Martinez, Mary - Classic Murder: Mr. Romance (BookStrand Publishing Romance)

by Mary Martinez

  “Well, you could have told me.” Katie pouted her lip.

  “You did just fine. We didn’t get a scratch on the car.” Adam nuzzled the top of Katie’s head, breathing in the scent of wildflowers from her hair.

  “Adam.” Something in her tone made him sit up and look down into her eyes. “We aren’t going to see or talk to each other until the murderer is caught, are we?”

  “No, you’ll have to stay safely tucked away at your parents’ home. Freda will be you until this is over.” A frisson of unease coursed through his body.

  “How much longer before we get home?”

  “About three hours, why?”

  “I think I need a little nap. Want to join me?” Katie grinned, stood, and reached her hand out to Adam. When he took it, she pulled him to his feet and led the way to the bedroom.

  They fell to the bed, knowing this would be the last time they’d be together.

  The lovemaking was filled with desperation, as if they didn’t express their love, they may never have another chance. Katie fell into exhausted sleep, snuggled in her lover’s arms. The disembodied voice of Jamie announcing their descent woke them.

  They had been cleared to land and the plane was taxiing to the airport. Neither had said much after they had hurriedly dressed. They had returned to the cabin and buckled in, each lost in their own thoughts. Jamie came through to the cabin when they were both gathering their bags to debark.

  “Wait, give me a minute.” Katie stopped Jamie before he could open the door.

  “Sure, I’ll just go back and start to fill out my report. Just let me know when you’re ready.”

  “Thanks.” Katie watched until he disappeared through the door to the cockpit.

  Stomach churning, Katie grabbed the lapels of Adam’s jacket and pulled him close. Her lips sought his, clinging when he would have pushed her back. When she finally let him push her away, he gathered her in his arms and rested his head on her head.

  “Love, please promise you’ll stay safe.” His whisper tickled her ear.

  “You, too.” She stepped away and looked into his eyes. “I mean it—I’m not going to sleep until I know you’re safe.”

  Adam captured her face in his hands. “I feel the same. We’re a pair.” Leaning to a hair’s breadth from her mouth, he said, “I love you, Katie Did.”

  Jamie came out to let them know he had to move the plane to the hanger. Reluctantly Adam stepped away and waited for Jamie to open the door. Adam squeezed her hand when they got inside the terminal. He leaned down and kissed her head. The ladies room where the change would take place was across the hall. The time had come.

  “I love you,” Adam whispered again, let go of her hand, and watched her walk away. It was the hardest thing he’d ever done.

  * * * *

  Katie shook from head to toe by the time she entered the ladies room. Any minute and her legs would buckle. She paused just inside the door and leaned against the wall for support. She closed her eyes to stop the tears.

  What happened if something went wrong? What would she do if the murderer went after Adam instead? They weren’t prepared for that. Could she live without the love of her life?

  “Katie, are you okay?” Freda’s voice startled her out of her reverie.

  “Yeah, I think so. Are you ready?”

  “I am,” Freda said.

  Katie really looked at the woman then and couldn’t believe her eyes. It was almost like looking in a mirror. At first glance, even her mother wouldn’t know Freda was not Katie. If you looked a second time, you’d notice little differences. For the first time, Katie breathed a little sigh of relief. The murderer didn’t know her personally, so he’d never know it wasn’t Katie. Plus, Freda was a trained officer.

  “Come on, Officer Chandler is waiting with your disguise. I better get going, or if he’s watching he’ll know something’s up.”

  “Freda.” Katie stopped the woman before she opened the door. “Adam and I have gotten closer, so act accordingly.”

  “Thanks for the heads-up, and Katie, don’t worry, I promise I’ll get this case over as soon as possible so you can have your future with ‘Mr. Romance.’” Freda opened the door and left before Katie could respond.

  Katie blew out the air she’d been holding and stood staring at the closed door. Would she see Adam again? The loud clearing of a throat startled her, and she turned to the officer Freda had introduced her to earlier.

