Passion's Law

by Ruth Langan

  For the first time in his life Thad felt stirrings of jealousy. It was such an alien feeling he was rocked back on his heels. His first inclination was to deny it. How could he be jealous of someone who wasn’t his, could never be his? But there was no denying the flash of unreasonable anger he felt at the sight of Heather and Jackson on the monitor.

  He was relieved when Joe Colton entered and started to ask questions about the newest cameras and their positions. Anything was better than standing here watching two beautiful people who obviously belonged together, and wishing it could be otherwise.

  Thad had never been a dreamer. There’d been no time for dreams in his demanding life. He was a man driven by a need for order and justice. So why was he punishing himself by wanting something so completely out of his reach?

  “I’ve got news for you, Joe.”

  Joe Colton paused, his hand on the monitor. “You’ve got a lead on the gunman?”

  Thad shook his head. “No. But the department has put me in charge of this investigation, to the exclusion of all my other duties, except for emergencies.”

  Seeing the smug look on Joe’s face, Thad paused to speculate. “This change in procedure wouldn’t be because someone with influence put a little pressure on the department, would it?”

  Joe laughed easily. “It might be. But you’ll never hear it from my lips.” He clapped Thad on the shoulder. “So, it looks like I’ll be seeing a whole lot more of you around here.”

  “Yeah.” Thad managed to keep a straight face, but the beginnings of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “You play hardball, don’t you, Joe?”

  “Damned right.” Joe was grinning from ear to ear. “It’s one of the perks of having money. I can afford to surround myself with only the best. And I have a feeling that if anybody can solve this mystery, it’s you, Thad.”

  The detective walked away shaking his head. He only hoped Joe’s trust hadn’t been misplaced.

  Right now, every shred of evidence he had seemed to lead directly to Jackson Colton. He had the opportunity. He was at the scene of the crime alone, with no alibi. The only thing he didn’t have was a motive. At least not one that Thad could discover. But Thad was a patient man. And maybe now that he’d be able to spend all his time on the case, he’d come up with something conclusive.

  “Oh, thanks.” Heather wrapped her towel around her hips, saronglike, and accepted a glass of lemonade from Jackson’s hand. “Those two wear me out.”

  “I couldn’t figure out who was having more fun. You or the boys.”

  “It’s good to see them having fun. There’s been little enough of that in their lives lately.”

  “Yeah.” Jackson nodded. “It can’t be easy for them to live with all this tension.” He touched a hand to her shoulder. “It can’t be easy for you, either.”

  She shook her head. “I’m fine. But when I heard the sound of that gunshot, I had a few really terrible moments. Not for myself as much as for them.” She shuddered. “I didn’t know what I’d find upstairs. But whatever it was, I didn’t want Teddy and Joe, Jr., to have to see it.”

  Jackson squeezed her shoulder. “That had to be rough.”

  “It was.” She looked up. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Thad walking toward them.

  When he drew close, she could see the tight, angry set of his mouth. His eyes were hidden behind mirrored sunglasses.

  “Something wrong, Detective?” Jackson turned toward Thad, keeping his hand on Heather’s shoulder.

  “Nothing.” Thad looked at Heather. “I just wanted to inform you that the department has assigned me to your uncle’s case on a full-time basis until it’s solved.”

  “Oh, Thad. Uncle Joe will be so relieved.”

  “I just gave him the news.”

  They were interrupted by shouts from Teddy and Joe, Jr., who were clearly unhappy at having Heather’s time monopolized by the men.

  “Oh. You want more, do you?” With a laugh she handed her glass to Jackson and untied her towel, flinging it on a chaise. Then in a most unladylike manner she dove into the pool and began swimming, to the delighted squeals of two little boys.

  “She’s incredible, isn’t she?” Jackson turned to watch the chase.

  “Yeah. Incredible.” Thad was grateful for the sunglasses. He was able to watch her without fear of revealing what was going through his mind.

