Wounded at Home

by Mitzi Pool Bridges

  Did he have a gambling problem? Need money for some other reason? If so, would he steal from his personal account to make it happen? His insurance would pay the money back, so the suspicion was viable.

  Dirk would have to find out.

  Next, he looked up Cherise Prince. Other than the basic biographical data, there was nothing except that she worked as Quentin Steel’s administrative assistant.

  He sat back.

  More than likely, he’d have to rely on what information Carrie could dig up. She must have been hired or she would have called.

  He’d never been more anxious for information.

  Looking at his watch, he realized it was after five and they hadn’t heard from Carrie.

  The phone rang. He grabbed it before Buster could.

  “I’m in,” Carrie gloated. “But I haven’t had time to snoop.”

  “Will you be here in the a.m.?”

  “Early. Don’t be late.” And she hung up.

  Coop and Marshall were still out, which meant the dog training would be on him tonight. He turned off his computer and went to find Sky.

  She was in the break room, her computer open, her cell phone to her ear.

  He stopped in the doorway. Her hair had fallen from its twist and framed her face. It made her look touchable. And he wanted to touch.

  She looked up, saw him, and smiled. Something churned inside. He ignored it and walked into the room just as Sky finished her conversation.

  “Sorry. I had two conference calls with customers and a pile of work to do.”

  “Are you finished?”

  She started gathering her things. “Give me a minute. Are you ready to leave?”

  “I am.”

  She stuffed her computer in her bag. “Let’s go.”

  After telling Buster he would see him in the morning, they were on their way.

  “Did you learn anything that could help?”

  “Only what was on the Net. Carrie got a job as Cherise Prince’s assistant. We’ll see how that went in the morning.”

  ****

  Waiting wasn’t easy for Sky. But she held back. Dory’s case wouldn’t be solved overnight.

  Plus, she was tired.

  The interview with the FBI had been bad enough. Seeing her damaged apartment again—seeing Dory so unhappy and so unlike herself once more, did a number on her emotions.

  She wanted to scream, cry, fight. She wanted her safe, uneventful life back. And knew it wouldn’t happen until this was over. “Is Carrie a careful person?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I wouldn’t want her to get into something she couldn’t get out of.” He’d told her that Carrie gloried in trouble. Did that mean she took unnecessary chances? Sky’s head felt as if it might burst. She couldn’t worry about one more person. Not this minute anyway.

  “Carrie projects that she walks right into the path of danger without a thought for herself. She might have been like that once. Before Iraq. But war and an injury change a person. She still projects the image, but she always makes sure she has an exit.”

  Sky gasped. “What kind of injury?”

  “No one knows. She keeps it to herself. I suspect she was injured on her left shoulder or side, as there are occasions when she obviously can’t reach as high with her left arm as her right.”

  “That’s amazing.”

  “She’s an amazing woman.”

  Did she dare ask? “You like her a lot, don’t you?”

  “Crazy about her. We all are. Any one of us would fight an army for her.” He chuckled. “Of course, she’d be right in there fighting beside us. Carrie has heart.”

  “She has more than that. She has guts, determination, and a will to conquer.”

  “That about sums her up.”

  Sky sighed. She wanted to be like Carrie. Instead, she was shy and withdrawn. The only thing she’d ever had going for her was a head for numbers. Those always made sense. They never changed. There was no good or bad. They were what they were. Numbers.

  It had been enough—until now.

  Now she had to make herself into a strong and resourceful person so she could help Dirk solve Dory’s case. Sky had to become a warrior—like Carrie. Could she do it?

  Her heart quavered.

  There were times when there was no choice except to forge ahead. That she could do.

  Before long they pulled into the drive that led to the bungalow. Lanie was at the exercise pen and one of the dogs was running through his paces.

  “I have to give the dogs their lesson. When I’m finished, we’ll take Sully out for another practice session.” Dirk gestured toward the pens.

  “Don’t you ever rest? What about dinner?”

  “No time. You go ahead. I’ll see you when I’ve finished.”

  “I’ll fix a light meal. You can eat before we get to Sully.”

  “I’m used to this schedule. You don’t have to bother.”

  “It’s the least I can do.” She meant it. He’d worked all day on Dory’s case without a break. She owed him.

  He had Sully with him when he came to pick her up.

  “Did you miss me?” she cooed as she knelt to give the big dog a hug. Sully growled low. “Was that a yes?”

  “I think it was. Are you ready?”

  “Not until you eat.”

  “Something smells good, but I wasn’t going to ask.”

  Of course he wouldn’t. “I hope you like taco salad. I didn’t pick up a very big selection at the store yesterday.”

  He expertly washed his hand at the sink before he sat down. Having only one arm didn’t seem to hold him back from doing anything. Briefly, she wondered how he handled a woman in bed. She’d bet he didn’t have a bit of trouble. In fact, she wouldn’t be surprised to find women falling all over him. He was that handsome.

  When she put a plate in front of him, he smiled. The dimples didn’t hurt either. “This looks wonderful.”

  “Anybody can make something this simple.”

  “I don’t have time to cook.”

  She sat across from him and took a bite. Not bad, if she did say so herself. “Do you eat a lot at your mom’s?”

  “More than I should,” he said around a mouthful of salad greens. “But I try not to be a nuisance.”

  “I’m sure that’s not how she looks at your visits.”

  “She doesn’t. Neither does Coop.” He sat back. “I’ve spent most of my life at the homestead. Walking inside is always a comfort.”

  “That’s lovely.”

  He finished eating. “Thanks. You didn’t have to do that, but I appreciate it.”

  She put her plate in the sink at the same time he did and they bumped into each other.

  “Small kitchen.” She laughed. No matter how determined she was to keep her distance from this man physically, it wasn’t working, as they’d been together most of the day.

  She didn’t find the situation that intrusive at all.

  Was she more like her sister and her mother than she thought? Not possible. She’d spent her life proving she was different. She signaled Sully to come and walked out the door. Dirk was right behind her.

  As soon as they found Martin’s killer or the money, she would leave. But she was bound and determined to take Sully with her.

  Chapter Eleven

  When the alarm on her cell phone went off the next morning at six, Sky was in a deep sleep. She jumped up and for a moment didn’t know where she was. She lay back down with a hand to her head. How had this happened? The circumstances of the last few days had certainly not been in her life plan.

  She let Sully out, and hurried through her morning routine.

  Dirk had argued for her to stay put today. No way. She wanted to be where the action was—wanted to hear what Carrie had to say. She’d won the argument, but Dirk wasn’t happy.

  Ready to go, she stepped outside. Daylight was on the horizon. Lights were on at the pens and on the training field. Dirk and Coop were e
ach busy with a dog. Lanie was at the exercise pen. Didn’t they ever rest?

  She gave Sully the signal to come and he followed her to his pen. He wasn’t too happy about being locked away and the sad look in his eyes made her feel guilty.

  Everything made her feel guilty.

  “Why don’t I take Sully for his exercise?”

  Sky whirled around to see Lanie standing there with a smile on her face. Her dog, Thor, was at her side. “Does everyone get up and work the dogs this early?”

  “It’s better for them.”

  Sky let Sully out. He pranced around until she gave the signal to sit. “He’s such a good dog.”

  “Are you going to keep him?”

  “I am.” That is, if Dirk would agree to her terms. So far he hadn’t disagreed.

  “Are you going into Houston today?”

  “Yes. I want to hear what Carrie has to say. She went undercover yesterday.”

  “Carrie’s good.”

  “And beautiful. Is she married?”

  Lanie shook her head. “I tried to talk Coop into doing a little matchmaking, but he nixed the idea. He said Carrie would be insulted.”

  Sky looked down at her jeans and T-shirt. “I need something more professional to wear when I go into the office.”

  Lanie chuckled. “The guys’ PI office isn’t that rigid about a dress code.”

  “I’m accustomed to suits and dress shoes. The only dressy thing I have is what I came here in. Is there a dress shop in Conroe?”

  “We’d do better if we went to The Woodlands. The mall has a huge selection of stores. The first day you get home early, we’ll make a run.”

  “Do you think Dirk will mind? He’s really cautious about protection.”

  “We can take one of the dogs.” She thought a minute. “Not Sully. He doesn’t like crowds. But perhaps we could take Thor.”

  “They don’t allow dogs in most stores.”

  “We’ll come up with something.” Lanie took Sully and headed for the exercise pen, Thor right behind her.

  The men were chatting as they headed her way, but she couldn’t hear what they were saying.

  After locking the dogs in their pens, Coop went over to his wife, kissed her goodbye and left.

  Sky let out a quiet sigh. They were so in love. Would she ever have someone who loved her with such devotion? It wasn’t in her family genes. The thought that she’d live the rest of her life alone didn’t appeal as it once had.

  What had changed?

  “I’ll be ready in a few minutes,” Dirk told her. “You can wait in the truck if you’d like.”

  Instead, she spent a few minutes visiting each pen to introduce herself to the dogs. They were amazing. Big and strong, they looked as if they could take on anything or anyone. When Dirk started the motor, she had to hurry to the truck before he took off without her.

  She wouldn’t put it past him. He didn’t seem in a good mood this morning and most likely that was her fault. Too bad. She wanted to be part of this investigation. Had to be.

  “It’s going to be a nice day.” She’d try conversation. Maybe he’d snap out of it. “I see a few bluebonnets peeking their heads up here and there. In a few days they’ll be beautiful.”

  But his handsome face was wreathed in a frown and he grumbled.

  “Are you upset? I don’t want to get in your way, but I would like to help clear Dory.”

  “And you think you can do that by exposing yourself in Houston where a killer is looking for you?”

  “I doubt he would look for me in your PI office, Dirk. I have no intention of doing something foolish.”

  “The FBI knows we’re involved in the case. The wrong person could get that information. Would you be safe, then?”

  “That kind of thinking is a little paranoid. You’re grasping at what ifs. Besides, if someone walked into your office, how many guns would be pointed at him?”

  Dirk chuckled. “You have a point.”

  She was silent for a moment. “I appreciate your protection. At the same time I refuse to be smothered. Lanie and I are going to The Woodlands as soon as we can to look for clothes more suitable than jeans and T-shirts. Please don’t throw a monkey wrench into our plans.”

  His hand gripped the steering wheel tighter. When she glanced his way, his face was back to frowns of disapproval.

  He didn’t understand.

  She crossed her arms over her chest and looked out the window. The rest of the drive was spent in total silence.

  ****

  Sky didn’t understand.

  Didn’t she remember the way her apartment had been destroyed? If she had been there, would she still be alive? He doubted it. When she couldn’t give them the answers they wanted, her life would have been over.

  His gaze slid her way. She was leaning against the door pouting. Though quick to point out that her sister had to always have her way, Sky didn’t realize she was doing the same.

  Closer to Houston, she clamped her cap and sunglasses on, and didn’t look happy about it. She was as cute as a teen and he didn’t see a thing wrong with her jeans. In fact, he liked the way she looked in them. For a moment, he let his mind drift to holding her close, feeling her warm body next to him, touching her lips with his.

  Sky wasn’t the type of woman he’d made love to before. She wasn’t one to love today and leave tomorrow. Since that had been his mantra forever, she was off limits. Which was too bad. He’d like nothing better than to feel those pouty lips beneath his.

  He stopped to pick up a box of donuts and soon they were at the office.

  Once there, they walked into the break room where he started a pot of coffee.

  “When will everyone get here?”

  Dirk looked at his watch. “They’ll be here soon.”

  By the time the coffee was ready, Carrie sailed in, carrying with her a hint of expensive perfume and wearing a subtle, but tantalizing, pantsuit.

  “You look wonderful, Carrie,” Sky said.

  “Your boobs show.” Dirk frowned.

  Carrie laughed. “Thanks, Sky, and screw you, Dirk. Why do you think I got the job? It wasn’t for my computer skills. Though I have to admit they’re not half bad.”

  She helped herself to coffee and a donut.

  Sky stood and got a cup of coffee.

  Marshall and Buster rambled in, mumbled a good morning, and helped themselves before they sat down. Coop wasn’t far behind.

  Sky started. “Tell us about Steel. Did you find out anything that will help us?”

  “You’re as inquisitive as the guys.” Carrie grinned. “Here goes. Steel is a good-looking guy and knows it. He’s intelligent and clever. His advances, though not obvious, are clear. His assistant, Cherise Prince, is jealous of every woman who walks through the door. She looks daggers at me from the time I walk in until I leave. From my observation after one day on the job, I don’t think they’re having an affair. At least, not now. Most likely, they had one in the past. Cherise seems to be that kind of woman and Steel is definitely that kind of man. Though his wife’s picture is on his desk, it doesn’t seem to bother him to flirt.”

  “Is that all?”

  “Give me time, Dirk. I don’t want to arouse suspicion the first few days. I met a few customers and other employees. Steel’s half-brother Theodore Steel came in and introduced himself.”

  “Didn’t know he had a brother.”

  “Half-brother. Anyway, the two had a long conversation and neither was happy when he left.”

  “Describe him.”

  “He’s tall, like Steel, but his hair is lighter and they look nothing alike. Steel’s eyes are blue; Teddy’s are almost black. His features aren’t as nice and chiseled as his brother’s.”

  Carrie stood. “I’m out of here. I don’t want to be late.”

  “Please be careful, Carrie.”

  The men agreed with Sky. “Don’t take any chances,” Dirk added. “By the way, which one of your fake IDs are you using? Just
in case I want to call you at the office.”

  Carrie grinned. “Better not. But I thought it would be fun to be Edwina Patrick for this gig. I told them to call me Edie.”

  She left in a flurry of flying red hair, swaying hips, and a come-hither smile with the parting comment, “Don’t I look like an Edie?”

  Chuckles and laughter followed her out.

  “She’s delightful.” Sky nodded in admiration when the door shut.

  “She’s the most professional undercover person I’ve ever met,” Dirk added. “I think she could pretend to be anyone and get away with it.”

  For the next thirty minutes, questions and answers flew around the table. Satisfied, everyone dispersed to do his job.

  “I have a heavy load today, Dirk. Can you take care of the training tonight?”

  “Not a problem.” He hoped. Right now, he had little to go on. Later, it might get messy.

  “See you later, then.” And Coop left the room.

  Dirk turned to face Sky. “I want to interview Steel and Cherise at Steel’s office. I would like to get a feel for them myself.”

  “Can I go?”

  He gave her an incredulous look.

  “Never mind. I’ll work on my bank accounts.”

  “Buster will be in his office. If you need anything let him know.” After a brief conversation with Buster, Dirk left.

  When he got in his pickup and started the motor, he looked at the empty seat beside him. How could he miss her? Sky was a client. Nothing more. But no amount of talking to himself changed the fact that he missed Sky Chapman and wanted her next to him.

  Strange.

  Most women he’d been involved with were in and out of his life with no feelings of regret. He certainly didn’t miss them. But this was a different kind of involvement. Business. Strictly business.

  When he walked up to the reception desk at Steel Financial, his thoughts were still on Sky.

  He introduced himself. “Dirk Browning with Browning Investigating Services. I’m here to see Quentin Steel.”

  “Do you have an appointment?”

  “No. But this involves his missing money. I thought he might want to see me.”

  The offices were in downtown Houston. Just the place you’d expect to see a respected financial enterprise. Modern furniture, glass walls that looked out over Houston’s skyline, and top-of-the-line accessories that probably cost multi dollars. A tall glass vase with an enormous silk flower caught his eye. After a brief conversation, the pretty brunette told him to wait a moment and someone would come to get him.