Baby In My Arms

by Madeline Harper

  Was he on the right track, she wondered, about the attacks on her life? Did they have something to do with Amanda? She couldn’t believe that was possible, but as Ben pointed out, it was logical. Before Amanda, her life had been centered around her work. After Amanda, everything had changed.

  She closed her eyes and realized suddenly that she was too tired to open them again. She’d had every intention of getting up and going to bed. But it felt too good to lie on the sofa and bask in the warmth of the fire. She had meant to help Ben by concentrating on his triangle and the dates when the incidents occurred.

  She tried to remember. December 5. What else had happened on that day? Something…She couldn’t focus on it.

  And then today, December 15, her appointment with Ben… the gunshots…the tires slashed…

  Waves of exhaustion washed over Kate, drawing her deeper into its depths. Unable to concentrate, she slipped slowly toward sleep, into a soft enveloping blackness. Then it came to her, and she remembered what else had happened on December 5.

  AFTER HALF AN HOUR of intense concentration, Ben turned away from the computer and started to speak. Seeing Kate, he bit back his words.

  She was sound asleep, lying on her side with one hand under her cheek, red hair tousled around her face. Her breathing was deep and regular, the sleep of exhaustion. His flannel shirt, which swallowed her in a very appealing way, had slid halfway up her thigh and exposed an expanse of smooth white skin.

  Ben felt a familiar tightening in his loins. Hell, just because she was good-looking and lying on his sofa and wearing nothing but a flannel shirt, was no reason for him to give in, no reason for him to relinquish his original decision to stay cool in the heat of the excitement she generated.

  But he had to move her, and he didn’t want to bother her. That could be a problem. No, he decided, it would be safer to wake her up.

  He leaned over and lightly touched her hair. “Kate…”

  She made a little moaning sound and snuggled more deeply into the sofa. But she didn’t wake up.

  “Okay,” he said softly, “you win—and I tuck you in.” He lifted her, and she stirred, mumbling something unintelligible, but her eyes remained closed.

  Trying to steel himself against her obvious charms, he settled her warmly into his arms. He could feel the curve of her breast against his chest and her soft breath against his cheek. Those were the very stimulations he could do without. Taking a deep breath of his own he headed for the stairs, climbed them quickly and went into his room. There was a low light on beside the bed where Amanda was sleeping, her thumb tucked tightly into her mouth.

  Carefully, Ben placed Kate on the bed, rearranged Amanda and her wall of pillows, and covered both of them with a quilt. Kate moaned again, opened her eyes to about half-mast and looked at him without recognition. “What—”

  “It’s okay,” he replied. “Go back to sleep.”

  She immediately closed her eyes and was breathing deeply in a few seconds. Better, safer, he thought as he reached for the light, ready to turn it off. But something stopped him, the compelling picture of the two of them sleeping, so lovely, so innocent, so…

  “No way,” he murmured. “Just because it’s holiday time, and she’s alone with a baby, doesn’t mean I’m getting sentimental. Save that for the Christmas cards,” he told himself.

  He turned off the light and went downstairs to sleep—or try to.

  Chapter Four

  Kate woke with a start. Where was she? In a strange room, a strange bed! Then she remembered. She and Amanda were sharing the upstairs room in Ben’s house. Another bizarre situation in more than a week of weird happenings.

  But at least the baby had slept. And slept. She couldn’t believe how long. “Amanda,” she said softly, turning over and searching among the pillows.

  She sat up with a start. The baby was gone!

  Kate’s feet hit the floor with a thud. Where could she be? Under the bed? In the bathroom? The door was closed so she couldn’t have gotten out and fallen down the stairs. Unless…Could someone have stolen the baby during the night?

  She rushed to the bedroom door and threw it open, shouting, “Amanda, Amanda—” Whoever had shot at her and Ben, slashed the tires, could have taken the baby. Or maybe—She thought of the revelation that had come to her just before sleep. “No,” she told herself. “No!”

  She had just started down the stairs when Ben responded from below. “Amanda’s down here, Kate-with me.”

  “Oh, thank God.” She flew down the stairs.