  Patsy stood in front of the full-length mirror studying her reflection. She’d tried on four dresses before settling on this one. It was revealing enough to pique Graham’s interest, and modest enough to keep Joe from snarling. She liked the way the fabric hugged her body in the most suggestive way. And the honey tones played up her eyes. She slid her feet into honey-colored sandals with sexy stiletto heels before making her way to the dining room.

  Joe and the boys were already there, along with Heather and Jackson. She barely gave them a nod before pouring herself a drink. But when Graham walked in, she saw the way he looked her over and her mood lifted considerably. She realized she was actually looking forward to tonight. There was nothing quite as satisfying as sparring with a man who was as transparent as glass.

  She ate mechanically, allowing the others to carry the conversation throughout the tedious meal. She had a vague sense that Jackson was making a move on Heather, but she was too preoccupied to pay much attention. Besides, she could see by the look in Heather’s eyes that she wasn’t feeling anything toward the young man seated beside her. A woman always knew those things. There was no spark between them, no sizzle.

  Now the detective was another story. There was something going on between him and Heather. Patsy hadn’t yet figured out if he was annoyed or attracted. She tried to keep as much distance as possible between herself and Thaddeus Law. He made her far too uncomfortable.

  She was relieved when dinner was finally over, and even more relieved when Joe offered to go upstairs and read to the boys. Heather and Jackson drifted out to the courtyard, leaving Patsy alone with Graham.

  She pushed away from the table and crossed to a sideboard. “Want another Scotch?”

  “Sure. You having one?”

  She nodded and filled two tumblers. When she handed one to him, she turned in such a way that his arm grazed her breast. She saw his eyes narrow a fraction and knew that he’d felt it. Oh, he was so easy.

  “We need to talk, Graham.”

  He huffed out a laugh. “Are you sure that’s what you have in mind?”

  “Yeah. Very sure. Once with you was enough.”

  His smile faded. “You said we’d never mention that.”

  “Did I?” She gave him a sly smile. “Maybe I lied.”

  “What?” He set down his drink with a clatter.

  Her smile grew. “I wonder what would happen to you if Joe found out our little secret.”

  His face contorted into anger. “You wouldn’t dare.”

  “Oh, wouldn’t I?” She stepped closer and ran one perfectly manicured fingernail down the front of his shirt. “Of course, there’s a way to ensure my silence.”

  “How? Slit your throat?”

  She merely smiled. “You don’t have the nerve for that, Graham, and you know it. But there’s a much easier way to guarantee that it always remains our little secret.”

  He glared at her. “I’m waiting.”

  “Money. Three million dollars, to be exact.”

  Graham swallowed back the rage that threatened to choke him. Fighting to keep his tone even, he said, “Three million is just a bit rich for my blood.”

  “Really?” She looked him up and down. “That’s pretty hard to believe coming from a man wearing a twenty-thousand-dollar watch, three-hundred-dollar loafers, and four-hundred-dollar custom-tailored slacks.”

  Graham flushed. She was a lot more observant than he’d thought. Still, the fact that the gunman was on the loose was a hopeful sign. Joe could find himself in an assassin’s sight at any time. And when it happened, as Joe’s only brother, he stood to inherit a
fortune. Three million would be pocket change.

  “Look, Meredith.” He kept his tone easy, his touch gentle as he tilted up her face, forcing her to look into his eyes. “I feel a sense of responsibility about you and Teddy. And I’ve always prided myself on being a man who takes care of his own. If you’ll agree to two million, I can manage it, as long as you let me pay you a little at a time.”

  Her eyes glittered with greed. “How little?”

  He felt a thrill of victory and struggled not to gloat. “How about a hundred thousand now, and the rest later?”

  She pretended to consider. In fact, it was more than she’d hoped for. After a moment she nodded. “All right. I want it in cash.”

  “Of course. You don’t think I want to leave a trail of checks, do you?”

