A Deadly Love

by Jannine Gallant

  “That’s sweet of you to say, Steph, but I want to hear more about Brooke’s date with Dr. Shaw. I thought you and Dillon had something going. It’s news to me you’re seeing Carter.”

  Brooke pushed her plate away and wiped her hands on a paper napkin. “Dillon and I are just friends. I see a lot of him because he lives next door, and Grandma watches Zack after school.”

  Stephanie stared at her across the Formica table top. “Good try, but word has it the two of you were spotted coming out of the movie theater in Crescent City a couple of weeks ago. Zack was nowhere in sight.”

  “Unbelievable! The gossip network really is a marvel. Dillon and I have been on exactly two dates, but our relationship isn’t serious.” She held up her hand. “And before you ask, Carter and I are just having a bit of fun. You two may be wildly in love with the men of your dreams, but I’m not in the market.”

  “Well you should be. Lord knows none of us are getting any younger.”

  Caroline smiled. “Come on, Steph, Brooke isn’t exactly over the hill.” She smiled across the table. “You look terrific.”

  Stephanie eyed her thoughtfully. “You may have a few good years left before everything begins to sag.”

  “Lord, I hope so.” Brooke dropped the napkin onto her plate. “Are you two done with your lunch? If I get busy now, I’ll be able to finish stripping the dining room wallpaper this afternoon.”

  Caroline pushed away her soup bowl. “I need to go, too. I’m meeting Elliot. He wants to take advantage of the minimum school day and go for a hike before the next round of storms blows in.”

  “And I have a huge pile of laundry that I’m pretty certain isn’t washing itself.” Stephanie raised her voice. “Irene, we’ll take our check now.”

  They paid the bill and left the diner, pausing outside on the sidewalk. Brooke inhaled the moist afternoon air and tucked her hands into the pockets of her fleece jacket. It felt like rain.

  “Oh, there’s Elliot,” Caroline said, pointing down the street. Her fiancé stood in front of Carter Shaw’s house next to Harley’s patrol car. He raised his hand in a salute and stepped back as Harley drove off.

  Caroline tucked her purse firmly under her arm and smiled. “It looks like I’m right on time. Elliot hates it when I’m late.”

  “He’s a different man these days, Caroline. You sure have changed him.”

  Her brows rose as she stared at Stephanie. “What in the world are you talking about?”

  “He’s much more self-confident and outspoken. He was as quiet as a mouse when we were growing up.” She looked at Brooke. “You see the difference in him, don’t you?”

  “I think he was just shy when we were kids. He always made a point of talking to me when I was here visiting my grandparents.”

  Caroline frowned. “That’s odd. He’s never been the least bit shy around me. I’m a little on the timid side, especially with strangers, and Elliot’s forthrightness is one of the many things I love about him.”

  “Now there is a man who doesn’t lack confidence.” Stephanie nodded toward Carter, who had come out of his driveway to talk to Elliot. “The good doctor has always been a go getter. If you don’t watch yourself, Brooke, he’ll sweep you off your feet.”

  She rocked back on her heels. “I think I can handle Carter.”

  Stephanie grinned. “We’ll see tonight who can handle whom.”

  “There won’t be any handling in my quarter. I’ll leave that to the two of you. Ladies, it’s been a pleasure, but I really should head home.”

  “Aren’t you going to say hello to Carter?” Caroline asked. “They’re looking this way.” She lifted her hand and fluttered her fingers.

  “We’ll have the whole evening to talk. Right now I have a hot date with some wallpaper.”

  Stephanie rolled her eyes. “Will the excitement never end?”

  Brooke laughed. “Your black and white ball should be enough excitement for one day. I’ll see you tonight.”

  Chapter Nine

  Brooke followed Carter’s lead across the dance floor, swaying to the smooth jazz tune the ensemble was playing. His arm tightened around her waist, holding her firmly to his side as couples crowded into the small area.

  “Have I told you how beautiful you look?” he asked, smiling down at her.

  “You may have mentioned it, but a woman never tires of hearing the hour she spent dressing was worth the effort.”

  His eyebrows rose. “I can’t believe it only took an hour to achieve such elegance.”

