Marshall's Law

by Denise A. Agnew

  What of it? He wouldn’t be the first man to find her phobia too much to handle. Another clap sailed over the car, lightning illuminating the cab of the vehicle like a giant torch. She almost left her skin.

  “It’s all right,” he said, eyeing her. “We’re safe in the car.”

  Her heartbeat accelerated despite his assurances. “I know.”

  “Are you cold?”

  “No.”

  When he brushed her face gently with his fingertips, new heat and surprise rushed through her. “Then why are you shaking?” Before she answered he gathered her right hand in both of his big palms. She tried to tug from his grip, but he held tight. “Your hands are trembling.”

  “Very observant of you.”

  Marshall’s gaze narrowed, as if he could ferret out the truth if he stared at her long enough. “That’s not all. Something else is scaring you.” A look of half horror came over his face. “God, it’s not me, is it? You’re not afraid of me?”

  “Of course not.” Yeah, she was afraid of him all right. But not in the way he thought. Deep growls of thunder rumbled overhead, and she jumped again. She concentrated on his touch to forget the storm outside.

  “I know I told you that you should be cautious.” He shifted closer. She didn’t know whether to feel grateful for his body heat, or to insist he back off. Instead she allowed him to rub her hands, generating warmth. “But I’d die before I hurt you.”

  Sweet, trembling need tightened along her body as she almost dissolved into mush under his husky declaration. He gazed down at her until she wanted to sink straight into his arms and never leave.

  “Tell me what’s wrong. Is it what happened last night? ” he asked.

  Did she really care if he knew? She wasn’t hiding her phobia well. “No. It’s not that. I know you’ll keep me safe.”

  Dana saw clear emotion flicker through his eyes; he liked that she trusted him with her life. The realization sent a wild zing of staggering pleasure through her. Even though his mandate as a lawman said he’d guard her, she thought she saw more than professional interest radiating from those deep-as-sin eyes. At least she thought she did. You’ve deluded yourself before. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking he cares for you more than he does. Frank left before you’d both do something you’d regret later.

  “Tell me what’s wrong, Dana. What happened all those years ago to make you so frightened of the weather?”

  She swallowed hard. She felt like she’d just taken a big bite of peanut butter and couldn’t unglue her tongue from the roof of her mouth. Memories, those she tried to slam back whenever a storm arrived, threatened to burst through. Do it. Blurt it out while you still can.

  “My father was killed by lightning when I was fourteen. Right in front of me.”

  Marshall’s eyes darkened like the clouds outside, his brow furrowing. “Oh God.” His gaze traveled down to the ring on a chain around her neck. “You said that was your father’s?”

  “Yeah.” She gave wry grin. “His lucky college ring. He…uh…he always wore it and said it brought him luck.” Another shudder rippled through her body. “Problem is he didn’t wear it the day he died.”

  When she stayed silent, he nodded. “So you remember him with this ring.”

  She nodded. “It’s sort of a talisman, I guess you could say. Against bad luck. I guess if he wasn’t wearing it when he was killed, then maybe the good luck wasn’t with him that day.”

  “You really believe that?”

  Shrugging, she extracted one of her hands from his and rubbed the precious metal. “I don’t know. It’s just something I have to do. I have to wear it. It makes me feel like part of him is always with me.”

  His nod said he understood, so she continued. “I was… I was outside with him. It was a partly sunny day, but this big thunderhead was rearing to the west over the mountains.” Keeping her gaze riveted on their hands, she tightened her grip on his fingers, as if he could anchor her. “I’d never liked storms but I wasn’t that afraid at that time. A big wind had turned our TV antenna around, and he wanted to get on the roof to adjust it. The clouds weren’t even directly overhead and it hadn’t started thundering. Dad climbed up on the roof and had barely gotten a few feet up the side when the bolt just slammed him. It was so violent.”

  Dana saw it again and closed her eyes, the sheer horror of the memory jolting through her. She hung her head. His right hand slipped into her hair, and he brought her against his chest, his other arm wrapping around her back and holding tight. Warmth and comfort seemed to radiate in waves through his body to hers, giving her strength.

