Sam wished he could be paged back to work about now, but he wasn’t on call tonight. Not on call, but always on duty, as the gun in his ankle holster reminded him.

His mother’s Italian accent expressed a sense of excitement that Sam had no desire to feel right now. “Jessica Mathers, this is our son, Samuel. He’s a detective with the Colorado Springs Police Department.”

Jessica’s mouth tightened when she glanced up at him. “Yes,” she replied, “we’ve met once, under not-so-wonderful circumstances.”

So she remembers that night, too.

Jessica moistened her lips. “I hope this meeting will be a little less stressful…for both of us.”

FAITH ON THE LINE:

Two powerful families wage war on evil…and find love

FINDING AMY—

Carol Steward (LI #263)

CAROL STEWARD

wrote daily to a pen pal for ten years, yet writing as a career didn’t occur to her for another two decades. “My first key chain said ‘Bloom where you’re planted.’ I’ve tried to follow that advice ever since.”

Carol, her husband and their three children have planted their roots in Greeley. Together, their family enjoys sports, camping and discovering Colorado’s beauty. Carol has operated her own cake-decorating business and spent fifteen years providing full-time child care to more than one hundred children before moving on to the other end of the education field. She is now an admissions advisor at a state university.

As always, Carol loves to hear from her readers. You can contact her at P.O. Box 200286, Evans, CO 80620. She would also love for you to visit her Web page at www.carolsteward.com.

Finding Amy
Carol Steward

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Dedicated to families searching for loved ones.

May the Heavenly Father be your support.

Acknowledgments

My thanks to Jeffrey Sweetin, Special Agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and Dave Galyard, School Resource Officer with the Greeley Police Department, for helping me clarify the intricacies of he wonderful jobs you do!

Special thanks and acknowledgment are given to Carol Steward for her contribution to the FAITH ON THE LINE series.

He that conceals his transgressions

shall not prosper: but whoso confesses

and forsakes them shall have mercy.

—Proverbs 28:13

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Detective Samuel Vance—He’s successfully taken down his friend’s would-be killer. Can Sam rescue a missing child…and not lose his heart to the girl’s mother in the process?

Jessica Mathers—The single mother has lived with terrible pain since the car accident that left her widowed. She wouldn’t be able to survive losing her precious little Amy.

Amy Mathers—Jessi’s daughter is only three years old. Where could she be?

Deanne Jones—What reason did the physically scarred baby-sitter have for disappearing with Amy?

Detective Rebecca Hilliard—Her job was to find missing persons. But would her feelings for her ex-boyfriend Sam get in the way?

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

Letter to Reader

Chapter One

D etective Samuel Vance had seen Jessica Mathers before, too many times. One too many, anyway. Like the night her drunk of a husband died. It was nothing short of a miracle that the accident hadn’t killed Jessica and her daughter at the same time.

Jessica greeted each single man at the engagement party with a champagne flute in her hand, then sipped the bubbly faithfully. The waiter stopped and offered a replacement for her empty glass; Jessica giggled and leaned close, but didn’t take another. Her light-brown hair glistened in the soft light of the chandelier. Though a healthy-size woman, she seemed thinner every time he saw her.

Sam recalled the way she’d looked the night of the accident—bruise on her left jaw, cuts all over her face. He’d been the first on scene. Her husband died immediately. Sam had taken her vitals, then glanced into the back seat and his heart had raced. He looked for the baby belonging to the diaper bag. “There’s a baby somewhere! Where’s the baby?” He jumped away from the car and turned circles, shining his flashlight into the field. No one had believed him, but he hadn’t given up. He’d been the one to hear the little girl’s whimper.

Sam turned away, wishing he hadn’t been the officer on call that night. “A Vance never forgets,” his father used to tell him. How he wished he could. Hers had been the most gruesome accident he’d seen. He shook the memory loose and searched for the bride-and groom-to-be.

Love songs crooned for Adam and Kate, the couple whose engagement sparked the laughter and happiness tonight. But as Sam bit into a dainty appetizer, he realized he needed to vent some frustration. After arresting Dr. Lionel Valenti for shooting Adam Montgomery in Venezuela and assaulting Kate Darling, Sam should be elated. Unfortunately, Valenti hadn’t been as cooperative as they’d hoped he would be during the questioning. Sam needed something more than suspicion to tie Valenti to the Diablo crime syndicate. Tension in the division was at a peak. After almost a week, neither Sam nor any of the other top-notch interrogators had gotten the doctor to crack.

Sam heard Jessica laugh. The kind of party-girl giggle that spread like a virus. He watched the man beside her turn to putty.

“You’re looking awfully cranky tonight,” Sam’s ex-sister-in-law teased. Emily followed his gaze and smiled softly. “Interesting view, isn’t it?”

