Flames Of Deceit (19 page)

Mia turned to look at Jake as he steered the car Phil loaned out of Durham. “Should you be driving? You might have a concussion.”

Jake braked for a car slowing to make a turn. “You can’t drive with those bandages. That leaves me.” He glanced across the console at her. “You should be in bed. What’s so important that it can’t wait until daylight?”

Mia sighed. They had left the police station at four-thirty. A ribbon of pink marked the horizon toward the east. If she hadn’t taken painkillers, she might have agreed to wait until day, but the chief’s warning had put her on edge.

“The chief didn’t believe my story.” She turned in the seat so she could see Jake. “I need to get the files on my computer. I just hope the slasher didn’t beat us to it.”

“The chief came down on you pretty hard, didn’t he?” Jake pushed down on the gas. “At least it’s over.”

“He warned me he’s going to call me back in when Goldman’s DNA test results return.” She stared at Jake’s profile for long seconds. “Was he rough on you?”

“Let’s just say he wasn’t pleased with my actions and leave it at that.” He turned the car in the driveway and parked. The house belonging to Dan’s parents looked normal. From the front, there was no sign of the broken glass they had heard when the slasher broke in. “At least he moved the car.”

“You don’t think he’s still here?” Mia’s heart raced as she stared at the house in the gray dawn light.

“If he tried to attack us now, a jogger might see him and call the cops.” Jake pulled the key out of the Lexus and opened his door. “Wait, I’ll help you out.”

Mia huffed with annoyance, but she didn’t have a choice, with her hands bandaged. Jake had to open the door and unfastened her seatbelt. He was close enough to kiss. She studied the bruises on his face and lifted a bandaged hand to his cheek. He looked so tired and battered. “Jake, I—”

“Let’s grab our stuff and get some breakfast.” He said in his firm courtroom voice. “We can talk later.”

Mia’s hopes for more from him dwindled. “Sure, it won’t take a minute.” Looking down at her hands, she sighed.

“I’ll go first and look around.” He eased the side door to the garage open and checked around the cars.

Mia stood with her back to the door and watched the yard, hoping none of the neighbors chose that moment to look out their windows. She and Jake were being cautious to stay safe. To an onlooker their actions might appear suspicious.

“I don’t see anything.” Jake said from the other side of the cars.

Mia eased in. “I can’t lock this door.”

Jake appeared at her side and locked the door. “Stay behind me, just in case.”

Opening the door leading to the kitchen, Jake looked around and motioned her inside as he whispered. “Be careful where you step. There’s glass everywhere.”

She stared at the shattered sliding doors. Shards of glass covered furniture and the floor. “I can leave the clothes, but I need my computer.”

“Where it that computer,” a deep voice demanded from the shadows on the other side of the room.

Mia gasped as a dim figure stepped out of the dark leading to hall. He pointed a hand holding a gun. But she still couldn’t see his face.

Her knees trembled. Her first instinct was to run, but Jake was hidden in the dark shadows. She fought to keep from looking to check he was okay, but the slasher didn’t seem to know Jake was on the other side of the room.

Determined the murderer wouldn’t win, she forced out words sounding braver than she felt. “You should know. You’re the one who broke in.”

“Don’t play cute with me. I came back to get those files of yours. Since you managed to escape my little bonfire, you can hand over the files in person. Where’s your boyfriend?”

“Why would I give you the files?” Mia ignored his last question. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Jake’s shadow move.

“Ah, still stubborn. What if I promise to let you go if you cooperate?” Sarcasm coated each word as he stepped further into the room.

Chills chased along Mia’s spine as the slasher stepped closer. But knowing she was about to see the face of the killer kept her feet stuck to the floor. He wouldn’t show his face and let her live. But she had too much to lose. She couldn’t die. “Why are you following me? Why try to kidnap me?”

“Your luck has run out, Ms. Clark. Give me the files.” He waved the gun in his hand. “Why didn’t you heed the warnings I left on your doorstep?”

“You killed my neighbor’s cat? Did you slash my tires, too?”

His laugh echoed with madness. “Nice touch, don’t you think?”

“Did you murder Leigh Anne Saddler?” Mia squinted in the dim light, trying to see his face. “How did you get her body inside the courthouse?”

“Where’s the boyfriend?” The slasher demanded.

It took all her willpower to keep from glancing over to make sure Jake was safe. “Why kill Pam Foley? What did she have to do with—”

“Pam stuck her nose in where it didn’t belong.” He snarled. “She caught me going through Leigh Anne’s computer files after she died.”

“You’re one of the bosses. You can look at any company file you want. Why kill Pam?” Mia mentally crossed her fingers, but she was certain this was one of the vice-presidents. It wasn’t Edward Poole. The voice wasn’t slimy enough. And it wasn’t Thomas Goldman. So, she’d been wrong about him killing Leigh Anne.