  Patsy patted his cheek. “That’s what I’ve always loved about you, Graham. You and I are on the same wavelength.” She pressed herself closer. “Want to seal the bargain?”

  He glanced toward the door, relieved to hear the sound of someone coming. “You know I’d love to, but not here in Joe’s house.”

  “It’s my house, too.”

  “Yes, of course.” He stepped back and actually smiled when the housekeeper entered. “I’ll have that package delivered inside of a couple of weeks.”

  As he beat a hasty retreat to the door, Patsy called after him, “Make it sooner.”

  “A week, then.” He drained his Scotch in one long swallow and went off in search of friendlier company.

  Seven

  “You’re leaving?” Joe was enjoying morning coffee in the courtyard when his brother entered at the same moment that he spotted Jackson carrying luggage to his car.

  Graham helped himself to a cup and struggled to paste on a thin smile. After his encounter last night with Meredith, he couldn’t wait to escape. “We’ve enjoyed your hospitality long enough. Besides, I really just wanted to see for myself that you were all right after this latest incident. Now that I know you’re in the capable hands of Detective Law, I think it’s time to get back to work.”

  He saw his son stop to chat with Heather and nodded toward the two young people. “They make a handsome couple, don’t you think?”

  Joe shrugged. “I doubt that it matters what you or I think. It’s what they think that counts.” He arched a brow. “Is Jackson interested in Heather?”

  Graham frowned. “Who knows with kids today. He hasn’t said one way or the other.”

  “I wouldn’t worry.” Joe drained his cup. “They’ll have plenty of opportunities to get together. If they’re meant to be, it’ll happen in its own sweet time.”

  “Thanks for that bit of wisdom.” Graham stuck out his hand. “Time to go. We’ve got a long drive ahead of us.” He set aside his coffee, eager to be on his way.

  “I’ll walk with you to the car.” Joe and his brother made their way to where Jackson and Heather were waiting.

  After handshakes all around, and hugs between Jackson and Heather, Graham and his son settled themselves into separate cars. Minutes later Joe and Heather stood watching as they sped along the drive.

  Joe glanced at his watch. “I’m going to be spending most of the afternoon in conference calls. Let’s see if we can clear the last of the paperwork off my desk in the next hour or so.” He sighed. “Thanks to you, we’ve managed to work our way through the bulk of it these past weeks.”

  “I told you.” Heather kept pace beside him. “We make a great team.”

  He grinned. “That we do, sweetheart. But for the next couple of days there won’t be much work for the team.”

  “Why?”

  “Because one member is going to be spending an awful lot of time on the phone.”

  “Then I’ll just have to find something to occupy my time.”

  Joe held his office door for her, then followed her inside. “There’s always Diablo.”

  Heather gave him an impish grin. “That’s exactly what I was thinking.”

  Heather waved to Joe as she walked out of his office. From the tone of his conversation, he would be tied up for the next hour or more with executives from Colton Enterprises.

  She wandered to the kitchen and helped herself to iced tea before heading out the door. As she walked into the fresh air she breathed deeply and tipped back her head to take a long swallow. With a sigh of contentment she set the tall glass on the porch railing. As she did, she caught sight of a little girl dancing through the garden, chasing after a butterfly.

  A little girl?

  Heather glanced around for the child’s mother. Seeing no one nearby, she walked closer and dropped to her knees in front of the child.

  “Hello. Aren’t you beautiful!”

  And she was. With long raven ringlets that fell to her shoulders and big eyes the color of cobalt. Added to that were the sweetest dimples when she smiled, making her absolutely stunning.

  She was dressed in an adorable little dress of ice-blue. On her feet were canvas sneakers.

  “What’s your name?”

  “Brittany,” the little girl said softly.

  “Brittany. Oh, that suits you. It’s as beautiful as you are.”

  Again that smile that could melt glaciers.

  “Where’s your mama and daddy, Brittany?”

  The little girl shrugged, then pointed at the butterfly, flitting from branch to branch of a nearby tree. “Oh, look. Isn’t it pretty?”

