by Lynette Mae
“Just dinner,” Devon relented, certain that this was a bad idea.
Jillian squeezed her arm and a dazzling smile lit up her face. The one Devon never could resist. And that was exactly the problem. Jillian always skirted around the issues with disarming beauty and charisma. What Devon needed was clarity and answers.
“Anything you say,” Jillian said hopefully. “Tonight?”
“No.” Devon gently removed her arm from Jillian’s grasp and stood, purposefully putting distance between them. The sparkle in Jill’s eyes dulled with disappointment. Devon picked up her coffee and shoved her other hand in her pocket to occupy them while she bolstered her resolve. “Tomorrow.”
Devon’s cell phone rang unexpectedly. She jumped and nearly spilled the coffee on her shirt. When she plucked it from her waistband, Mac’s number on the face made her hesitate. The thought of talking to Mac with Jillian sitting there felt odd. The phone rang again in her hand.
Jillian got up and backed away from the table. “I’ll let you take your call. See you in a few minutes.”
Devon flipped open her phone. “Hello?”
“Hi. I took a chance I’d catch you before class started,” Mac said cheerfully.
Devon had to smile at the sound of her friend’s voice. “I was just grabbing some breakfast. We start in a little while.”
“How’s the school going?”
“Fine. Am I missing anything good back there?”
Mac pressed, “Fine? That’s all you have to say, Miss I-eat-andbreathe SWAT? I set aside fifteen minutes for this call figuring I’d have to cut you off with all that you’d be telling me. What gives?”
Devon sighed. “Nothing, just tired.” Her eyes tracked to Jillian pouring more coffee into a paper cup and then pushing through the doors of the cafeteria.
“So, what about your mission? Did you find anything out about T.J.?”
“Uh...yeah, a little.”
“Like what?"“
Devon mentally scrambled trying to figure out what to say. She felt like she was being disloyal, but at the same time, she couldn’t bring herself to discuss Jillian with Mac. Not until she got more of a sense of Jillian’s motivations. The contrite demeanor this morning led Devon to hope that perhaps Jill had grown up enough to at least consider other’s feelings, and that was progress. But the flirtatious player was still alive and well in Jillian and Devon felt the need to protect her friend—and herself. After their dinner she’d know what to do.
“It’ll keep, Mac. I’ll tell you later.”
“You sure you’re okay?” Mac sounded concerned.
“Yeah, sorry. There’s just a lot going on this week.”
“Whatever it is, we’ll talk about it when you get back.”
Devon closed her eyes and said a silent thank-you that Mac didn’t press.
“Oh, I saw Jessie the other day at the station. She said to say hello. I got the feeling that she thought she’d hear from you this week?”
Jessie. With everything going on over the last few days Devon hadn’t even thought to call her. That’s not to say that she hadn’t been thinking about Jessie, but it was confusing and—well— embarrassing to have her feelings for Jillian mixed up in her new attraction to Jessie. She realized now that she’d been avoiding talking to Jessie for that reason. Devon rubbed her eyes and kicked herself for the blunder. “Uh, I told her we’d chat when I got back into town.” That was the truth, but in light of developments with Jill, it felt like an unconvincing excuse. She fervently hoped Mac couldn’t hear the vacillation in her voice.
“She’d probably like to hear how things are going. I know you, Dev. You like her, so quit agonizing over it. Go with your gut. She’s a nice girl, pretty as hell, and inexplicably she likes you.” She knew Mac was teasing her, trying to make her smile. “Try not to blow it with this one, okay?”
Startled by the statement, Devon protested, “I told you I hardly know her.”
“Yeah, right.” Mac laughed out loud and Devon couldn’t help but laugh with her. Mac knew her better than anybody. She glanced at the clock on the wall, thinking she might take a chance and dial Jessie, then reconsidered. It was too early, especially if Jessie worked last night.
“…on Friday. I need a change of scenery.”
Devon was only half listening; her mind on calling Jessie. “What about Friday?”