He shrugged, dismissing her baited question. “Interesting to who?”

She nudged him. “I have news for you, Samuel, you’re not that discreet. Face it, you Vance men don’t look if you don’t like the woman.”

He glanced back at Jessica, angry that Emily had caught him. He could try to deny Emily’s accusation, but he’d never succeed. “There’s an exception to every rule.”

Emily’s laughter bounced off the colonial pane windows surrounding the Broadmoor Hotel ballroom and practically shattered the crystal chandelier. Sam felt as if a spotlight had just turned on them. His dad glanced over and headed toward him and Emily.

Sam didn’t want to talk business right now. Especially not when his parents were together. He had questions for his father that couldn’t be asked, let alone answered in public. “Now look what you’ve done,” he said, razzing Emily. He scoped out their proximity to the exits. “It’s too far to the door to escape.”

“Don’t be silly, why would you want to do that? Look, your mom and dad are bringing the woman with them,” Emily murmured before she complimented his parents. “They look so young and in love.”

Sam turned away from the oncoming trio, intending to take the shortest route out of the ballroom. Leave it to an engagement to put his mother in matchmaker mode. She and Mrs. Montgomery were both anxious for their families to grow. “I’m leaving, care to join me?”

Emily followed. “Sam, what has gotten into you?”

“Let’s just say it’s business related. And the last thing I want to talk about tonight is work.”

“You and your father have to learn to communicate now that he’s retired, Sam. He’s home. Make the best of it.”

“He’s here all right. In my face. On the job and off.” Just like Jessica Mathers.

Sam looked over his shoulder, relieved to find his mother introducing his dad and Jessica to one of her bridge club buddies. He took Emily by the elbow and zigzagged through the elegant surroundings where all of Colorado Springs’s socialites, and a few of the working stiffs like himself, gathered in party attire. Sam removed his sport coat, hoping to cool off outside.

Emily simply waited for further explanation.

Sam grumbled about the impromptu celebration. “I’m not much for these shindigs.”

Emily gave him a dirty look, even as he opened the door to the terrace for her.

“Samuel Vance. You should be happy for them.” Emily scolded him as only a “sister” could.

Unsuccessful at ignoring her scowl, he conceded. “I am happy. Believe me. I’m happier than anyone in this city that Adam and Kate are still here to celebrate.”

“I hear the wedding’s at the end of the month. Sounds like they’re anxious to return to the clinic in Santa Maria de Flores. Now can you make a little better attempt to enjoy yourself?”

He shook his head. “My mood has nothing to do with the party. I told you that. And I’d rather drop the subject.”

As if she knew better than to try to intervene between the Vance men, Emily remained silent. Sam looked to the heavens and said a prayer. The August sun dangled above Pikes Peak, promising a colorful sunset. That alone assured Sam that God was in control, tonight and every night.

It suddenly dawned on Sam that Emily’s silence might have more to do with her divorce from his brother than anything else. Stress built up inside law enforcement personnel, issues that couldn’t be shared, even with loved ones. Sometimes especially because they were loved ones. “I’m sorry, Emily, I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“That part of the Vance life just never goes away, does it. Everything’s top secret.”

Something in her comment sounded like a freshly opened wound. “You heard from Peter?”

Emily leaned against the planter filled with bright red geraniums and tiny white flowers. Her voice softened. “No, I gave up on that long ago. You don’t expect anything from an undercover agent. That way you’re not disappointed.”

“Even a do-better like you won’t make it to heaven telling lies like that, Doc.” He reached out and offered a brotherly hug. “You have every right to be disappointed. We just have to trust God is watching over Peter, wherever he is.”

“Sounds like too serious a conversation for a party.” Sam’s mother stepped between them, as if suggesting something clandestine was going on. “Lovely party, isn’t it?”

Sam and Emily both nodded obediently.

Lidia placed her hand on Jessica’s arm and looked at Emily. “Jessica Mathers, this is Dr. Emily Armstrong, our son Peter’s ex-wife. She’s still one of the family.”

Jessica’s rose-colored lips twitched. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Armstrong.”

“Drop the formalities, please.” Emily greeted her mother-in-law with a hug while talking to Jessica. “It’s nice to meet you.” Emily glanced at Sam and silently chuckled. “It’s nice to finally put a face to all the stories I hear about your work at the Women’s Shelter.”

“Thank you. I couldn’t do much without our wonderful volunteers,” Jessica said, carefully keeping her focus on Emily.

“I’ve been meaning to call, but it’s been incredibly hectic at the hospital now that the renovations are complete. Don’t hesitate to put my name on your list. I’m not always available, but I’ll be happy to do whatever I can to help. We have to do something to stop this epidemic of broken homes.”

