“Hello, Kasey.”

The bottom dropped out of her stomach. She had hoped this day would never come. Tanner Hart. That deep, sexy voice still had the power to jolt her. The way her luck had gone these past few days, she shouldn’t have been surprised that he’d shown up at Shirley’s funeral.

“It’s been a long time,” he commented into the growing and somewhat hostile silence. “How’s your son?”

Kasey’s heart wrenched, though she didn’t so much as move. “He’s great. He just finished his freshman year at Baylor.”

Their eyes met for another millisecond, but that was enough to up the already crackling tension between them.

“How did you know the deceased?” he asked.

“Shirley had taken me on as a partner,” she said through tight lips, wanting this conversation to end. Obviously he wasn’t aware that she’d witnessed Shirley’s murder, and she wasn’t prepared to tell him, either. The less he knew about her and her business, the better.

“Look, it was good to see you,” she said, anxious to get away. “But I really have to go.” Kasey had taken several steps when he spoke, stopping her, her heart taking a nosedive as she swung to face him.

“I have a proposition for you.”

Pulse Points
Mary Lynn Baxter

www.mirabooks.co.uk

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty-One

Chapter Forty-Two

One

T he parking garage seemed eerier than usual that evening. Kasey Ellis paused and unbuttoned her jacket, hoping to ward off the smothering heat of the July day. Normally she was gone long before the premises was filled with eerie shadows. But the disturbing situation at the office had kept her there, though she had nothing to show for her efforts except a burgeoning headache.

Thinking it was her less-than-rosy mood that was responsible for her paranoia, Kasey shrugged her uneasiness aside and upped her steps to her Toyota Camry. She had inserted her key in the lock when she heard the noise.

Pop. Like a gunshot.

Surely not, Kasey told herself, positive her paranoia was messing with her mind. Nonetheless, she stood motionless and listened while her heart lurched in her chest and her breathing turned labored. Only after she heard the sound again did she spin around.

Even then, she couldn’t immediately absorb the scene playing out in front of her.

A man was standing in the shadows with a gun pointed at a woman. Kasey froze and watched in manifested horror as another squeeze of gunfire assaulted her ears. This time the woman sank to the cement like a rag doll whose stuffings had been removed.

Kasey knew she had to do something. Anything, other than stand like she was encased in a huge block of ice. Then she heard another strange sound. Finally she realized it was coming from her. A whimpering erupted from her throat. She felt helpless and vulnerable in the midst of an oncoming bout of hysteria.

She shut her eyes, clinging to the remnant of hope that this was nothing but a contorted, macabre nightmare from which she would soon awaken. But when she opened her eyes, the woman remained crumpled and lifeless.

And the man had disappeared.

Do something, Kasey mouthed silently, making an effort to fight through the fog that dulled her mind, but it was impossible.

She had no idea where she found the courage to move her paralyzed limbs. Later, she credited the force of adrenaline that kicked in, giving her the strength to run to the victim and drop to her knees.

“Oh, my God,” she cried when she recognized the ashen-faced woman with the blood-splattered chest.

Her stomach churning and her vision blurring, Kasey lifted her head and took several deep, shuddering breaths, praying again that this was indeed a dream. But when she peered down once more, nothing had changed.

Her business partner, Shirley Parker, remained splayed on the pavement. Dead. Kasey lifted her head high again as the stench of fresh, oozing blood filled her nostrils making her dizzy.

Her stomach pitched and heaved, and for a moment, she feared she might faint. Instead she sucked in her breath, and without touching her partner, fumbled for her cell phone, then dialed 911.

“Please, hurry.” She didn’t even recognize her own voice. It was squeaky and faint. “There’s…there’s been a murder.”

The police station was frigid, though Kasey suspected it was her fractured nerves rather than the temperature that made her teeth clack together. Despite a valiant effort to get her emotions under control, she couldn’t seem to do so. She continued to reel from the fact that her world had just splintered into a million jagged pieces.

“Would you care for a cup of hot coffee?”

How else would coffee be? That unasked, but inane, question made Kasey realize that hysteria was once more bubbling close to the surface. Clasping her hands together in her lap and squeezing them seemed to temper that hysteria. But for how long was anyone’s guess.

Nothing was able to remove the imprint of Shirley’s bullet-riddled, blood-splattered body from her mind.

Kasey shivered again. While waiting for the police to arrive on the scene, she had stayed with Shirley. Her initial reaction, however, had been to jump in her car and drive straight home, lock her doors and crawl into bed. And pretend the nightmare never happened.

She couldn’t say what had kept her at the grisly scene. Perhaps she hadn’t been able to leave her friend alone even in death. Better yet, remaining had been the right thing to do. The police had been on their way, and she was the only witness to the crime.

Through it all, she had kept waiting for the killer to return and deliver her the same fate, though she didn’t think he’d seen her.

But what if he had?

“Here, drink this. Maybe it’ll help.”

Kasey flinched, then nodded her thanks at the man who handed her the cup. His name was Detective Richard Gallain. Even though a shroud of fog still swirled around her brain, she couldn’t help but take note of him. Physically, Gallain reminded her of a bulldog with his slightly bugged eyes, wide full mouth, and heavy jowls. Not a handsome man by any stretch of the imagination, but then he didn’t need to be. Putting murderers behind bars didn’t require good looks, just a skilled mind.

When he had arrived on the scene, Gallain had asked her if she was all right and what had happened. Somehow she’d managed to make enough sense to tell him what she’d witnessed.

Once the crime lab boys had arrived, Gallain suggested she accompany him to the police department for further questioning.

Now, as she waited for that to happen, Kasey sipped on the dark liquid, but it did nothing to soothe her shattered nerves. The coffee barely hit her stomach before it pitched in rejection. Shaking noticeably, she placed the cup on the desk and folded her hands in her lap.

“Relax, Mrs. Ellis. You’re safe here. We’re here to help you not hurt you.”

Gallain’s voice was as strong as his features. And confident. But not abrasive. Impatient was the word. She suspected he was ready to hit her with a barrage of questions, yet he seemed to sense how emotionally fragile she was and was trying to take it easy, something that apparently wasn’t easy for him.

“Are you up to talking?” Gallain paused, sweeping a hand though his crew cut. “I don’t want to rush you.” He let the rest of his sentence trail off but she got the message.

His impatience was no longer veiled, though his voice remained even. Of course, he wanted to rush her. Who was he kidding? She expected him to bark at her any minute, a thought that at one time might have drawn a smile. Not today. Not after she’d just witnessed a murder. And not just a random murder, either but that of her friend and partner.

Kasey took a deep, shuddering breath in hopes of blotting out that painful image, at least for the moment. It didn’t work. When she stared into Gallain’s sharp green eyes, it was Shirley’s white face and lifeless body that she saw.

She blinked when another detective entered the cubicle. A tall man with a kind face, he folded his arms, leaned against the door, then merely nodded at her.

“Mrs. Ellis.”

As though being chastised for removing her gaze, Kasey swung her eyes back to Gallain. “I’m sorry. It’s just that—” Her words faded into the tomblike silence of the small cubicle, though she was aware that on the other side people were scurrying about and telephones were ringing.

“So you still don’t think the killer saw you?”

“Like I told you at the scene, I don’t think so, but again I can’t be one hundred percent sure.” Kasey noticed her voice trembled. She bit down on her lower lip to control it.

“Okay, did you see him?” The detective’s eyes pinned her with intensity.

“No. I mean I did, but I didn’t.”

Gallain didn’t so much as twitch a muscle at her contradictory response. “You’re sure about that?”

“Absolutely. The man who fired the shots was a blur then and still is.”

“How ’bout what he was wearing?”

When she didn’t answer, Gallain went on, “His clothes. You must’ve noticed something. His shirt. The color of it, perhaps. Something.”

“Not…really.” She felt her own frustration building. “Everything happened so fast.”

For a second, Gallain stared at her as if he didn’t believe a word she’d said. Maybe that was what suddenly roused her out of her traumatized state and forced her upright. She stared back.

He rubbed his chin, then the base of his neck. When he spoke again, his demeanor had softened somewhat. “Look, I don’t like this any better than you, but without you, we have nothing.”

“Don’t you think I want to help?” Kasey rubbed her pounding forehead. “That I’m trying hard to remember? My God, I saw this sicko kill someone.” Her tone had risen to a shrill ring.

“Maybe if we gave her some time, Gallain, eased up a bit, she would be of more help.”

Both Kasey and the detective cast their eyes in the direction of the other officer who had pushed away from the wall and was ambling toward them.

Before Gallain could take umbrage to another opinion, the man eased down on the edge of the desk and said with a smile, “I’m Detective Hal Spiller.”

Fleeting as that smile was, it seemed to enhance the kindness in his face, which in turn bolstered her confidence a notch, something she badly needed.

“Sorry about what happened to your friend, Mrs. Ellis,” Spiller added into the loaded silence.

“So am I,” Kasey responded in a small voice.

“How far away were you?” Gallain asked, the briskness back in his tone, obviously resenting the intrusion and the rebuke.

“I’m not sure.”

“How far is that?” Gallain pressed in spite of the growing frown from Spiller. “I need details.”

“A few yards, give or take.”

Gallain thrust his hands though his hair again and released a deep sigh.

Kasey’s blue eyes flared. “Look, I can only tell you what I saw and didn’t see, right?”

“Right,” Spiller said, focusing his glare on Gallain.

Gallain shrugged. “Okay, I’ll accept that for now. But once you’ve had time to get over the initial shock, I want to concentrate on the killer himself. I’m betting you saw more than you think.”

“I hope you’re right, Detective. I want to solve this as much as you do.”

“So what about Shirley Parker? I bet you can tell me something about what made the deceased tick.”

“I didn’t…don’t know a lot about her away from the office.”

“I understood her to be a friend as well as your partner,” he pressed.

Once again Kasey didn’t like his tone, but she ignored it. He was just doing his job, she reminded herself, which was trying to find out who killed Shirley. And though she respected that, she didn’t respect his method of going about it.

“We were friends, yes, but never running buddies, so to speak. I knew her growing up, even though she was quite a few years older than me. She actually gave me my start in advertising. As a result, I always considered her my mentor. Still, we hadn’t seen each other in years until she called me out of the blue and made me an offer I thought I couldn’t turn down.”

“What about since you’ve been back?” Gallain asked, seeming to scrutinize her closer.

“Not then, either.”

“What did you talk about over lunch or dinner? That kind of thing, things women talk about. Perhaps she had a man in her life and discussed him with you.”

“If so, she never said,” Kasey replied, “and I never asked.”

He stared at her a moment longer, then released a breath. “So what did you talk about?”

“Work mostly.”

“I understand the agency’s in deep financial trouble.”

He’d been quick to find that out. She had to admire him. “You understood correctly. We’re struggling to stay open.”

“Did Ms. Parker ever tell you why?”

“No, she didn’t.”

“What happened when you asked her about it?”

“She told me not to worry about it, that she’d take care of me and the business.”

“And you believed her?”

Kasey jutted her chin. “At first, then I realized I’d been had. Before I could have another chat with her, she was—”

“So what about the books?” he interrupted.

Kasey quickly regained her composure. “From what I’ve seen of them, there’s nothing to indicate where the money went.” Kasey paused. “Apparently everyone at the agency was kept in the dark.”

Gallain stood. “Seems like the lady had a lot of secrets.”

“What have you found out?” Kasey asked, turning the tables on him.

“Not much. We went over her home with a fine-tooth comb. Nothing there that implicates anyone.” He paused. “You still remain our best hope for solving this case, Mrs. Ellis. And I’m not giving up. On you.”

Kasey didn’t respond. What could she say that hadn’t already been said?

Gallain glanced at his partner. “Meanwhile, Spiller here will keep an eye on you and your place for a few days.”

“Just in case he did see me,” Kasey finished, the tremor having returned to her voice.

“That’s right.”

Another loaded silence permeated the office. Only Spiller’s muffled cough broke it. Kasey rose to her feet and swayed as the room spun. Gallain’s fingers circled her upper arm. “Are you okay?”

As quickly as the room had shifted, it settled. “I will be,” she lied. After this night, she feared she’d never be all right again.

“Detective Spiller will drive you home, then see to your vehicle. I’ll be in touch.”