That left two vice presidents. Every instinct she possessed wanted to believe Charles Herne had told the truth when he said he loved Leigh Anne. That left one man. The man determined to kill her. Alan Yow.

“You didn’t have to kill her, Mr. Yow.”

“Ah, so you figured out it was me. You didn’t tell police. They picked up Goldman.” Yow waved the gun. “I should have taken you out that day in the courthouse.” He stepped closer. “Don’t worry. I’ll finish the job as soon as you give me those files.”

“Why bother with the files?” Mia forced back a shiver and hoped he couldn’t see her lips tremble. “Everyone knows you’re the killer.”

Yow’s laugh sounded more frightening than his threats. “I don’t think so. Goldman is in this so deep all the evidence will point to him.”

Mia heard the lack of control in his manic laugh. “Goldman’s at the police station.”

“He left before you and lover boy did. Stop fooling around and tell me where you stashed that computer. I searched the house and couldn’t find it.”

“I gave it to the police.” Mia tried to stall, “I came back to get my clothes.”

Yow stepped closer, and spoke through gritted teeth. “You didn’t have it on the trail so police don’t have it. Now give it to me.” He waved the gun threateningly.

Mia tried to think of a way to stall him.

Suddenly a shadow flew out of the corner, and Jake landed on top of Yow. The force of his body knocked the gun from Yow’s hand and both men tumbled to the floor.

Watching helplessly, Mia saw Jake roll on the floor under Yow. But unlike last night on the trail, Jake avoided a blow aimed for his face and escaped Yow’s grip. Back on top, Jake aimed two swift blows, and knocked Yow out.

Mia rushed to kick the gun out of reach and turned to Jake. “Are you okay?”

“I thought he’d never move far enough in the room so I could jump him.” Jake reached her side and put gentle hands on her upper arms.

“I wanted to hear him talk.” Mia stared in Jake’s eyes, and wished she could grab hold of him with both hands. “I wanted to hear the details.”

“It was risky for me to wait. Once he started talking, he quit moving.” Jake pulled her against his chest. “It was a mistake. If he had pulled the trigger—”

“He liked hearing himself talk too much to shoot before he finished bragging.”

“Who likes talking now?” Yow demanded from his seat on the floor.

Mia turned in Jake’s arms and lost her breath at the sight of Yow aiming the gun at them. She couldn’t lose Jake after all this. But Yow rose to his knees, the gun weaving in his hand, ready to shoot.

“Drop the gun and I’ll give you the files.” She stepped toward Yow.

“Mia, no.” Jake grabbed her arm and pulled her behind him. “If you’re leaving, Yow, get out now.”

“Or what, lover boy? You’ll shoot me?” Yow’s eyes glowed with unnatural light as he gave that strange laugh. “Oh, that’s right. I have the gun.”

Mia moved around Jake on trembling legs. “One thing I don’t understand, Mr. Yow. Why kill Leigh Anne Saddler? All the men I talked to loved her. What did you have against her?”

“That cow wouldn’t go out with me,” Yow snarled, staggering to his feet. “She slept with all the vice-presidents, but me. When Goldman couldn’t get your precious brother’s vote, he sent Leigh Anne to soften him up, because Goldman had doctored the lab results. If the FDA found out, the company would lose millions. Our stock options and pensions would be worthless. We would all be ruined. But Leigh Anne couldn’t win your brother’s vote. And even after sleeping with him and the others, she wouldn’t go out with me.”

“That’s it?” Mia demanded, unable to believe what he’d said. “You killed Leigh Anne because she wouldn’t go out with you?”

Yow shrugged. “That about sums it up. And…I don’t have a thing to lose by adding two more bodies to my tally.”

Jake lunged forward and knocked the gun out of Yow’s hand. He lifted a hand to slug Yow when the door crashed open. Four police officers wearing body armor rushed in the room.

Dropping his fist, Jake pushed off Yow and pointed to the gun. One of the officers picked it up. Jake said, “You guys sure took your time.”

One of the detectives they’d met at head quarters shoved past the four cops and grinned. “We wanted it all on tape.”

Jake mumbled under his breath. “Come on, Mia. Let’s get out of here.”

“I need my computer.” Mia pointed to the sofa. “It’s under the couch.”

“I need the tape.” The detective held out his hand.

Mia stood rigid as he reached in her bra and pulled the recording device out. “I hope this is over, now.”

“Not yet.” Jake stood up with her laptop in his hands. “I want this to go on record.” He stepped close and wrapped his arms around her. “I love you, Mia Clark, but promise me this is the last time you’ll play detective. My heart couldn’t stand losing you.”

“You love me? Really?” Mia smiled wide. “You’re not just saying that because I said it first?”

“Being first doesn’t matter,” Jake leaned down and kissed her, “it’s staying in for the whole race that matters. Love me, Mia. Be my wife.” Love shown out his eyes as Jake stared at her.

