Pledged To Protect Complete Box Set: Three Romantic Suspense Romances

by Vella Day

  “Say listen,” Mick said, dropping his gaze to the floor. “I really hate to ask, but I’m in a pinch, and you’re the only friend I have right now.”

  She hated the you’re-my-only-friend line. It meant guilt would tear her up if she turned down his request. “What do you need?”

  He jabbed his hands into his pockets and his scrawny chest hollowed more. “My baby sister is in trouble.”

  “What kind of trouble?”

  “She’s only fifteen, and she got knocked up.”

  Oh God. Chelsea wished she couldn’t relate, but she could. Good thing her parents could afford the best of care when she found herself prego. They’d whisked her off to a clinic where she had an abortion in the morning and was home by noon. No one, and she meant, no one ever knew.

  “I’m so sorry, but what can I do?”

  “I need two hundred for the abortion. Can you help?”

  “Oh, Mick. I’d love to, but I’m strapped.” Sad part was, she wasn’t lying. “I had to pay my rent two days ago, my car payment is due in two weeks, and I have a Visa bill you wouldn’t believe.”

  “Come on Chelsea. I promise I’ll pay you back with my next paycheck. My mom will kill her if she finds out what my sister’s done.”

  “What about the boyfriend?”

  His laugh contained no mirth. “Splitsville.”

  “I can give you fifty, but that’ll tap me out. I’m serious. Why don’t you ask Tessa? She’s a softy.”

  “No way”

  “Okay, then how about Charley? He doesn’t look like he ever spends money. I bet he has plenty stashed away.”

  “That guy? He scares the shit out of me—and I’m a hardened criminal.” A small glint of humor sparked from his eyes.

  “Look, if I get any big tips tonight, they’re yours, okay?”

  He nodded. “You’re the best, Chels.”

  “But ask Charley. Seriously. He’ll give you the money, I bet.”

  “I’ll think about it.”

  Tessa barged into the kitchen. Damn. Chelsea had nowhere to hide.

  “Three of your orders are up,” Tessa said, her voice strained. “Let’s go.”

  “On my way.” Chelsea faced Mick and mouthed. “I’ll see what I can do.”

  7

  Captain John Leffers strode over to Dom’s desk. “Thought you’d be interested to know someone robbed the Blue Moon last night. I know you think the place is connected to a few of your murders.”

  Dom’s pulse jumped. “What time was this?”

  “Three this morning. Thief got about $350. The big damage was to one of the plate glass windows that faces the water.”

  Dom held in his sigh of relief, and then let his breath out in short puffs. Tessa surely wouldn’t have been around that late. “Was the place alarmed?”

  “Yeah, that’s how we found out about it. The security company notified us. We were there in less than eight minutes, but it was enough time for the thief to pry open the desk drawer and take the day’s receipts.”

  “Who’s the primary?”

  “Cantori.”

  “Thanks, I’ll talk to him.”

  Noting Cantori wasn’t at his desk, he called Vince to get the status.

  “Cantori here.”

  “Vince, it’s Dom. What do you have on the break-in at the Blue Moon?”

  “The Captain mentioned it might have some relevance to your murder investigation, though I don’t know how. This didn’t look like a professional job, I’ll tell you. The guy used a rock to break the back window. From all the crack marks, it took him quite a few tries before the pane broke.”

  “Was anyone inside during the robbery?” Please say no.

  “Not that we could tell.”

  “Go on,” Dom prodded.

  Over the phone, Dom heard the crinkling of flipping pages. “Okay. Walters called the manager, a Ms. Tessa Redman. She’s on her way in now. Apparently, she left the nightly receipts in her desk drawer. When we checked her office, nothing looked out of place other than a splintered drawer where the lock had been. The cash box she kept inside is missing.”

  “I’m on my way.”

  “We have everything under control, Dom,” Cantori said, sounding as if he didn’t need or want any interference.

  “I’m sure you do. I just want to...” How could he phrase it? Give moral support to Tessa. “To get a handle on the type of person who might have done this. Whoever broke in might be our killer.”

