by Vella Day
“Tessa. Trust me. Take your shower and get ready. When I get there I’ll have a look around. I’ll feel better if you let me do this.”
His tone was more like a friend than a police detective. “Thank you.”
“Now get ready.”
She had to chuckle at his take-charge approach. “Fine. See you in twenty.” Make that more like thirty, unless he used his siren.
Feeling better than she had in a while, she gave Mandy her pacifier and headed to the bathroom, pulling off her clothes as she went. Not wanting her nickel ring to slip off when she showered, Tessa placed the memento on her dresser.
She dashed into the bathroom and needing the heat, turned the water to hot. When the temperature reached the desire temperature, she jumped in, and the soothing water sluiced over her body. Tessa grabbed the lavender scented body wash and poured a handful over her body. For the briefest second she imagined her hands were Dominic’s. A swift surge of excitement speared her between the legs.
Her eyes flew open, and she immediately rinsed away the flowery scented soap. What had she been thinking? She’d made the mistake of falling for a suave cop long ago. Never again. Dominic wasn’t anything like Ralph though. Her ex had been confident and cocky to the point of being obnoxious when he drank. Tessa believed Dominic to be quite the opposite—confident yes, but in a controlled sort of way. The few times Dominic had come to the bar, she’d seen him have only one beer.
Mandy let out a scream. How long had she been in the shower? After turning off the water, she stepped out and toweled dry. She raced back into the living room and saw her niece had tossed her precious teddy bear on the floor. After retrieving it, Mandy settled down. Tess checked her watch. Twenty minutes had passed. Oh my.
Faster than Superman changed into his cape, she jumped into a pair of jeans, a scoop neck white tank top and a tossed on a striped shirt. After she slipped into her backless sandals, she dabbed on a little makeup. Boy, did she look beat. Dark circles, saggy cheeks, and dropping eyelids. She definitely looked twice her age.
Tires crunched in her drive. He was here. Tess couldn’t believe she was actually excited. It’s not a date, Tessa Jean. So as to look busy, she grabbed the phone and speed dialed her babysitter, Colette.
“Hi, Tessa. I’ve been waiting for you. Are you coming?”
“Actually, I’m in quite a bind. The Blue Moon was robbed last night and the police need me to help. I’m in a hurry. Is there any way you could you come over and pick up Mandy? I’d really appreciate it.”
“Sure. I’ll hop in the car now.”
“You're the best. Thanks.” Tessa hung up and set the phone on the kitchen counter.
When she heard the detective’s knock, she ran a hand over her hair, pressed her lips together to make sure her lipstick was smooth, and opened the door.
His eyes widened in appreciation. Dominic cleared his throat. “I’m going to take a look around and see if I can spot anything. I’ll be back in a moment.”
“Fine. I’ll leave the door unlocked.”
Just as she closed the front door, her phone rang.
She dashed to the kitchen. “Hello?”
“Tessa, it’s Glenda, from across the street.”
How many Glenda’s did she think Tessa knew? “Hi, Glenda.”
“I just wanted to make sure you were okay with that man at your house.”
Tessa chuckled. “Yes. He’s Detective Rossi with the Tampa Police. Any time you see his red truck, you can be assured I’m safe.”
“Okay. I just wanted to check.”
“Thanks, Glenda.”
Tessa considered herself lucky to live near such a caring neighbor, even if she was a born snoop. Colette would be stopping by, which meant Tess needed to clean up Mandy and gather the baby’s gear.
She was almost finished getting her niece ready, when Dominic stepped into the room. She turned and felt the room shrink. She hadn’t heard him enter the house.
“See anything?” Tess pretended as if she wasn’t worried, but inside she was scared to death.
“I’m not sure. The place isn’t in the best condition. The back window looked as if someone tried to pry it open with a screwdriver.”
“Those marks could have been there before I moved in. I’ve never checked.”
“I think you should have protection.”
“Protection. Okay. I’ll buy a gun.”
