Endangered: A Delecoeur Mystery #1

by Harte, Jenna

  “Madeleine?” Max entered the kitchen. “Hey, you’re supposed to be resting.”

  Madeleine met him as he walked into the kitchen. After giving her a loving and concerned once over with his eyes, he kissed her.

  “Hi Julia,” he said.

  “Max. We were just talking about you.” Julia’s eyes twinkled with mischief.

  “All good I hope.”

  “I was hoping to compare notes, but you spoiled that.”

  Max raised a brow. “Thank goodness I got here when I did."

  "Yes, you've always had great timing," Madeleine said.

  He flashed her a knowing grin.

  “Want some tea?” Madeleine asked.

  “Sounds good.” He took the cups from her hand. “But you sit and I’ll get it. You shouldn’t be up.”

  “I couldn’t stay in bed one second longer. Julia brought us a clam lasagna.” Madeleine sat at the kitchen table. Julia joined her.

  “When I heard what happened… I get chills just thinking about it. How did you survive?”

  Madeleine looked to Max wondering if he’d told Julia.

  As if she knew what their eyes were saying Julia said, “It was in the paper. It said you drove into the bay.”

  “I had a little help.” Madeleine couldn’t help the need to defend her driving. Julia already thought she was a bad cook, she didn’t need to add bad driver to the list.

  “No! Someone drove into you?”

  Madeleine nodded.

  “Who would do such a thing?”

  “That’s what we are looking into.” Max brought the cups and tea to the table. He filled the cups and then sat next to Madeleine. His hand brushed against hers. Madeleine saw Julia's eyes flit to Max's hand, the way he touched her and probably didn't even realize it. She could swear she saw envy in Julia's dark eyes.

  Julia took a sip of the tea and then stood. “I just wanted to stop by and see how you were doing and drop off the lasagna.”

  “You’re leaving already?” Madeleine asked.

  “Yes, you need your rest. Even if you don’t think so, Max does.” She smiled and Madeleine tried to determine if it was genuine. “I know Max was frantic when you were missing and will be protective.”

  “Let me walk you out,” Max said standing.

  “No that’s okay. You take care of Madeleine. I can see my way out.”

  Max let her go. He waited until they heard the door shut before talking. “You weren’t really going to compare notes were you?”

  “Oh, I don’t know.”

  He groaned. “I can assure you, your stories are much more interesting.”

  “I’m sure Julia knows how to embellish.”

  He smiled and kissed her. “Why don't we take this tea to the couch so you can rest?"

  "I'm not an invalid....but that sounds nice."

  He took her hand and led her to the living room, carrying her tea with his other hand. Setting the tea on the coffee table, he sat on the couch and maneuvered her to sit between his legs. Madeleine stretched out on the couch, leaning against him. She nestled closer as he pulled the throw blanket off the back of the couch and covered her.

  “Any word from Springer?”

  “Just that they don’t have any news. No trace of the truck that drove you off the road and no sign of the heckler.” Max reached over to pick up her tea and handed it to her.

  “Both seem like a dead end.”

  “No word from Alan either,” he said. “I talked to his ex-wife. Did you know his daughter was in a car accident a few weeks ago?"

  Madeleine thought for a moment. "No, I don't remember his mentioning it. Is she okay?"

  "I think so. I get the feeling Alan's ex-wife doesn't like me much."

  "You broke up her marriage."

  "I did not."

  Madeleine laughed. "You helped him get his life together and when he did, he realized he didn't need her."

  "I tried to help her too," Max said.

  "I know. But some people don't want help."

  "I wish Alan would return my call. The longer he stays away, the more suspicious I get."

  "I just can't believe he's behind my accident," Madeleine said.

  "I know. One thing I did learn is that Julia and Chas were both here in L.A.”

  “You checked on them?” Madeleine tilted her head to look up at him.