  She wore a short black dress that clung to her curves and left her shoulders bare. Her hair cascaded down her back in a profusion of curls from a rhinestone studded clip, and small diamonds glittered in her ears. Her hand clenched on Carter’s shoulder as she remembered the last time she’d worn the dress.

  She and Gavin were at a cocktail party honoring an up and coming young sculptor at the museum where she worked. Distracted and edgy, her fiancé stuck close to her side, and she wondered what was bothering him. Again. He’d been jumpy and irritable for weeks, denying there was a problem.

  The party was winding down when she returned from a trip to the ladies’ room and discovered him deep in conversation with a striking man she recognized as the sculptor’s brother. He gestured angrily, and there was a hint of desperation in Gavin’s eyes when he turned and met her gaze. He called off their wedding that night.

  Brooke intended to donate the dress to charity. Or burn it. Somehow it had gotten packed along with the rest of her clothes for the move north. Searching through the small selection of evening wear shoved to the rear of her wardrobe, she’d reluctantly donned the dress. If she owned anything else remotely suitable for the occasion, she would have stuffed it in the trash.

  “Did I say something wrong?” Carter asked. The last notes of the saxophone faded, and he eased her toward the edge of the crowd.

  “Of course not. Why would you ask?”

  “You had the oddest expression on your face.”

  She shrugged. “It must have been a hunger pang. I’m ready to check out the buffet if you are.”

  “I can always eat.” He took her elbow and guided her toward the dining room.

  Juggling a heaped plate and a glass of chardonnay, she felt her silk wrap sliding off her shoulders. From his superior height, Carter searched the tables for two empty seats and nodded toward the far side of the room. “It looks like Stephanie saved us a spot at their table.”

  Following in his wake through a sea of white linen, she reached the table and set down her plate, letting her wrap drop over the back of the chair. She took a sip of wine and let out a little sigh.

  “Are you two having a good time?” Stephanie’s eyes sparkled as she glanced from Brooke to Carter and back. “You looked terrific on the dance floor. I’ll be lucky if I can drag Rod out there before the night is over.”

  Her husband rolled his eyes and tugged at his tie, then popped a shrimp into his mouth. “I came for the food not the dancing.”

  “Don’t I know it. Hey, there’s Elliot and Caroline.” Stephanie waved vigorously. Brooke smiled at the couple as they took the last two seats at the table.

  “Wow, it’s quite a crush tonight,” Caroline said. She wore a Chinese style white tunic over a long black skirt. Her color was high, and she pushed damp strands of hair back from her forehead.

  Elliot picked up a miniature quiche, frowned at it, and set it back on his plate. “I wondered what sort of turnout there would be with everyone in town so on edge.”

  “We all need a break from worrying about the psycho who killed Cybil.” Brooke lifted a meatball dripping with barbeque sauce and regarded it doubtfully. “I feel like we’re living under this big, ominous cloud, waiting for something else to happen. Just thinking about it makes my stomach knot.”

  Stephanie leaned back in her chair and set her wine glass down with a thump. “It’s hard not to think about Marnie, though, especially tonight.”

  “You’
re right.” Carter’s lips tightened. “She was in her element at these things, and I know she worked hard on the committee to put this year’s event together.”

  Caroline sighed and patted her lips with her napkin. “All we can do is pray she comes home safely.” She glanced at Elliot, and her brows knit. “Is something wrong with your food, honey? You aren’t eating.”

  His cheeks colored as everyone turned in his direction. “I feel a little under the weather.”

  “It’s no wonder. I’ve lost my appetite, as well.” Brooke dropped the meatball back onto her plate.

  Carter stood and pulled out her chair. “Worrying won’t help Marnie. If you aren’t hungry, we may as well dance.”

  The classic love song wound to a smooth finish as Dillon entered the room. Her hand tightened on Carter’s shoulder as her gaze clashed with his. Her stomach jumped. Dillon was the first to look away. Strolling through the room, he stopped beside Harley. From the way his jaw tightened as the sheriff spoke, she guessed whatever they were discussing wasn’t pleasant.

  “Brooke!”

  “Hmm.”