  Ben stood in front of the fireplace, holding the baby, who was happily sucking on a bottle.

  With a sigh, Kate sank onto the sofa. It took her a minute to recover. “I thought…someone had…taken her.”

  “No way, Kate. Not in my house,” Ben assured. “Everyone’s safe here.”

  “I couldn’t imagine anything else. I’d thought about locking the door, even barricading the stairway in case she got out of the room somehow. But I don’t remember doing it. I—oh,” she said as it hit her.

  He raised one dark eyebrow.

  “I fell asleep on the sofa.”

  “You sure did.”

  Automatically, Kate’s hand went to the neck of the shirt. His shirt. The top button had come undone during the night. “How embarrassing,” she said.

  He didn’t respond, but there it was again. Damn that eyebrow. Up it went.

  “I mean…to be put to bed like a child,” she added quickly.

  “It was my pleasure,” Ben replied. “I actually tried to wake you, but you were dead to the world.”

  “Thanks,” Kate said, relaxing. Or trying to. That one nagging thought kept at her. “I need to ask you about—something.”

  “Sure. But first—how about coffee?”

  She nodded. “I should probably change the baby.”

  “Been done,” he told her proudly.

  “Thanks,” she repeated. “You’re better with Amanda than I.” She couldn’t believe how easily Ben handled the child, how content—and calm—Amanda seemed in his arms.

  “Experience,” he replied. “And maybe she senses I’m at ease. There’s cereal,” he said as he poured the coffee and handed it to her.

  Their fingers touched over the cup in a gesture that made the morning seem intimate. A man and a woman sharing breakfast. A baby in his arms. The woman still in her nightclothes. Too intimate, she thought, for someone she knew nothing about.

  Ben leaned back in his chair and looked across at her. “Okay, what gives? There’s something on your mind.”

  He was on her mind, but what she was thinking kept getting mixed up with what she was seeing, his physical presence. It dominated everything. He was wearing boots, well-washed jeans and a plaid shirt. He hadn’t shaved, but he was the kind of man who looked good with a day’s growth of beard. She wished she had a robe—a blanket—something to give her protection from Ben’s nearness. She was very aware of him and his eyes on her, measuring as if he knew she was uncomfortable around him. And why.

  She simply couldn’t talk to him dressed like this. Standing up, she said, “Yes, something is on my mind, but let me change before we talk. I’d feel morecomfortable.” Without waiting for a reply, she took her coffee and went upstairs.

  NOW SHE WAS in charge, Kate decided when she returned, dressed in her brown suit, her hair in a reasonable facsimile of a French twist. Ben was still at the table, on his second cup of coffee. Amanda had finished her breakfast and was on the floor, blissfully tearing the pages from an old catalog.

  Kate put down her empty cup, and he refilled it.

  “I’m waiting,” he said slowly.

  She took a sip of coffee and sat opposite him. “It’s about you.”

  He cocked that dark eyebrow again.

  “Last night you asked me to try and think of anything unusual that might connect the incidents…the attacks. And I did think of something.” He watched her silently, but she didn’t lose her cool this time. �
��On both days—when I was pushed in front of the car and when I was shot at—I had appointments. With you.”

  “So,” he said. “You think I could be involved in a sinister plot?”

  “You asked me to think of everything,” she shot back.

  “All right, let’s explore this. Where was I when you were shot at?”

  “With me,” she said softly.

  “And when you were hit by the car?”

  “In my office, I suppose, waiting—”

  “With Tina,” he added. “’Course, I could have masterminded the whole thing and had someone else carry out the dirty deeds.”

  “I’m not saying you did anything, but I wondered last night. I still do.”

  “Sometimes coincidence is just that, Kate. I have no reason to harm you, but if I wanted to, haven’t I had ample opportunity, alone in my house with you all night?”

  She nodded.

  “Two things, Kate. Number one, you’re right to be suspicious. From now on, I want you to suspect everyone. Number two,” he added with a grin, “don’t tell the person you suspect!”

  She felt her face redden.

  “Come on, loosen up. I’m teasing, but you could have gotten into a lot of trouble if you’d been right about me.”

