Crime & Passion

by Chantel Rhondeau

  His blue gaze waited for her every time she closed her eyes, seducing her, begging her to call him.

  Chapter Twelve

  Donovan stood outside Woofy Cuts the next morning at 7:50. The store opened in ten minutes, so Maddie should pull up anytime. He spent the night wondering how to make up with her. She sure could hold a grudge. Most women melted when he presented them with flowers. The chocolate tea should have ensured his forgiveness.

  Then again, Maddie was more complex than the women Donovan usually pursued.

  He knew she was upset with him, but he really didn’t want her in the shop alone. He’d just hang out until someone else came into work.

  Madeline’s apartment was within walking distance, but he couldn’t imagine she’d be foolish enough to walk to work. However, as he looked up the street, there was a figure jogging along the sidewalk. He smiled when he recognized Maria Rains—Lindsey’s other employee, and someone Donovan counted among his friends.

  Perhaps Lindsey had also realized it wasn’t safe for Madeline to work alone. That would ruin his plan to play the big hero this morning.

  The older woman smiled at him widely when she noticed him standing there. “What’re you doing here, honey?”

  “I came to keep an eye on Madeline while she worked this morning. Are you working too?”

  “Aren’t I always?” Maria laughed and smoothed her artificially darkened hair behind her ears as the morning breeze flirted with it. “Actually, Madeline called and asked me to cover for her for a half hour or so.”

  “Is she okay? What’s wrong?” Donovan didn’t like how desperate his voice sounded, but he couldn’t help it as anxiety twisted his gut.

  Maria gave him a knowing smile. “I heard you have a thing for her.”

  “I—” Hell, there was no point denying it. “Yeah, I do.”

  Maria circled his waist with her arm and gave him a squeeze. “’Bout time. I never thought you’d find a girl you cared half a wit for. Jeremy and I have been worried about you.”

  Donovan hugged her back, touched by the gesture and her concern. Maria and her husband, Jeremy, had always been good to Donovan. They’d often invited him over for a home-cooked meal. He and Jeremy occasionally watched a game of football. Spending time with them was always a pleasure. It was almost like having a true family.

  He looked on Maria as a sort of surrogate mother, and she treated him like a son, even though she had three children of her own. Then again, Maria was great to everyone. She always had a ready smile or a kind word for anyone around town. Everyone loved her. It was rather how he imagined his own mom would have been, had she lived.

  “So, Maddie’s okay, then?” he persisted.

  “Sort of.” Maria pressed her lips together and shook her head slightly. “The school called her and asked to have a meeting before her next music class.”

  “And they’re going to tell her not to come in until the killer is caught.” Donovan’s heart sank. He feared that would happen, but hoped it wouldn’t.

  Maria nodded. “I’m pretty sure that’s the way the wind blows.” She stuck her key into the door. “Since you’re already here, would you mind coming inside with me? I’d feel safer if you checked things about before racing off to comfort Madeline.”

  Donovan nodded. “So long as you aren’t afraid to be alone with me.”

  “You’ve known me for twelve years. Do you really think I’d believe the gossip about you?”

  “No, I know you wouldn’t. I shouldn’t take my frustrations out on you. It’s just that Brandon’s veiled accusations are making my life miserable.”

  “Anyone who believes you’re a killer doesn’t know you very well. I’m sure you have more support in this town than you know. You’re a good cop, and a great person.”

  “Thanks for saying that.” Donovan hoped he wouldn’t blush. It wasn’t often someone paid him a compliment.

  “It’s nothing more than the truth. You’ve done a lot for the people of this town, and always look out for the kids. People count on you to coach little league and basketball for the younger children if no one else is available. You do it and never complain.”

  “You know I love helping the kids. I wish I could do it more often.” He shook his head. “No one seems to remember that about me right now though. They think I’m some sort of monster.”

  “They’ll remember. Maybe I should remind a few people just how much you’ve helped them. Heck, if it weren’t for you, my youngest would’ve had serious problems up there at make out point her junior year of high school. She wasn’t quite ready for what that boy wanted.”

  Donovan grinned, thinking about how many would-be amorous situations he’d broken up at ‘make out point.’ Most times, the boys were pissed, the girls relieved, and the parents grateful. “Thanks. You’ve officially made me feel better. I’ve been a bit down these past few days.”

  “I know you’ve had a hard time settling with one woman, but people should quit judging you because of that. It doesn’t make you a bad person.”

  He laughed. “If I can earn Madeline’s forgiveness, maybe she’ll be Miss Right.”

  “Let’s hope so. It’s time for you to have babies and teach them to call me Granny.” Maria winked and then opened the door to the shop. “Let me turn off the alarm.”

  Donovan followed her inside, reassured by the loud beeps. Maddie said the alarm was already off the day she found Brutus. With it still activated, Donovan was sure no one waited for them in the shadows.

  Maria punched in the code and the light turned green as the beeping stopped. “Okay. I’m going to let you search for intruders, if you don’t mind. I’ll turn on the open sign and wait up here.”

  Donovan nodded, happy to do his part to reassure her. He walked through the aisles containing pet supplies, relieved when each was empty. Madeline thought the intruder had hidden in the coat closet the other day, so he searched that too.

  After satisfying himself no one lurked in the front part of the store, he walked through the double doors into the kennel area. He searched the bathrooms too.

  “All clear,” he told Maria as he walked toward her. “You’re safe and sound.”

  “Thanks for checking. I have to admit, I’ve been a bit spooked.” Maria shrugged and gave him a half smile, as though embarrassed. “Now, go find Madeline. I’m sure she’ll be heartbroken if the school laid her off. She loves those kids so much.”

  “I’ll find her.” And hopefully she’ll let me talk to her.

  “I don’t want to seem insensitive, but if you could get her back here as soon as she’s able to cope, I’d really appreciate it.” Maria led Donovan to the front door. “It’s Brianna’s birthday and I promised to bake cupcakes and bring them to the school.”

  “How old is she now?”

  “Seven,” Maria replied, beaming like the proud grandmother she was. “Where does the time go?”

  “I haven’t a clue.” Donovan gave her another quick hug. “We’ll be back soon.”

  He climbed into his car. With all the recent speculation about him being involved in Frank’s murder, Donovan had worried he might become the town pariah. Thank goodness for Maria. She kept a level head and never listened to gossip, using her own good sense to make decisions.

  Donovan backed onto Main Street. A car raced up behind him and nearly rammed into his rear bumper. Donovan slammed on the brakes. Turning to glare out the back window at the offending driver, he was surprised to see Brandon behind the wheel of the other car. Brandon turned into the parking lot and pulled into the space nearest the door.

  Brandon didn’t own any pets, so Donovan could only imagine he also thought Madeline would be at work. He probably planned to badger her for another story...or another date. The bastard needed to leave her alone.

  Donovan snickered as he pulled onto the road. At least Brandon wouldn’t see Madeline this morning.

  He didn’t have time to worry about the other man right now, however. Maddie was all that
mattered. He needed to hustle so he could wait for her outside the school. He wanted to be there to support her when the meeting ended. If her heart broke afterward, like Maria thought it would, Donovan wanted to help gather the pieces.

  ***

  Madeline walked out of the school building and headed for her car. It was so unfair. She understood why the school board decided to let her go until the police caught the killer, but if Brandon had never written that article, it wouldn’t be a problem.

  She reached the far end of the parking lot. Donovan leaned against the driver’s side door of her car. She didn’t quite know what to say to him. She hadn’t expected to see him yet.

  Even though dark sunglasses shielded his eyes, Madeline could feel him watching her every move. She took a deep breath and continued walking toward him, determined to get along with him this morning.

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  She stopped at the front of the car, resting her hand on the hood. “Not really. I don’t have a job with the school until this all settles down.”

  Donovan shook his head. He stepped toward her and gathered her in his arms. “I was afraid of that.”

  She shrugged and leaned against his chest, not wanting to pull away from him, though she knew she should. “Things could be worse. They still want me to take over the full-time teaching position in the fall. Mrs. Chance is retiring, so that would be nice. Assuming the killer is caught by then.”

  “Don’t worry. We’ll find him and everything will be fine.” Donovan released her, but took her hand in his instead. “Are you up to working today or should I call Lindsey? Maria asked me to hurry back.”

  “You talked to Maria?”

  He nodded. “I went to the shop to find you. I know you’re mad at me, but it’s not safe for you to be alone. Maria told me where to find you.”

  He certainly had a way of confusing things. Madeline didn’t know what to think about any of this. Maybe he wanted to be friends, or maybe he needed her help. Either way, it touched her that he wanted to protect her. She should be nice to him.

  Madeline squeezed his hand before letting it drop. “That was kind of you, considering how things ended between us last night.”

  Donovan pushed his sunglasses to the top of his head, staring deep into her eyes. He caressed her face with gentle fingers. “I need you to forgive me, Maddie. Let me explain things. I don’t want to do anything to hurt you.”

  She knew she should feel good about that. He hadn’t slept with her because he didn’t want to hurt her. She pulled away from him, not able to bear his tender touch when she knew he didn’t want her. “I wish you hadn’t been quite so concerned with my feelings.”

  “I want something real this time around, Maddie. I don’t want another loveless fling.” He let out an audible sigh. “I’m tired of playing the field. Whenever I go to Maria and Jeremy’s house and see what they have...” He shrugged. “I start to think I want the same thing.”

  Madeline closed her eyes and forced a smile on her face. The woman who answered his phone must actually be something special, to make him feel this way after he’d pushed away so many others. She should be happy for him, but she wasn’t. Still, she could fake it. “I understand, Donovan. Don’t worry about it. I’m glad we can be friends.”

  He nodded, smiling widely. “Yes. Exactly. We have to be friends. I think that’s where I keep going wrong.”

  A guy who just wants to be friends. I remember that from my fatty days.

  She pulled her keys out of her purse. “I need to get to work. Maria said something about cupcakes, and I don’t want to keep her waiting.”

  “I’m coming with you.” He walked to the blue Ford Focus parked next to her and opened the door. “I’ll follow you.”

  Madeline nodded her agreement and got into her car. On top of losing her teaching job this morning, Donovan had relegated her to the friend zone.

  It’s going to be a terrific day.

  ***

  Donovan hopped out of his car and rushed to open Madeline’s door when they got to Woofy Cuts. Brandon Feldman’s car was gone from the deserted parking lot, making Donovan a very happy man.

  Madeline had been a bit too nice to him at the school, and Donovan was a little worried. Considering the stress she must be under having just lost her job, he wasn’t sure a nice, calm Maddie was a good thing.

  He offered her his arm after closing the car door.

  Her eyes clouded over for a moment, but she slipped her arm through his. “We’re quite the gentleman today, aren’t we?”

  “I’m trying. I do have some manners.”

  She snorted. “That’ll be something to see.”

  Yep. She was still pissed. If he wanted to keep the peace, it would be best to keep his mouth shut.

  “Huh. That’s odd,” Madeline said as they stepped onto the sidewalk near the doorway.

  Donovan turned his head sharply toward her. “What’s odd?”

  “The open sign.” She shook her head. “It’s probably nothing. Maria must’ve forgotten to turn it on.”

  Donovan’s heart clenched painfully in his chest as fear stole his breath away. “Get in your car and lock the door.”

  “Why?”

  Donovan reached for his gun, as was instinct. His fingers brushed the fabric of his pants. Damn! He forgot Chief took it. He should have grabbed his pistol from home. “Maria turned that sign on while I was with her.” He softly pushed Madeline in the direction of her vehicle. “I’ll make sure she’s okay.”

