Grammy was on her knees weeding the flower bed in front of her porch as Justin drove up. He parked the Explorer and got out.
“What brings you here on a weekday?” she asked. She held out her hand, and he pulled her to her feet. “Thanks. My knees have been giving me trouble.”
“I’m surprised you’re feeling any pain, considering how much medicinal marijuana you ingest.”
“If you stopped by to give me a hard time, then you can just run along.”
“Actually, I stopped by to see if I could leave Scout and Gypsy here for a few days.” He nodded toward the two horses in the trailer behind his SUV. “I’m taking some time off work, and I won’t be home to take care of them.”
Grammy’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing.”
“Oh, come on. You haven’t lied to me since you were eight and you let the dog lick the dirty dishes and told me you’d washed them.” She sat on the steps and patted the place beside her. “Tell me what’s going on.”
Of all the people in the world, his grandmother was the one he most hated to disappoint. Justin knew she wouldn’t let him leave until he talked it out, so he sat next to her, mainly so he wouldn’t have to look her in the eyes. He cleared his throat nervously. “I really screwed up.”
“Is that a real-person screwup or a golden-boy-Justin screwup?”
“It’s not funny.”
She patted his knee. “I’m just teasing you. You’ve always been so perfect, and I don’t mean that in a critical way. It’s just who you are. So what is it that’s got you bummed?”
“I slept with a suspect and now I’m off the case and on a mandatory vacation.” It all came out in a gush of words, and Justin hung his head as he waited for Grammy’s reaction.
“Holy shit!” Grammy exclaimed.
Justin’s head jerked around. “Language!”
“Boy, when you decide to dip your toe in the pond, you really jump into the deep end.”
“Yeah, well, it wasn’t really a conscious decision. It just sort of happened.”
“If Nick was telling me this, I wouldn’t be surprised. It’s just that you’re always in control of everything you do.”
His shoulders slumped. “I’m sorry.”
Grammy’s voice was sharp. “Don’t you dare apologize for enjoying life.” She paused, then added, “You did enjoy it, didn’t you?”
“Are you kidding? It was the best sex ever.” He thought how that sounded and tried to step it back. “I mean, Lori is a very nice woman. She’s smart and brave and totally down-to-earth. I’ve never met anyone like her. She was an abused wife who thought her husband had deserted her and her baby. All on her own, she turned the winery around and made a new life.”
“Let’s go back to the suspect part, because this is where you might need to take a step back. Did she actually kill her husband?”
“I don’t think so. In fact, I’m convinced she’s innocent. So much so that I let myself be taken off the case.”
Grammy seemed surprised by that. “But couldn’t you work to find the real killer better if you were still doing the investigation?”
“I didn’t feel I could actively pursue Lori’s conviction. I believe I can get more done without the badge.”
“You mean outside the law?”
Justin flinched at that concept. “I’m looking at it more as working undercover. Plus, Lori might be in danger, so I’m going to be staying at her house for a few days.”
“Is that wise? I mean, clearly there’s sexual chemistry between the two of you. I’m all for good sex, but not if it puts your job at risk. I know how important being a Ranger is to you.”
“I won’t let that happen again,” Justin said with resolve.
Grammy just smiled. “You can spend all your time making money or you can spend all your love making time.”
Justin groaned. “You’re giving Eagles therapy, aren’t you?”
“They were geniuses. You can find wisdom in all of their songs.”
“So what you—or the Eagles—are trying to say is that I should see if there’s something there?”
“Basically. How many times have you been in love?”
He ran through the few women he had ever dated more than once. “None.”
“You’re thirty-seven years old. You’ve built a sterling career. Don’t you think it’s time you let someone into your life?”
Justin looked around pointedly. “I don’t see anyone here with you.”
“I’ve had more than my share of lovers. And I’ve even had some great loves.” She shook her head sadly. “I was too stupid to know how important they were. Besides, I still have hope.”
He had never suspected his grandmother was lonely. She had led a colorful life during the time of free love and communes. He always thought she was alone because she chose to be. It was a side she never showed to anyone. He reached over and took her hand.
They sat there quietly for several minutes, each deep in their own thoughts. Finally, Grammy straightened. “I’m about to start dinner. Would you like to stay?”
Justin stood and helped Grammy up. “No, I told Lori I’d be there before dark. Someone broke into her house last night, and I don’t want her to be alone.”
“I hope things work out for you. You deserve a great love,” Grammy said.
