Stuart’s radar blipped. What was Joe up to? “Dani’s doing all right too.”
“Ralph said his wife stopped by the other day to check on her. Said she looked stressed.”
Stuart leaned forward. “Stressed? About what?”
Joe shrugged. “Said you were harassing her.”
Stuart stilled. “Harassing her?” He forced a laugh. “I don’t think Dani would say that.” His partner studied him and Stuart found he wanted to squirm under the stare. “What?” he demanded.
Joe shook his head. “I don’t know. I always thought you and Dani would have made a good couple.”
Not what he’d expected to come out of Joe’s mouth, but the words punctured a hole in his defensiveness. “Excuse me?”
“I don’t mean any disrespect to Kurt, but he didn’t treat her right. I’ve seen how you looked at her. You’re in love with her, aren’t you?”
“Well,” Stuart leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “This conversation certainly puts a new twist on the day.”
“You’re going to deny it?”
Stuart sighed. “I don’t know if what I feel for Dani is love or not.” He answered honestly because he saw no point in lying. He only lied when it was to his benefit. “I know that I want her, so I suppose that’s enough, isn’t it?”
Joe cocked his head. “That’s a weird answer, dude.”
Stuart shrugged. “It’s the only one I’ve got.” He stood and paced to the window. Shoving his hands into the front pockets of his neatly pressed khakis, he turned, debating whether or not to say anything further.
Before he could make up his mind, Joe said, “I was thinking about that.”
“Why?”
“You’re my partner, man. We look out for each other, right?”
“Of course.”
“Then if you want Dani, you should do something to get her.”
Stuart lifted a brow. “Like what?” He had his own ideas on that, but didn’t figure it would hurt to hear what Joe had to say.
“Like I said, I’ve been thinking. I think you should come to her rescue and make her appreciate you.”
“Come to her rescue? Make her appreciate me?” Stuart let out a little laugh. “Any ideas on how to arrange that?”
Joe snorted. “What? You want me to do all the work?”
Stuart stared and Joe shrugged. “Think about it. What woman can resist a man who fights for her?”
“Right.” He gazed at his partner, whose words brought to mind another woman. One he’d fought for, killed for, and had the allegiance of. Joe’s words were startling in their accuracy, and Stuart wondered why he hadn’t thought of it himself. “I’ll think about that. Thanks.” He shoved the file that he needed to read to the side and studied Joe. “Why did you take that long undercover deal?”
Joe shrugged. “You know how it is, man. You do what you’ve got to do.”
“But you pushed for that case.”
Joe sighed and dropped his head. “Look, I have my reasons, all right? I had the opportunity and I took it.”
“You seem to have a lot of those opportunities.” Stuart rubbed his chin and stared at Joe. “You recovered a lot of missing guns. Arrested an entire fleet of gunrunners.”
“Yeah. So?”
“So, I guess that makes you a hero around here now.”
Joe sighed. He opened his mouth to say something and his phone vibrated an interruption. “I gotta take this. Good luck with the lady. I’ve got a few ideas on how to get her attention and make her look at you like you’re her hero.”
Stuart nodded. “I’m interested in hearing what you’re thinking.”
Joe waved his phone. “I’ll catch up to you in a few. We’ve got cases to go over and a game plan to come up with.”
“Right.”
Joe left and Stuart stared at the computer, his mind whirling with ways to convince Dani he was all she needed. That he could be her hero.
Yeah. Maybe Joe was on to something.
Saturday midmorning, Dani looked around her kitchen and sighed. She loved her kitchen and was glad Kurt had allowed her to decorate it and stock it as she saw fit. He hadn’t cared what she did with it as long as he liked what came out of it.
She straightened the candles along the windowsill. Black, red, and white, they went with her black and white décor. Although she didn’t light them, she did appreciate the subtle scent they gave off. She smiled. Jenny brought her a candle every so often and Dani couldn’t bear to stick them away in a drawer or a closet somewhere. Besides, when Jenny came over for coffee, she seemed to take delight in the fact that Dani displayed the candles so openly. She’d even arranged them. Five black ones, one red, and five white. All in a neat row. Dani smiled and shook her head. Jenny was a bit strange, but she liked the woman.
