Dangerous Relations

by Marilyn Levinson

  "No one's there now?"

  "No," she insisted, though her voice held the slightest tremor of doubt.

  "Is Leonie--?" He couldn't speak his fear, not even in his mind.

  "She's fine, Brett. Sound asleep upstairs. I was wondering..."

  His relief eased into joy as he realized what she wanted. "I'll be right over. Don't let anyone in."

  "I'll have to call Detective Rabe," she reminded him.

  Brett groaned. "Of course you do. Give me a ten minute start."

  He pulled on a warm up suit and sneakers, and set off at breakneck speed to look after his womenfolk. His brain raced along almost as fast as the Jeep. Who was this guy? It had to be the same person who'd killed Suziette and broke into his house. But why the hell was he hot on Ardin's heels?

  Thank God he hadn't injured her! He'd obviously come into the house while she and Leonie were out. That was a good sign. But it didn't explain the smashed car window and the threatening note.

  Unless there were two dangerous madmen after her.

  The band of pressure tightened around his head, He pounded the steering wheel in frustration. Dammit! He wasn't going to let anyone harm the people he loved the most on this earth. Not if he had to guard them twenty-four/seven for the rest of their lives.

  He brought the Jeep to a screeching halt in the driveway. When he pounded on the door, it opened immediately. Ardin fell into his arms. He held her tightly, felt the thumping of her heart.

  "You're supposed to ask who it is,'" he admonished, "and wait for me to identify myself."

  "I saw you through the window." She sighed deeply and nestled her head against his chest. "I'm so glad you're here."

  He surrendered to the sheer pleasure of holding her. Leading her to the living room sofa, he sat down beside her. "Did you call Rabe?"

  She gave him an impish smile. "I told him you were on your way."

  "I can imagine what he said to that."

  "He asked me if you had a key to the house."

  "He would." Annoyed, he smacked his fist in his hand, and instantly regretted his action when Ardin flinched. Will she ever get past expecting to be struck?

  Too restless to sit, he paced the living room floor. "I wonder how he got in. Any sign of breaking and entering?"

  "No." Ardin thought a bit. "I just remembered. Aunt Julia used to leave a key hidden between the azalea bush and the second step for Suziette. I never thought to see if it's there."

  "I'll go check."

  He returned a minute later, holding the key between thumb and forefinger. "It was there, barely hidden in the dirt."

  Ardin's eyes widened. "So that's how he got in."

  "Looks that way. Good thing he put it back. Here." He placed it in her palm and closed her fingers around it. "The question is, how did he get past the alarm system?"

  She gave him a shame-faced smile. "I only bother to set it at night."

  He wanted to shake her, to force her to take care of herself and Leonie, but he'd done the very same thing himself.

  "Okay," he said, trying to sound more chipper than he felt. "We have the key he probably used, and that's good. It means he doesn't have it any longer and he isn't planning to come back."

  "But who is he? How did he know about the key?"

  "I've no idea. It could be anyone Suziette knew. Or Julia."

  "You're right."

  The doorbell rang, startling them both. Ardin squeezed his arm. "Get ready for Inspector Javert."

  * * * *

  It took all of Ardin's self-control to remain silent when Detective Rabe asked Brett where he'd been between the hours of ten and four. She lost it when he had Officer Devine write down the names of the six workmen who could vouch that he'd never left the work site during those hours.

  "Detective Rabe, your line of questioning is both offensive and objectionable."

  He gave her a wounded look. "Miss Wesley, unpleasant questions are part of my job. Now, may we take a look upstairs?"

  Brett's wink both soothed and stirred her as she took the lead. "This is the room I've been using," Ardin said.

  She and Brett stood in the hall while the two policemen searched the room quickly and thoroughly.

  "Anything of yours missing?" Rabe said.

  She shook her head. "Not that I've noticed."

  They spent more time in Suziette's old bedroom.

  "And what, if anything, has been taken from this room?"