Sam observed the instant connection between the women, wishing he could be paged back to work about now. He knew better than to hope for the impossible. He wasn’t on call tonight. Not on call, but always on duty, as the gun in his ankle holster reminded him.

Though Sam purposely avoided looking at his parents, as if he were a ten-year-old awaiting the doom of a major scolding, he felt his father’s forbidding figure standing guard, keeping Sam in his place. Some things never changed.

“I’ll look forward to working with you on the next fund-raiser,” Jessica said in a silky voice.

Sam counted the seconds until the firing squad confronted him with the one woman he longed to forget. His mother’s Italian accent expressed a sense of excitement that Sam had no desire to feel right now.

“Jessica, this is our son, Samuel. He’s a detective with the Vice, Narcotics and Investigations Division of the Colorado Springs Police Department. Sammy…”

Ouch. Now he knew he was ten again, and in huge trouble. He didn’t even hear the rest of the introduction. When would his mother realize a detective didn’t go by “Sammy”? Somewhere in the distance he heard Emily chuckle.

Jessica’s mouth tightened when she glanced up to him. Her almond-shaped eyes were dark with mascara and her lips a tempting shade of soft pink. Her eyes narrowed, as if she, too, wanted to turn and run.

“Yes,” she replied. “We met once, under not-so-wonderful circumstances.”

So she remembers, too.

Jessica moistened her lips. “I hope this meeting will be a little less stressful…for both of us.”

Don’t bet on it. Sam felt his heart beat faster. Suddenly it seemed as if they were standing in the middle of a desert, and the lake was just a mirage. “How are you doing, Mrs. Mathers?” Against his better judgment, Sam offered his hand.

“Pardon me for not shaking hands—my back is bothering me tonight. I’m sure it sounds strange, but lifting my arm is torture. Hopefully a week from now, that will change.”

“Oh?” Emily interjected. “Are you having surgery?”

Jessica’s eyes opened wide with surprise. “As a matter of fact, yes.” She briefly explained how doctors felt the cage from her previous surgery may need to be removed. “While they’re in, they’re going to replace a degenerating disk. Hopefully between the two, it will relieve the pinched nerves.” Being a physician, for her the abbreviated version wasn’t enough, and Jessica had begun to explain more thoroughly when a page forced Emily to say goodbye.

No sooner had Emily deserted Sam than his parents proclaimed that they needed to talk to Mayor and Mrs. Montgomery. His mother reached up to kiss his cheek. “Give her a chance, Sam,” she whispered. “Enjoy the evening, Jessica. We’ll be in touch soon.”

“Thank you, Lidia. I’ll see you Monday for sure.”

Sam resisted the urge to follow his father back into the hotel. See what he was really up to. For a retired G-man, he was certainly keeping odd company these days.

“Is this a bad time to talk, Samuel?”

The forced words from the frail and frightened-looking woman in front of him drew his full attention. “No,” he said, shaking his head. “This is fine. As long as you call me Sam. Otherwise, I’ll think I’m in trouble. What can I help you with?”

They were immediately interrupted by an old classmate he hadn’t seen since their ten-year reunion, followed by an apparent special delivery of Jessica’s drink.

Her smile wavered, and he thought for a minute that she was going to cry. She took a deep breath and paused to compose herself.

“It might be easier if we walked. Do you mind?” She took a sip from the flute and the color seemed to drain from her face. She strolled slowly, apparently in a lot of pain.

“A walk is fine.” One thing he’d learned as a detective—he did whatever it took to get to the truth. Though he didn’t care anymore what Jessica’s truth might be, he’d been raised better than to walk away right after an introduction. Sam tossed his jacket over his shoulder, glad he’d chosen the ankle holster instead of securing his weapon in the small of his back.

“I hope you don’t mind that I asked your mother to introduce us.” She turned in one motion to face him, as if her head didn’t move independently any longer.

“You did?” The thought puzzled him only half as much as it flattered him. Even though it shouldn’t. A party-girl like Jessica would do nothing but cause trouble. His mother should know better than to try to set him up with a lush.

Jessica blushed. “Yes, I did. I’ve meant to stop by the station ever since the accident, but time goes so fast. Now I’m trying to get ahead at work so I can have a little time off after my surgery. I’ve seen you at the Stagecoach Café a few times, but I didn’t place where I’d met you until I saw your picture in the paper this week.” She paused for a breath.

“Is there a problem?” He could list a dozen off the top of his head, any of which she should have dealt with years ago, before marrying a louse like Tim Mathers.

Her feet shuffled a little more quickly, almost as if trying to avoid him. Sam took an extra long step to catch up with her pace.

“I went to the grief counseling sessions you suggested after the accident,” she said.

