Pulse Points

by Mary Lynn Baxter

  Then he’d be the stupid one. Nah, he’d just bide his time. Hell, he might even hit her up for partner himself but not before he put the make on her.

  His adrenaline kicked in. Hey, Shirley had fallen for him, why not this Kasey Ellis? If he could manage to play his cards just right, stranger things have happened.

  Eighteen

  He was good.

  Kasey saw that right off, though politics was something that had never really interested her. She had always perceived politicians as dishonest and boring.

  Tanner was neither. Dangerous. That better described him, at least in her own mind. For her that danger had to do with his incredible sex appeal. She tried to ignore her heightened excitement as she watched and listened to his smooth words and tone.

  She couldn’t ignore his commanding presence on the podium like he was born to be there. The sun bore down on his head, highlighting the golden threads in his hair. His tanned skin also benefited from the sun, taking on a healthy glow. Yet underneath all that in-your-face attraction was a decent man, Kasey sensed, who meant what he was telling the crowd. And that crowd seemed to hang on to his every word.

  Even though he was in a shirt and tie, he didn’t look rumpled, despite the insufferable humidity. That, combined with the heat, made it difficult to breathe.

  Or maybe it was Tanner, the way he affected her, that caused her shortness of breath.

  When he had asked her to join him at this rally, she had balked. But he refused to take no for an answer, explaining her presence would help her get a better handle on his agenda in order to plan the next series of ads.

  Because that made sense, Kasey had agreed.

  She had also wanted to get out of the office. Since Shirley’s death, it seemed she had lived within the confines of those walls. However, her motives hadn’t been that simple. She’d wanted to be with Tanner, though that admission was terrifying to her peace of mind.

  Also, thoughts of Brock had plagued her, kept interfering with her work. While she wanted her son to be a normal teenager, she didn’t want him getting seriously involved with a girl. Not at this juncture in his life. While he was in college, she wanted him to have lots of girls.

  But no one could tell her anything at that age. Maybe that was why she was so frightened for Brock. She didn’t want him following in her footsteps. That thought chilled her to the bone.

  “You’re Kasey Ellis, aren’t you?”

  Kasey jumped at the sound of the unexpected voice. She turned and stared into the pink face of a man who smiled at her around a cigar.

  “Didn’t mean to startle you.” He shot out a hand. “I’m Jack Milstead.”

  “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Milstead. Tanner’s told me about you.”

  He eased down on the bleacher next to her. “You’re doing a great job for Tanner,” he said without mincing words. “And I have to tell you, I wasn’t for him switching firms at this late date, either.”

  “I’m glad you’re pleased,” Kasey acknowledged, feeling a renewed sense of pride.

  “Well, just keep up the good work, you hear?”

  “I’ll do my best.”

  He wiped his brow. “Damn, but it’s hot.”

  “Don’t I know it.” Kasey had covered herself with sunscreen, but still the sun felt like it was baking her skin.

  Milstead’s gaze shifted to Tanner. “Even though he’s sweating, he still looks cool.”

  “Cool under fire.”

  Milstead lifted his eyebrows. “Good analogy. Ought to use that on a slogan.”

  “Use what?”

  Kasey turned and stared at a young woman who had climbed the steps and paused beside them. Kasey had never seen her before, but that obviously wasn’t the case with Jack. He stood abruptly, though his features remained impassive, and made the introductions.

  “Ah, we finally meet,” Irene said, not bothering to extend her hand.

  Kasey’s instincts told her Tanner’s campaign strategist didn’t like her. The expression on her face and in her eyes told her as much. Kasey suspected she knew the reason—jealousy. Too bad she couldn’t reassure Irene that she had nothing to fear from her, that Tanner was a client and nothing more.

  Liar.

  Ignoring that zing to her conscience, Kasey forced herself to be pleasant. “It looks as though you’ve steered Tanner’s campaign in the right direction.”

  “Tanner’s had a lot to say about that,” Jack put in.

  “Not about to give me one ounce of credit, are you, Jack?”

  Despite her smile, Kasey picked up on the contempt in Irene’s tone. Her gaze bounced between the two. Was Tanner aware of the trouble in his camp? Most likely. She figured very little got past him.

  However, some people delighted in making trouble; she suspected Irene was one of those people. She couldn’t help but wonder why Tanner kept her around.

  Shrugging that somewhat disturbing thought aside, Kasey focused her attention back on Tanner who was answering questions right and left. The crowd remained enthralled, eating out of his hand.

  The phrase “a born politician” rose to mind.

  “If I have my way,” Jack said, sitting back down, “he’s going to be governor of this great state. After that, who knows.”

  “I’m not sure Tanner’s that ambitious.” Irene sat on the other side of Kasey, then looked at her. “What do you think?”

  Kasey could read the curiosity in her eyes. There was something else as well, though she couldn’t quite identify it. “I have no idea one way or the other,” she said.

  “Sure about that?”

  Kasey bristled inwardly. She didn’t like Irene’s tone or her loaded question. This woman thought way too much of herself and her position. She would love to give her the attitude adjustment she needed, but it wasn’t worth the effort. Furthermore, it wasn’t any of her business. If Tanner was willing to keep this troublemaker around, that was his business. And his problem.

  “Come on, Irene, give the lady a break.” Once again Jack didn’t bother to mask his contempt.

  Irene flashed Jack a go-to-hell-look before turning her gaze on Tanner who had just stepped off the podium to a loud and boisterous applause. He was making his way toward them.

  Thank God, Kasey thought, more than ready to distance herself from his cronies as well as the all-consuming heat.

  “I thought Butler would’ve made his appearance by now,” Irene said. “He’s due to speak next.”

  “Apparently you’ve forgotten he’s chronically late,” Jack pointed out while smiling at Tanner who had been stopped by an avid supporter.

  Kasey stood and headed toward him. Jack and Irene followed suit.

  “I see you’ve all met,” Tanner said, his eyes sweeping over them.

  Kasey thought she picked up on a thread of anxiety in his tone, but she wasn’t sure. What she was sure of was that his gaze lingered on her a tad longer than the others.

  “Yeah, we did,” Jack said, smiling at Kasey then slapping Tanner on the back. “Great job. You had ’em eating out of your hand.”

  Irene gave him a bright smile. “Jack’s right, you were smashing.”

  “I was hardly that,” Tanner said with impatience before focusing his attention on Kasey. “I’d like to hear your opinion.”

  That low, silky sounding voice seemed to caress her. Kasey swallowed hard, feeling like she’d just been placed on the proverbial hotseat. “From what little I know about campaigning, you did great.”

  “But did he win your vote?” Irene pressed. “That’s the key.”

  Before she could respond, Tanner said in a light tone, “Hey, give her a break, okay?”

  Irene didn’t argue, but from the way her face tightened, Kasey knew she was pissed at Tanner for his offhanded dismissal of her question. And of her.

  “Come on, I’ll buy us dinner,” Jack said into the growing tension.

  Tanner shook his head. “Thanks, but no thanks. I’m sure Kasey has to get back.”

&nbs
p; “That’s right, I do.”

  Jack nodded. “Another time, perhaps.”

  “You can take me to dinner,” Irene said with a smile that did little to temper her catty tone.

  “I’ll pass,” Jack muttered.

  “Hey, knock it off.” Tanner then turned his back on them and circled Kasey’s elbow. “We’re out of here.”

  At his unexpected touch a shiver darted through her. But Kasey didn’t let on and hoped he didn’t catch on. Soon she would be back at her apartment, out of the line of fire.

  It was a while, however, before they managed to make it anywhere near his vehicle. Numerous supporters stopped him. Kasey stood by and admired his handling of each person who wanted to shake his hand and say a personal word. Tanner seemed to have a knack for making them all feel special.

  He was indeed a born politician. Someone had to do it, she guessed. She was just glad it wasn’t her or anyone close to her. That kind of life held no fascination or interest for her. The thought of anyone snooping into the nooks and crannies of her life made her shudder.

  “At least I didn’t have to confront my opponent,” Tanner said, breaking into her thoughts as he opened the passenger door to his vehicle.

  “Wait up, Mr. Hart, please.”

  At the sound of the excited voice, both swung around. A tall, slender woman with dark hair worn in a bob, was hurrying toward them. When she stopped in front of Tanner, Kasey noticed she didn’t have even a smidgen of makeup on. Still, she was attractive in a wholesome sort of way. But there was a hard glint in her eye that made Kasey instantly leery.

  “I’m Daisy Greer from the Chronicle. I’ve been trying to get to you all afternoon.”

  “What can I do for you, Ms. Greer?”

  Though Tanner’s tone was pleasant, Kasey heard the hesitation in it. This reporter hadn’t fooled him, either. Not surprising, since he already had a ballsy woman on his staff.

  “I’d like to ask you some questions.”

  “Now is not a good time.”

  “Is that a no?” A hard glint darkened her eyes.

  Tanner smiled. “Actually it’s an invitation to stop by my office.”

  “What makes you think you can beat Buck Butler?”

  “Later, Ms. Greer.”

  “What are you hiding, Mr. Hart?”

  Tanner didn’t flinch, but Kasey saw his eyes narrow and sensed he was pissed by her question and her persistence.

  “Don’t make me regret my offer, Ms. Greer.”

  She smiled, then replied smoothly. “Just be ready to answer some hard questions.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  It was only after they pulled up in a restaurant parking lot that Kasey realized Tanner’s intentions. “I wanted to go home.”

  “After we eat, you will.”

  “Tanner—”

  “Don’t argue, okay?”

  Given his testy tone, Kasey decided to cut him some slack and herself. “I am hungry.”

  “Me, too, and I could use a drink.”

  Moments later, they were seated at a cozy table for two in a garden room surrounded by lush flowers and greenery. Among such a cool tranquil setting, Kasey felt her wilted body and spirits suddenly revive.

  “What a great place,” she said, once the waitress had arrived and taken their orders.

  “And the food’s good, too.”

  Her eyes widened. “I’m really impressed.”

  He chuckled.

  The waitress brought their drinks, then disappeared. Tanner held up his glass; she answered with hers. “Here’s to a smooth finish and a win.”

  “I’ll drink to that.”

  They were silent for a moment, then he asked, “So what did you really think?”

  “About what?” she asked in an innocent tone, though she knew exactly what he meant.

  “Aw, so you’re going to make me beg for a compliment.”

  Kasey rolled her eyes. “You did great, but then I don’t have to tell you that.”

  “No, you don’t, but it’s nice to hear.”

  “Lack of confidence is not one of your weaknesses.”

  A twinkle appeared in his eyes. “Maybe I’m faking it.”

  “Sure you are.”

  Tanner laughed outright, then he sobered. “So what’s your take on the reporter?”

  “I’d rather be interviewed by a rattlesnake.”

  He laughed again. “My thoughts exactly.”

  “Sounds like she’s out for blood.”

  “Along with trying to uncover my dirty laundry,” he responded in a cold tone.

  “Will she find any?”

  His gaze was unflinching. “It’s not so much what she might find, but what she’ll misrepresent to the media, that worries me.”

  “Guilty until proven innocent, which is scary.”

  Tanner stared into space. “And the innocent part no one ever hears. A politician’s worst nightmare.”

  Their food arrived then, and they ate in a comfortable silence. Despite his volatile personality, he was easy to be with. It was after they were served coffee that Tanner restarted the conversation.

  “Think I should tell her I can’t see her?”

  “Hey, I’m the wrong person to ask.”

  “No, you’re not. Your instincts are sound, which makes your opinion valuable to me.”

  “In that case, I don’t think you have a choice. You’ve already opened Pandora’s box, so to speak.”

  “I know, but I’ll end up just antagonizing her. You watch and see.”

  “Especially if she thinks you’re trying to hide something.”

  “Everyone has something to hide.” Tanner’s eyes bored into hers. “Right?”

  For a second her heart almost stopped beating. Does he know? Of course, he doesn’t. It’s just your paranoia working overtime. “Maybe,” she said.

  “I’ll admit I have a checkered past.” He paused and wiped his brow with a white handkerchief. “What with going in and out of foster care, I did a lot of things I’m not proud of. And though my juvey records are supposed to be sealed, that doesn’t mean they can’t be gotten to.”

  “What if that happens?”

  He shrugged. “I’ll have to deal with it.”

  Kasey sipped on her coffee, her mind troubled. He was right. He didn’t have to say anything one way or the other in order to hang himself. A hint of misconduct was all it would take to smear him and subsequently defeat him.

  “So?” he asked.

  “So what?”

  “Have you decided if I’m worthy of your vote yet?” He was half smiling.

  While she was glad he had lightened the mood, this teasing side of him was much more threatening to her peace of mind.

  “I want you, Kasey.”

  Her eyes widened and her nerves tightened.

  “I can’t deny it any longer,” he added in a husky tone, his eyes delving into hers. “But then, you already know that.”

  Her lips parted on a gasp, totally unprepared for his seductive bluntness.

  “Having said that,” he went on, “I don’t plan on doing anything about it.” He paused, his gaze melting into hers. “Unless you want me to, that is.”

  “Tanner, I—”

  “Before you say anything, there’s more.”

  “I think you’ve said enough,” she told him in a shaky voice, her heart splintering in a million different directions.

  “Probably, but I have to get this off my chest. When I saw you at the funeral, it was like the years had disappeared and we were back at that party. I felt those same forbidden, exciting emotions, that same craving—”

  Her hand went to her chest. “Tanner, please don’t.”

  His eyes looked tormented. “I wish that night had never happened, for your sake. But for mine, I have no regrets.”

  “It won’t work, Tanner.” She could barely speak around the tightness in her throat. “And I don’t have to tell you why. We’re no longer young and irresponsible
. We made a mistake. Let’s not make another one.”

  Tanner’s smoldering gaze held hers. “Like I said, it’s your call.” He didn’t say anything else for a long moment. “It would help if you could look me in the eye and tell me you don’t feel the same way, that you don’t have a tug-of-war going on inside of you right now.”

  Though she met his gaze, the words wouldn’t come. Her denial froze in her throat.

  “Then for God’s sake, why can’t—”

  Suddenly Kasey stood. “Please, I can’t do this anymore. I want to go home. Besides, you promised.” Her gaze speared him.

  “You’re right,” he admitted with pained reluctance. “And I’ll keep that promise, too, no matter how much I may not want to.”

  Nineteen

  Dread knotted Gallain’s stomach.

  Any moment now he expected to be called on the carpet once again. The chief wasn’t known for his patience or his forgiveness. He was about ready to explode, and Gallain knew he would be on the receiving end of Clayton’s wrath.

  The case simply wasn’t coming together. More to the point, nothing was bloody happening. Dead ends. Nothing but dead ends. He’d covered every base possible, talked to everyone even remotely connected to Shirley Parker, and he’d come up empty.

  Gallain lunged out of his chair and walked to the window in his cubbyhole. Through the limp, broken blinds, he watched the office personnel, cops and other detectives scurrying about. He lived to be here, lived for his job. The thought of losing it made him sick to his stomach.

  He took several deep breaths which calmed his erratic heartbeat. Even if he didn’t solve the Parker murder, he wouldn’t get the boot. But he might as well. Clayton would make things so tough on him, he’d be miserable.

  His wife wouldn’t help, either. Just this morning she was complaining about how broke they were and when was he going to get a raise. A raise was out of the question if he didn’t nail Parker’s killer.

  Dammit, he had to find that perp. He didn’t give a hang about the promotion for the money, despite his wife’s constant nagging. He wanted the promotion for his own self-satisfaction. Gallain muttered a curse.