Passion's Law

by Ruth Langan

  Joe met the detective’s steady look. “Meredith’s gone out of town for a couple of days. But when she returns you can try to arrange it.”

  Before Thad could respond, Joe was quick to add, “I’m not saying she’ll agree, you understand. My wife is free to make her own decisions about this.”

  Thad nodded. “Okay. I understand. I’ll call in a couple of days and talk to her.”

  Joe studied the tight line of Thad’s mouth. “Do you suspect one of our guests?”

  “Everybody’s a suspect, Joe. You know that. I keep going over the whereabouts of every guest at the time the shot was fired. And now I’m trying to tie a suspect from the first shooting to this latest one.”

  “So you think one of our guests slipped away and fired that first shot?”

  Thad shook his head. “I didn’t say that. But there are only two theories. Either it was a guest with a grudge, or it was a hired assassin. Either way, until the shooter is found, you’re not out of the woods.”

  As he turned away Joe called, “Is that all you came here for?”

  Thad turned back. “Yeah. I thought I’d take a chance on catching your wife. And I wanted you to know how the investigation is going.”

  “Then, since you have a little time anyway, why not stay for dinner?”

  Even as the detective was shaking his head, Joe was getting to his feet. “Heather and I have been cooped up for days doing nothing but paperwork. I’ll bet you’ve been doing the same.”

  “I have but—”

  Joe held up a hand to stop him. “Okay, then. It’s time to relax. Which do you prefer? Riding or a cold beer in the courtyard?”

  Thad laughed. “Personally a cold beer sounds best to me.”

  “You’re on.” Joe turned to Heather. “That sound you hear is the five o’clock whistle, young lady. You have one minute to shut down your computer and join Thad and me out in the courtyard.”

  “Yes, sir.” With a laugh Heather inserted a disk and began to back up her work.

  Minutes later she found Joe and Thad already seated by the fountain, drinking beer.

  Joe looked up. “What’ll you have, sweetheart?”

  “The same as you.”

  Thad watched as she settled herself on a chaise across from him. She tucked her feet under her as she accepted a frosty mug from her uncle.

  As Joe turned away, Thad said softly, “I figured you for the champagne and cavier type.”

  “I can be, when the situation calls for it. But there are times when nothing tastes better than a cold beer.” She smiled at her uncle. “Especially after the work we managed to accomplish today.”

  Joe winked at her as he chose a cushioned chair. “You’ve turned out an amazing amount of work since you got here. I think if you stay long enough, you just might dig me out from under that mountain that’s had me buried.”

  She gave a nod of acknowledgment. “My pleasure, sir. That’s what I’m here for.”

  Joe turned to Thad. “See why I love her?”

  Thad ducked his head and sipped his beer. He wondered just what the hell he was doing here. He was being paid to investigate not one, but two attempts on Joe Colton’s life. And here he was drinking with the intended victim and thinking things he had no right to about the victim’s niece.

  He glowered as Jackson Colton entered the courtyard and joined them. It occurred to Thad that this man might very well be the snake in the Garden of Eden. Right now he was number one on the list of suspects.

  Still, the music of the fountain and the coolness of the courtyard and the soothing sound of Heather’s velvet voice were all conspiring against him.

  What harm would it do to relax and simply savor the moment?

  The moment turned into more than two hours, during which they laughed, argued politics and world trade, and enjoyed a simple meal of grilled salmon and a salad of tomatoes and onions marinated in the most amazing dressing Thad had ever tasted.

  “I want this recipe,” he remarked as he filled his plate a second time.

  “You cook?” Heather shot him a look across the patio table.

  He shrugged. “When I find the time. Which isn’t often. But there’s something satisfying about cooking. Especially over a grill. Ever try it?”

  She chuckled. “Not often. But I do know how to cook. When the spirit moves me, that is.” She motioned toward his empty mug. “Want another beer?”

  He shook his head. “No thanks. I have a long drive ahead of me. But if there’s coffee, I’d love some.”

