There was still one more thing she had to do. Give him back his dignity. The hurt that had been reflected in his eyes when he'd confessed how he felt after she left still cut through her. “I'm sorry for leaving you with only a note. It was wrong and it was childish. I loved you, Connor. It's why I had to leave. It would have ripped my heart in two if you had turned your back on me.”
His deep brown gaze bore into her. “And what about now, Jenna? Do you still love me?”
She wanted to say yes, but fear sunk its claws into her and kept her from opening that place where they had once been happy. “I-I’m not sure how I feel.” Liar!
“Honest answer and fair enough. The choices are now yours to make. If you decide it's the fireman you want, then I wish you all the happiness.”
Jenna felt like one weight had been lifted off her shoulders only to be replaced with another. Her freedom had been what she wanted, but now that it was being granted to her, it left her feeling empty. Was she crazy? Why couldn't she decide who or what she desired? Part of her wanted to explore a relationship with Derrick. After all, he was human and there was no doubt with a human male she would have a family.
With Connor, there was that nagging question, even though he had reassured her how he felt about the situation. While the two of them had enjoyed a good relationship, he had never once said he loved her. Oh sure, she’d felt adored and taken care of, but a woman needed to know the man she was going to spend the rest of her life with loved her with every fiber of his being. How she wished when she confessed moments ago, he would have told her how he felt.
I’m not playing fair. I didn’t tell him I still love him. Could he be as insecure as she was? It was difficult to imagine this tall, dangerous dragon as insecure.
What the hell was she going to do?
Push all of this aside and take one step at a time. In the meantime, she had to focus on the murder of her cousin, and they had to find the killer. With renewed confidence, she lifted her chin. “The first thing we need to do is find my cousin's murderer. I'm going to help you, and I'm not taking no for an answer.”
He nodded. “I appreciate the help. As soon as I can get back home, I’ll seek out your father and break our bond.” Jenna’s father was the one who bonded them together, and therefore would have to unweave his magic. “Of course, you do realize your father could betroth you to another?”
“He won’t.” There was also something else, a big dark monster that lurked in the room and needed to be addressed. “Connor, you have to promise me, if your Kamirth reaches a critical point, you will let me help.” The thought of him suffering ate at her, and the fact he might have to seek another was like a knife in her heart.
“Jenna?” Her name rolled off his lips in a snarl.
She held her hand up. “I know this is opening up a can of worms, so to speak, but I can’t have you going around half-crazed and threatening society.”
“It won’t come to that.”
“I still have a duty to you until our bond is severed.” And maybe I just want one last time together.
His mouth drew into a tight line. “Maybe you should have thought of that before you left me.”
Ouch. She deserved that, but it didn’t stop the sting.
Chapter Ten
Connor tried to keep his eyes on the road and not stare at Jenna, who sat on the other side of the truck. His temper was in rare form.
Again.
Why the hell didn’t I tell her how I felt? Because he was an idiot when it came to her. Did love make human males stupid as well? He seemed to recall Quinn doing dumb shit in the name of love. There was also the fact Derrick’s scent was all over her. When he’d met the prick coming out of her house, he wanted to kill him. Slice his belly open and let his guts spill all over the ground. It’s what any self-respecting dragon would do when another male threatened his territory. However, Jenna was a halfling. Even though her father was a dragon and she understood the culture, he didn’t think he’d score any points by acting rash. She had to decide once and for all what, or in this case, who she wanted.
The detective called earlier and said something about being at Sarah's coffee shop. Connor had proposed the idea of bringing Jenna down to talk to him and maybe take a look around to see if she could find anything. What, he had no idea, but now they sat in silence on the drive back to town, and he felt like an awkward schoolboy.
The dragon part of him grinned at the remembrance of her promise to take care of his sexual needs should they become too “out-of-control.” He was half-tempted to take her up on said offer as a means to keep her close. Remind her of what they were like together. But would that guarantee her love? He feared it would only make things worse, but damn his reserve was dwindling.
His sensible side said it would be wrong to take advantage of her. Even after their conversation, he was still unsure of where they stood. He'd made a partial confession and meant what he said about letting her go if it was really what she wanted. It didn’t mean he wouldn’t try and wheedle his way back into her life. She may not know how she felt, but he sure as hell did. Should he have told her he loved her? It was times such as these he really missed his own mother.
“Why are you growling?”
Connor was jerked back by Jenna’s sweet voice. “What?”
Her gaze was pinned on him. “You were growling.”
“Oh. Uh, I was thinking about finding the asshole setting these fires.” It wasn’t a total lie. Jenna was struck hard by the loss of her cousin and that pissed him off. No one was allowed to hurt the woman he loved like that and get away with it.
She gave him a slight smile. “It was kind of you to offer to drive me. I'm not sure I was really up to it myself.”
“It's the least I can do. Anything else you need, just let me know. I'm here for you.”
“Thanks. That means a lot to me.”
Connor maneuvered the truck into a parking space behind the coffee shop. He figured it was better to go in the back rather than the front. He hurried around and opened the door for Jenna, offering his hand to help her out of the truck. He escorted her to the back door and pulled it open, holding it until she stepped through before he came up behind her. He spotted Ethan right away and angled her in his direction.
