Passion's Law (5 page)

As he moved along beside her he said, “I figured you'd have a maid looking after your stuff.”

“I take care of my own stuff, as you call it. I didn't come here for a vacation. I came here to lend a hand to my Uncle Joe.”

“I thought I heard somebody mention my name.” Joe Colton came around the side of the house, accompanied by his nephew Jackson, and offered his hand to Thad. “Have you finally found a chance to join us for dinner?”

“Sorry. No. I just stopped by to check the sensors in the stable. How have they been working?”

Joe shrugged. “Fine. Although Heather set off the alarm once.” He turned to his niece. “Did you tell him?”

She shook her head. “I feel silly mentioning it.” She glanced at Thad. “I forgot about the new alarm code and just started saddling Diablo. The next thing I knew I had Uncle Joe and half a dozen security people swarming all over the place.”

Joe started laughing as he recalled the scene. “I don't know who looked more scared—Heather, Diablo or our security team.”

Thad's smile was immediately gone. “Your security team looked scared?”

“Hey.” Joe attempted to smooth it over. “This was their first encounter with the alarm. They're green, Thad. And still thinking about the shot fired through my window. Maybe scared was the wrong
term. They looked like they'd been caught by surprise.”

“All the more reason why they should have behaved like professionals.” Thad's eyes were narrowed in thought as he continued on toward the stable. After checking the sensors, and testing the alarm, he stepped out into the fading sunshine.

“If you'd like, Joe, I could give you the names of a couple of security firms that we've worked with in the past.”

Joe thought about it, then shook his head. “I'll keep the ones I hired. But I'd feel a whole lot better if you'd take over as head of the team.”

Thad didn't bother to hide his impatience. “Thanks, Joe. I'm flattered that you'd think I could make a difference. But I've already got more on my plate than I can handle. And I'm beginning to think that what you need is a full-time bodyguard.”

He could see the effect his words had on Joe and his niece. He slipped on his sunglasses. “Sorry, Joe. I'm not trying to be an alarmist. It's just my training to always imagine the worst-case scenario. You've got enough to worry about without having me add to your burden.” He stuck out his hand. “I have to go now. Let me know if you want the names of other security firms.”

“Yeah.” Joe accepted his handshake.

Thad nodded toward Jackson, then glanced at
Heather's face and could see the worried look in her eyes. He hated that he'd had to be the one to put such fear in her. Still, she needed to know that life wasn't always a walk in the park.

As he made his way to his car he found himself wishing he could call back the last half hour. Even though he knew better than to keep tempting himself, he'd have indulged his fantasies by staying in the shadows a whole lot longer while watching Heather swim.

It wouldn't do anything to help his investigation, which seemed to be going nowhere. But spending a few extra minutes treating his senses to Heather McGrath in a revealing bathing suit would go a long way toward soothing his soul and improving his dreams.

P
atsy stared at the rain streaking the windows, her mood as gloomy as the weather. It had been raining for three straight days. She was sick of it.

When the housekeeper walked by, Patsy stopped her. “Where are you supposed to be right now?”

Inez looked bewildered. “Cleaning the courtyard, Mrs. Colton. But the rain—”

“Then do it. That's what you're being paid to do. How many times do I have to tell you? I don't want you underfoot.”

The woman fled.

Patsy watched her go while her anger continued
to fester. This weather made her antsy. The isolation of this place was getting to her, closing in on her. She was sick of people tiptoeing around her. Tired of Inez always making Joe's favorite meals. What about hers?

Joe. Her frown deepened. She'd been so busy trying to locate Emily, she hadn't been paying any attention to her plot to do away with Joe. Now there'd been another attempt on his life, and that detective was here, sniffing around. She hated him. Hated those long, probing looks. Like he already knew who and what she was and was just waiting for her to make one little mistake.

He'd been asking all kinds of questions. And every time she answered one, he had two more.

She knew his kind. He was trying to trip her up. She needed to get out of here. Away from Joe. He and Heather McGrath were constantly closeting themselves up in his office, completely shutting her out.

She started to pace. How had Meredith been able to tolerate this for so many years?

Meredith. The mere thought of her had Patsy pausing, a ghost of a smile on her lips. She was Meredith now and she would do whatever she pleased.

She picked up a phone and made her plans, then
stalked toward Joe's office. Without bothering to knock, she tore open the door and stared around.

Heather was seated at the computer, her fingers flying over the keys. Joe was across the room, engaged in an animated conversation. From the few words she overheard, Patsy realized that he was on a conference call with several of the executives of Colton Enterprises.

Joe looked up and seeing her, said softly, “Excuse me, gentlemen.” With a hand over the receiver he turned to his wife. “Is there a problem?”

Patsy was actually disappointed to find Joe and Heather hard at work. It would have been such fun to find them looking a little too cozy with one another. She could have gotten a lot of mileage out of such a scene.