  Struggling, she finally marshaled her thoughts enough to ask, “Sorry, what’s next?”

  “How about we change into this wig and these clothes, then we take you home to your parents. They have not been informed of anything.”

  “I know. I’ve got some ’splainin’ to do.” Her attempt at levity fell short. The officer raised a brow but no chuckle left those stern lips. Sighing, she continued, “Mom’s going to be hurt that I haven’t confided in her. But the detectives wanted their reactions to my weekend genuine, and Dad sure did react.”

  “He really did help the plan. Why don’t you take the handicapped stall, it has a lot more room. Since we’re the only ones in here, it won’t be needed.”

  Katie took the bag and stepped into the stall. Several moments later, an elderly Katie emerged. She let herself be subjected to the makeup the officer had to use to take away anything youthful left behind.

  * * * *

  “I’d use my key, but it would look suspicious for an old lady to be letting herself into my parents’ home. Not that anyone would be watching me, except their neighbors. That would be all I need, to have one of them call the police.” Katie knocked again, wondering why no one answered the door.

  “Did your parents mention they were going out of town or anything?”

  “No, but even if they did, Rita should be here.” Katie tried to see through the side glass for her parents’ long-time housekeeper.

  “Maybe she’s out also.”

  “No, her shopping day is usually on Friday.” Katie raised her hand to knock again, then she heard footsteps tapping on the tile entrance.

  The housekeeper looked like she had just run a marathon. “Yes, may I help you?” She looked at Katie, then at the officer, without recognition.

  “Is Mr. or Mrs. Sinclair home?” Katie asked.

  “No, I’m sorry they are both out for the afternoon. They will be back this evening if you’d like to come back.” Rita started to shut the door.

  “I think I’ll stay and wait.” Katie turned to the woman with her. “Thank you, Officer Chandler.”

  “Wait just a damn minute, Ma’am.” Rita tried to block the way, but Katie pushed past her and shut the door.

  Katie pulled off her wig and then smiled at Rita’s confusion. “It’s me, Rita. Katie.”

  “Ms. Katie?” When Rita asked incredulously, Katie realized just taking the wig off didn’t make her recognizable to her old friend.

  Katie turned to walk to the main floor bath, Rita close on her heels, mumbling the whole time about people just barging into a place. She grabbed a cloth and quickly wiped her face. When Rita saw her reflection in the mirror she gasped.

  “It is you. What is going on, Ms. Katie?”

  “Rita, I need you to do me a favor. Don’t tell anyone that I’m here, not even Carlotta,” Katie said.

  “But why?” Rita followed Katie out of the room and trailed her to her old room.

  “I’m sure glad I still have clothes here.” Katie walked to her closet and pulled some things out, then turned to Rita. “Are my parents together?”

  “Yes, they went for a drive. Your mom told your daddy that she wasn’t the only Sinclair woman that needed a little romance in her life.”

  Katie chuckled at that, and then paused at the door to her bathroom. “Rita, I know you’d like to know what is going on, and I promise I’ll tell you, but can you just keep this to yourself and when the parents get home I’ll explain it to all of you. I’m going to take a shower, then rest. I’ve had a long day.”

>   The woman sighed as if Katie had just asked her to keep world secrets or something. “Fine, I won’t tell Carlotta, but I don’t like lying to my daughter. You two have always been friends. I guess you must have a good reason if you don’t want me to tell her. Now go shower so you can rest. I imagine jet-setting around the world can be tiring business.”

  Katie waited until the woman left the room and then went to take her shower. Once clean and changed, she found she was too restless to take a nap. She resisted the urge to call Adam and check to make sure everything went smoothly.

  * * * *

  When Brady got out of the limo to walk around to open the door, Adam took advantage of the privacy. “Freda, thank you for helping. Please be careful, okay?”

  Before she could answer, the door swung open. Adam climbed out, then held out a hand to assist Freda. Grabbing one of Katie’s many bags, he walked Freda to the door with Brady trailing, bringing the other two bags.

