by Ann Yost
And then there were the other complications. Outlaw was Hallie’s new brother-in-law and, of course, he was Lucy’s brother.
Hell, if he arrested Outlaw he’d be out one nanny in the short run and, eventually, one wife.
None of that mattered, of course.
Time had run out for the banker. Unless he coughed up a reasonable alibi and soon, Jake was going to have to charge him.
With a final wave to Miss Clara, Jake turned onto Walnut Street, drove to the end and parked in the wide driveway in front of the house. He’d visited here a few times due to his friendship with Hallie.
This time he’d be much less welcome.
Hallie opened the door to his knock and, as always, he responded to her quick smile and kind warmth. He’d thought she’d make the perfect stepmother for the twins. He still thought so but, as much as he liked her, he realized the chemistry had never been there.
“I’ve come to talk to Cam.”
Hallie asked no questions and her smile didn’t falter. She led him through the big, comfortable house to the late Jesse Outlaw’s study.
“Stop to see me in the kitchen before you go, will you?”
“Sure.”
Cameron Outlaw stood when Jake entered. The banker was nearly as tall as Jake but his build was lean and wiry rather than solid. His hair, the same inky color as Lucy’s, was arranged in a neat, businessman’s style and he wore a white button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, charcoal slacks and a tie striped in charcoal and the blue of the Maine summer sky. It was the color of his eyes—and Lucy’s.
Cam’s chiseled features were a more masculine version of his sister’s. The two younger Outlaws barely resembled their elder brother, Baz. Cam was only thirty but Jake noticed a network of lines that crisscrossed his forehead.
Cam Outlaw looked like a man with something eating him. Jake hoped to God it wasn’t a guilty conscience.
“Have a seat, Sheriff. Drink?”
Jake wished he could accept the offer. Two guys with drinks in their hands, well, there was an instant bond. But this was an official visit and he needed an official answer.
“No. Thanks.”
Jake sat on the battered leather sofa and glanced around the book-lined room while Cam resumed his seat behind the heavy walnut desk. A latticed window looked out onto the courtyard that led to the old carriage house that was home to the Outlaw Veterinary Clinic and Lucy’s apartment.
“We haven’t changed the room since Dad died.” The death had been sudden and rather recent. “It was a loss for all of us but I think it hit Lucy the hardest. As a kid she followed him around to the farms to doctor the large animals. For a long time we thought she’d study veterinary medicine but, in the end she didn’t. I think it reminded her too much of growing up without a mother. And dad, well, his job always came first. What was your father like?”
“I never met him,” Jake said, briefly. He didn’t add that, due to his mother’s early death, he’d been on his own before he was sixteen. Just for an instant Jake allowed himself to picture Lucy here as a small child, playing under her father’s desk, pelting him with questions, her blue eyes round with curiosity and mischief.
Cam interrupted his thoughts.
“I know you’re not here to talk about Lucy but…”
Jake lifted one eyebrow.
“I can’t help worrying about her. She’s an adult and all that but I know how impulsive she can be and, as you undoubtedly know, she’s developed a huge crush on you.”
It crossed Jake’s mind that Lucy would hate having her brother talk about her like this.
“The crush is mutual.”
Cam’s dark eyebrows lifted.
“Are you afraid I’ll take advantage of her.”
Outlaw’s gaze was steady. “Hell, no. You’re the sheriff,” he said, quietly, “and a father.”
The vote of confidence was flattering but misplaced and he couldn’t accept it.
“I’m a man, too. You know your sister and I spent the night together at that cabin out on the rez.”
What a damn fool. He’d handed Outlaw a shotgun and the bullets he needed. All the man had to do was aim and fire. In fact, Cam’s eyes narrowed.
“I’ve asked her to marry me.”
The frown subsided.
“I didn’t hear that. What’d she say?”
“Told me to take a hike.” Jake’s lips twisted.
Outlaw hooted. “That sounds like Lucy. You must’ve done it wrong. If I remember correctly, she’s expecting a down-on-one-knee rendition.”