She took another look around and nodded. All was as it should be. She went upstairs and found Simon in the bonus room playing a video game. She got his attention and signed to him, “I’m going for my run.”
“Is Jenny going with you?”
“Not this morning, she’s not feeling well.”
He frowned. “So you’re going alone?”
“Yes, why?”
He shrugged and turned back to his game.
She flicked the light switch to get his attention again. He blew out a heavy sigh and looked at her. She signed, “What game are you playing?”
“The math one Mitchell and I compete with each other on.”
Dani shook her head and smiled. “It’s the weekend. Aren’t you tired of math?”
He snorted. “I’m never tired of numbers. They’re about the only thing in this world that makes any sense.”
She’d never understand her son’s fascination with digits, but understood his need for something to make sense. If that was math, so be it. “I’ll be back in about thirty minutes, okay?”
“Fine.” He frowned at her, worry in his eyes. “Be careful.”
She walked over and planted a kiss on his head, then made sure he could see her lips. “I’ll be careful. I love you.”
“Love you too.”
She knew he worried about her and she hated it, but she wasn’t going to let fear rule their lives. Kurt was dead. He couldn’t hurt them anymore.
Dani bounded down the steps, her ponytail swinging behind her. She’d dressed in her favorite pair of black-and-pink jogging pants with matching hoodie. Even in the South, December could be a cold month.
She opened the door and bit back a scream. Then groaned. “Stuart?” He gave her the once-over and she fought the urge to slam the door in his face. “What are you doing here?”
“I thought we’d talk.”
“I thought I’d go for a jog.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“Dressed like that? Pressed khakis, a hundred-dollar sweater, and leather dress shoes aren’t going to get you very far.”
“Look, could I just come in and—”
“No. Please, just stop. You’ve got to stop this.” She moved out onto the front step with him and shut the door. And checked to make sure it was locked.
A familiar face coming her way made her breathe a sigh of relief. “Jenny?”
Jenny looked pale, her red nose attesting to her illness.
Dani frowned. “Are you okay? You need something?”
Jenny sniffed. “Yeah. Sorry. Chester got out and I was wondering if you’d seen him.”
Chester, the little schnauzer Jenny loved like a child. “No, I’m sorry. I haven’t been outside until now.”
Tears welled. Jenny bit her lip and nodded. “Okay, thanks. Will you look for him while you’re running?”
“Of course.”
“Hey, let me just come help you look.”
Dani realized Stuart was still standing behind her. She frowned at him over her shoulder. “Goodbye, Stuart.”
“Give me five minutes, Dani.”
Dani took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and gathered her strength. She s
pun around and faced her brother-in-law. From the corner of her eye, she could see Jenny watching them.
Dani realized she was going to have to talk to Stuart. “I’ll just be a few minutes, Jenny. I promise.”
“Sure. You need me to hang around?”
“No.” She supposed she should introduce the two. “Stuart, this is my friend Jenny. Jenny, my brother-in-law Stuart.”
Stuart nodded. “Hello.”
Jenny gave him a weary smile, but even through her friend’s tears, Dani could see the spark of interest in Jenny’s eyes. “Hello.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“Yeah. You too. Come back when I don’t look like I’ve been hit by a truck.” She took a step back and waved a hand toward her house. “I’ve got to go look for my dog. Dani, you won’t be long, will you?”
“No. No I won’t.”
“Okay, thanks.” Jenny turned and headed back toward her house, which was four doors down.
Stuart didn’t waste a blessed minute. “Come on, Dani, don’t be like this. Kurt would want you taken care of. I’ve wanted to take care of you for twelve years now.”