  "Copies of pages of the notebook I gave you yesterday." She explained how she'd made a copy of Suziette's tally notebook and put the pages inside the folded-up blanket. Childishly, she couldn't resist saying, "You didn't think they were very important, and now they're gone."

  "I never said they weren't important," Rabe said.

  "The person who broke in must be the murderer, and he's after something. Don't you have any idea what it might be?"

  Rabe spun around and positioned himself so close, she could smell his milky breath. "Do you, Ms. Wesley?"

  "Me?"

  "He broke into your aunt's house after you moved in. And let's not forget the warning you received yesterday."

  Ardin was too surprised by his attack to answer. A second surprise came when Brett put an arm around her shoulders. He glared at Detective Rabe and said, "If you were half as good at detecting as you are at upsetting people, you'd have found the murderer by now."

  Detective Rabe pursed his lips and nodded. "Mr. Waterstone, you more than anyone should appreciate that I spend every hour of every day trying to apprehend your wife's murderer."

  Brett, she was glad to see, refused to fall for his plea of self-pity. "Let me remind you, detective, my wife's daughter is asleep in the next room. Don't wake her up."

  It was an order and Rabe knew it. "I believe we're finished here. We'll send someone over tomorrow to dust for fingerprints in Mrs. Waterstone's room. Please don't touch anything there."

  When they were gone, Ardin turned the second lock and breathed a deep sigh of relief. "I wish I never had to set eyes on that awful man again."

  "You won't have to, once this is over."

  She looked into his eyes. "Do you think he's capable of finding Suziette's murderer?"

  "I have my doubts."

  "We may have to find him ourselves."

  "I'm beginning to think so."

  Ardin's blood turned cold. The thought was frightening enough without having Brett agree with her. "I could use a drink. Would you like one?"

  "A scotch straight up would be great. It's been a hell of an evening."

  She poured their drinks and led the way to the living room. As she handed Brett his glass, she remembered his dinner plans.

  "Did you decide to go into the condo deal with Frank?"

  He leaned forward in his seat. "I sure did. They're planning one hundred and seventy-five beautiful freestanding units around an eighteen-hole golf course. And the clubhouse is beyond belief--indoor pool, a banquet hall, an auditorium for shows."

  Ardin smiled at his enthusiasm. "It sounds like heaven."

  "Frank showed me figures and plans. Everything looks good. I called Rob and he agreed we'd be fools to pass up the chance of a lifetime." He grinned. "The best part for me is, I get to work in Thornedale."

  "That's terrific," Ardin said, but her voice came out flat. The conversation was heading in the wrong direction.

  Brett gave her a puzzled look. When she said nothing, he started for the door. "Well, I'd better get going."

  She leaped to her feet. "Don't go! I don't want you to leave."

  He turned and opened his arms. Ardin ran into his embrace. He pulled her hard against his body, but the words he murmured into her hair were the softest, most endearing she'd ever heard.

  "I'll stay as long as you want me."

  She raised her face to his radiant smile, to his full, sensuous lips now covering hers. His tongue entered her mouth, searching, seeking, finding a response to his rising passion. She wound her arms around his neck and
pulled him closer. His arousal pressed against her belly, inciting her own mounting excitement.

  The kiss ended and they each drew back to study the other's face. "You are so beautiful," Brett whispered. "I want to make love to you."

  For the second time that evening, she led him upstairs.

  They stood beside the narrow bed and undressed, gazing into each other's eyes.

  "Lie down," Brett said. "I want to worship you."

  He kissed her eyes, her lips, her breasts, while his hands stroked and caressed. Ardin moaned, arching her body toward his. She ran her hands down his chest then held him tight. "I want you," she murmured in his ear.

  "I've wanted you since Sunday night."

  His words, his fingers deep inside her, inflamed her sensations to a more fiery pitch. He smiled as he moved above and entered her.

  "Ah!" she exclaimed, startled by the intensity of her pleasure. And more was yet to come, much more.