  “I saw him.” She licked her lips, whispering the words and not sure Marshall could hear her. Marshall’s fingers threaded through her hair and caressed her with gentle touches. “It was like a blaze of light from the heavens, and so loud and brutal I fell backwards into the grass. I lay there, stunned, and he fell right toward me. I rolled out of the way…I remember screaming and screaming for him, and he landed on the ground next to me. He was…he was…”

  Another shiver wracked her body and he held her closer than ever. “Easy. It’s all right. You don’t have to explain it now if you don’t want to.”

  He whispered against her ear, and his hot breath sent warm tendrils of pleasure through her, masking the fear and bad memories.

  She shrugged and sniffed. “He, um, he was literally fried to a crisp. Momma came out of the house and screamed and screamed. I passed out and woke up in the hospital a day later. They said the bolt may have hit me, but it was far enough away that I only received a secondary shock. I didn’t suffer any burns, so they weren’t certain.”

  “Dana, I’m sorry.”

  Dana realized the rain had stopped and the thunder and lightning had eased back to a low grumble in the distance. Sheltered in his arms she’d forgotten the fury of the short storm. Anger rolled through her like the receding sound of thunder. Tucked into his embrace she let him inside and he witnessed feelings she hadn’t shown to any man since Frank. She knew a man could act this tender, this caring and still not love her in the end.

  She stiffened in his arms and looked up. The sweet, unadulterated worry in his eyes almost threw her resentment out the door. “So now you know. I’m phobic. Satisfied?”

  Her snappy tone didn’t have the effect she expected. Instead of getting angry his touch became even gentler. He brushed his thumb against her face.

  “Dana, if you don’t—”

  “What? Shape up?”

  She knew her attitude needed major improvement, but she felt out of control. Dana took in one slow breath to try and regulate her pounding heart. His heat burned through the blanket and her clothing straight to her skin, her body flushing as he leaned in close. She gulped.

  He asked, “Why are you so defensive about being phobic? Plenty of people are like this. Afraid of heights, snakes, you name it. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. You had a horrible experience. Besides it appears you’ve got a good handle on the phobia. It doesn’t bother you quite the way it used to, does it?”

  She shook her head. “No. I’ve gotten better at hiding it. At not feeling it.”

  “Then you’re fine. You’ve made progress, and that’s all that counts. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. There never was.”

  Astounded, she took in his words, not certain she’d really heard him say it. “No one’s ever said that to me before. Most people just give me a strange look, like I might go nuts on them at any moment.”

  “That’s ridiculous.”

  “Of course it is, but that’s the number one reaction I’ve gotten.” She had to look away. His dark eyes burned with something that looked like consternation and maybe anger that anyone would treat her that way. “I had better control of the phobia until I got here. The tornado came and just a few minutes ago I thought my heart was going to pound out of my chest.” She gulped again. “People don’t understand.”

  His arm shifted, tightening around her, but his hand had st
opped caressing her hair. “People who don’t deserve to know you. Why do you even care about them?”

  “Because it hurts to be treated like I’m… I’m some sort of idiot, that’s why.” Defensiveness rose out of her fear and she allowed it full power. She shifted and he got the message, releasing her. “Can we get out of here now? It looks like the rain has stopped, and it’s time for me to get back to the booth.”

  Marshall swept back his wet hair, and she saw his widow’s peak and wondered how many women had slipped their fingers through those thick, wavy strands.

  “I’m not finished yet. You’ve got a few more questions to answer.”

  She made a gasp of disbelief. “What? Do you find it exciting to pick a woman’s brains for rotten memories?”

  He blinked, amazement covering his features for a full minute before he recovered. “Don’t try that with me again. I know what you’re doing. You think if you can throw some acid-laced bull at me I’ll back off.”

  Incredulous, she swept a wet strand of hair from her face. Now she’d take the jump off the cliff and ask him about that so-called kiss. “Well, here’s some more acid for you, Marshall. Don’t ever tell lies about me again.”