  Carter snapped his fingers, and she realized the music had stopped. “I’m sorry. My mind was wandering. What did you say?”

  He let out a sigh. “I asked if you want to go back to the table or dance.”

  “Dance.” She faced away from Dillon and focused on her date. The music resumed, a slow, sensuous melody. She swayed in Carter’s arms, determined to pay him the attention he deserved. “I really am sorry. I guess I’m a little distracted.”

  His smile didn’t reach his cool, blue eyes. “It’s difficult to relax and enjoy the evening under the circumstances.” His hand tightened on her waist, tugging her closer. “But we can try.”

  When the last note faded, he led her toward their table. Dillon leaned against her chair, talking to Rod and Stephanie. He stepped back, and his hand brushed her bare arm as she dropped onto her seat. Her breath hissed out between her teeth.

  “Enjoying yourself?”

  She nodded and fidgeted with the stem of her wine glass. Raising it to her lips, she took a sip.

  “Did you misplace your date, Dillon?” Carter asked, annoyance radiating from his tense shoulders.

  “I didn’t bring one. It was a last minute decision to come, though I did try to talk June into joining me.”

  Brooke frowned. “I asked her to come with us, but she said she wasn’t interested.”

  “She told me the same thing. She’s watching Zack. They were setting up an old Hot Wheels racetrack that used to belong to your brother when I left.”

  Brooke smiled, then jumped when he dropped his hand onto her shoulder. “Carter, you don’t mind if I steal your date for a dance, do you?”

  Carter picked up his fork. “Go ahead. Maybe you’ll have better luck holding her attention.”

  Brooke drew in a sharp breath. Blood pounded in her ears, but she resisted the urge to say something she’d later regret. Clamping her lips together, she let Dillon lead her onto the dance floor. His hand at the small of her back felt like a brand.

  “What are you doing with Carter?”

  “Dancing, eating, talking with friends.”

  His grip on her waist tightened. “You know what I mean. You don’t seem to be having a very good time.”

  “Is anyone? It’s tough to be cheerful when a woman is dead and two others are missing.”

  “Agreed.” He was quiet for a moment, his breath stirring her hair. “It’s more than just the missing women bothering you tonight. The doc’s no good for you.”

  She stiffened. “Pot, kettle, Dillon. Maybe I should have stayed home with Grandma and Zack. I’m in a crappy mood, and I’m taking it out on Carter.”

  His hand moved up from her waist, teasing the bare skin of her back. “What about me?”

  Pulse racing, she fought desire with irritation. Her eyes narrowed. “You deserve my ill humor. He doesn’t.”

  Laughter rumbled in his chest. “You really are in a pissy mood, but I don’t want to fight. You look gorgeous this evening.”

  “Thanks.” She rested her cheek against his shoulder and sighed. “Gavin dumped me while I was wearing this dress.”

  He pulled back and looked deep into her eyes. “Is that what’s upsetting you, old memories?”

  “Partly.” She shrugged. “Sometimes I think trying to understand men isn’t worth the effort. I should give up completely and adopt a couple dozen cats instead. Maybe it’s the new moon. I don’t know. I just feel off.”

  He stepped back as the music ended and stared at her, his eyes full of frustration. “Here comes your date. I don’t suppose you’d agree to give him the heave ho and finish this conversation with me somewhere else.”

  “No, I don’t suppose I would, because it wouldn’t accomplish a thing.” She turned and smiled when Carter stopped behind her. “See you, Dillon. Thanks for the dance.”

  Carter snaked an arm around her waist. Staking his claim. Her temples throbbed. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to take a quick trip to the ladies’ room before we dance again.”

  He withdrew his arm and nodded. “I’ll be at the bar.”

  She left the dance floor, crossed the relatively quiet lobby, and pushed open the door to the restroom. Leaning against the sink, she ran cool water on her wrists and frowned at her reflection in the mirror. Behind her, the door opened and Caroline slipped through. She hesitated before stepping forward.

  “Hiding out?”

  Brooke grimaced. “Was I that obvious?”

