Suspicion of Guilt

by Tracey V. Bateman

  “Well, we won’t talk about curfew, this time, since you were studying.” She sent the girl an affectionate smile. “You’ve never given me reason to worry before. Did Reece tell you what happened?”

  She nodded. “How bad is it?”

  “The kitchen looks like we had a fire. And you can smell smoke all over the house, but I think we can get the clean-up done in a reasonable amount of time.” She gave a long sigh. “The stove’s ruined. And the counters will have to be redone.”

  Shelley scowled. “That’s all we need right now. How are we going to do all that?”

  Denni patted her arm. “Let’s not worry about it for now. We’ll think about that tomorrow.”

  “After all, tomorrow is another day,” Shelley returned.

  “Okay, Miss Scarlett, better get to bed. I’m going to need all the help I can get tomorrow cleaning up that kitchen.”

  Shelley gave her a quick hug. “I’m going to check out the damage, then go up to bed.” She turned to Reece. “Thanks for being my knight in shining armor.”

  “No thanks necessary.” His mouth drew up into a teasing smile. “That’s just the kind of guy I am.”

  After Shelley left the room, Denni gathered a deep breath. It seemed she couldn’t turn around without Reece being there lately.

  “Are you doing all right?” Reece’s voice seemed genuinely filled with concern. She wanted to believe it, but something niggled inside, raising her suspicions.

  “I’m just glad no one was hurt or killed. The fire could have been so much worse.”

  “Have you given any more thought to who might have started it?”

  A weary sigh escaped Denni’s throat. “I think the fire investigator will conclude that it was an accident, started by the teapot on the stove.”

  Reece narrowed his eyes, but nodded. Denni’s ire rose at the obvious patronizing.

  “I mean it, Reece. There was no malice here, so just get that out of your head.”

  A wry grin split his lips. “My Kojak-bald head?”

  Denni’s jaw dropped. “Wh-what do you mean by that?”

  “I know you and your girls are calling me Kojak behind my back.”

  “I never once…”

  “Oh, it’s okay. I’m just kidding.” He rubbed his head. “Anyway, I guess I should be going so you can turn in.”

  “Reece?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Do you want to come inside and have some hot chocolate with me?”

  Surprise showed in his face and the lift of his eyebrows. “Are you sure? You have a pretty full day tomorrow.”

  “I’m wired. And…I guess I’d rather not be alone after all.”

  He took a step forward. “All right. I’d love to stay for awhile and keep you company.”

  She was keenly aware of his presence behind her as he followed her to the kitchen. She stopped short before entering.

  “You okay?” he asked, close enough that she felt his breath against her hair.

  “I forgot,” she whispered. “I can’t use the stove to boil the water.” Her words caught in her throat.

  “It’s okay, honey.” He moved around so that they faced each other in the doorway. He towered over her. Her face was inches from his neck, and she watched his Adam’s apple bob as he swallowed hard.

  Slowly, she lifted her chin to meet his gaze. Her mind clouded as he stared into her eyes. And she couldn’t move. Had no desire to move. If only he would…

  He searched her face and Denni didn’t care if he saw her neediness at the moment. She did crave the comfort of his embrace. Keeping her eyes locked on his, she took a step forward.

  He gathered a ragged breath. His arms crept around her and pulled her close. She drank in the spicy scent of aftershave and drew from his strength as she rested her head against his chest. With her arms tucked close to her body, she wouldn’t exactly call this a hug. His heart beat a steady rhythm against her ear. For the first time all evening, she felt herself relax. She closed her eyes and drowsed against him.

  “Denni,” he whispered after what seemed like several minutes.

  “Mmm?”

  “I need to let you go.”

  Heat crept into her cheeks and she pulled back to look at him. “I’m sorry.”

  Despite his admission, he didn’t release her. And she didn’t protest. “Don’t be sorry. I enjoyed it,” he said, pressing his forehead to hers. His voice dropped to a husky tone that tripped her stomach. “Probably more than I should, considering…”

  Disappointment shot through Denni, and her muscles tensed again. “Considering you’re determined to crack a nonexistent case?” She started to step out of his arms, but he tightened his hold and pulled her back.

  “Considering everyone in the house has gone to bed and we’re alone down here at 2:00 a.m.”

  “Oh,” she mouthed.

  His tone dipped along with his head. “Not to mention that for months I’ve wanted to do this…”

  Warm lips covered hers before Denni could react. As her heart rate kicked into high gear, two parts of her brain played tug of war in her overloaded mind: the part that knew that this was impossible, given the difference in the way they lived their lives, and the part that wanted to press against Reece, slip her arms around his waist and surrender to his melting kiss. She didn’t have to choose, as the kiss ended oh-so-soon.

  “Reece,” she whispered.

  “Yeah, I know,” he whispered back. He pressed a kiss to her forehead and slowly released his hold, never taking his eyes from hers. Recovering, he gave her a twisted grin. “If you feel the need to slap me, I’ll stand strong and take it like a man.”

  With a short laugh, she stepped into the kitchen. “I think we’ll just chalk this up to you trying to console me. I can let it go. Just…”

  He held up his hand. “I know. Just don’t let it happen again.”

  “Right. And I promise I’ll be a rock when you’re around so you don’t feel the need to offer me any more manly comfort.”

  She felt around for the flashlight on the counter and switched it on.

  Reece whistled under his breath. “That fire did a number on your counter and wall. This isn’t going to be cheap.”

  A groan escaped her in spite of her resolve to hold up whenever Reece was around. “I suppose I’ll call the insurance agent in the morning. This is going to shoot my rates sky-high, but I don’t have a choice, I’m afraid. A new stove, counter and the wall behind are going to cost a bundle. And don’t offer to help, because I know this is way above your handyman skills.”

  She smiled to take the sting out of the words.

  He studied the damage, rubbed a hand over his head and nodded. “Okay, you’re right. I’d be as lost as a cow in a blizzard.”

  “I’m proud of you for admitting it.”

  He tossed her a lopsided grin. “It wasn’t easy for a man with my level of pride.”

  “Well, you’ll be a better man for it.”

  He gave her a brow-raised grin. “Don’t be too sure.”

  She started to return his grin, then spied an object on the floor. Realizing what it was, she bent over and snatched it up.

  “What’s that?” Reece asked.

  Facing him she tried to mold her face into the image of innocence. “Nothing.”

  He scowled. “What do you mean, nothing? I just saw you pick something up off the floor.”

  “Well, sheesh. Okay, if you’re going to make a federal case out of it.” She winced at her choice of words as she opened her fist and let him see.

  He stared at her hand, confusion causing his brow to furrow. Then understanding dawned upon his expression and he nodded. “Shelley’s key.”

  “Yeah,” she said, hearing the dull tone of her voice. “Please don’t read anything into this.”

  “Her key was in the kitchen, she wasn’t here when the fire started, and she walked home. Denni…”

  “No! Shelley loves me.” Denni’s lips trembled. “I know she woul
dn’t do anything to hurt me.” She slapped her hand down hard on the counter. “I mean it, Reece. Please trust me. This is a coincidence.”

  Rolling his eyes, he frowned and shook his head. “No way. Give me the key. I want it for evidence.”

  “No. You can’t have it.”

  “Listen to me.” His voice was gruff. Gone was the tender man who had held her only a few moments earlier.

  She squared her shoulders and braced herself. “Go ahead.”

  “You might think no one would possibly be out to hurt you, but someone obviously is. You even admitted after the flooded basement that someone is out to cause damage to this place. First there was the theft. Then there was the fire in the laundry room. Then the flooded basement and now this. The incidents are getting closer together which means that whoever did these things is getting impatient. You’re going to have to let me do my job before something happens to you.”

  Denni’s stomach turned over, not only at Reece’s ominous prediction, but at his obvious concern—concern that went beyond his public servant role. “I know something isn’t right. It’s just so hard even to consider one of the girls capable of this. It must be someone else.”

  “So you’re admitting these aren’t random accidental mishaps?”

  “I’m not stupid, Reece.” Frustration loosened her tongue. “I told you before it might be sabotage. But for the life of me, I can’t imagine why anyone would have a motive. If it’s one of the girls, they’ll be out of a home. If not…who?”

  Reece shrugged. “Mrs. James doesn’t seem too happy about the girls living here.”

  Waving away his suggestion, Denni shook her head. “No way. The lady’s a little eccentric, and not mad about my girls, but she isn’t a saboteur.”

  “How do you know?”

  “Well, I just do.” She peered closer to see if he was joking. “Reece. You can’t possibly believe a sweet little old lady is capable of causing flooded basements and starting fires.”

  “I never rule anyone out based on age. And unless we’re talking about two separate people, that Mrs. James isn’t exactly sweet.”

  “Well, no. Probably not. But remember, the first incident wasn’t sabotage, it was theft. And I can’t exactly picture her breaking into the house and stealing.”

  “We never found evidence that anyone broke in,” he reminded her. “I still think that was an inside job. And possibly unrelated to the three incidents of damage.”

  “You make my head ache with all of your theories.” Denni leaned across the counter, pressing her palm against her forehead. “Find some proof to substantiate any of these so-called hunches, will you? I don’t know how much more I can take.”

  “Believe me, I’m doing my best. It’s only a matter of time, now. What about Sarah?”

  “Sarah James?”

  He nodded. “It’s possible. Especially if she’s nuts. That would explain the irrational incidents.”

  “She’s not ‘nuts’ and you need some etiquette lessons.”

  “Funny, I’m not too concerned with etiquette when your safety is at stake.”

  Denni looked up at the hard tone. The stubborn set of his jaw left no doubt in her mind that he would beef up his investigation. Somehow, she couldn’t quite decide if she should be relieved or worried.

  Chapter Eleven

  “You’re going to have to wrap this up soon, Reece. We’ve already spent way too much time on a burglary case.”

  “It’s more than burglary, Chief.” Sitting across from his superior made Reece nervous. It wasn’t often he was summoned to this office for something other than a pat on the back.

  This time, however, was far different. And Denni’s safety might very well depend upon Reece’s ability to convince the chief that this case went beyond the obvious.

  He could throttle Denni for failing to report the laundry-room fire and the flooding of her basement. He had the feeling that if Mrs. James hadn’t called 911, the kitchen fire would have been dealt with using the sink sprayer and anything Denni could find to beat the flames.

  But the file on the chief’s desk didn’t contain most of the incidents. Only the theft and the 911 call. The chief gave him a convince-me look.

  “Look,” Reece said, taking the friendship approach. “You know me. I’m not going to waste the taxpayer’s money on a frivolous case. First of all, we haven’t recovered any of the items that were stolen.”

  “How close are you?”

  Rubbing his hand over his head, Reece blew out a breath.

  The chief nodded. “That’s what I figured.”

  “Since that robbery, there have been three sabotage attempts. Someone doesn’t want Mahoney House to stay open.”

  The chief glanced down at the skinny folder and back up to Reece. “I see that there was a fire a few nights ago, but it looks like an accident. There’s nothing in this report about other incidents.”

  Reece scowled. “I know. Denni didn’t report them.”

  “There you have it, then. Not much we can do about something that isn’t reported.” The chief’s Groucho Marx brows pushed together and he leaned forward. “Are you making this personal? It’s not about the woman, is it?”

  Shifting in his seat, Reece swallowed hard and forced a level gaze. “You know me better than that.”

  “I thought I did. But you’re spending way too much time worrying about this. We both know that computer and stereo are long-gone. I think it’s time to close this investigation and move on. I could use you on a couple of other cases.”

