Chapter Two
“What is it they say? Truth is stranger than fiction?” Natalie’s voice quivered. “The lies...” She couldn’t believe it.
The Ranger nodded and she saw the concern in his eyes. “A good con artist can charm his way into just about anything he wants. He must have wanted you badly. The man worked his way into LifeSpan using fraudulent documents created by a master forger. Harold was the best at what he did.”
A shudder swept through her body. “And my mother had just passed away. I was at my most vulnerable.” Bitterness welled up inside her. “I fell into his lap like the proverbial apple dropping from the tree. He knew a good thing when he saw it...a woman all alone with her own house paid for and a good job. Exactly the right kind of person for a fugitive to marry to hide his past life of crime.”
“Don’t go there, Mrs. Harris. He was too clever to give himself away to anyone—he’d eluded the police for years. His mistake was getting caught with another woman. When did you realize it?”
She moistened her lips. “Amy had just turned a year old and I’d planned a little evening party for her with the idea that Rod could be there when he got home from work. But he didn’t make it. He called me and said he’d been detained in a meeting but he’d make it up to us. I’d been putting up with those kinds of excuses from the time she was born, but that was the moment it occurred to me my husband was slipping away from me.
“About a month later I called him at work and found out he wasn’t there and hadn’t been in all day. I knew something was going on he didn’t want me to know about.”
A grimace marred the Ranger’s rugged features. “Did you finally confront him?”
“Yes. About two and a half months ago I was having lunch with my best friend from college. She and her husband live in Arizona, but they’d flown in to attend a friend’s wedding and we got together. She happened to mention that she’d bumped into Rod at the short-term airport parking. He’d told her he was dropping off my cousin for a flight.”
Natalie shot Saunders a glance. “I don’t have a cousin. He’d told my friend a blatant lie. At that point I knew in my heart he’d been having an affair, maybe even several.”
After a silence he said, “What’s your friend’s name and phone number? I’d like to speak to her.”
“Colette Barnes. She’s in Phoenix.” Natalie opened the contacts folder in her cell phone and found him the number.
“Did your husband admit to the affair when you confronted him?”
She bit her lip. “Yes. He was amazingly forthright about it. He accused me of having lost interest in him after Amy was born. It was a lie. He accused me of going back to work to avoid him. That wasn’t a lie. I needed to get back to the job I knew because intuition told me our marriage wasn’t going to make it.” She took a deep breath. “It was my mother’s story all over again. An unfaithful husband who didn’t want to deal with his child.”
“Except that your story wasn’t your mother’s, not by a long shot. A dangerous killer used you. The circumstances aren’t comparable. When did you go back to work?”
“Two months ago.”
“When you first mentioned divorce, what did he say?”
“He looked all penitent and said he didn’t want one. Rod claimed the woman meant nothing to him. He promised never to see her again, but by then I was done. He was so cold and hadn’t shown real remorse for any of his behavior, including missing his daughter’s first birthday. I couldn’t understand it and felt like I’d never known him. Now I know why,” she reflected with a heavy heart.
“I’ve seen his type before. He’s the kind that never formed emotional attachments early in life.”
She nodded. “He’s exactly like that. Later on that night I asked him to pack up and leave the house. I told him I was going to hire an attorney and he’d need one, too. Though the house is in my name, he threatened that he was eligible for half the property and would sue me for it.
“That’s when I knew I’d married a stranger. If he wanted to fight over the house he’d never paid for without any concern for his daughter’s future, there was no hope for us. I told him we’d have to work out everything in court. But he died before that day came.” She paused for a moment. “I never wished him dead, but he’s been dead to me for a long time.”
Before the Ranger could say anything, the head of the forensics team came into the kitchen to say they were through. Saunders walked them to the front door, where they talked for a few minutes. After they filed out, he turned his attention back to Natalie.
“It turns out that whoever invaded your home must have had a key. There’s no sign of a break-in.”
“Maybe it was that other inmate you were talking about.”
“Maybe, maybe not. But either way I’d say that’s enough questions for now. I’ll help you clean up your house before I leave.”
“Oh, no. That won’t be necessary, but thank you.”
He zeroed in on her with his gaze. “I insist. Until the surveillance team arrives, I’m not letting you out of my sight.”
A chill ran down her spine. “Surveillance?”
“Absolutely. I’m having you and your house guarded around the clock.”
Her heart thudded with anxiety. “So you think I’m in danger, then?”
“Rod was a career felon. He could have enemies who wouldn’t hesitate to hurt you or your daughter.”
“But why?”
“Come on, let’s get your place cleaned up while we talk. If you’ll give me a towel, I’ll get the water out of the carpet.”
“You don’t need to do that.”
“I want to.”
She couldn’t budge him. In the end she found him a towel that had been thrown on the floor next to the linen closet. “Here you go. I’ll clean up the nursery then I’ll go for Amy. Jillian needs to be relieved—she’s been such a help. I think I’ll take her one of these floral arrangements, maybe that large one with the daisies and roses.”