“Oh, is it okay if I bring her and her daughter out here on Sunday? I sort of promised her kid she could ride the ponies.”
“You know my motto is ‘More is more.’ ”
“I’m going to turn my horses out in the pasture, if that’s okay. I just didn’t want to have to drive all the way back to Austin every day.”
“No problem. The ponies can’t keep up with all the grass out there.”
He leaned over and kissed Grammy’s sun-weathered cheek. “Thanks for the advice. And thank the Eagles for me the next time you see them.”
“Justin, for once in your life, go with your heart.”
“Maybe I will.”
Grammy smiled her approval.
“Oh,” Justin added. “I need to leave my Explorer here and maybe borrow your Mustang. I don’t want anyone to see my state vehicle at her place, or anywhere else I might go.”
“Can I drive it if I need it?”
He took his keys out of his pocket and removed the SUV keys but didn’t give them to her yet. “Just try not to do anything that will get me fired.”
“I’ll be on my best behavior. I’ll get my keys while you’re taking care of the horses.”
Justin drove the SUV closer to the barn and unloaded his two horses. They were more than just a hobby. He’d used them on several investigations when vehicles were impractical. He poured feed into individual buckets and into the trough for the ponies. After unhooking the trailer, he parked the Explorer behind the house where it wouldn’t be seen from the street.
Grammy was waiting on the porch with keys to her classic yellow Mustang she had purchased a few months ago when her VW bus finally died. “Take good care of my baby,” she said as she handed him the keys and took his.
“Thanks, Grammy. See you Sunday.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
It felt strange driving the peppy sports car, but in a way it was symbolic of all the changes this day had brought. His uniform was hanging neatly in the closet in his house. His hat and gun were on the passenger seat as the only reminders of his law enforcement ties. Wearing jeans and a polo shirt and zipping along with the wind in his hair, Justin felt like a different person. He wasn’t sure how he would adapt to not being on duty. But he felt strangely free as he headed toward Crystal Springs. His heart and mind were open to what might come next.
Every time someone walked past the door of her office, Lori looked up expectantly. As much as she wanted to see Justin, she was just as hesitant to have him here. Last night had been wild and wonderful and totally spontaneous. She couldn’t remember the last time she had done something so crazy and irresponsible…and she had regretted it almost immediately.
She was a mother and a businesswoman now. She couldn’t abandon all logic and common sense for a few moments of pleasure.
But, oh boy, it had felt good.
Lori hadn’t been a virgin when she married Mark. She hadn’t had many sexual encounters, but none had been like her night with Justin. Her whole body had been electric, as if her blood was energized and racing through her. It had made her bold and desperate to have him inside her. It was very un-Lori-like, and she felt her cheeks burn hotly every time she thought about it.
She knew they shouldn’t have done it, and yet she was strangely disappointed that Justin had promised it wouldn’t happen again. Just the thought of his hands on her body and his mouth on her breast caused a restless throbbing between her legs. He had filled her with his manhood and satisfied a longing she hadn’t wanted to admit she had.
But Kenzie was her number one concern, and it was wrong to have sex with a man she wasn’t married to while her daughter was in the house. Lori accepted that it couldn’t happen again. So why was she so excited at the prospect of Justin spending the night in her house again?
Then came the cryptic phone call from Justin. Why was he off the case? Who was this new guy who was going to question her? Had Justin given up on her? In spite of his assurance that he’d keep her in the clear, was this his way of guaranteeing that they wouldn’t be spending any more time together?
“We’re running low on a few things in the kitchen. Should I run into town, or are you going to?”
Lori looked up to see Raquel standing in the doorway. The girl’s long, raven black hair was pulled back into a low ponytail, which highlighted the natural beauty of her face. High cheekbones and large chocolate brown eyes dominated her features and attracted her share of suitors. Raquel was already registered to take online classes in the fall while still working at the winery, to get a degree in culinary arts. She and Raúl had been the rocks that kept Lori from giving up. And Lori, in turn, did all she could to help them succeed.
“Can it wait until tomorrow? I was planning on going into town to pick up some things for the memorial.”
“Of course. I’ll make a list.” Raquel paused. “Are you okay? You look flushed.”
That made Lori blush again. “I’m fine. Doing accounting always makes me a little crazy.”
“I’m taking bookkeeping next semester. Maybe I’ll be able to help you with it soon.”
Lori put the pile of checks and a deposit slip into the bank bag and zipped it up. “I can’t wait,” she admitted.