No, please, Kasey’s mind screamed in rebellion. She wanted this session to be the end of her involvement. Unfortunately it seemed to be just the beginning.

Two

S he was exhausted. However, Kasey knew sleep would elude her, so she didn’t bother going to bed. Following a hot bath, which seemed to have wired her more, she made a cup of hot chocolate and sat on the wicker chaise lounge in her bedroom.

It would be nice to sip on the drink, and in between sips close her eyes, maybe even dose a bit. Fear of what she would see imprinted on the back of her lids kept her eyes wide-open. Would that terrifying image of Shirley’s blood-stained body ever leave her? Not for a long time, she told herself. If ever.

Kasey gnawed on her lower lip, her gaze veering to the French doors that led onto her tiny third floor balcony. When Shirley had told her about this secluded apartment complex nestled between numerous oaks and pine trees, Kasey hadn’t been all that excited.

First, she hadn’t wanted to go into another apartment. She had wanted a small house; unfortunately she couldn’t afford one. Second, she hadn’t wanted to live on the third floor; the thought of trudging up such a long flight of stairs was uninviting.

Now, she was glad to be there. An intruder would have a much more difficult time getting to her. Kasey shivered then reached for the afghan at the end of the lounge even though the July night was so hot and humid, she’d had difficulty in cooling her apartment. Once the coverlet was over her, she shifted her eyes back to the doors. She had to stop dwelling on morbid thoughts and possibilities.

The fact that she wasn’t alone, that Detective Spiller was lurking somewhere in the darkness keeping watch on her, should have offered her a measure of reassurance.

“Rest easy, Mrs. Ellis. Nothing will happen to you on my watch,” he’d told her when he escorted her to the door.

Somehow she had dredged up a smile. “I’m counting on that.”

“If you need anything or if anything out of the ordinary happens, call me on my cell.” He pulled a card out of his pocket and handed it to her.

“I’ll be fine,” she said, not at all certain that was the truth.

He stepped back, then paused. “Don’t let Gallain upset you. He’s not always that abrasive.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“No,” he admitted a bit sheepishly.

She managed another smile. “Don’t worry. I can handle him. He can’t make me see what I didn’t see or say what I don’t know.”

Spiller seemed suddenly uncomfortable as if he’d spoken out of turn. “Protecting you is our primary goal.”

Again she was struck by his kindness. As she closed and bolted her door, she wished he’d been in charge of the investigation instead of Gallain. She had never been questioned by the police. Now that she had, it wouldn’t go down as one of her most treasured memories.

Maybe that was why Spiller’s presence couldn’t alleviate her anxiety even though she was home, out from under the prying eyes of his cohort. Her stomach continued to heave as reality struck her like a blow. She had witnessed the brutal taking of another person’s life—her friend and partner. Tears burned her eyes, and she blinked several times.

She hoped Shirley hadn’t suffered, that she hadn’t known what hit her. Kasey pulled the afghan under her chin and once again tried to focus her thoughts elsewhere. It didn’t work. Her mind rebelled.

Had the killer seen her?

No. He couldn’t have. He had never known she was there.

But what if he had?

That question kept haunting her. What if she was wrong and he was just biding his time until he came after her, thinking she could identify him? That thought almost brought Kasey’s heart to a standstill.

Apparently Gallain had thought so or he wouldn’t have put her under protective watch. But for now, she was safe in her home. Her gaze touched on things that surrounded her—familiar things such as pictures, plants, books and even her chintz-covered furniture. The fact that the latter needed replacing, and she’d grieved over the fact she hadn’t the means to do that, no longer seemed important.

Tomorrow, however, she would have to leave this security and deal with Shirley’s untimely death, a death that had a profound and life-altering effect on her.

Kasey reached for the remote control and switched on the television, hoping to catch the late news. No doubt the murder would make headlines on the local stations, as well as in the papers, for days to come. In addition, the gossip mill would be churning.

Although Rushmore had a population of over a hundred thousand, it still had many qualities of a small East Texas town. People made it their business to know their neighbors’ business.

Kasey concentrated on the television. News of the bone-chilling murder was indeed being played out in vivid detail. Unable to view the crime scene again, she shifted her gaze and listened, mainly to see if anyone else had come forward as a witness. No such luck.

Kasey wasn’t surprised. She had known all along she had been the only person in the garage other than Shirley and the killer. Who was he? Who had despised Shirley so much that he wanted her dead? Was her death perhaps business related? Or personal?

A long time ago Shirley might have confided in her and vice versa, but their old friendship had been damaged by recent events. Since her husband Mark’s death two years ago, Kasey had been working in an advertising agency in Dallas. While it had been an okay job, it in no way met her financial obligations or fueled her dream of bettering herself, perhaps one day owning her own agency.

So when Shirley had contacted her and offered her a partnership in her agency in Rushmore where Kasey had been born and reared, she had been ecstatic, certain life was about to turn around and take on a new dimension.

“You can’t imagine what this call means to me,” Kasey had said following Shirley’s offer. “Although I’m not anywhere near worthy of this opportunity,” she added. “I’ve only been back in the workplace for two years, and I’m awfully rusty in a lot of areas.”

“I don’t believe that for a second,” Shirley responded. “Besides—”

Kasey cut her off, anxious to square things from the get-go. “More than that, I don’t have any money to buy into the business.” She paused, trying to figure out how to tell Shirley the truth and keep her pride intact.

She had thought Mark had been a good provider, only to learn upon his death that they were on the brink of financial disaster. For two years she had struggled with her feelings of betrayal and the financial albatross around her neck. To date, she hadn’t won either battle.

“We can work something out,” Shirley said into the growing silence. “Bottom line, I need help. The agency’s grown too much for me to handle alone. I need someone whom I can trust and who will do a good job.” She paused with a chuckle. “Kasey Ellis immediately came to mind.”

“While those words are so good for my ego, I’m still not sure I’m the right person. After all—”

This time it was Shirley who interrupted. “After all nothing. Remember we go back a long way, and I know what you’re capable of doing.”

In retrospect, she knew Shirley was right. She had introduced Kasey to the world of advertising, having given her her first job during high school. Kasey had worked summers for her. Although a decade plus separated them in age, they had become friends. While they had lost touch over the intervening years, Kasey had not forgotten Shirley or how much she had taught her about the business.

Shirley had gone on to insist she come to Rushmore, see the agency, then they would talk. Kasey had done just that, impressed far beyond her wildest imagination at Shirley’s accomplishments. Maybe the fact that she’d devoted herself to her career, choosing never to marry and have a family, had been the contributing factor to her success in the business world.

“Having seen what I’m all about, are you interested?” Shirley had asked several days later over coffee in the small kitchen in the rear of the agency.

Kasey hadn’t answered immediately, studying Shirley from under long thick lashes. The years had been kind to her friend. Though fifty-two, she could pass for forty-two. Her dark, grayless hair was short and stylish. Her complexion was flawless, and her hazel eyes were deep and lovely. The designer suit she wore made the most of her tall buxom figure. Kasey couldn’t imagine how she’d managed to remain single.

“So, what’s the verdict?”

Shirley’s question jarred Kasey back to the moment. “Actually, I’m in awe and slightly overwhelmed.”

Not only was the agency housed in a plush high-rise office complex, it had become the largest and most successful firm in the city with a more than adequate staff. The idea that she would ever be a part of something so successful was more than Kasey could take in.

As if Shirley sensed Kasey’s inner struggle, she chuckled, then said, “Don’t make this more complicated than it is. Just take the opportunity at face value and run with it.”

That was exactly what she’d done. That day they had worked out terms of a contract and Kasey had made the move. Now, six months later, she was sowing what she had so hastily reaped. She should have known when something appeared to be too good to be true, it usually was.

Like she’d told Gallain, she had been assured by Shirley that the agency was solvent and thriving. Shortly after her arrival in Rushmore, the sure thing Shirley had dangled like a carrot hadn’t borne out.

Hence, Kasey had felt betrayed once again by someone she trusted. She had been in the process of weighing her options, but now, with Shirley’s sudden demise, her options were clear. She had no choice but to close the floundering agency and seek work elsewhere.

Kasey’s emotions suddenly surged and that queasy feeling returned to her stomach. What had seemed so wonderful and challenging had turned into a hideous nightmare that showed no signs of ending.

Beside her the phone rang; she flinched. When she checked the caller ID and saw who it was, her bleak situation suddenly brightened. It was her son Brock calling from Waco where he was a freshman at Baylor University.

“Hey, darling, I’m so glad you called,” she said to her son, her voice breaking.

“Mom, what’s wrong? Are you sick?”

She should’ve been more careful. Since his dad’s death, she had forgotten how Brock had matured far beyond his eighteen years and how intuitive he had become where she was concerned.

“No, but it hasn’t been one of my better days.” Although she loathed the thought of telling her son what had happened, she had no choice. She didn’t want him to hear the gory details of Shirley’s death and her innocent involvement from some other source.

“What happened?” he demanded in such a manly, take-charge tone that tears gathered in her eyes.

These last few months, he had been the force that had kept her from sinking into a dark hole of despair.

“Shirley was murdered tonight,” she finally said.

“Holy shit!”

She probably should’ve protested his choice of words, but she didn’t, especially when she agreed with his assessment of the situation. “There’s more, Brock. I saw it happen.”

“Holy shit,” he muttered again. “I’m on my way home, Mom.”

Suddenly she panicked, the blood in her veins turning to ice. “Don’t you dare.”

“Why not?”

He sounded shocked and offended and well he should. She couldn’t ever remember a time when she’d discouraged him from coming home. Never was she more content and happier than when he was asleep in his bed under her roof. Now, more than ever, nothing would right her upside down world like the sight of her son and the chance to give him a big hug.

Under the present circumstances, however, she couldn’t allow herself that luxury.

“I’m afraid, that’s why,” she admitted without hesitation. “I don’t want you involved in any of this.”

“Ah, that’s not going to happen.”

“I know that, son. Still, I think it best you stay away from me for a while.” She paused. “I couldn’t bear it if something happened to you.”

She paused as hot tears scalded her face, having just voiced her worst fear.

Three

“I don’t approve.”

Tanner Hart gave his attorney, friend and political advisor an off-center smile that bordered on sarcasm. “Thanks for your support.”

“What did you expect?” Jack Milstead countered, his round, fair-skinned features etched in a frown that drew attention to his shiny pink cheekbones.

Tanner stretched his lean, taut body as far back in the small chair as it would allow, searching for a more comfortable position. In between working all hours of the night, he’d vented his frustrations on his gym equipment at home; he suspected he’d overdone it.

He and Jack had decided to meet in a coffee shop instead of one of their offices for their weekly get-together. Since he hadn’t slept much, he needed some strong stuff to jump-start his day.

This place was one of his favorite haunts, a small, privately owned and operated coffee shop. The smell of flavored coffees and fresh baked breads and pastries always made his mouth water. Thank goodness it wasn’t all that frantic this morning. They had found a table in the back, and for the moment, the area belonged to them.

“No way can I give such a foolhardy stunt my blessings,” Jack added, a pulse leaping in his jaw. “Not at this stage of the game, anyway.”

“Are you about to lecture me, Jack?”

“If that’s what it takes.”

Tanner curbed a sigh. How could he tell his friend to give it a rest, that he knew what he was doing? But crossing Jack was no easy feat, not when he thought he knew best. And most of the time he did, Tanner conceded. Hell, if it hadn’t been for Milstead, he wouldn’t even be in the race for the Texas Senate.

Jack lived for politics, though he’d never had the desire to run for office himself. “I work best behind the scenes,” he’d told Tanner, “grooming young men like you to run this great state.”

In his late sixties, Milstead was a self-made man who had gotten into the nursing home business at the right time and was now a millionaire several times over.

Tanner had met him and his wife, Sissy, and son, Ralph, before he’d married Norma. They had been old and dear friends of hers. He and Jack had hit it off immediately and in turn had become friends. Tanner guessed he admired and respected him more than anyone else he knew. Holding on to his approval was terribly important to him.

“Cat got your tongue, boy?” Jack demanded, leaning forward, his eyebrows drawn together in a fierce frown.

Tanner fingered his tie, feeling the humidity as though he were outside. Or perhaps it was his mentor’s intense scrutiny that made him uncomfortable. “Okay, maybe it wasn’t the smartest move I’ve ever made, and probably not great timing, but I felt it was a necessary evil.”

