Wounded at Home

by Mitzi Pool Bridges

  “She was here earlier. Since I’m finished and she’s ready to go, I’ll take her in this morning.”

  “Since I’m late, I’ll skip the morning briefing and head straight to the bank. I have a few questions for them.”

  Coop went over to Lanie. They reached for each other as if they hadn’t been together for days. Then Coop leaned close and kissed her. He drew back, gave her a look that made Dirk’s heart flip-flop, and kissed her again.

  Dirk wanted what his brother had.

  He turned back to Thunder and continued working. But his thoughts turned to Sky. He would bet anything she had maneuvered her schedule to match Coop’s. She was avoiding a confrontation. “Don’t worry,” Dirk said under his breath. “I’m keeping my distance. Just like you want.”

  Two hours later, he walked into the bank where Sky worked and soon was seated in front of the desk of the president, Ben Parnell. In his early sixties, the man was the epitome of good health. Flat belly, muscles instead of fat. His hair was brown with a hint of silver. He looked every inch a bank president.

  “What can I do for you?”

  “Skylar Chapman has hired me to help clear her sister of a murder charge. I would like to ask you a few questions.”

  “Of course. We were shocked at the news. How can I help?”

  “How long has Sky worked for you?”

  “Since she was in college. She’s an exemplary employee.”

  “Does she have many clients?”

  Parnell smiled. “Yes. And they love her.”

  “Has any one of them made you question his or her intentions?”

  Parnell frowned. “I don’t know what you mean?”

  “I’m asking if anyone has acted strange or suspicious.”

  Parnell bristled. “No. And I don’t appreciate your insinuation. Our clients are the best. They trust us with their money and we take that trust responsibly.”

  “I’m sure you do. But ten million dollars is missing and this bank was its first stop. Since no one has a clue where it is, I’m trying to rule out everyone I can. Nothing should be left to wonder about.”

  “Are you trying to hold my bank responsible for a theft from another financial institution?” The man stood. “I’m afraid you’ll have to leave.”

  Dirk stood as well. “I’m not insulting you or your bank. I’m grasping at straws.”

  “Then grasp somewhere else.”

  Parnell was at the door, holding it open.

  “Thanks for your time.”

  In minutes, Dirk was back in his truck. That went well.

  He’d learned nothing. He was grasping at straws. He picked up his cell phone. He’d missed the morning briefing. Maybe Carrie knew something. “Can you talk?” he asked when she answered.

  “For a minute,” she whispered. “Steel isn’t in yet and Cherise isn’t at her desk. Shoot.”

  “Anything new?”

  “With both of them out, it was easy to get the info you wanted. Steel is in a mean mood. He wants his money back. I guess I can’t blame him.”

  “Do you think he’s innocent?”

  “I didn’t say that. As far as I know, he could be putting on an act. If so, it’s a good one.”

  “Anything or anyone else?”

  There was silence for a moment. “Nothing important. Steel’s half-brother Theodore comes in daily to ask for a job. Steel offers him money, but Theodore swears he doesn’t want a handout. Steel told both me and Cherise that Teddy, as Steel calls him, can’t handle his own financial affairs, much less someone else’s.”

  “That makes sense.”

  “Gotta go.” She hung up.

  Nothing there. Maybe information in the flash drive would tell them something.

  It was time to contact the FBI and get what information they might have. He found Agent Hansen’s card and dialed. “Can we meet?”

  “Do you have something?”

  “I was hoping you did.”

  “My office—ASAP.”

  Thirty minutes later, Dirk walked into Agent Hansen’s office. The agent looked up and frowned. “I don’t have anything new. If you haven’t found something to help the case, this meet is a waste of time.”

  Dirk sat down without being asked. “I want to look at Steel’s phone records. The same for Cherise Prince.”

  Agent Hansen sat back and crossed his arms. “Why? You don’t trust us to do our job?”

  “It has nothing to do with trust. Just thought I might catch something you didn’t. Or Ms. Chapman might.”