They were part of the routine follow-up with the victims, providing them information that might help. In the case of the death of a spouse, it wasn’t uncommon to need help working through emotions. “I hope they made it a little easier.”

“Yes, Dr. Nagashima is wonderful. She’s helped in ways I never expected. Things I didn’t have the courage to deal with at times, but I feel much better now.”

He had suspicions about what she meant, but left it to her to delve deeper if she wanted. He still wondered if this was the reason she’d asked his mother to introduce them. As she said, she could have taken care of this at the station, with as little as a phone call, even.

“That’s what the program is for.”

Jessica nodded slightly, then flinched. “Yes. I guess it is, isn’t it.” She fidgeted with her purse, gingerly tilting her head from side to side and stretching her shoulders. “Still, sometimes people are reluctant to take advantage of free services. I appreciated your suggestions.”

“No problem.”

“I see why your mother is so proud of you—you’re a patient listener.”

He wondered why Jessica and his mother had talked about him. “Goes well with detective work, I guess.”

Jessica stopped, and Sam casually leaned a hip against the railing, watching her kick off her sandal and remove a pebble. Then she took off the other shoe and slowly bent down and picked them up. He cast an approving glance, noticing her nice tan and striking burgundy-painted toenails.

“I’m sure it’s part of why you’re so good at your job,” she continued, totally oblivious to his observation. “I was more than a little surprised to find out that the cop who saved my daughter and me is in the church choir.”

“It’s only the keyboard, for the Praise Team, but close enough for government work.”

She laughed. “I stand corrected. I tried to picture you trading in your uniform for a choir robe.”

“Naw, I’m a little too much rock-and-roll for the traditional choir.”

Her laugh was more relaxed. “You do look a little wild and dangerous, now that you mention it. Kind of a cross between a dark-haired Val Kilmer and Elvis.”

Sam thought a moment, then shrugged, his shoulders feeling a bit broader. “Guess I can’t argue with being compared to a music legend and a movie star, now can I.” Especially by a woman pretty enough to be in movies herself.

Jessica took a step, then stumbled, as if she’d been stabbed by another pebble. Sam offered a hand to steady her. “Maybe the grass would be easier on your feet.” He pushed away from the wrought-iron rail and guided her to the golf course adjoining the hotel property.

“Sure, that would be great.” She stepped onto the lush lawn and smiled. “It’s nice and cool, too. You ought to try it.”

“I’m doing okay, thanks.” The sooner they got back to the party the better. “This might be a good time to get to what you needed to talk to me about.”

“I needed to…” Her voice faltered. The tension reappeared on her face, making her look five years older. “First of all, thank you for all you did the night of my accident.”

“I was just doing my job.” He really didn’t want to discuss that night. Especially with her.

She turned slowly toward him. “No, something tells me you did just the opposite.”

“What?” He’d done his job completely. What in the world did she think he’d done?

“I’m sure you assumed I was lying to you when I answered your questions. You were so adamant that Tim had been drinking. I honestly didn’t know Tim had lost his license—” she took a couple of deep breaths “—or spent time in jail, until the insurance agent contacted me. I’m surprised that you didn’t have to press some sort of charges. Against me, I mean.”

He didn’t have the courage to tell her he had considered it. He shrugged impatiently.

Jessica’s quizzical look needed no explanation. “You had to have some reason.”

“You…” He closed his eyes, trying to put the scene behind him. “I guess I figured you’d paid a high enough price, losing your husband. There was no need to make matters worse. What was done was done.”

“All this time I’ve been expecting someone to show up at my door to press charges. Is that still a possibility?”

“No, the case is closed.” What retort he expected, he wasn’t sure. He’d been totally caught off guard by her matter-of-fact questions as well as his feeble answer. He paused, watching her stroll slowly ahead of him, her pain evident in the way she walked. He wondered now if he had done and said the right thing. “You can stop worrying. I presume the back problems are from the accident?”

She nodded. “It started then, and I’m sure lifting Amy so much doesn’t help.”

“Another surgery seems pretty drastic. Why do they have to go back in to take the…cage…out? Didn’t it do what it was supposed to do?” He suddenly realized she might not like the intrusion into her privacy and raised his hand to stop her. “Forgive me. You don’t have to…”

Jessica waved a hand, as if to brush his words away. “It’s not a big deal. The cage stabilized my spine, but after it healed, the metal just seems to irritate it. They suspect the next disk is now causing the additional pain. After months of physical therapy, chiropractors, massage therapy and steroid injections, I’m just ready to get it over with so I can enjoy life again.”

He stopped and looked at her, noting the shadows under her gray eyes. “Then, as of tonight, you can take one worry off your shoulders. No one is going to come after you. Your husband was at fault, and unfortunately, he paid a high price.”

