Harlequin Romantic Suspense March 2021

by Anna J. Stewart

“And that would be a lie.”

  “Perhaps, but not one I’ll ever admit to.”

  The smirk on his mother’s face made Davis smile. “I appreciate you and Dad wanting me to stay here, but I’m ready to go back to my own place.”

  “I know, but you heard your father. He doesn’t think that’s a good idea until this is all resolved. And I have to agree with him.”

  “I feel like I’m twelve, Mom. I need to get back on schedule and get back to work. I have a life.”

  “No one’s disputing that, but right now, someone’s trying to destroy that life and we’re not going to let that happen. There’s nothing you need to do at your place that you can’t do right here. You can even work.”

  “Oh, there are some things I can’t do!” Davis said facetiously.

  His mother shook her head. “I’m sure you and your brothers have even done that under my roof thinking you were getting away with something.”

  “Not me! Maybe Armstrong and Ellington. Definitely Mingus. And you might want to question both your daughters.”

  Judith laughed. “Since we’re on the subject, when do I get to meet this young lady? Your father says she seems very nice.”

  “I don’t think that’s the subject we were on.”

  “Are you sure about that?”

  Amusement danced in Davis’s eyes. “Do you believe in love at first sight, Mom?”

  “I believe attraction can shift so quickly that we think it’s love at first sight.” She sat forward in her chair. “Why? Do you think you love this young woman?”

  Davis shrugged, drifting into thought for a moment. He lifted his eyes to find his mother staring at him intently. “I think that what she and I have could be pretty special,” he concluded. “Obviously, we’re still getting to know each other. Right now, I think it’s an intense adoration with a robust degree of lust.”

  His mother nodded. “I appreciate that you’re not rushing into anything. That never serves you well.”

  “You and Dad rushed into your relationship.”

  “Your father and I were great friends prior to becoming romantic with each other. We had no reason to wait, but I wouldn’t necessarily say we rushed into anything.”

  “Do you still love him?”

  “Why would you ask me that? Of course, I still love your father!”

  Davis shrugged his broad shoulders a second time. “Lately, you two seem to always be at odds with each other. We’ve all noticed, and we’re worried.”

  “Well, don’t. Your father and I are fine. We go through things like all married couples, but we go through them together. And it’s our love for each other that helps us get through. I love your father even more now than when we were first married. You never have to worry about that.”

  Davis stood. “I need to go change. I’m meeting Neema for coffee, then I have to meet Ellington down at his office. We have an appointment with the FBI investigators.”

  “Please, listen to your brother’s advice. He won’t steer you wrong.”

  “I will. It’ll be fine.” Davis moved around the oversize desk and kissed his mother’s cheek. “Don’t forget the chocolate cake,” he said with a wide smile.

  Judith chuckled. “I’ll tell you what. Invite your friend to Sunday dinner and I’ll make chocolate cake.”

  Davis grimaced. “You really want to subject her to Simone and Vaughan? That kind of scrutiny might kill my relationship.”

  “Your sisters have your best interest at heart.”

  “My sisters get great joy in making my life miserable.”

  “That’s called love, son.”

  Davis exited the room, calling back over his shoulder, “If that’s love, I’d hate to see what they’d do if they didn’t like me!”

  * * *

  “So, how’s your day going?” Neema asked as she slid in opposite him in the booth.

  She’d been looking forward to seeing Davis since he’d invited her to join him for coffee at Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits. Two cups of freshly brewed coffee with two slices of buttermilk pie with cranberries, whipped cream and a graham cracker crust rested on the tabletop.

  Davis leaned across the table to kiss her lips, his hand gently cupping the side of her face. He kissed her until they were both breathless. He sat back in his seat, grinning like he’d won the biggest prize at the state fair. “Better now. How about yours?”

  “My day has improved substantially now that I’ve seen you. I’m happy to see you’re feeling better.”

  “I do feel better. My mother’s been spoiling me with home-cooked meals and I’ve gotten plenty of rest. Now I need to get back to work.”

  “Please, don’t rush. If you need more time, take it.”

  “You sound like my mother.”

  “Your mother is a very wise woman.”

  “She would like you to join us for dinner on Sunday. My family has been telling her about you. I would love to have you there if you don’t have other plans.”

  Neema’s eyes widened. She hesitated, pondering the invitation. “With your whole family?”

  “It’s what we do. If you don’t want to, I understand. I know it can be overwhelming.”

  “No, actually, I would like that.”

  His exuberance was palpable. “Excellent! My mother is going to love you, so I don’t want you to worry.”

  Neema reached for his hand, giving his fingers a quick squeeze. “So, what’s going on with the case? Do they have any leads on Gaia’s killer?”

  Davis shrugged, pausing as he took a bite of his pie. He closed his eyes briefly as he savored the taste against his tongue. When he opened them, Neema had taken a bite of her own pie and was smiling warmly. He held up his index finger as he chewed and swallowed, then took a second bite before answering.

  “I don’t think they’re any closer to finding her killer. I don’t doubt they’re still looking at me for the crime. She and I had history. She’d called me upset about something. I was there. And she was shot with my gun. To everyone else, that makes me guilty.”

  Neema shook her head. “But we know you didn’t do it.”

  “We still have to prove it. Who accessed my office and how did they get it? Who knew I kept a weapon in my desk drawer? Who benefits from Gaia’s death, or from me being charged for the crime? There are still more questions than answers.”

  “May I ask a question?”

  “Of course! Anything. You know that.”

  Neema nodded. “The night we were at the gallery, that woman Ginger said something that upset you. Could she be involved?”

  “I don’t know. She was actually there to warn me about my business arrangement with her employer. She said I shouldn’t trust him.”

  “Did she say why?”

  Davis shrugged. “No. I don’t have a clue.”

  “What kind of business dealings do you and Mr. Balducci have together?”

  Davis paused. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I was just being nosey. I understand if you don’t want to discuss it with me.”

  “It’s fine. He asked me to facilitate a sale between him and Gaia.”

  “That’s why you purchased those four paintings!”

  Davis nodded. “I’m sorry. I wish there was more I could tell you, but...”

  “Don’t apologize. You don’t owe me any explanation. I appreciate you sharing that.”

  “It’s important to me that we be open and honest with each other.”

  Neema’s stomach did a quick flip, her anxiety level rising. She sat with her hands in her lap, twisting her fingers together. “Since we’re sharing,” she said, “there’s something...”

  Davis’s cell phone suddenly chimed loudly. He stole a quick glance at the incoming number and cursed under his breath. “I’m sorry. I have to take this,” he said, rising from the booth. “I�
��ll be right back.” He answered the call, moving toward the restaurant’s door as he started the conversation.

  Neema exhaled, a heavy gust that felt like weight pressing on her chest. She mumbled a low whisper, talking to the air around her. “Tell him! Just say it. Davis, I’m a reporter!” She repeated herself a second, and then a third time, tossing a look to see if anyone was staring at her.

  A good few minutes passed before Davis returned. Neema had finished her pie and was finishing the last few sips of her coffee. Suddenly her phone rang, her father’s image filling the screen.

  “Hello, Baba!”

  “Where are you, Neema?”

  “Having coffee with Alderman Black.”

  “You are having coffee with the alderman?” He repeated her comment as if he wasn’t sure he’d heard her correctly.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Well, I am sorry to interrupt, but I need you here at the restaurant. Your mother isn’t feeling well, and I am taking her to the doctor’s office.”

  “What’s wrong? Do you need me to come with you?”

  “I need you to help out at the restaurant while we are gone. I don’t know that I can trust the new hire just yet. He is still learning, and Tobias can be lazy when we are not there. Your mother will be fine. She doesn’t even want to go, but the doctor has an opening, so I am making her.”

  “Are you sure it’s not serious?”

  “She has been complaining about the pain in her knees. I imagine it’s just old age catching up with her like it has caught up with me!”

  Neema chuckled. “Okay, Baba. I’m on my way, but call and let me know what the doctor says, please.”

  “You’re a good daughter, Neema. Please, give the alderman my regards.”

  “I will, Baba. Love you!”

  As she disconnected the call Davis was moving back in her direction. He looked quite dashing in his navy blue suit, pink dress shirt and paisley tie. Neema eyed him with appreciation, noticing that hers were not the only eyes paying him attention.

  “I hate to do this, but I’ve got to run,” Davis said as he dropped cash onto the table to cover the tip. “Are you working tonight?”

  “I have to head to the restaurant now, actually. My father needs me to cover for him and my mother while they run to a doctor’s appointment.”

  “Is everything okay?”

  “Mom’s having some problems with her knees.”

  “I hope she’s feeling better. Please, give them both my regards.”

  “I will. And thank you for the pie. It was very good. In fact, I think I’m going to order one to take home for my parents. I think my mother would love the chocolate pecan.”

  “That’s one of my favorites, too!” Davis bent to kiss her mouth, his lips dancing sweetly against hers. He tasted like ginger and orange with a hint of caramel. Neema pressed her palm to his chest, wanting to hold on for just a moment longer. When he finally pulled away, taking a step back, they were both breathing heavily.

  “Call me,” he said, giving her one final peck on the lips. “Or I’ll call you!”

  * * *

  The FBI interrogation ended as quickly as it started. The two men dressed in black suits had little interest in Davis. Forensics had concluded there was no possible way that he had pulled the trigger. But they still didn’t know who had murdered Gaia and why.

  “Did you know your friend had a substantial life insurance policy?” The man asking the question was short and squat with a thinning head of blond hair combed over from one ear to the other.

  Davis shook his head. “No. It wasn’t something we ever discussed.”

  The investigator nodded. “Her son stands to receive ten million dollars after her cause of death is made official.”

  Davis blinked, digesting the information slowly. “That doesn’t make any sense,” he said. “Gaia didn’t have that kind of income to afford that kind of policy. Nor did she have assets that needed to be conserved like that. I know Gaia would have wanted to ensure Emilio was protected, but ten million dollars...?” His voice trailed, his eyes darting back and forth as he considered the ramifications.

  “Her father purchased the policy, from what we understand,” the other investigator said. He was taller than his partner with more hair and leaner facial features.

  “Her father?” Ellington looked confused, tossing Davis a look.

  “And the son is listed as the only beneficiary, correct?” Davis questioned.

  “Yes, that’s correct,” the second agent answered. “In fact, it goes into a trust until his twenty-fourth birthday.”

  Ellington gave them a nod. “I would think that might rule out money as the motivating factor for her murder, do you agree?”

  The two men suddenly rose, neither responding. The short investigator extended his hand. “We appreciate you taking time to speak with us. Our office will issue a formal statement clearing you of any wrongdoing, Alderman Black.”

  “Thank you,” Davis said. “I appreciate that.”

  “Have a good day, sir.”

  The two brothers watched as they exited the room. When they were out of earshot, Ellington turned to his brother. “Do you know who her father is?”

  Davis nodded. “Yeah, but I’m not at liberty to say. I was sworn to secrecy.”

  “Does this have something to do with Dad insisting you meet with Alexander Balducci?”

  Davis’s eyebrow hitched upward, the answer to the question on his face. But he said nothing out loud.

  “Gotcha!” Ellington quipped. “I swear, if it’s not one thing, it’s another. Do you think her father had something to do with this?”

  “I don’t know, but I plan to find out.”

  * * *

  Davis arrived at the Balducci home unannounced. He came bearing gifts for Emilio and four paintings of the boy for his grandfather. The housekeeper granted him admittance and as he stood in the foyer waiting for Balducci he couldn’t help but wonder if he’d made a mistake. No one knew he was there and he imagined his parents would probably have insisted Mingus tag along if they had supported him going at all. But he had questions and he knew that Balducci was the only one who could answer them for him.

  The man was clearly not happy to see him. Davis got the distinct impression he had interrupted something important and he was prepared to be turned away. Instead, Balducci gestured for him to follow as he led the way to the back of the home and into his private office.

  “I appreciate you seeing me, sir,” Davis said. “I wanted to deliver the paintings you purchased. I was also hoping that I might be able to see Emilio and give him my condolences.”

  “I’m surprised your father allowed you to come,” the man said.

  It was his first full sentence that wasn’t a grunt, Davis thought. He shrugged. “I didn’t ask for his permission.”

  Balducci shot him a look. “You surprise me. I wouldn’t have thought you had it in you.”

  “Why is that, sir?”

  “Your father has always described you as his obedient son.”

  “I have my moments.”

  Balducci gave a slight chuckle. “Well, thank you for dropping by. But I need to get back to work.”

  “I would like to see Emilio. I’m sure a familiar face would be a comfort to him.”

  Balducci hesitated, seeming to consider Davis’s request. He finally nodded. “You’ll find him in the basement with his cousin Pauly. Pauly is my late son Leonard’s child. He came to live with me after his father’s death, so the two have much in common.”

  There was an awkward pause as Davis reflected on his comment. “Thank you,” he finally said.

  “After you say hello, let yourself out. And in the future, don’t come back, unless I extend an invitation.”

  “I meant no disrespect, Mr. Balducci. Gaia was a good frie
nd and I know she’d appreciate me staying in touch with her son.”

  “I’m sure that’s true. But our two families have a complicated history that makes our relationship very tenuous. It’s better that we maintain some distance.”

  “Better for whom? I thought you and my father were friends?”

  There was another moment of hesitation before the man spoke. “As I said, it’s complicated.”

  “I’d like to understand...” Davis started before his comment was cut short.

  Balducci help up a hand. “Ginger will show you to the basement,” he said.

  Davis turned, suddenly realizing the woman stood in the doorway. She met his stare, the faintest of smiles pulling at her thin lips.

  “Show Alderman Black to the basement. Then show him to the door,” Balducci commanded as he settled in the leather executive chair behind his desk.

  Davis turned, understanding that he had been summarily dismissed, the older man having nothing else to say to him.

  He followed Ginger down the length of hallway and through the kitchen. A set of stairs led them to the basement of the home, the entire space a family playroom. Much thought had gone into the décor, the room designed to entertain and delight. There were old-school pinball machines, an oversize flat-screen television with a surround sound system, a pool table, bean bag chairs and a wall of bookcases that highlighted a collection of video games, movie DVDs and a few books.

  Emilio and his cousin were playing Fortnite, the online video game filling the television screen. Both were lost in play, oblivious to his arrival.

  Davis stood watching, thinking that Emilio had grown some since he’d last seen him. Ginger stood by his side and he shot her a look as she stared where he stared.

  “Why are you here?”

  “I wanted to check on Emilio.”

  “He’s doing well,” she said softly. “His grandfather is good with him. He misses his mom, though.”

  “I also wanted to ask you a few questions. When you came to the gallery, you said Balducci was setting me and Gaia up. That I shouldn’t trust him. What did you mean?” Davis questioned, cutting another eye in her direction.

  “It was nothing,” she answered.

  “No, it was something. You purposely came to warn me. What did you want me to know?”