  “Be my guest.”

  Dom gathered his notebook, and then straightened his desk before he headed to the Blue Moon.

  When he arrived, two squad cars were pulled up near the front door. Tessa’s faded, blue Toyota was the only other car in the lot.

  Dom parked and rushed inside. He hadn’t expected the anger to grab a hold of him the moment he saw Tessa sitting alone at one of the tables with her head in her hands with Mandy asleep in some sort of rocker by her side.

  The chair squeaked as he pulled it out to sit across from Tessa. She looked up at him, and then glanced to the baby who seemed blissfully unaware of the intrusion.

  “Detective.”

  Her eyes were bloodshot and her cheeks tear stained. His sympathy welled. “You can call me, Dominic. Or Dom for short.” Rattled by her slight smile, the statement escaped before he had a chance to think. He shouldn't have jumped from formal to casual so fast. Tessa Redman was a victim, not a girlfriend.

  A long silence stretched between them. He was glad she hadn’t suggested he call her by her first name. The line in the sand remained partially intact.

  “Ms. Redman, do you have any idea who might have done this?”

  She shook her head. “It has to have been a personal attack against me or Judd. I know you expect me to name my ex-husband, but this isn’t his style.”

  “I have to admit, he was my first suspect. Is there anyone else you can think of who would rob you? Someone desperate for money?”

  She laughed, but it held little joy. “Detective,” she glanced at her hands. “Dominic. Every waiter, waitress, cook, and bartender needs money. Probably every person in the Blue Moon’s employ could benefit from an extra $350. You know how it is? Policemen are in the same spot financially.”

  She looked up at him expectantly, and he had to give her the pat answer. “You got that right.”

  “Why are you here? I thought you were a homicide detective.” She clasped a hand over her mouth. “You think this is related to Keri and Bob’s murder, don’t you?”

  “I don’t know what to think. I was hoping you could give me some guidance.”

  She looked toward the bar and he sensed a deep pain from within her. “I would if I could.”

  Dom wanted to take hold of her hand and extend some form of comfort, but his action might be misconstrued.

  “How are you holding up?” he asked.

  “As well as can be expected. It’s not everyday you find out someone is sitting at your bar one moment, and then shot in the head an hour later. Then you’re told your father had his throat cut, probably by your ex-husband. When you think everything bad that could happen has, a second patron is murdered in his bed. If that isn’t bad enough, I’m robbed. How do you think I’m holding up?”

  Her hands trembled, and her escalating voice shook. No one should have to experience this much tragedy in the span of a few weeks. “Amazingly well.”

  Dom didn’t think she expected his answer. “Thank you.” She glanced at her watch. “Do you think I can go home? I’ve got to get ready for work. The restaurant opens in a while.”

  “Not if the Sergeant and his men aren’t done. I’m sorry.”

  She shoved back her chair. “You can’t hold me if I’m not a suspect.” Her sudden anger confirmed her fragile state.

  “We’re not holding you. We might need information.”

  Mandy opened her eyes, and when she began to cry, Tessa leaned over the baby and tapped the child’s nose and blew a puff of air into her face.
When Mandy continued to fuss, Tessa hauled her out of the constraining basket-like contraption and placed her over her shoulder.

  She searched under the table. “Drat.”

  “What?”

  “I left Mandy’s diaper bag in the car.”

  “If you give me your keys, I’ll get the bag,” he offered.

  She held his gaze for a moment. “Thank you, again.” She pulled her purse up to the table and attempted to retrieve the keys, but with Mandy wiggling so much, she couldn’t keep a grip on her purse.

  “Here, I’ll take her,” Dom offered, not wanting to look through Tessa’s bag.

  As if she’d done it a hundred times before, she handed him the baby. The moment he placed Mandy on his shoulder, the baby began to settle.

  The child’s added weight sent a longing through him so strong he almost squeezed her too hard.

  “Here,” Tessa said, holding out her keys. “On second thought,” she added, pulling back her hand, “I’ll get it myself. Mandy seems happier with you.”

  He’d noticed that too.