Her tone was brittle. “I can't stand being cooped up here. I've made an appointment at LaBelle.”

Recognizing the name of one of the most exclusive spas in California, Joe uttered a sound of disgust. “That's more than a hundred miles from here.”

“Everything's almost a hundred miles from here.” Her voice took on the whining tone that had become so familiar. “I don't know when I'll be back. I've decided I need a few days of pampering.”

With a toss of her head she walked away, slam
ming the door. Minutes later her car roared down the drive.

 

Heather watched as her uncle returned to the phone. No tender kiss goodbye for these two, she thought. Or even a smile from across the room. Whatever had once brought them such joy was long ago lost and apparently forgotten.

It made her sad. Joe Colton was such a good man, and there had been a time when she'd thought Meredith Colton was his perfect soul mate. Apparently there had been too many years and too many tears between them. The death of a son and the disappearance of a daughter had been difficult enough to bear. Now the rift seemed to widen with every passing day, until this second attempt on Joe's life was just another burden heaped upon his shoulders.

A short time later Joe's frown was replaced by a smile when the sun suddenly burst through the clouds. When a knock sounded on the door, it opened to reveal Thad Law.

“Well.” Joe beckoned him in. “Did you bring this sunshine with you?”

“Sorry. I wish I could claim the credit, but it's not in my realm of expertise.”

Thad glanced from Joe to Heather. He resented the fact that she'd been on his mind far too much these past days. Images of her riding Diablo or just
walking calmly across the lawn, intruded at the strangest times. When he was bogged down in paperwork. When he was interrogating a witness. Even while he was sleeping. Especially then. She seemed always to be tiptoeing across his heart.

“How's the investigation coming along?”

Thad shrugged. “About the same as before.” He refused the chair Joe indicated, choosing instead to stand as he gave Joe one of those measuring looks. “You've made your share of enemies, Joe.”

“You mean the list has grown longer? Whose name have you added now?”

Thad glanced at Heather, then back to Joe. “Nobody new. Just the same old names. But it isn't easy checking out every one of them.” He cleared his throat, obviously uncomfortable. “But I wonder if your wife would be willing to sit down and talk with me about some of your mutual friends.”

Joe met the detective's steady look. “Meredith's gone out of town for a couple of days. But when she returns you can try to arrange it.”

Before Thad could respond, Joe was quick to add, “I'm not saying she'll agree, you understand. My wife is free to make her own decisions about this.”

Thad nodded. “Okay. I understand. I'll call in a couple of days and talk to her.”

Joe studied the tight line of Thad's mouth. “Do you suspect one of our guests?”

“Everybody's a suspect, Joe. You know that. I keep going over the whereabouts of every guest at the time the shot was fired. And now I'm trying to tie a suspect from the first shooting to this latest one.”

“So you think one of our guests slipped away and fired that first shot?”

Thad shook his head. “I didn't say that. But there are only two theories. Either it was a guest with a grudge, or it was a hired assassin. Either way, until the shooter is found, you're not out of the woods.”

As he turned away Joe called, “Is that all you came here for?”

Thad turned back. “Yeah. I thought I'd take a chance on catching your wife. And I wanted you to know how the investigation is going.”

“Then, since you have a little time anyway, why not stay for dinner?”

Even as the detective was shaking his head, Joe was getting to his feet. “Heather and I have been cooped up for days doing nothing but paperwork. I'll bet you've been doing the same.”

“I have but—”

Joe held up a hand to stop him. “Okay, then. It's time to relax. Which do you prefer? Riding or a cold beer in the courtyard?”

Thad laughed. “Personally a cold beer sounds best to me.”

“You're on.” Joe turned to Heather. “That sound you hear is the five o'clock whistle, young lady. You have one minute to shut down your computer and join Thad and me out in the courtyard.”

“Yes, sir.” With a laugh Heather inserted a disk and began to back up her work.

Minutes later she found Joe and Thad already seated by the fountain, drinking beer.

Joe looked up. “What'll you have, sweetheart?”

“The same as you.”

Thad watched as she settled herself on a chaise across from him. She tucked her feet under her as she accepted a frosty mug from her uncle.

As Joe turned away, Thad said softly, “I figured you for the champagne and cavier type.”

“I can be, when the situation calls for it. But there are times when nothing tastes better than a cold beer.” She smiled at her uncle. “Especially after the work we managed to accomplish today.”

Joe winked at her as he chose a cushioned chair. “You've turned out an amazing amount of work since you got here. I think if you stay long enough, you just might dig me out from under that mountain that's had me buried.”

She gave a nod of acknowledgment. “My pleasure, sir. That's what I'm here for.”

Joe turned to Thad. “See why I love her?”

Thad ducked his head and sipped his beer. He
wondered just what the hell he was doing here. He was being paid to investigate not one, but two attempts on Joe Colton's life. And here he was drinking with the intended victim and thinking things he had no right to about the victim's niece.

