JOE COLTON’S JOURNAL

I am enormously grateful that my niece, Heather McGrath, has come to Hacienda de Alegria, for a short sabbatical. With so many troubles befalling the family, I need all the emotional support I can get right now. Once I thought the Colton empire was indestructible, but now that another attempt has been made on my life, I wonder how much longer I’ll be around to keep the Colton clan together. Fortunately, the investigating detective, Thaddeus Law, has sworn to see justice done and to keep us all safe. He seems to be particularly interested in keeping an eye on Heather, even though he does an awful good impression of the big bad wolf whenever she’s around. My sheltered niece is hardly this world-weary single dad’s type, but unless my sight is starting to fail, I swear I see stars glistening in her blue eyes whenever Thad storms into a room. Could my sweet and innocent niece have finally found her Prince Charming in the form of this dark and brooding lawman?

About the Author

RUTH LANGAN

is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than sixty books, both contemporary and historical and has been described by Romantic Times Magazine as “a true master at involving your emotions, be they laughter or tears.” Four of Ruth’s books have been finalists for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Award. Over the years, she has given dozens of print, radio and TV interviews, including some for Good Morning America and CNN News, and has been quoted in such diverse publications as the Wall Street Journal, Cosmopolitan and the Detroit Free Press. Married to her childhood sweetheart, she has raised five children and lives in Michigan, the state where she was born and raised. She hopes her readers will love her warm and wonderful characters in Passion’s Law as much as she does.

Passion’s Law
Ruth Langan

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Meet the Coltons—a California dynasty with a legacy of privilege and power.

Heather McGrath: A country club dilettante. Though she’s lived a charmed life, Joe Colton’s foster niece’s two broken engagements have made her despair of ever meeting her Prince Charming. Until she runs into a hunky single dad who seems to be just what Cupid ordered!

Thaddeus Law: A jaded detective. A far cry from the smooth-faced, golden boys Heather has been dating in San Diego, and a decade older, this lawman just might be her diamond in the rough.

Silas “Snake Eyes” Pike: A conniving little weasel. Hired by Meredith Colton’s evil twin sister to find Emily Blair, this hit man has just tracked her down to Keyhole, Wyoming….

For Nora, who keeps challenging me to fly.

And for Tom, who never lets me fall.

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

One

“Hey. Where did you go just now?” Peter McGrath, Chief Financial Officer of Colton Enterprises, easily maneuvered the car around a curve in the road and glanced over at his daughter, Heather, who was staring pensively out the window. “What are you thinking, honey?”

Heather watched the passing scenery with keen interest. “Just thinking how big California is. And how different it looks once we leave San Diego.”

“I hope you’re not regretting your decision to come here and give your Uncle Joe a hand with his business affairs.”

She gave her father a gentle smile. “Of course not. In fact, I was thinking just the opposite. There’s such rugged beauty here. I’m glad I’ll have some time to really see it. You know I’ve always loved the ranch. As for Uncle Joe, I’m happy to help. Really.”

Peter was delighted by his daughter’s response. He had a special love for his foster brother, Joe Colton. Joe had been the one to see to Peter’s education at one of the best universities in the country, and been enormously proud of Peter’s intelligence, especially his mathematical talents. After graduation from Stanford, Peter happily accepted a low-level job in the accounting department of Colton Shipping. Because he proved to be a whiz at finding loopholes and shelters in the corporate tax laws, he quickly came to the attention of his supervisors, who sang his praises to Joe. Joe in turn gave Peter free rein within the company, and Peter had soon worked his way up the corporate ranks of Colton Enterprises. This put Peter in a position to repay his foster brother many times over by acting as a diligent watchdog on Joe Colton’s behalf.

There was a special bond between these two men. One that had always grated on Joe Colton’s blood brother, Graham.

Peter reached over to lay a hand on Heather’s. “That’s my girl.”

He turned the car up the familiar long, winding driveway and came to a stop in front of the large, sand-colored adobe house. “Welcome to Hacienda de Alegria.”

Heather smiled, showing her dimples. “House of Joy.”

Her father’s smile faded slightly. “There hasn’t been much of that here lately.” He sighed before switching off the ignition and shoving open the car door.

Heather knew he was thinking about the summer birthday party for her uncle, and the shocking attempt on Joe Colton’s life. She tucked her arm through her father’s as they started up the walk together. “Then maybe we can change that.”

They were met at the front door by Meredith Colton, Joe’s wife. Her brown eyes seemed to narrow at the sight of them. “What are you doing here?”

“Meredith.” Peter stepped closer, to kiss her cheek, but she stepped back, avoiding him. “Joe’s expecting us.”

She nodded. “Business, I suppose.”

“That’s part of it. But mostly we’re here because we’re family, and Joe needs us.”

She turned away without even acknowledging Peter’s words and completely ignored his daughter. “Joe’s in his office, I expect. That’s where he seems to spend all his time these days.”

She walked away, leaving them staring after her. The housekeeper, Inez, beckoned, leading them through the central courtyard where a fountain splashed and flowers grew in profusion in dozens of containers.

“Now that was a warm welcome,” Heather whispered.

“Nothing we didn’t expect. She and Joe were probably fighting again. They seem to do a lot of that lately. It’s obvious the tension is getting to both of them.”

Peter kept his arm around his daughter’s shoulders as they walked along a cool, dim hallway and paused before ornately carved double doors. The housekeeper knocked once, then opened the doors and stood aside, allowing them to enter.

“Joe.” Peter’s smile was back, brighter than ever. Joe Colton may not be blood-related, but he meant the world to the younger man, who had always looked up to him.

Across the room Joe Colton, seated behind a massive desk, shoved back his chair and sprang to his feet to hurry across the room.

“Peter. I’ve been watching for you.” Joe caught the younger man in a great bear hug, before holding him a little away to look him over. “You’re looking good.”

“Thanks. So are you.”

Joe turned to Heather and embraced her warmly. “Hello, sweetheart. It was generous of you to offer your help.”

She gave him a hard, quick hug before looking up into his smiling eyes. “I’m happy to do it, Uncle Joe.”

The older man kept hold of his niece’s hand as he led her toward his desk. It was then that Heather realized they weren’t alone.

A man got to his feet beside one of the high-backed leather chairs, watching with a quiet intensity that Heather found disconcerting.

“Thad Law, this is my little brother Peter McGrath.” Joe saw the man’s brow arch and was quick to add, “We have different last names because we’re not blood brothers. But the bond is the same, wouldn’t you say, Pete?”

“You bet. Even stronger than blood.” Peter gave a firm nod of his head.