Raquel left, and Lori finished processing the credit card slips and put the bank deposit in the wall safe. Tomorrow she needed to make a run to the bank before doing the shopping.
She couldn’t wait for the memorial to be over. It was going to be a long day of pretending there was even a shred of love left for the man who had betrayed her in more ways than one. But she felt she owed it to Mark’s family, especially Mackenzie, and his friends.
Her cellphone rang, and she looked at the screen. It came in as a blocked call, so she answered it cautiously.
“Hello.”
“Mrs. Roberts?”
“Yes.”
“This is Ranger Tyler Reed. I’m sure Ranger Archer has already told you that I’ll be handling your husband’s case from here on out. Would you be available for an interview this afternoon…say, around six o’clock?”
Suddenly nervous, Lori answered, “Yes, I’m available.”
“Should I meet you at the winery?”
“No, it would be better to meet at my house. It’s just to the left of the main building.”
“See you then.” He ended the call.
Lori stared at the phone, a feeling of dread washing over her. She wished Justin would hurry up and get here. She wanted to know what was going on before she met with this new guy.
Too distracted to do any more paperwork, Lori did a quick check of the restaurant to make sure everything was running smoothly. Raquel, as usual, had it all under control, so Lori went to her house to get dinner started. Mackenzie, who had been playing on the swing set behind the winery, jumped down and hurried to join her mom.
“Are we still having pizza?” the little girl asked as she danced and twirled along the path.
“Of course we are,” Lori answered in her cheerful mommy voice. “And we’re going to have Ranger Archer join us.”
Mackenzie’s eyes lit up. “I like him. He’s going to take me to ride ponies.”
“He’s a very nice man, but don’t bug him about the ponies. Why don’t you go get washed up, and you can help me make the pizza?”
The little girl galloped ahead and used her key to open the front door. Lori stopped when she saw a canary yellow Mustang pull into her driveway and head toward her. As it got closer, she saw Justin’s smiling face, and she tensed, fearful that he was here to tell her goodbye. He stopped next to her.
“How do you like my new car?” he asked.
“It looks pretty old to me.”
“It’s an original 1965 Mustang.” He climbed out of the car and stood next to it, stroking its hood as if it were a woman.
She wasn’t particularly impressed with the car, but the man made her skin tingle with excitement. He had been sinfully attractive in his uniform, but dressed in a dark blue polo and tight jeans he took her breath away. “Where’s your Explorer? Where’s your uniform? Are you going through a midlife crisis?”
He laughed, and she realized she hadn’t really heard him laugh before. It was a rich, deep rumble that sounded genuinely happy. “I’m on vacation…sort of. At least, my boss thinks I am.”
“So you’re not going to help me figure out who killed Mark after all?” Lori’s heart sank. Justin was her best hope to solve the mystery, and now he was taking a vacation?
“I didn’t say that,” Justin stated. “My boss wasn’t happy that there hasn’t been an arrest, so he took me off the investigation and suggested I take some time off. I agreed because I can’t in good conscience build a case against you. Now I have twenty-four hours a day to figure out the who and why.”
Lori heaved a sigh of relief. “I thought you left because…” She couldn’t bring herself to actually finish the sentence, but he must have known what she was thinking.
“Because of last night?” he asked her gently. “We were both caught up in the moment, and we agree it can’t happen again…at least as long as Mackenzie is home.”
His tone was light, but there was promise in his eyes.
Lori smiled. Then she remembered her appointment. “Ranger Reed called, and he’s coming by this afternoon at six. Is he going to help us?”
Justin shook his head. “He’s new and strictly by the book. Just answer his questions honestly but briefly. Don’t volunteer anything. If you think of something relevant, tell me later.”
“Is this how you usually handle things like this?”
“No, I’ve always been a company man.” His gaze caressed her face with such warmth that she could almost feel his touch. “Until I met you. I know from experience that with so little evidence, everything will point at you, and I just don’t think you’re guilty.”
“So you’re doing all this, jeopardizing your job and violating your ethics, just to protect me?” Lori was incredulous that he would risk so much for her.
His hand lifted but stopped before it actually reached her face. “My grandmother told me it was time to go with my heart. And I think she’s right.”
Lori had never wanted to kiss a man more than she did at that moment, but they were out in the open where anyone could see. She just had to hope that what she felt happening between them was real. She couldn’t risk her own heart again, and now she had Mackenzie’s to think about too.
“Mommy, I’m ready,” Kenzie called from the front porch. “Oh, hi, Ranger Archer. Mommy told me not to ask about the ponies, but if you tell me more about them, then I wouldn’t be asking, right?”
