4
BY NINE O’CLOCK the next morning, Steve might have gotten five hours of sleep. Maybe. He wished someone had warned him that babies were nocturnal creatures whose idea of a long period of rest was a two-hour stretch. Judging from Annie’s behavior, babies slept in snatches, wanted to be fed and held whenever they were awake, were unable to tolerate a damp diaper for more than a few minutes, and seemed to enjoy testing just how much noise their tiny lungs could generate.
He thought of recent news reports of women who gave birth to six or eight babies at a time, and he wondered how the parents kept their sanity. Just one night with this one baby had exhausted him.
There was no way, of course, that he was going to let Casey know the night hadn’t been a snap. He was smiling when he opened the door to her. “Good morning, Casey. Did you sleep well?”
“Better than you did, apparently,” she replied, studying him with narrowed eyes. “Problems?”
So much for fooling her. He hadn’t realized she was quite so perceptive. “No, everything’s fine. Annie just doesn’t believe in getting all her sleep in one block. She likes to break it into two or three hour intervals—and I don’t go back to sleep as easily as she does.”
Casey walked past him into the entryway, her long hair swaying with her movements and making Steve aware of how nice she looked in her pale blue scoop-neck T-shirt and loose jeans. He rarely saw her dressed so casually. He liked it—but then he also liked seeing her in her prim working clothes.
“You’re sure you’re up to flying today?” she asked, breaking into his appreciative survey of her appearance. “You wouldn’t be dumb enough to go up with student pilots if you weren’t in top form, would you?”
“As much as I appreciate your confidence and your concern, Casey, darlin’, I’m fine. I don’t need a lot of sleep.”
She set down her purse and a bulging briefcase, then turned to look at him again. “You’ve had breakfast?”
“Coffee, orange juice, a bowl of cereal and a bagel.” He couldn’t resist reaching out to rub her cheek with his knuckles in a teasingly affectionate gesture. “Is that healthy enough to satisfy you?”
She almost stumbled in her haste to back away from him. “I’m only concerned about your students. They should have the security of an instructor who is well-rested and alert.”
“And they’ll have that security.” He wasn’t sure whether to be annoyed or amused by her prissy tone. It seemed easier to settle for amusement, especially since she’d blushed so intriguingly when he’d touched her. “And did you have a good night’s rest and a nourishing breakfast? Trust me, you need to be in top shape for your day, as well.”
“I’m sure I can handle it Is Annie sleeping now?”
He nodded. “She’s in the bassinet in my room. She’ll let you know when she wants to get up. There are several filled bottles in the fridge—all you have to do is pop one in the microwave for about a minute. She likes her formula at about room temperature. Diapers are stacked on my dresser, next to her clean sleepers.”
She nodded. If she was nervous about baby-sitting for the day, she didn’t let it show. “What about Janice? Are you going to do anything about finding her today?”
“I’ll make a few calls when I get some extra time. I thought I’d ask the local hospitals if a Janice Gibson has checked in any time during the past week”
“Good idea. What about that P.I. friend you mentioned?”
“I thought we’d wait the rest of the day before we call him in. Janice is likely to show up at any time to pick up the baby, and I don’t want to get too many people involved unless it’s necessary.”
She looked worried, but nodded. “You’d better go or you’ll be late.”
“Help yourself to anything in the kitchen, okay? There are soft drinks and fruit juice in the refrigerator. And you should be able to find something for lunch.”
“I’ll manage. Now go. And come back as soon as you can. I have errands to run this afternoon.”
He wondered if her brusque tone was intended to mask her uncertainty about being responsible for little Annie for the next few hours. He had to give her credit for courage. He knew she was no more experienced with infants than he was, but she wasn’t letting her insecurity show.
Because he admired her nerve, and because he had wanted to for so very long, anyway, he stopped fighting the impulse to kiss her. He moved so quickly she didn’t have a chance to evade him, his mouth settling on hers before she could realize what he intended to do. And the kiss was as delicious as he’d always expected it to be—until Casey abruptly pulled back with a gasp.
Since she seemed unable to speak for the moment, he stepped back and said as casually as if he routinely kissed her goodbye, “I have to be going. Call if you need me.”
“I—don’t do that again!” she said, but he was already halfway out of the room and could pretend he hadn’t heard her.
It was with some reluctance that Steve left for the airport. As much as he enjoyed his work, he would rather have stayed home that day for the rare chance to spend time alone with Casey Jansen.
