Chapter Ten

A few hours later, Joanna paced back and forth across the living room of her father’s guest house. A spacious two-bedroom bungalow that sat at the back of the large estate overlooking the rose gardens and pond, it offered privacy and relaxation. But it wasn’t her first choice. The doctor had told her Sam would be knocked out cold ‘til morning, so she’d planned to head to her apartment for a shower and a recharge.

Too bad the detective in charge had shot that idea to hell and back, instead suggesting she stay here, because it was smaller and easier to watch over. And, he’d had an officer accompany her.

After waiting for over an hour at the hospital, she’d been cleared to go when Ryker had called to inform her he wouldn’t be able to stop back by—something about being called in to the Houston Police Department on another case.

She’d hoped he’d return with new information about the mystery man and his accomplices. Still no word from her father, and she feared he’d already fallen victim to their wicked plans.

The officer interrupted her thoughts. “I’ve checked your place thoroughly. All looks good and locked up tight. So I’ll be in my car if you need anything.”

“Thank you.” She watched him leave, resenting the fact she needed protection. Damn Denise and her crazy-ass schemes.

Shutting the front door and locking it, she picked her cell phone up off the entry table and finding she finally had two bars, dialed her father’s number again. Nothing. She’d called his mobile number numerous times on the drive from the hospital and left messages at work, too. Still nothing.

He had no obligation to answer to her, but there was no way he’d run off to get married without at least getting word to her about his intentions.

A soft knock on the door zapped her back to reality. Did the officer forget something? Trying to hide her irritation over her current situation, she opened the door, taken by surprise at the fierce brown eyes glaring back at her.

“You should never open your door without asking who it is, Miss McNamee.”

She swallowed hard. “Deputy Kane?”

“May I come in?”

Joanna flinched and longed for a witty comeback, but found it impossible to think with his accusing gaze pinning hers. Even battered, he looked damn good, those alluring eyes taking in every inch of her. Remembering their brief kiss in the hospital and what it did to her, she swallowed. The last thing she wanted, or needed, was to be alone with this man as a thousand emotions tore through her. He made her feel safe, alive, and that was dangerous. Chastising herself for letting her guard down, she moved to the side to let him pass. “Have you heard from my father?”

Deputy Kane eased into the living room, appearing way too comfortable and at home in his tight blue jeans and plain white shirt. “Nothing yet.”

“You off the clock, deputy?” She couldn’t help it. He looked hot in his civilian clothes. So different from his dark pressed slacks and stuffy tan, button-down shirts. She honestly didn’t know how to deal with the strange prickling of her skin at his nearness or the kicking up of her heartbeat.

“Yes, ma’am. I’ve been put on administrative leave.”

“What does that mean? You’re off my father’s case?”

“Technically, yes. But unofficially, I’ve been asked to oversee the outcome and offer my input.”

“Was it something you did or said?”

“Neither. Although being a victim would be a justifiable reason.”

“Sorry.” She lowered her head and her tone. “I forgot.” What an insensitive jerk she was. “How’s your head?” She let her gaze travel over his strong facial features, nasty black bruises forming over his left eye, to his thick, wavy dark hair where a small missing patch hinted at several stitches. Not only had he been knocked over the head and kidnapped himself, but he’d risked his life to save her, although saving people technically came with his job description.

“A few stitches and I’m good to go,” he said, his back to her as he walked farther into the room, his eyes constantly scanning.

“Did they catch the guy who stole the jewelry?”

“Not yet. But they found the real hotel clerk knocked out cold behind the country club’s dumpster. It appears our thief stole his uniform and the key to the vault. And since the hotel hired extra help to work your Christmas party, he was able to slip in and out unnoticed and unquestioned.”

“You’re kidding. Surely they did background checks.”

He twisted his head to face her, and his gaze grew cold. “They said they must have missed one.

She massaged her temples, trying to keep her anger under control. “So what now?”