Her heart thumped. “I love you, Jake. I want to be your bride.”

“Are we wrapped up, now?” The detective grinned. “I think we’re out of tape.”

“We’re good,” Jake stared lovingly into Mia’s eyes. “All I need now is time with my future bride.”

Mia sighed. “I love you.” All her doubts faded away as they walked about the room. “Can we have the wedding soon?”

“As soon as you want.” Jake pulled her into his arms for another kiss.

The End

###

Dear Reader,

Thank you for reading Flames of Deceit. This is my first romantic suspense novel. I hope you enjoyed reading Mia and Jake's story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

The heartbreak of watching the graceful old courthouse go up in flames tore at me until my imagination provided characters to share the pain. Because of the loss...the opposite theme from the trust and loyalty that win the day...both characters needed to have painful memories in their background.

Mia's story isn't tragic like Jake's but common, all the same.

Love, trust and loyalty are words we can all live by...look for them in your life.

If you enjoyed this book, please leave a review.

All the best,

Carol Hutchens

About the Author:

Carol Hutchens is a native Tar Heel...born and bred in North Carolina. After graduating from Appalachian State University, Carol taught school for thirty years before pursuing her dream of being a writer.

Books by Carol Hutchens:

Do you want to read sweet, contemporary romance? Then check out:

THE SUBSTITUTE BRIDE   [Redbud Romance #1]

A famous heiress and her actor fiancé want to avoid the media frenzy surrounding their coming wedding so they arrange for substitutes to take their place. When THE SUBSTITUTE BRIDE falls for her groom, the story starts.

A BRIDE FOR MR. RIGHT   [Redbud Romance #2]

Instead of a job using her shiny new degree, the heroine arrives in Redbud shortly after her grandmother’s funeral. She inherits her grandmother’s house and business. The bookkeeping service doesn’t earn enough to pay the bills, but rent on the office is paid for a year so she has to try to turn things around. But sparks fly when our hero returns to town, buys the building and evicts his only tenant, our heroine.

WHERE THE HEART IS   [Redbud Romance #3]

In six short months, Lilly buried both her parents, was downsized from her job, and finds her fiancé in bed with her roommate. Determined to start a new life, Lilly arrives in Redbud to have a baby abandoned in her arms, and learn a famous NASCAR driver is trying to ruin her grandmother’s home. And that’s just her first day in town. From that day forth, Trey Lancer gives her headache after the other...and worms his way into her heart.

DR’S SURPRISE TRIPLETS, WIFE NEEDED

A Cinderella romance.
But instead of three wicked stepsisters, Cydney Eller has pre-mature triplets left motherless after her sister’s accident. The prince is Dr. Daniel Prince who delivers the triplets and demands custody when he learns his brother might be the father. It isn’t a glass slipper, but preemie sized diapers and health emergencies that bring these two strangers together to protect three innocent babies. Can love follow?

THE BEST MAN

A second chance at love story
. After her husband left her for dead when a tsunami hit their vacation island, Kate Summers returns to reclaim her life. Her return home from the dead is on the same day her husband is standing in church to marry another woman. Kate’s attempt to prevent a major legal disaster from happening, throws her right into the arms of THE BEST MAN. Does she dare trust in love a second time?

WHEN A DOG PLAYS CUPID   [Cupid series, Book #1]

A story clipped from the headlines
. When one of her patrons at the pet spa dies, naming Kit McFarlan co-guardian of a bad tempered Chihuahua that inherited her millions, fur flies. The woman’s nephew, and the co guardian, Drew Webber wants Kit to take charge of the dog. But Kit has secrets. She wants out of the pet business, but her grandmother borrowed money from Drew’s aunt. Kit must repay the loan to honor her grandmother’s memory, but she can not tolerate the grouchy three pound mutt. Can a nasty tempered ‘rat-dog’ play cupid for two people needing love?

LOVE OR DISASTER [Medical Conference Cruise]

This is a story of lovers reunited on a Medical Conference Cruise.

Doctors Hart and Stone, together again. Can they forget past mistakes make things right this time? Can her deep longing to have a baby overcome her pain at losing his child? Can his fear of a disease that could destroy his surgical skills, also destroy their chances of sharing their love?

A reunion romance, on a cruise around the Hawaiian Islands, what more could you want?

COMING SOON! WATCH FOR...

THE HERO’S BALL...Cupid Book #2

Can Kit’s friend from When A Dog Plays Cupid find her ‘real true love’ or will her secret new part time job ruin everything? Can the plus sized beautician win a return vet and local firefighting hero’s heart of will posing as a model for a plus size catalogue scare him away?

Can a war veteran find the courage to go against his family’s wealth and ambitions to make his own way in life? Does a name and position make the man, or does what he believes in stand for something?

Watch for ‘Cupid dog’s return’ when these two face their true desires.

http://www.carolhutchens.com