ToServeAndProtect

by KyAnn Waters

  “Richard, keep trying to locate the black car the neighbor saw.” Dustin ran his hands through his hair. “Kendall, just try and buy us some time with Butler. I know he’s biting at the bit.”

  “Keep the evidence coming, and I’ll do what I can.”

  Finally, Dustin was alone with Tyson. “What’s this bullshit about the grieving daughter going to the girlfriend as the bearer of bad news?”

  Dustin spoke in hushed tones. “My gut tells me the Marino brother’s are at the heart of this. I can’t protect her if I’m in Los Angeles. Dawn’s with her now.” They walked out to the parking lot. “I need you to back me up on this.”

  “What are you saying? Want me to keep an eye on her?”

  No way. Once he proved McKenna’s innocence, he intended to take their relationship to the next level. As Tyson once said, you don’t park where your partner’s been. “I want that job.”

  “You like the princess?” He didn’t look pleased.

  Dustin shrugged. “Maybe. I know she didn’t kill her father.” Dustin stopped with his hand on the door handle. “I need to trust my partner has my back.”

  “Don’t pull that shit on me,” Tyson countered. “I’ve got your back. Think with your head, not your dick.”

  “It isn’t like that.” Dustin pulled the door open. “I know what I’m doing.” He climbed into the truck and slammed the door. The engine roared to life and then backfired as loud as a shot from his weapon.

  * * * * *

  McKenna watched out the window for Dawn. When she pulled into the driveway, McKenna hurried to the door and pulled it open.

  “Out with it,” Dawn said as she came into the house.

  McKenna peered up and down the street and then quickly closed the door. Her fingers shook as she twisted the deadbolt, locking the door. Then she reset the alarm.

  “Christ, Mickey, what the hell is going on?”

  “I’ll tell you everything.” She put her arms around Dawn and held tightly. “He kissed me. He’s amazing and I’m in trouble. My tummy quivers and my heart pounds. He makes me wet and frustrated, and I should be concerned with the case, the murder, and the mounting shit that is my life.”

  “Oh, my god.”

  “Exactly. What am I doing?” McKenna bowed her head. “When you make a mistake like I did with Scott, you don’t get a second chance.” Heavy tears collected in the corners of her eyes and spilled onto her cheeks.

  Dawn pushed her away. “Bullshit.”

  “Don’t get angry with me. I’m already angry with myself.”

  Dawn pulled McKenna back into her arms. “I said flirt with him, not fall in love with him.”

  McKenna wiped her eyes. “I can’t fall in love with him. When Scott died, I promised myself never again.”

  “Good grief, now you’re a martyr. I’m not buying it.” Dawn kicked off her shoes. “How was the kiss?”

  McKenna followed Dawn into the kitchen. “Amazing.”

  “I knew it. Maybe now that Detective Pearce is making the moves on you, I can get into Detective Jones’ pants.” She opened the refrigerator.

  “You’re interested in Detective Jones?”

  “What is that smell?” She crinkled her nose. “Get the garbage can.”

  “We’re both idiots,” McKenna said, shaking her head. “At least Dustin thinks I’m innocent. Detective Jones wants to see me fry.”

  Dawn began taking foil wrapped dinners and dumping the furry contents. “I’ll take Detective Jones for a test drive and keep him distracted while you help Dustin solve the case. So fill me in. What have you and Mr. Amazing uncovered about your dear old dad?”

  “Elliot had a girlfriend, and he was involved with criminals in California. Dustin thinks one of them might be responsible for his death. He said the Marino brothers know how to make a body disappear.”

  Dawn stopped dumping food. “The men from the funeral?”

  McKenna nodded. “And someone was in the house.”

  “That’s it, Mickey. You’re coming home with me.” Dawn slammed the refrigerator door.

  “No, Dawn. I just decided life is too uncertain. I could be dead tomorrow. Let’s go out.”

  “Are you crazy?”

  “Not yet, but I feel like I’m slowly getting there. I need to forget for a minute.” If it was even possible.

  “What about Detective Pearce?”

  McKenna shrugged. “Solving the murder needs to be his only concern. Protecting me won’t be necessary once he puts the bad guys behind bars.” She cinched up the top of the garbage bag. “Last night we shared a bottle of wine.” She pulled the bag from the can. “And then he stayed over.” She took two steps toward the garage.

