The Lawman's Secret Vow

by Tara Randel

  He pulled comfortable jeans and tees from his dresser drawer and threw them in the box, along with running clothes and a few dressy shirts and slacks, just in case. He wasn’t up on the latest styles, but he wanted to do right by Eloise. Correction. For the op.

  “What is wrong with you?” he muttered under his breath. Like Eloise really cared about his fashion sense. Cared about him personally. This was her first undercover gig. That’s what was important to her. Knowing her, she had it all plotted out, from the meaning behind every article of clothing she packed, to her personal effects. You could only plan so far ahead, he’d told her. That was the nature of the op. Spontaneous, life-altering decisions had to be made, depending on what happened in any given situation. Thinking off the cuff was the name of the game. He hoped she understood that early on. And realized this was a job only.

  No emotions getting tangled up.

  By ten thirty he was packed and ready to roll. Fake ID. Department-issued and personal cell phones. Service weapon. Badge.

  He tapped Eloise’s contact number in his phone.

  “Hello,” came her breathy answer.

  Her voice caught him off guard. “Eloise?”

  “Yes.”

  “Right. This is Dante. Just checking to see if you’re ready.”

  “Yes, um—” she sounded distracted “—just about.”

  “I’ll be there in fifteen.”

  “Fifteen?” Was that panic? And was there another voice in the background? “Are you busy?”

  “No, I... Brandy is here. I had some last-minute things to tie up.”

  “Okay. Can you finish up by the time I get there?”

  “Yes.” Her voice was back on firmer ground. “See you soon.”

  He ended the call, staring at the cell. Had this mission thrown her for a loop? They hadn’t even started yet. Still, she was handling it, which he had to admire. She’d added smart suggestions to the plan, like coming up with a code word to use in front of others in case they needed to talk or trouble occurred. They’d settled on news, which was generic enough but served its purpose. All in all, he decided they might just make a good team.

  He took one last sweep of the house. This was why he didn’t have pets or plants. He was free to come and go without responsibilities strangling his life. See, he wasn’t interested in a relationship. Not with Eloise or anyone else. Derrick and his needless cautions...

  Shaking his head, Dante grabbed his keys, decided everything was in order for the duration of the assignment, then locked the door. Lowering his shades over his eyes, he walked to the truck. The sun was shining, the breeze was blowing, and his mind shifted into undercover mode.

  Like it or not, today was the first day of marriage for Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

  As he jumped in the sweltering vehicle, a dark cloud obscured the sunlight. He glanced out the window, a sense of trepidation washing over him. This op was make or break for his career. He needed to keep a wary eye on the prize so his partner didn’t swoop in and steal the spoils of their hard work.

  * * *

  “HE’LL BE HERE SOON.”

  Panic coursed through Eloise. Not because Dante was on his way, she assured herself. More because this was her first undercover op and she was keenly aware of the pressure.

  “Calm down. You’ll do fine.” Brandy fluffed Eloise’s hair, releasing the scent of a flowery shampoo and hair product, then stepped back. Cocked her head to admire her handiwork.

  “Well done, if I do say so myself.”

  Nerves gripped her. “Can I look now?”

  “Knock yourself out.”

  Biting her lower lip, Eloise rose and turned slowly, afraid to face the mirror. Which was foolish, of course, since she’d caved at Brandy’s suggestion of a makeover. Her reasons were valid: a new persona to match her fake life, a chance to really see if she could pull off a stylish new look and, mostly, a confidence booster. This assignment was important, not only for her career, but for her self-esteem. She knew she was a good cop. She wanted to prove she could handle more responsibility.

  “Are you going to look or not?”

  Eloise blinked against the contact lenses she’d been putting off wearing on a regular basis. After much practice, she’d been able to apply them successfully, but she wasn’t sure they were for her. Maybe they’d become second nature, much like this assignment? She could only hope.

  Shaking off her thoughts, she made a one-eighty and stared at the stranger in the mirror. Blinked, this time out of shock, not the itchy eyewear.

  “Well?” Brandy prodded.

  “I... Wow.” Eloise reached up to lightly touch her new hairstyle. “I barely recognize myself.”

  Her friend preened. “I’m good.”

  “No one is going to argue that point.”

  Eloise moved her head from side to side. Her hair, usually pulled back into a tight bun, flowed over her shoulders in layers. Highlights brightened the normally dull brown into myriad shades she’d never noticed before. With her glasses gone, her coffee-colored eyes glowed. Her makeup, understated yet effective, made her cheekbones stand out. She’d consider herself pretty, if the idea wasn’t outlandish.

  Don’t mess with makeup, her mother had admonished. You just aren’t the sort to carry it off.

  If only Mama could see her now.

  “Brandy, I’m at a loss for words.”

  An atypical frown tilted Brandy’s brows. “Oh, no. Is that bad?”

  A full smile bloomed over Eloise’s face. Suddenly, she looked and felt like Ellie Smith. “On the contrary. I love it.”

  With a whoop, she hugged her friend, thankful Brandy had suggested the makeover. She resembled the type of woman handsome and confident Dante Matthews would fall for and marry. Or rather, Dan Smith.