  His brow wrinkled. “What lies?”

  Her dry throat felt as tight as skin stretched over a drum. “Why did you tell Gregory that you and I kissed? Were you playing some macho game with him?”

  Marshall’s gaze eased over her, warm and searching. At the same time his fathoms-deep eyes said he fought some demon she couldn’t read. His mouth moved as if he might smile, then thought better of it. “I was interrogating him about your crash last night. I did the same with Neal.”

  Her eyebrows shot up. “You told Neal I’d kissed you?”

  “No.” He held up his hand. “No. Gregory taunted me about you…made some stupid statements when I told him to stay away from you.”

  Gratification flowed strong as a river through her. She forgot to be angry as she thought about what would motivate him to tell Gregory to stay away. “He didn’t come to the house last night as far as I know. But what did he say? What did he taunt you with?”

  “He said a lot of stupid things. Number one was not telling me who he was with last night.”

  “Where was he?”

  “At a ratty hotel outside of town.”

  Ratty suggested many things. “Who do you think was with him?”

  He shrugged. “Haven’t a clue, but that doesn’t mean I won’t find out. I had nothing to hold him on, so I let him go. I found Neal at his hotel and talked with him, then he came by later in the morning. He had nothing to add. I’m not sure who is hiding what, but you can be sure I’ll find out.”

  She settled into the warm towel, a ripple of remaining chill rolling through her. He hadn’t answered her earlier question about the fictitious kiss, and it grated on her. “What could he have said that made you lie about kissing me?”

  When he didn’t answer she reached for the door handle. He leaned over and put his hand over hers, and once again she found him too close for reasonable comfort. “Don’t. Don’t go yet.”

  His fingers seemed to burn hers, and yet excitement thrummed through her blood. “Why?”

  “We’ve got some unfinished business.”

  Awash in a sudden heat that gathered in her face and fanned downward, she locked eyes with him. Mistake number one—not looking away. Mistake number two—she couldn’t look away now that he’d captured her.

  Her mouth felt dirt dry again and she licked her lips. “You didn’t stop at the hospital last night.”

  A fire ignited in his gaze, and his nostrils flared the slightest bit. “Did that surprise you?”

  Dana spoke before she could think too much about the right answer. “No.”

  “Disappoint you?”

  Did she detect hope in his voice? Nah, that wouldn’t make sense. “’Course not. Why would I be disappointed?”

  He leaned forward a little farther, and she wished he’d kept on his fantastical hat so she could ignore everything mouthwatering about him and fixate on the outlandish. “You tell me.”

  “Are you ever not a cop?”

  He inhaled and his broad chest heaved. She caught a peek of dark chest hair revealed at the collar of his shirt. Tension glided like sweet, spiced wine deep into her stomach, filling her with tingling warmth. Not like you haven’t seen his chest before, Dana. Better shove that tongue back in your mouth before you step on it.

  As Marshall’s gaze cruised over her with a hot, undeniable message, Dana speculated on whether he recognized this heart-pounding need in her eyes and decided to take up her offer. He reached into his back pocket for his wallet. As he extracted a greenback, she at first didn’t know what he intended. Then it hit her.

  Holy mother.

  “Fifty dollars?” she asked, her voice warbling. “What’s that for?”

  “Charity.” His lips parted after the words, and her gaze affixed to his mouth. A mouth that seemed destined to touch her. Before she could make another sound, he slipped open the blanket surrounding her, and tucked the fifty dollars into the pocket of her shirt. “For taking you away from the booth and…” Marshall’s attention drifted over her face in a lingering, carnal assessment, “…making you remember nightmares.”

  “This isn’t necessary, Marshall. Really.”

  He leaned closer and closer and before she could blink, his lips hovered over hers. His mint-scented breath, so hot and stimulating, drove her to this side of psychosis. Maybe she’d meet him halfway. Maybe she’d give this stubborn, bossy, incredible man a kiss. It would be heaven. Somehow I just know it would be the most erotic, most exciting kiss of my life.