  “She’s helping you?”

  “You might say that.”

  “Maybe she’s pretending to help when all along she’s hiding the money.”

  “Did you see her apartment? She wouldn’t do that to herself and she wouldn’t write the note that scared her half to death.”

  “The money is somewhere. Your client has the wherewithal to move it. What makes you think she didn’t?”

  How could he make this guy understand? Sky wouldn’t. She was too honest and hardworking to jeopardize the life she’d built. “Gut instinct. Either Steel or his administrative assistant, Cherise Prince could have. Both had motive. My client doesn’t.”

  “I can’t break their alibis. As far as we can tell, they’re in the clear. Your client’s sister was practically caught in the act. It’s more than possible that Ms. Chapman helped her hide the money.”

  “You’re looking at the wrong person. Do I get to see the records, or do I have to use my resources to get them.”

  “I’ll save you the trouble.” He reached over and punched a number. “Run a copy of the phone records for the past three months on both Quentin Steel and Cherise Prince. Bring them in when you have them.”

  In minutes they were put in Dirk’s hand. He stood. “Thanks. Let me know when you have something useful. You’re wasting your time looking at my client.”

  “If you find anything we can use and don’t hand over the information, I’ll see that your PI license is suspended.”

  “I don’t take to threats.”

  “And I don’t take to PIs who withhold important information on a case. Keep that in mind.”

  Dirk wanted to punch the guy.

  From now on, he’d be damned if he would give the guy anything. He’d find whoever did this and find evidence that would either free Sky’s sister or keep her behind bars. So far it didn’t look well for the sister.

  Dirk had the sinking feeling if he found something to put the nail in Dory’s case, Sky would never have anything to do with him again.

  The thought didn’t sit well.

  He took the time to swing by the jail. Maybe without Sky, Dory would open up enough for him to learn more about her and her relationship with her husband.

  She looked worse than the first time they met. Her hair was a mess and looked as if it had never seen a beauty salon. Her eyes were red-rimmed and teary. And orange wasn’t her color. Dory looked washed-out and weary.

  “Where’s Sky?”

  “She didn’t know I was coming.”

  Dory leaned across the table. “Have you found anything—know anything that will get me out of this hellhole?”

  “We’re working on it. But we can’t break Steel’s or Prince’s alibi. Nor do they have a motive.”

  “Steel’s a big spender. Cherise is furious at me and probably at Martin, as well. What better way to get revenge than steal money? Eventually she’ll disappear and I’ll end up in here for the rest of my life.”

  “If you’re innocent, we’ll find the one responsible.” He paused. “Why would Steel take money from his own account? That doesn’t compute.”

  “What the hell are you trying to say?” she screeched. “Steel is clever. There has to be a reason. And what does, if I’m innocent mean? I don’t know a thing about the missing money. From what my asshole attorney tells me, even if I get out of here, I won’t have the money I once had. If I had money would I be this upset?”

  Would she? Possibly. I
f she was a good actor. But her blue eyes were desperate. She couldn’t conjure up that look. It was real.

  Maybe she was innocent.

  “We’re doing all we can. Just hang in there.”

  “I want to see Sky.”

  “Next time. Now, tell me about your relationship with your husband. And don’t leave anything out.”

  Dory’s eyes flashed fire. For the next twenty minutes he listened to a tirade about how her husband had disrespected her with his screwing around, how he didn’t have time for her, but how could he when he was seeing another woman? It went on and on until Dirk was convinced the woman had ample reason to hate her husband. Enough to kill him?

  He listened to Dory’s demands and whining as long as he could take it and left.

  Could she commit murder? One minute he told himself there was no way; the next, he was convinced she absolutely could. He didn’t have a clue which answer was the right one.

  Dirk called Coop to make sure he would take Sky to the house, and headed home. He’d take care of the dogs tonight and give Coop a break. Though he’d miss seeing Sky, it was for the best. All he had to do was forget that sensual kiss and Sky’s response to it.