  For one moment they remained still, prolonging the anticipation, and then he thrust, hard and strong. She moaned, clasping him closer. They rocked together, his strokes faster, more urgent. Ardin was swept along on a river of rising passion, until her ecstasy became unbearable.

  "Oh-h-hh!" she cried when she peaked, a bliss that left her trembling and gasping for breath.

  Minutes later he lay by her side. "That was extraordinary."

  "It's never been like that for me."

  I love him. The depth of her feelings set off sirens in her head and panic in her belly. Love was dangerous. It was as wild and volatile as a forest fire, and thrust her in harm's way. Love was not for the likes of her, with her history of trauma and bad choices.

  She gave a start when Brett tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "You seem so far away. I hope you're not regretting what we've done."

  She hardened her heart against the concern in his voice and forced a smile. "No, I was thinking how it might upset Leonie if she were to wake up and find us together."

  Brett nodded and sat up. The sudden separation made her feel lonely. "I'd better get going."

  For one frightened moment, she feared that he, too, had decided their making love had been a mistake. What a double standard you have. You're entitled to your regrets and doubts, but Brett can't have them.

  She slipped into her bathrobe. Brett reached across the bed and drew her to him. "Are you sorry?"

  Despite her best intentions to keep her distance, she wrapped her arms around him. "For starters, I'm nervous."

  He kissed the hollow of her throat. "Me, too. This is the last thing I expected to happen tonight. From now on, we'll take things slowly."

  Ardin giggled. "Slowly? That's like setting the security system after a break-in."

  He stroked her cheek. "We seem to do lots of things ass backwards."

  His use of "we" sent her heart soaring. She watched him dress. Then, arms entwined, they went downstairs. In the front hall, he kissed her deeply.

  "We'll talk tomorrow," he said. "Make plans for our Saturday night date."

  "Fine."

  "Be sure to arm the security system."

  "Right. For a while, I'd forgotten what happened today."

  Brett gripped her forearms. "Don't ever forget, Ardin. For Leonie's sake and your own."

  "Ouch!" She struggled to get free.

  He released her immediately. "Sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you."

  She rubbed her arms, hoping there wouldn't be black and blue marks in the morning.

  He didn't mean to hurt me, she told himself as the Jeep drove out of sight. She suddenly remembered Rabe's story about Brett breaking a man's nose.

  "He has a temper, all right." The words were strangely liberating. She might have powerful feelings for Brett Waterstone, but there was no way on earth she'd consider a relationship with a man with anger issues.

  Relationship? Get real, girl! Forget about any male-female relationship now and forever. Corey had done a thorough job of making sure she'd never trust a man again.

  A memory of their loving came to mind and she smiled.

  She had no intention of depriving herself of the pleasure of their Saturday night date, especially since it was bound to be their last time together.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  "Cousin Ardin, I had a dream that there were men outside my door, and one of them was Daddy."

  Ardin stroked Leonie's cheek and opted for the truth. "That's because they were really here. The police came to find out who hurt your mommy."

  Leonie gave her a look of disbelief. "In the middle of the night?"

  "The police work day and night. Now finish your cereal. The school bus will be here any minute."

  Leonie took a tablespoon of cereal and said, "But why was Daddy here?"

  "To help."

  Leonie frowned. "You should have woken me up so I could see him."

  "Next time I will."

  After she saw Leonie go off to school, for the first time in weeks she dressed in her lawyer uniform--suit, silk blouse, panty hose and low-heeled pumps. She slipped Renata's letter and her petition for Leonie's adoption into her attaché case and drove into town.

  She turned on a soft rock station and sang along with an old love song. Despite the light rain and gray skies, she was in a cheerful mood. It's because I'm working as an attorney once again.

  Liar! It was the intimacy she and Brett had shared last night. She grinned, remembering their joined bodies, his tenderness afterwards. Her smile faded with the memory of his firm grip as he ordered her to be careful for Leonie's sake.

  She'd recoiled, expecting a smack across the face. But of course it never came. She shook her head sadly. Brett wouldn't hurt her, though she'd always react as though he would.