Her features softened with relief. “I wish it were that easy, but at least I can go into surgery without fear that my daughter could be taken away from me. It’s really going to be okay?”

Sam felt about as tall as an anthill. He’d been set on discrediting this woman’s husband, and all this time she’d been worried about being there for her daughter. “Yeah, it’s going to be okay.” This was the part of his job he hated—seeing the pain that one person’s selfishness caused another. Justice came with a price, and it rarely stopped at the perpetrator of the crime. And now Jessica’s child would grow up without her father.

No one ever guaranteed life was fair.

Chapter Two

A cool breeze whistled through the pine trees, offering much-needed relief from the heat. “Do you mind if I loosen my tie?”

Jessica laughed, hoping he didn’t notice her interest in him. She held up her sandals. “You’re asking me?” Sam probably didn’t want to know that she wouldn’t mind if he wore khaki shorts and a T-shirt. “I’m not much for formal attire, but these days, you do what it takes to keep a job that you love.” Which reminded her of the real reason she’d been introduced to Sam. She watched him fumble with the knot of his tie and unbutton the collar, finding it quite odd that something so casual could make a confident man like Sam look uncomfortable.

“I hear you there.” He sighed and his mouth curved into a devastating smile. “This breeze is a Godsend after the heat we’ve had this week. Eleven straight days of over a hundred degrees. That’s one record I’d rather we never break again.”

Jessica closed her eyes and breathed deep. “I could do without the heat, but I miss the long days when summer ends. It’s so nice to have time at the end of the day to go for a picnic or play at the park.”

“How is your daughter doing?”

Jessica felt a sudden warmth just thinking of Amy. “She’s doing well. She still won’t talk much, but her pediatrician reminds me that she’s been through a lot for a three-year-old.”

His quick smile crinkled the skin around his deep-brown eyes. “You both have. I’m sure she’ll come out of it soon.”

She felt like a blanket of comfort had been wrapped around her.

“I remember her golden pigtails,” he added.

“How could you remember that?” Jessica laughed. “She barely had enough hair to get into tiny barrettes then, but she loved having her hair fixed. I just happen to have pictures, if you’d like to see them.”

“I’d love to.” Sam stopped walking and motioned toward the park bench.

Sitting down, Jessica dropped her sandals to the grass and slipped them on. She pulled several snapshots from her bag, describing the pictures and who was with Amy in each. “I’m a little possessive after that night. And much more appreciative.”

“As you should be.” He took the offered pictures and admired them. “Still has that golden hair and blue eyes. She’s as beautiful as her mother.” Sam stopped speaking suddenly, as if he hated complimenting her.

Jessica felt her skin flush, whether because of the compliment or his practically snatching it back, she wasn’t sure.

“She’s a precious little girl. It’s amazing how a few seconds can change your life so drastically. I don’t know how I’d have lived with the guilt if something had happened to her, too.”

Despite her ignoring his compliment, Sam’s shoulders tensed and he edged away. She tried to ignore the pain his simple action caused her. They really didn’t know each other, and she knew better than to take his comment too seriously. He was being so incredibly polite, letting her go on and on about Amy; the least she could do was not make an issue of his embarrassment.

Sam looked across the lake, his furrowed brow and five o’clock shadow intensifying that rock-star appeal.

“Something wrong?”

Sam acted as if she’d caught him spying on someone. He shrugged. “I’m not sure. That looks like my dad.”

Odd, she thought. “He is here, remember? I’m sure he and Lidia haven’t left yet.”

“Oh, yeah. It’s still early, isn’t it.” Sam eased back on the seat, though he continued to stare across the lake. “It’s strange having him in town all the time. He traveled a lot when we were kids.”

“I’m sure that is an adjustment. How is it having him home all the time?”

Sam thought a while. “It’s different. Nice, but a little strange. I’ve been so used to keeping an eye out for my mom and sister that I feel like I’ve been demoted or something.” His brooding expression emphasized the tender side of Sam that she remembered, and she knew what Lidia admired about her youngest son. Lidia claimed he was the teddy bear of the family. He looked and acted tough, but was all mush inside.

Jessica found it difficult to build an image of a tough detective singing and playing an electronic keyboard. To say he puzzled her was an understatement. Right now, she’d give anything to see the teddy bear.

Jessica glanced at her wrist and realized she hadn’t worn a watch. She hadn’t thought the cartoon-character watch she usually wore would fit in at an exclusive hotel. “Do you know what time it is?”

Extending his arm, Sam exposed a fancy gold watch and took a quick glance. “About eight-fifteen.”

She took another sip of her ginger ale. She hadn’t seen Sam drink a drop. “Aren’t you thirsty?”

“Yeah, but drinking alcohol is prohibited when I’m wearing a weapon.”