  “Is fifty dollars enough?” he asked, whispering low. “I’d pay a hundred.”

  “I am not for sale, Marshall.” She wanted her tone to sound stern, but instead it emerged breathless. Her hands reached for his shoulders, tested the strength of steel-like muscles. A woman could get lost in all that sinew and never come up for air.

  “Then shut up.”

  She couldn’t recall the last time a man’s husky, demanding voice had made her want something so much. Her breath accelerated, a flush passing through her entire body.

  The radio squawked. “Marshall this is central, what is your six?”

  Marshall flinched and drew back, an expletive spewing forth as he reached for the radio.

  After identifying himself he said, “This had better be good.”

  As the dispatcher explained what she needed, Dana ached with a mix of relief and frustration. Since it had stopped raining, she rolled down the window a crack. The scent of a recent rain filled her nose, refreshing the stuffy car. Amazing that a short time ago nature had raged. Peace filled the cool, clear air as fluffy clouds drifted away and blue sky showed among the mountaintops.

  A tapping on the window made her jerk in surprise. Aunt Lucille stood outside with Skeeter. Skeeter’s expression said he had a secret he’d rather not share, and it dawned on Dana that they had almost caught her and Marshall kissing.

  Lovely! Rumors would have flown far and wide. Aunt Lucille didn’t have a reputation for keeping her mouth shut, so the entire town would have known about it. The old adage saved by the bell fit this time.

  Dana stepped out of the car. “Hey. I see you’ve survived the tempest.”

  Aunt Lucille’s gaze bounced from Dana to Marshall, even though Marshall continued to talk on the radio. “Some storm. Are you all right, dear?”

  Aunt Lucille knew about her phobia, and her concerned gaze said she worried. “I’m fine.” Dana shrugged off the blanket and refolded it. “I’m ready to get back to the booth. There are tons of hungry lips out there just waiting for charity.”

  Marshall replaced the radio. “I’ve got to go.”

  “Isn’t it your day off?” Skeeter asked.

  “Yeah, but Sheriff Pizer needs a favor. He’s feeling under the weather and has some paperwork he has to get finished.”


  Skeeter grinned. “Wait a minute. He was supposed to take his old mama shopping today, wasn’t he?”

  Marshall’s frown should have scared away about anyone, but Skeeter’s irreverent expression didn’t fade. “Yeah.”

  “Well, I guess there’s always something good about going to the Pizer’s,” Skeeter said.

  Aunt Lucille winced. “Jenny Pizer. Oh, boy.”

  Dana felt an instant twinge somewhere in the region of her heart. “Humph.”

  Lucille tossed Dana a curious look. “I don’t think that it’s healthy she still lives with her parents, do you?”

  Dana opened her mouth, but Marshall spoke first. “I don’t think it’s any of our business.”

  Ignoring Lucille and Skeeter, Marshall surveyed Dana with a quick gaze that reminded her of the almost kiss. A fire seemed to blaze in her belly and made her wonder what might have happened. Logan appeared at the side of the truck.

  “Don’t worry,” Logan said before Marshall could say a thing. “I’ll look after her.”

  “I’m not a toddler, guys.” Dana took a deep breath to steady her warring emotions. “I think I can find my way to the booth with no trouble.”

  Marshall’s glower took on mammoth proportions. “That’s not the point, and you know it.”

  Without another word he closed the passenger door and roared out of the park.

  The next evening Dana parked her body on the long, low-slung sectional couch that lined one wall of the living area in the basement. As she turned down the lights, she caught a glimpse of herself in the gold speckled mirrors that hung on the wall behind the couch. It almost gave her a heart attack. She put her hand to her chest and took a deep breath. Her red cotton pajamas, tangled hair and startled expression would be enough to scare any ghost. Snickering, she settled onto the couch and burrowed deep under the blankets. Maybe, as Aunt Lucille had said, this was a strange idea. Frankly, she didn’t care. If she could discover who or what haunted the basement, maybe she could wrap up this situation and go home.