“It was more than that. I haven’t given up hope.”
This time only one dark eyebrow lifted. “You wanted to marry Hallie.”
That, of course, was true. At least he’d thought that was what he wanted.
“None of my business,” Cam said. “And I suspect you aren’t here to talk about that. I imagine you’re here about my alibi.”
Jake nodded.
“There’s nothing I can add. I told you about driving around, pulling over and falling asleep.”
“I let it go before because there were other leads to follow. The leads have run dry. This time I need the truth.”
“I’m sticking to my story.”
Jake leaned forward, elbows on his thighs, frustration in his voice.
“Who the hell are you protecting?”
“No one. Unless I’m mistaken, no one else in my family is a suspect.”
The guy had a point.
“Let’s go at this from another angle. Who do you think wanted Packer dead?”
Cam shrugged. “The guy could be a prick and ethically he skated pretty close to the edge. The money goes to the widow and, of course, to the casino project of which I have control. I guess you could pick a motive out of that.”
“So the choices are Paula Packer or you.”
“Looks that way.”
“You’re the expert archer. You’re also the one with no alibi.”
Cam said nothing.
Jake searched the lean, tanned face. “What d’you know about Shirley Packer?”
Cam’s smile was ironic.
“Trying to clear me, Sheriff? Why? Because of Lucy?”
“I’m trying to get to the truth,” Jake bit out, “and with damn little help from you.”
Cam sighed. “I’m sorry for that. And, I’m sorry to say, I’ve never met the first Mrs. Packer but I now understand the reputation that got me interested in Packer, Inc., was mostly due to her efforts. And those of the attorney, Moore. They were involved when we signed the contract but Packer shook things up shortly thereafter. That’s when the casino project went to hell. As you know, I was unhappy with the inferior quality of the building materials he was getting from suppliers.”
Somehow it didn’t surprise Jake to learn that Shirley was the brains of Packer, Inc.
“If Shirley was so valuable, why didn’t he try to keep her as a partner after his remarriage?”
Cam shook his head. “Probably her choice. It seems to me it would have added insult to injury to keep Packer, Inc. afloat for the offspring Nate intended to have with Paula. I imagine Shirley wanted to leave. I’m not so sure about Claude. Nate told me once, after a couple of drinks, that neither of them suffered financially. And, of course, Claude was devoted to Nate.”
Jake’s ears pricked up. “Devoted. That’s an interesting word to describe a male relationship.”
“I’m not an expert on these things but I don’t believe it was romantic. More like brothers. They’d known each other all their lives.” Cam shrugged. “And like with most relationships, it wasn’t equal. Claude appeared to be the giver.”
“And Packer, the taker?”
Cam nodded. “I never got the feeling Packer was malicious. He was used to being the center of attention and accepted it as his due. In retrospect, I’d say he had an inability to put himself in the other guys’ shoes.”
“A sociopath?”
Cam appeare
d to think about that. “Maybe. He just didn’t have much of an ethical barometer. He liked people and expected them to like him back. For the most part, they did.”
Jake thought about the guys he’d put behind bars in L.A. Some of them, the con men, for example, had been friendly and likeable. Conscience, he thought, was a useful thing, albeit an uncomfortable one.
“I finally figured out that Moore was the one who kept up appearances after Shirley left.”
“Are you saying the company’s going bankrupt?”
“I finally got a copy of their financial report. They’ve botched a few jobs and had to make big restitution settlements during the past year. Meanwhile, fewer jobs are coming in. Ironic, isn’t it? Packer triggered the company’s decline by getting rid of Shirley so he could spawn an heir. Packer, Inc. will be a dim memory before Packer, Junior is out of the nursery.”
“What about the casino?”
Cam sighed and leaned back in his chair.
“I’ll make sure it gets built.” He shot Jake a look. “Even if I have to do it from a jail cell.”
“And Paula Packer’s inheritance?”