Jessica waggled her eyebrows while examining his belt, puzzled that she saw no evidence of a gun. “A secret weapon, I presume?” She couldn’t help but look again, embarrassed that she was staring at him.

He crossed one ankle over the opposite knee and smiled, pointing to a small leather holster and a gun. “Just like in the movies. Except in real life, officers don’t drink alcohol while on duty.”

She felt her cheeks turn pink and laughed at her ignorance. “Of course. Does your ballpoint pen blow up, or is it your hidden camera?”

He raised an eyebrow. “You watch too many movies.”

“Only if there’s an attractive hero in it.” She offered her glass. “Would you like to finish my ginger ale? I’m really not thirsty, but the waiter has been so kind, bringing me refills, that I don’t have the heart to decline another glass.”

He looked shocked. “Ginger ale? Wish I’d thought to ask for a soda. It seemed like too much bother to ask for something special.” He accepted the glass and guzzled it.

“So you’d rather go without.” The pink hotel looked even brighter as the sun peeked above the mountain. Jessica studied the sky. “What a gorgeous sunset tonight.”

Sam leaned forward again, obviously too intent on the men outside the hotel to make small talk. He stood and motioned toward the ballroom. “I suppose we should head back.”

“Oh, sure. It is about time I got home.” Jessica put the snapshots back into her bag and started to stand. Sam put his coat on and offered his hand. She’d never met a man her age with such good looks and impeccable manners as well.

Jessica wondered how to broach the subject of the fund-raiser. Time was getting short and they were almost to the terrace. “Sam, there was something else I needed to talk to you about,” she said, the words barely escaping her mouth. She needed to complete her list of participants before the surgery. If she didn’t, publicity wouldn’t get out until after her sick leave was over. She couldn’t miss this deadline. This project was new to the Colorado Springs community, according to her committee members’ recollection, anyway. She knew it could be successful. It had to go smoothly—for her career’s sake, and for the well-being of the shelter.

Sam placed his hand around her waist just as she heard deep, angry voices. He pulled her into the trees.

“Sam, what’s wrong—”

He placed a finger over her lips, then turned her back toward the terrace and leaned close. “Probably nothing, but I’d rather these two not notice us.”

“Who?” Voices behind her got louder and Jessica turned.

Sam took her by the shoulders and pulled her close. “Don’t look,” he demanded softly.

“Excuse me?” She pushed against him.

His grip on her arms loosened, but he didn’t let her move away. “Pretend to kiss me—maybe they’ll think we’re just guests at the hotel out for a romantic walk.”

“Pretend…” He pulled her into his warm embrace and his face brushed near enough for her to feel that he needed to shave. “This is going to cost you.”

“Whatever you want.” His lips were a whisper away. So close she could feel the warmth of his breath. Her heart beat faster.

“You mean it?”

“Yeah, sure.” He rested his strong hand on her waist and turned their bodies slightly, looking over her shoulder. “There, that’s better.”

His words faded suddenly as his lips met hers. For a man who didn’t give a hoot about her, his kiss certainly packed a punch. Didn’t matter, she told herself. She was about to return the favor the next time he let her come up for air. Before she knew it, the only noise she heard was the musical rhythm of her own heart.

She didn’t notice the pain in her back. She didn’t notice that the sun had completely dropped behind the mountains, or that the terrace lights had come on. For a minute she wondered if Sam had forgotten that this was a ruse. Then suddenly he pushed her away and looked around, seemingly convinced that they were alone.

“Think they fell for it?” She didn’t know where she’d come up with the presence of mind to ask such a bland question when her heart was dancing.

He laughed. “Yeah, they’re gone now. Sorry about that.”

She smiled back. “Not a problem. You know what they say about paybacks…”

“What about it? Take you for coffee?”

“You’re not even close,” she said. “Very, very cold, in fact.” Jessica shook her head and crossed her arms in front of her. “That’s going to cost you. Big.”

“What are you talking about?”

“As you may or may not know, I’m the Development Director at the Galilee Women’s Shelter. In other words, I’m in charge of making enough money for the shelter to stay open. Since your mom is a volunteer, I’m sure she’s told you about the fund-raiser next month.”

He looked puzzled. “Other than talking my sister into helping with it, she hasn’t given any details.”

Jessica suspected as much. She also knew that Lidia was sure Sam would turn her down, which was why Jessica was here, getting kissed, which she hoped she didn’t have to do with every participant. She could guarantee it wouldn’t be nearly as much fun as kissing Sam.

He looked at her warily. “Why?”

“I need eligible bachelors, which you must be or you’d probably be very worried about someone seeing that kiss.”

He looked either sick or angry, she wasn’t quite sure which.

She raised her eyebrows playfully. “Trust me, it’s for a worthy cause.”

He shook his head immediately. “No.”