“I’m working with Detective Turow. He thought it best if I stayed under the radar until we find them.” He turned and caught her staring at his backside, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

She wet hers. Good Lord. Stop checking him out. Get a grip. “Why? Is there something you’re not telling me about my father?”

“Miss McNamee.” His expression turned serious. “We need to talk.”

“Please call me Jo Jo. And isn’t that what we’re doing?”

“How about I call you Joanna.” He shifted his weight, looking uncomfortable.

“Fine, but for the record I prefer Jo Jo.” Something about the way he acted scared her. Like there might be a lot more going on than she wanted to know and him using Joanna only made the anxiety worse.

“May I sit?” He motioned to the couch under the window.

“Of course. Can I get you something to drink?” She grasped her hands in front of her to keep them still. Don’t you dare let him get to you.

“No. I’m good.” He strolled over to the couch and sat down, his handsome form blending well with her father’s decor. His unshaven jawline taut, he kept his dark eyes locked on her face.

She followed, straightening her hair as she went and hating herself for caring. After arriving at her father’s, she’d thankfully ditched the pumps, rummaging around in a box of stuff she kept in the guest house for storage. Now wearing a pair of plain white tennis shoes, she felt more at ease, but still fought the uneasiness.

“Have you talked to Keith? I was thinking that’s why he called you this morning. To fill you in on what he’d learned. I asked him to keep an eye on Toby and Jerry until the party was over. Maybe he overheard something, a clue that might help? I’m still thinking the other man working with Denise might be one of my former employees.”

“No. We’ve not been able to find Keith.” His gaze traveled over her form with masculine approval, and her palms dampened.

Her heart lodged in her chest. “So why are you here?” She wiped her hands on the front of her jeans, refusing to let the nervous jitters take over.

“I think it might be beneficial for you to know more about what Keith’s been up to. Maybe you can help us find him.”

“Keith?” She swallowed hard, remembering the cute young boy she’d babysat and watched movies with. The man she’d confided in as they got older, the one who’d always been there for her, watched her back. Joanna eased her body down into the recliner opposite him, her legs weak. Surely he didn’t think Keith had anything to do with what happened today… “I’ll do what I can.”

“Six months ago, I transferred back home to Bram from the Houston Police Department. I’d been working on a case and finally came across my first solid lead in years. Only problem was, someone else didn’t like what I’d found.”

“I’m sorry. I’m not following. How does that case have anything to do with my father? Or Keith?”

“Keith Coleman was that lead. Although the name I had at the time was Keith Whalen.”

The ground shifted beneath her feet. Keith’s mother’s maiden name was Whalen. She squared her shoulders as an eerie sensation crept over her skin. Did they really consider Keith a suspect? For what? He was an easygoing guy. What could he have done? She swallowed. “How is he involved? Exactly?”

“It’s complicated. But the short of it is, these people have targeted your father.” Leaning forward, he placed both elbows on his knees, his hands crossed in front of him. “Any idea why they would go after your father?”

Joanna let her gaze fall to those strong hands, her heart pounding in her ears.

“The man with Denise today said he wanted my father’s fracking formula. It will revolutionize the oil industry and is wanted by many of the larger oil companies. Dad had yet to decide which one he was going with.”

His brow arched. That detective brain of his seemed to be spinning, trying to put the pieces together and link Keith to it all.

Her hands went to the arm of the chair, her fingers digging into the soft leather. “The man in the hotel sounded nothing like Keith. It could be any number of people, deputy.” She paused to collect her emotions. “Keith wouldn’t do this. I’ve known him most my life.”

“Did you see the man’s face?”

“Well, no. But—”

“And where is this formula?”

“On my father’s laptop. But you have to have a series of codes to open the files, and Dad’s the only one who knows them.”

Ryker scratched his head. “This laptop in the hotel safe?”

“Yes.” She saw where he was going before he said it. “Well, it was. According to my dad’s secretary, he had a meeting scheduled at the hotel the morning after the Christmas party with a prospective buyer. Was supposed to finalize the decision. That’s the reason his laptop with all his notes and the formula was locked in the hotel safe. But Denise would know that, not Keith.”