  Of course this was all moot because Brett gave no sign that he was interested in a serious relationship. He was still reeling from Suziette's murder. And caring was a far cry from loving. Which again didn't matter because once Brett found out she intended to fight him for Leonie, they would be adversaries.

  Opponents.

  Enemies.

  * * * *

  Renata was sitting up in bed. "There you are!" she said when Ardin entered her room. "I was about to phone to find out what happened to you."

  Ardin had dealt with enough rich and powerful clients to remain undaunted by Renata's commanding tone. "Hello, Renata. I see you're feeling better today."

  She was rewarded with a wink of approval. "I certainly am. I intend to leave this place just as soon as I sign the letter you've brought me."

  Ardin opened her attaché case and handed it to her. "Does the hospital know of your plans?"

  "They will, once I inform them."

  Renata laughed, and Ardin found herself laughing with her. She liked this spunky woman who had no patience with fools and superfluous protocol.

  Renata put on her reading glasses to scrutinize the letter. When she was finished, she looked at Ardin. "Perfect! I suppose the two nurses on duty can act as my witnesses."

  Ardin went to find the nurses. Ten minutes later she had the signed letter in her briefcase and was ready to leave.

  "Are you planning to stay here in Thornedale?" Renata said.

  "I'm going back to Manhattan just as soon as I settle some personal business."

  Renata gave her a piercing look. "Pity. I could use a good lawyer to handle my private affairs. At any rate, please stop by to see me when you visit your mother. You'll be a welcome sight."

  "I certainly will." Ardin headed for the door. "I'll look in on Aunt Julia, and then deliver this to your nephew as promised."

  "Wait!"

  Ardin halted in her tracks.

  "Your fee, remember? Please hand me my purse. It's in the cabinet."

  Feeling like an eight-year-old, Ardin did as she was told. Renata rummaged around in her purse then pulled out several bills. "Here you are, dear. For services rendered."

  Ardin counted the bills. One thousand dollars! "Please, Renata. This is much too
much."

  She moved to return the money, but Renata held up her palms. "It's worth every cent to me, so I don't want to hear another word."

  They gazed at one another, and nodded as though sealing a pact.

  "Okay, not another word," Ardin echoed, "except to say thank you. I'll see you soon."

  "I look forward to your visit."

  * * * *

  Marshall Crewe's office was a block from the courthouse. His was the third of four names on the door. Ardin entered the office and told the older of the two women in the reception area that she had something for Mr. Crewe.

  "Would you like to see him? He's in right now."

  Ardin shook her head. "No, thanks. Please make sure he gets this. It's a very important document."

  The woman raised her eyebrows and gestured to the pile of folders beside her. "They're all important documents."

  Ardin flashed her savvy New York smile. "He'll want to see this one ASAP. It concerns him personally."

  Her next stop was the surrogate court, where she handed her petition to the clerk.

  "There, it's done!" She ignored the twinge of apprehension ruffling her nerves as she strode the few blocks to Bill's office.

  "He just came in from court!" his cheerful, skinny-as-a-scarecrow secretary told Ardin. "He's all yours for ten minutes."

  "That's all the time I need." God, she missed the inane office chitchat, client conferences, and court appearances. She could do nicely without office meetings and writing up writs and decisions, but that was all part of the game.

  "Sit down, sit down." Bill stretched out his long arms and clasped them behind his head. Whatever case he'd been working, Ardin knew, had gone his way. "Back visiting your favorite detective?"

  "Actually, I've just delivered a letter that will knock the socks off a fellow attorney, and..." She cleared her throat, "I've filed my petition to adopt Leonie."

  "Oh, oh."

  She glared at him. "You needn't be so supportive."

  "Would you rather I remind you your petition's guaranteed to screw things up for Brett?"

  "There's nothing to screw up." Her face was burning.

  Bill leered. "Not to mention screwing things up for yourself. That's Vivie's take on the matter, and I trust my wife implicitly."