  “I can’t discount that a day after they show up you get hurt.” Max’s hand rubbed her arms. “We’ll figure it out. Until then, you get some rest. Indulge my over protectiveness,” he said referring to Julia’s statement.

  “I think I can manage that.” She handed him her tea, which he set back on the coffee table. "Just for a few minutes."

  Max nodded. She shut her eyes, but Max's mind whirled. Julia and Chas may have alibis, but he knew that didn’t necessarily preclude them from involvement. And then there was Alan and the heckler. Unfortunately, they were still at large. In the end, he didn’t know who hurt Madeleine or why and that meant that whoever drove her off the road was still on the loose and possibly waiting for another opportunity. He kissed her head to put the frightening thoughts of losing her out of his mind.

  He felt deep down that the situation was far from over. He wanted to drop everything at work so he could protect her 24/7. Of course, Madeleine wouldn’t tolerate that. It was interesting how the characteristics that he loved most about Madeleine were also the ones that also caused him the most grief.

  Chapter Six

  Max checked his watch wondering how much longer he'd have to put up with Chas' pouting before Madeleine arrived. Although he wasn't comfortable with her leaving home by herself, he was looking forward to using her visit to get him out of this meeting with Chas. To reduce his stress, Max had asked one of his security men to meet her in the parking garage and escort her up to his office. But until she arrived, he had to deal with Chas.

  “So you think I’m over confident?” Chas' tone was defensive.

  Max sighed. “It’s not over confidence. It’s more that you appear arrogant. Remember, business is about what you can do for other people, not what they can do for you. Sure, having a lot of clients will make you a lot of money and bring credibility, but to get those clients you need to sell what’s in it for them. You want to be confident, you just don’t want to overdo it.” Max sat back in his chair and regarded Chas over his desk. “You have talent Chas and the knowledge and experience,” Max said trying to make the critique more positive. He was sure his recommendations were going in one ear and out the other. Max hadn’t spoken to any potential clients of Chas’, but he wouldn't be surprised to learn they were put off by Chas’ know-it-all-manner, particularly since he didn’t take the time to understand the client. Max wouldn’t hire him and wouldn’t be able to recommend his services to anyone if he didn’t adjust his approach.

  “What about the marketing plan?” Chas asked.

  “Again your promotional materials are good. Just make those few changes to show the benefits of your services instead of just the features. When meeting with clients, you may want to consider creating an assessment form. Make your questions client centered so you can learn about them and their needs. Then they’ll be impressed when your solution is a perfect fit to their goals.”

  Chas nodded. “I appreciate your taking the time to help me, Max. I know you're busy and with Madeleine’s accident I’m sure you are preoccupied.”

  “I’m happy to do it. I know many people who could benefit from your knowledge. With a few tweaks I think I can help you.”

  “Thank you.” Chas said as he stood. “I’m meeting my mother for lunch. I know she’d be annoyed at me if I didn’t invite you to join us.”

  “Thank you, but I'm having lunch with Madeleine. Give Julia my regards.”

  “I will.”

  Max walked Chas out and stopped by Marie’s desk. “Please hold my calls and send Mrs. Delecoeur in when she arrives.”

  ~~~

  Madeleine was tired of hid
ing at home. She understood Max’s fear, but she could feel her mind edging toward stir crazy if she had to spend another day lounging at home. Initially she relished the time. She read all the books she’d hadn’t had the time to read before. She’d even re-read Julia’s unfinished manuscript and nearly called her to find out the ending, but stopped herself. She decided that Julia would likely contact her when she had more written, if only to have another excuse to see Max again.

  It wasn't long before boredom set in. To fill the time, Madeleine had cleaned the house top to bottom – twice. She’d rearranged the bedroom and the living room furniture only to put it back in its original position. She knew she was nearing crazy town when she nearly signed Oscar up for a dog show. She loved Oscar, but there was no way that mutt would win anything.

  To make matters worse, when Max was home, he coddled her like she was a sick child. Thank goodness he had some important project he was working on or he’d be hovering over her all day and night. She didn’t want a babysitter and she didn’t want to spend another moment inside the house. Knowing that Max would be upset if she went shopping, she decided she would visit him at the office for lunch. That way she could get out of the house and he could keep watch on her. She knew he didn't like her idea, but his tone told her that he also knew he couldn’t keep her locked up any longer. Lunch at his office was the compromise.

  Madeleine arrived at Max's office building and pulled into the underground parking lot.

  “Hello Mrs. Delecoeur,” a middle-aged guard said as he approached her car.

  “Hello…uh... Mr. Tamm,” Madeleine said reading his nameplate.

  “Mr. Delecoeur insisted I escort you up.”

  “Did he? Well, thank you.” Madeleine shook her head. How was it that she could love Max's protective spirit and yet be so annoyed by it at the same time?

  “I’m happy to do it. I heard about your accident. What a horrible ordeal. But I told my wife Bessie that I knew you’d come through like a champ.”

  Madeleine smiled at him. “I could have used your confidence last week when I felt like I was run over by a train.”

  “Ah, it will take more than a train to slow you down. And I know Mr. Delecoeur, he won’t stop until he finds who did this to you.”

  “I just hope it’s soon and without incident.”

  “Amen to that.”

  “Mrs. Delecoeur?”

  “Alan!” Madeleine startled at seeing him.

  “I need to talk to you.” He looked tired and edgy. A nugget of fear took root in her belly.

  “I have a few questions of my own,” she said hoping her stern tone belied her apprehension.

  “I know…”

  It was then Madeleine saw the gun, but she had no time to react before it fired.

  ~~~

  “Oh God, Mr. Delecoeur, Mr. Delecoeur …” Marie ran into Max’s office without knocking. “…in the parking garage… “

  She didn’t have to finish. Max was up and out of his office. He ran and cursed the elevator that wasn’t there when he reached it.

  “Tell me, Marie,” he said as he headed to the stairway.

  She followed him. “There's been gun fire-”

  “Call the police and-”

  “The police are already there.”

  His feet moved as fast as they could, but not fast enough for Max. What was he going to find when he reached the garage? Was Madeleine there? Would he regret forever having agreed to having her meet him at the office? He felt sick and knew it wasn’t from pushing the limits of his physical abilities. It was panic and dread. Would his life be over?

  He burst through the door of the garage. He wanted to feel relieved that the police and medical help had already arrived, but until he saw Madeleine there was only panic.

  “Mr. Delecoeur ,” a policeman tried to intercept him.

  Max pushed him aside, “Where’s my wife?”

  “Max,” Lt. White, a long time friend of Max and Madeleine's approached and Max didn’t like what he saw in his face.

  “Move, dammit. Where’s Madeleine?” He saw a covered body and Madeleine’s purse laying on the garage floor. His knees buckled and he fell to the ground. “No….NOOOOOOO.”

  Chapter Six

  Four days later, Max looked around the room at all the people who had come to pay their respects. It was inconceivable to him how he could be expected to function much less play host to these people. Who came up with the idea that the grieving had to give a reception after the funeral? Didn’t he have enough to think about? He could barely get dressed. Julia had to do his tie because he couldn’t concentrate to get it done. He wanted to drink to oblivion. Anything to get rid of the devastating pain in his chest. Even Oscar felt the loss. He was holed up in the laundry room. Max wished he could join him.

  “How are you holding up?” Lt. White asked.

  Max could only look at him with disbelieving eyes.

  “Right. So, do you see anyone here that may be involved?”

  “No. All these people loved her.”

  “What about them?” Lt. White pointed with his drink to Julia and Chas.

  “I don’t see how or why.”

  “Old flame comes to reclaim her man?”

  Max shook his head. “I don’t think so. She and Chas were both in L.A. when Madeleine disappeared in San Francisco. Anything new from the scene?”

  “Nothing you didn’t already know.” Lt. White's cell phone rang. “Excuse me.”