“Interesting.” He nodded. “And clears up a lot. We believe…the man we are after is using her. Maybe blackmailing her. Up until now, we’ve had trouble figuring out why this man and Denise would work together at all. Where they met. Since he’s much younger than she is and her criminal activities have been going on for years, that part never fit. Trail picks up within the past two years or so.”

She shook her head, knowing he was trying his best to keep the suspect’s name out of the conversation for her benefit. A nervous laugh escaped her. “I’m sorry. You’re wrong. Keith would never hurt my father. Go after his formula. Besides, he can’t stand Denise. I’ve only known her for about a year now. Dad met her at some fundraiser the senator held, and I’ve never trusted her. None of this makes sense.” She fisted her hands. “These two cases can’t be related.”

His eyes narrowed to slits, but he said nothing. Just eyed her relentlessly.

Crossing her arms over her chest she took a deep breath. “So what’s Denise’s story?”

“In the past, Denise has tricked older gentleman into marrying her without a prenup. Several months later, that gentleman dies of natural causes. It’s a crime as old as time, just with different players and rules.”

She closed her eyes and tried to process what he’d told her. Then, training her eyes on him, she searched his face. “If you know who she is, what she’s doing, why haven’t you stopped her?”

“We didn’t know who the key players were. Denise has had more plastic surgery than I can count on one hand. She changes her name, her appearance, her location. When our suspect got on board with her, his connections obstructed law-enforcement efforts, and she became untraceable. It’s a big country.”

She kept pushing away Keith’s possible involvement and tried to change the subject. “You said they die of natural causes. You mean like a heart attack or something?” The room felt like it was about to cave in on her. She’d always thought her father smarter than that, not to mention a tightwad. He squeaked when he walked. A prenuptial agreement would be required, regardless.

“According to the autopsies, they use some kind of drug to induce the heart attacks and strokes. But your father isn’t their typical target. He’s younger than the others. Sharper. And has an heir.” He dipped his head at her.

A memory of why the man was so mad at Denise back in the hotel room chilled her skin. The woman had gone against his orders and gotten involved with Joanna’s father… “So what you’re saying is that for Denise’s little plan to work this time, they’d have to trick my father into writing me out of the will before killing him?” Her heart raced at the thought that her father was already in trouble.

“Or worse. Have a plan to eliminate you, too.”

Shudders spiked down her spine. “Of course. Why not kill me, too?” She slumped back into her chair. Denise’s comment about being buddies and mourning together was nothing but a lie. A ploy to make Joanna believe she wasn’t intending to hurt her until she’d stuck her nose where it didn’t belong.

“I’ve lived, breathed, dreamed of nothing but this case for over three years. I know Denise’s moves like the back of my hand. For some reason, this time they deviated from their usual pattern. I think I know why now.”

“The man who attacked you, the man in the hotel room with Denise, is not Keith Coleman. I would have recognized his voice. Something. It’s just not possible, Deputy. Have you Googled the name Whalen? It’s a common name.” Keith didn’t have a mean bone in his body. He’d never hurt anyone in all the years she’d known him. An image of him pounding on Jerry’s face surfaced, but she brushed it off. Keith had been mad because they’d hurt her, betrayed her trust. Shoot, she’d wanted to do the same thing. And he didn’t need money, so why would he get involved with the likes of Denise? So petty and beneath Keith’s standards it was laughable.

“Have you talked to him lately?”

“He called to check on Sam a few hours ago. Left a message on my cell. Said he was talking to the police.”

Kane shook his head. “Not to my knowledge.”

Denial furrowed her brow. “So what now?”

“I hope we’re wrong. But evidence doesn’t lie. We just need time to find them. Sort it all out.”

“But my father doesn’t have that time. For all we know, they’ve already done something awful.” She tried to get up, but he stopped her with a gentle hand on her arm.