Joe added, “Pete, this is Police Detective Thaddeus Law.”

As the two men shook hands it was Peter’s turn to arch a brow. “Police detective? Has there been more trouble?”

Joe patted his brother’s arm. “Now don’t go making a big deal of this. We just had some things to discuss.” He drew Heather closer. “Thad, this is Peter’s daughter, Heather. She’s agreed to live here for a while and act as my assistant.”

“Miss McGrath.” There was that intense look again. As though he were dissecting her, inch by inch.

Heather forced a smile as she offered her hand. “Detective Law.”

His big hand engulfed hers and she felt a quick rush of heat that left her startled. When she looked up to see if he’d felt it as well, he abruptly shifted his gaze to her uncle.

She used the opportunity to study his profile. A wide forehead. Strong, chiseled features. A jaw that jutted with an air of determination. Jet black hair cut military-short.

He wasn’t handsome in the classic sense, but he was an imposing figure, not just because of his size, but because of some unfathomable air of command. It was obvious to anyone looking at him that even without a uniform he was a cop.

His voice was deep, the words spoken in a staccato delivery, as though by someone accustomed to giving orders rather than taking them. “I’ll go over the information you gave me, and get back to you tomorrow, Senator.”

Joe’s smile was quick. “I told you, Thad. That part of my life is long over. It’s just plain Joe now.”

The detective nodded. “Okay, Joe. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. On my way out, I’ll look over your security system, and see if I can find any flaws.”

The two men shook hands. As the detective stepped away, he turned the full force of that steady gaze on Heather once again, and she felt the heat rise to her cheeks. But only because, she told herself firmly, she’d been caught staring.

Peter waited until they were alone before asking, “What’s going on, Joe?”

The older man shrugged. “Nothing to worry about. Thad was one of the first detectives on the scene when that shot was fired at my party. He’s been back ever since, combing for clues they might have missed. Obviously he’s not happy with some of the things he’s found. I like the way he works. I had a few things I wanted him to check for me.”

Peter’s voice lowered. “You worried about something, Joe?”

“What? Me worry?” Joe gave an easy laugh. “Come on, Pete. Let’s have a drink and then we’ll enjoy some lunch in the courtyard.” He opened a cabinet and pulled out a crystal decanter. “Heather, will you join us?”

His niece shook her head. “No thanks. I think I’ll walk around and get reacquainted with your beautiful home, Uncle Joe. I’ll be back in time to join the two of you for lunch.”

She let herself out of the office and strolled to the courtyard, pausing to watch the play of sunlight on the fountain. It was such a pretty picture, with the pots of colorful flowers and trailing ivy. The cool tile, the expanse of glass, the sound of water all added to a feeling of peace and serenity.

She strolled through the great room and paused at the windows, crossing her arms over her chest as she studied the magnificent view in the distance. The lush valley. Rolling green hills. Oh, it was so pleasant here. So perfect.

It was hard to believe that in this serene setting there was so much seething hostility. So much pain. Her uncle had lost a son to death, an adopted daughter to a kidnapping. And then there was the horrible attempt that had been made on his life. As yet, no one had been arrested. But Uncle Joe had, as always, tried to take the high road, downplaying the incident, insisting that they’d all made too much of it.

She didn’t believe him, of course. Being the target of an assassin’s bullet would leave a person traumatized. But it was obvious that Joe Colton was determined to get on with his life, and to locate his daughter, Emily.

That factor had weighed heavily in Heather’s decision to move here. She knew how much her father loved Joe Colton, and how concerned he was. She shared that love and concern. If her presence here could ease his burden even a little, then she would stay here for as long as he needed her.

As for her Aunt Meredith’s cool reception, she’d already decided not to let that bother her. Her aunt had changed in the past few years. Everyone had noticed it. Meredith had become caught up in herself and her own selfish needs. Heather would simply keep her distance from her aunt and concentrate on what her uncle needed.

She already knew the business. After college she’d gone to work for her father, in the financial department of Colton Enterprises. She’d proven herself efficient, good with figures, and a quick study. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t do if she set her mind to it.

She sighed, thinking about the life she’d left behind. It had been so easy to adapt to her family’s charmed lifestyle. She knew her mother had several young men already picked out as potential husbands for her. Her friends thought it so amusing, especially since she’d been engaged twice and had both times broken the engagement after only weeks. She never let those around her see the pain and confusion she’d suffered. How could they understand? Heather had dreams of her own. Dreams she hadn’t shared with anyone, even her adored brother, Austin.

Austin. How she ached for him. She was probably the only one who could see that behind that angry, brooding facade, he was hiding a broken heart. She would give anything to help him. But she knew, with a woman’s instincts, that he would have to find his own way through the maze that his life had become.

She was suddenly relieved that she’d agreed to come here. Not only could she help her favorite uncle, but this might also prove to be the perfect break from a lifestyle that had become almost too hectic, too crammed with parties and lunches and activities. And complications, she thought grimly. A mother determined to get her only daughter married to the right man, someone who would fit in with their up-scale lifestyle. And a father who adored his only daughter and was far too willing to pull strings to get her whatever her heart desired.

The problem was, she wasn’t certain just what she wanted. She knew only what she didn’t want. She didn’t want the empty life her friends were living, and though she adored her parents, she wanted more than the life her mother lived.

Unlike her Aunt Meredith, who had allowed herself to become caught up in the pursuit of happiness to the exclusion of those around her, Heather yearned for something else. Something simpler. Right now, living and working here at her uncle’s ranch, without having to deal with outside influences, could be the antidote she’d been seeking.

Heather wasn’t sure how long she’d been standing there, lost in thought, when she sensed that she wasn’t alone. She whirled and found herself face to face with a scowling Thad Law.

“Detective.” She brought a hand to her throat in a gesture of surprise. “I didn’t hear you.”

There was a breathy quality to her voice that intrigued him. If he hadn’t noticed it earlier in her uncle’s office, he’d write it off as nerves. Without realizing it, his frown deepened. He took a step closer, until they were mere inches apart.

With each step that he took toward her, she had an almost overpowering urge to step back, out of reach. Foolish, she knew, but the feeling was too strong to deny. This man made her uncomfortable. Odd, since she’d never before been anything but completely comfortable in the presence of men. But then, this man wasn’t like any she’d ever met.

Though she thought of herself as tall, she had to tip her head back to see his face. He had to be several inches over six feet, with broad shoulders and a powerfully muscled chest. For a big man he moved with surprising catlike grace.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.” His voice was low and deep, with a hint of impatience.