  Madeline narrowed her eyebrows. “I think you’re overreacting, Donovan. Maybe the light burned out.”

  He wished he could believe that. “Brandon Feldman pulled into the parking lot right as I was leaving.”

  She sucked in a loud breath. “And you think...”

  “Get in your car.”

  “No way.” She took a step toward the door. “If something happened to Maria, she might need both our help.”

  Madeline yanked the door open before Donovan could protest further.

  He grabbed her hand in his, stopping her from moving forward. “Let me go first.”

  She nodded and Donovan stepped past her, holding her hand in his behind his back.

  “Maria? Are you in here?” He looked around the interior of the store. Maria wasn’t behind the counter and she didn’t reply to his call. “Maria?”

  Silence.

  Behind him, Madeline gasped. “Donovan. Over there, in the corner.”

  With a heavy heart, he looked into the shadowy corner at the back of the room.

  Maria sat on the floor, propped against the wall. Her head hung down to her chest and hair obscured her face. She didn’t move.

  “No, please, no.” Donovan couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. He should have turned around when he saw Brandon. He should have made sure Maria was safe.

  “We need to check her.” Madeline’s calm voice steadied him. Her arms slipped around his waist and squeezed him once before letting go. “Maybe she’s knocked out or something.”

  Donovan didn’t believe that any more than he figured Madeline did, but he knew she was right. They had to check.

  “I’ll look,” he said. “Stay here.”

  He walked toward Maria, not waiting to see if Madeline obeyed his order. She’d long since proven she would do whatever she pleased.

  Donovan crouched down, trying not to disturb anything. “Maria?” He pushed her head back toward the wall gingerly with the tips of his fingers.

  Maria’s eyes bulge in their sockets, her face twisted in a mask of pain. A blue and yellow nylon cord circled her neck. Donovan didn’t need to see more to know the horrible truth.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Madeline looked across the crowded police station from where she sat at Donovan’s desk. There was hardly room to walk in the tight space. With the police officers of Pleasant View buzzing around like bees from an agitated hive, it seemed even smaller.

  A hand pressed against her s
houlder. When Madeline turned, Eric loomed over her.

  “You all right, Madeline?”

  Oh, yeah. I’m fantastic. Moron. She bit back the retort and shook her head. “I’m worried about Donovan. That was so horrible for him. He kind of lost it for a while.”

  That was a mild description for what happened. Donovan had run outside after checking Maria’s body and thrown up around the corner of the building. When Madeline tried to talk to him, he sank to the ground with his head in his hands, repeatedly stating it was all his fault. She’d been unable to comfort him.

  Madeline called the cops. When they showed up, Donovan hadn’t moved, hadn’t talked to anyone. Brice Carter was a reassuring presence. He’d helped Donovan into the car, told one of the other officers to process the scene, and told yet another to go see Lindsey and let her know the situation.

  Brice Carter had driven Donovan’s car, and Madeline followed behind them. When they arrived at the station, Brice deposited her at Donovan’s desk, asked her to wait for someone to take her statement, and disappeared with Donovan into the Chief’s office.

  That left Madeline sitting by herself until Eric showed up. She wished she knew what was happening to Donovan.

  She looked back up at Eric. “I’ve never seen him like that.”

  Eric pulled a chair to the side of the desk and sat down. “He’ll be okay. It’s just the shock. Even I know how much he cared about Maria. He took me with him to their house one day a few weeks ago. She made pot roast and mashed potatoes, and we watched a basketball game with her husband.”

  “Poor Jeremy.” Tears slipped down Madeline’s cheeks and she wiped them away. “Does he know yet?”

  “The Chief went to tell him.”

  “And little Brianna is waiting for her cupcakes.” She fished a tissue out of her purse and blew her nose. “Who could do this?”

  He shook his head. “We’re going to find out.” He grabbed a notepad off the desk and pulled a pen out of his pocket. “In the meantime, I need to ask you about what happened today.”