  “I guess I never did believe it, or I wouldn’t have told you. That was stupid of me, though.”

  “You’re not a detective, Kate. You’re a headhunter,” he added with another grin. “So be careful.” He picked up a sheaf of printouts from the computer. “I’m not a detective, either, but I’m pretty good at snooping. And I can’t resist a puzzle. I did some research on Daniel Hedrick last night. He handles family law—divorces, custody hearings, that sort of thing. Low-profile type of guy. Except…”

  “Except?”

  “He’s in trouble financially. Recently married a woman with very expensive tastes. Plus, two ex-wives and three kids to support. The bottom line is, he needs money.”

  “How would getting rid of me help his finances?”

  “Let’s tinker with the idea,” Ben said thoughtfully. “If something happened to you, what would become of Amanda?”

  “I suppose she’d go to my second cousin in Florida. I hardly know her and her husband, but other than my parents, they’re the closest relatives.” She caught on to his scenario. “Are you thinking that Hedrick might want to get Amanda to…” She paused. “To…what?”

  “I have no idea. That’s why I’d like to meet this guy, check him out myself.” He laughed sardonically. “I know this is none of my business, but—”

  “You were also shot at—and got stuck with me and Amanda. Besides, you can’t resist a puzzle.”

  “Exactly. I like to know how things work and why. And this is one hell of a mystery.”

  Kate got down on the floor beside Amanda, who was stuffing bits of brightly colored catalog pages into her mouth. “I don’t find it all that fascinating, because it’s totally messing up my life.” As she removed the pages from the baby’s hands and mouth, Amanda began to fret. “I wonder if the police will call back about my car.”

  “Don’t count on any suspects being rounded up.”

  Amanda was into major fussing and on the verge of tears.

  “Maybe she’d like her lamb,” Ben suggested. “I threw it in the wash this morning. Should be dry by now.”

  “Thank you,” Kate said guiltily. Once again, Ben was proving to be the better parent.

  When she returned, Amanda was in Ben’s arms at the window where he was showing her the birds gathered at a feeder in the yard. He was right about the morning view. It was breathtaking. The snow-filled trees seemed weighted down with their white burden, ghostly figures shimmering in the morning sun. In the distance, the jagged peaks of the Continental Divide stood like cutouts against the blue sky.

  Kate waited awhile before reaching for the telephone and breaking into the quiet moment. “I guess I’d better call Tina and tell her I’ll be late.”

  Ben turned from the window. “I don’t think you should go to the office, Kate. How do you know the shooter won’t come back?”

  She put down the phone. “I don’t,” she said slowly. “This—person—could come to the office—or to my apartment.” She clenched her fists in anger. “Do you realize what’s happening? My life is being stolen by some nameless, faceless maniac.”

  She began pacing in front of Amanda and Ben. “I’m not going to let it happen. No one is going to treat me like this and get away with it.” She stopped and shook her fist. “Do you hear me?”

  Amanda’s eyes widened and her mouth formed a perfect little O.

  “We hear you, loud and clear, General. We’re waiting for your next move,” Ben replied.

  “All right. Here it is. I’ll go to Denver. Get a temporary place to live. Hire a baby-sitter, and conduct business by fax and phone until the police do something. I’m calling Tina to tell her. Business as usual. Except I won’t be in the office.” She shrugged. “A minor inconvenience that we can deal with.”

  She picked up the phone again and punched in numbers as she talked. “Then, I’ll make a couple of ESS calls before we go to town—that is, if you’ll take us—”

  “I don’t expect you and Amanda to walk back to Denver.”

  When Kate reached Tina and told her where she was, her secretary responded to the news with a low laugh and an envious remark. “Way to go, boss.” Kate ignored that, gave instructions, picked up messages and moved on to the next call, quickly, efficiently, arranging to meet the tow truck driver and hand over her keys.

  As Ben watched with a mixture of admiration and amusement, Kate pulled out her day planner and began making notes. “Rent an apartment, hire a sitter, pick up some baby food, buy enough clothes to get me through the next few days—and oh, yes,” she added casually, “find out who tried to run me down, shot at me and slashed my tires. Just an average day in the life of a single, working mom.”