“They’re beautiful. Who sent them?”
“My boss. The one from the photo. John Willard. He and his wife have proved to be terrific friends.”
The Ranger got down on one knee to perform his task and Natalie’s eyes lingered on the striking picture of virility he made. She decided he must be a man in a million to pitch in when he didn’t have to. She tore herself away and hurried to Amy’s room to put everything back in place. When she returned to the living room, she found it and the den restored and in perfect order, with nearly all traces of water gone.
She discovered her guest in the kitchen, washing his hands. When he looked over his shoulder at her, she smiled. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’d been sent from Hire-a-Husband, that company you see around town. Are you married, Ranger Saunders?”
He chuckled. “No. I haven’t had that experience yet.”
“After interviewing me, you must be thankful.”
“Not every marriage ends in pain—I’m sorry. That sounds incredibly insensitive.”
“Not at all.”
She watched him dry his hands as he turned to her. “Before any more time passes, I want you to save my cell number in your contacts. If an emergency arises, you can call me any hour of the day or night.”
“Thank you,” she answered. She retrieved her phone and entered the number he gave her. “Now, will you tell me why you’re having me watched?”
His hands went to his hips. “Did you know that LifeSpan fired your husband a month ago?”
“No,” she whispered then sank down on the nearest chair. “That would have been after we separated. He never told me.” She buried her face in her hands. “What happened?”
“LifeSpan has been losing money. One of the other accountants under your husband started checking back and discovered payment
s made to a company he could find no record for. They were payments your husband authorized. A full investigation has been started. They’re still tracing back to see how long it had been going on. So far they’ve found over nine-million dollars missing since the beginning of his employment with them.”
Natalie gasped. “Rod did that?” She simply couldn’t believe it.
“Yes, but the only portion of that money to show up in his personal records was four-hundred thousand.”
Her head lifted. “He always wanted to keep our bank accounts separate. It’s all making sense now. Four-hundred thousand?”
“Your husband withdrew it from his checking account the day before he was killed, and I’m guessing that whoever trashed your house wanted to get their hands on it.”
She shook her head. “We’ve never had that kind of money, not even with our combined salaries.” Her body trembled. “I’ve been living with a monster.”
“It’s evident he’s been a disturbed man most of his life. I’ll learn more when I speak to his grandmother. Though her husband died recently, I understand she’s still alive and was able to give the police a few facts about Park. I need to question her.”
Natalie’s incredulous gaze met his. “That means Amy has a great-grandmother! I can’t fathom it. They have to have been in pain for years wondering what had happened to their grandson after he escaped.”
“I’m sure that’s true. One day soon we’ll get all the answers. Will you be available to talk some more tomorrow? Since it’ll be Sunday, morning or afternoon will be fine for me.”
He was coming by again? Her pulse picked up speed for no reason. “Do you want to come over at eleven or so? Amy will be ready to go down for her nap around then.”
“Eleven it is.” He walked through to the living room and looked out the front window. “The surveillance team is parked out front in a carpet-cleaning truck. They’ll keep an eye on you around the clock to make certain you’re safe. I’ll see myself out the back door.”
She watched his tall, rock-hard physique slip out through the kitchen and disappear from view once he reached the neighbor’s yard. Natalie clung to the open door. He’d convinced her that she and Amy could be in danger, but as shocking as all the revelations had been, he’d had a calming effect and she felt confident she wasn’t alone in this horror story.
* * *
KIT PHONED THE surveillance team from his truck to give them instructions. Once he let them know he was leaving the premises, he drove to the freeway and headed for Marble Falls. He’d have to drive fast to be on time for his mother.
Needing to talk, he used voice commands to dial Cy, a fellow Ranger who was working on another case. He was gratified when he heard his friend’s voice over the speakers.
“Hey, Kit. I saw you in TJ’s office earlier. What’s going on?”
“I’ve been given a case the captain doesn’t want anyone else to know about yet, but I’d like your advice.”
“You don’t need anyone’s advice.”
Kit made a strange sound in his throat. “I think I do.”
“Where are you?”
“Headed for the rodeo in Marble Falls. Brandon’s competing tonight.”
“He’s racking up great times so far.”
“Let’s hope he can keep it up. He wants to win that championship in the worst way.”
“My bet is on him. Kellie and I are planning to join you for the Las Vegas trip in December. So, what’s going on? What did you want to ask me?”
“How did the boss take it when you told him you were going to go undercover as Kellie’s husband?”
A long silence followed. “Don’t tell me you’re planning to do the same thing with this new case?”
Kit exhaled a sigh. “You’ve just answered my question.”
“No—forget what I said. Tell me about the case.”
“The wife of the guy who was found dead in his hotel room a week ago could be in serious trouble—someone broke into her house today. But having a surveillance crew watching her could scare off the bad guys. I want to catch them in the act. I’m thinking about posing as her cousin who is taking his retreat from the parish he serves to be with her for the next week.”