“Pay attention. I said let’s go out Friday in Orlando.”
Devon absently grunted in agreement.
“I’ve lost you.” Mac laughed. “So, call the pretty girl, and then get back with me about Friday,” she instructed before hanging up.
Devon made a mental note to call Jessie on their lunch break. The fact that Jessie had asked Mac about her was a very good sign. She hoped they had more than one day off in common this weekend to spend some quality time together, or at least that a dinner date could be extended with dancing or maybe a walk on the beach afterward. The thought of having her arms around Jessie in either setting made her smile. Two more days. Kicking her feet onto the next chair, she closed her eyes and conjured up a vivid image of Jessie’s smoldering green eyes shining in the moonlight just before their kiss. That delicious thought brought another smile to her face. With all the drama of Jillian’s reappearance, it felt good to remember how Jessie made her feel. Now that she’d reminded herself about the life she had in Tampa, dinner with Jillian didn’t seem quite as daunting as it had a few minutes before.
Her phone rang again. Devon’s heart raced, for a moment hopeful it might be Jessie. She looked down at the caller ID and fought a wave of disappointment. “Kelsey, what’s up?”
“Morning, hot shot. Do you have a minute?”
Devon checked the clock again. Seven-forty. “Yeah. I’ve got about twenty minutes before we start. Did you come up with something?”
“Yep. I actually think we’ve made good progress so far this week. First thing’s first, though. The criminal history on our guy indicates he’s the same one you had a run-in with the other night. It also shows he’s a recently released inmate from the state prison up in Starke. He did a three-year stint on an aggravated battery charge. I’m still waiting on some out-of-state background information, but so far none of the arrests are from Tampa. That certainly precludes you from being the arresting officer, unless you were a cop somewhere else that I don’t know about? You wanna tell me what I’m supposed to be looking for?”
“Like I said, I’m not even sure, Kelsey. When you get the background info that will probably answer some questions. I knew a guy back in my army days named Honeycutt. Right now I just want to know if this guy has any connection.”
“What’s the other Honeycutt’s name?” Devon heard Kelsey shuffling papers.
“Martin. Martin Honeycutt.”
“I’ll check it out, Dev. Oh, and I went by the area on Broadway.
I found four dark-colored Taurus sedans close by and that gave me a few possible suspects. One might match the description of our boy who Miami says dropped off the cars at the dock. The witness down there was able to help them draw a good composite of the suspect.”
“Good.” Devon was trying to imagine how to put the pieces of the puzzle into place. “So, you think they’re selling some locally and transporting others to places like Miami for shipment overseas? Is that normal? I thought that guys like this only operated in one arena.” She thought about a search warrant that the team executed with another detective last year. That shop was exclusively shipping stolen parts to locations like Mexico, Puerto Rico and South America—places with less oversight than North American or European markets. Other than that, kids joyriding or criminals using them in local crimes stole the vast majority of cars. Most vehicles were recovered within a few days.
“Something weird is going on." Kelsey sounded thoughtful. “I don’t know whether there are two operations in close proximity to each other or what. I’m still working it out.”
“Maybe someone in Roy’s shop is doing a little f
reelance work on the side.”
“Good point. Also, now that we know your guy is probably involved somehow, I’m running out to the jail this morning to talk with him.”
“Let me know how that turns out. I’ve got a feeling this goes much deeper than we imagine.”
“That’s it, my friend, I’ll call you tonight or tomorrow at the latest.” Kelsey rang off.
Several of her classmates were now milling around the cafeteria, getting a quick bite before the start of the day. Devon headed back out to the Jeep to stow her cell phone and grab a towel. Time to shift gears and get her head back in the game.
Chapter Ten
DEVON STOOD IN the parking lot of the hotel, nervously shifting from foot to foot, wondering for the tenth time why she had agreed to go out with Jillian. Training was going well and she was glad that she and Jill had found a comfortable space to coexist, but dinner? She sighed. Maybe that was pushing it. Could she cancel? Should she? The sound of a car interrupted her inner turmoil. A blue convertible BMW roadster cut across the lot in her direction and jerked to a stop at the curb.