  He left Max alone. Alone in a crowd of people. Even growing up in foster care, he couldn’t remember ever feeling more lost and empty. Everyone gathered in his home loved and cared for him. He could see their concern for him, and their shock and grief over Madeleine. But he felt like his soul was ripped from him and no amount of consoling or offers to help were going to change that.

  “I remember when my father died.” Chas said stepping next to Max. “I wondered why we had to entertain all his old buddies. We’d just buried my father, why did we have to host a party?”

  Max nodded his understanding.

  “You look like you’ve had enough of this. Why don’t I let people know it's time to go?”

  As much as Max thought Chas and Julia were self-centered, he had to admit that he wouldn't have made it the last few days without them. Julia had functioned as hostess because he couldn’t do it and resented that he was expected to.

  “I'd appreciate that, Chas. Thank you.”

  “No problem.”

  Max snuck from the room to the kitchen for a drink of water.

  “Max?” Julia came up behind him. “Can I do something?”

  God, if he heard another person ask that he’d strangle them. “No. Thank you, Julia. I just need some time to myself.”

  “Chas is letting everyone know it's time to go. I’ll help him and then clean up.”

  He nodded, but didn't respond. When he thought everyone had left, he headed upstairs.

  “Max?”

  He turned to find Julia and Chas at the bottom of the stairs.

  “I made some sandwiches for you. You need to eat.”

  “I’m not hungry now, but thank you.”

  “You look like you could use a rest too, but don’t forget to eat. Madeleine would want you to keep your health up.”

  Max’s eyes narrowed. He resented Julia telling him what Madeleine would want him to do.

  “Is there anything you else you need us to help with?” Chas asked.

  “No, thank you.”

  “I’d be happy to stay Max. I can take care of calls…run interference…cook…” Julia offered.

  “I appreciate all your help, both of you, but right now I just want to rest.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “You're making it worse, Mother," Chas chastised. "Give him some space."

  Julia went to Max, putting her arms around him. His body stiffened at first and then accepted her embrace. In that moment, she wasn’t the shallow Julia he’d just gotten reacquainted with.
She was the young girl who had been his best friend, who had been there for him when he struggled to discover if he was more than abandoned and orphaned. There had always been a selfish streak in her, but when it was really important, she had been there for him as she was now.

  “Thank you,” he whispered as he hugged her back.

  “You have my number if you need anything. Anything Max.”

  Max nodded, gave her a quick squeeze, and turned to go upstairs.

  By the time he reached the bedroom, his coat and tie were off. He threw them on a chair. He lay on the bed as he loosened his shirt. God what a day. How he survived it he didn’t know. He closed his eyes and let the fatigue overtake his body. He was so deep in exhaustion that he didn’t hear her enter until she sat on the bed next to him.

  He opened his eyes.

  "I know you don't want me here."

  He regarded her with annoyance. “Why are you here?”

  “I couldn’t stay away, Max. I know you wanted me to, but I just can’t.”

  She was right. He’d wanted her to stay away, but now that she was here, he couldn’t make her go. His need to fill the ache, the hole in his soul was so fierce. He reached up, took her arms in his hands and pulled her over his body rolling her onto her back. He stared down at her as his anguish and emptiness forced him to find a way to numb his senses. He kissed her hard and without finesse. His only goal was to take in her essence, to try to fill the void. It wasn’t right, but he couldn’t stop the need to have her.

  “You shouldn’t be here, but God help me I can’t send you away.”

  “I’m here, Max. Right here.”

  They rolled together, fumbling for clothing, until they met flesh to flesh.

  “Don’t move," he demanded once he was seeped inside her. She stilled, held him close. His head dipped into the valley of her neck, his hands gripped her hips. He held on as if his life depended on it. But soon, the desperation and emptiness were replaced by a feeling of completeness. He lifted his head, pressing a gentle kiss against her lips. He rested his forehead against hers.

  “I'm sorry,” he whispered.