“You could have warned me you were here.” She had the distinct impression that he’d been there for some time, watching her, and had been as uncomfortable as she when she’d turned and caught sight of him.

“And interrupt those deep thoughts of yours?”

So, he had been watching her.

When he drew close she saw again that piercing stare. It had the strangest effect on her. She’d thought his eyes dark, but in the sunlight streaming through the windows she could see that they were a deep midnight blue.

A breeze flitted through the open window, flinging a lock of her hair across her face. Without warning he lifted a finger to it and brushed it aside. It was the slightest touch, and yet it sent a jolt of electricity charging through her system with all the force of a lightning bolt.

At that simple touch she stood perfectly still, absorbing the tremors that rocked her. Her eyes widened and she had to clasp her hands together to keep from flinching.

Had he felt it, too, or was she the only one affected like this? A quick glance at his face revealed only a slight narrowing of his eyes. But it was enough to tell her that he wasn’t as cool and disinterested as he tried to appear.

He cleared his throat. “Did I understand that you’re going to be living here?”

She nodded, afraid to trust her voice.

“For how long?”

She swallowed and prayed she wouldn’t sound as uneasy as she felt. “I don’t really know.” She looked at him, then away. “I guess I’ll be here for as long as my uncle needs me.”

“Needs you for what?”

“He’s been spending most of his time here since the…” She couldn’t bring herself to mention the shooting. “Since his party. And because I’m familiar with the work, I offered to come here and act as his assistant.”

“I see.” He glanced around. “Have you considered the isolation of this place?”

She nodded. “That’s part of its charm.”

“For a week or two maybe. After that, when people realize they can’t shop at high-priced boutiques, or reserve a table at a fancy restaurant, the charm starts to wear thin. How long do you think you can stand it, Miss McGrath?”

“I told you. For as long as my uncle needs me.”

“Even if it turns out to be months?”

She nodded. “That’s right.” She arched a brow. “Is that a look of skepticism, Detective?”

“Could be. Personally I doubt you’ll last more than a week or two before you get the urge to race back to civilization.”

“Is that so? You wouldn’t care to bet on that, would you?”

For the first time his lips curved slightly, the only hint of humor. “Are you asking a man of the law to gamble?”

“Afraid you’ll lose?”

He continued staring at her. “Are you a betting woman, Miss McGrath?”

“I’ve been known to make a wager or two.”

“Have you now?” He gave her a measuring look that had the heat rising to her cheeks. “Five bucks says you’re bored out of your mind and out of here within two weeks.” He stuck out his hand. “Deal?”

She glanced down at his hand, then up into those challenging eyes. “Oh, yeah. How can I resist such an easy way to make five dollars? You’re on, Detective.”

He closed his hand over hers and, too late, she remembered how she’d felt the first time his hand had held hers. The heat was back, racing along her spine, surging through her veins. But when she tried to pull free, he merely drew her closer, until his lips hovered just above hers. “My friends call me Thad.”

“Really?” She wanted to look away, but wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. Instead she lifted her head, forcing herself to meet that steely gaze. “Then I guess I’ll call you Detective Law, because I don’t see the two of us becoming friends. Would you like to pay up now? Or are you going to make me wait until the two weeks are up?”

He chuckled. He’d give her this much. She didn’t back down. “You haven’t won anything yet, Miss McGrath. As for me, I think my job just got more interesting.”

“Your job?” She was suddenly alert as she yanked her hand free and studied him more carefully. “You’re…working here? I thought this was just a routine visit, and that you wouldn’t be back.”

“Sorry to disappoint you.”

For the first time she noticed the notepad in his other hand. Her voice lowered. “If this isn’t merely a routine check, does this mean something is wrong?”

He kept his features deliberately unreadable. “Sorry, Miss McGrath. I’m not at liberty to discuss my business with anyone except your uncle.”

“Of course.” She felt the sting of censure and wondered how it was that this man could make her feel so damnably awkward. In any other man his attitude would come across as pure arrogance, but she had the feeling that in Thad Law, it was simply the way he conducted business. No doubt he put up a wall between himself and every civilian he came in contact with.

“Well.” She took a step back, needing to put some distance between them so she could catch her breath. “Don’t let me stop you, Detective.”

Instead of giving her the space she so obviously wanted, he leaned close and watched the way her eyes narrowed. “I told you. It’s Thad. Why don’t you try it?”

“Why don’t you—” She drew in a breath when she saw the hint of humor in his eyes. She counted to ten, then tried again. “Okay. Why not? I guess I’ll be seeing you around, Thad.”

“You can count on it, Miss McGrath.”

“My name is Heather.”

He seemed to consider that a moment, as though fitting the name to the woman. “You can count on seeing me around, Heather.” He stood there a moment longer, feeling the tension hum between them. Then he turned on his heel.

She watched him walk away. It occurred to her that he didn’t so much walk as stalk. Like a panther on the trail of some poor, unsuspecting prey.

She shivered at the thought.

Crossing her arms over her chest, she waited until her breathing had returned to normal and her legs felt steady enough to carry her without stumbling. Then she headed in the opposite direction. She didn’t want to bump into Thaddeus Law again. There was something far too dark and dangerous about him.

Like a man who’d seen too much. And knew too many secrets. Secrets he had no intention of sharing with anyone.

But then, why should he? A man like that probably didn’t need anyone or anything. He gave every impression of being a law unto himself.

Thad headed toward Joe’s office. But though he mechanically noted the security sensors positioned overhead, his mind was still on Heather McGrath. When she’d first stepped into Joe Colton’s office, he’d felt like some sort of awestruck schoolboy. She was almost too perfect. Like every man’s ideal woman. Tall, willowy, with soft blue eyes and a turned-up nose. She even had perfect dimples when she smiled. And to top it off, all that smooth blond hair flowing like silk.

He’d had to touch it. Just to assure himself it was as soft as it looked. The jolt he’d been forced to endure had been worth it. It was the kind of hair a man wanted to sink his hands into.

And then there were those lips. So perfectly formed. The lower lip full and inviting. He’d been shocked by the urge to kiss her, to touch his mouth to hers and drink his fill.

The perfume she wore was intoxicating. Like crushed roses. When he’d breathed her in, she went straight to his head and sent it spinning.

A man could get addicted to a woman like that.

He’d been grateful for those few minutes to study her when she’d first arrived. It had given him the advantage when they’d been introduced.

Of course, that didn’t explain why he’d spent all that time studying her again when he’d come upon her just now.

He frowned. Men didn’t need a reason to look at a woman like that. It was the most natural thing in the world. And it wasn’t as if she didn’t know she was beautiful. How could she not be aware of it? She’d probably been stared at by men since she was old enough to wiggle those sexy hips.