  “Yes, it is.” Heather picked up the little girl so that she could reach the branches. “See?”

  The butterfly swooped, almost touching the outstretched hand, before flying away.

  “Is it gone?” Brittany asked.

  “Yes. I’m afraid it’s gone. But maybe we’ll find another.” Heather set the child on her feet and caught her little hand in hers, leading her toward the house. “Are you hungry?”

  Brittany nodded.

  “All right.” At the porch Heather lifted her in her arms and carried her into the kitchen, setting her on a chair at the table. “You sit here and I’ll try to figure out what you can eat. But first, we’d better tie a bib over that pretty little outfit.”

  Taking a tea towel from a kitchen drawer, Heather fashioned a bib.

  It didn’t take too much effort to learn that little Brittany liked almost anything. Heather fixed a plate containing cereal in the shape of letters, pieces of cheese, and slices of red, ripe strawberries. Between bites, the child was happy to sip from a glass of apple juice.

  They looked up as the door was yanked open and Thad Law stood scowling at the two of them.

  “Daddy,” the little girl chirped.

  “Daddy?” Heather knew her mouth was open, but she couldn’t seem to close it. “She’s…yours?”

  For a moment Thad was beyond words. He simply scooped up the little girl and hugged her fiercely, closing his eyes as his ragged breathing subsided and the pounding of his heart gradually slowed.

  But as his fear drained away, a newer, stronger emotion replaced it. A dark, blinding fury.

  Very carefully he set down his daughter before lashing out at Heather. “What gives you the right to touch her? How dare you take her out of my car without my permission?”

  “Your car?” She stared at him, trying to keep up with his shift in moods. “Are you saying you left this little girl in your car?”

  “Don’t play coy with me. Just answer the question.”

  “And just what is your question, Detective Law?”

  Surprise overcame anger. He gaped at her, then tried again. “Wait a minute. You didn’t take her from my car?”

  “I found her wandering around in the garden. So I brought her in and fixed her something to eat.” She glanced at the child who was now happily eating the rest of her strawberries.

  Thad did the same and could see that she’d been carefully tended.

  “Are you telling me Brittany got out of my car by herself?”

  “If she didn’t, there must be a genie nearby.” Now it was Heather’s
turn to lose her temper. “I can’t believe anybody with even half a brain would leave a child alone in a car. Especially a man trained in safety. What did you expect her to do all day?”

  “I didn’t intend to be here all day. More like half an hour. I wouldn’t have come at all except that there was a report that one of the silent alarms went off at headquarters.”

  “But why would you bring a baby along?”

  “I’m not a baby,” the little girl called.

  Both Heather and Thad glanced down to see her looking up at them.

  “I’m a big girl, Daddy. You said so.”

  “Yes, you are, honey.” He lifted her up and pressed a kiss to her hand. “Would you show Daddy how you got out of his car?”

  “Okay.” She was laughing up into his eyes as he turned away.

  Heather started after him. “This I’ve got to see.”

  When they reached his car he opened the back door and set Brittany in her child seat, handing her a teddy bear before fastening the seat belt.

  “That’s all she had to occupy her time?”

  He gave Heather a withering look. “I told you. I expected to be no more than half an hour.”

  “To a child, that could seem like eternity.”

  Her remark went right to his heart, since he knew it was the truth. To spare himself he decided to ignore it.

  He turned back to his daughter. “Show Daddy what you did, honey.”

  Brittany’s little lips turned into a pout. “Teddy fell down.” She dropped the bear to the floor. “So I had to get him.” She pressed the release on her seat belt, then climbed down and picked up the bear, setting it in her seat. “Teddy said he wanted to take a nap, so I let him.” With her fingers to her lips, to indicate that she would be quiet, she climbed into the front seat and jiggled the buttons on the door until the locks clicked. Then she opened the door.

  “See, Daddy?” She was so proud of her accomplishment, he had no choice but to pick her up and kiss her little mouth.