  Heather walked to the kitchen and returned minutes later with a tray of coffee, cups and saucers, sugar and cream.

  While she poured and passed them around, Joe glanced up at the lights of an approaching car. “Looks like we’ve got company.”

  Minutes later Inez scurried off to the front door and returned, followed by a well-dressed man.

  “Graham.” Joe Colton was on his feet and halfway across the courtyard before his guest could say a word. After greeting him, Joe led him toward the table where Heather and Thad were standing alongside Jackson.

  After Heather had greeted her uncle, Joe turned to Thad. “Detective Thad Law, this is my brother Graham.”

  “Detective Law.” Graham looked from his brother to the detective who towered over him. “Jackson called me about this latest shooting. I’m sorry I couldn’t be here sooner. Business in San Francisco. Have they found the gunman?”

  “Not yet. But they’re working on it.”

  “Yes, this looks like hard work,” Graham said with a trace of sarcasm.

  “Thad’s off duty at the moment.” Joe’s usual smile faded a bit. “We were just finishing dinner. Have you eaten?”

  “I figured I’d let you feed me.” Graham, looking dapper in custom-tailored slacks and shirt, settled into a chair and carefully crossed one Italian leather-clad foot over the other. “What were you drinking?” He looked around and, spotting the empty mugs, gave a laugh. “Beer? I’ll have Scotch. Rocks.” He turned his attention to Thad. “So, Detective, are you close to finding this madman? Or don’t you discuss business after hours?”

  Thad studied Joe’s brother with the same care he used on everyone he met. “Like Joe said, we were just enjoying dinner.”

  Joe handed his brother a tumbler of Scotch before settling into the chair beside him. His smile was warm and easy. “Well, Graham, I must say this visit is a pleasant surprise. Jackson thought you wouldn’t be here for at least a few more days.”

  “A surprise?” Graham turned to fix him with a look. “You mean Meredith didn’t tell you I was coming?”

  “She knew?”

  Graham nodded. “I called her this morning and told her I was on my way.” He glanced around. “Where is Meredith?”

  “She had an appointment at LaBelle. She’ll be gone for a day or two. That’s probably why she forgot to mention your visit. Too much on her mind lately.”

  Graham visibly relaxed. “Yeah. That’s true of all of us.” He turned to Thad. “So, Detective, tell us about what you’ve uncovered so far.”

  Thad got to his feet. “Sorry. I wish I could. But there’s no time.” He offered a handshake to Joe. “Thanks for drinks and dinner.”

  “You’re welcome. Let’s do it again. Soon.”

  Thad shook hands with Graham and Jackson.

  When he turned to Heather she surprised him by saying, “Come on. I’ll see you out.”

  They left the others in the courtyard as they made their way along a hallway.

  “That was very clever of you, Detective.”

  At Heather’s words he paused. “What was?”

  “The way you managed to avoid answering any questions.”

  He laughed. “Part of the job.”

  They walked to the front door. After opening it, Thad paused on the threshold and turned to her. “I had a great time.”

  “I’m glad. Does this mean you don’t mind that my uncle pressured you into staying?”

  Thad shook
his head. “Not at all. I’m glad he did. I can’t remember the last time I just sat around having a normal discussion with intelligent adults.”

  Heather laughed. “You make it sound like you spend all your time in the company of babies.”

  His grin was quick and unexpected. “Something like that.” He took a step back, determined not to touch her. “Now I really have to go.”

  She placed a hand on his arm and felt the heat of his flesh against her palm. “I hope this doesn’t mean you have a wife or girlfriend waiting at home for you, Detective.”

  He absorbed the little jolt to his heart. “Why? Would you mind if I did?”

  She laughed again. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were trying to trap me into revealing something that would be better kept a secret.”

  “Ah, secrets—my stock in trade. I’m a hard-boiled cop, remember?” If she kept her hand there much longer he’d go up in flames. In his best villainous imitation he leaned close and caught her chin in his hand. “Ve have ways of making you talk, woman.”

