Scent of Danger (Texas K-9 Unit)

by Terri Reed

  “Wow, this is amazing,” she breathed out, feeling like she was indeed Cinderella stepping into her first ball.

  “It’s lavish, that’s for sure,” Parker murmured. “I’ve heard that Dante Frears is part owner of this place.”

  “Didn’t he and Captain McNeal serve in the military together?”

  “Yes. They go way back. In fact, Dante put up the reward money of twenty-five thousand dollars for any information on Rio. Fat lot of good it did.”

  “You’d think a carrot like that would entice someone to come forward with information.” Another missing piece to this already-puzzling case.

  “Exactly. But I think people are more scared of The Boss than they are desperate for money.”

  “Which says a lot about the power and scope of this crime lord.” Melody suppressed a shiver. Somehow she’d drawn this mysterious criminal’s attention even before she started asking questions about Rio.

  Ally Jensen’s words rose to the surface of her mind. Melody tugged Parker out of the throng of people into a more secluded spot. “I forgot to tell you something. Ally confessed to me today that Daniel was indeed selling drugs. And he had a partner.”

  Parker frowned, his fingers restless on her hip. “Who?”

  “She didn’t know. But I’m thinking this partner could be the one who killed Daniel. Maybe it was Zane.”

  “Doesn’t seem likely. Whoever took that shot was a skilled marksman and highly trained.”

  That didn’t sound like Zane.

  Parker raised his free hand in greeting to someone walking by. “Come on, let’s join the others.”

  She followed his gaze to a large round table near a window. She recognized several of the K-9 officers. Her three fairy godmothers were also at the table. Kaitlin arched an eyebrow. Heat infused Melody’s cheeks for having been caught touching Parker in a very un-coworker way. Great.

  Melody and Parker made their way through the swarm of people to join them.

  Introductions were made around the table. Though Melody had seen most of the officers and had on occasion interacted with a few, she was glad to formally meet them.

  “This is Nicki Johnson, uh, I mean Worth,” Parker said as a blonde woman rose to shake her hand.

  Melody had heard that K-9 officer and explosives expert Jackson Worth had recently married. Melody smiled at his new wife. The pretty blonde wore a red, empire-waist gown and had a lovely smile. Melody noted the evident roundness of her belly but was too polite to ask if she were expecting.

  “Nice to meet you and yes,” Nicki put a hand on her protruding tummy, obviously seeing the question in Melody’s eyes. “I’m pregnant.”

  Melody appreciated the woman’s directness. “Nice to meet you, too. And congratulations.”

  Nicki beamed as she looked at her new husband. “We’re happy.”

  The dark-haired Jackson Worth looked at his new wife with tenderness and love. “Yes, we are.”

  Melody wondered what it would be like to feel that kind of love. To be cherished and protected, not only physically, but emotionally. To have someone put her welfare ahead of their own needs or wants.

  A cynical voice in her head claimed that kind of selfless love didn’t exist. That these people were kidding themselves. Melody had only to look at her dad and her ex-husband to see prime examples of selfishness at its worst. Both had left behind the people they’d professed to love, leaving her alone and abandoned.

  But a small, gentle voice nudged her with the knowledge that God intended for humans to love sacrificially, unconditionally.

  Melody sent a quick, silent prayer that Jackson and Nicki had found that kind of God-ordained love.

  Yearning to find that sort of love swelled, but Melody quickly squelched the tide. She’d risked her heart once. And had it sliced to ribbons. Love wasn’t a risk she was willing to take again.

  The man at Valerie’s side rose and extended his hand. “Special Agent Trevor Lewis.”

  Shifting her attention to the dark-haired man, she shook his hand. “Agent Lewis, nice to meet you. I’m surprised you’re still in town. Has a new case come up?”

  “He’s with me,” Valerie spoke up, placing her hand on his muscular arm.

  Light glinted off the diamond solitaire on her ring finger.

  “I see. Congratulations.”