He glowered as Jackson Colton entered the courtyard and joined them. It occurred to Thad that this man might very well be the snake in the Garden of Eden. Right now he was number one on the list of suspects.

Still, the music of the fountain and the coolness of the courtyard and the soothing sound of Heather's velvet voice were all conspiring against him.

What harm would it do to relax and simply savor the moment?

 

The moment turned into more than two hours, during which they laughed, argued politics and world trade, and enjoyed a simple meal of grilled salmon and a salad of tomatoes and onions marinated in the most amazing dressing Thad had ever tasted.

“I want this recipe,” he remarked as he filled his plate a second time.

“You cook?” Heather shot him a look across the patio table.

He shrugged. “When I find the time. Which isn't
often. But there's something satisfying about cooking. Especially over a grill. Ever try it?”

She chuckled. “Not often. But I do know how to cook. When the spirit moves me, that is.” She motioned toward his empty mug. “Want another beer?”

He shook his head. “No thanks. I have a long drive ahead of me. But if there's coffee, I'd love some.”

Heather walked to the kitchen and returned minutes later with a tray of coffee, cups and saucers, sugar and cream.

While she poured and passed them around, Joe glanced up at the lights of an approaching car. “Looks like we've got company.”

Minutes later Inez scurried off to the front door and returned, followed by a well-dressed man.

“Graham.” Joe Colton was on his feet and halfway across the courtyard before his guest could say a word. After greeting him, Joe led him toward the table where Heather and Thad were standing alongside Jackson.

After Heather had greeted her uncle, Joe turned to Thad. “Detective Thad Law, this is my brother Graham.”

“Detective Law.” Graham looked from his brother to the detective who towered over him. “Jackson called me about this latest shooting. I'm
sorry I couldn't be here sooner. Business in San Francisco. Have they found the gunman?”

“Not yet. But they're working on it.”

“Yes, this looks like hard work,” Graham said with a trace of sarcasm.

“Thad's off duty at the moment.” Joe's usual smile faded a bit. “We were just finishing dinner. Have you eaten?”

“I figured I'd let you feed me.” Graham, looking dapper in custom-tailored slacks and shirt, settled into a chair and carefully crossed one Italian leather-clad foot over the other. “What were you drinking?” He looked around and, spotting the empty mugs, gave a laugh. “Beer? I'll have Scotch. Rocks.” He turned his attention to Thad. “So, Detective, are you close to finding this madman? Or don't you discuss business after hours?”

Thad studied Joe's brother with the same care he used on everyone he met. “Like Joe said, we were just enjoying dinner.”

Joe handed his brother a tumbler of Scotch before settling into the chair beside him. His smile was warm and easy. “Well, Graham, I must say this visit is a pleasant surprise. Jackson thought you wouldn't be here for at least a few more days.”

“A surprise?” Graham turned to fix him with a look. “You mean Meredith didn't tell you I was coming?”

“She knew?”

Graham nodded. “I called her this morning and told her I was on my way.” He glanced around. “Where is Meredith?”

“She had an appointment at LaBelle. She'll be gone for a day or two. That's probably why she forgot to mention your visit. Too much on her mind lately.”

Graham visibly relaxed. “Yeah. That's true of all of us.” He turned to Thad. “So, Detective, tell us about what you've uncovered so far.”

Thad got to his feet. “Sorry. I wish I could. But there's no time.” He offered a handshake to Joe. “Thanks for drinks and dinner.”

“You're welcome. Let's do it again. Soon.”

Thad shook hands with Graham and Jackson.

When he turned to Heather she surprised him by saying, “Come on. I'll see you out.”

They left the others in the courtyard as they made their way along a hallway.

“That was very clever of you, Detective.”

At Heather's words he paused. “What was?”

“The way you managed to avoid answering any questions.”

He laughed. “Part of the job.”

They walked to the front door. After opening it, Thad paused on the threshold and turned to her. “I had a great time.”

“I'm glad. Does this mean you don't mind that my uncle pressured you into staying?”

Thad shook his head. “Not at all. I'm glad he did. I can't remember the last time I just sat around having a normal discussion with intelligent adults.”

Heather laughed. “You make it sound like you spend all your time in the company of babies.”

His grin was quick and unexpected. “Something like that.” He took a step back, determined not to touch her. “Now I really have to go.”

She placed a hand on his arm and felt the heat of his flesh against her palm. “I hope this doesn't mean you have a wife or girlfriend waiting at home for you, Detective.”

He absorbed the little jolt to his heart. “Why? Would you mind if I did?”

She laughed again. “If I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying to trap me into revealing something that would be better kept a secret.”

“Ah, secrets—my stock in trade. I'm a hard-boiled cop, remember?” If she kept her hand there much longer he'd go up in flames. In his best villainous imitation he leaned close and caught her chin in his hand. “Ve have ways of making you talk, woman.”