Justin chuckled and waved at Mackenzie. “Did I mention that one of them is snowy white and the other one is as black as midnight?”
Mackenzie squealed with delight at this new tidbit of information.
Justin turned back to Lori. “Do you mind if I park this in the stable? I wouldn’t want anything to happen to it, and I’d rather no one know I’m here. I think it’s best if everyone thinks I’m lying on a beach somewhere.”
“Got it.” Lori nodded. “Just move the ATVs to the far end, and I think there will be plenty of room.”
“Thanks.” Justin continued to pierce her with his blue gaze. “I’m not going to give up until this case is solved and you’re vindicated.”
“I’m very glad you’re here,” she admitted.
A half hour later, they had just finished building the perfect pizza and putting it in the oven when a silver Toyota stopped in front of the house.
“Looks like your date has arrived,” Justin said. “Kenzie and I will stay out of sight.”
Lori wiped her sweaty palms on her capris. “I don’t know why I’m so nervous.”
“You’ll do fine. I just hope he doesn’t fall under your spell like I did,” he whispered for her ears only.
“One Ranger is definitely enough.” She took a deep, steadying breath. “I’ll keep him on the front porch.”
Justin nodded and motioned for Kenzie to move out of sight of the front door.
Seconds later, the doorbell rang, and Lori opened the door.
Tyler thrust a card at her and smiled. “Good afternoon, ma’am. I’m Ranger Tyler Reed. And I take it you’re Lori Roberts.”
“Yes, I am.” She took the card. “My daughter’s inside watching cartoons. I’d rather she not hear this, so can we sit outside?”
“Of course.” He stepped back and followed her to a grouping at the end of the porch that had four wicker chairs with plump, flowery cushions arranged around a matching table. As soon as they sat down, Tyler pulled a small tape recorder out of his briefcase and placed it on the table between them. “Do you mind if I record this? It might save you from having to go downtown for an interview.”
“No problem,” she answered. She watched as he pulled out a pad of paper and flipped through several pages of Justin’s notes until he reached a clean page. He took out a pen, then punched the record button on the tape recorder.
He stated his name, his badge number, the date, and the time before instructing Lori to say her name.
She leaned toward the machine and said, “Lori Anne Roberts.”
Tyler started the interview by saying, “These first few questions are just a formality. Another investigator is in the process of obtaining copies of the actual documents.” He continued by asking all of the standard questions about address, age, when and where she and Mark had met, how long they had been married. Lori answered them truthfully and without hesitation. He branched off into questions about Mark’s infidelity and the winery. She didn’t have all the names and dates, but she told him what she knew.
The interview had been going along for almost fifteen minutes, and Lori had just started to relax, when Tyler lifted his face and stared at her. “So tell me, Mrs. Roberts, who is Johnny Grand?”
“Johnny Grand?” she repeated.
“The man you paid to kill your husband.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Tyler took a copy of a cashier’s check made out to Johnny Grand and handed it to her. “How do you explain giving him ten thousand dollars only a month after Mark disappeared?”
“Johnny did some tractor work for me. He cleared the brush out of the pasture, then dug the holes for the olive trees.”
“Why did you pay him with a cashier’s check and not a check from the winery account?”
“Because I didn’t have that kind of cash in the account. I had to take it out of our savings, and it was easier to get it in a cashier’s check than to deposit it and write out a check.”
“Only a month after your husband’s disappearance? Isn’t that awfully quick for such a big move?”
“I thought Mark was gone, and I found a good deal on some healthy trees. I didn’t see any reason to wait.”
“And why did you instruct Mr. Grand to push all the brush to the spot he did?”
“I didn’t. He was supposed to haul it off to the dump.”
“Isn’t it a little convenient that he piled everything on top of the grave where he buried your late husband?”
Lori was beginning to get angry. He wasn’t listening and didn’t want to hear the truth. “I said, I wasn’t aware that Mark was buried back there, and I didn’t tell Johnny to pile the brush anywhere. He told me he would carry it away. I would never put my trash on someone else’s property.”
“Unless it was covering a man’s grave that you didn’t want discovered.”
“That’s not what happened. It’s a coincidence.”
Tyler’s gaze grew cold. “One of the first things we learn in the academy is that there is no such thing as coincidence.” He stood and pulled out a pair of handcuffs from a pouch on his belt. “Lori Anne Roberts, you’re under arrest for the murder of your husband. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say or do can and will be held against you….”