  Brandy giggled and held her friend at arm’s length. “And you even took my fashion advice.”

  “Can I share a secret?” Eloise asked in a hushed voice.

  Brandy bounced up and down on tiptoes. “Now we’re talking.”

  “Most of the clothes draped over my bed? The ones you okayed? I didn’t need to go out and buy them. I already had them stored away.”

  Confusion crossed Brandy’s pert features. “Why on earth would you buy cute clothes and not wear them?”

  Eloise shrugged, old insecurities clogging her chest. “It’s a long, boring story. But the point is, I know how to shop for trendy clothes.” A bubble of laughter escaped her as she thought of all the times she’d bought something pretty on impulse only to imagine her parents’ criticism and stuff the item in the back of the closet. “Me. The woman who always wears suits.”

  Brandy grinned. “Explains our shopping trip. You went straight to the style of clothes perfect for you. To be honest, I thought it was a fluke.”

  Eloise laughed.

  “I’m sorry,” Brandy rushed to say, her cheeks revealing a touch of pink. “You just needed a reason to come alive, kind of like a butterfly when it finally sheds its cocoon.”

  “Thank you, Brandy. I needed this shove.”

  “My pleasure.” Brandy took Eloise by the shoulders and turned her toward the bed. “Your hubby will be here soon. Let’s get these outfits packed.”

  Her coworker was right. Dante would be here any minute and she was far from ready.

  The thought stopped her. This was unlike her. Yet a sense of—was it freedom?—filled her to overflowing. She should have gone undercover a long time ago.

  “Where did you two meet?”

  Eloise folded a blouse and placed it in the box. “You know, at the police department.”

  Brandy rolled her eyes. “No. Where did Dan and Ellie meet?”

  Her hands stilled. Good grief, had she really just blown her cover? Thank goodness this was Brandy she was talking to, not a new neighbor. A sliver of doubt assailed her.
Maybe she wasn’t as ready for this op as she thought.

  “At the park. Sunset.”

  “Nice.” Brandy tossed a few more articles of clothing in the box. “You did memorize your cover story, right?”

  “Of course. You just caught me off guard.”

  “You can’t make a mistake, Eloise.”

  “I know.” And she wouldn’t. This assignment was too important. After all, it might earn her a promotion. Focus, she admonished herself. “I think the makeover threw me.” She tucked her elbows into her sides, her hands straight on either side of her eyes, like blinders. “Straight and narrow. I’ll be careful and fully in character.”

  “Good, because if you mess up, Dante will never let you hear the end of it. Or Lieutenant Chambers. He’s counting on you to do a good job.”

  Right. No pressure. “Thanks for reminding me.”

  “Have you decided what you’ll do if Dante goes off script?”

  Eloise folded the top of a full box. “I have actually. I came up with alternative scenarios to those we discussed. Dante really stressed that I be ready to improvise.”

  “Then it sounds like you have everything under control.”

  They both hefted boxes and carried them to the small foyer by the door. Eloise dropped hers with a huff. “As much as I can be.”

  Brandy moved to the coffee table, held up the key Eloise had given her before slipping it into her purse. “I’ll stop by periodically. Make sure no disasters have taken place in your apartment.”

  “Thanks. I’m probably overreacting but...”

  “Yeah. I get it.”

  “You have all my emergency numbers.”

  “Yes.”

  “My folks’ number.”

  “Yes.”

  “My—”

  “Stop.” Brandy tugged her purse strap over her shoulder. “I have everything under control here. You’re going to be fine.”

  Eloise placed a hand over her swirling stomach. “This is it.”

  “You’re prepared. You’re smart and have good instincts. Stop worrying.”

  “Right. Being a cop is my life. I’ve trained for just such a scenario.” She squared her shoulders. “I can do this.”

  “You go, girl.”

  Her stomach dipped. “What if I can’t do this?”

  Brandy puffed out a breath of air. “Think of the promotion.”

  “Promotion. Right.”

  “And don’t let Dante charm you into going against your cop instincts. Listen to your gut.”

  Eloise chuckled. “My gut?”

  Brandy patted her slim waist. “We all have a gut. Trust it.”

  The doorbell rang. Eloise’s eyes went wide. “He’s here.”

  “Yep.” Brandy took the few steps to cross the room, opened the door. She smiled at Dante, who’d dressed for the move in a navy T-shirt, worn jeans and running shoes. “C’mon in. Your wife has been waiting for you.”

  “You’re loving this, aren’t you?” he grumbled.

  Brandy grinned. “You know, I really am.”

  Eloise swallowed hard. Smiled a normal greeting to her fellow detective. “I’m all set. Just load these boxes in the truck and we’re ready to roll.”

  Dante stared at her, not saying a word. Did he hate her new look? Had she thrown him off by not giving him a heads-up? Deep down, she’d been excited to see his reaction, except, in her mind, he’d smiled and told her how great she looked. The silent treatment was making her sweat.

  “Dante?”

  “Yeah, I, ah...” He ran a hand over the back of his neck. “You look different.”

  “Brandy and I thought I should create a new appearance for the assignment.”

  “Huh.”