Jessica glared at him and wiped her lips. “No? Did Sammy say no?”

There was no question now, he was angry.

“That kiss was as much for your protection as mine.”

She laughed. “Right. And that is the worst pickup line I’ve ever heard.”

“Trust me, Jessica…” His voice faded.

“I believe you said ‘whatever you want’ when I warned you it would cost you.”

Sam pulled her out of the trees and walked toward the terrace. She felt completely safe in his hands, but couldn’t deny how much she enjoyed having the advantage. She didn’t imagine he was accustomed to being at a disadvantage in any situation.

“Just tell me what I owe you.”

“Congratulations, Samuel Vance, you’ve been unanimously nominated to be one of Colorado Springs’s most eligible bachelors in our bachelor auction. One lucky woman will be your guest on the dream date of your choosing.”

The look on his face was priceless. His olive-hued complexion suddenly looked like he’d spent a month in the sun. His eyebrows drew together to form one black line above his deep-set brown eyes and the smile was long gone.

“You’re expected to be one of the top money-makers, if that helps any. And if that kiss was any indication, I’d say they’re right.”

Chapter Three

S am couldn’t imagine what had gotten into him. He wasn’t the impulsive type. And party-girls like Jessica Mathers certainly weren’t his typical weakness either. And even the hour or two he’d spent talking with Jessica blew that partying, lush image all to pieces. She hadn’t even been drinking, as he’d presumed. Her glass had been filled with nothing stronger than ginger ale. Some detective he was—couldn’t even tell champagne from soda. So what had she been drinking all those weeks at the café if she wasn’t drinking wine? It certainly hadn’t looked like ginger ale.

He’d be sure to ask his mother the next time they had lunch at the café. That is, unless his father decided to join them. The one part of his life that Sam would just as soon keep Dad out of was his love life—or lack of one. Max could not understand why Sam was still single at thirty-two. Sam couldn’t help it that his parents had been lucky enough to find the right person the first go-round. Sam had discovered quickly what a rare woman his mother truly was—strong, patient, trusting and very capable of handling a houseful of kids all on her own. With his dad out of the country much of his childhood, Sam had grown especially close to his mother, which fostered uncommonly high expectations when it came time to choose a wife. Yes, his father was a lucky man. Sam could only hope to find such a treasure for himself. When he found the right woman—if he found her—he’d take all the time needed to make sure they were right for one another. According to his sister, Lucia, Sam would never find a woman to measure up to the outlandish expectations he’d set. Only God knew for sure.

It was too late to be outside shooting baskets. Where was his brother when he needed a sparring partner?

“How’d I get myself into this mess?” he mumbled as the impact of the evening set in. Of all the women, it had to be Jessica Mathers. Hoping not to bother the neighbors, he closed the windows and started the central air-conditioning, then turned on the keyboard. He played familiar rock-and-roll tunes that helped him release the pent-up frustration so he could clear his mind and focus on the praise music for tomorrow’s service.

An hour later, he gave in to the fatigue and got ready to turn in. Sam tuned the radio to his favorite station, determined to get Jessica out of his head. Every time she drifted into his mind, he forced his thoughts elsewhere.

The replacement wasn’t much easier to deal with tonight. Visions and voices ran a play-by-play of his father talking to Alistair Barclay, a man too smooth to be on the up-and-up. Barclay had blown into town a few years ago and started throwing his weight around, along with his money.

As a part of the Vice Division, Sam was well aware of the increased drug activity in the city. With drugs came countless other problems. And instinct told Sam that Barclay was one man to keep an eye on. He drove fast cars and had a harem of equally speedy escorts to keep him company. Women with model figures and faces to match were only interested in a sleaze like Barclay for one reason, and the red comb-over wasn’t it. Sam found it amazing what money could buy. A woman’s love and loyalty was the one thing Sam refused to pay for.

Jessica invaded his thoughts again, and he forced himself to think about something easier to deal with, like Alistair Barclay.

The hotels Barclay built had brought jobs to the community, making him an instant hero to many. Sam didn’t blame those so easily influenced during a struggling economy. On the surface, even he would agree— Barclay almost looked good. He only wished he could find substantial evidence to link Barclay’s arrival to the increase of crime in the community.

Sam just happened to be more suspicious than the average citizen, which probably had more to do with why he was home alone every night. Women seemed to thrive on love, and love involved trust. Sam found it next to impossible to put his trust in anyone else. He’d seen what love had done to his brothers, what it did to the women left behind.

Emily came to mind. She’d loved Peter, but even then, love and trust weren’t enough to overcome the perils of a career filled with secrets. Travis’s wife never did adjust to the fact that her husband was a cop, and Travis still lived with weight of guilt on his shoulders.