  “No, but it’s what I’d do if I had two men staring daggers at each other over my head.” Caroline opened her purse and pulled out a tube of lipstick. She smiled at Brooke’s reflection in the mirror before raising it to her lips. “Lucky for me, I’ve never been that irresistible to men.”

  Brooke rolled her eyes. “I don’t think my questionable charms are the main issue. Dillon and Carter have some sort of longstanding rivalry between them.”

  Caroline dropped the lipstick into her purse. “Stephanie would call it a pissing contest.”

  Brooke grinned. Coming from the very proper Caroline, the words were doubly amusing. “An apt description.” She pulled down a paper towel and dried her hands. “I suppose I’ve stalled long enough. Shall we rejoin our dates?”

  The other girl worried her bottom lip between her teeth, ruining the freshly applied coat of lipstick. “Elliot’s stomach was bothering him, so he went home. He insisted I stay. Rod and Stephanie offered to give me a ride later.”

  “I’m sorry, Caroline. I’m sure that’s not how you planned to end your evening.”

  “No, but he was feeling worse by the minute, and he hates having me hover when he’s sick.”

  Brooke held open the door. “I know it isn’t the same, but you certainly won’t lack for dance partners. Dillon is dateless, and so is Harley. You can take your pick.”

  Her smile held a bit of an edge. “Maybe I will. And Stephanie can have the other since Rod is being such a stick in the mud about dancing with her.”

  “Terrific idea. I’ll collect my date and see you guys out on the dance floor.”

  Carter leaned against the bar, swirling ice cubes in a short glass of vodka while he chatted with the bartender, a very attractive brunette with an easy smile. Harley stood a short distance away with his cell phone glued to his ear and his brows lowered in a scowl.

  Brooke paused beside him as he snapped his phone shut. “Is something wrong?”

  “A domestic dispute that escalated into an ugly situation. I have to go.”

  “I’m sorry, Harley. It seems like you should be able to enjoy an evening out without interruption.”

  He shrugged. “It’s part of the job with a department as small as ours. See you, Brooke.”

  He left, crossing the crowded bar with a quick stride.

  Carter lifted his drink glass. “Can I get you something?”

  She shook her head. “I’d rather dance.”
>
  He swallowed the rest of his drink and set the glass on the polished top of the burl wood bar. “As the lady wishes.”

  He led her to the dance floor, and they settled into an easy rhythm. Neither Caroline nor Stephanie were anywhere in sight. Dillon was dancing with a dimpled pixie of a girl who looked at least ten years his junior.

  Forcing the tension out of her spine, she smiled up at Carter. “I’m sorry I haven’t been the most entertaining companion this evening.” She lifted one bare shoulder. “Too much on my mind, I suppose.”

  “Dare I hope one of those things is me? Damn!” He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out his vibrating cell phone, glanced at the display, and frowned. “It’s the hospital. I hope you don’t mind, but I need to take this.”

  “Of course not.”

  She followed him from the dance floor. He covered his free ear with his hand and spoke quickly as he walked, disconnecting by the time they reached the table.

  A scowl marred his handsome face. “Bad news.”

  Stephanie’s bright smile dimmed. She clutched her husband’s arm. “They haven’t found one of the missing women, have they?”

  “No, nothing like that. One of my patients had a setback.” Carter ran his hand through his hair. “They need me at the hospital. I’m sorry about this, Brooke.”

  “It’s not your fault. Go take care of your patient.” She glanced across the table and smiled. “I’m sure Rod won’t mind driving me home. At this rate he’ll have a harem before the night is over.”

  “I’ll give you a ride.”

  Brooke glanced over her shoulder and met Dillon’s smooth, golden gaze. “Looks like getting home won’t be a problem.”

  Carter’s lips tightened. “Apparently not. I’ll call you.”

  He left, and Dillon slid into his empty chair. “They’re dropping like flies this evening.”

  Rod grinned. “Who’s dropping? I was so wrapped up in the harem image I lost track of the conversation.”

  “First Harley had a work emergency and now Carter. It makes me glad I took up logging.”

  “And poor Elliot went home sick.” Stephanie gave Caroline a commiserating smile and poked her husband with her elbow. “Maybe you’d better ease up on the shrimp, honey. We don’t want you to be next.”