THE MINUTE CASEY HEARD Steve’s car leave the driveway, she sagged against the front door. He had kissed her! Without as much as a word of warning, he’d simply pulled her close and planted one on her—completely emptying her mind of coherent thought. What on earth had made him do that? And why on earth had it taken her so long to push him away?
What was she doing here, anyway? She wasn’t qualified to take care of a helpless infant! She was probably breaking laws and risking her professional reputation by conspiring with Steve to keep Janice’s actions quiet. And, most unbelievable of all, she was actually helping Steve compete against her business by baby-sitting today so he could go to work Now he probably thought she was doing so because his famous charm had gotten to her, rather than her own soft heart where Annie was concerned.
She could only assume that the shock of finding the baby had temporarily robbed her of her common sense.
She ran both hands through her hair, letting out a long, unsteady breath. Okay, she was here. Might as well get busy. She should probably check on the baby before setting up her laptop and paperwork. Anything to keep her busy, to keep her from remembering that staggeringly unexpected kiss.
Annie was sleeping, lying on her back in the pretty wicker bassinet, her pink face relaxed, her rosy mouth pursing in an occasional suckling motion. So tiny, Casey thought, her throat tightening. So totally dependent on the adults around her. What had Janice been thinking? What had driven her to this act of desperation? What was going to happen—to any of them?
But standing here worrying wasn’t accomplishing anything. She tiptoed out of the bedroom to the living room, picked up her briefcase and looked for a place to set up. In one corner of the casually-furnished room was a small, round oak table surrounded by four cushioned oak chairs—a corner she suspected had seen a few friendly poker games. She could have set up her computer in the kitchen or dining room, but she chose this table, instead. It was close to the hallway that led to the bedrooms, so she wouldn’t have to worry about not hearing Annie. And she was comfortable in this room.
She liked Steve’s house. She hadn’t paid much attention to it last night, being more concerned with Annie’s welfare and Janice’s whereabouts, but she had time now to look around a bit. Just superficially, of course—she was no snoop. He’d decorated with heavy oak furniture and nubby plaid fabrics, a masculine effect, but not overwhelmingly so. The artwork that graced his walls depicted wildlife scenes—flying ducks, grazing deer, prowling wolves.
The bedroom in which Annie was sleeping carried the same oak, plaid and wildlife theme. Casey was unable to resist taking a quick walk through the rest of the house before settling down to work. There were two spare bedrooms, one furnished very sparsely and looking as though it was rarely entered, the other apparently used as Steve’s home office, containing a desk, computer, fax, copy machine and several filing cabinets. She didn’t go into that room, telling herself that nothing in there was any of her concern.
The dining room was decorated with hunting prints and featured a Williamsburg chandelier over a maple dining table with six matching chairs. A bowfront china cabinet held gold-rimmed white china and gold-accented crystal glasses. Something about this room made Casey think of heirlooms. Had these things been passed down from Steve’s mother or grandmother? She hadn’t thought of him as the sentimental type, but considering his loyalty to his employees, she supposed he was.
The last room she glanced into was the kitchen with its oak cabinets, oak pedestal table and terra cotta tile floor. It was as comfortable and neat as she remembered it last night.
She wondered if someone had helped him decorate. Everything was so well coordinated—not fancy, but pleasantly harmonious. She probably would have changed a few things, of course. Toned down the wildlife theme, added a few frills and pillows. But the house seemed to reflect Steve’s personality—so well, in fact, that she felt his presence everywhere she turned. Which didn’t contribute to her peace of mind.
What was it about the guy that made just being in his house an unsettling experience? And if she was as indifferent to him as she’d always tried to be, why did just wandering through the rooms he lived in make her nerves go all tingly?
“Stop being ridiculous, Casey, and get to work,” she muttered.
She had just sat down at her computer when Annie woke up.
It was the last time she attempted to work that day.
 
STEVE HAD JUST FINISHED his second and final flying lesson and was locking his office in preparation to go home when a burly man approached from the nearly-empty parking lot. “I’m looking for the owner of this operation,” he said. “Is that you?”
Before answering, Steve took a moment to study the guy. He appeared to be in his late forties. His dark hair was slicked back from his broad face with too much gel, and his neck was so thick his ears seemed to blend into his wide shoulders. “I’m Steve Lockhart. What can I do for you?”
“I’m trying to find someone who might be an employee of yours. Her name is Janice Gibson.”
Steve managed not to react to the name except for lifting one eyebrow. “Janice Gibson?”