Dominic held up his hands. “I wasn’t talking about that kind of protection. A gun in the wrong hands can do a lot of damage. Especially to you.”
“I know how to shoot. I took lessons.”
He cocked a brow, and the left side of lip curled up into a half smile. She wanted to drown in his look of appreciation at her accomplishment. Tessa blinked, and when she stepped back, Dominic stepped forward.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to have a man stationed outside your house for a while.”
“Your department will okay that? I thought that unless I was personally attacked they wouldn’t authorize the expense.”
“True, but I’m going to try to convince my Captain that you need to be watched.”
“Would your man drive a police car?”
“He can, if it would make you feel more secure.”
“It would, but...” She studied her hands.
He took a step toward her. “Now Tessa.”
She met his gaze. Uh, oh. Dominic looked as if he wanted to kiss her. That simply wouldn’t do.
She took a step back. Suddenly, Tessa couldn’t think of anything to say. Dominic reached out and brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear, and his one touch melted every defense she’d stored up.
As if her life came crashing down, a watershed of tears leaked out of her eyes. She didn’t sob nor did she make a sound, but it was if the dam had crumbled.
Before Tessa could get past him to the living room, she stumbled. As if he could move at the speed of light, Dominic’s strong arms were around her.
On instinct, she grabbed his biceps and looked up, his lips inches from hers. She wanted to let him take care of her, let him tell her everything would be all right, but she couldn’t. What if he turned out to be like Ralph?
8
Welcoming blood infused Tessa’s brain, and red flashing signals bombarded her. Being in Dominic’s arms made her too vulnerable, and way too dependent on him. She gently stepped back. “Thank you.”
“Your face turned so white I thought you were about to faint.”
“My legs turned to rubber. I’m sorry.”
Dominic lifted her chin. “Tessa, you have nothing to be sorry about. None of this is your fault.”
“I know.” He dropped his hand and his wonderful warmth left her. “But I can’t help feel I’m responsible for Ralph being in jail.”
With a hand to her lower back, Dominic led her over to the sofa, his gentle touch tempting her resolve. More than anything she wanted bury her face in his chest and cry her heart out, but she refused to give in. If she let herself start, no telling when she’d stop.
“Sooner or later, Ralph would have been caught, Tessa. Bad cops always slip up at some point. You saved his department a lot of time and energy by turning him in when you did.”
“I keep telling myself that. Then I think of poor Dad and how he died because of me.”
“You have no proof of that.”
She’d been through this argument so many times she’d almost memorized it. “I know.”
“I’ll be right back.”
A well of emptiness swallowed her at being left alone. “Where are you going?”
“To answer the door. Didn’t you hear the knock?” He spoke in a slow, soothing tone as if she’d witnessed a horrible scene.
“No.”
Dominic opened the door. Colette took a step over the threshold. “Hello.” Her gaze shot to Tessa for a split second before returning to Dominic. “Who are you?”
“Detective Rossi.”
Thank goodness he kept
his tone authoritative, all the good it did. Colette stared at Dominic as if she’d never seen a good-looking man before.
“Colette?” Tessa said to break up the peep show.
Her babysitter turned toward her. As if she’d suddenly lost interest in the man at the door, she rushed over to Tessa. “I can’t believe your place was robbed. You weren’t hurt were you?”
“No. I wasn’t even there when the thief broke in,” Tessa said trying not to sound peevish. Not that she could blame the twenty-one year old from ogling the handsome detective, but did the girl have to run her gaze from his head to his crotch and back again?
Tessa nodded to Dominic who remained by the front door. “The detective is going to make sure nothing else happens to me or the Blue Moon.” Partly a lie, but Tessa wanted the boundary lines drawn. Dominic didn’t need the chirpy young lady fawning all over him.
“Nice to meet you.” At least the girl had the sense to turn a slight shade of red.
“Colette, would you mind seeing to Mandy? She’s in the bedroom,” Tessa asked.