  “What? You slept with him,” Dawn screeched.

  “I wish, but no, he hacked into Elliot’s files. He was still here when I woke. And don’t sound so indignant. That was your plan if you recall. Besides it was nothing.” McKenna took the trash to the garage. “Really, it was nothing,” she said when she returned. She crossed to the sink and washed her hands.

  Dawn wasn’t convinced. “Get your purse. We’ll hit the mall then go to the club tonight.” She slipped her shoes back on. “We have to take your car. Mine’s on empty.”

  McKenna grabbed her keys and purse, and they went out the kitchen door. Dawn opened the passenger side of McKenna’s car.

  “Where’s Elliot’s ride?”

  “I sold it, and no, you can’t have the spot. I already gave the clicker to Dustin.” She put the car in reverse and watched out the back window, ignoring Dawn’s mischievous smile.

  Later that night, Dawn and McKenna stepped into the Black Jack Saloon. The latest country crooners inspired whiskey drinking, cheating, and dancing with cowboys on the sawdust-covered floor.

  “Isn’t that Steven?” The moment the words were out of Dawn’s mouth, Steven stood and approached.

  “Hi. It’s good to see you out.”

  “Thanks.” The bar was crowded. McKenna glanced around for a table.

  “Do you want to sit with us?”

  “Sounds good.”

  Steven put his hand on her lower back and escorted her to the table. “How are you doing? You look fantastic.”

  McKenna wore tight, black pants and a red tank top that scooped low in the front. The look seemed to be working for Steven. His gaze roamed over her body. Finally he raised his eyes to her face and asked, “What do you drink?”

  McKenna glanced over at the bar. Pink neon lights advertising hard liquor and classic signs for domestic beer hung above the polished wood counter. Bottles of every size lined the mirrored wall. Two twenty-something’s in black cowboy hats with white T-shirts clinging to their muscular builds, mixed drinks and opened beers. “Tequila,” she said on a sigh.

  “With beer chasers,” Dawn hollered over the noise of the club.

  Steven snaked his way through the crowd to the bar. Dawn and McKenna introduced themselves to his friends.

  “We’re getting drunk tonight,” Dawn said, and then leaned toward McKenna. “Maybe you can check out the backseat of Steven’s car.” She laughed at her own joke. “Come on, Mickey, remember this was your idea. We’re supposed to be having fun.”

  She smiled and took a deep breath. “Better get me drinking.”

  Dawn whistled, grabbing the attention of the shooter girl. She held up two fingers. “Something sweet.” Dawn pulled money out of her pocket. “Here’s to living.” They clinked the bottoms of their tubes together and downed the shots.

  “Wow.” McKenna licked her lips. “That was good.”

  Steven returned with their drinks and a beer for himself. “My only drink tonight,” he said. “Everyone goes home with me.”

  “Aren’t we lucky,” Dawn cooed and slammed her shot of Tequila.

  A popular song with a good beat pumped through the speakers, and the dance floor quickly filled up with line dancers. “Come on.” She grabbed McKenna’s arm and dragged her into the crowd.

  The
y stomped their feet and spun around, trying to keep up without actually knowing any of the patterns. Dawn smiled at the cowboy next to her. “Howdy,” she drawled. He slid in a little closer and looked very tall next to her.

  McKenna backed herself off the dance floor leaving Dawn to move into a slow dance.

  “You look like you’re having a good time,” Steven said when she sat back down.

  She was, but she was also thinking about the detective. Glancing at Dawn, she realized she didn’t know how to let loose and have fun. What if Dustin couldn’t prove her innocence? What if the Marino’s murdered Elliot and she was next on their hit list?

  “Another drink?”

  She turned to Steven. Suddenly she couldn’t remember why she’d put him off for months. He waved to the cocktail waitress making rounds and ordered two shots of tequila. He scooted closer, put his hand on her thigh, and handed her the tequila. “Ready for body shots?”

  She raised her eyebrow. “Confession time.” She smiled. “I’ve never done a body shot.”

  He took the salt. “I’ll go first.” Bending his head, he placed his mouth on her neck. His tongue flickered across her skin until he was kissing her collarbone. Leaving it wet, he sprinkled some salt. “Now you have to hold the lime.” He placed the rind of the lime between her teeth. He licked the salt, slammed the tequila, and kissed her taking the lime with his mouth. He bit off the fruit and kissed her again.

  McKenna licked her lip. “My turn.” She picked up the saltshaker. “Where do I put the salt?”

  “I wouldn’t care if you put it in an open wound.” He unbuttoned his shirt giving her better access to his neck.

  She had seen him in yoga class many times. He never left her mouth dry before. Suddenly, she didn’t have enough spit to swallow. Grabbing her beer off the table, she finished it off. “Okay, I’m ready.” Hesitantly at first, she put her mouth against his neck. Her lids fluttered closed as she trailed kisses to his ear.

  “McKenna, the salt.” He chuckled, and she pulled her mouth away.

  “Oh, yeah.” She sprinkled, licked, slammed, and kissed. A chill raced up her spine when she sucked the lime. A giggle slipped past her lips. “That was fun.” She raked her bangs back out of her eyes with her fingers.

  “Time to dance.” She stood from the table. “Are you coming?” Alcohol hit her equilibrium. She grasped the edge of the table.

  “I’ll watch you.”

  McKenna sauntered away and found Dawn with the cowboy on the dance floor. She was wearing his hat now and grinding pelvis to pelvis.

  “Mickey.” Dawn wrapped an arm around McKenna’s neck. “I call him Tex.” The tall cowboy winked. “Steven looks happy.” She waved across the room. Steven smiled then returned to his conversation with the couple at the table.

  “I think I might check out his backseat.” She took a deep breath. “Because I might be dead tomorrow.”

  “Don’t spoil our good time.”

  “Swing?” Someone tapped McKenna on the shoulder. The music had picked up speed and several couples were twirling and spinning around the dance floor.

  “Okay, but I’m a little dizzy and a bit unstable.”

  He laughed and took her hands. “We’ll take it easy.”

  Slowly at first, he showed her the steps and then picked up pace to match the rhythm of the music. McKenna’s head fell back and she laughed. The walls were a blur, and her heart raced. Feet barely touched the floor as she was whipped to and fro and spun into his arms.

  She excused herself when the music slowed and went back to the table where Steven waited. The hour grew later, and she was having a good time. Laughing, dancing…almost forgetting.

  Steven picked up his beer. “If you drink that, I’m not going to let you drive me home,” she whispered against his neck.

  “Take it.” He handed her the beer. “Not another drop.” He held up his hands.

  “That’s not where your hands belong,” Dawn said. Tex sat down and pulled Dawn onto his lap. “Does anyone care if we leave?” She looked at McKenna because she was the only person who counted. “Tex, you’ll take me to Mickey’s tomorrow?” Dawn still wore the man’s hat.

  “Steven’s taking me home.” His hand rested on her thigh again, higher this time.

  “We’ll come get your car tomorrow, Mickey.” Dawn put Tex’s hat back on his head. “Let’s go, cowboy.”

  Last call was announced, and Steven’s friends bid him goodnight, saying they’d had a good time. The crowd thinned, and the lights came on. “Ready?”

  She stood holding his hand. “I don’t know,” she said honestly.

  They walked to Steven’s car. A single streetlight lit the parking lot. His compact car was parked in the shadows. He opened the door for her and then went around the car and climbed behind the wheel. McKenna glanced over her shoulder and stared at the backseat.

  “It might be uncomfortable, but at the moment, I’m willing to try.”

  McKenna leaned across the gearshift. Their lips touched, and his hand wrapped around her ribs. “Let’s go to my place.”

  “Sounds great.” Steven started the car, pulled out of the club parking lot, and drove up Twelfth Street. Less than ten minutes later, they pulled into her driveway. He leaned over and kissed her.

  “Let’s go inside,” she whispered against his lips.

  Steven went around the car and opened her door. She stumbled up the walk, fumbled with her keys, and finally opened the front door. Once inside the foyer, Steven backed her against the wall and smothered her mouth with his.

  She knew she was forgetting something, but her senses were fuzzy and Dustin was kissing her. No, Steven. Steven had his hand on her breast, his tongue in her ear, and his solid cock pressed against her…and then the siren wailed and all the lights in the foyer blinked.

