A unique choice for an ADA. While Melissa firmly believed a woman should do what she wanted—and that included her choice of home—her cop’s mind recognized the increased risk in selecting this unit.
“I’m sorry.” Evangeline came back into the room. Although her eyes were still red, she must have splashed cold water on her face because the lingering vestiges of tears had vanished. “Thanks for giving me a few minutes.”
Melissa took a seat on one of the pretty red chairs that flanked the couch, the color complementing its abstract print. “Nothing to worry about. And it’s me who should be saying sorry.”
Evangeline took a seat on the couch, her shoulders heavy. “You don’t need to. I’ve used far too many resources from your department over the past few days and I can’t tell you how sorry I am for it.”
“You’ve used the resources afforded to you as a resident of Grave Gulch. There’s nothing to apologize for and if I gave you that impression it’s equally on me to correct it.”
Those shoulders drooped a bit farther and Melissa considered what she knew about Evangeline Whittaker. They’d worked in the same community for over a decade and since they managed opposite ends of a case, from open to closed, their separate jobs ensured they spent minimal time together. Melissa came to court when needed and Evangeline had deposed her on a few occasions, but that was where it ended. A general awareness of one another instead of any real friendship or professional acquaintance.
Despite all that, she knew Evangeline to be a strong prosecutor. She’d worked for Grave Gulch County for years and until the Len Davison case, her reputation had been impeccable.
As a woman who prided herself on her reputation, and who knew the pressure the GGPD was dealing with that hit her directly, Melissa had a deep sense of how it would feel to see that vanish in a matter of days.
“But more important, I owe you an apology for not believing you.”
Those red-rimmed eyes widened, but Evangeline’s tone was measured when she finally spoke. “I know what’s happened the past few days has been unusual. The lack of evidence is hard to understand, no matter how I twist it around or think through what I know I saw. But it’s also on top of the past few weeks that have had me professionally upside down. My leave of absence has been kept quiet, but it’s not exactly a secret. I can see where that would add suspicion in anyone’s eyes that I’m making this up.”
It wasn’t a secret but Melissa believed that the lack of gossip surrounding Evangeline’s leave was a sign of respect for the ADA. She had a strong reputation. Yes, that reputation had taken a hit with the Davison case, but it didn’t change all that had come before.
Nor should it.
“The Davison mess has us all upside down. A serial killer is unusual, despite what modern entertainment wants us to believe. But that, coupled with Randall Bowe’s betrayal of the GGPD, has put the entire law and legal communities on edge. That doesn’t mean you aren’t being subjected to some sort of problem right now.”
“Thank you for that.”
The apology seemed to go a long way toward relaxing Evangeline, the stiff lines of her body softening. “Your cousin Jillian was here this morning. Whatever else you can say about Randall Bowe, his behavior has lit a fire under her. Troy mentioned how determined she is to prove herself and to catch him in the process.”
“I know I might sound biased because she’s family, but Jillian has an amazing future in CSI. She’s only been in the role for about a year, but she’s proven herself incredibly dedicated to the work.”
“That’s great to hear. We need more professionals like her. And especially after going through the experience she did with Bowe’s behavior, I’m glad it hasn’t turned her off the profession.”
Melissa considered the genuine praise from Evangeline and added one more check in the “yes” column for all the reasons why she’d come here today. “I am here to apologize. You deserve that and it’s important that you know that. But there is something else I’d like to discuss.”
“Oh. Of course.”
“What you’ve been dealing with over the last few days has put you in close proximity with Troy. He’s a good man and he’s dedicated to his work.”
“That’s so easy to see. The way he’s handled my case, but even before that, I’ve recognized that quality about him. Anytime I’ve seen him in court, he’s always incredibly well prepared and quite passionate about his job.”
That was one way to describe it, Melissa thought. Workaholic tendencies without taking any time for himself could be another. “He is. Sometimes to the distraction of everything else.”
“It’s a big job. And it’s been an extraordinarily difficult year.”
“It has been, for everyone at the GGPD. And if I’m being honest, for the Colton family, as well. But I also know that Troy has borne the brunt of it. The search for Randall Bowe and all the work to expose the depth of his cover-ups. The ongoing hunt for Len Davison. And the continued frustration that both remain at large. It can be overwhelming sometimes.”
Although Evangeline’s red-rimmed eyes had calmed from their obvious crying jag, an unmistakable sheen filled them once more. “That it can be. I keep telling myself I should try to relax a little bit and enjoy this leave of absence. I haven’t had personal time like this in quite a while.” She held up her hands, gave a rueful smile. “But it’s hard to relax when the time off isn’t by choice.”
“When it’s time off it feels like an indulgence. When it’s forced, it feels like punishment.”
“Yes!” Her eyes lit up at that, the thin sheen of tears fading. “That’s exactly how it feels.”
“I was put on desk duty earlier this year. I earned it fair and square and it’s a policy I require for my team, so I expect to follow it, too. But it was still hard.”
“This was the Orr case?”