“She gets the house and cars. She won’t realize much out of the company but she won’t be liable for the debts, either. I wouldn’t worry about her too much, though. I think the Widow Packer can take care of herself.”
Jake thought about Paula’s super-sized sex appeal and decided Outlaw was right.
“If Packer had lived, he’d be facing bankruptcy?”
Cam nodded.
“Seems like he died just in time.”
“That’s one way of looking at it.”
The man was cool, Jake would give him that. Frustration welled up inside him. Outlaw was holding something back. What was it?
“I’d hoped this interview would clear you.”
“Sorry, Sheriff. You gonna arrest me?”
The light tone in his voice belied the awareness in the blue eyes. Outlaw knew he was in danger. Jake got to his feet.
“Not yet. Let me know if you decide to cooperate.”
“And don’t leave town, right?”
Jake stared at him for a long minute. He knew just how intimidating his green gaze could be.
“Means, motive, opportunity,” he repeated. “You’ve got ’em all.”
Cam’s mocking smile faded. “Let me walk you out.”
Jake waved him back to his chair. “I told Hallie I’d stop by the kitchen.”
Hallie stood at the sink. Her light brown curls were disheveled and her pretty cheeks were flushed as she painstakingly juggled a baby on her shoulder and prepared a bottle of formula at the same time. Jake grinned.
“Hey,” he said, softly, “need some help?”
Hallie held a protective hand against the boy whose body was balanced against her shoulder as she flashed Jake a welcoming smile that reached the depths of her hazel eyes.
She peeled the baby off and handed him to Jake.
“I know you’ve met before but I’m not sure he remembers you. Robert,” she said to the baby, “this is your Uncle Jake.” She looked at the man. “If you’ve got time to give him a bottle I’ll be forever in your debt.”
He didn’t have time. He had a murder to solve and domestic problems up the ass. But he’d never been able to say no to the sweet-tempered veterinarian. She motioned him to a padded rocking chair in one corner of the big country kitchen. A moment later she handed him the warmed bottle then she sat in one of the Windsor-style kitchen chairs. He nudged the nipple between the baby’s rosebud lips.
“I adore a man who knows how to do that,” Hallie breathed.
“It’s like riding a bike. It comes back to you.”
“He seems so happy. I think he feels more secure in a pair of strong arms.” Robert began to suck, his small cheeks blowing in and out in a way that reminded Jake of his own children. A gentle sense of nostalgia wafted through him and he could feel himself relaxing.
“Parenthood’s exhausting,” Hallie said, “but it’s the best.”
“Yeah.” The baby obviously heard Jake’s rumbling voice. His long lashes parted for a minute and eyes the color of blueberries stared up into his.
“Tell me about Sam and Lillie. I missed seeing them last Friday. What’re they up to?”
“They love Lucy,” he said, realizing it was true. “They would never eat anything but macaroni and hotdogs for Mrs. P. but for Lucy, they’ll try tuna with pickles, tuna with ketchup and even tuna tacos.”
Hallie laughed. “Lucy’s inventive. Just imagine what she’ll come up with once she gets over her tuna fixation.”
“She’s working on the costumes for the first grade end-of-the-year play. No bells this time.” He grinned at Hallie then shook his head. The baby swayed with the movement but didn’t stop eating. “I don’t know what I’d do without her. Lord knows I don’t have the time or expertise to sew costumes or organize the other moms to plan a program or to gather neighborhood kids in the backyard to hold an impromptu festival to celebrate May Day. She does it all while holding down a job.”
Robert paused and looked up at Jake.
“Good looking kid.”
Hallie grinned and scooted her chair close enough to put her head next to Jake’s and join him in the admiration of her child.
“He’s gorgeous and I’m beat.”
“Put your head on my shoulder.”
“Really?”
“Why not? Just consider me a pillow.”
“Nice pillow,” she said, with a yawn. Her head drifted back against his shoulder and a minute later she was asleep. It felt good to have a woman depending on him again. Her weight and the scent of baby powder relaxed him even more. He let his own head fall against the curved back of the rocker. His eyelids drifted shut. He smiled, faintly, just before he conked out.