  “What the…” Steven covered his ears, and McKenna started to laugh. Suddenly, there was pounding on the kitchen door leading to the garage.

  Stumbling to the control panel, she switched off the alarm, all the while laughter bubbling forth. “I forgot I gave Dustin the clicker.”

  “Mickey, open the door!”

  “Oh, shit. He’s here.” She hurried to the kitchen and unbolted the door. “Sorry,” she said still laughing and sank to her knees.

  Dustin burst into the room with his gun in his hand. “Are you okay?”

  She leaned her head against the wall. “Detective—” She wiggled her finger at him. “You need to stop dropping in like this.”

  “What in the hell is going on and who the hell are you?” he said to Steven while holstering his gun next to his ribs under his suit jacket.

  “Steven.” He held out his hand. “A friend.”

  “Detective Pearce, and isn’t this interesting?”

  Chapter Eleven

  The telephone rang. “Hello,” Dustin barked into the receiver. He listened for a moment, and then turned to McKenna, “The code, Mickey. It’s the monitoring service ready to dispatch the police.”

  “Tell them you are the fuzz.” McKenna pulled herself off the floor and took the phone from Dustin. “False alarm,” she said while trying to control her laughter. “The password is Captain Kangaroo,” she whispered the words like the 1960’s game show. Then she hung up.

  “Christ, you’re drunk.”

  McKenna wiggled her brows. “I’d say pleasantly buzzed.” She leaned against him, pressing her breast against him. “And if you weren’t here, I was going to take my good friend Steven to bed.” She smoothed the front of his shirt. “If you hadn’t kissed me, I wouldn’t’ve realized what I’ve been missing. So, this is all your fault.” She poked him in the chest. “That is, if anything had happened, but since you’re here, I can’t very well take another man to bed. I guess no one gets lucky tonight.”

  “Hey, look,” Steven said, putting his hands out. “I’m going.” He took McKenna’s hand. “If you’ll excuse us for a minute.” He pulled her into the hall. “What’s the cop doing here? The
re are laws keeping the police from harassing citizens.”

  “He’s a detective,” she corrected. “And since he believes someone is trying to kill me, I’ve become a project of sorts.”

  “I’ve kept my distance after Dawn chewed my ass, but I can stay here tonight if you need me.”

  “Thank you, and I appreciate the offer.” She put her hand on his chest. “But it’s a bad idea. You don’t want to get involved with me. Tonight would’ve been fun, but tomorrow I’d tell you to leave. It’s too dangerous.”

  “In case I don’t get another chance.” Titling his head, he captured then parted her lips and kissed her deeply.

  They broke slowly. “Good-bye, Steven. I did have a good time.” He left, and she closed the door. When she turned, Dustin stood in the hall, glaring at her.

  “Had a good time, did you?”

  “Yes, I did,” she said defiantly. “I did my first body shot.” She brushed past him and went toward the kitchen. “Have you ever done body shots?”

  “We’re talking about you. What game are you playing? I told you, if I found out you’re lying to me, I’d—”

  “That was about Elliot. I’m emotionally drained right now, and I can’t deal with the fact that my dad, who isn’t even my dad, is dead.” She pointed her finger at him. “Tonight wasn’t about you, or lying, or the case. It was about me. I met Steven at the bar. We country line danced, kissed a bit. And yep, if you weren’t here, I would’ve had my first one-night-stand. I think that calls for a celebration.”

  He followed her. “I’d say you’ve already celebrated.”

  McKenna took the orange juice from the fridge and drank straight from the carton. “Are we having a slumber party again? I don’t know where you slept last night, but there’s a spare bedroom upstairs.” She set the empty carton on the counter.

  Dustin put his car keys and cell phone next to the carton then shrugged off his suit coat. “This isn’t a game. Getting drunk when you should be focused on staying alert is dangerous. Do you know what can happen? Mistakes happen!”

  “Good night, Detective.”

  Dustin went to the great room and sat on the leather sofa overlooking the city. His nerves were live wires, and his thigh screamed in pain. His head dropped back, and he closed his eyes. Deep breathing, he told himself while he rubbed the old injury. A low growl rumbled from his chest as he kicked off his shoes and stretched out his legs.