“For a man without any political experience, but who’s entering the final leg of the race, you just don’t go firing your ad agency.”

“Why not?” Tanner asked, his deep voice even and cool.

“Because it could spell political suicide, that’s why.”

“I disagree,” Tanner said with vigor, though his confidence did erode somewhat under Jack’s piercing gaze. Still, he defended his actions. “The agency wasn’t doing Jack-shit.” He broke off with another grin. “No pun intended, of course.”

Jack flapped his hand, then ran it though his thick graying hair and on down to his mustache. “Yeah, yeah.”

“Anyhow,” Tanner continued, his tone once again abrupt and all business, “it’ll work out. Besides, it’s a done deal. The Randolph Agency in Dallas is history.”

Jack’s scowl didn’t lessen. “Well, done deals can be undone. In the political world that’s an everyday occurrence.”

“But not in my world.” Tanner’s tone was rigid. “I make a decision, I stick to it. Just like I’ve stuck to the issues that I feel passionate about.”

That last pointed remark brought a flush to Jack’s already heated features, and he cursed. To date, issues had been the only bone of contention between the two men. Jack had wanted to have a large say in Tanner’s platform. And Tanner had indulged him up to a point. But then, he’d had to step in and take charge, realizing that it took fire in one’s belly to win big. In order to start that fire and get it roaring, Tanner had to stick to his own convictions.

“All right, I’ll keep my mouth shut and hope you know what you’re doing. What does Irene say about it?”

Irene Sullivan was his campaign manager who had hired the agency in the first place.

“I don’t know. I haven’t told her.”

“My guess is she’ll shit a brick.”

“Probably. Maybe then she’ll feel better.”

Jack grunted. “Funny. Actually, she’s the one you needed to dump. She’s too much in-your-face, too ballsy to suit me. I don’t know how the two of you keep from butting heads on a daily basis.”

“We have our moments,” Tanner said, “that’s for sure. But overall, she does a good job. She has a mind like a steel trap, and you know how well-traveled she is in the political arena. That adds to her value.”

“How ’bout the fact that she’s a looker? Are you telling me that doesn’t fit into the equation?”

“I’m not screwing her, Jack, if that’s what you’re getting at.”

“I bet it’s not from lack of trying on her part.”

“How did we get off on this topic of conversation anyway?” Tanner lost his patience. “I can and will handle Irene, keep the bit in her mouth, if need be. So don’t worry.”

“As long as she does the job,” Jack mumbled, “I guess that’s all that matters.”

Tanner sipped on his coffee. “Like it or not, her strategy, along with yours and lots of others, has turned me into a viable candidate.”

“Not a damned easy task, either,” Jack muttered with a fleeting grin.

Tanner tightened the harsh planes of his face. “No one knows that better than me. I’ll never forget that day you approached me and asked if I was interested in politics. I thought you’d lost your mind.”

“That fateful day wasn’t all that long ago, my friend,” Jack mused, taking a drink of his coffee.

“It seems like forever. What with trying to jockey my business and my leap into politics, I often wonder what hit me. At times, it’s almost driven me over the edge.”

“Firing the Randolph Agency was apparently one of those times.” As if sensing Tanner was about to fire back, Jack raised his hand in a token of peace. “Sorry, didn’t mean to resurrect that dead horse.”

“Good, because you’re right, it’s dead. What you don’t know is that I’ve had to continually kick butt behind the scenes on practically everything they’ve done—media ads, slogans, posters, letters. You name it. But the real pisser has been the name recognition factor, key to my beating an incumbent. You’ve drilled that into me from day one. Somehow I never got that point across to that agency.”

“In defense of them, you’re a perfectionist and a hands-on kind of guy. That makes you hard to work for and with. I don’t see that changing with another agency.”

Tanner shrugged before a grin tugged his lips downward. “True, but I’d still like for someone else to do the grunt work, especially with this new project I’m working on.”

Since he was a longshot for the senate seat in District 2, it wouldn’t be wise to let his lucrative developing company suffer. It was his success in the business world that had been the springboard for this venture into politics, an asset that had escaped him until Jack had approached him.

Like he’d told Jack, keeping both his company and his political career afloat hadn’t been easy. They had consumed him. He was either working or campaigning 24/7. Not a bad thing, he guessed, especially since his wife’s death he had no one to go home to. Work had become a panacea for his loneliness.

“Have you thought about getting someone to mind the company store, so to speak?” Jack said into the short silence. “I don’t need to remind you what a formidable candidate Buck Butler is.”

“As in ruthless as hell.”

“That goes with the territory.”

When Tanner didn’t respond, Jack went on, “Sometimes I don’t think you have the stomach for politics.”

Tanner scowled. “Now’s a hell of a time to tell me that.”

Jack chuckled. “You’re honest to a goddamn fault, Hart.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Don’t, because Butler’s sure as hell not. He’s conniving and determined. And in the political arena, that can be a winning combination.”

Tanner leaned inward and jabbed his friend with brown eyes that had turned black with anger. “So are you trying to tell me something, Jack? That you’re sorry you supported me?”

“You know better than that,” Jack said, clearly backtracking. “I’m just keeping you on your toes, that’s all. Readying you for the grueling months ahead.”

“We’ve been friends long enough for you to know that I can punch below the belt with the best of ’em. And will if I have to.”

That was true. You couldn’t grow up the way he had, in and out of the foster care system because his mother’s love for the bottle far outweighed her love for him, and not learn a few underhanded tricks. He’d done a lot of things he wasn’t proud of, had his share of battle scars, but he’d learned from his mistakes, or so he hoped.

“Maybe you’re right,” Jack was saying. “Maybe you won’t have to stoop to his level and can hold to the high road. With your good looks, easy smile, razor-sharp mind and iron will to succeed, you just might whip Butler up-front and center instead of in the trenches.”

“Only time will tell,” Tanner responded in a suddenly tired voice.

“So do you have another agency in mind? Maybe a local one this time. The Parker firm would’ve been a good choice if that Parker woman hadn’t gotten killed in that parking garage.” Jack paused, his expression turning grim. “I still can’t believe that happened. What could that woman have possibly been involved in that cost her her life?”

“I have no idea,” Tanner said, “but it’s an awful thing. That’s one funeral I have to attend.”

“You knew her, huh?”

“Yeah,” Tanner acknowledged offhandedly, pointedly peering at his watch. “As much as I’d like to stay and shoot the shit, I’ve got to go. I have meetings lined up the rest of the day.”

Jack reached for the bill. “The coffee’s on me. You keep me posted.”

Tanner stood. “That goes without saying.”

The strong smell of coffee still filled his nostrils long after Tanner got back to his office in a plush complex on the west side of town. The affluent side, he reminded himself with a smirk of sorts, thanks in part to Norma Tisdale, his deceased wife.

When he’d married her his senior year in college, many an eyebrow had raised in that small college town. She’d been ten years his senior and from a very prestigious and wealthy family. He, on the other hand, had been a nobody who’d been raised on the wrong side of the tracks.

The two weren’t supposed to mix. But they had and very well, too. He knew Norma had died a happy woman despite the pain she had suffered from her heart condition. He had no regrets, having been faithful in his care of her to the day she died. She had rewarded him by leaving him the bulk of her estate. That had been seven years ago.

During those years, he had used the money wisely, and at the age of forty, he was a wealthy man in his own right. And while he seemed to have it all—looks, wealth, power—there was something missing from his life.

Love. He loved no one and no one loved him.

Even so, he didn’t feel sorry for himself. He simply buried himself in his work. For now, and maybe forever, that was enough.

You’re fucked.

Those words were like a litany inside his skull. He stopped his pacing and placed his middle fingers against his throbbing temples and pressed. Long after he’d removed the fingers, the pounding continued. He needed a fix badly in order to get hold of himself. Pushing the panic button wouldn’t do him one ounce of good. It would only serve to bring about his downfall.

He wasn’t sorry he’d killed her. The bitch deserved exactly what she’d gotten and then some.

He was just sorry he might’ve gotten caught. Might. That was the key word, the word he’d clung to during the hours since he’d committed the act, since he’d bolted from the parking garage and disappeared into the shadows.

She had seemed to come out of nowhere. If he’d had one more minute, he could’ve made a clean hit and getaway. Everything had been planned down to the smallest detail, only to have her mess it up. He’d entered the garage long before Shirley had made her appearance and waited. Alone and silent, he had been confident his plan would come off without a hitch.

Dammit, it almost had, too.

Afterward, with his heart beating out of his chest and his teeth knocking together, he’d driven to his sister’s house instead of his. He’d unlocked the door and walked in, only to pull up short. Flora had rolled her wheelchair to the table and was drinking a glass of milk.

“Sorry, sis, I thought you’d be in bed,” he said for a lack of a better explanation, “or I would’ve knocked.”

“No, you wouldn’t have.” She angled her head to one side, her greasy, gray curls bobbing with her. “But it doesn’t matter, or I wouldn’t have given you a key.”

“Whatever,” he mumbled, feeling his heart settle back in rhythm. He should be kicked for coming here, for perhaps involving her and further endangering himself in the process. He couldn’t remember his mother, and his father was dead. His sister was his only living relative, and following the auto accident that left her chained to a wheelchair, he’d done all he could to better her situation. But he could only go so far and no farther. Some things she would not allow him to do, like move her to a larger, nicer place.

The house, so tiny it was stifling, was a battlefield between filth and illness. Dusty old newspapers and magazines littered the threadbare linoleum floor. Roaches feasted on the leftovers in the dishes cluttering the cabinets. The smell of stale piss overpowered the air-fresheners he’d placed in the light sockets.

“What happened?”

Flora’s scratchy voice pulled him out of his daze. Nothing out of the ordinary, sis. I just shot a woman and killed her. No big deal.

“You look like shit.”

Color stung his face at the scorn in her voice. “I had a bad day at work,” he muttered.

“I have a feeling it’s more than that. Have you been drinking?”

He took a deep shuddering breath. “I wish.”

“There’s some beer in the fridge. Help yourself.”

Beer, hell. He needed something much stronger, but he couldn’t tell her that. “Uh, maybe later.”

She gave him another odd look. “You sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah, I’ll be all right. I just stopped by to check on you.”

“You’re lying,” she said in a cracked voice. “But that’s okay. I’m used to it.”

His temper sparked, but he didn’t fire back. No matter how much he did for her, it was never enough. She had become an embittered, shriveled up old woman with an ax to grind.

“I’m going to bed. Lock the door behind you.”

“Thanks, sis.” His words were coated in sarcasm. “I know I can always count on you.”

She gave him another long look, then wheeled herself out of the room. He didn’t know how long he stood there, the creak in the wheels sending a chill through him.

It was only after he heard the wailing of a siren in the distance that he moved. He fled Flora’s house and drove down every country road he knew. Finally exhaustion forced him to his rented mobile home.

Now, as he continued to pace the floor, he peered at the clock on the secretary in the den. If she’d seen him, he would have been arrested by now. The fact that he hadn’t was a good sign. Suddenly he stopped pacing, feeling his muscles uncoil.

He’d done himself right by waiting, by gambling that she hadn’t seen his face. He threw his head back and laughed. Quite possibly he’d pulled off the perfect murder. His laughter grew in volume. After all, he had an insurance policy.

He knew her.

Four

F ollowing the release of Shirley’s body by the authorities, she was finally being laid to rest. If the number of people attending the funeral was anything to judge by, that was the place to be. It seemed as if half the townfolk had made an appearance at the chapel, perhaps in hopes of viewing Shirley’s bullet-ridden body.

If that were the case, then they were disappointed as the casket had been closed. And well it should have been, Kasey thought, standing to one side at the grave-side services that had immediately followed the memorial tribute. Though not nearly as congested as the service proper, a goodly number had made the trip to the cemetery.

Shirley apparently had built herself a fine reputation in the community, both as a civic leader and business-woman. Still, Kasey suspected the majority of attendees were there out of morbid curiosity.

Kasey had known that Shirley’s parents were deceased and that she had no siblings. Hence, the only two family members in attendance were two cousins. She had met them earlier and expressed her condolences.

Now, as she forced herself to listen to the final words of the minister, Kasey lowered her gaze, wishing once again that this horrible chapter in her life was behind her.