  Brandy nudged his side with her elbow. “So?”

  “Yeah. You look nice.”

  Nice. Nice?

  “Oh.”

  “Sorry. I wasn’t... You look good, Eloise.”

  “That’s Ellie to you, Dan.”

  A slight smile touched his lips.

  “I like the look, Ellie.”

  She tamped down her disappointment—really, what was she expecting?—and calmly morphed back into cop mode. It was better to live there, anyway. Facts, procedure and being prepared got the job done, not makeovers and expectations from male coworkers. She’d be best served to remember this.

  “I have one more bag in the bedroom. I’ll be right back.”

  Before she could leave, Brandy hugged her again. “Be safe. Be smart.”

  “Always.”

  Her friend turned to Dante. “Behave.”

  He nodded.

  Brandy glanced back and forth between them and grinned. “Ha. You guys are going to have your work cut out for you.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  DANTE WAS FLUMMOXED. Plain and simple. It was the only word he could come up with to explain his current state.

  He flinched when the door closed behind Brandy with a bang. Eloise stood on the other side of the room, a flicker of hesitancy in her eyes. He hated that he was the cause of her discomfort, but c’mon. She was stunning.

  Again, her understated beauty captured him. He’d sensed it was there all along, just disguised under her professional work persona. Why? He had no idea. Was she trying to hide herself? Her hair was...gorgeous, and her eyes without glasses? Deep and inviting. But something was off. It took him a moment to realize she wasn’t wearing a suit. Today a bright floral blouse and dark jeans with sandals were her clothing choice.

  Stop. This is the same woman you work with every day. Pull it together.

  “So, uh, why don’t we get your things loaded and head out,” he suggested when the awkward silence stretched for too long.

  “Right.” Her crisp tone brought him back to reality. Her movements, efficient as she collected her purse and overnight bag, reminded him that this was Eloise of the neat desk and tidy reports at the Palm Cove Police Department. Her looks would most likely turn a few—make that plenty—of heads, but she was a detective. His partner. The woman who didn’t shy away from an assignment or make waves when he tweaked procedure to catch a criminal. Well, not many, anyway.

  He grabbed a box, carried it to the truck as he brought his new awareness of Eloise under control, before returning for the second. “Is this it?”

  “Yes. Should I have more?”

  “I don’t think so. My mother always overpacks. I figured most women do.”

  “That’s a very general assumption,” she said, starch in her voice. “And not at all accurate.”

  Oh, good. Work Eloise was definitely back. “Yeah, if she was here, my mother would read me the riot act, as well.”

  “I like your mother,” Eloise said as she locked the door, swinging her hair over her shoulder. Sass. He liked it. And so would his mother, heaven help him. The woman would be all over him to date her. Jasmine Matthews could never meet Eloise Archer.

  Once they were settled in the truck for the twenty-minute ride to their new living arrangement, Dante tossed her a key ring, which she caught midair. “Your set to the rental house.”

  “Thanks. Have you seen it yet?”

  “Drove by but haven’t been inside. The PD was able to secure the lease last minute, so we’re in the dark together.”

  “I’m sure it’ll be fine. We’re there to work, anyway.”

  Right. Work. The promotion.

  “I do know that the computer system is up and running,” he told her. “The techs went in on the sly last night and got you all hooked up.”

  “Great.” She dropped the ring in her purse. “What do you know about the neighborhood?”

  “Working class. Mixed ages, but lots of families. Rico Battles, the suspect I’m supposed to contact at the auto garage, lives a few doors down. He’ll be my boss.” />
  “Convenient.”

  “From what we could determine, there are some stay-at-home moms and a few retirees, but most of the other adults work.”

  “I’ll connect with ones at home since I’ll be working from the house.”

  “Are you okay with that?” Dante shot her a glance. “I know you want to be in the middle of the action.”

  “Once you get hired, talk up my computer skills so that they want to use my services. Until then, I’ll keep busy one way or another.”

  He tapped his thumb on the steering wheel as the conversation with his brother repeated in his head. “I want you to know that I’ll listen to your suggestions as we move along on this case.”

  She sent him a puzzled frown. “We already established we’d hear each other out as the investigation unfolds. Why bring it up?”

  To make sure this remains professional. “Conversation with one of my brothers this morning.” He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. “I don’t want any problems between us, Eloise.”

  “Stick with our initial plan and we won’t.”

  He nodded. “Don’t be afraid to remind me of that if I go rogue.”

  She turned her head to stare out the window. “Oh, believe me, you’ll hear about it.”

  Swallowing a chuckle, he turned off the main road down a quiet, tree-lined street. Most of the houses were older, single-family ranch-style homes with stucco or wood finishes, in varying conditions. There was an occasional two-story and a few Craftsman-style homes. Children’s toys littered front yards. A tree house peeked out from the branches of a large oak in a side yard. Some properties needed the grass mowed, while pristine landscaping beautified others.

  “I did a search on the neighborhood,” Eloise said as she checked out each house. “It’s pretty popular. Houses don’t go on the market here often. We’re lucky to use the rental.”

  “The chief pulled a few strings.”

  Dante slowed about midway down the street, turning into a driveway.