  “Brady, I’ll be down in a moment.” Adam waited while Brady retreated.

  “What is all that racket going on?” Mrs. Newcomb popped her head out of her door and glared at the two of them. “It was sure quiet while you were gone, humph.”

  At the slam of the door Adam turned to Freda, leaning down to her ear making it look like he was kissing her. He whispered, “You passed your first test.”

  Freda smiled and turned to unlock the many deadbolts on Katie’s door. Adam stepped past her into the living room. Freda raised a brow at him and he put his finger to his lips then with a sweeping motion of his other hand, indicated he was going to take a look around. Adam left her standing there to look throughout the apartment. Finally satisfied everything was as it should be, he went back to the living room.

  “I’ll see you in the morning, Katie,” Adam commented loudly, in case anyone happened to be listening.

  “Have a good evening.” Freda winked at him as he stepped through doorway.

  Adam heard the locks click behind him after the door shut. When he reached the limo, Brady waited with one hip leaning against the fender.

  “Everything okay with Ms. Sinclair? She didn’t seem like herself,” Brady said.

  Adam looked at Brady a moment, weighing his answer before he spoke. “She’s just tired. We had a long flight.” A smile escaped when he thought about how they had occupied themselves on the flight.

  The smile and answer must have satisfied Brady because he gave a knowing smile in return and walked around and got in the limo.

  * * * *

  Katie curled up on the overstuffed chair in her father’s library. Since she couldn’t fall asleep, she might as well try reading a book. After only a few minutes of reading, a yawn forced its way out. Her eyelids felt laden, and she couldn’t keep them open. Another yawn escaped, her head dropped to the back of the chair, and the book slipped from her fingers to the floor. She couldn’t summon up enough energy to pick the paperback up.

  The voices in the hall woke her seconds before the door to the library swung open and the overhead light came on. Rubbing her eyes and sitting up groggily, it took her a minute to remember where she was. Then she focused on her parents, who were staring at her in astonishment.

  “What are you doing here? If that bastard hurt you, I’ll kill him.” Logan rushed to her side.

  “What?” Katie couldn’t figure out who or what he was talking about.

  “Russo, did he hurt you? Is that why you’re here?”

  “No, Dad. Sit down and I’ll explain. Oh, let me call Rita in. I promised I’d explain to her also.” Katie stood. She paused to get her balance since her legs were a little wobbly from sitting in one position for so long.

  Rita entered in a rush in answer to Katie’s yell. When she saw Logan and Bonnie, she slowed and took a chair to the side of where her employers were sitting.

  “Dear, you’re scaring us. Will you please tell us what is going on? Why are you here?” Bonnie asked her daughter anxiously. She reached over and took a hold of her husband’s hand.

  Katie took a deep breath and launched into her explanation. She had rehearsed it in her head over the past couple of days, but nothing had prepared her to actually spit out the words. Her parents’ concern was evident on their faces, and Rita was wringing her hands.

  “Rita, that’s why I don’t want Carlotta to know. If I could just hide out here and not let any of you know, I would have. I don’t want anyone else in danger. Freda, the police officer masquerading as me will do her best to solve the case. You wouldn’t believe how much she looks like me. I just hope she doesn’t get hurt.”

  “Why on earth didn’t you tell us? I would never have let you go if I had known,” Logan said.

  “Exactly why they didn’t tell you, dear,” her mother answered for her.

  “So your date with Russo was just a ruse, to flush out this murderer?” Logan stood and walked to the bar and poured himself a scotch, then ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t understand. Why would he lie to me?”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  “Dad, we couldn’t tell you. We wanted to have your realistic reaction. Everything had to seem like one of his regular weekend getaways so that whoever the guy is wouldn’t suspect.”

  “I understand about that—it’s why he lied about the way he feels.” Logan poured himself another.