Jillian smiled appreciatively at her. “You always did clean up well.”
Devon ran a hand through her hair, just to fill the awkward seconds. She had no idea what the proper response was. “Thanks.” She held up her keys and gave Jillian a questioning look.
“Get in.” Jill patted the tan leather seat next to her. “It only makes sense that I drive, since I live here and know where we’re going, right?”
“True.” Devon dropped into the passenger seat, more than a little unsettled knowing she was now at Jillian’s mercy for the evening. She was equally flustered by the realization deep inside that she didn’t mind. The two-seater car had a more intimate feel than Devon’s bulky Jeep. Jillian flashed a brilliant smile as Devon settled in. She shoved the car into first gear and swung a tight circle, exiting the lot the way she’d entered.
Their dinner destination was a quiet little bistro owned by a couple that Jillian had met years before, not long after moving to Orlando. Delectably inviting aromas beckoned from within as Devon held the ornate wooden door for Jillian. Skylights and the soft amber glow of wall sconces complemented the natural warmth of the wood furniture and rich cherry plank flooring. A wall of windows at the rear provided a spectacular view of a pristine lake reflecting the twilight sky. The restaurant was elegantly casual, and Devon was glad she had packed one dress shirt.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Jillian followed Devon’s appreciative gaze around the dining room.
Devon nodded, concentrating on the decor rather than Jillian’s body-glove black dress that was maddeningly distracting. Not to mention that her hair was down and flowing gracefully over her shoulders in rich coppery waves. Devon wondered if Jillian even realized how much she oozed sexuality. Probably not. For Jillian, Devon recalled, it was as natural as breathing. She cleared her throat and forced her eyes not to stray from Jill’s face. “Very.”
“Jill, it’s been too long.” A leggy brunette moved from behind the hostess stand and glided past Devon to wrap Jillian in a tight hug.
“Sorry, honey. You know it’s not intentional.” Jillian kissed her cheek.
“Oh, yes. We know you’re a busy woman.” Her tone was affectionate and without censure. She turned to consider Devon with dark, probing eyes. “And I see you still have great taste, Jill.” Devon felt like she was being examined under a microscope. Somewhere under the surface pleasantries, the woman’s expression carried a hint of protectiveness. She was sizing Devon up, looking for a reason to defend her friend, and that loyalty made Devon like her.
Jillian was grinning when Devon looked in her direction. “Lorraine, this is Devon. She’s an old...friend.”
Is that what we are? Devon’s inner voice asked. Friends?
Lorraine extended her hand with a congenial smile. “Welcome Devon. It’s very nice to meet you.” To Jill she said, “Your usual table is ready, darlin’. This way, please.” She motioned toward the interior of the dining room and Jillian started across the space, obviously knowing her way to the table for two overlooking the water.
Jillian ordered a bottle of wine and Lorraine nodded. “I’ll be right back with some appetizers and bread.”
“She didn’t bring menus,” Devon said.
“They don’t have menus. Lorraine and Shelly want each diner to have a unique experience. They offer seasonal dishes, with a variety. Shelly’s the executive chef. She’ll be out shortly to tell us about tonight’s menu and the specials. It’s a nice personal touch.” Lorraine placed a basket of freshly baked bread in the middle of the table along with a sample of appetizers. She uncorked the wine and poured them each a glass. Just then, a slender woman wearing a white chef’s coat and matching cap swept past her toward Jillian.
“Howdy, woman!”
Jillian jumped to her feet and into the outstretched arms. “Shelly, it’s so good to see you.”
As Devon watched Jillian interact with her friends, she thought about her own life back in Tampa, one that Jillian knew nothing about. For ten years they had each built independent lives. It was odd to think that the proprietors of this restaurant might know Jill better than she did. Once again she was struck by the reality of the distance between them. After all they’d been to each other, they were now, in effect, strangers with a common past.