Melissa nodded, surprised at how fresh it all still felt. She’d believed herself past it yet couldn’t deny that there were times when it reached up and grabbed her hard around the throat. Drew Orr had faced a jail sentence, but that hadn’t been good enough and he’d tried to kill her, thinking somehow he’d get away with it. She didn’t regret firing her weapon, but she also believed that if she didn’t feel the impact of taking a life, no matter how depraved, she didn’t deserve to wear the badge.
She thanked the heavens every day she had found Antonio. Finding him and falling in love had upended her world, in the best way possible. And in the months since she’d shot Orr, Antonio’s deep, endless support had meant more to her than she could have ever imagined.
It meant everything.
Which was why she wanted the same for her cousin Troy. It was slightly presumptuous of her to be here and to press the issue, but if Troy didn’t pick his head up once in a while and try living, there was going to come a day when he no longer could.
She’d nearly been there herself, before Antonio, and had no interest in seeing a beloved family member make the same mistake.
Especially when his interest in Evangeline Whittaker was so clear.
“I’m fortunate that the case is behind me and while I regret the loss of life, I would do the same again if my feet were held to the same fire.”
“Orr faced a life in prison and instead of paying for his crime he tried to kill you.” Evangeline stared down at her hands before looking back up. “And even with that truth I have to imagine it’s still an impossible decision.”
“It feels like that some days. Which is why Antonio is such a miracle. I don’t have to face those days alone any longer.” Melissa waited a beat before laying down her cards. “It’s why I worry about Troy and his future.”
“He’s committed to his job. And his family, too,” Evangeline added.
“A lovely thing, to be sure, but he needs more. Which is why there’s a table with your name and his on it this evening at the restauran
t in the Grave Gulch Hotel.”
“Oh no, I couldn’t. I mean, we couldn’t. I mean, it’s not like that.”
“I know.” But it could be.
Melissa kept that last piece to herself and kept on pressing. “It’s a dinner, nothing more. A quiet evening for two people to relax and put the world around them in the rearview mirror for a bit.”
“It’s a lovely gesture, but—”
“It’s already done. Antonio has it all set up.”
“And Troy said yes?”
Spoken like a lawyer, Melissa thought.
But since she’d come this far, there was no way she wasn’t going to see this through. “He will.”
“What if he has plans?”
“He’s spent nearly every day working late at the precinct for the past two months. He’s entitled to a night off.”
“But—”
Melissa leaned forward. “Please, Evangeline. Let me do this. As both an apology to you and as a much-needed evening off for my cousin.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Say yes. It’s an all-expenses-paid evening and I can personally vouch that the shrimp scampi is the best I’ve ever had.”
Melissa saw Evangeline wavering and gave it her final push. She wasn’t above playing dirty and if it meant she could try out her Cupid skills all at the same time, then she’d take it. “He needs a change of scenery and a break from the Davison case. The two of you get along well and I know you’ve been under a lot of stress from the same. It’s a dinner. Enjoy the evening and forget about life for a few hours.”
* * *
It’s just dinner.
That thought had gone through her mind, over and over, since Melissa Colton had walked out of her home an hour ago. She’d gone from restless and upset to restless, upset and—oddly—in possession of a date.
Even though it wasn’t an official date.
But it was a dinner at one of the nicest restaurants in Grave Gulch with Troy Colton.
Evangeline had already gotten a text from him that he was looking forward to dinner and would be by to pick her up at six. Which meant his cousin had managed to talk him into it. Or ordered him into it, as the case might be.
Which only added to her panic level. A forced date was even worse than calling it a date when it really wasn’t.
She stared at the silk sheath she’d pulled from the closet. It felt too formal—and way too date-like—but she also knew the restaurant in the hotel lobby. The darkened interior was full of soft lighting and elegant tables, with small votive candles in the center. And the pretty aubergine shade of the dress always made her feel her best.
“To hell with it.” Evangeline shrugged herself into the dress, determined to quit stomping around like an idiot. She had a nice evening planned. On some level, wasn’t that enough?
So what was the problem?
But as she turned to stare at her reflection, she knew full well what the problem was.
She wanted the evening to be more.
To mean more.
And she wanted more of all of it with Troy.
With quick movements, she ran a brush through her hair and finished her primping with a soft coral lipstick that had been her favorite brand since college and gave herself one last glance in the mirror.
“You haven’t been on a date in too long to count. Whether tonight is or isn’t a date, go and enjoy yourself.”
That admonition carried her out of her bedroom and on into the living room. She’d just reached the couch when her front doorbell rang. The drapes that hung in pretty brocade waves on the window were already drawn, a caution from Melissa before she’d left. That subtle change nearly had her crawling back into the bedroom and diving for the covers, with nothing more than a text to Troy to tell him she couldn’t make it, but Evangeline forced herself forward.
She would not hide. Nor would she cower.
Even if she wanted to.
With a quick check through the peephole, she confirmed it was Troy and pulled the door open.
And just like that, Evangeline no longer wanted to hide.