“Oh, sure. You told me on the phone you were in a hurry. I know you have a lot to do with the police. If you need me to keep Mandy overnight, I can. She won’t be any trouble.”
Dominic stood with his arms crossed. “How about if Ms. Redman calls you when she’s ready to pick up her niece.”
Colette broke into a broad, toothy smile. “Oh, I get it. Maybe you don’t want Mandy disturbing you.” She winked at Tessa. “You just let me know when you want me to bring her back.”
It was Tessa’s turn to blush. “It’s not like that Colette. My neighbor saw a man snooping around the house, and the detective here came to check it out.”
“Oh.”
“But I appreciate your flexibility.”
“No problem.” The babysitter gathered Mandy and her gear. “Give me a call,” Colette called as she headed to her car.
“I will.”
Once Colette had gone, Tessa chanced a look at Dominic. He had the nerve to smile, and her heart skipped a beat. It wasn't something she'd seen him do before—and it wasn’t an ordinary I’m-being-polite smile, but one that spoke of intimacy.
“Well, that was awkward,” Tessa said knowing it was better to face the situation than avoid it.
“Indeed.” He cleared his throat. “Why don’t I drive you back to the restaurant?”
“I’d rather drive myself if you don’t mind. In that way, I can leave when I want.”
“I can drive you home when it’s time to leave.”
Tessa wasn’t ready for around the clock protection. “I don’t want you to go to any trouble.” She held up a hand. “Besides, I feel perfectly safe at the Blue Moon. As a matter of fact, when I showed everyone Ralph’s picture and explained he might have killed my dad, each of the men tried to play the hero, claiming he’d take care of my ex if he stepped foot in the restaurant.” She shook her head.
Dominic took a step toward her. “What did you tell them?” His brow furrowed. The sudden change in demeanor made her tense her fists.
“That the police would handle Ralph Ferino.”
His shoulders relaxed. “Good. That was smart thinking. Since you insist on driving yourself, would you mind if I followed you to the restaurant to make sure you get there okay? Trace, my friend from Atlanta, and I will stop back tonight for dinner and make sure Mr. Ferino doesn’t bother you. Trace and Chelsea have a date, I believe.”
Tessa smiled, for what felt like the first time in a long while. “I think she likes your friend, but tell him to treat her well.”
Dominic nodded. “If nothing else, Trace is a gentleman.”
“I’m glad.” Tessa stood, grabbed her bag and followed the detective out, not happy about her growing attraction.
“Will you hurry up,” Dom said as he leaned against the bathroom jamb. “I’m starving, Trace. You know Chelsea’s not going to notice if you’re wearing the white shirt or the blue one. Hell, the way she looked at you, I think she’d rather you come without a shirt at all.”
Trace preened in front of the mirror. “Look who’s talking? You must have changed three times.”
“Well, I’m undercover. I don’t want anyone knowing I’m a cop.”
“You can fool all of the people some of the time, some of the people all of the time, but you can’t fool me,” Trace quoted.
“I don’t think Abe Lincoln would have liked the way you butchered his saying.”
Trace dabbed on Dom’s most expensive cologne. “He won’t care.”
“Hey, don’t use all of that stuff. It ain’t cheap.”
“You’re the one with the trust fund.”
Dom had been through the argument many times before with Trace, but it didn’t stop him now. “Just because I can afford it doesn’t mean you should abuse my generosity.”
Trace put down the glass bottle and raised his hands. “I’m done.”
“About time.”
Dom wasn’t sure why he was agitated. Maybe it was the fact Trace was going out with Chelsea after she finished her shift, and he’d be going home alone.
Dom could pull another all-nighter at Tessa’s house, but Trace would find out, which meant Chelsea would eventually know. He had no doubt she'd tell Tessa. Knowing her, she’d balk at having him outside her place every night and ban all future surveillance.