He what? Alarmed, she took a step back. He took one forward, so she stopped. “Stuart, he’s only been dead six months—”
“Plenty of time to grieve and move on.”
She stared at him, jaw hanging. She snapped it shut. He’d been bugging her about the two of them dating for the past two months. He took her hand and she swallowed a ball of nausea at his touch.
“I know Kurt wasn’t the kind of man you need. He was cruel. Evil even.”
Dani removed her hand from his and wiped it on her pants. “I won’t argue with you there. Kurt was a psychopath. He had no conscience, he took pleasure in other people’s pain. And yet he loved himself. Is there such a thing as a narcissistic psychopath?” She gave a humorless laugh.
“Probably.” He waved a dismissive hand. “It doesn’t matter now. He’s dead and we can finally be together, can’t you see that?”
Dani’s mind spun as she tried to figure out what to say. She didn’t want to make him mad—he might be like Kurt in his reactions—but then again, apparently he’d waited twelve years to express his feelings, so maybe he had a little more self-control than his brother. God, what do I do? What do I say?
She felt frozen in indecision. Finally she decided to stall him. “Stuart, just let me think. This is all so crazy and I just need time to think.” She glanced in the direction Jenny had taken and saw her friend watching. Probably wondering if she needed help.
She looked back at Stuart. A smile had blossomed across his face and her heart sank. Oh no. She’d led him on. Let him think time would make a difference in how she felt about him.
He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “All right, Dani, I’ll give you some time, okay.”
“Stuart, I didn’t mean to make you think—”
He frowned and placed a finger against her lips. She jerked her head from his touch and his frown deepened. “You’ve got some time, Dani. And don’t worry, I’ll be watching out for you. Like I always do.”
“Don’t you have to work?” she blurted.
“Of course, but I did just lose my brother, you know.”
“Six months, you keep reminding me it’s been six months.”
“Yes, but everyone at the Bureau feels sorry for me.”
“So you’re milking it?”
“Of course.”
He didn’t bother to pretend with her. At least she knew where she stood with Stuart. Not that she liked it, but she was thankful there were no surprises with him. At least not yet.
She shook her head. “Go away, Stuart.”
“Only for a little while.”
Stuart left and Dani shuddered. He was driving her crazy. And starting to scare her. She jogged to catch up with Jenny. “How’d Chester get out?”
“I took the trash out and he barreled around me.” She sniffed. “I’m just worried because we’ve only lived here about a year. He’s only gotten out one other time.”
Jenny had moved in six months before Kurt’s death. Dani had been getting the mail when Jenny walked over to talk. Dani shuddered at the memory. Kurt had stood at the window and glowered until she’d come back in.
Jenny had apparently put two and two together very quickly, because the next day, as soon as Kurt left for work, she had come over and handed Dani a pamphlet on Winchester House. A shelter for abused women and their children.
Neither had mentioned it since and a fragile friendship had formed, then deepened over the past six months since Kurt’s death.
“What did Stuart want?”
“Nothing.”
“Looked like something to me.”
“He’s like Kurt, I’m afraid.”
“How’s that?”
“Mentally off.”
Jenny frowned. “That’s a pretty harsh judgment.”
“I know. Believe me, I know.” She took another deep breath. “But I don’t want to talk about Stuart. Let’s find poor Chester. Would he wander off toward the street?”
Jenny shook her head. “I don’t think so. He’s around here somewhere. Chester!” Jenny went left, so Dani went right with a glance over her shoulder. Stuart was in his car, the window rolled down.
“Chester!” For the next fifteen minutes, Dani searched for the little dog with no success. When she made her way back to her street, she noticed Stuart’s car had disappeared. “And stay gone, please,” she muttered.
Dani spotted Jenny’s neighbor, Mr. Barnhill, getting ready to burn a pile of leaves. “Have you seen Chester?” she asked him. “Her little white-and-gray schnauzer?”
“No, sorry. I’ve been out here working in the yard and haven’t seen the little guy.”
“Thanks.”