“A priest?”
“Yeah. I’ll wear a collar.”
Cy made a funny choking sound. “Have you told the widow what you’ve planned?”
“Nope. I wanted to run it by you first. If you think my plan holds water, then I’ll tell the captain. If he gives his approval, then I’ll talk to her.”
“What haven’t you told me yet?”
“Get ready for an earful.”
In the next few minutes Kit had revealed everything to his friend, including the fact that the widow had a sixteen-month-old daughter. When he’d finished, a loud whistle came from the other end of the line.
“Harold Park has been on the FBI’s Most Wanted list for years! You mean to tell me his wife didn’t have a clue?”
“As far as I can tell, not one.”
“Maybe she’s as big a con artist as he was.”
“No. When she saw the rap sheet, she went white as a ghost. I followed her to the bathroom and watched while she lost her lunch. That kind of reaction couldn’t have been faked.
“Seriously, Cy, I would have treated this like a normal case until Detective Carr called me about the burglary.
“If you could have seen her house, you’d know that whoever is after the money isn’t going to stop. My hunch is that the money he embezzled over the years has been laundered, but he kept four-hundred thousand for quick cash. Someone knew he had it and came to the house hoping to find it stashed there. But they only had that short window of time. I’m afraid they’ll be back for a more thorough search. That puts Mrs. Harris and her daughter at risk and changes the way I planned to go about solving the case.”
“I hear you. Knowing what I know now, your priest idea sounds inspired. It makes sense that a family member would stay for a while to help her in her time of grief. The collar will stop any gossip, especially if she’s attractive.”
Kit didn’t comment.
“Is she?”
“Is she what?”
“Attractive.”
“Yes.”
Cy waited for his friend to continue. “Just yes?”
“Yes. Just yes!”
“Whoa! For you to clam up like this means she must really be a knockout. Right?”
“That’s not what’s important here.”
“The hell it isn’t! I’ve been there, remember?”
“I do remember. Vividly. That’s why I called you.” Cy had ended up marrying the woman he’d been protecting.
“You shouldn’t have any trouble with the captain. No matter how you do it, he knows Kit Saunders always gets his man. But he’ll give you the same advice he gave me. Be careful you don’t cross the line.”
Kit knew exactly what his friend meant. A strong attraction could complicate a case while you were trying to remain professional. “That won’t happen to me. This woman’s in shock.”
“So was Kellie. But it wore off. When it wears off for Mrs. Harris, that’s the time to worry.”
“Thanks for the warning, Cy,” he muttered. “Give my best to Kellie. Talk to you later.”
He ended the call and dialed TJ. Might as well run it by him. Depending on the captain’s answer, Kit would have some preparations to make before eleven in the morning when he saw her again. He’d have to keep his head down and try to concentrate on his work instead of those eyes, green as lush spring grass.
* * *
NATALIE HAD ALREADY used up a week of her ten-day paid leave for family bereavement. She was thankful for a few more days to play with her golden-haired daughter before going back to work.
She was just the sweetest little thing, Natalie thought, as Amy ambled around the house on fairly steady legs, pushing her little grocery cart. Natalie adored her and sang her favorite songs over and over again while she got her dressed and fed her breakfast.
One day Amy would have to know about her father, but that time wouldn’t come for years yet. Since he hadn’t been around at all since moving to the hotel, she rarely said “dada.” Her vocabulary consisted of about twenty words. She loved her farm animals and had cow and pig down pat. Amy particularly loved the “Eensy Weensy Spider” song and always said the word spout very loudly when the time came.
At quarter to eleven Natalie let Amy drink her milk from a sippy cup then put her down for a nap and sang nursery rhymes until the toddler’s eyelids fluttered closed. After tiptoeing from the bedroom, Natalie walked back to the kitchen to clean off the high chair and straighten up. The Ranger would be arriving in a few minutes.
She hurried into the bathroom to give her hair a brush-through and put on some lipstick. Today she’d dressed in a blue-and-white print blouse with jeans and sandals. When her cell rang, she went to her bedroom where she’d left it on the bedside table.
She knew when she saw that there was no name on the Caller ID that it had to be him. Miles. The two hang-up calls had come in on her landline. She clicked Answer. Maybe he wouldn’t be coming, after all. “Hello?”
“Mrs. Harris? Ranger Saunders here. How are you this morning?”
The vibrancy of his deep voice curled through her. “I’m fine, thank you.”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d believe you. I’ll be by in a minute. I’ll be driving a dark red Altima and I’ll come to the front door this time. You mentioned putting your little girl down for a nap—I’ll knock so I don’t disturb her.”
“That’s very considerate of you. I’ll listen for your knock.”
“All right, then.” He clicked off.
Natalie left her bedroom and paused at the nursery door. She’d played hard with Amy and figured she’d stay asleep for an hour, but probably no longer. By that time, presumably, the Ranger would have finished whatever it was he needed to do and gone.
The Texas Ranger's Family Page 3