He knew her type. In his line of work he’d come across dozens of women like her. Rich, pampered, adored. They took their beauty and their lifestyle for granted. And when things started to fall apart, so did they.

He’d be willing to bet that her idea of work was leeching off her rich uncle and talking endlessly on the phone to her friends. The first time she broke a fingernail she’d probably throw a tantrum.

Still, when they shook hands, he’d felt the heat clear to his toes. There was no denying she was one hot little female.

And, he figured, as long as he was going to be here conducting an investigation, he may as well enjoy the view. Even though he’d have to remember not to touch.

Heather McGrath was too rich for his blood.

He knocked, then opened the door when he heard Joe Colton’s voice summon him to enter.

“What’d you find, Thad?”

“It’s a good security system, as far as it goes. But I’d recommend that you add some refinements.”

Joe nodded. “Okay. That’s why I asked for your help. How soon can you have it done to your satisfaction?”

Thad shrugged. “A day or two. I can order the parts you need. If you don’t mind, I’d like to hire the workmen myself. No sense having strangers on the premises that haven’t passed a security check.”

Joe smiled. “Whatever you say, Thad. Can you stay for lunch?”

“No, thanks.” Thad turned away. “I’ll see you first thing in the morning.”

When the door closed behind him, Peter McGrath gave Joe a long, measuring look. “Seems to me you’re going to a lot of trouble for a man who doesn’t think anything’s wrong.”

Joe clapped a hand on his foster brother’s shoulder. “After what’s happened lately, I’ve decided to wise up and take precautions. Besides, my favorite niece plans on living and working here now. I’d like to think that all these security measures will give you and Andie some peace of mind.”

Peter nodded, thinking of the way his wife, Andie, had reacted when she’d heard what Heather planned to do. She liked having her daughter close. “You’re right, of course. I’m grateful that you’re finally ready to put your safety in the hands of an expert.”

At the appearance of the housekeeper, Inez, announcing that lunch was ready, the two men made their way to the beautiful dining room, overlooking the courtyard. They met Heather just coming from the other direction.

“Will Aunt Meredith be joining us?” she called cheerfully.

Joe shook his head. “Meredith never eats lunch here. In fact, she’s rarely at home. That’s just one more reason why I’m so glad you’re here, sweetheart. You’ll be great company. Besides, your father assures me that you’re an expert at whipping an office into shape.”

As the three were seated they could see, through the floor-to-ceiling windows, Thaddeus Law walking to his car.

“Speaking of experts.” Peter nodded toward the figure of the officer. “I wouldn’t want to mess with Detective Law. He looks like he could take on an entire gang of gunmen without flinching.”

“Yeah.” Joe laughed. “And spit out their bullets if they were foolish enough to fire at him.”

The two men shared a laugh while Heather merely watched in silence as the man they were discussing tossed his jacket on the passenger seat before stepping inside and driving away in a cloud of dust.

Somehow she had the impression that her father and uncle weren’t too far from the truth.

Two

Heather showered and dressed quickly, in a simple turtleneck and jeans, eager to begin her first day at the ranch. She ran a brush through her hair and tied it back with a clip, then let herself out of her room and danced barefoot down the stairs.

She knew that the tender farewell scene with her father yesterday had been much harder on him than on her. He’d felt that he was losing his baby, and had actually said as much. For her part, she felt only a sense of freedom. For the next few weeks or months she would have no commitments. Her only responsibility was to her uncle and his business affairs. That was a level of comfort that suited her far more than the corporate setting she’d had to adapt to for the past couple of years.

She smiled to herself. She was sick of business suits and cramming her feet into high-heeled pumps. Bored with long-winded presentations and working lunches. Weary of dressing up at night for black-tie charity events, and making small talk with high-powered executives who always seemed to have one eye on the media.

In the kitchen she was thrilled to discover that she was the first one up. She plugged in the coffeemaker before rummaging through the cupboards. When she located some cereal she poured a bowl, topped it with milk, and grabbed up a spoon before heading out the door. On the porch she settled herself on the top step and leaned her back against the railing, enjoying the spectacular sunrise while she ate.

The sky was ablaze with ribbons of pink and mauve and deep purple. The air was warm and dry, with just a hint of the perfume of jewel-colored dianthus and ivy in nearby terracotta planters.

Heather saw a blur of movement out of the corner of her eye and turned to look, her spoon halfway to her mouth. She nearly bobbled the spoon when she realized it was Thad Law. But this wasn’t the man in the rumpled suit that she’d met the previous day. This was a man in snug jeans and denim shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows, which displayed a toned, muscled body. She knew men in her parents’ country club who worked out daily with personal trainers, hoping for a body like his.

In his arms was a cardboard box and a length of electrical wire.

Thad caught sight of her at the same moment and paused in mid-stride. Then he quickly recovered and walked closer. “’Morning.”

“Good morning. I didn’t expect to see you here this early.”

He set down his burden on the bottom step and straightened, regarding her with that piercing look. “I might say the same for you.”

She smiled easily. “I’ve always loved the morning.” She nodded toward the cereal. “Have you had your breakfast?”

“Yeah.” He arched a brow. “I didn’t take you for the cereal type.”

“Really? And what type did you think I’d be?”

“The eggs Benedict type, I guess. Or maybe the type that skips breakfast to leave room for quiche at lunch.”

“Sorry to disappoint you.” She spooned up the last of her cereal and set aside the bowl to stretch out her legs along the top step. “I made coffee. It’s on the counter inside. Help yourself.”

“Thanks.” As he started up the steps she drew her feet up to allow him to pass by. “As long as I’m pouring, would you like some?”

“Sure.”

“Cream or sugar?”

“No thanks. I take it black.”

He strode into the kitchen and returned minutes later with two cups of steaming coffee. Without a word he handed one to her.

He thought he’d prepared himself for that quick sizzle of heat, but it still managed to catch him by surprise when their fingers brushed.

He leaned his back against the rail and sipped in silence.

Heather sighed. “This is beautiful, isn’t it?”

“Yeah.” He sipped. Stared. And enjoyed the view. Not just the sunrise, but also the sight of the young woman who looked better in a shirt and jeans than anyone he’d ever seen. “Worth getting up early for.”

Heather nodded toward the supplies. “What’s all this for?”

“Some security devices I want added to your uncle’s system.”

“Are you going to install it yourself?”

He shook his head. “I have some workmen coming. I just wanted to check the system and make sure I had everything I needed before they get here. No point in wasting your uncle’s time and money.”

She shot him an astonished look.