The guy nodded. “I’ve been told she works for you.”
Was this man the reason Janice was so afraid? Deciding to give away nothing until he knew exactly what was going on, Steve crossed his arms and eyed the other man dispassionately. “Janice Gibson was an employee for a few months, but she no longer works for me.”
“Did you fire her?”
“She quit.”
“When?”
Though he wasn’t usually the type to make snap judgments about people, Steve had already decided he didn’t like this guy. “Recently. I’m sorry, there’s nothing more I can tell you. I have no idea of Ms. Gibson’s present location.”
Which was the truth, of course. He saw no reason to mention the baby at this point.
“What about the other company she worked for here? Jansen Charter Service? Think anyone there would know anything?”
“Casey Jansen and I talked about this only yesterday. She hasn’t heard from Janice, either. We’re both planning to hire someone to replace her early next week. We assume Janice has left the area.”
The guy looked at Steve suspiciously. “You’re sure you don’t know how to reach her?”
“No. I don’t.”
The sincerity in his voice must have been convincing. The other man’s frown deepened. “Hell.” After a moment, he pushed his hands into his pockets. “If you hear from her, will you let me know? My name’s Frank Claybrook and I’m staying at the Discount Inn on Ninth Street.”
“I don’t expect to hear from Janice, but if I do, why should I call you? What do you want with her?”
“Let’s just say it’s a family matter,” Claybrook answered flatly. “It’s very important that I find her.”
Steve shrugged, not at all swayed by the vague explanation. “I really can’t help you. She was just someone who cleaned my offices, not a personal friend.”
Claybrook hesitated a moment, then nodded curtly. “You know where to reach me if you hear anything. I’ll be there for a couple more days. By the way, there’s a chance of a nice reward for anyone who can lead me to her.”
No amount of reward could have enticed Steve to betray Janice—or anyone else to whom he’d pledged his loyalty. He merely glanced at his watch. “If you’ll excuse me, I have an appointment.”
Without a word, Claybrook stepped aside. Steve could feel the guy’s gaze on the back of his neck until he climbed into his car and drove away. Just to be on the safe side—and telling himself he was probably being paranoid—he made sure he wasn’t followed as he drove home.
After entering his house a half hour later, Steve took one look at Casey and decided that if he’d looked half as frazzled that morning, it was no wonder she’d known immediately about his rough night. She was pacing when he walked in, the baby on her shoulder, her formerly fresh clothes now wrinkled and disheveled. She’d kicked off her loafers, revealing pale blue socks that matched her T-shirt.
“She won’t let me put her down,” she said when she saw Steve. “I’ve been walking up and down the hallway for the past hour.”
His first instinct was to take her in his arms and offer comfort. Maybe another kiss. Or two. Or more.
Knowing she wouldn’t appreciate that, he offered commiseration, instead. “I did the same thing last night,” he admitted.
“I tried putting her in the carrier where she could watch me work and she wouldn’t have it. I put her in the bassinet, thinking she would cry herself to sleep, but she screamed for twenty solid minutes without letting up. I couldn’t stand it anymore. The only time she’s quiet is when I’m rocking her or walking with her.”
“I know. She wants to be held. Maybe she’s feeling insecure because her mother isn’t here.”
“My arms are starting to cramp.”
“Here, let me take her. Is it time for her next bottle?”
“I fed her just before we started pacing the hallway. She shouldn’t need to eat again for a while.”
He took the baby and settled her into his arms. She fussed a moment, then quieted when he began to rock her gently. “I think she’s getting spoiled.”
“I think you’re right. I wonder if a pacifier would comfort her? I know they’re controversial and Janice might not appreciate us getting Annie attached to one, but it seems like she needs something to soothe her.”
“I hadn’t even thought of a pacifier. Maybe we should try one. I’m not morally opposed to them, are you?”
“After today, I’d try just about anything,” she confessed, rubbing her forehead. “Who would have thought a baby this small could be so vocal in her demands?”
He chuckled and patted Annie’s back. “She’s a pistol, all right.”
Casey cocked her head and looked at him as if suddenly recovering enough from her own distress to notice something. “Did something happen at work today?”
Steve kept his gaze on the baby. “What do you mean?”
“Something’s bothering you. Have you heard from Janice again?”
For someone who claimed to dislike him, Casey was certainly able to read him well. “I haven’t heard from Janice. But something did happen that caused me to be concerned about her.”
“I knew it. What happened? Is she all right? Is she...?”