She moved on and found a woman sitting in her car, texting. Dani tapped on the window. The woman jerked and placed a hand against her chest, but rolled the window down. “Help you?”
“Have you seen a little white-and-gray schnauzer? He got away from his owner.”
“No. Sorry.” She lifted her phone. “I’m just looking at houses in the area and am waiting on my realtor.”
“Okay. Thanks. Good luck with your house hunt.” Dani left the woman and decided to head back toward Jenny’s to see if her friend had any luck. She pulled her cell phone from the pocket of her pants and dialed her friend’s number. “You find him?”
“No.” Jenny’s despondency tugged at her heart.
“I’m sorry, Jenny. I questioned everyone I saw and no one has seen Chester. Maybe he’ll come back when he gets tired of exploring.”
“Maybe. Will you come have a cup of tea with me?”
“Sure. I’ll be there in a couple of minutes. Let me stop off and tell Simon where I’ll be.” She could go running a little later. Her friend needed her. Besides, she’d gotten a good workout just walking the neighborhood looking for Chester. And avoiding Stuart.
After a quick stop at her house to let Simon know she’d be at Jenny’s, she walked over, rapped on the door, and stepped inside the kitchen. “Jenny?” No answer. “Jen? I’m here.” Water boiled on the stove. Two tea bags sat next to the sink. Dani turned off the water and walked toward the den. “Jenny?”
A flash of movement in the mirror above the fireplace caught her eye. A masked figure with a gun and a silencer.
She screamed and ran for the French doors.
The gun barked.
Wood splintered next to her head. She twisted the knob.
Locked.
The gun spit again, the bullet hitting the wall and sending shards of drywall into her hair. She bolted through the second doorway that looped back to the kitchen. And came up short as he cut her off with a low laugh.
Dani’s stomach twisted. He was playing with her. This was some sick, twisted game for him. Terror wanted to shut off her brain. She forced it to work. She’d been afraid before and had to think. Now was no different. At least that’s wha
t she told herself.
Her breath strained in her lungs as she tried to figure out what to do. She started to run back to the den and he darted to intercept her. She waited until he was out of sight, then raced into the kitchen for the back door she’d left open.
Another thwack hit the door above her. She gave another scream and froze.
“Stand still or the next one goes through your head.”
She didn’t move. He stepped closer, the gun held steady, almost relaxed. That sent chills racing through her. Killing her meant nothing to him.
The mask hid his features. Brown eyes glittered at her through the holes.
Her brain raced. “Please,” she whispered. “I have a son.”
“A shame to be sure. Sorry it has to be this way.”
“Why do you want me dead?”
“I don’t have time for explanations. The chase has been entertaining.” The gun shifted. “Now we’re going to walk out of here without any more trouble. Let’s g—”
“I heard screams. Everything okay over here?” Mr. Barnhill at the screen door. His eyes landed on the man with the gun and he gasped.
Dani didn’t hesitate. She grabbed the still hot water from the stove and flung it straight into her attacker’s face. He screamed and she threw herself at the door. “Run!”
Mr. Barnhill grabbed her arm and they ran. Dani fumbled with her phone and managed to punch in 911.
7
Dani followed Mr. Barnhill into his home. There was no way she was going back to her house if the shooter was still following her. Not with Simon there. But she didn’t want to put this sweet man at risk either. Her heart thudded as she wrestled with the fear skittering through her.
Jenny. Where was Jenny? Had he killed her? Shudders racked her. Sobs grabbed at her throat. No time for a breakdown.
Where were the cops?
“Ma’am?” The 911 operator.
Mr. Barnhill went from door to door, checking the locks. Dani positioned herself by the front door window so she could see if someone approached the house. “I’m here.” She didn’t recognize her own thin voice.
“Do you see the person shooting at you?”
“No. We’re next door.” She gave him the address. “But I don’t know where my friend is.” Dani sucked in a deep breath. “And my son is at home alone.” She gave that address. “He’s deaf.”
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