  The thought of reducing Denni’s case to one of hundreds stuffed unsolved into a filing cabinet sent shards of anger through Reece. With a tenacity he’d rarely used with his superior, he stood and leaned forward on his clenched fists. “I’m not ready to throw in the towel on this one, Chief. Trust me and give me a little more time.”

  Obviously not intimidated, the chief drummed his fingers over the open file. Reece held his breath while the man made up his mind. Finally after what seemed like an eternity, he glanced up and nodded. “I’ll give it one more month. But you’ll have to take on the Stuart case as well.”

  The thought of adding more work to his schedule didn’t exactly thrill Reece, but he was thrilled with the permission to continue to work on Denni’s case.

  He walked out of the office with a lift in his spirits.

  “I guess the chief didn’t pull the plug after all, huh?” Sean came from behind and fell into step beside Reece. The kid had become his virtual shadow since his self-appointed decision to join the “hunt” for Denni’s saboteur.

  “I have a month.”

  “You mean we have a month.” Sean chomped spearmint gum and fairly shook with pent-up energy.

  “You’re not even assigned to this case. What’s in it for you?”

  Sean shrugged. “I’ve seen Leigh somewhere. But every time I get this close to remembering, it leaves my mind. She doesn’t have a record.”

  “You checked?”

  “Yep. Not a thing on her.”

  Reece had already done that of course, but it irked him that Sean was playing lover boy to her face and investigating her behind her back. Leigh was a pain, but did she deserve that? Furthermore, was he any different in his dealings with Denni?

  His mind went to the shared kiss. The feel of her, soft and pliable in his arms. His heart sped up at the memory. Why was it that when he finally found a woman he could picture a future with, she turned out to be religious? If there was a God, this was a nice little joke He was playing.

  “So?”

  The sound of his shadow’s voice swung Reece back to the present. “So what?”

  “Where do we go from here?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “After the fire the other night, I figure whoever is doing these things is probably stepping up the action. Right? It hasn’t been that long since the flooded basement. So we might not have much time to catch her before she hurts someone.”

  “You real
ly think it’s Leigh?”

  A troubled frown played at Sean’s brow. “She doesn’t seem like the type and if I had to guess, I’d say she loves Denni like a mom or something. But you’re the one who told me not to assume anything. And not to let personal feelings distract me from doing a thorough investigation.”

  Reece nodded.

  “If I could just figure out why Leigh looks so familiar, I could put it to rest or confirm that she’s the one.”

  They walked out the double doors of the police station. Sean followed as Reece headed toward his Avalanche.

  “Don’t you have something to do?” Reece asked.

  “Nope. Day off.”

  “Then what were you doing at the station?”

  Sean shrugged and grinned, smacking his gum with perfectly white, straight teeth. “I like it. Besides I wanted to see what you were doing.”

  The kid reminded Reece of himself at that age. He remembered himself as a rookie cop, wide-eyed and determined to be a crackerjack. He’d pretty much achieved that goal. He supposed Sean would too. He was willing to use whatever means were necessary to solve a case.

  “Get in.”

  “Where we going?”

  “Where do you think?”

  “I knew I should have worn my cologne. You wouldn’t want to swing by my apartment would you?”

  “Forget it, pretty boy. I don’t think it’s your fancy smell that makes Leigh’s heart go pitter-patter, anyway.”

  “So, you think she really likes me?”

  Reece rolled his eyes. “I don’t know, Beav. Why don’t you write her a note and ask her?”

  Rather than being miffed by the sarcasm, Sean guffawed, slapping his crossed knee. “I think she does. I’m starting to hope she’s not guilty.”

  “Really? You’re rethinking taking her home to the folks?”

  Sean shrugged. “They’d have to get used to her. I did. Once you look past the dark makeup and the piercings, she’s a pretty great girl.”

  “Yeah, but how do you get past the fact that she can beat you up?” Reece snickered at his own joke.

  “I’ll just be nice to her so she doesn’t have a reason to.”