When she finally looked up, she saw Detective Gallain among the mourners. Her instinct told her he wouldn’t leave until he spoke to her. She was right.

“Hello, Mrs. Ellis,” he said a short time later.

Though a feeling of dread surrounded her, Kasey maintained her composure. “Good afternoon, Detective.”

“Are you feeling better?” he asked, the uncomfortably warm sun catching the frayed corner of his tie, drawing attention to his disheveled appearance.

Kasey nodded as she dwelled on that simple flaw while waiting for him to say what was on his mind. This was his show. She had nothing new to contribute to the investigation.

“I just wanted to let you know I’ll be around to your office soon to interview the employees.”

“That will be fine, only the agency’s closed for the rest of the week.” Kasey heard the stiffness in her tone, but couldn’t control it. “Out of respect for Shirley.”

Gallain narrowed his eyes on her. “Speaking of Ms. Parker, have you thought of anything else that might help catch her killer?”

“I’m sorry, no.”

“I’m not giving up on you, Mrs. Ellis. You’re still our best hope of solving this brutal crime.”

“I know you feel that way. And I wish I could be of more help. I feel terrible because I can’t give you the magic words that would nail the creep.”

“Just so you don’t stop trying.”

Did he expect her to dwell on that tragedy? Replay it in her mind in hopes something might click? Apparently so. But she refused to do that, though at night when she closed her eyes, Shirley’s body was what she saw. The scene haunted her. If she let it consume her days as well, it would be impossible to maintain her focus and her sanity.

“No small incidents to report?” Gallain pressed.

“Detective Spiller’s watching my house.”

“Right, but there are other ways to scare the hell out of someone.” Gallain’s gaze didn’t waver. “Like phone calls, for instance.”

“Nothing like that has happened.” Kasey paused and pushed her shades closer on the bridge of her nose, trying to block out the blinding sunlight. “But I have to say, this all has me really spooked.”

“Well it should. Until the killer is apprehended we won’t know for sure he didn’t see you. It wouldn’t be wise for you to drop your guard.”

“No one knows that better than me, Detective.”

“Later, then.”

Kasey could only nod, her throat suddenly too tight to speak as she watched Gallain make his way to the unmarked car and get in. In that moment, he reminded her of the bumbling, fumbling Detective Colombo. Sly as a fox and persistent as the devil. And never failing to get the bad guy.

It was after she paid her final condolences to Shirley’s cousins that she saw him. At first she tried to pretend her eyes were playing tricks on her, that the sun’s rays had caused her to misfocus. But when he strode toward her, he filled her vision with solid clarity.

Tanner Hart.

The bottom dropped out of her stomach. She had hoped this day would never come. He was the last person she wanted to see. Ever. But the way her luck had gone these past few days and months, she shouldn’t have been surprised. Still, it was unfair. Two major blows to the heart in a matter of days were too much.

Kasey longed to turn and run like the coward she was. Only it was too late. Also, her dignity was at stake. The fact she hadn’t seen him in almost nineteen years gave her the courage to hold her ground. No longer were they stupid young college students. She certainly wasn’t and from the looks of him, neither was he. Far from it.

He looked the success she knew him to be. It hadn’t escaped her that he was vying for a Texas senate seat, though she refused to read any of the details of his campaign rhetoric. However, if she’d known he resided in Rushmore proper, and not some other county in the district, she might not have been so quick to take Shirley up on her offer.

Once she’d realized he was in town, she had assured herself they wouldn’t run into each other, that their lives were on different tracks, both socially and financially. Apparently she’d been naive or had buried her head in the sand. Or both, because he was in front of her, staring at her out of those dark, probing eyes.

“Hello, Kasey.”

That deep, sexy voice hadn’t changed. It still had the power to jolt her. Actually, very little about him had changed. He was a mature version of the young man she’d known in college. Maybe his angular features had a few more battle lines, but those were an attraction rather than a detraction. His sun-streaked brown hair remained thick and shiny without any hint of gray, despite the fact that he was forty.

“It’s been a long time,” he commented into the growing and somewhat hostile silence.

“Yes, it has.”

“You’re looking well.”

“So are you.” Kasey didn’t know when she’d carried on such a stilted conversation.

“You’re living here now, right?”

“Yes.” His cologne continued to roll over her in waves. She held her breath for a second, then released it. “How did you know?”

“Does it matter?”

“Not really,” she said in a cool tone, not about to give him the satisfaction of knowing that he had disconcerted her.

“I’m sorry about Mark. I know my condolences are long overdue, but—” He let the rest of his sentence go unsaid.

“Thanks,” she said in a sharper tone than she intended.

If he picked up on that sharpness, he didn’t let on. Instead he continued in that same smooth tone, “How’s your son?”

Her heart wrenched, though she didn’t so much as move. “He’s great.”

“And in college.”

Kasey didn’t know if he’d asked a question or stated a fact. “He just finished his freshman year at Baylor.”

“Good for him.”

Their eyes met for another millisecond, but that was enough to up the already crackling tension between them. Kasey glanced away from his disturbing gaze, then fidgeted under the boiling sun and the intense humidity. Her body seemed on fire, taking a decent breath impossible. In truth, she suspected the climate had little to do with her discomfort.

“How did you know Shirley?” he asked.

“You mean you don’t know?”

Color darkened his face. “No. Regardless of what you think, I haven’t been spying on you, Kasey. I just knew you’d moved back. That’s all.”

She fidgeted silently and didn’t respond.

“So did you know the deceased well?”

“Well enough. She had taken me on as a partner,” she said through tight lips, wanting this conversation to end. She had already told him far too much.

“My God, I’m so sorry. You must be going through a tough time right now.”

“I’ve had better days.”

“Is there anything I can do?”

She quelled her panic and forced her voice to show none of her conflicting emotions. “No, thanks. I’m going to be all right.”

“Are you going to remain here and run the agency?”

Obviously he wasn’t aware that she’d witnessed her partner’s murder. She wasn’t prepared to tell him, either. The less he knew about her and her business, the better.

“I’m not sure yet.” And she wasn’t. Granted, she and Shirley had a binding partnership agreement, and by law the agency should become hers, but that was nothing to brag about. It appeared she had inherited an albatross instead of an asset. However, she saw no reason to share those thoughts with Tanner, either.

All that was important to her was putting distance between the two of them. God forbid that another happenstance meeting should occur. As it was, she was barely keeping her head above water.

“Look, it was good to see you,” she said, anxious to get away. “But I really have to go.” Kasey had taken several steps when he spoke, stopping her.

“Would you mind if I stopped by the agency?”

Her heart took a nosedive before she swung around.

As if he sensed she was about to give him a negative response, he added, “I have a business proposition I’d like to discuss with you.”

Frustration chewed on him.

Richard Gallain cursed under his breath as he sat at his desk, paperwork piled high around him. In fact, his entire office seemed nothing but a mountain of freaking paper. He was working his ass off without any positive results.

The Parker murder had his guts tied in a knot. If he could crack that case, then he just might have a shot at the Chief of Detective position that had recently opened. Passing the written test would be a no brainer, but that wasn’t all that factored into the job. He had to be a damned good detective to make the promotion.

Solving this murder was what he needed to boost him upstairs. In order to do that, he needed Kasey Ellis to come through for him. He couldn’t help but think she knew something vital to the case, though he didn’t think she was holding back on purpose.

She was scared shitless, and he could appreciate that. However, he had reached the conclusion that the killer hadn’t seen her, or he would’ve made a move to silence her. But he wasn’t ready to take Spiller off protective watch, not just yet, anyway. Better to be safe than sorry.

The buzzer on his desk sounded. He scrambled to reach the phone underneath all the clutter. The chief’s line blinked back at him. He groaned, knowing he was about to be called into the inner sanctum. He was right.

Minutes later Gallain was seated in Chief Harold Clayton’s office, eyeing the chief from his position behind his desk. He was a big, meaty man with features to match, including oversized earlobes. When agitated, he had a habit of fingering one or both of them.

“So what’s the latest?” Clayton demanded in his booming voice.

Gallain knew what case he was referring to. For the time being, it seemed the entire department was consumed with the Parker woman’s murder. That was why he felt the urgent need to break the case himself. Now.

“I’m working on it,” Gallain responded, managing to keep his voice even despite his coiled nerves.

“Apparently not hard enough.”

“It was a clean hit.”

“Yeah, yeah, so I’ve been told. But we both know there are no perfect murders.”

Gallain felt the color drain from his face. He didn’t like the idea that he was being called on the carpet for something that wasn’t his fault. And there sure as hell were perfect murders. They were carried out every day and the chief knew that. So what kind of crap was he pulling?

“Are you up to the task, Gallain?”

His stomach clenched, but he didn’t let on. “Of course.”

“Then get results. Someone’s on the mayor’s ass. He in turn is on mine. Therefore I’m on yours. Get the picture?”

Gallain tightened his lips, then nodded.

“Several new industries are looking at our fair city to relocate. Unsolved murders don’t sit well with visiting businessmen. So we need to wrap this up in the win column without further delay.”

Gallain stood. “You got it.”

“What’s the latest with the Ellis woman? Bring me up-to-date on her.”

“I’m pressing her as hard as I dare. Either she didn’t see anything or she saw something and the trauma has forced it into her subconscious.”

“Well, don’t let up on her.” He paused. “How ’bout Parker herself? Have you found any skeletons in her closet?”

“Not yet, although I haven’t talked to her employees yet. Her family didn’t know anything. In fact, they couldn’t wait to bury her and then haul ass.”

“Keep me posted, up close and personal. Like I just said, I don’t like getting leaned on.”

Me, either, Gallain almost said. If he pissed off the chief, that would nix any hope of a promotion, regardless if he solved the case or not. He couldn’t chance that. For the time being, he might have to eat a little shit, but in the end he would prevail.

“You can count on me, Chief.”

Clayton flicked his hand. “Then get out of here and get to work.”

Five

T anner stood at the window of his campaign headquarters and stared down at the morning traffic. Even though it was early, the streets were alive and bustling. Horns were honking and people gathered on various corners waiting for the lights to change. Rushmore was one of the few small cities whose downtown area had maintained its vitality both for business and commerce.

Frowning suddenly, Tanner wiped a gathering of sweat off his forehead. The air-conditioning in the building, or rather the lack of it, left a lot to be desired.

Otherwise, the place was perfect. His campaign manager, Irene Sullivan, had searched long and hard for the right location. The big lofty area had more than ample room for the volunteers to gather, as well as a place to house the loads of campaign materials.

However, his race for the senate wasn’t what dominated his mind today. Since he’d seen Kasey, he had been reveling in his good fortune.

Still, he cautioned himself not to get too confident. Or excited. He hadn’t pulled his plan off yet. Kasey had to cooperate. Considering her circumstances, he felt she would.

But again, he put the brakes on, reminding himself that she’d rather not have anything to do with him. Although she had been polite at the cemetery, she’d held herself as aloof as a block of ice.

His confidence eroded at the same time his stomach rebelled against the amount of coffee he’d put into it. Yet he was charged. He was a man on a mission and ready to get with it. Tanner peered at his watch. Irene was due any moment for a strategy session, then he was off to see Kasey.

His stomach roiled, but for a different reason. He should leave well enough alone. To try and resurrect the past even if it was to right an old wrong was never a good idea.

Yep, he should just sidestep that hornet’s nest. He had enough going on in his life without taking on added responsibility for someone who detested him. A smirk altered his lips. The truth was, she probably didn’t give a damn about him one way or the other.

She hadn’t rebuffed him, though, hadn’t even told him not to show up at her office. But that final look she had given him said it all. For a split second, he had seen the naked vulnerability behind those eyes.

For the most part, though, she had been cool under fire. He’d have to give her credit for that. But he wondered what she’d thought. Was she remembering that night? Even now, he could still smell her sweet skin, taste it, see her moist, swollen lips…

Shit.

Thoughts like that would get him in serious trouble; they would jeopardize any good he attempted to do. But it was going to be hard to keep his distance, pretend they had no past, even if nearly two decades separated them. A lifetime, yet no time at all, now that he’d seen her again.