A sharp intake of breath brought him upright. His lashes lifted and he registered three things: Robert was still sucking on the bottle; Hallie was still asleep on his shoulder and a pair of stricken blue eyes stared into his.
“Damn.” His soft curse woke Hallie and she lifted her head.
“Luce!”
Jake spotted her dilemma immediately. Lucy wanted nothing more than to sprint out of there but she wouldn’t wound Hallie for the world. She stayed put.
“I was gonna call you,” Hallie said, getting to her feet and stretching her back. “I just wanted to make sure you were planning to bring the twins to Little Joe’s tomorrow night.” She smiled. “Daisy’s pining to see all three of you and so am I.”
Lucy glanced at Jake. The new shadows in her eyes caused him a physical pain.
“Is that okay with you?”
She didn’t want him to come along. For some reason that hurt.
“Knock yourself out. I have other plans, anyway.”
Lucy nodded then disappeared through the back door that led to the clinic and her apartment. Hallie exchanged a look with Jake.
“What’s going on between you two?”
She wasn’t stern, exactly, but Jake got the definite impression she held him accountable for Lucy’s odd reaction.
“Chemistry,” he said.
“I think she’s in love with you.”
He shrugged. “I’m too old for her.” He waited for her to contradict him but she just gazed at him with a gentle expression.
“Lucy is warm and loving and she adores the twins. You could do a lot worse, Jake.”
He thought about how his careless affection toward Hallie must have hurt the younger woman, Hallie’s sister-in-law. He really was a horse’s ass.
“I’ve gotta go.”
Chapter Nine
Lucy stared into the Langley’s side yard. The apple tree no longer looked like something out of an Edward Gorey print. Green buds softened the twisted branches and, in a matter of days, pink blossoms would dress the tree in its yearly finery. Finally, spring had sprung.
Jake hadn’t come home for supper and, she suspected, he wouldn’t come h
ome until everyone, including Lucy, was safely in bed. She rested her forearms on the porch railing and watched the children playing in the yard.
She thought she’d done a pretty good job during her second tour of duty as temporary nanny. She’d enjoyed taking care of the kids and, if she hadn’t gotten over her feelings for Jake, she’d kept them hidden. No more mooning around. No more trying to set up an “accidental” meeting in the narrow hallway. No more night-time visits to the porch in the hope that he’d follow. She no longer pretended to herself that she was Jake’s wife or the twins’ mother. She kept her fantasies under wraps until she was alone in her own bed.
Lucy had thought she had the obsession under control but it wasn’t true. One look at Hallie’s head on his broad shoulder and Hallie’s baby in his arms had sent an arrow through her heart. They’d looked so Norman Rockwell. So perfect. So exactly what Jake wanted. He couldn’t have it, of course. Not with Hallie. But he couldn’t have it with Lucy, either. She simply couldn’t be his consolation prize.
Out in the yard Sam waved from his seat in the rope swing Jake had mounted in the apple tree. Lucy grinned and waved back, her heart in her throat. She’d miss the little boy so much. She’d miss Lillie, too. She knew they needed a mom and she prayed that they’d get one soon. Someone just like Hallie. In the meantime, Lucy intended to end the estrangement between Jake and his in-laws.
Sam and Lillie needed their grandparents. And Jake, well, Jake needed them, too.
Lucy gazed up at the darkening sky. The spear of pain she’d felt this afternoon had subsided into a dull but persistent ache in her chest. Jealousy was as strong a force as love or hate or loyalty. Maybe stronger. Was it possible that Shirley Packer had felt this way when she’d seen her husband of thirty years with the younger woman? Was it possible that Paula had happened upon a similarly tender scene between the two who had spent most of a lifetime together? Had one or the other of the two wives killed their mutual husband?
It was possible. Likely, even. What, after all, was an alibi in the face of the green-eyed monster that had the power to turn a person inside out?