“Casey.” He broke in with a slight smile. “Why don’t we move into the kitchen for this? I could use something cold to drink.”
Fifteen minutes later, Steve had emptied a can of soda and told Casey every detail of his encounter with the weird guy outside his office. He could have described the incident more concisely, but Casey kept interrupting with questions.
“Who do you think he was? What do you think he wants with Janice? Did he know about the baby?”
Leaning against the counter, holding his soda can in his right hand and the baby in the crook of his left arm, Steve shook his head. “I don’t know. He didn’t...”
Casey gasped. “You don’t suppose he’s the baby’s father, do you?”
“No, I don’t He’s a good twenty-five years older than Janice. And I didn’t get the impression there was a personal relationship between them. My guess would be that he’s trying to find her for someone else.”
Her eyes widened even more. “You mean he’s, like, a pro? Someone who wants to hurt her?”
“Now don’t let your imagination run away with you,” he admonished, rather amused.
“You said Janice sounded frightened. She begged you to protect her baby. Maybe she’s...maybe she’s gotten tangled up with the Mafia or something.”
He had to chuckle at that. “Now you really are getting carried away. What would the Mafia be doing here? We’re in a dry county, there’s no gambling and we roll up the streets at 10:00 p.m. Hardly a den of iniquity.”
“We don’t know where Janice came from before she showed up looking for work,” she reminded him, her tone expressing resentment that he wasn’t taking her seriously.
“I’ll admit she seems to be running from something, and I didn’t trust the guy who was asking about her. But until we know what’s going on, it doesn’t do any good to make up scenarios.”
Annie made one of her funny little noises and Steve shifted her to a new position. The kid really didn’t like to be still very long, he thought wryly.
Casey was wearing her worried frown again. She leaned her elbows on the table, resting her chin on her fists. “What are we going to do now?”
“You said you had some errands to run this afternoon. Feel free to leave whenever you’re ready.”
She shook her head impatiently. “I didn’t mean that. What are we going to do about Janice? And the baby? Don’t you think we should consider calling the police now?”
Actually, Steve was even more opposed to calling the police now than he’d been when they’d first found the baby. He didn’t like the thought that someone was trying to intimidate one of his employees. He hadn’t liked the guy who’d interrogated him outside his office. And he would be damned if he would turn little Annie over to a bunch of bureaucrats without first doing all he could to help her and her mother. “No police.”
“What about your P.I. friend? If someone else has been hired to find Janice, why can’t we do the same?”
That was certainly a viable option. If anyone could locate a missing person, it would be Blake. “I’ll try to reach him. If he’s available, he might agree to help us out.”
“You’re sure that Claybrook guy didn’t know you have the baby?”
“I told you, the baby never came up.”
“You’ll probably accuse me of letting my imagination run away with me again, but...is it possible he followed you here?”
“No, it isn’t possible. I kept one eye on my rearview mirror the entire way.”
“So it did occur to you.”
He nodded. “As much as I hate to admit it, it did occur to me.”
“Of course, he could probably find your address in the phone book. Unless your number is unlisted?”
“Why would I have an unlisted number? I’ve never had a problem with unwanted calls. By the way, why is your number unlisted?”
“It just seemed like a prudent step for a single woman to take.”
“Hmm. And if any single guys are interested in calling you?”
She leveled a look at him. “When I want someone to call me, I give him my number.”
He grinned. “I know. And I still have it memorized.”
“I did not—” She stopped, drew a deep breath and glared at him. “Stop baiting me. We have real problems to discuss. You just said you’re in the phone book and easy to locate. What if...?”
“Casey, there’s no reason to think the guy would be interested in finding me at all. As far as he knows, I’m simply someone Janice used to work for. He has no reason to think I’m connected to her in any other way.”
She chewed her lip. After a moment, she said, “I really think you should call your friend. I was already worried about Janice, but this—this scares me.”
He moved across the room, still cradling Annie in his left arm, and ran his right hand down Casey’s long, silky hair. Though he had intended the gesture to be reassuring, he enjoyed it so much he did it again—for himself that time. “Don’t be scared, Casey, darlin’.”
She immediately straightened her shoulders. “I’m not scared for myself. I’m worried about Janice and the baby.”
“Don’t be scared for them, either. I’m going to make sure no one hurts either of them.”
She eyed him doubtfully. He was aware that, for the first time, she wasn’t automatically moving away from his touch. He didn’t flatter himself that she was growing fonder of him. She was probably just too distracted to pay much attention to his actions. But it was nice to stand close to her and feel like they were in this together.