He narrowed his eyes. “What?”

She shrugged. “I’m just a little surprised. Not too many people worry about someone else’s money.”

“I suppose such things don’t matter to you.” He saw her smile fade and wished he could take back his words.

“Of course they do. But he’s my uncle. I figured you’d see him as just another rich guy in need of security, no matter what the price.”

His voice lowered with temper. “Is that what you think of me?”

“Look, Thad.” She got to her feet, coffee sloshing over the rim of her cup. “I don’t know what to think. I came here to help my uncle. Apparently you did the same. So why don’t you just do your job and ignore me.”

As she started to sweep past him, his fingers closed around her upper arm and he dragged her close. “I wish I could. In fact, I’d really like to try. But I’m afraid it might prove impossible.” His voice roughened. “I haven’t figured you out yet, Heather McGrath. Yesterday you could have been the cover model for California Career Woman, all buttoned up in that tasteful little designer suit. This morning you look like a college student on mid-term break.” His gaze swept her, from her bare toes to her ponytail, bringing high color to her cheeks. “Either way, I’m sure you’re aware of the fact that it’s impossible for a man not to notice you.”

He saw her eyes widen with surprise before narrowing to angry slits. It was the most fascinating thing to see. Even while her chin was lifting, he could almost feel her spine stiffening and white-hot fury seething through her veins.

“I don’t care how you see me, or if you see me at all. If you value your job here, I suggest you take your hand off me immediately.”

He lowered his hand to his side, and marveled at the tingling in his fingertips. The mere touch of her had started a fire in his veins that was burning a path of heat directly to his loins.

She took a step back. “Apparently you’ve decided to dislike me on principle. Maybe it’s because I remind you of somebody. Or maybe I’m just a convenient target for some misplaced anger. Whatever the problem, Detective Law, it’s yours, not mine. So deal with it. And in the meantime let’s just keep out of each other’s way.”

“I think that’d be wise.” He reached down and took the cup from her hand.

At her arched brow he simply said, “In your present state of mind, I’d hate to have you toss it at me. It’s too hot.”

She almost laughed as he turned away and tossed the coffee over the railing into some rosebushes, before carrying the cups to the kitchen.

By the time he returned, she’d walked to the far end of the porch and kept her back to him as he descended the steps and picked up his supplies.

As he walked away, a smile flitted across his lips. Damned if she wasn’t just about irresistible when she got that temper up. He’d had all he could do to keep from dragging her against him and kissing those pouting lips.

It’s a good thing he hadn’t. A woman like that would probably go running to her uncle crying harassment. He’d had enough sensitivity training sessions to know a police officer had to hold himself to a higher standard.

Still, it hadn’t been easy. There was just something about Heather McGrath that brought out the beast in him.

“A little higher.” Thad stood on the ground, directing two workmen on ladders who were installing security cameras on the back of the house. Both would focus on the nearby hill. One lens gave a wide-angle view, the other a zoom, to be used for close-up shots of anyone trespassing.

In his hand was a palm-sized monitor showing what would appear on a much larger screen in Joe Colton’s office.

“Okay. That’s perfect.” He switched off the monitor and was just turning away when he saw Heather and Joe coming across the lawn, heads bent close in earnest conversation.

He’d seen them go out earlier, and had assumed Joe’s niece had talked him into taking her to town. Apparently they had just walked some of the property.

Joe was laughing. A rare sound these days. And a much-welcome one. Heather’s answering laughter drifted on the breeze, as musical as fine wind chimes.

Until the two had gone out, they’d been locked in Joe’s office all morning. Thad had only had to interrupt them once, to check the monitor. And when he had, he’d found Heather busy at the computer, a phone to her ear. Though she’d seen him, she hadn’t acknowledged him in any way. But he’d seen her pass the phone to her uncle, before continuing with her work on the computer.

Maybe he’d been wrong about her. Maybe she actually did know how to work. For a day or two. He’d see just how disciplined she was after a little more time on the job.

In the meantime, he intended to heed her advice. He’d just keep his distance for a few days. By then she’d probably be gone. When the day came that he saw her toting a packed suitcase, he intended to remind her of their bet. Even spoiled little rich girls were required to pay when they lost. And that was one debt he’d enjoy collecting.

“Thad.” Joe walked closer, trailed more slowly by his niece. “How’s the work going?”

“Good. We should have these two cameras up and running soon and I’ll show you how to switch them on and off from the console in your office.”

“That’s great.” Joe looked up when the cell phone in Heather’s pocket began ringing.

She turned away to answer it, then passed it to Joe. While he carried on an animated conversation with someone, Heather and Thad waited, an awkward silence stretching out between them.

“Time to get back to work,” Joe announced as he handed the phone back to Heather. “I’ll see you in my office whenever you’re done here, Thad.”

“Right.” Thad watched as Heather walked away beside her uncle. She appeared relieved to be escaping. Not that he could blame her. He’d come across like a Neanderthal this morning.

There was just something about her that pushed all his buttons. And now that he’d had some time to consider, he knew why. She’d accused him of hating her on principle, because she reminded him of someone else. And she was right. Though she looked nothing like Vanessa, Heather came from the same privileged background as his late wife. He frowned as Heather and Joe disappeared inside the house. One broken heart was enough for any man. And the best way to ensure that it didn’t happen again was to keep his distance. Which shouldn’t be too hard, since Heather McGrath had already made it plain that she didn’t want him around. Not that he minded. He already had so much going on in his life he found himself wishing he could be cloned.

A short time later he knocked on Joe’s office door and stepped inside. The first thing he saw was Heather, standing on tiptoe trying to reach a leather-bound volume perched on a shelf high above her. Without thinking he strolled across the room and reached over her head, easily snagging the book. What he hadn’t counted on was brushing her body with his. Or the way his body betrayed him without warning.

She turned with a smile. “Thanks, Uncle…” Her smile froze. “Thad.”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you again.” He couldn’t seem to look away from those soft blue eyes, wide with surprise. A man could easily drown in them. And happily go under without lifting a hand to save himself.

He lowered the book but didn’t step away. He couldn’t. He’d already fallen under the spell of her perfume. It was filling his lungs, clouding his mind.

He knew he was about to make a fool of himself, but it didn’t seem to matter. Nothing did at the moment except staying here, just like this, breathing her in and tempting himself with the thought of those lips.

She couldn’t back up. There was nowhere to go. Her back was already firmly pressed to the bookcase. Besides, she wasn’t sure she wanted to. The electricity sparking between them was mesmerizing. Like the static charge in the air before a wild summer storm.