“We’re going to find this man. As long as they need your father for the codes to open those files, there’ll be reason to keep him alive. You’re the one I’m worried about. Our suspect has proved he will stop at nothing to get what he wants.”

She swallowed a foul knot of fear. No way they were talking about the same man. Keith Coleman would never do anything to hurt her. Or her father. He was like a little brother, practically family. And then the man’s words from the hotel filtered to the forefront of her mind. He’d said she’d given his life purpose, that he’d been planning this a long time. But she’d only known Toby a year…

No. It wasn’t possible.

“You all right? You’re looking pale.” He’d slipped his hand to rest on hers across the sofa table.

Slowly, she slid her fingers from his, wondering why this case struck such a strong chord with him. “Keith would not do this,” she said again.

“He may not be the man you thought he was.”

“No.”

He straightened in his seat, his brow set in an awkward angle. “Are you sure? Do you really know him as well as you think you do?”

“Positive. You’re wrong, Deputy Kane. He’s a bit quirky and overprotective at times, but he’s no killer. I’ve watched him go out of his way to rescue helpless creatures on the freeway.” Coughing back a lump of revulsion over the mere possibility, she continued, “My father is the one in danger, not me. We have to find him.”

She tried to hide the moisture building behind her lids, tried to contain the swirl of emotion bubbling up inside her chest. But failed miserably.

Deputy Kane leaned over, draping a strong arm around her shoulder as he gently pulled her to the couch beside him.

“We’ll find your father.” Ryker’s gut wrenched seeing such a strong woman on the verge of a breakdown. He hated not having the proof he needed. Suspicions only got you so far. Could the man they were searching for be one of the other men he’d questioned yesterday instead? Stolen identities happened all the time. It was always a possibility. One he planned to check out the first chance he got.

They’d find them. There was only one problem—he wasn’t sure it would be in time to save her father. Since the game had changed, he had no idea what the next move might be.

It was never wise to push a predator into a corner.

“I need a drink.” Joanna surprised him and surged to her feet, moving out of his reach. “Sure I can’t get you anything?” She headed toward the kitchen, and he watched as she angrily wiped the tears away with the back of her hand.

“I’ll have what you’re having.”

“You sure? I’m having a beer.”

“I’m not on duty. A beer sounds good.” Smoothing the wrinkles from his shirt, he tried to avoid gawking at her shapely ass as she opened the refrigerator and bent over to retrieve the beverages.

“You’re in luck. I’ve got four left.” Closing the door, she gave him a forced smile. “So, Deputy Kane. Help me keep my mind off this warped mess. What’s the rest of your story?” She pulled out a drawer in the kitchen, retrieved a bottle opener, and popped off both caps before returning to the living room.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what you mean.” He took the beer from her hand, letting his knuckles graze the inside of her wrist to see if his memory of her soft skin was intact. It was. And the unexpected action and reaction surprised not only him but her as well. She paused, nervously rubbing the neck of the bottle with her fingers, her face unreadable.

“Why did you leave the Houston Police Department? I mean, you were hot on the trail of this crazy bunch and you just call it quits? Leave a promising job with a promotion on the horizon. Sorry, sounds fishy to me.” She took a long swig from her bottle, easing back into the chair nearer the fireplace than him.

“Been doing your homework, I see.” He cocked his head and eyed her closely.

“I have friends who know the right people.”

“Sam,” he said, nodding.

“Looks like you’ve been doing your homework, too.” She smirked and lifted her chin. “So why did you leave?”

“Let’s just say I didn’t have a choice.” Agitated by the line of questioning, he took a long swig of his own beer.

“Forgive me, but I feel like I have a right to know how you’re involved. And why it made you leave a job you clearly loved.”

“It was a mutual decision between me and my captain.”

She watched him closely as if trying to determine if he was bullshitting her or not. “Your captain in on this little scheme, too?”