As reluctant as he was for her to leave, he didn’t like seeing the lines of strain around her pretty mouth. Maybe she needed to get out for a while after being cooped up here with the baby most of the day. “Go run your errands, Casey. I’ll watch out for Annie.”
She nodded slowly. “I do have a few things I have to do. But I’ll come back later this evening. You’re getting low on formula. I’ll pick some up while I’m out. And I’ll bring you dinner. I know it’s difficult to prepare something for yourself while you’re trying to keep Annie happy at the same time.”
He almost told her that wasn’t necessary. He could always call for a pizza or something. But he couldn’t resist the opportunity to spend a bit more time with her. “I really appreciate that. Let me give you some money for supplies. You’ve already bought clothes and diapers.”
She lifted her chin in a proud gesture. “No, thank you. I haven’t spent that much.”
Something in her expression warned him not to argue with her. He would figure out a way to pay her back later, he decided.
He walked her to the front door, noticing that she looked warily up and down the quiet residential street before stepping outside. The fact that a stranger was looking for Janice had obviously spooked her. He wished he could assure her that the incident hadn’t worried him at all—and he wished even more that it were true.
“I really appreciate you helping me out this morning, Casey.”
She looked down at her hands. “You’re welcome,” she said, a bit gruffly.
He leaned closer to her, wondering if there was any chance of stealing another kiss.
But Casey was onto him now. She sidestepped him quickly, giving him a look of warning. “I have to go. I’ll see you later,” she said.
He sighed in resignation and nodded, letting her leave without further comment.
“Well, Annie,” he said when he and the baby were alone again. “How’d you like to try sitting in your seat for a few minutes? I need to make a couple of phone calls.”
Annie wasn’t happy about being put down. She cried and flailed her arms and legs. Just as Steve was about to give up and hold her again, she fell asleep in midwail. He hovered over her a few minutes, until he was sure she was really asleep. Only then did he tiptoe into the kitchen to make his calls.
 
AFTER RUNNING HER ERRANDS and checking in with her office, Casey stopped by her apartment to do a load of laundry and water her houseplants. She thought about making something to take to Steve’s for dinner later, but decided to stop for takeout instead. She had cans of formula, more diapers and a few other baby supplies in her car. She’d bought a bottle of baby soap while she was at it. As far as she knew, Steve hadn’t had the nerve to try bathing Annie yet, and neither had she. One or both of them were going to have to make the attempt tonight.
It was almost six when she picked up her purse and headed for the door. By the time she stopped for food and arrived at Steve’s house, he would probably be ready to eat. She was only doing these things for him because he was taking care of the baby, she assured herself. Even if it turned out that he’d been misguided in his decision to take care of Annie rather than turn her over to the authorities, it was really rather sweet of him to be doing so much. What other bachelor would be so willing to take full responsibility for the infant daughter of a woman he hardly knew?
She had just reached for her doorknob when the telephone rang. She almost let the answering machine pick it up. Only the thought that it could be Steve with a last-minute request made her answer. “Hello?”
“Casey Jansen?” The voice was unfamiliar.
“Yes?”
“My name is Walter Park. I’m trying to locate a woman I believe was on your payroll for a time. Her name is Janice Gibson.”
Casey’s fingers went white around the telephone receiver as she remembered Steve’s account of the man who’d questioned him earlier that day. A man Steve had instinctively mistrusted. “How did you get this number? It’s unlisted.”
“One of your associates provided it to me. I’m sorry, I hope I’m not imposing too greatly on your time, but it really is very important that I get in touch with Ms. Gibson. It’s in regard to a rather sizable inheritance. I’m sure she’ll be very pleased to hear from me.”
And if Casey bought that, he’d probably try to sell her some ocean-front property in Arizona. She didn’t believe a word he’d just said. “I’m sorry, Mr. Park, was it?” she said, aware that he’d given Steve a different name. “Ms. Gibson left my employ without giving notice. She did the same thing to my competitor, Lockhart Air,” she added, biting back a scathing, As you already know.
“Neither of you has heard from her since she quit?”
“No. And it was quite inconvenient for me—as it was for Mr. Lockhart. We neither know nor care where she is now.”
“If you hear from her—”
“I won’t. And please don’t bother me again. Good day, sir.” With that curt dismissal, she hung up the phone.
Only then did her knees weaken. “Oh, my God,” she whispered.
Then she bolted for the door. She needed to talk to Steve.