She tipped her head higher. “If you’re looking for my uncle, he should be back in a minute.”

“Good. A minute’s all I need for what I have in mind.” Though an hour would have been better. Much better he thought as he lowered his face to hers.

Heather saw it coming and was helpless to stop it. But though she braced herself for his kiss, she was totally unprepared for what followed.

His free hand cupped the back of her head as his lips covered hers in a kiss so hot, so hungry, she was rocked back on her heels. This was no tentative brush of mouth to mouth, tasting, testing, persuading. This was all fire and flash and thunder. And she was tossed into the heart of the storm, with lightning flashing between them, and wildfires being ignited everywhere.

He crushed her against him and took the kiss deeper. She could feel that hard, muscled body imprinting itself on hers. Branding her with his taste, his touch.

He kissed like a man who intended to possess her. She returned his kiss like a woman already possessed.

She was shocked by the way she was reacting. If any other man had dared to take such liberties, she would have cut him off at the knees with a single harsh word, a killing look, a slap across the face. But this man was kissing her breathless, and all she could do was hold on while her heart hitched, and her breathing became ragged, and her body, her flesh, her blood grew unbearably hot. She could feel her flesh melting. Her bones dissolving. Her blood singing in her veins. And her pulse pounding furiously in her ears.

Thad knew he’d crossed a line, both personal and professional, and yet he couldn’t seem to stop. He needed, desperately, one more taste of her, one more touch. And so he lingered over her lips, struggling with an almost overwhelming desire to take her, here and now.

Even while the thought formed, he dismissed it as the cravings of a demented fool. Ever so slowly he lifted his head and watched as she struggled to compose herself.

Her eyes snapped open. Her lips, those soft, perfect lips, looked moist and swollen, still bearing the imprint of his. For some reason he couldn’t fathom, that pleased him enormously.

“I’d like to say I’m sorry.” He was surprised at how dry his throat felt. “But that would be a lie.”

“All right. As long as we’re being honest, I’d like to say I hate you for this.” She could barely get the words out over the pressure in her throat. Her heart was still pumping furiously, her mind still clouded. “But I’m as much to blame as you.”

“Well, then.” He laid his palm against her cheek and saw her eyes go wide again. His smile was slow in coming, but when it did, it changed all his features. “Next time I’ll let you kiss me first. Then we’ll be even.”

“Gee, thanks.” But there was no anger in her tone. Only a hint of humor. She couldn’t believe the change in him when he smiled. Those icy blue eyes warmed and heated. His mouth, so often set in hard tight lines, looked surprisingly soft. And there was a cleft in his chin she hadn’t noticed before.

“You’re welcome.” Feeling stronger now, he took a step back, breaking contact.

He handed her the book. “I think this is what started all of that.”

“Yes.” She closed her hands around it, holding on to it like a lifeline, wondering if her heartbeat would ever return to normal.

He grinned. “My pleasure. If you ever need any more help reaching and fetching, just let me know.”

They both looked up at the sound of footsteps. Joe stepped into his office and crossed to his desk. “Thad. I guess this means the cameras are installed?”

“Yeah. I thought I’d show you how to operate this monitor.”

Heather remained where she was as Thad strolled to Joe’s desk and the two men went over the controls.

After a few minutes Joe looked over at her. “You’d better learn these, too, sweetheart. As long as you’ll be living here, you have to learn how to operate the security system.”

“Yes, of course.” She walked closer and was forced to endure the closeness of Thad’s body as he explained the controls.

Each time he leaned forward to turn on another switch, she felt the sizzle of heat along her spine. And wondered if he felt it, too.

She chanced a quick glance at his face. He winked, and she felt her cheeks flame.

Finally, when she was certain she couldn’t possibly endure being this close to him for another moment, he stepped back. “I think you’ve both got the hang of it.”

“Well, if we have any questions, we’ll know where to find you.” Joe began sorting through the mail on his desk, which Heather had already opened and stacked. He looked up as a thought occurred. “How about staying for dinner, Thad?”

“Sorry. I can’t. I have…commitments.”

“Okay. Maybe another time.”

“Sure.” Thad glanced at his watch, then started toward the door. “Sorry. I’ve got to run.”

“Thanks for taking care of this, Thad. It’s much appreciated.”

Thad paused at the door and turned with a grin. “Don’t say that until you get my bill. The Prosperino P.D. only pays me when I’m on duty. What I do for you goes on your tab.”

Joe threw back his head and roared. “You’re worth twice what you’re charging me.”

Thad grinned. “Now you tell me.”

Joe waved a hand. “Will I see you tomorrow?”

“Yeah. But be warned. I’m going to be bringing you a list of security measures I think you should add.”

“I’ve told you, Thad. I think the new cameras are enough.”

“And I told you, not by a long shot. They’re nothing but a stopgap measure. You ought to employ a security team until the shooter is behind bars.”

“Uh-huh.” Joe smiled. “See you tomorrow.”

“Yeah.” Thad shot a quick glance at Heather, standing beside her uncle’s desk.

At once she felt the heat rise to her cheeks.

As the door closed behind him, she settled down to the computer and began scrolling until she found the figures she was searching for. But as she stared at the screen, the numbers blurred and she found herself replaying in her mind the kiss they’d shared.

She’d been kissed dozens of times. Hundreds. But she had never in her life felt anything that even came close to what she’d experienced with Thad Law.

What was happening here? She’d always considered herself a calm, intelligent, sensible woman. And yet, in the space of a single day, she felt as though her life had tilted at some crazy angle. As though she’d been caught up in something completely out of her realm of experience and totally out of her control.

Maybe it was just because Thad Law was unlike any of the men she’d ever known. Most of them were smooth-as-silk members of her family’s country club, with a string of degrees after their names, eager to marry well and move up the corporate ladder. Most of them saw her as the perfect corporate wife.

Thad Law was about as far removed from that as a man could be. Tough talking, rough around the edges and completely unconcerned about how he appeared to others. But she had the sense that he was a man who would finish whatever he started, to the best of his ability, come hell or high water. Maybe that was why he so intrigued her. He appeared to be that rarest of all breeds—a man of integrity.

And though it galled her to admit it, even to herself, she couldn’t wait to see him again.

Three

The normally blue sky had turned to dull gunmetal gray. The sun had taken refuge behind dark clouds that gathered and thickened.

The family began drifting into the dining room. Heather stood with nine-year-old Joe, Jr., and seven-year-old Teddy, teasing them about the gloomy weather.

“Don’t worry,” Heather laughed. “You know what the song says. The sun’ll come out tomorrow.”

Both boys groaned and gave matching pained expressions before dissolving in laughter.