“Detective, this is Jenna, Sarah's cousin.” Connor took a step back so the two could exchange handshakes.
“Miss Dunne, I'm so sorry for your loss. Believe me, we're doing everything we can to find the person or persons responsible for her death. Of course, anything you can offer would be most helpful,” the detective replied.
Jenna offered a forced smile. “Thank you, Detective. I don't know what I can offer since I haven't seen my cousin in several years. As a matter of fact, I hadn't even realized she was in Dallas. However, I'll do everything I can to help find whoever did this.”
“I'll be perfectly honest, we don't have a lot to go on right now. We thought maybe if we came down here, and looked through some of her records, we might find something. So far it's only been the usual stuff.” Ethan took a couple steps away and grabbed a box. “We did find these photographs, which seems strange to keep something like this here rather than at home. Would you mind looking at them and see if you recognize anyone?”
“Of course.”
The detective set the box on a nearby table and opened it up. Connor escorted Jenna to a chair and pulled it out so she could have a seat. She reached into the box and retrieved a worn, leather photo album. She carefully flipped open the cover to the first page, and Connor could tell she was fighting the tears.
“I recognize that photo,” Connor spoke softly. “It's you and Sarah.”
She nodded. “Yes. If I remember correctly, I was about ten in this picture.”
She flipped to the next page. “This is a picture of Sarah and her parents. I think this was right before her wedding. Her family had taken her on a trip to Hawaii.” She continued to flip through the album; photos from various family gatherings
were pasted to the pages. When she got about halfway through, her body went stiff. Connor saw exactly what the problem was.
It was Sarah's wedding picture.
The detective arched a brow. “Would that have been her husband?”
Connor spoke up before Jenna had a chance. “Yes.”
Ethan scratched at his chin. “So what happened? How long ago did they get a divorce?”
Jenna let out a laugh filled with bitterness. “In our world, there's no such thing as divorce. You see detective, my cousin was unable to have children. Therefore, her husband—as you call him—tossed her out. Her family and her people turned their back on her.”
Ethan looked shocked and lifted his head to search Connor's face. Connor gave a nod. “What she says is true. Our ways are a little barbaric.”
“I see.” The detective reached into his shirt pocket for a pad and pen and began scratching. “I'd like to talk to this gentleman. Ask him some questions.”
“I’m sure I can arrange that,” Connor stated as he walked away. He moved around the front of the coffee shop, sniffing to see if he could recognize any of the scents. He picked up coffee and a few bakery items, but there were so many human signatures from customers who'd come in and out, he couldn't really place his finger on any one scent. Nothing matched the fire scene, so he was fairly positive the perpetrator hadn’t been here. At least, not up front as a customer. Maybe he’d find something in the back.
As he started to make his way to where he assumed Sarah's office would be, along with the storage area, there was a commotion in the front. He heard unfamiliar footsteps before the human even spoke.
“I must speak to whoever's in charge here,” a determined voice bounced off the ceramic tiles.
Connor headed toward the voice, his senses and body on full alert. He would protect Jenna at all costs. “Who the hell are you?” He towered over the much shorter balding man, who appeared to be in his late fifties and wore an expensive gray suit.
The gentleman stuck out his hand. “My name is Mr. Sampson. I am, I mean I was Miss Dunne’s attorney.” He moved his black briefcase from one hand to the other and shook his head, looking down at the floor before his gaze came back to meet Connor’s. “Such a terrible tragedy.”
Ethan rounded up next to Connor and stuck his hand out. “Mr. Sampson, I'm Ethan Collins, the detective in charge here. I understand someone from the department found your card in the victim’s belongings and called you. We’re hoping you might be able to provide some information regarding Sarah Dunne.”
The man pulled his shoulders back. “Of course, I’ll certainly do whatever I can to help.” He stepped to a nearby table and laid his briefcase down. Clicking open the snaps, he opened the case and pulled out a manila folder. Clearing his throat, he asked, “I do wonder though, if you might also be able to assist me? Miss Dunne did name a sole heir. Of course, there isn't much left of her home, but the shop and the money she had in her accounts were left to a family member.”
Connor and Ethan glanced at each other before the detective spoke. “And who did she name as her heir?”
The man flipped open the folder and ran his finger down the page. “A cousin by the name of Jenna Dunne.”
Jenna jumped from her seat. “I'm Jenna. Jenna Dunne.” She moved next to Connor and brushed against him. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close, sensing she needed his strength.
“I haven't seen my cousin in years. I don't understand why she would leave her belongings to me.”
Mr. Sampson looked up from his folder. “It's not for me to question who a client wishes to leave their estate to, only to follow through with those wishes. I'll need you to come down to my office and sign the papers. Once that's done, this place is yours and you can do with it whatever you wish, along with the hundred thousand she had in her accounts.”
Jenna slapped her hand over her mouth. “I—I don't know what to say.”
****
Jenna was stunned, and she leaned into the warmth and protection of Connor. So much had happened in the last forty-eight hours, and she was having a hard time processing it all. It was the detective who spoke up and broke the silence in the room.
“I'm curious, Mr. Sampson, how signing a few papers can transfer an estate so quickly? These things usually take some time.” His right brow arched high. “I'm also curious on how you know the victim’s legal name.”
The attorney stuffed his folder back into his case and closed it. “Miss Dunne had wanted to remain anonymous here in Dallas. However, it would be difficult to own and operate a business, not to mention having a legal and binding trust, without using one's legal name. I was fully aware of Miss Dunne’s background and why she wished to go by the name of Maggie Smith. I assure you, that all of this is legally binding under the Dragon Nation laws.”
He looked at Jenna. “Your cousin wanted to make sure you would inherit this place along with all her assets. She knew the dragon laws would be upheld. Whenever you're ready...” He held out his business card. “Come to my office and I'll make sure everything is arranged. I'm so very sorry for your loss.”
Jenna reached for the card and stared at the glossy print. “Thank you, Mr. Sampson. I'll be in touch.”
The man nodded and headed out the front door that he had come in.
“Well, Miss Dunne, I'd like you to come to the station for questioning,” Ethan stated.
Panic crawled up Jenna's spine. “Why do you need to see me at the station?”
“Yeah, why?” Connor stood rigid next to her, his grip on her shoulders tightening.
The detective shifted his weight in a nervous gesture. “I'm sorry, Miss Dunne. We have to clear you as a suspect in this case.”
Jenna tried to suck in a breath, but her lungs refused to cooperate. She looked down and realized her hands were shaking, and Connor squeezed her tighter. “How can I be a suspect?”
“Detective, you've just crossed the line,” Connor hissed. “Besides, you know damn good and well where Jenna was when that fire started.”
Ethan gathered his things. “Yes, I know she was working, and I realize she has witnesses to verify that. However, that doesn't mean she couldn't have had somebody else do the job. It’s just routine questioning.”
Jenna thought Connor was going to come unglued. Perhaps even shift right there in the very room where they all stood. His anger rolled off him and bounced against the walls like a wild ping-pong ball. She had to act before he lost control and did something he’d later regret. Like kill the detective.
“Fine. I'll come to the station and answer your stupid questions.” She looked at Connor and placed her palm on his chest. “Look at me. It's simply a formality, and I have nothing to hide.”
His gaze snapped to hers. His eyes were full of fire as he fought to control his emotions. “You will not go without an attorney.” When she started to protest, he held up his hand. “I will not budge on this matter. And I will not argue.”
She gave a nod of acknowledgment, realizing they were all better off if she agreed to his terms. Besides, it certainly couldn't hurt, just in case things did get out of hand. She had absolutely nothing to hide, but she'd watched enough of those crazy TV shows to worry.
“I’ll call the council right now. We have people in Dallas.” Connor stepped away to make a call. The council was the organization that upheld dragon law. Already she felt better knowing a member would be on her side.
Chapter Eleven
Rage swept over Connor like a tsunami. To think Jenna would even consider doing something to harm another living soul was preposterous. The woman wouldn’t kill a bug, let alone her own family. He couldn’t even wrap his mind around the idea. His body still threatened to shift as he punched the contact on his phone labeled Council.
It rang twice before a female answered. “Dragon District Council, how may I direct your call?”
“I need the Dallas branch. Please.”
“One moment.”
The line switched to classical music before a man picked up. “Patrick O’Donnell here. How can I help you?” Connor detected a hint of the old world in the man’s voice. It comforted him.
“Patrick. Connor O’Rourke here. I need legal help for my mate. We’re here in Dallas.”
“Where can we meet?”
Connor rattled off the hotel where he was staying, and the two made arrangements to meet later. “Thanks, I appreciate it.” He ended the call.
Detective Collins stood with arms crossed. “Seems you forgot to mention you two were an item.”
“We’re not,” Jenna responded.
Connor grabbed her arm and ushered her toward the door. “Until things are ended, you still belong to me,” he snapped. How he managed to keep his cool was a secret even he didn’t understand. His Kamirth was closing in on him and making his mood fouler by the minute. His dragon wanted to free itself, and it wanted to claim Jenna. Rip her clothes off and take her here on a table. Or maybe the counter. Perhaps both. He’d kill anyone who dared watch.
He scrubbed a hand over his face. I need to get my shit together. “We have an appointment with an attorney later. I promise, we’ll have Jenna at the station tomorrow.” Thankfully, his phone chirped and he pulled it from his pocket to read the text.
Jake: You need to call me as soon as possible. Mega important!!!
Connor knew it was big for him to get a message like that. He hit the green call button.
“What the hell’s up?” he asked the second Jake answered.
“We just received word of two more deaths. Halflings, bound and tossed in a closet and burned.”
“Son of a bitch! Where?” Both Jenna and Ethan gave Connor a questioning look.
“One happened a week ago out in California, and the other was two weeks before that. New York. Seems it took authorities that long to get in touch with us.”
Dallas Fire & RescueHis Burning Desire Page 7