  Valerie and Agent Lewis had recently worked together on a case to bring down a fugitive that turned out to be another cog in the Sagebrush crime syndicate. And obviously fell in love in the process. Melody was happy for the couple. She cut off the twinge of envy trying to take root.

  “Where’s Lee?” Parker asked as he held out a chair for Melody to take a seat.

  Lee Calloway was another member of the K-9 unit.

  “He and Lucy are in the buffet line,” Valerie answered.

  Melody remembered Lucy’s story from the files she’d read relating to Rio’s disappearance. Lucy had been found in the Lost Woods a few months back with no memory of who she was or how she’d come to be in the woods. At first the police had thought she was involved in Rio’s kidnapping. But eventually they discovered she’d been running from her abusive ex-husband. The man had tried to hurt Lucy but Lee apprehended him before he could do her any harm.

  Trevor held out his hand to his fiancée. “I’m ready for some food, too.”

  Taking his hand, Valerie rose and followed him to the buffet tables.

  “Are you hungry yet?” Parker asked Melody.

  They way he looked at her with such care made her stomach clench. She shook her head. “But I would love something cold to drink.”

  He smiled and then looked at the others. “Anyone else?”

  “I would love lemonade,” Kaitlin replied.

  Francine held up her glass. “I’m good.”

  “I’ll be right back,” Parker said and strode toward the beverage table.

  Melody watched him walking away, feeling suddenly bereft. Which really didn’t make any sense.

  Kaitlin scooted closer with a curious gleam in her pretty eyes. “You and Parker make an adorable couple.”

  A heated flush swept up her neck. The thought of them as a couple pleased her more than she’d care to admit. “I’ve already told you it’s not like that.”

  “It looked just like that when you two were getting cozy in the alcove downstairs,” Francine piped in.

  “You’re the envy of every single woman here tonight,” Kaitlin teased.

  Melody’s gaze drifted to Parker. He stood talking now with Austin Black, another K-9 detective, and their captain, Slade McNeal.

  “We’re just friends.”

  “Really?”

  The doubt in Kaitlin’s voice set Melody’s teeth on edge. She really didn’t want to entertain the fantasy that there could be more between her and Parker but her friend’s reluctance to believe her was making it harder to block. “Yes. Really.”

  “He’s a good man,” Kaitlin stated. “You could do a lot worse.”

  She had no doubt about that. “We work together.”

  “There’s no law that says you can’t find love in the workplace,” Francine said.

  Melody shook her head. “Give it a rest.”

  “Give what a rest?” Parker asked from behind her shoulder.

  She twisted to see him. He held two tall glasses of lemonade, and she reached for one of the drinks. “Thank you.”

  “Kaitlin.”

  “Thank you.” Kaitlin took the glass he offered.

  Parker took his seat. “So what are we talking about?”

  “Oh, this and that,” Francine said with a big grin.

  Kaitlin snickered.

  Melody sipped from her lemonade, hoping the cool liquid would soothe her burning cheeks.

  Trevor and Valerie returned, their plates piled with savory treats.

  “Valerie tells me you run the youth center,” Trevor said as he settled into his chair.

  “I do, along with Jim Wheaton.” Only too happy to dis
cuss the center, Melody told them about their programs and services.

  “Melody has done an awesome job of providing the kids a safe and healthy environment,” Parker added.

  Pleased by his words, Melody smiled at him with gratitude. He stretched his arm across the back of her chair. His fingers drew lazy circles over the bare skin of her shoulder, making her forget people surrounded them. She lost herself in the chocolate depths of his eyes.

  “Mind if I join you all?” Slade McNeal asked, standing near Kaitlin’s right shoulder.

  Pulled from the magnetic draw of Parker’s gaze, Melody noticed that Kaitlin straightened but didn’t glance up at the newcomer. Instead, her friend studiously sipped from her glass. Interesting.

  Melody rose. “Here, sir. You can have my seat.”