Their laughter faded when their mother entered. It was clear to see that she was already well on her way to throwing a full-blown temper tantrum. Her eyes were as stormy as the clouds outside the windows. Her mouth a thin, tight line of anger.

As always she found fault with the way the table was set, with the flowers that had been carefully arranged as a centerpiece. She even found fault with the way Heather was dressed.

“This isn’t a barn.” Meredith looked her up and down without bothering to hide her contempt. “Save your denims and boots for the horses. I expect you to dress for dinner while you’re a guest in my home.”

It was on the tip of Heather’s tongue to remind her aunt that this wasn’t the White House, but one look at her two young cousins, and she felt a wave of sympathy. It must be terrible to have to live with so much seething anger and resentment. There seemed to be no love left in this home.

“If you’d like me to change…” she began.

“If I’d like?” Meredith’s eyes narrowed to tiny slits. “Are you so thick-headed you have to ask? Get this straight. I don’t want to see you in this room until you’re wearing what you’d wear to one of your fancy country club dinners. Is that understood?”

Before Heather could reply Meredith slammed out of the room, leaving her sons staring after her in disbelief.

Hoping to calm them, Heather put an arm around each of them and gave them her brightest smile. “Looks like this is your lucky day. You’re about to see me looking the way I look at a glamorous dinner party. I’ll be right back after I change.”

They all looked up at the sound of a loud report, followed by the shattering of glass.

“What was that?” Teddy’s eyes went wide with fear.

Even as he cried out the question, they all knew what they’d heard. It was unmistakably a gunshot. The sound was eerily like the sound they’d heard another time, at Joe’s party.

For the space of a heartbeat they all went perfectly still, absorbing the shock.

Heather was the first to recover her senses. She was already rushing through the open doorway and toward the stairs, a scream lodged in her throat, when the boys started after her. Seeing them, she stopped and held out her hands.

“You don’t want to come up here,” she said insistently. “Not until I see what’s happened.”

The thought of these two little boys finding their father lying in a pool of blood, dead or wounded, was too terrible to contemplate. As they rushed toward her she caught them and held them back, then glanced over their heads to where Inez stood in the doorway, staring in stunned silence. “Take the boys with you into the dining room and keep them there.”

The poor woman was too frightened to respond.

Just then her aunt hurried into the hallway.

The woman who had for years pretended to be Meredith paused at the scene before her. Her mind couldn’t seem to take in what her heart already knew. The gunshot. The eerie silence. It was so much like the previous time. But that time she’d been prepared. It had all been carefully choreographed by her, Patsy Portman. This time the gunshot had caught her completely by surprise. What was going on here? This hadn’t been part of her plan. In fact, she’d been so busy trying to do away with Emily, she hadn’t given any more thought to getting rid of Joe.

“Aunt Meredith.” Seeing her aunt’s apparent confusion, Heather adopted a tone she’d used as a camp counselor whenever she was dealing with an errant child. “You don’t want your boys to go up here. Please see that they stay downstairs, out of harm’s way.”

For a few more seconds Patsy’s mind seemed to be somewhere else, mulling this strange twist. Then, with great effort, she pulled herself back from her thoughts and called sternly, “You heard Heather. Come down here and wait with me.”

Heather turned away, relieved, and started up. Just then Joe Colton appeared at the head of the stairs. In his eyes was a look of dazed fury.

In a voice that sounded deadly calm he said, “Heather, call the police.”

“Are you all right? Was it a gunshot?”

He nodded. “I’m fine. Call now. And, Heather…”

She paused.

“Keep everyone downstairs and in one place until the police detectives have had a chance to gather evidence. We know the routine by now. I don’t want anyone messing up footprints or other signs this madman may have left behind.”

She was so grateful to see that her uncle was alive and unharmed, she could hardly speak. She gave a quick nod of her head, then raced toward the phone. After speaking with the police, she realized that she was trembling. Joining the others in the dining room she sank down onto a chair and waited for the tremors to pass.

Thad Law was out of his car and striding across the yard within minutes of the call. He was thankful that he’d been in the vicinity. Otherwise there was no telling how long it might have taken him.

As he drew near the front door he saw a shadowy figure and drew his gun.

“Police. Hold it right there.” He saw the figure pause and dart a look toward him. At that same moment he took careful aim. “I wouldn’t move if I were you, unless you’d like this to be your last minute on earth.”

The voice was low and deep and slightly out of breath. “What the hell is this about?”

“I’ll ask the questions.” Thad could see the man clearly outlined in the spill of light from the glass panels on either side of the door. His shrewd cop’s mind was already memorizing every detail. A hair over six feet. Strong, rugged build. Jet black hair. Dressed casually enough, in charcoal slacks and sweater. To blend into the darkness? Thad wondered.

He stepped closer and spun the man around, forcing his face to the door, while he searched for a weapon. Seeing that he wasn’t armed, Thad stepped back, allowing the man to turn.

Thad’s tone was sharp. “Now tell me who you are and what you’re doing here.”

The man looked startled by the questions before saying, “My name’s Jackson Colton. I’m here to see my uncle.”

“You got a beef with Joe Colton?”

“A beef? Of course not. I’m Joe’s nephew, and I’m here for a visit.”

“Did Joe know you were coming?”

There was a slight hesitation before Jackson said quietly, “No. I didn’t call and tell him I was coming. With Joe it isn’t necessary. His family is always welcome. Now I’d like to know what right you have to hold me at gunpoint and ask me these questions.”

“I have every right. There were shots fired here.” Thad gave a sharp rap on the door and waited until it was opened by a trembling Inez. Shoving Jackson ahead of him, he headed toward Joe Colton’s office. As he stepped inside he heard the high-pitched wail of sirens signaling the arrival of the rest of the squad. When a uniform rushed into the room, Thad nodded his head toward Jackson Colton.

“This guy claims to be a relative. He was outside when I got here. See that he sits in that chair and doesn’t move until I’ve had a chance to interview everyone here.” He gave Jackson a look that spoke, more than any words, what would happen if he dared to argue.

Then he was gone, his face as dark as a thunder-cloud.

Heather sat with Teddy and Joe, Jr., while uniformed men swarmed over the area, bagging everything that seemed the least bit suspicious. While one team went over every inch of the grounds directly surrounding the house, another team worked inside, checking doors, windows, locks. The master suite was sealed off while a team sifted through every shard of broken glass.

Inez had been ordered to stay until a statement could be taken from her. Joe and Meredith were closed in the great room with Thad Law and several detectives, answering questions.

