage. “Gunshot wound. I got closer to Rachel than her stalker liked.”
One brow rose. “This would be the reason you’re questioning me again?”
Kane’s mouth firmed as he regarded him. “You never seem to have an alibi when you need one.”
“So that makes me suspect number one?”
“One or two, take your pick.”
“How can I convince you I could care less about Rachel Carpenter? Should I hire someone to babysit me so I’ll have an alibi the next time this whack job takes a shot at you?”
“That would do the trick.”
“Sorry, but I like my privacy.”
“I understand you always have. No girlfriend, not many friends, period. You’re something of a loner, aren’t you, Bob?”
“Is that a crime?”
“Depends on your reason. I noticed the computer set up you have inside. It looks state of the art.”
“What good is having money if you don’t spend it?”
“Have you spent a little of your new found wealth on sex?”
Bob scowled. “If it’s any of your business, what if I have?”
“Now, that’s illegal.”
“So arrest me.”
“I may, but it won’t be for soliciting prostitutes.”
“Look, I know you’re worried about Rachel, but I’ve taken enough of your crap. I’m just a quiet guy who was lucky enough to inherit some money.” His gaze veered aw
ay to rest on the horizon. “Maybe I have a few bad habits, but stalking women isn’t one of them.”
“Do you own a gun?”
“I own several. They belonged to my grandfather, and they’re all properly registered.”
“Do you know how to use them?”
“Sure. If I’d taken a shot at you, I wouldn’t have missed.”
Putting his hands on his thighs, Kane stood. “Do you mind if I use your john?”
“Help yourself. It’s down the hall to the right.”
Shutting the door to the small room, Kane looked around. Clean and uncluttered with no personal items in sight. Obviously designed for guests. One used tissue lay in the bottom of the waste basket. He lifted it with a piece of toilet paper and dropped it into a plastic bag he’d stuffed into his pocket.
Bob was waiting in the hall when he emerged.
“Thanks.”
“I’ll see you out.”
“Sure.” Kane paused when they got to the front door. “You may want to think about inviting a friend to stay with you for a while. Having an alibi would make your life a lot easier.”
“I’m leaving town for a few days.”
He eyed him thoughtfully. “Suit yourself. Thanks for your time.”
“No offense, but I’m tired of these little chats. I’m done talking.”
“That’s fine. Next time there’s a need to question you, it’ll be official—and you may want to have that lawyer present.”
Without looking back, Kane walked to his Jeep. Driving just out of sight of the house, he parked and circled the perimeter of the property on foot. There was a garage near the house, but the only vehicle in it was a shiny new SUV. No doubt another recent purchase. Returning to his Jeep, he cruised the neighborhood. No abandoned sheds or warehouses, not in this upscale area. If Mayfield had access to the old truck, he wasn’t hiding it near his new home.
Leaving the high-end neighborhood of wealth, comfort and spectacular views, Kane merged onto the freeway. If luck and the traffic gods were with him, he’d be back in Vine Haven by noon. Pulling his cell from his pocket, he pushed the speed dial button for Rachel.
“Hi, beautiful. How was your morning?”
“Not bad. I talked to Grace, and she volunteered to call Lark. She thinks a little heart to heart with her cool aunt might help.”
Every Move She Makes Page 26