  Her laughter faded the moment he touched her. She found herself holding her breath as she whispered, “The truth? Yes. I’d mind very much. Is there a wife or girlfriend?”

  Her honesty was so unexpected, he was momentarily speechless. When he finally found his voice he said, “No.”

  Her breath came out slowly in a sigh of relief.

  His own smile was gone, replaced with that heart-stopping look that seemed to wipe every thought from her mind.

  For several more seconds Thad waged a terrible battle within himself. He wanted, more than anything, to taste those lips. But he knew he was playing with fire.

  Heather saw the way he stared at her mouth and knew, in that instant, that he wanted to kiss her, but was fighting the urge. She leaned forward slightly, inviting him to do the same. When he held back she leaned into him. It seemed the most natural thing in the world to come together in a kiss. But the moment they did, everything changed. The lighthearted banter was forgotten. The voices drifting from the courtyard disappeared.

  For Thad, the world seemed to fall away. The only thing he saw was this gilded angel in his arms. The only thing he felt was this need. A hard, driving need that had him taking the kiss deeper and holding on to her as though clinging to life itself.

  He breathed in her perfume until it filled his lungs and had him reeling with need. A need as sharp as any arrow, piercing his heart.

  Against her mouth he muttered, “I’ve been wanting to do this all evening.”

  “I’m glad. It’s what I wanted, too.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave herself up to the pleasure of his lips.

  The kiss went on and on, draining her even as it filled her.

  Oh, it felt so good to be held in those strong arms. To be crushed against that muscled chest. To feel these little splinters of fire and ice along her spine. If she could, she would stay just like this all through the night.

  “Now I really have to go.” He didn’t move, didn’t release his hold on her.

  “I understand.” She brushed her lips over his cheek before lifting her head to look into his eyes. “You have…obligations, whatever they are.”

  He nodded. “I wish I didn’t, but I really do have to go.” Still, he helped himself to one more bruising kiss that had his heartbeat thundering as though he’d been running up the side of a mountain.

  Heather touched a hand to his chest. “Your heart’s beating even harder than mine.”

  “Then I’ll just have to see what I can do about that.” He dragged her close once more, kissing her so deeply, so thoroughly, her head was spinning. She came up gasping for breath.

  He put a hand to her throat and could feel the wild flutter of her pulse. “Uh-huh. That’s better.”

  “Better than what?”

  “Better than suffering alone.” He found the courage to lower his hands to his sides and take a step back. Then, before he could give in to temptation to touch her again, he turned and walked deliberately to his car.

  After he climbed in and switched on the ignition, he turned and looked toward the front door. Heather was still standing there in a circle of light, watching him. She looked like some golden goddess, with the light spilling around her, holding back the darkness.

  He lifted a hand in a salute, then drove off.

  The taste of her was still on his lips. And the fragrance of crushed roses seemed to be all around him.

  Six

  Joe Colton looked up from the paperwork on his desk when he saw his wife’s car coming up the drive. Without a word to Heather, who was working on the computer, he walked from his office and made his way to the master suite. He was waiting there when she entered.

  At the steely look in his eyes Meredith stopped in midstride, seeming to prepare for the full force of his temper. Instead his voice was calm, controlled.

  “I spoke with the director at LaBelle.”

  She brought her hands to her hips. “What right do you have to check up on me?”

  “In case you’ve forgotten, I’m the guy who pays your bills. And this time you’ve gone too far, Meredith.”

  Her eyes narrowed to little slits. “What are you talking about?”

  “About the amount you charged for this little trip to the spa.”

  “Are you saying you won’t pay it?”

  He nodded his head. “Oh, I’ll pay it. But it’s the last time. I’ve decided that one of us has to be sensible. And since you can’t, I’ve done what I should have done a long time ago. I’ve cancelled your credit cards, Meredith. All of them. From now on, when you want anything, you’ll have to clear it with me first.”