  “You’re handling this well, Kate,” he complimented.

  “What choice do I have?”

  Their eyes met, and he saw once more the vulnerability there. Deep down, she was scared—as well she should be—but he had to admire her courage.

  “Now on to business. Coral Lampiere at Sky-High Spa…then Robert Brownley of United Charities.” As she made the calls, Ben saw Kate slip into her young executive mode, which she wore very easily, a tiger at work. Last night she was a vulnerable, sexy woman; today she was all business. As for her mothering ability—Ben looked at Amanda, happily chewing on the lamb’s ear—she had a long way to go.

  Coral was still on vacation; Brownley wasn’t in, either, but Kate plunged ahead, calling his home. After a brief conversation, she hung up with a grin. “Brownley’s at a breakfast meeting, but he signed the contract! His wife has it, ready for me to pick up.”

  “Headhunter on the loose,” Ben quipped.

  “Without a car. Maybe I should rent one.”

  “Where do they live?” he asked.

  She looked at her notes. “Country Club section, Third and High.”

  “Closer than the car rental. And I’d feel better in the driver’s seat, keeping an eye on you.”

  “Thanks, Ben. If you’ll stuff Amanda into her snowsuit, I’ll get my coat—”

  “Leave it, Kate. The coat’s like a beacon. Besides, it’s dirty, remember?” Ben rummaged through the closet and pulled out a woman’s leather jacket. “This should fit you.”

  “You sure it’s all right?” She couldn’t control her inner curiosity. Whose coat was it? An ex-girlfriend-or maybe not even ex?

  “Let’s say the owner was passing through town. She won’t be back for it.”

  He helped Kate into the coat, and stayed close, his hand on her shoulder. She immediately forgot about the coat’s owner as she tried to control her heartbeat. Useless, when he was standing so near. Then he touched her hair, and Kate caught her breath. She had to get out of this house and away from the intimacy—and soon!
>
  “This hair…so damned red.”

  “Sorry,” she breathed.

  “Don’t be. It’s fabulous. But it’s just like your coat, lighting the way for the person after you. I’ll get you a cap to cover it. This person, whoever he—or she—is, could be anywhere.”

  “I know,” she said softly. Despite the brave words and organizational skills she’d demonstrated, she felt fear oppressing her again. At that moment, she wanted nothing more than to stay in the safety of his house.

  No, she did want more—the comfort of his arms.

  He tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear, gave her a well-worn baseball cap and stepped away. “I’ll get the kid into her snowsuit.”

  “SOMEONE in the family had money,” Ben said as they pulled into the driveway of Brownley’s house. It was similar to other massive brick homes in Country Club, set on rolling lawns with towering trees but even more palatial. “And this guy works for a nonprofit group. Are you sure he’s legit?”

  Kate shrugged. “Hey, I’m new in town. Maybe you should check him out on your computer. Meanwhile, I want that contract.” She opened the car door.

  Ben reached out and pulled off the baseball cap. “In this neighborhood, you’ll make a better first impression without the Denver Rockies.”

  The massive front door was opened by a petite woman in her late fifties wearing an expensive running suit, a stylish haircut and a friendly smile. “Kate McNair?”

  “Yes. I’m here to see Mrs. Brownley—” Kate glanced over the woman’s shoulder into the living room.

  “I’m Martha Brownley.”

  “Yes, of course.” Kate tried not to show her surprise. “Mr. Brownley left a contract for me—”

  “Come in, my dear, out of the cold.”

  Ben watched the friendly scene from the car, saw the door close behind the two women and figured they’d be awhile. With a shrug, he gave in to Amanda’s cries for entertainment.

  When Kate emerged, the older woman was beside her. It amazed Ben how easily women made friends. Together they approached the car, chatting amicably.

  Ben opened the door on the passenger side, and Mrs. Brownley peered in. “Oh, what a darling child.” After fifteen minutes of Ben’s undivided attention, Amanda was laughing happily. “Girl or boy?”