  Kaitlin’s gaze snapped to hers then quickly lowered. Was that panic in her green eyes? Doubly interesting.

  Parker pulled Melody’s chair out so she could move away from the table. He gave her a quizzical look.

  “How about those buffet tables...” she said airily.

  Parker held out his arm. “This way.”

  As they walked away from the table, Melody glanced back over her shoulder. Slade slid into the seat next to Kaitlin. Melody wondered why Kaitlin had seemed so nervous about Slade joining their table. Was there something going on with those two?

  Parker led her to the food line. As they waited, they chatted with the older couple in front of them. Melody introduced Parker to one of the youth center’s donors.

  “This is such a lovely venue,” Mrs. Atherton gushed. The Athertons were one of Sagebrush’s more affluent families. “I’m so glad the committee decided to have a formal ball rather than a picnic in the park.”

  “I’ve always enjoyed the community picnic each year,” Melody said politely, thinking how the picnic involved not only the adults but the kids of the community, as well.

  “Yes, they are fun and all. But sometimes change is good. There was much debate about the venue for this year’s fund-raiser. But Mr. Frears offered this place free.”

  “Are you on the committee?” Parker asked.

  “My wife is on all the committees,” Mr. Atherton intoned with a good dose of humor.

  “I like to be involved,” Mrs. Atherton huffed.

  “More like you want to be in control, dear,” her husband teased with a light laugh as he took a plate from a high stack.

  “Nonsense.” Mrs. Atherton touched the string of pearls at her neck.

  Mr. Atherton winked at them before turning his attention to the variety of dishes available.

  Parker’s eyes twinkled with mirth as he handed Melody a plate, their fingers brushing against each other. Sparks traveled up her arm and heated her cheeks. They made their way along the table and then rejoined the other K-9 officers. Captain McNeal had left the table. As had Kaitlin. Melody glanced around and found her friend standing near the beverage table alone. Melody excused herself and wound her way over to Kaitlin.

  “Are you okay?” she asked, reaching for another glass of lemonade. The glass was cold in her hand.

  Kaitlin gave her a small smile. “Yes, I’m fine. Thirsty.”

  “What’s with you and Captain McNeal?”

  Kaitlin sputtered. “What? Nothing.”

  “It didn’t look like nothing,” Melody mused.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Are you still working with his son?” Kaitlin had been doing some informal dog-therapy sessions with Caleb McNeal ever since the boy’s mother had been killed in a car bomb.

  “Yes, I am.”

  “And?”

  “And Caleb was making some good progress until Rio was kidnapped. They were best friends.”

  “Rio missing must be hard on them all,” Melody said.

  Kaitlin nodded. “It is. Patrick McNeal, Slade’s father, blames himself. Caleb blames everyone. And Slade, well, he’s more focused on finding Rio than he is on connecting with his son.”

  “I’m sure he’s trying. He’s a good man from what I know of him.”

  Kaitlin eyed her. “There were rumors he was responsible for your nephew Daniel’s death.”

  “He wasn’t.” Melody sipped from her lemonade.

  “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have brought that up.”

  She cleared her throat. “It’s okay.”

  “I don’t know if I ever told you, but I’d met your sister a few times when she worked at Arianna’s Diner,” Kaitlin said.

  “No, you hadn’t mentioned that.” Sadness spread through Melody. “I miss her so much.”

  Kaitlin laid a comforting hand on her arm. “She seemed like a sweet woman. You two have the same eyes.”

  As her chest ached with grief, images of her sister rose in Melody’s mind. “I heard that a lot growing up.”

  “Did Daniel look like his mother?”

  “He had the same dark hair but his eyes were different,” Melody replied.

  “Oh, how so?”

  “His eyes were an unusual silver color and shaped—” Melody’s gaze was drawn to a tall, distinguished couple coming toward them. Dante Frears and his pretty wife in the flesh. His expensive tux emphasized the width of his shoulders. His salted hair was shorn close to his head. His odd silvery-blue, almond-shaped eyes zeroed in on her...