  Tessa disappeared. Dom grabbed Mandy under the armpits and lifted her up. Her eyes widened, then she smiled. His heart pinged.

  Tessa grabbed Mandy’s diaper bag and rushed back inside. Dominic’s unexpected visit actually helped calm her. She never would have thought she’d welcome his presence, but she felt safer when he was around. It was as if Ralph wouldn’t dare come near.

  As she stepped into the darkened restaurant, Mandy’s laughter reached her. In a million years, she wouldn’t have anticipated the staid detective would be playing with a child. Her insides melted.

  Before she reached the table, Officer Cantori stepped in front of her.

  “Excuse me, ma’am, but we’ll have to fingerprint each of the workers.”

  She wanted to cry. “Why?”

  “To eliminate their prints from the around the cash register, the entry door, your office and—”

  She held up a hand. “I understand. Half of the staff should arrive shortly, and the second shift comes in at four.”

  “Do you want to explain to your staff the need for the procedure, or would you like my team to handle it?”

  Although she wasn’t up for the hassle, there would be less complaining if she softened the blow first. “I’ll do it.”

  “Thank you.”

  Dominic followed her with his gaze as she approached the table. She pulled out her chair and when she sat down, he handed her Mandy. “What was that look for?” she asked.

  “I didn’t know I was giving you a particular look. What I was thinking was how well you’re dealing with this situation. I can see a little tic around your eye and how your hands bunch up at your side every time an officer approaches, both indicating you’re using all your strength to keep your composure, yet you’ve been cordial to both me and to Officer Cantori. A lesser person would have cracked.”

  He didn’t paint a particularly appealing picture, yet his tone implied he meant it as a compliment. “Thank you, I guess.”

  “Listen, why don’t you head home, rest, then come back when you’re ready. Cantori can take your prints later. I’ll speak with your personnel if you like.”

  She leaned back in her chair, and her jaw relaxed for what was probably the first time that day. “I should be the one to explain to my people why they have to be fingerprinted.”

  He raised a brow. “I’ll be gentle. I promise.”

  Tessa took a minute to think, but her weary body won the battle. “I appreciate that. I’d love to finish washing up, have breakfast, and drop Mandy off at my babysitter’s.”

  “You go ahead. I’ll be here when you get back.”

  She smiled, hoping the worst was over.

  Every bone in her body must have gained an extra pound since yesterday since it took all her energy to load Mandy into the car seat and drive home. The sun filled the cloudless sky with brightness, and the cold front that had rolled in the last few days seemed to have left. Tessa couldn’t have asked for a more perfect November day, yet a pall hung over her head.

  Her cell phone chimed halfway home.

  “Hello?”

  “Tessa, it’s Chelsea.”

  The girl sounded nervous. “What’s wrong?”

  “I just got to work and heard about the robbery. I can’t believe it.”

  “I’m amazed myself.”

  “I have a hunch who might have stolen the money.”

  The car ahead of Tessa slowed, and she almost hit its bumper. “Who?”

  “Mick.”

  “Mick? Just because he’s been in jail doesn’t make him an automatic suspect.”

  “Mick’s been in jail?”

  Damn. Tessa thought Mick had told her given the two of them seemed so chummy. “Yes, but that doesn’t matter now. What makes you think it’s him?”

  “Because yesterday he asked if he could borrow money. Something about his sister needing an abortion.”

  Her mind raced. “It could be a coincidence, but I’ll mention it to the detective.” How could she have been so wrong about her new hire? Her gut instinct told her she could trust him. Well, that should have given me my first clue. I trusted Ralph too and look where that got me.

  “Okay, but don’t tell Mick I suspect him.”

  “Of course not.”

  Tessa disconnected and drew her attention back to the heavily trafficked road.

  Ten minutes later she pulled into her driveway. No sooner had she shut off the engine when her neighbor, Glenda Robertson, from across the street eased open her screen door and waved. “Yoohoo, oh, Tessa,” she yelled in her usual singsong voice that got old real fast.