“Devon, this is Shelly, Lorraine’s partner and resident culinary genius.”
Lorraine gave them a rundown of the menu and both women ordered the special of the day. A short time later, she returned with plates of tender beef filets paired with jumbo grilled shrimp prepared with a tangy citrus marinade and finished with a chilled mango salsa and side of fresh vegetables. As they ate, Devon was aware of Jillian’s scrutiny.
“The school is great. I’m learning a lot.” Devon tried to keep the conversation light and on neutral ground.
“You have a natural talent. Those rappelling scenarios were difficult and you made them look easy.” She sipped her wine and her eyes held Devon’s, full of intrigue. “That rope rescue...” Jillian let the rest of her thought dangle, just like the rappel lines swaying between them in the air earlier that day.
Devon didn’t need any reminder. Today’s curriculum had been the most challenging and physical yet. Rappelling and rope rescues tested the skill and daring of any SWAT officer, but for Devon it was the epitome of thrill ever since her first army solo drop. The final exercise of the afternoon had required that she and Jillian work in a more intimate setting than previously that week. Jillian played the role of stranded victim in danger. Devon was the officer who scaled the wall to reach her. They were clipped together at the waist while Devon executed the rescue, her legs wrapped around Jill’s torso until they safely touched ground. The full body contact was an unnerving reminder of the physical attraction that had always burned between them, requiring every ounce of concentration to get through the exercise. Jillian’s expression left no doubt that Devon wasn’t alone in the struggle. Afterward, when they set a time to meet for dinner, something familiar and inviting in the way Jillian had looked at her made Devon consider cancelling the evening altogether. But years of wondering about Jill’s veracity and the sudden end of their relationship won out. She had hoped for an honest discussion and explanation from Jillian, instead of the heated stare she was getting right now.
Devon broke the eye contact first, digging her napkin off her lap and wiping her mouth. Her mind scrambled to figure out what she was supposed to say or do. What the hell was happening between them anyway? Could they ever just be friends? She was beginning to seriously doubt that. She reached for the safety of her water glass, happy to see Lorraine approaching.
“How is your dinner, ladies?”
“Wonderful, honey,” Jillian said. Devon nodded and took another bite of her food.
When they were alone again, Jillian asked, “We’ve already covered my road to Florida. What about you? When did you get to Tampa?”
Devon was grateful to Jillian for steering the subject away from the emotions of the day and trying to lighten the mood. “I’ve been out of the military ten years. I joined the police department soon after.” She pushed her empty plate away. “It was a good move for me.”
“I can tell. You look really great.” Jillian blushed and averted her eyes.
“You, too.” Devon picked up her wine glass to keep from taking Jillian’s hand. How the hell did they fall right back into this emotional time warp? Idle chatter was obviously not going to happen, at least not until they covered whatever they both needed. But the thought of opening up their past was intimidating to say the least. More like touching a match to a pool of gasoline. Devon thought about calling it a night until Jillian raised her eyes to meet Devon’s again with that old vulnerable sincerity she hid so well from the world.
Leaving was no longer an option.
Lorraine arrived again to take their plates, providing a welcome interruption. Devon breathed deeply to clear her mind while Jillian and Lorraine chatted about their last camping trip. Their host invited them to move to a table on the deck for after-dinner drinks.
Four café tables were spaced along the deck affording an unobstructed view of the water, and with the exception of a few sea gulls perched on the railing, they were alone in the quiet of the evening. Surviving the emotionally charged dinner was an accomplishment and Devon inwardly congratulated herself, but just as quickly she noted that the night was far from over. She sensed that they both needed to find a way to get beyond their past.
“Salud,” Jillian raised her glass of port, smiling at Devon. The moonlight shimmered in Jill’s hair in golden highlights and her features were soft in the flickering light of the candle between them. When Devon raised the tulip-shaped cordials glass with her, Jillian touched her other hand lightly where it rested on the table. “You are more beautiful than I remembered,” she said sincerely.