  The thought made him smile.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Sky hadn’t seen or heard from Dirk all day. After that kiss last night she should be glad. She wasn’t. How could she miss him when she didn’t trust him? She trusted his PI ability, just not his potential to hurt her. Or did she not trust herself? That was more the truth. She so wanted to be the opposite of her mom and her sister that any overture by a man turned her into a shrew.

  She had to stop thinking about Dirk as anything more than a PI who was helping her and her sister. It wasn’t healthy and it didn’t help her relationship with Dirk when he was trying so hard to help her sister. The kiss meant nothing to him. It was probably the night. She was a woman and she was right there in the romantic moonlight. What man with roving eyes would walk away from such a situation? All she had to do was keep their relationship professional. Would that be hard to do? Yes. She was attracted to the man. Could she do it? You bet she could.

  There was no way she would risk the heartbreak she’d seen in her family.

  Coop stuck his head in the door of the office she was using. “Are you and Sully ready to leave?”

  She smiled at him. Coop was a good man, a family man. He adored his wife and child. He was the kind of man she wanted.

  Dirk’s blue eyes came to mind—their intensity. The way they seemed to look right through her. Why couldn’t he be that kind of man? But he wasn’t. She’d heard the teasing his brothers had heaped on his head about his past conquests. Dirk was not the kind of guy who was in a relationship for the long run.

  Gathering her things, she and Sully followed Coop out. “Is this too much trouble?”

  “Not at all. We’re going to the same place.”

  The conversation on the way home consisted of a litany of Maggie stories. Sky was glad. She didn’t have to think or keep up her end of the conversation. It seemed to take forever before Coop pulled his pickup to the door of the bungalow. “Thanks, Coop.”

  “Not a problem.”

  “I’m going to take Sully for his exercise and try my hand at the signals. I hope that’s all right.”

  “It’s fine. If you have a problem, either Dirk or I will help.”

  “Thanks.” She shut the truck door and headed to the bungalow. Sully trotted happily beside her. “I don’t think I’ll ask Dirk for help, Sully. What do you think?”

  “I think we need to talk.”

  His voice startled her so that her heart nearly left her chest. “Don’t frighten me like that, Dirk.”

  “Sorry. I didn’t mean to. But we need to have a conversation.”

  “Let me put my purse inside. I plan to exercise Sully.”

  “I’ll go with you.”

  There were no smiles today. No dimples showed on Dirk’s handsome face. He was more serious than any time before. She put her purse on the counter, touched the cup from her mom’s china and joined him. “What do you want to talk about? Last night? It’s okay. As long as it doesn’t happen again, we’re good.”

  They had to be. Dirk was trying to find evidence to free her sister. She couldn’t jeopardize that. Nor could she go to another PI firm. They would want money up front she didn’t have and it would take them a while to get up to speed on the case.

  Dirk and his crew were entrenched. Carrie was undercover in Steel’s office. Besides, Sky had confidence in their ability.

  “I apologize. I don’t come on to clients.” He gave a low chuckle. “Actually, I don’t come on to anyone these days. All I can say is that you’re a lovely lady with the most kissable lips I’ve ever had the privilege of kissing, and I lost my head. Forgive me?”

  Lovely lady—kissable lips. Was he talking about her? No one had ever described her quite like that. Not even close. She grew hot all over.

  Get over it.

  She turned her head away so he couldn’t see her reaction.

  “Don’t sell yourself short, Sky. I could kiss you right now.”

  Alarm whipped through her, as well as something else. Was he serious? No one pursued her. Ever. But the want in his clear blue eyes was real.

  The attraction was there. No amount of chastising on her part could keep it away. She had more than liked that kiss. Actually, there was a moment there when she never wanted it to end. Keeping her distance could prove more difficult than she imagined.

  When they were at the exercise yard she gave Sully the signal and he was off and running. “The dogs never cease to amaze me. You and Coop do a great job with them.”

  “Thanks. You’ve come a long way. You give signals like a pro and your German is flawless. Why or how did you learn so many languages?”

  “I started in high school, then continued in college. For some reason, foreign languages came easy. For a while there, I thought of going to New York and being an interpreter for the UN. I’m glad I didn’t—I wouldn’t like the politics. The skill with languages has served me well in the banking world. It’s a real asset when you deal internationally.”

  “Steel has international clients as well.”

  “The money world is a small one. To be a success you have to deal internationally or die. Sorry, that was a poor choice of words. But you know what I mean.”

  She called Sully off the practice field and walked over to the training ground. She switched from verbal to hand signals.

  “You’re good.”

  “I hope you’ll let me buy Sully. When this is over, I’ll access my portfolio to pay you.”

  “We’ll discuss that when the time comes.”

  She called Sully to her. “Sietz.” He sat and waited for the next signal. “Let’s go to the house, Sully.”

  She was hungry and would bet Sully was as well. She hadn’t eaten much today. Fretting over Dirk and his kiss didn’t lend itself to an appetite.

  “Friends?” Dirk asked as Sky headed for the bungalow.

  “Of course.”

  “I’ll see you in the morning, then.”

  They went their separate ways.

  ****

  The drive into Houston the next morning was accompanied by a discussion of the case. “Carrie managed to copy the contents of Steel’s computer onto a flash drive. I’m anxious to find out what’s on it.” Sitting so close to Sky and unable to touch her was driving Dirk nuts. He had no idea why he was so attracted to this woman.

  “So am I. Hopefully, I’ll see how the theft was done and where the money is now.” She turned to him. “I should visit my sister. She’s probably over the top because I haven’t been there.”

  “I saw her yesterday.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me? Or ask if I wanted to go? There’s another question, when can I drive my car into Houston? I’m going to have to go to work at the bank next week. I would be less a burden.”

  “First question. I was
close by and decided to check on your sister.” Not entirely true. But close enough. “Second. You have to realize that with a killer out there, you can’t go to the bank or anywhere else alone. A killer who, by the way, has already threatened you.”

  “I can’t stay in hiding, either.”

  “Then let’s hope you find something on the flash drive.”

  The minute Carrie handed it over, Sky rushed to her tiny office. “I’ll yell if I find anything,” she told the group as she disappeared through the door, Sully right behind her.

  Dirk watched her leave, listened as she ran to her office. She wanted this to end and he didn’t blame her. But once the killer was found and put safely behind bars, she’d leave. He doubted he’d ever see her again. He rubbed his forehead. The thought didn’t set well.

  “Pay attention, Dirk.”

  “What? Sorry.” Coop was looking at him with a curious expression on his face. “What did I miss?”

  “I said,” Carrie drawled. “…I think Steel and Cherise have resumed a relationship. They go to lunch within minutes of each other. When they come back, Cherise is in a good mood.” Her brow wrinkled. “Steel isn’t. I don’t know what that’s about. It’s weird.”

  “Maybe they’re in this together. Cherise is happy about it and Steel isn’t.”

  “Could be. I’ll keep my eyes and ears open.”

  “Don’t take any chances, Carrie. Someone committed murder. You could be working with that person. I don’t want to think what would happen if you’re found out.”

  “I won’t be. Steel thinks I’m a dumb redhead who can’t do more than file papers. Cherise is the one who gives me the evil eye. I wouldn’t want to raise her suspicions.”

  “Is he still putting the make on you?”

  “Daily. I think that’s why Cherise gives me a cat-has-the-canary smirk when she gets back from lunch.”

  “Be careful.”

  “I will. Good luck with the flash drive.”

  Dirk’s cell phone pealed. He didn’t recognize the number and almost didn’t answer. With Dory’s case in limbo, he reconsidered. He got up and walked into the hall so Coop could get the rundown on their other cases. “Dirk Browning.”

  “Jacob Harrod—Dory Oakes’ attorney.”