The man that stood on her small front porch was everything she’d imagined as she’d gotten ready—and so much more. He stood there, looking strong and capable and incredibly handsome in the dark slacks and gray button-down shirt.
“Hi.”
“Wow. Evangeline.” He exhaled her name on a heavy breath before he seemed to catch himself. “You look great.”
“Thank you. So do you.”
“You ready to get going?”
“Sure. Let me just get my things.” She gestured him into her home before turning to get the small purse and wrap she’d left on the chair. It was only as she turned back to face him that she realized his intention.
His heavy footfalls had already echoed away as he marched down the hall toward the kitchen and her back door. From where she stood, she could see him check the locks and confirm all was in place.
The happy bubble of anticipation that had formed as she’d gotten her first look at him fell away. Just like the drawn drapes, she was forced to see the evening for what it was.
Her time with Troy Colton for what it was.
A duty.
Nothing more.
CHAPTER 14
Troy sensed the change in Evangeline almost immediately, yet had no idea why. She’d greeted him warmly when she’d answered the door, her shy smile shooting sparks through him with all the finesse of a lightning strike.
It was because of those lingering aftershocks that he’d needed a few moments to compose himself before walking her out to the car.
The woman was gorgeous. Her long, straight hair fell, glossy and smooth, down her back. Her arms, sculpted by her active kickboxing workouts, were shown to perfection in the silky confection that covered her. And the slim legs that were already amazing had gone off the charts with the addition of thin heels that put the two of them at eye level.
Had he ever seen a more beautiful woman?
Or one he’d wanted more?
The answer was a resounding no as he opened the passenger-side door for her. He waited for her to slide in, hoping for another one of those smiles, but it never came. Instead, she gracefully slipped in, swinging her feet into the car and keeping her gaze straight ahead.
Determined to have a nice evening, he ignored the deep freeze. He’d figure out what was going on soon enough. And, if he were guessing correctly, he suspected Melissa hadn’t given her a particularly big choice in going out that evening.
His fearless chief had come back into the precinct like a whirling dervish, ordering him to get up from his desk and go home to get ready. She’d informed him there was a reservation in his name and that he would be taking Evangeline Whittaker out that evening.
Brett had laughed at the set of orders but Troy didn’t miss the slight note of panic in the other man’s eyes when Melissa turned her serious gaze on him. Troy would have laughed at the unnerved bachelor routine if he weren’t being steamrolled into leaving work early and taking Evangeline to dinner.
Which wasn’t exactly a hardship.
Troy climbed into the driver’s seat and backed out of his spot in front of her home. Part habit, part heightened vigilance, he scanned the parking lot as he drove slowly toward the main road, seeking anything out of place. Satisfied nothing lurked around Evangeline’s home, he took his first deep breath as he headed for downtown and the Grave Gulch Hotel.
“I’m glad you could come out tonight.” He kept his tone light, conversational, and was completely surprised by the continued cool response.
“Melissa seemed insistent we do this.”
“You don’t want to?”
He took his eyes off the road just long enough to see her subtle shrug. “It’s nice to get out of the house.”
&
nbsp; Wow, he thought. Chalk that one up to a ringing endorsement. She might have mentioned taking a trip to the grocery store or scraping mud off her shoe.
“I know I’m looking forward to the evening.”
When Evangeline remained silent, Troy kept his gaze on the road and focused on the short drive to the Grave Gulch Hotel. At least he’d see a friendly face when Antonio met them at the front desk.
The silence between them was heavy as he drove and it was only as it grew more and more oppressive that Troy realized why. In all that had happened over the past several days, there hadn’t been silence. Despite her fear and anxiety, Evangeline had talked to him. She’d discussed how she felt and she spoke with him on any number of topics from her work to her family to the external situation they were dealing with in the faceless threat that stalked her.
And now?
Silence.
It was jarring in the extreme, and as Troy thought over the past twenty minutes since his arrival at her home, he racked his brain to come up with what had set her off.
He drove into the hotel parking lot, pulling up to the valet station. Melissa had given strict orders there, too, ensuring his car would be well cared for while he and Evangeline ate. As he handed over the keys, he hoped whatever malaise had settled over Evangeline would fade once they were seated in the restaurant.
Or they were going to have a long night ahead of them.
* * *
Evangeline knew her behavior was terrible. She’d spent enough time growing up to know the damage emotional tantrums—and their counterpart, dead silence—could do.
Yet try as she might, she couldn’t muster up any enthusiasm or excitement for the evening. Especially when Troy had made it abundantly clear he saw this whole dinner as a commitment, nothing more.
He did a damn sweep of her home, for heaven’s sake. A thorough check of the locks and doors, ensuring no one could get inside while they were gone for the evening.
It wasn’t a rational reaction, especially after spending the afternoon convincing herself this evening wasn’t a date. Yet at the same time, there was something about watching him inspect her condo that had landed like a cold bucket of water on her hopes for the evening.
Harlequin Romantic Suspense July 2021 Box Set Page 35