Cold Blooded

by Anne Patrick

"Yeah." She leaned back, crossing her legs. "It happened so fast, Ian. I drew my gun. I announced myself. I knew he was going to shoot. Even with the vest, I was scared." She raised her right hand and swiped at a tear.

  "That isn't why you didn't shoot, though."

  "No. I saw something behind him, outside. A shadow. I thought it was a person. I didn't want to chance missing him and hitting an innocent bystander."

  "It was a good call, Gwen."

  "I heard the other two shots…I was afraid he killed Nick, and that it was my fault because I didn't take the shot."

  "Well Nick is fine and I'm sure Mr. Masterson will be, too."

  "It was him, Ian, it was Bartlett. I'm sure of it."

  "We can't pick him up on just your word, Gwen. Not with your history with him."

  "But you've read the file, seen the resemblance."

  "But that's all it is, Gwen, just a resemblance. No way would the captain get on board with you on this, not with Dawson's attorney breathing down his neck."

  "I guess you're right. The captain would probably go ballistic if he knew I was even looking at Dawson for the robberies." She hesitated. "He doesn't know, right?"

  "No. When we spoke earlier in the week, he was under the impression you were still pursuing him for the murder of his family. I saw no reason to bring up your suspicions until we had something more concrete."

  "I appreciate that."

  "You know he's gonna want to talk to you and Nick Monday so you better have your reports done." Ian slid his arm around her and this time she didn't resist. "IAD will want a statement, too."

  "I know." She leaned against him. "Thank you for being there with me when I got my stitches."

  "You're welcome. I hope Nick didn't get suspicious, though."

  "I don't care if he did." She met his gaze.

  "You don't?"

  "No." She turned, placing her hand on his chest, and brushed her lips across his. "After tonight, I don't care if the whole world knows that I have a thing for my boss."

  "I'm glad to hear that, Gwen. Before you, I'd never really considered dating another woman. I know it won't be easy considering we work together in the same unit, but I would very much like to give this a try."

  "So would I."

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Gwen woke to the wonderful aroma of brewed coffee. She rolled onto her back and was immediately reminded of the shooting, as pain vibrated through her chest and arm. Glancing at the clock on her bedside table, she saw it was nine-thirty. Sounds of closing drawers and cabinets filtered down the hallway through the open bedroom door. A smile sprang to her lips at her last memory before passing out. Ian had helped her to the bedroom, threw the comforter over her and insisted he'd just be in the other room.

  She grabbed the cordless phone from its stand and went into the bathroom. After brushing her teeth, Gwen called the hospital to check on their victim. She identified herself and was told Mr. Masterson had made it through surgery and was in stable condition.

  Relieved, Gwen went into the kitchen. Ian stood at the counter, pouring a cup of coffee. A sack from the bakery on the corner sat beside him on the counter top. He glanced over his shoulder and smiled at her. "I was going to fix you breakfast but your fridge is nearly empty."

  "Yeah, I've been meaning to go to the grocery store." Gwen glanced to the sofa. Below the pillow, Lizzie lay asleep in the wadded up blanket. She looked back at Ian, "Did you get ran out of bed?"

  "I think she got tired of your snoring."

  "I don't snore."

  "I'm afraid you do." He grinned as he handed her the cup of coffee he just poured. "In a cute sort of way, though." Ian tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. "How are you feeling?"

  "A little sore." She pulled out a chair and sat at the table. "What'cha got in the sack?"

  "Chocolate croissants and blue berry muffins." He placed the sack on the table then removed two saucers from the cabinet and joined her.

  She reached into the bag, pulled out a croissant, and passed the bag to him. Just as she was about to take a bite, someone buzzed her apartment. She went into the entranceway and pressed the button on the intercom. "Yes?"

  "It's Tony. Can I come up?"

  "Sure." She buzzed him in the front door then unlocked hers.

  Ian stepped from the kitchen into the living room. "Isn't Tony your brother?"

  She nodded.

  "I know what this looks like. Do you want me to go into your spare bedroom?"

  "No, silly. He knows me better than that."

  "All right, but he better not punch me out."

  Gwen laughed.

  Tony knocked on the door and Gwen let him in. His cheeks were red and his hair tousled like he'd just got out of bed. He brushed past her. "Were you even going to tell me?"

  "Tell you what?"

  "Kara heard on the radio this morning you were shot."

  "I was wearing my vest, I was only grazed."

  "Still, you know you could've called."

  "Would you relax? I'm fine. Just a bruise and a couple of stitches." Gwen looked behind him and saw Ian standing in the entryway of the kitchen. "Besides, I only need one babysitter." She motioned behind him. "Tony, this is Ian…Ian, my brother, Tony."

  Tony turned with a grin and shook his hand. "So you're Ian. It's a pleasure to meet you."

  Ian cocked a brow at Gwen before addressing Tony. "Same here. We were just about to have some breakfast. Care to join us?"

  "I'd like that. Thanks."

  Gwen moved ahead of them, took out another cup and saucer and handed them to Tony. "Help yourself."

  Tony poured himself a cup of coffee and joined them at the table. "According to the radio, another detective and a civilian were also shot."

  "Nick was wearing his vest, too. The other man is in stable condition."

  "You called the hospital?" Ian asked.

  Gwen nodded then looked back at Tony. "How's Kara's mom?"

  "Doing better." He smiled at Ian. "My wife's mother is a diabetic and refuses to change her eating habits."

  "Do you live here in town?" Ian bit into his muffin and chased it down with a sip of coffee.

  "The Greer House on Broadway."

  "The huge Victorian place?"

  "Yeah. Our folks used to own the textile plant out east of town."

  "Oh, okay." Ian shifted his gaze between Tony and Gwen. "Are your folks still living?"

  "No," Tony answered first. "They passed on last year. Mom went first from a heart attack then dad lost his battle with cancer a couple of months later."

  "I'm sorry to hear that." Ian looked at Gwen. "I would've liked to have met them."

  Gwen reached over, took Ian's hand and gave it a squeeze.

  "Mind if I have another muffin?" Without waiting for an answer, Tony dug into the sack.

  Ian glanced over and chuckled. "So do you like football, Tony?"

  "I do. I'm a huge sports fan. Everything but golf."

  They continued to visit and Gwen quietly listened as she finished her coffee and croissant. This was nice. This, she could get used to. She hadn't realized until recently how much she missed that sense of family. By shutting herself off this last year from Tony, she not only hurt herself, she hurt him and Kara.

  Ian stood and fetched the coffee pot, refilling Gwen's cup first before asking, "More coffee, Tony?"

  "No thanks." Tony drank the last of his coffee then stood. "I need to get going. Kara left me a honey-to-do list I haven't even put a dent in yet."

  "Well I hope to see you again, Tony." Ian set the pot on the table and shook Tony's hand. "It's been a real pleasure."

  "Yes, it has, and I suspect we'll be seeing one another again."

  Gwen walked with Tony to the door. "Thanks for dropping by. Sorry I worried you."

  "I should be used to it by now." Then in a lower voice he added, "He seems like a really nice guy."

  "He is." She opened the door. "I'll talk to you next week."

  G
wen rejoined Ian in the kitchen and grabbed her another croissant from the bag.

  "Do you feel up to doing anything today?" Ian asked.

  "Sure. What'd you have in mind?"

  "I know the perfect place to go."

  "Where might that be?"

  "You've never seen the Grand Canyon, right? It's only a little over an hour's drive." Ian reached across the table and wrapped his hand around hers.

  "Sure. I was afraid you were going to suggest church."

  "Another time maybe. Besides, God isn't found in a building. He's all around us."

  "It doesn't bother you that I'm not a believer?"

  "No, Gwyn. I haven't always believed myself." He leaned over and kissed her forehead. "I need to run home and shower and change. I'll give you a call on my way back."

  Gwen walked him to the door. Once he was gone, her mind drifted over the events of the last twenty-four hours; how Ian had held her hand in the ER and later, eased her fears about the shooting. He was a decent man -- kind, loyal, trustworthy. Where else was she going to meet a guy like that in or out of uniform?

  *****

  Ian drove into Grand Canyon Village at the South Rim of the park and parked near the Bright Angel Lodge. He started their tour at Lookout Studio, a gift shop and lookout point perched on the very edge of the rim, providing spectacular views. It blended well with its natural setting. The gift shop sold photography and books related to the Grand Canyon, rock and fossil specimens, and traditional souvenirs.

  "This is absolutely stunning." Gwen snapped a dozen or so pictures with her digital camera.

  "Oh, you haven't seen anything yet. After we tour the village, we're going to come back here and take a shuttle bus along Hermits Rest Route. You're going to enjoy it, I promise. There are nine scenic overlooks on the South Rim of the canyon. Since the buses run every fifteen to twenty minutes, we can take as long as we want at each stop."

  "How many times have you been here?"

  "A couple of dozen times. I've been coming here since I was about five. I even went rafting on the Colorado River." He reached over and took her hand and the smile she tossed him was as breathtaking as the canyon itself.

  They visited some of the other sites then walked east to the Bright Angel Restaurant. "Thought we'd grab lunch here, if it's okay."

  "Sure."

  Ian requested a scenic view and they were seated at a table for two facing the Canyon.

  "Nice." Gwen complimented as he pulled out her chair.

  "I guess I'm a little old fashioned when it comes to how to treat a lady."

  She grinned. "I was referring to the view."

  "Oh. Sorry. I'm a little nervous," he admitted, withholding the fact that it'd been over twenty years since he was on a date with anyone other than his late wife. "How are you holding up? Any pain?"

  "A little. I might take half a pain pill."

  The waitress came over and handed them menus and then gave them a few minutes to decide.

  "See anything you like?"

  "Everything sounds great, but I think I'll play it safe with a turkey club sandwich." She gazed across the table at him. "You haven't mentioned how it went yesterday with your son."

  "Better than I expected. We had a good talk, got a lot off our chests."

  "Good. What'd he think of the U2 tickets?"

  "He was surprised. And very grateful. Guess it's a sold-out concert."

  "Does that mean I can charge you double?"

  Ian laughed. It would definitely be worth it. "Which reminds me." He took a check from his billfold and gave it to her. "I did throw in an extra fifty to show my appreciation."

  "You didn't have to." She slid the check into her purse without looking at it. "It was my pleasure."

  The waitress reappeared and Ian ordered for them both.

  "What would you like to drink?" the young brunette asked.

  "Just water for me," Gwen answered.

  "Same here." Ian met Gwen's gaze. "I can't believe you live an hour's drive from here and have never seen the Grand Canyon. You know there's more to life than just work."

  "Yeah, I'm starting to realize that." She closed her hand around his. "Thank you for bringing me here today."

  "You're welcome, Gwen. Granted, I haven't traveled a whole lot, but to me, this is one of the most majestic places in the United States. Maybe even the world."

  "From what I've seen of it so far, I'd have to agree. I've never seen anything like it before."

  "So you grew up in the Greer House. I've always admired its architecture. Isn't it one of the first houses built in Shorewick?"

  "I think so. I'll have to show you around inside sometime. It's gorgeous."

  "How long were you with the Greer family?"

  "From the age of fourteen until I went off to college. I didn't really have the typical childhood. If it wasn't for a kind-hearted judge, I probably wouldn't be here today."

  Ian was tempted to ask more questions but didn't want to chance spoiling their day together. She had warned him her childhood was off limits and he was going to respect her wishes. Hopefully, once she got to know him better, she would trust him enough to share that information.

  After lunch, they strolled around the village; then they traveled west to the El Tovar on the canyon rim.

  "How old is this place?" Gwen asked, as she took a shot of the elegant hotel.

  "Over a hundred years old. It was financed by the Santa Fe Railroad and first opened in 1905."

  Next door to the El Tovar was Hopi House. "This also opened in 1905," Ian told her.

  "What is it?"

  "A gift shop and museum." The building resembled an adobe pueblo. "Do you want to go in?"

  "Sure."

  They spent over an hour looking at the large selection of native arts and crafts, Native American jewelry and pottery.

  "It's a good thing I didn't bring a lot of money with me," Gwen commented as she admired the Navajo rugs. "I could spend a small fortune in here."

  As they left Hopi House, Ian checked his watch. "You ready to catch that shuttle?"

  "Okay." She draped her arm through his and Ian smiled at her. What had started as a near tragedy early this morning had turned into one of the best days of his life.

  An hour before sunset, they arrived at Mohave Point. The panoramic view made it the best place along the South Rim to watch the sunset. Ian knew from experience to get there early because of the crowd, and thankfully he had timed it just right. As the sun descended, the rocks and cliffs changed to a deep red beneath the bursts of orange and yellow that filled the horizon.

  "Oh, Ian. This is truly amazing." After snapping several pictures, Gwen wrapped her arms around his waist and smiled up at him. The urge to kiss her had never been stronger. There were so many people, though -- including children.

  Gwen turned her head and continued to watch the sunset.

  Several seconds passed. The sun was completely hidden now and the huge crowd started to disperse when the first shuttle bus arrived. "We should probably get in line for the next bus."

  "I'm in no hurry."

  "Good because it may be awhile. Are you cold?" He should have told her to bring a jacket.

  "A little."

  He tightened his arms around her.

  She smiled up at him again. This time she tilted her head slightly.

  It was the only invitation he needed to lower his mouth to hers. As her lips separated, he kissed her deeply. He couldn't care less if anyone watched. Gwen. This moment. It was all that mattered.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Gwen and Nick spent Monday and Tuesday on desk duty. The squad room was now almost immaculate and the files were all in their respective places. They'd spoken to Internal Affairs on Monday and the captain this morning. They were all in agreement that Gwen had no choice in not firing her weapon. The shooting continued to haunt Gwen, though. Not so much because of her actions or being shot, but because she was certain the man behind the disguise was Dawson Bartl
ett and she had let him get away. Again.

  Settled at her desk, Gwen read over the robbery reports from Kris and Ron. For Bartlett to have pulled off two robberies within thirty minutes of one another, he had to have planned them weeks in advance. Maybe even before he robbed Gyman's Liquor. One thing seemed certain; these last six robberies weren't the only ones he'd committed.

  Gwen looked up the number for the Phoenix Police Department and called, requesting to talk to someone in their robbery division.

  A few minutes passed and Detective Steve Grant got on the line. "What can I do for you, Detective?"

  "I'm working a string of liquor store robberies here and I'd like to know if you've had any with the same MO over the last three or four years. You should've received a bulletin already. I'm just following up on it."

  "Okay, I'll see what I can come up with. What's your guy's MO?"

  "He chooses liquor stores close to an interstate or main highway." Gwen gave the detective the information slowly so he could write it down. "He hits the store on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, within an hour of closing and is in and out in less than three minutes. He's at least six feet tall, medium build, dark hair, wears a black cap and matching bandana and gloves, and he carries a .45."

  "All right, give me a couple of days and I'll get back to you. What's your number?"

  Gwen gave him her extension as well as her cell phone number. "Today would be better."

  "You're joking, right?"

  "I know you're busy but this guy killed a store owner two weeks ago and last night he wounded a civilian and two detectives who were luckily wearing their vests."

  "Got'cha. Give me a couple of hours."

  "Thank you, Detective."

  While waiting for him to call back, Gwen watched the cleaned up version of the ATM footage from the Gyman's Liquor that CSI Carpenter dropped off that morning. She'd done a good job. Though still dark, Gwen could make out that it was the teenage girl they'd been looking for in the strong-armed robbery. She wore what appeared to be the same scarf. In the video, after the robber ran into the girl outside the store, she definitely picked up something from the ground. Gwen couldn't tell what the object was, though, or which of the two dropped it. Whatever it was, it wasn't big enough to be a gun. She had to find this kid. When the robber bumped into her, his bandana may have slipped or something and maybe she could identify him. More importantly, he may have gotten a good look at her and she could be in danger.