Time had been most kind to her. She wore her chestnut hair in that just-out-of-bed style men found so appealing. He was no exception. The dusting of freckles across her nose and cheeks was still visible and still a turn-on. She now had tiny wrinkles at the corners of her dark blue eyes, giving her heart-shaped face added dimension and character. Her body now had generous curves—the body of a woman who had had a baby.

While not classically beautiful, she had a quality that was more enduring, more enticing. She had class, an asset he felt still eluded him.

Tanner smothered a sigh, reminding himself that winning the senate seat should command his undivided attention, not a woman from his past who was off-limits to him.

“Did you tie one on last night?”

Both Irene’s appearance and raspy voice suddenly grated on his nerves. But when he swung around, he smiled. “Morning to you, too. And no, I didn’t tie one on, though I feel like I did.”

She raised her eyebrows before quipping, “You look it, too.” She walked over to the tiny coffee bar and reached for a cup on the counter.

He watched the swing of her hips in the short, tight skirt that matched her jacket. No doubt, Irene was attractive with auburn hair and brown eyes. But that attraction was in a bold sort of way that was often enhanced by the overzealous use of makeup. She was in her thirties, divorced, and a part-time paralegal. She was smart, ambitious, and like Jack said, ballsy.

Once she had her coffee in hand, she sat down at the glass-topped table and pinned him with her eyes. “Want me to give you a quick massage? Sure would get the kinks out of your shoulders.”

Tanner quirked an eyebrow. “I’ll pass.”

Irene shrugged, but he could tell she didn’t like his rebuff. He swallowed another sigh. He knew she wanted more from him than he was prepared to give. So far, he’d managed to keep the line drawn in the sand. Becoming romantically entangled with her would be hazardous to his career and his emotions. Any day, though, he expected Irene to try to cross that imaginary line. He didn’t know what he’d do, but for now he wasn’t going to worry about it. Other things were far more pressing.

“So what’s on your mind?” Irene asked, angling her head. “A change in today’s plans, I’m guessing. Otherwise I wouldn’t be here.”

“I’d forgotten how well you know me.”

“Not as well as I’d like.”

Tanner shot her a warning glance.

She laughed. “Don’t worry, I’m not about to jump your bones.”

“I fail to see the humor in that.” His tone was short.

“Lighten up, okay?” Her eyes sparked. “Until you come around, I’m happy jumping someone else’s bones.”

He ignored that last statement, though he fought the urge to throttle her. If she wasn’t so good at her job, he might have fired her on the spot. But she was good and without her strategy expertise, he doubted he would cross the finish line a winner.

“So again, what’s up?” Irene peered at her watch. “I should be on my way to Dallas even as we speak. In case you’ve forgotten, I’m due at Randolph’s at noon.”

“You won’t be going.”

“I won’t?”

“The Randolph Agency is no longer working for me.”

Her jaw went slack. “Why not?”

“I fired them.”

“You what?” she demanded on a gasp.

“You heard me. I fired them.”

“But…but that’s crazy, especially when the election’s only three months away.”

“I’ve made up my mind.”

“Well, minds can be changed,” she said in a harsh tone.

That raised his ire, possibly because that was what Jack had pointed out. Dammit, he knew what he was doing. They would just have to trust him. “Don’t push your luck, Irene.”

The color deserted her face, but her tone remained sharp. “So what do you propose to do?”

“Hire another agency, of course.”

“Here?”

“Yes.”

She opened her mouth only to snap it shut, clearly at a loss as to how to deal with this latest turn of events.

“I know what you’re thinking.”

“You have no idea,” she responded with unveiled sarcasm.

He ignored that. “I’m hoping to hire the Parker Agency.”

She lunged to her feet. “What’s the matter with you, Tanner? The owner just got popped, for God’s sake.”

“I realize that,” he said, struggling to hang on to his patience and his temper.

Irene merely looked at him.

“Shirley has a partner.”

“Which doesn’t mean shit. Clients have been deserting the Parker firm like rats on a sinking ship for a long time now, and you know that. Granted, there seems to be no reasonable explanation, but that shouldn’t matter.” Irene paused as though to get a breath. “The fact that it’s happening should be enough to stay away.”

“The partner’s husband was an old friend of mine.”

“So?”

“So, I’m going to hire her.” Tanner’s eyes narrowed on her. “Do you have a problem with that?”

“You’re damn right I do.”

He hadn’t consulted her first. Tanner suspected that was what fueled her anger. She wanted to micromanage everything that concerned him. Mainly his life. Not going to happen.

“So where does that leave us?” he asked.

Irene tapped her foot. “I’m not sure.”

“Is that a threat?”

“Maybe.” Irene walked to the door, then turned. “Screw it. I’ll talk to you later when we’re both calmer.”

Once she was gone, Tanner plopped down in his chair and put his head in his hands.

The tearoom was hopping. But then it usually was at noon. Hectic or not, Kasey loved eating there because it was also a gift shop with lots of pretties. Today, however, she wasn’t in the mood to meander and finger the goods. Instead she was taking advantage of her cousin’s company as they sat at a table for two.

“I’m sorry about Shirley,” Ginger Davenport said, once the waitress had taken their orders.

Ginger was not only her first cousin but a dear friend whose company had moved her here from Houston several years ago. At thirty-eight she was one year older than Kasey, and in the process of getting a divorce. Tall and willowy, she had wide-set hazel eyes and a thin mouth that she made more generous with a lip pencil.

The fact that Ginger lived in Rushmore had been another reason why leaving Dallas after so many years hadn’t been so overwhelming to Kasey.

Yet they didn’t see each other as often as Kasey would’ve liked. Ginger worked for a high-powered investment firm and traveled often. When they did get together, however, they made the most of it.

“I’m devastated,” Kasey responded, “for more reasons than one.”

“I’m sure.” Ginger leaned closer and lowered her voice. “It scares the hell out of me to think that someone you worked with got murdered. I’m guessing you don’t have a clue as to why.”

“You’re right, I don’t.” Kasey’s voice shook. “I saw her get shot.” She hadn’t planned on blurting out that shocking piece of news. It seemed to have just rolled off her tongue.

Ginger’s eyes widened, and she covered her mouth as if to stifle a cry. After a moment, she wheezed, “You were the witness the paper mentioned?”

Kasey nodded, emotion tightening her throat.

“Oh, my God, you poor thing.”

“It was awful, Ginger. I’ve nearly lost my sanity over it, though I didn’t see who pulled the trigger.”

“But did he see you? That’s what’s important.”

“I’m convinced he didn’t and so are the police. Otherwise, he would’ve already made a move to…silence me. But just to be on the safe side, I’ve been placed under protective watch.”

“You have?” Ginger’s head turned to the right, then left.

Kasey smiled. “He’s lurking around here somewhere.”

“This is all too mind-boggling,” Ginger said, shaking her head. “I know you have to be scared out of your wits. Want to move in with me for a while?”

“No, but thanks. I guess I’m still in shock.”

“You’ve told Brock, right?”

She gave Ginger the gist of that conversation.

“God, what a mess.” Ginger’s features were pinched. “I wish your mother and brother weren’t in Wyoming. On second thought, maybe I don’t. You and your mother are like oil and water—you don’t mix.”

“Since she’s been in the nursing home, things have gotten better between us. Still, I wouldn’t think of telling either of them since there’s nothing they can do.”

“What are you going to do about the agency?” Ginger asked, changing the subject.

Kasey sighed. “I’m assuming the partnership’s still intact. Even so, I’m not sure I can get it solvent again, especially now, though I might be offered a reprieve of sorts.”

Ginger didn’t respond right off as the waitress brought their salads. Kasey stared down at hers, and though it looked yummy, she wasn’t sure she could eat a bite.

“Eat, cuz,” Ginger ordered. “You need nourishment.”

“I’ll try, but I’m not hungry.”

For several minutes, they munched in silence. Then Kasey pushed her plate away. “I can’t eat another morsel, or I’ll be sick.”

“I understand. I feel the same. Imagine that? Me turning down food.”

“Sorry I ruined your appetite.”

“Under the circumstances, that’s not important. Besides, I should skip a lot of meals and drop some of this weight.” Ginger paused, then changed the subject. “You mentioned you might be offered a reprieve. I sure hope so. I don’t want you going back to Dallas.”

“Do you know Tanner Hart?”

“Do you?” Ginger’s eyes were wide.

Color stung Kasey’s cheeks. “Yes. He’s from Rushmore and was one of Mark’s best friends in college.”

“All I know about him,” Ginger said, “is that he’s running for the Texas Senate against that prick Buck Butler—”

“Why, Ginger,” Kasey exclaimed with a chuckle.

“Well, that’s what he is. I know because he does business with our firm. And Matt, my soon to be ex, works for his campaign. But that aside for now, what’s the deal with Hart?”

Kasey explained about Tanner approaching her at the cemetery.

“You think he might want to hire you?”

“I’m assuming so, since he mentioned business. Still, I find that hard to believe with the election a little over three months away.”

“If that is the case, it would certainly be a windfall for you. It would keep the agency open a while longer and keep you here.” Ginger’s features shadowed. “But for some reason, I get the idea you’re not that excited about the prospect.”

Actually, Kasey was terrified by the idea that she was even considering such a thing. It was tantamount to playing Russian roulette with the rest of her life. Tanner Hart would be the last person she would depend on, desperate or not. She should have stressed that she wasn’t interested in anything he had to offer.

“Why is that?” Ginger pressed before widening her eyes as she peered beyond Kasey’s shoulder. “Oops.”

“Oops what?” Kasey demanded.

“Speak of the devil. Tanner Hart just walked in the door.”

Six

K asey couldn’t concentrate. Her mind kept wandering.

Following her lunch with Ginger, she had returned to the empty agency. After locking the front door that remained adorned with a wreath in Shirley’s memory, she had headed straight to her partner’s office and locked the door behind her.

Lately she had become cautious to a fault.

Her plan was to go through Shirley’s desk, to see if she could find anything that would give her a clue as to who had taken her life. Too, she wanted to see if she could find any evidence as to why the agency had taken such a downward spiral financially.

At this point, she had no idea what she was looking for. She had taken the general ledger home that the bookkeeper, Nelda Parrish, was responsible for, but it had shown nothing out of the ordinary, which was not surprising.

Kasey’s hand faltered. Even now, she found it difficult to invade Shirley’s privacy. It felt like she was somehow further violating the dead woman. Temporarily abandoning her task, she looked around. Shirley had made the most of where she spent the majority of her time.

The room was decorated in soft, soothing hues of green and taupe. Creative artwork adorned the walls, and personal memorabilia was placed just right on various tables and shelves. The ambience bespoke of money and power. But then the other offices were by no means shabby. The company occupied one entire floor of this upscale building thereby proving its former success.

What happened?

That question gnawed at Kasey. Yet she continued to hesitate to open the first drawer. It was then that she heard a noise. With goose bumps feathering her skin, she got up and went to the door. However, she didn’t open it. She leaned against it and listened. Several of the employees had keys. After listening a few more minutes and hearing nothing, Kasey felt silly, reminding herself that Detective Spiller lurked outside.

Besides, no one would likely make a appearance today unless it was Tanner. But after the episode in the restaurant, she didn’t think that likely.

Following Ginger’s bombshell that he’d just entered the restaurant, Kasey had been loath to turn around. Luckily she’d been spared. Tanner and his companion had strode past their table, nodded, then moved on. An immense feeling of relief had left Kasey weak, though she’d fought hard not to let her composure slip in front of Ginger.

“Man oh man,” Ginger had whispered, her eyes flashing. “TV doesn’t do him justice. He’s some eye candy.”

Kasey had to laugh, but then she scolded her friend. “Behave yourself.”

“Why?” Ginger’s tone was innocent. “He’s a widower, so he’s available.”

“You don’t know that.”

Ginger sighed. “You’re right, I don’t. I just betcha he has to beat women off with a stick. I’d have to take a ticket and get in line.”

Kasey rolled her eyes.

“Hey, you sure you’re not holding out on me, that you don’t know more?”

“Yes, I’m sure,” Kasey all but snapped, giving Ginger an incredulous look. She had known Tanner had been married and that his wife had died from a heart condition. Mark had told her that. But as to the status of his current sex life, God forbid she had any idea.

“Too bad.”

“Hey, are you forgetting you’re not available?”

“Hopefully I soon will be.” Ginger’s mouth turned down. “Though I’m beginning to think Matt’s not going to ever let me go.”