“No. But someone with some pretty high clout is. I’m beginning to think it might be Senator Whalen.”

“The senator?” She almost choked on her next swallow, wiping at her mouth with the back of her hand.

“He’s the only one I can think of who’d be able to pull strings and get things swept under the rug. Force me to abandon the case.”

“I know him well, too.” Her shoulders fell.

“Yes, I know you do. But every politician has secrets. Things they’d do just about anything to keep out of the public eye.” He watched her over the neck of the bottle as he drank. Even after everything she’d been through, she remained tough as nails. He’d give anything to know what was going on in her pretty head at that moment.

“Senator Whalen wouldn’t hurt my father.” She took another slow drink and set the bottle down on the side table then turned to stare out the window at the setting sun. “You still have no solid proof, right?”

“No. But if I’m right, I don’t think the senator realizes how far over the dark side his nephew has strayed.”

“You think he’s capable of covering up multiple murders, though.” Her voice held a hint of bitterness.

Tread lightly, he thought. She appeared more angry than anything else now, but still unwilling to accept Keith’s involvement. “I’m not sure what to think. What I know is, the moment I got close to pinning this guy as a suspect, I was shut down. Hard. Even after my partner lost his life trying to serve a warrant to search a warehouse with ties to the case. Now how much the senator does, or does not, know about his nephew’s actions isn’t clear. But someone wanted me to stop. And had the power to make it happen.”

“Your partner? Oh, Ryker. I’m so sorry.” Compassion eased over her features as she turned back to face him, and he gulped back the tension in his chest. “It makes sense now. The reason you need to find your suspect. Someone you cared about got killed.”

He raked a hand through his hair. Damn it. Shit. Son of a bitch. She’d caught him off guard. That was not the reason he’d pegged Keith as a suspect. “We all know the risks with this job.” She was listening to him but not hearing what he was trying to tell her.

“Doesn’t make it easier to take, though.” She inhaled deeply. “So what’s changed now? How did you get the case reopened?” she asked, appearing to sense how badly he wanted to steer the conversation in a different direction.

And for that he was more than grateful.

“Detective Turow. He’s given me permission to explore all facets and report back to him with my findings.”

“Undercover? So no one else knows what you’re doing?” She pinned him with a curious gaze. “Is that smart? I mean, what makes you trust this Turow?”

“He’s a new transfer. And my gut tells me he’s here for a reason.”

“The case you had to leave behind?” She caught her bottom lip between her teeth.

He waved his hands in front of him like a magician.

Ryker didn’t like the fact that his partner’s death still had the power to enrage him, bring up all those memories and regrets that clung to him like industrial-strength Velcro where his father and the damn accident was concerned. Giving her a glimpse of his weakness wasn’t part of the deal, but he needed her to trust him, to feel like he was capable of protecting her. He was still unclear of Turow’s true motives, but he intended to proceed cautiously. Finishing off his beer, he stood, needing to regroup. “Bathroom?”

She pointed. “Down the hallway. First door to your left.”

“Stay put.”

“Like I have anywhere to go,” she said, picking up her cell phone and scrolling through her messages. “Besides, your watchdog is outside in his patrol car.”

He shook his head. So she didn’t like the added security. But it was necessary. Until they found and detained the suspects, he planned to be glued to her every move like sticky tape. She’d love that.

He blew out a heavy breath, trying like hell to alleviate the sharp ache bashing around in his gut from all sides. The thought of his partner’s last minutes, helpless and bleeding out in that damn dark, cold parking lot still tore through him like a rabid beast. The man had deserved better.

Walking down the hallway with both fists clenched tight, he took special note of the pictures hanging on the dark paneled wall. Lots of childhood memories. A few with her father, but mostly events and accomplishments where Jo Jo stood in a group. As he continued on, he noticed the same young man appearing in all the photos, either standing beside her or close behind. He slowed his steps.

Damn.

So, he wasn’t as far off as she thought.

It was that weird kid from high school. Keith Coleman. In every single shot.