Her noisy neighbor might even call the police on him. Then how would he explain his presence to the Captain? Half the precinct had commented on his piss poor mood lately. He didn’t need Leffers on his ass too. If only the department wasn’t in its perennial budget crunch the Captain might have been able to pay him to watch Tessa.
“Ready?” Trace asked.
“Yup.
The parking lot at the Blue Moon, or rather the Blue ’oon, seemed quite full for a Thursday night. He was pleased Tessa was part of a successful business. Although if she and her brother succumbed to the developer’s offer, he bet the developer would raze the place.
When they walked in, the hostess didn’t even ask where they wanted to sit. “Come this way.”
She seated them in a booth in the far corner of the restaurant.
“Let me sit facing the door,” Dom said as Trace started to sit in the best seat.
“Sorry. I keep forgetting I’m not on the job. Old habits die hard.”
“You got that right. Look,” Dom said nodding to the front of the restaurant, “The front line has already notified the General you’re here.”
“Hi, Trace,” Chelsea said. “Detective Rossi.” Her tone cooled dramatically between the two names. “What can I get you?” she asked Trace.
“Why you, darling.”
Oh, boy. Trace poured on the southern accent as if he actually grew up in Atlanta instead of West Tampa.
Chelsea bit her lower lip. “You’ll have to wait until I clock out.”
“For you, darlin’, I’ll do anything. In the meantime, I’d like a draft beer—whichever you think is the house best.”
Dom raised two fingers, figuring Chelsea had forgotten him. “Coke here.”
“Be right back.” She winked at Trace and took off.
When she was out of earshot, Trace whistled. “I’m goin’ to get lucky tonight.”
“Looks like it.”
Dom didn’t want to discuss Trace’s evening of hot sex. Instead he pulled out his notepad.
“Why don’t you make it real obvious you’re a cop?” Trace said in a loud whisper.
“I don’t give a rat’s ass if the world knows who I am.” Dom lowered his voice.
“You’ve changed your tune.”
“Look, it’s possible we have a serial killer on our hands.”
That got Trace’s attention. His specialty included the deviants of the world. “Tell me what you have so far.”
Dom leaned forward, happy to share his investigation with his former partner. “In the last two weeks we’ve had three people murdered. While we had forty-two in the county last
year, we’ve already had fifty-five since January. None of the three are domestic violence or gang related that we can tell.”
“Hell, Atlanta had four times that many.”
Dom scrubbed a hand over his head. “That’s Atlanta. This is Tampa. There’s an evil person out there. I’ve no proof, but Tessa is convinced her ex-husband killed her dad.”
“Could he have killed the other two victims?”
“Not likely. Her ex is from out of state and probably wasn’t in Florida at the time of the first two murders. He was a dirty vice cop who just got out of jail. There’s no connection between the last two deaths and this guy that I can find either. And trust me, I’ve looked.”
“How can you rule out domestic violence as a motive?” Trace asked.
“Tessa was working when her dad was killed. As for the other two, both prime suspects had airtight alibis.”
“Were all three victims found under the same circumstances?”
“No. Bob Dirkman was asleep in his bed when someone cut his throat, and there was no robbery attempt. Tessa’s dad’s throat was also cut, but this time the killer made it look like a robbery. The first person murdered was a woman who was shot in the head on a busy thoroughfare. It appeared as if she’d pulled over on the side of the road and rolled down her window. Given it was chilly, I’d say she willingly spoke to the killer before he popped her one in the head.”
“And I guess you have no trace evidence, no weapons, and no other suspects?” Trace leaned back in the booth and stretched his arms out on the leather seat.
“Not enough for us to go on.”
“We had a cold case in Atlanta last year that still bugs me. I finally had to let go of it a few months ago. We had three murders right in a row, kind of like you. As a matter of fact, it was last November, and all three victims were parked on the side of the road. Each was shot in the head at close range.”
Dom stiffened. “Could you prove the same person committed all three crimes?” His pulse sped up at the similarity.
“No. All three were shot with a different weapon.”
“Damn.”