  “What did he say?” Katie’s breath lodged somewhere between her lungs and her heart while she waited for his answer. All of her dreams hinged on it.

  “When I went over to his place, I made no bones about the fact I felt he was a womanizer and I didn’t want you anywhere near him. He looked me straight in the eye and said he loved you. How could he do that if this was all a ruse?” Logan had his back to her so she knew he was too occupied with pouring himself a third drink to see the delighted look that had to be on her face.

  Her mother didn’t miss the look. Bonnie beamed at Katie, transported back to kindergarten again, when she’d given her mother her first picture she’d drawn at school of their family. Her mother’s expression held love, tenderness, and excitement at the wedding she was obviously planning, even though Adam hadn’t proposed. Though Katie hoped he would in the near future, but she still wasn’t ready to count her chickens.

  “Logan, I think the ruse was only for the murderer,” Bonnie said.

  “What?” Logan was about to pour a fourth drink, but his wife had come up behind him and took the bottle out of his hand. She took his hand and led him back to the sofa.

  “What Adam said to you was the truth. The police may think they came up with a cleaver plan to catch the criminal, but I think our daughter and Adam took the time away to find out they were in love.” Bonnie turned to Katie and asked, “Isn’t that right, honey?”

  “Yes, Mom.” Katie couldn’t say more because tears of happiness mixed with fear choked her.

  Katie went to sit on the arm of the sofa by her mother. She leaned down and gave her a hug. “I’m so happy, but I’m so scared something will happen and I’ll never see him again.”

  “Nothing is going to happen. The murderer is intent on going after Adam’s women, not him. And what was he thinking getting you involved? It’s too risky.” Logan stood and Bonnie pulled him back down next to her.

  “Dad, I’m safe here, aren’t I? The detectives have told me I can’t leave until the murderer is caught. No one knows I’m here. Everyone thinks I’m at home. I’ve told Freda enough about my friends and life she practically knows me better than I know myself.” Katie felt a little bit uncomfortable knowing the truth of that statement. She’d always been such a private person.

  “I’ll call our security agency and get some extra protection out here, just to be sure.”

  Logan jumped when both women said a resounding “No,” to his suggestion. He looked at both of them, then turned to Rita, who was shaking her head in agreement.

  “What? I’m outnumbered? What’s wrong with more protection?”

  “You’ll draw attention, Dad. What
possible reason would you have to hire more security? You have state-of-the-art alarms and God knows what else already. The authorities don’t know if this guy, or woman, whatever, is acting on his own or not. They have absolutely no leads other than what I’ve told you. If the murderer has someone watching your house, he’ll know an old woman came to visit you today. That’s it, they probably will think it was an old aunt come to stay when she doesn’t leave. But if you get more men to guard the house, they may put two and two together.”

  “Katie’s right, dear. We can’t jeopardize their plan by drawing attention away from Freda and Katie’s apartment.”

  “Dad, let’s just pretend that I’m here on vacation and enjoy the time we have together. I haven’t had you two alone for a long time. I’m sort of looking forward to it,” Katie said.

  “There’s only one fly in the ointment,” Rita interrupted.

  “What would that be?” Logan asked.

  “Carlotta is coming home for the weekend from school.”

  “Uh oh. Well, maybe this will be resolved by then. After all, it’s a few more days until the weekend.” Katie thought she’d like see her old friend.

  Carlotta was two years younger than Katie, and although they ran in different crowds at school, at home they had been like sisters. They had shared their dreams with each other, teased each other mercilessly, just like siblings. But the more people who knew, the more danger of a slip of the tongue ruining everything.

  “Rita, please don’t tell her. If the weekend gets here and I’m still around, then of course we’ll have to tell her. But until then let’s just keep it between us.”

  “You don’t have to worry about me. I won’t say a word. Now I’m going to go cook something special for dinner tonight.”

  “Dad, I’m going to go crazy here cooped up during the day. If you have something for me to work on for your acquisition that you are doing with Adam, please let me help.”