  Her voice became the familiar whine. “You can’t treat me like this, Joe. I won’t stand for it.”

  He brushed past her and paused in the doorway. “You left me no choice. I can’t do much about the way you behave, but I can control my own behavior. I’ve decided that I’m through playing the fool for you, Meredith. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll leave you alone to admire yourself. Though personally I can’t see what you have to show for three days and ten grand spent at the spa.”

  He closed the door quietly behind him, leaving her alone to brood over this latest event.

  Patsy liked Joe Colton better when he was wildly furious. Then she could push a few of his buttons and send him into a rant, which would cause him no end of remorse. Afterward, he would give her whatever she wanted in order to enjoy a little peace. But this cool, calculating mood was something new and different. She had the distinct impression that he meant to carry out this latest threat.

  What would she do without money? She started to pace. She needed a plan. She had to be ready to run if she was found out. She couldn’t just uproot two little boys and run from the law without a bank-roll.

  Oh, if only that ransom money hadn’t been marked and she could spend it. What she couldn’t do with—

  She stopped her pacing as a thought began to form.

  There was someone right here at Prosperino with money. Someone who had always been terrified that she’d go to Joe with the truth about their son, Teddy.

  She threw back her head and laughed. “Oh, Graham, what a lovely little surprise I have in store for you tonight. You’re about to become my very own personal sugar daddy.”

  She decided to wear her best dress to dinner. First she’d let him look. Maybe she’d even let him touch. But not without paying. And paying dearly.

  Graham sauntered out to the pool and settled onto a lounge beside his son. In the water, Heather was roughhousing with Teddy and Joe, Jr. The two little boys had decided to come at her from either side, hoping to drag her under. Quick as a flash she caught Teddy and tossed him backward, then pinned his older brother’s arms to his sides, threatening to do the same to him until he agreed to surrender.

  The two boys were having a grand time. Their laughter filled the air as they splashed in the pool, as playful as a pair of young dolphins.

&nbs
p; Graham lowered his sunglasses to peer over the top at his son. “That’s one beautiful young woman.”

  “Yeah.” Jackson grinned as Heather tossed Teddy again, sending the boy into shrieks of laughter when he surfaced. “She’s just so good for those two. I don’t know when I’ve seen them having more fun.”

  “You could be having fun, too.”

  Jackson turned to look at his father. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “A pretty young thing like that stuck way out here in the middle of nowhere. I bet she’s feeling lonely.”

  Jackson made a sound of annoyance. “Yeah. She looks lonely, doesn’t she?”

  The air was filled with more laughter as the two boys finally managed to push her head under water. She came up sputtering, then, after tossing the hair from her eyes, began swimming after them.

  “It’s one thing for a woman like that to play with little boys. It’s a whole other thing to play with the big boys. If you get my drift. You could do a lot worse than Joe Colton’s favorite niece.” Graham paused to sip his Scotch, then added, “After all, it isn’t as though she’s related to you by blood. Why not have yourself a little fun?”

  Jackson shrugged. “We get along fine. In fact, better than fine.” He watched as she cut cleanly through the water before pulling herself up on the side of the pool and reaching for a towel. “I’ve always liked Heather.”

  “There, you see? And she likes you. Don’t think I haven’t noticed the way she always lights up whenever you’re near.” Graham leaned back and closed his eyes, content that he’d planted a seed. Now if his son was half the man he thought, this little trip might reap an unexpected bonus.

  In Joe Colton’s office Detective Thad Law stood at the monitor throwing switches, activating cameras from one end of the ranch to the other. When he activated the camera directed on the pool, he paused, watching the play between Heather and the two little boys.

  She looked so natural with them. More like a camp counselor than the smart, savvy, sophisticated woman he’d first met. As she pulled herself out of the water he studied the way she looked with water dripping, her head thrown back in laughter, and felt the quick sexual tug. At almost the same moment he saw Jackson Colton step into camera range and stand beside her, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder.