Count on a Cop 49 - Julianna Morris

by Honor Bound

  Tonight would be a week since he’d begun spending nights on her couch. Henry claimed it was still necessary, but he was probably hoping the close proximity would result in romance between her and his nephew. She was tempted. She missed the physical and emotional sides of marriage, and it was all too nice having someone around—even someone as aggravating as Ben.

  IT WAS AFTER MIDNIGHT when Kelly rolled over in bed for the tenth time, unable to sleep.

  Henry had escorted her home, checking the house and helping carry in her belongings while they waited for Ben. She’d gotten carried away at the festival, buying a hand-thrown pottery teapot and cups from a local artisan, along with a selection of blackberry-infused teas. Of course, there was also the stuffed dragon from the carnie booth, dishes from the dime toss, and goldfish from the Ping-Pong ball throw that Ben had won and insisted she share.

  The dragon, with silver-and-purple wings, a two-toned teal body, and a lavender tongue lolling from the side of his mouth sat on a chair. It was splendidly awful.

  Frodo meowed a complaint as she stirred. He didn’t like being disturbed.

  “Sorry, puss,” she murmured.

  Why couldn’t she sleep? Everything was okay. The festival had turned out to be a roaring success. Ben had been charming and patient and the committee’s concern that the recent troubles would limit the crowd seemed unfounded.

  “Marroew,” Frodo protested as she squirmed again. He jumped down and stalked from the bedroom.

  “Fine. Abandon me.”

  Kelly sat up. What she really needed was a cup of tea.

  She flipped the switch in the back stairwell. She and Ben had come to an agreement that he wouldn’t draw his gun if he saw the light come on. As quietly as possible she filled the kettle and put it on the stove. “Something wrong?”

  A word she rarely used escaped in a shriek.

  Ben laughed.

  “You didn’t have to sneak up on me. I thought you were asleep.”

  “I’m from earthquake country. I heard Frodo land on the floor and figured the ‘big one’ was coming. The whole house shook. I nearly had heart failure.”

  Kelly relaxed. “You look healthy enough.”

  “That’s because I exercise and eat right.”

  “Oh, yeah, I could tell when you were scarfing down onion rings and cotton candy earlier.”

  Joke as she might, the sight of Ben without his shirt made her take a breath. He did exercise, and it had given him a trim, strong body.

  The kettle whistled and she busied herself making tea. “Do you want some?”

  “I want something.”

  “It can’t be food. After today I’m personally considering never eating again.”

  “I’m not talking about food.”

  The intensity in Ben’s voice made her shiver, but not with cold or fear. He kissed her ear and skimmed his fingers down the side of her waist, heat from his bare chest quickly penetrating through the thin silk wrap she wore.

  It’s just the proximity, Kelly reminded herself, pulse jumping. She couldn’t be at war with someone 24/7 when he was sleeping in her house and eating blackberry sundaes with her and his kid. It didn’t mean she liked Ben any better than she had when he first returned to Sand Point.

  Except…she did.

  She was drawn to Ben in ways that she’d never expected. How contradictory that someone so cynical could still be so determined to do the right thing. She could even see them becoming friends. “Do you really want that tea?” he asked.

  There it was, that voice that could convince a woman to do anything. Especially if she wanted to.

  Kelly turned slowly. “What do you suggest?”

  “A little of this.”

  Ben kissed her lips ever so lightly, giving her a chance to say no…to push him away. She didn’t, and he deepened the caress, his tongue stroking into her mouth.

  It was tempting to let herself go, to feel and not think. His hands slid over her waist to her bottom, tugging her into his hips so she had no doubt of his response.

  A sharp jolt of desire shot to Kelly’s stomach and she moaned. Her body was fully in favor of finding out what it had missed fifteen years before. Ben took his time, teasing the curve of her breasts as they shared a series of long, deep kisses.

  Hmm. Kelly wiggled closer and felt something jab her arm. It was Ben’s gun in his shoulder holster and a cold shudder went through her. Chief or not, Ben was still a cop. How could she get involved with him?

  “Ben…this isn’t…I’m not….”

  “Ah, hell, you’re thinking again,” he muttered.

  BEN FORCED HIMSELF TO STEP backward and saw something close to terror in Kelly’s eyes.

  “What’s wrong? You look as though you’ve bagged a rattlesnake and don’t know what to do with it.”

  Her lashes swept down. “It’s late and I’m tired. We had a good day together, but I don’t want to rush into…something.”

  His body howled in denial. What rush? He’d wanted her since he was eighteen. But she was right. They should take some time to think before they acted. “Fair enough.”

  “Good night, then.” She walked toward the stairs, her silk nightshirt whispering against her legs.

  Ben groaned, knowing he wouldn’t sleep.

  Again.

  They weren’t kids any longer, and sex wasn’t the mystery it once had been, but Kelly still had the power to turn him inside out.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  THE KITE AND BLACKBERRY festival committee delivered their preliminary report early the next week and Kelly pored over it.

  They’d done well.

  The town received space rental money from both the vendors and the carnival, with a percentage going to the committee and to fund the senior center. The fees had remained at last year’s rate, but they’d gotten more vendors than usual, so they’d made a decent profit.

  Mirabelle had made glowing comments about Ben. He’d charmed her utterly, which didn’t surprise Kelly: his charm was lethal when he chose to use it. So were his hands, and she didn’t mean with that damned gun he kept so close.

  Warmth infused Kelly as she remembered kissing Ben after the festival. He’d learned patience since he was a teenager, taking his time with long, slow kisses and caresses that coaxed and teased. She’d come close to going to bed with him, only to be reminded of the risks he took every day.

  “Hey,” Viv said, startling her. “I was wondering if we could still do a thing at the cemetery for Simon. Somebody ought to say a prayer over him. Do you know if he believed in the Almighty?”

  Kelly let out her breath. One minute she’d been reliving one of the hottest kisses of her life, the next she was doused with cold reality.

  “We never talked about it, but I don’t think he would have minded a prayer. I’m sure Pastor Oakes would be willing to participate. I’ve also arranged for a proper marker to put on Simon’s grave—he deserves more than what the city is willing to pay for.”

  “Good. Did you know the mayor has asked the City Council to fire Ben Santoni? He wants his brother reinstated.”

  “What?”

  “He says it’s because the murders haven’t been solved and Chief Santoni hasn’t found who’s writing those threatening letters. He claims Frank would have arrested whoever’s responsible within a couple of days. As if.” Viv snorted in disgust. “There was an emergency meeting convened last night. Sunday night, of all things. Hizonor wants to keep it hush-hush, but I made a few calls.”

  Kelly felt sick, but it wasn’t the thought of Frank returning as police chief that disturbed her…. She didn’t want Ben to leave.

  Gulping, Kelly tried to refocus.

  She was not falling in love with Ben. She couldn’t be dumb enough to make that mistake again.

  “Viv, what did the Council members say? The Sand Point Police Department detectives are very inexperienced, and Ben’s just learning the area and people. It isn’t fair to judge him so soon.”

  “He�
�s safe for now. Hizonor hasn’t made any friends since taking office, especially on the City Council.”

  “I know.” Kelly shoved the Festival report in a desk drawer. “I’m going out for a break. Do you need anything?”

  “Nope.”

  Once downstairs, Kelly forced herself to walk sedately to the police station. In the far corner she saw Ben chatting with the day dispatcher. Paige Quinlan was a recent divorcée with an avowed hatred of men, but Kelly suspected she’d instantly trade her single status for a new ring on her third left finger. The way she was looking at Ben definitely suggested she wouldn’t mind getting personal with him.

  Lots of luck, Kelly thought irritably.

  Ben wasn’t likely to get remarried. He was close-mouthed about his divorce, but it couldn’t have been pleasant since Toby’s mother seemed to be out of the picture. And given how cynical he was, she was amazed he’d gotten married the first time. “Morning, Paige.”

  Paige tore her gaze from Ben with obvious reluctance. “Morning, Kelly. Hey, I never would have guessed you were that writer. Whooee, you sure know steamy for someone who’s a little…you know…uptight.” Uptight?

  Kelly stiffened. Is that how she came across? Uptight was better than being recklessly wanton, but she didn’t care for either label. Surely there was a middle ground.

  She forced a smile. “They’re only novels, Paige. Police Chief Santoni, can we speak in private? We have city business to discuss.”

  “Certainly, Mrs. Lawson.” Ben escorted her to his office and motioned to a chair. No one would have known they’d passionately kissed less than forty-eight hours earlier. “What can I do for you?”

  “Ben, Viv told me the mayor wants the City Council to fire you,” she said in a low, urgent voice. “They had a meeting last night about it. He asked that Frank be reinstated.”

  “I know.”

  “How can you be so calm?” she hissed. “Or maybe you’re happy to have an excuse to go home to California. You can say you made the effort for Toby’s sake and it didn’t work out.”

  Ben sighed. “I’m not looking for an excuse to go back to Los Angeles, and I’m calm because Uncle Henry is breathing enough fire for the two of us.”

  “Who told you about the meeting?”

  “Uncle Henry, of course. Viv phoned him, so he phoned his friends on the council and got invited. He told them that every case is unique and that some take longer to investigate than others. When the talking was over, everyone except the mayor agreed they had to be reasonable and give me a chance to prove myself.”

  Kelly realized she was digging her fingernails into her palms and tried to relax. “What happens if you don’t solve the murders?”

  “I’m not worried. I’ve never had an unsolved case, and don’t expect to now.” Ben’s eyes softened. “But I’m glad you care.”

  A denial stuck in Kelly’s throat. His impact on her was different than when they were kids, but no less intense. “I want Simon’s killer found, and Frank Stone doesn’t have any qualifications for the job,” she said. It was honest, but not the whole truth.

  “Is that the only reason?”

  “I love having Toby in my Sunday school class.”

  “I see. You’d miss my son.” Ben’s grin reminded Kelly of when they were eighteen and he’d uncovered a particularly handy way to tease her. “It’s nice to know I’m popular because of Toby.”

  “Considering the way Paige Quinlan was batting her eyes at you, I think you’re popular for other reasons. By the way, Viv and I want to have a memorial service for Simon,” she said, quickly changing the subject. “That isn’t a problem, is it?”

  Ben shook his head. “Not that I know of. Just let me know when it’s scheduled.”

  KELLY’S PASTOR, EARL OAKES, agreed to do a graveside service for Simon and they got permission from the city cemetery to hold it at eleven o’clock that Friday. An announcement was printed in the Sand Point Gazette giving the time and date, but she didn’t suppose anyone else would attend. She seemed to be the only person who’d ever really spoken with Simon.

  On Friday, Kelly automatically put on a black dress she’d pushed to the back of the closet. It wasn’t until she arrived at work that she realized it was the same one she’d worn to Mitch’s funeral. She glanced down at the black velvet and bit her lip. There was nothing sacred about a dress and she’d intended to get rid of the outfit ages ago. So it didn’t matter.

  “Ready?” Viv asked when Kelly met her on the way down to the parking lot.

  “Yes.”

  “Let’s go,” Ben said from behind them, making her jump. He had insisted on going with them, saying the murderer might come, as well, either out of morbid curiosity or remorse.

  Kelly rode in the backseat of the Jeep, hearing Viv and Ben chat, but not really listening. A few spats of rain hit the windshield and she closed her eyes. The Jeep bounced as they turned into the cemetery, and then stopped.

  She got out and saw Henry and Gina. Everyone was bundled against the cold, damp weather. “You shouldn’t have come,” she said, at the same time glad they were there.

  “Nonsense,” Henry replied as he squeezed her shoulder. “Simon meant something to you, so he means something to us.”

  Gina bobbed her head. “That’s right.”

  They walked to Simon’s grave and Kelly stood upwind of the flowers she’d ordered from the florist. She hated the heavy scent of lilies and carnations and everything else associated with funerals.

  Pastor Oakes’s service was short and informal.

  A scripture.

  A brief message about the mercies of heaven.

  And a prayer.

  It wasn’t right that a life could pass with so little notice, Kelly thought, gazing at the new headstone with its simple inscription.

  Simon. Artist and Friend.

  Followed by the date of his death.

  The stone carver had left space for a date of birth and a last name, in case he was ever identified. Instead of lilies or a cross, she’d had them decorate the stone with a pelican. Simon had loved the ridiculous, mournful birds.

  She didn’t look across the cemetery to where her mother and Mitch were buried. They weren’t there in any way that counted.

  “Are you cold?” Ben murmured.

  “No.” Kelly blinked and saw they were alone. “Where is everyone else?”

  “Your pastor had to leave for a lunch meeting and Henry and Gina are taking Viv back to City Hall. We thought you might need some time.”

  A wry smile twisted her mouth. “I don’t know what I need.”

  Ben put out his hand. “The rain may hold off for a while. How about a walk on the beach?”

  “That sounds…nice.”

  They drove north of town, away from the bay, to a broad expanse of beach swept by foaming waves. Wind blew over the gray water, kicking up whitecaps and sending salt spray over their lips.

  “The weather switched gears fast,” Ben commented as they followed the high-water mark. “I’m glad it wasn’t like this for the festival.”

  “We got lucky. We usually have the K and B before school starts, but it was postponed due to concerns over the strike. No one knew when that would be settled, so the committee put it off as long as possible.” She leaned down and picked up a baby abalone shell. It was a rare find on the beaches around Sand Point. “For Toby,” she said, handing it to Ben.

  “Thanks.” He put the shell in his pocket and they wandered on. A few gulls could be seen in the distance, but the everyday sea life had mostly hunkered down to wait out the squall. Even the sandpipers were absent and she missed their rapid skittering across the shallow water and freshly washed sand.

  “So no suspects showed up at the cemetery,” she said finally. “Nobody who could have killed him.”

  “Nope. Unless Viv did it.”

  “I don’t think she had a motive. You didn’t really expect the killer to come, did you?”

  Ben shrugged. “Murderers have co
mplex psychologies. Some will go to their victim’s funeral if they think they won’t be noticed. Some even want to be noticed—they’re playing a game, trying to prove they’re smarter than the police. But no, I didn’t expect the killer to show up. Simon sounded like a good man. I came because it was right to be there.”

  A thread of warmth curled around Kelly’s heart.

  “There goes another cargo ship.” Ben pointed toward the horizon. “It’s leaving in a pretty heavy wind.”

  Kelly shivered; the large vessel was nearly lost in a curtain of rain. “Um, that downpour is headed our way. We’ll be drenched if we don’t get out of here.”

  Ben caught her hand in his and they ran to the Jeep, reaching it just as the torrent started. “Whew,” he said. “That got the blood moving.”

  “It sure did.” She shook off the raindrops she hadn’t dodged. “But this isn’t a big storm front. It should be nice again tomorrow.”

  “Is it big enough to warrant having a fire tonight?” Ben asked. “Unless you have to work on your manuscript, we could put our feet up and relax.”

  Kelly wavered. The fire was okay. It was the “we” part she wasn’t so sure of.

  They both knew that relaxing in front of a fire could lead to other things. Enjoyable things. She wasn’t certain. Nothing had changed. Ben was Ben, and she was as reluctant as ever to get involved with someone in his profession.

  But what about a single night?

  One night didn’t constitute involvement. Perhaps somewhere between uptight and reckless, there was room for something temporary with Ben…something that wouldn’t break her heart.

  BACK AT THE POLICE STATION Ben tried to put Kelly out of his mind, but the memory of her face at the cemetery haunted him. She’d looked sad and distant, and he’d wanted to pull her away from the dark place she’d gone. Whether that made him a fool or a friend, he couldn’t decide.

  He put in a call to the state crime-lab, letting them know another letter from Mayor Stone’s poison-pen pal was on its way to them. This one looked as if a strand of hair was stuck in the envelope glue, giving Ben hope of a breakthrough. They still had to find the author and match the DNA, but it was a big first step.