“Yes, he is,” Kasey exclaimed in a firm tone. “He has no choice. He can’t stop you from getting the divorce. Just hang tough and you’ll get rid of him and get what you want to boot.”

“I’m counting on that.” Ginger’s features brightened. “If Tanner hires your agency, who knows what will happen.”

Kasey shuddered to think just how true that was.

“It could mean that what you want is finally within reach,” Ginger added.

“That’s a big if, my friend, so just forget it.”

“His offer?” Ginger sounded appalled. “You’d forget that?”

“Yes.”

Ginger waved her hand. “Pooh, I don’t believe you for a second. If and when he comes with an offer, you won’t turn him down. If you do, I’m going to have your head examined.”

Now, as Kasey thought back on that part of the conversation, she wished she’d kept her mouth shut, that she hadn’t said anything to Ginger. Tanner probably wouldn’t even approach her which would let her off the hook. But if he did, she’d have to ask herself why.

He had to know the agency was in trouble, didn’t he? Maybe not. He had more important things on his mind than a floundering ad agency. Yet she hadn’t mistaken what he’d said. Kasey blew out a breath and tried not to think about him or his intentions. If he called or showed up, she’d deal with him then.

The phone jangled beside her. She answered on the fourth ring. “Parker Agency.”

“Kasey, it’s Tanner.”

He didn’t need to identify himself. She recognized his voice the second he’d said her name. “Yes,” she said, gripping the phone.

“I’m outside, in my car. Is it all right if I come in?”

“Now?” she asked inanely.

“Yes, unless it’s not a good time.”

Kasey hesitated, but only for a second. “I’ll meet you at the door.”

Moments later, she had ushered him into her office, relieved to be back on familiar ground, though her domain was not nearly on a par with Shirley’s. In fact, she hadn’t bothered to decorate her office, since her situation there had been so tenuous.

“Sit down,” she said in as normal a tone as possible.

“Thanks.” He lowered his big frame into the chair, all the while looking at her.

It was all she could do not to flush under his scrutiny. “I haven’t made any coffee.”

He shook his head. “I don’t need any more today. I’ve had more than my share.”

She nodded.

“You’re not comfortable with this, with me, are you?”

Kasey felt the pulse in her throat beat overtime. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“Sure you do. You wish I hadn’t come.”

She met his narrowed gaze head on. “If that were the case, I wouldn’t have let you in.”

“Good, that means we can do business.”

“I didn’t say that, Tanner.”

“Right,” he said through tight lips. “I’m getting ahead of myself.”

“Before we go any further, the agency’s not doing well. I may have to close it.”

“All the more reason why you should hear me out.” Tanner paused and crossed one powerful leg over the other. “First though, who’s the guy hanging around outside the door?”

She knew he was referring to Spiller. Or at least she hoped so, refusing to give credence to the other possibility. “What did he look like?”

Tanner told her.

“He’s a detective. I’m under protective watch.”

Tanner frowned and eased forward in his chair. That was when she got a whiff of his cologne, that same fragrance he’d had on at the cemetery. She ground her teeth together.

“Why?” he asked, his tone blunt.

She told him.

“Good Godamighty, Kasey, why didn’t you tell me?”

She raised her eyebrows. “I didn’t think it was any of your business.” And still didn’t, but she kept that comment to herself. What was the use of further antagonizing him? Besides, it was too late to cry wolf. By letting him in, she had made herself fair game.

“If you’re going to work for me, it’s my business.”

She gasped. “You’re awfully sure of yourself.”

“Typical politician, right?” Humor quirked his lips. “Isn’t that what you’re thinking?”

Kasey forced her stiff shoulders to relax and smiled. “That and more.”

“Ah, so you haven’t forgotten how to do that?”

“What?”

“Smile. The young girl I knew was rarely without a smile on her face.”

“I’m no longer a young girl,” she snapped.

“That’s for sure.”

His tone was drawling and his eyes were probing as they swept over her, stopping only after they clashed with hers. She wanted to vent the anger that was charging through her. But something else, something more potent, stopped her—the charisma of the man himself. After all this time, he still had the sexual power to knock her off her feet.

“Did you see the shooter’s face?”

His harshly spoken question brought her back to reality. “No. It all happened so fast, it was a blur.”

“Then he must’ve seen you.”

Was his tone anxious, or was she reading more into it than was there? “No, I’m positive he didn’t, or he would’ve already come after me.”

“I’m glad the police aren’t just taking your word for that.”

“Me, either, though it’s a bit disconcerting to know you’re being watched, even if it’s by the good guys.”

His gaze deepened. “So how are you holding up? Really?”

“Actually, I’m barely holding body and soul together,” she admitted, a tremor in her voice.

Tanner’s features contorted. “Damn, I hate that this happened.”

“I’ll be fine, Tanner. It’s not your worry.”

“You’ve already said that.”

A lengthy silence followed his terse words.

“Look,” she finally said, “whatever you had in mind concerning the agency won’t work.”

“Because you don’t want it to?”

“No, because it’s not in your best interest.”

“Why not let me be the judge of that?”

“All right, how’s this? The agency’s in such a hole I’m not sure it can make payroll at the end of the week.”

Tanner’s eyes widened.

“When I came six months ago, everything appeared rosy. Only after I got here did I learn that Shirley hadn’t been up-front with me. Financially, the agency’s on the skids. I don’t know how to be any more blunt.”

“Did you demand to know why?”

“Of course, more than once. But she always hedged with the same excuse, telling me the agency had hit a run of bad luck, that it had lost several lucrative clients in a row. I shouldn’t have let her get by with that, but I thought since I was so new I would tread lightly and give her the benefit of the doubt. Now I know that was a mistake. She’s dead, and the truth died with her.”

“The records won’t show where the money’s gone. You can bet on that.”

“Not the ones I’ve seen, that’s for sure.” Kasey drummed her nails on the desk. “When you phoned, I was about to go through her desk to see what I could find, if anything.”

“Good idea.”

“Detective Gallain’s due to question the staff and me later this week.”

“When you find where the money went, you may very well find her killer.”

“Maybe, maybe not,” Kasey pointed out. “The two might be in no way related.”

“I’m betting they are.”

“My point in telling you all this is so you’ll get a clear picture of why you should take your business elsewhere.”

“On the contrary, my business is exactly where it needs to be. I can keep your business afloat.”

“Why are you doing this, Tanner?”

“Will something as simple as I trust you suffice?”

“No.”

He chuckled. “It’s the truth. I just got burned by a big outfit in Dallas, the Randolph Agency, to be exact.”

“How do you know that’s not where I worked?”

“Because I checked you out.”

That fueled her anger. “You have a lot of nerve.”

“There’s a lot at stake—my political future.”

“Still, I’m not the right person to step in at this late date.”

“I disagree.”

“I’m flattered, all right. But I’ve been out of the hands-on part of the business too long. In Dallas I did mundane, grunt work, if you will. That’s a far cry from what you need.”

“But you’re capable.”

“Yes,” she admitted tersely, “but—”

“If I’m willing to take the chance, then what have you got to lose?”

Kasey opened her mouth to launch another strenuous objection only to then shut it. Tanner’s business would indeed keep the agency’s door open. Wasn’t that what she wanted? Yes. She desperately wanted to remain here, to make a go of this endeavor for her own sake as well as her son’s.

If only her savior was anyone but Tanner. She should turn the offer down for that reason.

“Kasey, all you have to do is say yes. It’s just that simple.”

A bubble of hysteria almost erupted. Simple. God, any association with him was anything but that. However, he didn’t know that, she assured herself. Her secret was safe forever.

“Kasey,” he pressed.

She took a deep breath. “All right. I’ll do my best.”

Seven

“S o do you have anything in mind right off?” Tanner asked.

“No,” she answered with raised eyebrows. “Surely you didn’t expect me to.”

He shrugged, then grinned, a grin that took her breath. She covered her confusion by saying on a burst of breath, “I don’t even know what you’re running on, what issues you feel strongly about.”

“You mean you haven’t been following my campaign?”

A glint in his eye had joined that grin, and she knew he was teasing her. Possibly even flirting. For a moment, she dropped her guard and took the bait, grinning back. She heard him release a gust of air when their gazes held for several beats.

“So are you interested in hearing what I’m about as a politician?”

Kasey spoke around her desert-dry mouth. “Now?”

“Why not?”

“Fine.”

“Are you going to ask me if I’m a Democrat or a Republican? Or is that something you happen to know?”

“Actually, I don’t.”

“I sure haven’t made an impression on you, have I?”

“Politics and politicians haven’t been high on my priority list.”

Tanner’s lethal grin appeared again, crinkling the skin at the corners of his intense brown eyes. “Please assure me that’s about to change.”

“Absolutely.”

He wiped his brow in a mocking gesture. “Whew, my faith is restored.”

Allowing this light banter to continue between them wasn’t wise. As it was, Kasey had already let it go too far. She was no match for him. In her vulnerable state she had to be careful, or she’d be snared again into that web of charm and self-assurance that was so him.

“So what made you decide to run for office?”

“In other words, why would I want to jump in a fishbowl?”

“Exactly. I can’t imagine living that kind of life.”

Tanner was quiet for a moment. “After the fact, I really think I can make a difference. But I never even thought about running for office until a friend, Jack Milstead, pitched the idea to me.” He paused with a shrug. “He was persuasive, and I needed a new challenge. The rest is history, as they say.”

“Rich and bored, huh?”

It was obvious she struck a nerve, for he stiffened visibly. “Is that your opinion of me?”

“I don’t have an opinion one way or the other.”

His lips relaxed and he cocked his head. “If you’re trying to piss me off because of another attack of cold feet, it won’t work. I’m not letting you off the hook.”

Kasey felt heat steal into her face. “So what are you passionate about? Those passions will determine how I map out the strategy.”

Tanner yanked at the knot on his tie until he worked it loose. “Ah, much better. Now we can get down to business.”

Kasey reached for a tablet, a pen poised above it. “I’m ready.”

“Here goes. I want higher pay for teachers—Texas ranks far too low on the pay scale to suit me. I’ve also devised a more efficient highway system for Texas that will alleviate the traffic problems in and around the major cities. I’m for tightening our borders in order to curb the drug traffic. And last but certainly not least, I intend to put an end to abuse of the elderly, especially in nursing homes. That gets my blood boiling like nothing else.”

“That’s quite an impressive list.”

“So you approve?”

“What’s not to approve, though it will take Super-man to accomplish them.”

He stared at her another long moment. “Maybe you should keep that thought in mind when you map out my advertising.”

In spite of herself, her lips twitched. “I might just do that.”

“Have any ideas jumped to mind?” he asked, grinning.

“Maybe.”

Her hedging wasn’t lost on him. “You’re not prepared to share, huh?”

“Not at this point. You’ll just have to trust me.”

“I do, or I wouldn’t have hired you. I think we’re going to make a good team.”

The room suddenly seemed too warm. Or was it the heat that infused her body under his intent gaze that seemed to peruse her body at leisure? Or was it that she was simply overreacting, reading much more into that look than was there? Regardless, she had to stop thinking about him in any way except that of a client.

Tanner, as a good-looking, available man, was off-limits.

“What about your opponent? I suspect as an incumbent, he’s formidable.”

“You got it,” Tanner countered, his jaws set.

For a few minutes Kasey listened and took notes on Tanner’s assessment of Butler, from his successes to his shortfalls.

“When do you think you’ll have some layouts ready?” he asked, changing the subject.

“Give me a few days. The staff will have returned, and maybe Detective Gallain will have come and gone.”

The mention of the detective’s name drew a frown from Tanner. “You won’t get rid of him that easy. Count on him being a pain in the ass. But that’s not a bad thing until Shirley’s murderer is in custody.”

Kasey rubbed her temple, then crossed her arms over her chest as if for protection. “I still can’t believe Shirley’s dead. It’s still like a bad dream.”

“I’m sure,” Tanner responded with grim under-tones. “Promise you won’t let it get you down.”

“I can’t. I have Brock and this agency to think about. They both need me.”

“And so do I. Don’t forget that.”

Kasey didn’t dare look at him for fear of what she’d see in his eyes. Even so, she was aware of him with every nerve—his big powerful body, how sharp he looked in his sports coat and slacks, the fresh smell of his cologne, the leashed passion in his every move.