  “Melody, you okay?”

  Kaitlin’s concerned voice barely penetrated the sudden fog enveloping Melody. For a moment, the world seemed to swim as an image of Daniel superimposed itself over Dante’s approaching face.

  They had the same icy almond-shaped silvery-blue eyes.

  Melody’s breath caught, her hand loosened on the glass she held.

  Could Dante be Daniel’s father?

  TEN

  The sound of breaking glass pierced through the din of the ballroom. Parker’s gaze whipped to the source of the sound along with the attention of everyone in the room. The strains of music coming from the jazz band drifted to a silence.

  Melody.

  Shards of glass littered the floor at her feet.

  Fear punched Parker in the gut. He scrambled from his seat and rushed to her side. With a quick once-over, he assessed her for injury. “Are you hurt? What happened?”

  Her gaze lifted from the mess on the floor, flicked briefly to Dante Frears and then met Parker’s. “I—the glass was slippery.”

  Two men in waiter’s uniforms approached with a mop and cleaning supplies.

  “It’s okay, folks, just a little mishap,” Dante said and steered his wife away.

  Kaitlin touched Melody’s arm. “We should move out of the way and let them clean this up.”

  Melody nodded. She reached for Parker’s arm, her grip firm. He slid an arm around her waist. She trembled. Something had unnerved her. But he’d have to wait until they were alone to question her. They walked back to their table.

  He pulled out her chair and guided her into the seat. “You’re sure you’re okay?”

  Her intense gaze held his. He could see she wanted to say something. She glanced quickly around and then nodded. “Yes, I’m fine.”

  Unconvinced, he sat next to her. Conversations resumed around them. Parker tried to concentrate on what was being said, but his attention centered on the woman at his side. She was pale and silent, lost in her own thoughts.

  He leaned toward her. “You’re sure you’re okay?”

  “For now.”

  He tucked a dark curl behind her ear and trailed his finger down her cheek. Her skin felt petal smooth. “I wish you’d talk to me.”

  She touched his arm and leaned closer. “Later.”

  He laced his fingers through hers. “I’ll hold you to that.”

  When it was time for him to step up on the stage to perform as part of a quartet, he wished he didn’t have to leave her side.

  “It’s okay. Go,” she said, obviously sensing his hesitation. “I can’t wait to hear you sing.”

  He glanced around the
table at his fellow K-9 officers, knowing each would protect her if needed. She’d be safe until he returned to her.

  He leaned in close to whisper in her ear. “We’ll leave as soon as we can. Then you’ll tell me what really happened.”

  She turned her head. Their gazes met. Gratitude softened her gaze along with something else. Something that made his heart pound.

  “Yes,” she breathed out.

  He touched her shoulder, the skin warm and silky, then made his way to the stage.

  * * *

  The deep, pleasing tone of Parker’s baritone voice made Melody smile. He sang the lead melody for most of the songs while the tenors and bass backed him up. With each note she found herself falling a little more in like with him. Not love. She couldn’t go there. But like. Oh, yeah. She liked him a whole lot.

  She clapped loudly when the quartet finished.

  When he returned to the table, his eyes glimmered. “What did you think?”

  “You were wonderful,” she gushed, and touched his arm. “I could listen to you sing nonstop.”

  The pleasure on his face sent her heart rate soaring.

  He leaned closer to whisper in her ear. “I’ll sing for you anytime.”

  She turned her head to face him. Their lips nearly touched. Her gaze dropped to his mouth then back to his eyes. It was too easy to lose herself in the way he looked at her as if she were the only person in the room. Swallowing hard, she fought the urge to close the distance and kiss him.

  “Let’s get out of here,” he said, his voice low and coaxing.

  She blinked. Attraction sizzled between them, threatening to consume her. “Can we go for a drive? Get some fresh air?”

  And some much-needed space.

  The knowing look on his face said he understood exactly what she was feeling. “Brilliant idea.”