  Tessa forced a weak smile and waved back. She so did not need the busy body right now. Glenda waddled across the street, grabbing closed her bathrobe, her pink flowered nightgown peeking out underneath.

  “Hi, Glenda. Give me a sec to get Mandy.”

  Glenda stepped closer to the car and looked in. “She’s such a doll.”

  “That she is.”

  Tessa gathered her niece along with the diaper bag and waited to see what her neighbor wanted.

  “Can I come in for a moment?” Glenda asked. “I need to tell you something.”

  “Sure, but I’ve got to get back to work and drop Mandy off at the sitter’s.”

  “This won’t take long.” Glenda kept looking down the street as if she was expecting someone.

  “Come on then.” Tessa grabbed her key and unlocked the door. Tessa put down the car cradle, unstrapped Mandy, and then gathered her niece in her arms. “What can I do for you?”

  “You know since Harold died I don’t have much to do. I like to look out the living window to make sure everything is as it should be.”

  “Yes, I’ve seen you.” It bothered Tessa knowing the widow watched her every move.

  “This morning, you left earlier than usual.”

  Is that what the old lady wanted? “Yes, the police called.” Glenda’s mouth dropped open. “The Blue Moon was robbed last night.”

  “Oh, dear. I’m so sorry. Well maybe that explains the man who was snooping around your place after you left. It was probably a policeman looking to tell you.”

  “A policeman?” She fought to keep her composure. “Was he in a cruiser?”

  “No, it was a tan colored car. Rather nondescript, really. I couldn’t find my binoculars. Otherwise, I would have looked at the license plate.”

  “What did this man look like?” Please don’t make it be Ralph.

  “Well. Let me see.” She placed a forefinger on her lips. “Ordinary. Medium height, medium build, short brown hair.” Glenda dropped her hand and made a fist. “I’d know him if I saw him, I think. I’m not any very good at describing a person. The doctor said I have the beginnings of cataracts, but...” She waved a hand. “That’s not important. The man I saw had his back to my house most of the time, so that was the problem.”

  “Hold on.” Tessa placed Mandy in the pl
aypen, and then grabbed her purse. She fished out Ralph’s photo. “Is this the man?”

  Glenda studied the old picture. “Gee, I don’t know. I really didn’t get a good look at him. I just saw him sneak around to the back of your house. He was only here maybe five minutes.”

  “Thank you for telling me. I’ll certainly call the police and ask if they sent an officer.” Tessa reached out and grabbed Glenda’s hand. “And thank you for keeping an eye out for me.”

  “You’re welcome, dear.” Color flushed her face as she smiled. “Oh, just so you know. Remember I told you I wanted to visit my daughter? Well, I’m leaving this afternoon. Would you mind taking a peek at my place? One can never be too careful.”

  “I’d be happy to.”

  Tessa showed her to the door and ushered her neighbor out. The moment Glenda was gone, Tessa pressed her back against the wall and took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. Why was this happening to her?

  Dominic. He’d know what to do. She rushed to the phone and found the detective’s cell phone number. She dialed, then paced, waiting for him to pick up.

  “Yes.”

  “Dominic?”

  “Tessa?” With that one word, Tessa felt as if a security blanket had dropped from the sky and wrapped around her.

  “Yes. I’m so sorry to bother you, but my neighbor just told me some man was snooping around my house this morning.”

  “What time was this?”

  She reran the conversation. “I forgot to ask. Glenda said it was after I left this morning. She thought it was a policeman driving an unmarked car.”

  “I never asked for surveillance. Could it have been Ralph?”

  “It’s possible, though when I showed her his picture, she wasn’t able to identify him.” Tessa checked Mandy to see she was happy in her playpen. Given the baby was playing with a rattle, she dared to peek out the window.

  “I’m in my car now. I should be there in twenty minutes.”

  As happy as she was to have the added protection, she didn’t want to disturb him for what could have been a Tampa Electric man checking her meter or a repairman sent by the landlord. Surely, old Mr. Reynolds would have let her know though if he’d sent someone to do work. “I’m leaving shortly anyway. I hate to disturb you.”