“How ’bout I take you to dinner?”

Kasey jerked her head up, then licked her lips. “Uh, no, thanks. I need to get home.”

He looked like he wanted to argue, but didn’t. “No problem. Maybe another time.”

“Maybe,” she said in a hesitant voice.

His eyes swept over her once again before he turned and headed to the door. “I’ll be in touch,” he tossed over his shoulder.

Sweat saturated her body and her breathing was labored.

Kasey felt her heartbeat with every bounce of her running shoes as they slammed against the rubber on the treadmill. Once she and Tanner had concluded their business, she’d been a ball of nerves and her head ached.

Consequently she’d come straight home, changed into her workout clothes and climbed on the machine. She had considered running outside, but the churning clouds had looked so dark and stormy she opted to remain inside.

This grueling exercise session was a good thing. Both her mind and body needed relief. And exercising hard was soul-cleansing.

Even so, Kasey hadn’t completely rid herself of the demons raging inside her, most of which centered around Tanner Hart. She wasn’t sorry she’d taken him on as a client. She had come to terms with that. But she was nervous from both a professional and emotional standpoint.

She dreaded working in such close quarters with him. But in order to do the job and please him, she had no choice. However, she mustn’t treat him any different than she had countless others in his stead.

Only Tanner was different. He wasn’t just any client, and she’d best remember that. She couldn’t ever let her guard down around him. Cool and clearheaded were the operative words.

He would be in constant contact. She knew he would want input on every project she worked on. Her discussion with him had proved that.

After he had left, Kasey had sagged against the desk exhausted, feeling as though she’d been caught in a whirlwind. She hadn’t remembered him being so full of energy, on such high alert. But then, she hadn’t known him all that well despite…

Kasey had tromped down on that thought and gathered her belongings. The office had lost its appeal for more reasons than one. Shirley’s absence was a dismal reminder of what had happened. And without Tanner, all the vitality seemed to have deserted the room. She no longer wanted to be there.

Without a backward glance, she had walked out and closed the door behind her.

Now, as she pulled her mind off Tanner and back on her love-hate affair with the treadmill, Kasey blinked against the sweat burning her eyes. Deciding she’d had enough, she steadily lowered the speed button and was soon walking at a slower, but still brisk pace. Sweat continued to cleanse her pores. She reached for the towel draped over the bar and mopped her face and neck.

After a hot bath Kasey lay on the chaise lounge in her bedroom, a cup of chocolate on the table beside her and a legal pad braced on her legs. She had every intention of toying with ideas for Tanner. Whatever she and the staff put together had to be their best efforts. Pleasing him on her best days would be difficult. But challenging. That was the fun part. And the scariest.

Kasey lowered her head and stared. Not only was the yellow page blank but so was her mind. Except for Tanner’s face. She blinked, but his image wouldn’t disappear nor would details of the fateful night that changed her life.

“You’re tipsy, aren’t you?”

She giggled and pulled his head down close to hers. “So are you.”

“Whoa,” he said with a chuckle against her lips, “not so tipsy that I don’t know what’s happening here. You’re about to get me in a heap of trouble with my friend and your fiancé.”

“It’s his own fault. He deserted me for an old baseball game.” She licked her lips and grinned. “And he’s the one who asked you to take me, even though I barely knew you.”

“Still—”

“You don’t find me attractive?” she asked in a petulant, but cajoling tone, running her finger back and forth across his lower lip.

He groaned, then trapped that finger and sucked on it.

“Kiss me,” she whispered, grinding her hips into his hardness.

His moist lips adhered to hers in a long, hot kiss.

“Do you know what you’re doing to me?” he gasped, pulling back and staring down at her.

“The same thing you’re doing to me, making me hot.”

Without taking his eyes off her, he yanked open her blouse and sucked on her nipples until they were wet and torrid.

“I want to touch you,” she whispered.

Without taking his glazed eyes off her, he unzipped his jeans, reached for her hand and placed it on him.

She gasped, then with wonderment began to caress the rock hard but soft skin.

“Sweet Kasey,” he rasped, jerking down her panties, then leading her to the nearest sofa in the deserted parlor where he spread her legs and entered her.

A moan from deep within her stopped him midway. He stared at her wild-eyed. “Shit, I can’t, not when you haven’t—”

“Please, don’t stop now,” she pleaded, lifting her hips.

“But I’ll hurt you.”

“It’ll hurt worse if you don’t.”

He buried himself in her…

Suddenly Kasey jerked herself upright, her body bathed in a cold sweat while a wave of despair washed through her. Nothing she could ever say or do would excuse her despicable behavior that night so long ago.

She would never forgive herself.

Having grown up in a strict, religious home where guilt was the weapon of choice, Kasey had had little freedom before going away to college. Once on her own, she’d been highly susceptible to the fun and parties of the campus fraternities and sororities.

At one of those functions, she’d met Mark Ellis and soon after they had fallen in love. Or so she’d thought. One evening he had reneged on taking her to a private party. Because she was so upset at not getting to attend, he’d asked a frat buddy to sub for him.

Nothing had prepared Kasey for the charismatic and charming Tanner Hart. The second they met, sexual tension had leaped between them. After hours of laughing, dancing and drinking, they hadn’t been able to keep their hands off each other and ended up making love.

Nine months later and much to her shame, Kasey had given birth to a healthy baby boy.

She had never told Tanner that she’d borne his son.

She had told Mark that she couldn’t see him anymore, that she was pregnant with another man’s child, a man who would remain nameless. Mark was devastated yet he had assured her that he could forgive her for betraying him, that he loved her and wanted to marry her. He’d gone on to promise her that no one would ever hear the truth from him and that he’d raise Brock as his own.

Kasey, determined not to further humiliate herself or her family, had settled into the role of student, wife and mother, giving up all her dreams of becoming a successful career woman.

Suddenly the phone rang, startling her back to the present. With an unsteady hand and pounding heart, Kasey lifted the receiver.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Hi, darling,” she whispered around the tears in her throat.

Eight

I t had been several days since he’d seen Kasey and she had accepted his offer. Since then, he’d been on a short campaign jaunt that had gone really well considering he’d been in enemy territory, so to speak.

Right now, he and Butler appeared to be running neck and neck according to the loosely taken polls. Jack and Irene, along with the rest of his backers, were jubilant.

“By the time November rolls around,” Irene had told him on the way home, “you’re going to kick his ass.”

He shot her a side glance before concentrating once again on the road. “Don’t get too cocky. We’re just getting started.”

“You had them eating out of your hands.”

“Butler’s good at that, too, remember.”

“He might have a pedigree, but that’s all he has. He’s just a big bag of hot, stale air.”

“I’m sure the same is being said about me.”

“Only you’ll do what you say you’re going to do. He won’t. His record proves that.” Irene paused, then changed the subject. “You should be excited by the way things are going.”

He was, but cautiously excited. He knew that Buck Butler intended to hold on to his senate seat no matter what the cost.

Though his passion for Texas and the possibility of serving its constituents burned as brightly in him as it did Butler, Tanner had every intention of sticking strictly to the issues. Slinging mud was distasteful to him. He had an idea that wouldn’t sit well with Jack or Irene, but he didn’t care. If he couldn’t win the election on the issues and his reputation as a solid, dependable businessman, then he just wouldn’t win.

So far, he hadn’t had to worry. Surprisingly Butler had also kept on the high road. Now that Tanner had caught him in the polls, Butler’s true personality would likely come out. Underneath that charming, good ole boy facade was a backstabbing bastard.

No one knew that better than Tanner. Years ago, before he’d made it big in his developing company, he’d had a business deal with Butler that had gone sour. Butler had left him holding the bag to the tune of a half million dollars. It had taken him years to pay that off.

Butler wouldn’t hesitate to hit below the belt again. He had plenty of ammo—Tanner’s past. Butler could have a field day with that if he were able to get Tanner’s juvenile records. They were supposed to be sealed, but nowadays, nothing was sacred.

Tanner wasn’t proud of his past, but it was obviously something he couldn’t change. He was stronger for it. He had learned that life was filled with hard knocks and that if you didn’t knock back, you were screwed.

He grew up as an only child without anything—love or amenities. His dad had been killed in Vietnam when Tanner was in elementary school. His mother, weak and whiny, had turned to the bottle for comfort, leaving him to fend for himself.

As a result, he’d been in and out of trouble with the law, often taken away from his mother and put in the foster care system. Then she’d shape up for a while and he’d be back with her. But her good behavior never lasted. She’d get back on the bottle, and he’d be whisked away again.

The year he’d graduated from high school, she died of liver failure. He’d been on his own, had to scrape for himself. Because he was intelligent and had done well academically, he’d received a partial scholarship to college where he had excelled. After graduating at the top of his class, he’d had the good fortune and sense to marry Norma. Under her influence, he’d fine-tuned some of his rough edges. But it had been his combination of book and street smarts that had gotten him where he was today.

Along with his drive, ambition, and love of competition, he had accomplished far more than he’d ever dreamed. And now, he was riding even higher, thriving on his newfound love—politics. If elected, he had a chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. That appealed to him.

Still, he wouldn’t sell his soul for a seat in the senate.

On the other hand, he would sell his soul for a chance to make amends to Kasey Ellis. Just thinking of her made his heart race. He had seen her twice now, and both times, he’d felt a jolt—a sock deep in the gut that was palatable.

It was just that she was so damn sexy and didn’t seem to know it. Her sassy smile, the subtle whisper of passion in the sway of her hips, the way her lipstick looked like she’d been thoroughly kissed, had awakened his carnal instincts.

His reaction was crazy and could go nowhere. However, he couldn’t control how he felt. What he could do was keep his feelings under wraps. No one, least of all Kasey, must ever know his true motivation, or she’d slam the door in his face quicker than he could take his next breath.

Contrary to what he’d told her, he had known her plight, known that she’d been in financial trouble since Mark’s death, that she was struggling to keep her son in school, and that she’d returned to Rushmore and gone to work for Shirley Parker.

His deep sense of guilt, shame and betrayal had been the driving force behind his underhandedness. He saw a chance to make up finally for some of the pain he’d brought her.

What he hadn’t known was that Kasey had witnessed Shirley’s death. On learning that, he’d been more determined than ever to help her. Miraculously, she had accepted his offer.

Now, maybe he could start the healing process within himself. Or maybe that wasn’t possible. Maybe he would never be able to atone for his sins that night years ago. When he thought about what happened, which was far too often, he got down on himself.

Only a lowlife would take a friend’s girl to a party then take her virginity.

Tanner let go of a harsh breath, then rubbed the back of his tense neck, feeling the muscles bunch under his hand. When he raised his head, Paul Darby, the right-hand man in his company, was standing in the doorway.

Paul was big and robust with a wide mouth and cauliflower ears that were more pronounced due to the horn-rimmed glasses that hooked over them. He might be homely, but when it came to overseeing the construction sites, he was a gem. Tanner didn’t know what he would do without him, especially now that he’d entered the political arena.

“If this is a bad time, I’ll come back.” Paul’s tone was hesitant.

Tanner motioned him into his office. “Actually, your timing’s perfect. My mind should’ve been on business and it wasn’t.”

Paul grinned. “Bet you were thinking about the campaign.”

Tanner offered no explanation. Instead, he said, “Something’s going on, or you wouldn’t be here.”

“Right, boss, and I sure hate to bother you with—”

Tanner waved his hand, cutting him off. “It’s your job to bother me when there’s so much at stake.”

The project that was underway was one of his biggest ever. Amidst fierce competition, Hart Development Corporation had landed its most lucrative and challenging job to date—building a high-rise office complex and parking garage on the west side of Rushmore.

Construction had started several months back, and for the most part, things had gone smoothly, which had been in his favor since his mind and loyalty were now divided. However, he’d been expecting a setback, knew it was inevitable.

“It’s the material,” Paul said. “Or the lack of it, rather.”

“Have you contacted the manufacturer?”

“Several times.”

“What’s the excuse?”

“Don’t really know.” Paul scratched his head. “Can’t get a straight answer.”

“Damn.”

“Like I said, I hated to have to bother you with this, but without material, we’re at a standstill, which is something I don’t have to tell you.”

“I’ll see what I can do. But our best bet is to locate another source.”