“Heather.” Joe, Jr., looked grave in the lamplight. “Why does somebody want to kill my dad?”

“I don’t know, honey.” She wrapped her arm around the boy, offering him what comfort she could. “I wish I knew. I guess there will always be people in this world who want to hurt other people.”

“Why can’t the police arrest all the bad people?” Teddy’s blue eyes were troubled.

“They try, Teddy. They do the best they can. But before they can arrest somebody, they have to find out who he is. That’s why they’re talking to everybody who was here tonight. To see if any of us can help them find the bad people. And believe me, Teddy, if it’s at all possible, I believe the police will find the person who did this.”

“Heather’s right about that.”

At the sound of Thad Law’s voice, their heads came up.

Heather wondered just how long he’d been standing there, watching and listening. As a detective, he would have been trained to listen and observe. But this seemed to be more than training. It seemed almost second nature to him. As though he’d spent a lifetime looking into people’s minds and probing the secrets of their hearts.

Thad closed the door and leaned against it. “If you boys don’t mind, I’d like to ask you a favor.”

The two boys’ fears were forgotten as they wondered what they could possibly do for this man, who was held in such high regard by their father.

He crossed to the two little boys and got down on his knees, so that his eyes were level with theirs. It occurred to Heather as she watched that he was doing everything possible to make himself less intimidating. He instinctively understood that his size, his bearing, and his status as a police detective, could be misinterpreted as menacing.

“I need to learn everything I can about the past couple of hours.” He turned to the older boy first. “What were you doing when you heard the sound of the gunshot, Joe?”

“That’s easy,” Joe, Jr., said solemnly. “We were in the dining room, waiting for our dad to join us for dinner.”

“Were you sitting at the table?” Thad turned to the younger boy.

Teddy shook his head. “We were standing.”

“Alone?”

The boy shook his head. “With Heather.” He glanced tentatively toward her and was relieved to see her smiling. His own smile returned. “She was teasing us.”

“Teasing you? What about?” He glanced over the boy’s head and saw the color rise to Heather’s cheeks.

“About the clouds. She told us the sun’ll come out tomorrow.”

Thad grinned. “Did she say it? Or sing it?”

“She said it. But in a singsong voice.” The little boy was clearly enjoying himself now that he’d discovered that the policeman had a sense of humor.

“Okay. As long as she didn’t burst into song.” Thad kept his tone light. “Then what happened?”

“Our mom came in and yelled at Heather.” Teddy saw the look of disapproval on his brother’s face and clapped a hand to his mouth. “Maybe I wasn’t supposed to tell.”

“That’s all right,” Thad said easily. “My mom used to yell sometimes, too. Moms do that. What did she yell about?”

“She told Heather not to come to the table in jeans. And Heather was just going to go and change when we heard the bang.”

“Were you all together when you heard the sound?”

The boy nodded, then paused. “Well, I guess our mom wasn’t here.” He turned to his brother for confirmation. “She ran out of the room a minute or so before Heather.”

“So there were only the three of you?”

Teddy nodded. “And Inez.”

“All right.” Thad kept his tone easy. “After your mother left, what did you say and do?”

Teddy grinned, remembering. “Heather said we were lucky, ’cause she was going upstairs to make herself glamorous.”

“And did she?”

Teddy shook his head. “Before she could go we heard the shot. Bam. Then Heather ran out of the room and started up the stairs. And when Joe and I tried to follow, she told us to stay downstairs.”

Thad nodded. “That was very wise of her. And then what happened next?”

“Heather called to Inez to take us back to the dining room. But she was too scared. And then our mom came along, but before she could take us away, our dad came to the top of the stairs and told Heather to call the police. And he told us all to stay out of the way while the police did their job.”

“Good.” Thad patted both boys on the shoulders. “You all did the right thing.”

As he got to his feet Joe, Jr., tipped up his head. “Did you find the man who fired the shot?”

“I can’t say, son.”

“But you’ll catch him, won’t you?”

Thad touched a hand to the boy’s shoulder, hearing so much more than the mere question. It was the underlying fear. A fear that would dog all of them until the shooter was identified and arrested. Whether awake or asleep, the little nagging thought would always be in the back of their minds. They weren’t safe. Even in their own home, they could find no refuge from this stalker until he was taken into custody and locked behind bars for his crime.

“You can count on it, son.”

At that both boys looked greatly relieved.

Teddy asked, “Are you going to stay here with us until he’s caught?”

Thad shook his head. “I’m afraid that isn’t possible. But I’ll see that you get all the security that’s available.”

Joe, Jr., dropped an arm around his younger brother’s shoulders. “Can we go up to our rooms now?”

Thad nodded. “Yeah. Your mom will be right with you.”

The two boys hurried away, leaving Thad and Heather alone.

She took a deep breath. “Tell me what you’ve found.”

He shook his head. “First tell me what you saw, what you heard, and anything that the boys might have left out.”

“Basically, what the boys told you is all there was.”

“They didn’t leave anything out?”

She shook her head. “It caught us all by surprise. I think we’re still a little stunned by it.” She clutched her hands together tightly to control the shaking. Now that the danger was past, she was suffering from the shock of what might have been. “Is my uncle all right?”

“He’s fine. The window in his bedroom is shattered. Apparently the shooter was down below, saw him by the window, and took his shot, not knowing that in that instant Joe was reaching for his shoes. If he hadn’t bent down at that very moment, we might be investigating a murder instead of just an attempted murder.”

He saw the way her face drained of color. Though he wanted to offer her some comfort, he knew better. He was a detective investigating a serious crime. He couldn’t afford to lose his concentration. Or his objectivity. And this woman was capable of robbing him of both with a single touch.

“What can you tell me about Jackson Colton?”

Her eyes widened. “Jackson? He’s Joe’s nephew. His brother’s son. Why do you want to know about Jackson?”

“He was here at the time of the shooting. I came upon him just as I arrived.”

“Jackson is here?” She glanced toward the door. “Where is he?”

“Being questioned.”

“But why?”

Thad struggled to remain patient. “Because he arrived unannounced at the precise time that shots were fired by an unknown gunman. He’s alone, and has no one who can provide him with an alibi for the time of the shooting.”

“You think that Jackson…?” She couldn’t bring herself to speak the words. “No. This is insane.”

Thad gave a sigh of impatience. “Do you know of anyone who would want Joe Colton dead?”

Heather closed her eyes a moment as the enormity of the situation washed over her. Then she opened them and shook her head. “No. I’m sure he’s made a few enemies during his lifetime. But for a man to want another man dead?” She let out a long, slow sigh. “I can’t even conceive of such a thing.”

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