For the next hour, they worked out the particulars of solving this latest debacle, then Paul said his goodbyes and left.

Alone again, Tanner frowned. If he won the senate seat, he’d have to promote someone from the ranks to manage the company, although that didn’t sit too well with him. Before he turned politician, he wasn’t beneath putting on a hard hat and working alongside his men.

He enjoyed the physical side of construction as much as the mental. Hard labor honed his body as well as his mind. For the time being, however, the senate race demanded he don a tie instead of a hard hat.

His mind having returned to politics, he shifted his gaze to the phone. Should he call Kasey? He was curious if she had anything to show him. Actually, he didn’t give a damn whether she did or not.

He just needed an excuse to see her.

Kasey made her way into the boardroom long after the staff had gathered.

Before she had called this meeting, she had assured herself she was up to the task. Her son’s timely phone call last evening had elevated her spirits as nothing else could have done. He hadn’t wanted anything in particular; he’d just wanted to check on her and chat—all the more reason why the call was special.

However, now that all eyes were focused on her, her courage floundered.

This morning was the employees’ first day back since Shirley’s murder. Right off, Kasey had picked up on the tone and mood in the office. It wasn’t good; everyone seemed to be walking on eggshells.

Now, as she quickly perused her audience, she noted the staff was all present and accounted for, except Monica Lee, the girl Friday who remained at her desk to man the phones.

The department heads, three in all, were sitting together at the table closest to her. Red Tullos, the art director, fit his name to a tee. He was redheaded, red-faced and red-hot tempered. Kasey suspected it was his volatile nature that fueled his creativity and made him one of the best in his field. Temper or not, she liked him.

Left of Red sat Lance Sagemont, the media director. He was a short, small-boned man with a prominent nose that didn’t fit his fine features. However, he dressed with an impeccable flare that helped buffer his odd looks.

On the right was Don Hornsby who was in charge of sales and marketing. In his mid-thirties, he was a brash, good-looking young man with a crew cut and well-preserved body. The only flaw that showed was a mole above his upper lip that he fingered constantly. Because of his charm, he was great at what he did.

The remaining staff was made up of a writer, like herself, Dwight Cavanaugh, another artist, Angie Thigpen and the bookkeeper, Nelda Parrish.

“What’s going on?” Red finally asked, his booming voice obliterating the silence.

“Yeah, are we out on our ear?” Don chimed in.

Veiled murmurs followed their outbursts.

Feeling her confidence return, Kasey raised her hand. The room hushed. “No one is out of a job here unless they have a problem working with me.”

Red spoke again. “How are you going to keep the agency afloat when Shirley couldn’t? We all know it’s in financial trouble.”

His pointed questions were making her job much easier. “We have a new client.”

For a moment, the group looked dumbfounded.

“How can one client accomplish that?” Don asked, a suspicious note in his voice.

“Must be one hellava client,” Dwight muttered.

“It is,” Kasey said, her voice gaining added strength. “We’ve been hired by the developer and Texas senatorial candidate, Tanner Hart.”

“Well, I’ll be damned,” Lance said, speaking for the first time.

“What he’s paying us, plus the other smaller jobs we still have, will enable the agency to keep the doors open until we can prove our worth again.”

Angie raised her hand, then said, “That may be a while, what with all the unfavorable publicity.”

“And there will be more to come,” Kasey said. “Detective Richard Gallain will be here any time to question all of us about Shirley. They are looking for anything that will help them find her killer. I know each of you will do your part to help in the investigation.”

Her words met with another silence. Kasey broke it. “Meanwhile, I’ll be briefing you on Hart’s campaign and asking each of you for your input into the layout. Put your thinking caps on and don’t let me down.”

On that note of encouragement, the meeting ended. She was on her way back to her office when Monica stopped her. “It’s for you.”

“What?” she asked.

“The phone.”

She hadn’t even heard it ring. “Who is it?”

“Tanner Hart.”

She panicked. After that forbidden trip into the past, she didn’t want to talk to him or see him. “Tell him I’m busy, that I’ll get back to him soon.” She needed more time.

Nine

K asey was both frustrated and excited. She had worked all day yesterday and most of this morning on Tanner’s campaign. While her head had been swarming with ideas based on his platform, nothing had gelled, no one theme that would make the man, Tanner Hart, stand out. With the help of the staff, she had come up with numerous sketches and slogans; they were strewn about the workroom on desks and tables. The place resembled a war zone.

But again, nothing out of the ordinary had jumped out at her. At the moment, her frustration was winning over her excitement. Kasey rubbed her temples, trying to clear her dulled mind.

“Want some more coffee?” Don Hornsby asked in a cheery tone, his smile targeting her.

Kasey shook her head. “Absolutely not. But thanks. As it is, I’m already wired to the max.”

“You’re not alone,” Don muttered, turning and pouring himself another big mug of coffee. “Still, I can’t stop hitting the high octane stuff. It’s keeping me going.”

That was when Kasey noticed how tired he looked, how dark the circles were under his eyes. What was his problem? she wondered. The same as hers most likely—lack of sleep. She had been pushing hard since the staff meeting two days ago. They had worked long, intense hours, and the finish line was not yet in sight.

And time was running out.

“Maybe we should get Hart in here to give us his opinion,” Red said, shoving a hand through his thick red hair, causing it to stand on end.

“Yeah, why not do that?” Lance chimed in. “I’m sure he could weed through some of this stuff which would give us a better perspective.”

Kasey didn’t hesitate. “No. When he’s brought on-board, I want ideas in place that will wow him.”

In fact, she hadn’t called Tanner back for fear he would want to know how things were progressing. More to the point, he’d probably want to have input. And while that was certainly his right, now was not the best time.

“You’re pushing yourself too hard,” Dwight said in his mild-mannered voice.

It was the first time he’d spoken in a while, which wasn’t out of the ordinary. He was a strange little man, considered a geek by the others, maybe because he had zero personality and kept to himself. That aside, Kasey had learned that he was talented and valued his ability as a writer. In fact, several of her favorite slogans had been his idea.

“I have to, Dwight,” she responded, her eyes touching on each one. “We all do. Remember time is not a luxury we have.”

“Hart must’ve known that when he hired you.”

“That he did, Don,” Kasey said on a testy tone. “But since I told him our agency was up to the task, we have to deliver.”

Don merely shrugged before picking up one of the sketches and perusing it. Though his expertise was sales and marketing, Don also had an eye for design. Shirley had told her that from the get-go, and she had found that to be true. Yet she didn’t plan on tying him up too long. He was needed more on the outside to drum up new business.

“So let’s get our backsides in the saddle, then,” Red said in his loud voice. “The fat lady obviously hasn’t sung yet.”

Kasey gave the art director a grateful nod, picked up her sketchbook and thumbed through the pages. Not bad, she mused. Some of these ideas were actually damn good, and Tanner would probably be pleased.

She mulled over each, then sighed. Something vital was missing on the pages. Kasey’s eyes narrowed, furrowing her brow. Suddenly she knew what it was. Her own brand of creative energy failed to leap off the pages.

Shirley would probably have disagreed, telling her she was too anal, too much a perfectionist, for her own good. Perhaps. But until she pleased herself, she wouldn’t please her client.

Especially this particular client.

“If Shirley was here—” Angie Thigpen began, her gaze on Kasey.

Kasey looked up and smiled at her.

Angie flushed. “I’m sorry, Kasey, I didn’t mean to imply—”

“It’s okay, Angie. I wish Shirley was here, too. We all do. She was the best.”

“She was good, all right,” Don added, fingering that mole on his lip. “But from what I’ve seen of your work, you’re no slouch.”

Kasey flashed him as much of a genuine smile as she could muster. The spoken and unspoken thoughts of Shirley suddenly forced the tragedy back to the fore-front of her mind. As if the others had picked up on that, a sad silence ensued.

Red was the first to break it. “Kasey, how’s the investigation coming?” His usual booming voice was now tempered. “Have you heard anything?”

“Nothing. Any day now, I’ve been expecting Detective Gallain to make an appearance and question us.”

“I still can’t believe she’s gone,” Dwight said, his lean features looking troubled.

Red tapped his pencil against a fingernail. “She damned sure deserved better than she got. I’d like to get my hands on the son of a bitch who was responsible.”

“You and me both,” Don responded, down in the mouth.

“So how are you holding up, Kasey?” Angie asked in a tentative voice. “I can’t imagine what you’re going through.”

Kasey stifled a sigh. “I’m still awfully skittish, that’s for sure. And have the tendency to look over my shoulder at odd times. Otherwise—” Her voice faded into nothingness. What else was there to say? What would be the point in telling them she hadn’t had a decent night’s sleep since the incident? Or how much she beat up on herself because of her inability to identify the killer.

“As long as you’re under police protection, you should be all right,” Red said.

“I have a feeling that service is about to come to an end,” Kasey admitted with a frown, “since I’m obviously no threat to the killer.” Just saying that word made her shiver.

Another silence fell over the room.

“Just how bad are things, Kasey?” Lance asked. “Financially, I mean?”

That question dropped into the silence like a small bomb.

Before Kasey could respond, however, he went on, “I know Hart’s given us a reprieve, but just how far can that go?”

“Even though I was a partner, I’m pretty much in the dark as to why the agency’s floundering. However, I intend to find out.”

Another uncomfortable silence descended over the room.

Monica Lee broke it. She stood in the door and said in an uneasy voice, “Kasey, Detective Gallain’s here.”

An hour later, Kasey faced the detective alone in her office, behind closed doors.

“Did the staff cooperate?” Kasey asked when Gallain was seated in front of her desk.

“Yes, but they didn’t know much.”

Kasey made a face. “I find that odd. Most of them have been with Shirley from the beginning.”

“Seems as if she kept her private life private.”

“Surely they were able to tell you something that would help with the investigation,” Kasey said.

“Either they’re reluctant to confide in me, or they truly don’t have a clue.”

“Why would they hesitate to tell you what they know?”

“The nature of the crime, Mrs. Ellis. Like you, they’re scared and don’t want to get involved.”

“I may be frightened, Detective,” Kasey responded in a frigid voice, “but I do want to be involved, only I don’t have anything else to contribute.”

Gallain rubbed his chin. “So you’ve said.” With those succinct words, he stood and opened the door to leave.

Tanner stood on the other side.

Kasey’s eyes widened as they met his for a millisecond. But it was enough to cause her heart to skip a beat or two, which added to her irritation.

“Hart,” Detective Gallain said in a clipped tone, passing him by.

Kasey watched as Tanner nodded, then responded, “Detective.”

Neither said anything until Gallain had left. Then to cover her own nervousness at his unexpected appearance, Kasey asked, “Have you two met?”

“That we have, and you can bet I won’t get his vote.”

“If that little exchange is anything to judge by, I wouldn’t think so.”

“Ah, he’s pissed because I went over his head concerning an incident with one of his friends. He over-stepped his bounds, and I reported him.”

When he didn’t offer more, she didn’t ask, disconcerted that he had just showed up unannounced.

“Why didn’t you return my call?” he asked in his low, rusty-sounding voice.

She maintained as much composure as she could. “I haven’t had time. I’ve been busy.”

“Is Gallain giving you a hard time?”

“He still thinks I’m the key to solving Shirley’s murder, if that’s what you mean.”

“Don’t let him get to you. He can be a royal pain in the ass.”

“I can hold my own.”

His eyes perused her, and he gave her a lopsided grin. “I’m sure you can.”

She turned away, feeling her heart do funny things again.

“Mind if I sit down?”

“Huh, sorry, you’ll have to forgive my manners, or rather the lack of them.”

He whipped around, his eyes dark and probing. “You’re doing it again.”

“What?”

“Treating me like a stranger with an ulterior motive in hiring you.”

His arrogant assumption infuriated her. “I don’t think you want to go there, Tanner. I know I don’t.”

His face lost its color under the lash of her tongue. “I thought we could be friends.”

“Friends?” Her laughter bordered on hysteria. “I don’t think so.”

“So, do you have anything to show me?”

The sudden change of subject caught her off guard, slowing her response. “I’ve been working.”

“Is that a yes?”

“Actually, it’s a no.”

He threw up his hands and smiled, but it disappeared just as quickly and his gaze smoldered into her.

Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.

Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».

Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.

Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.