Sam shook his head and turned out the lights. Nothing killed a perfect romance like secrets. How could he ever expect to find happiness with the odds stacked against him? His life, like his brothers’ and father’s, dealt mostly with lies and deception—rooting them out and upholding justice.

A certain brunette faded in and out of his mind as he drifted to sleep. Why couldn’t he just forget her? She wasn’t his type.

Every dream he’d had during the night came alive when he saw Jessica step through the precinct door with a springy bounce. Until she reminded him of the one thing he wanted desperately to forget…the bachelor auction.

“Afternoon, Sam. Ready to put together a dream date?” She’d obviously slept her aches away, or was on some pretty powerful medication. Her enthusiasm spread throughout the office as every detective in the building turned to see Sam’s reaction.

“I don’t remember setting an appointment.”

She lifted her hands regretfully and smiled. “I really need to finalize your selections for the newspaper ad.”

Sam leaned forward, instinctively defensive. “You didn’t say anything about publicity.”

Interest in their conversation grew by the syllable. “You wouldn’t have heard me if I had. If I recall correctly—”

Sam jumped from his seat, led her into the captain’s office and closed the door.

“Do you realize that I have a reputation in this city as a—” His words lost their punch when he discovered the amusement in her gaze. “A cynical cop, a—a respected officer. What will my fellow officers think?”

She laughed at him. He couldn’t believe her nerve.

Jessica leaned her head back, gazing into his eyes. “There isn’t a man out there who wouldn’t trade places with you in an instant.” She motioned to the outer offices and placed a hand on her hip. “And I have news for you, Sam. You aren’t nearly as tough as you try to make people think you are. But that’s okay, your secret’s safe with me.” She raised an eyebrow and smiled. “The tough silent type isn’t nearly as attractive as Hollywood wants us to believe. Marriages in this country wouldn’t be nearly as endangered if couples realized that honesty is far more desirable than physical appearance.” Jessica lifted her briefcase to the chair and shook her head. “If I can convince half the women in the shelter of that, my own pain won’t have been wasted. Now, so I don’t waste any more of your valuable time, why don’t we get to work?”

He couldn’t believe she’d condensed his own opinions and verbalized them. It unnerved him. He’d never cared half as much about looks as he did personality. Had his mother told Jessica to say that? She must have. How else could Jessica have known?

There was no doubt in his mind who was on the other side of the door when that fist hammered on the glass. Sam backed his way to the entry, hoping the captain would appreciate the humor in the situation. His hand paused on the doorknob.

“Why don’t we go to the Stagecoach for a cup of coffee and go through this?”

She stepped close. “You wouldn’t be trying to get out of this, would you?”

“Vance! Out here, on the double.” A loud voice resonated through the door.

The humor just left the office. “Honestly, I was, but since it’s for such a good cause, I’ll go through with it.” Sam turned the doorknob. “I’ll call you to set up a time to meet.”

One eyebrow lifted and Jessica’s gray eyes sparkled. “I’ll be waiting, but remember, I have to get this done before my surgery.”

Captain Sullivan’s eyes widened in surprise when Jessica eased her way past him. “Excuse me, Captain Sullivan.”

Sullivan eyed Sam, then Jessica. “I didn’t mean to interrupt, Ms. Mathers. Sam, I really am sorry to break this up, but we have a major problem in the jail.”

A major problem could only refer to one inmate— Dr. Lionel Valenti. “I was on my way there. He’s got to crack one of these days.”

Sullivan’s grimace didn’t leave much doubt what the problem was. “Your suspect just became the victim. He’s dead.”

“Suicide?”

“No, doesn’t look like it.” Sully nodded a greeting to Jessica and looked at Sam. “When you’re finished here, we need to get started on the investigation. Mayor Montgomery called the press. He’s making a statement on the evening news. We need to be ready with an announcement before rumors get started. Jessica, good to see you again.”

She smiled. “You, too, Captain. Sam, give me a call and we’ll discuss what you’d like to do.”

“Let’s make it over dinner at seven, and be sure to bring Amy. I could use a little laughter.”

Her astonishment was obvious as the words caught in her throat. “Tonight? Where?”

“I’m not sure yet, I’ll pick you up.”

“Do you…”

He laughed. “I’m sure I can find your address somehow. I have connections.”

Sam watched her leave, dreading the job ahead of him. He would definitely need some cheering up tonight, even if it involved Jessica Mathers.

He and the captain spent the remainder of the afternoon on the Valenti homicide, interrogating other prisoners, jailers and guards. No one had seen anything suspicious. They examined the visitors’ log and moved on to question the kitchen staff. It could be days before they’d know if anything showed up in the blood tests. The crime scene investigators finished taking pictures and logging the contents of Valenti’s cell. Sam stayed behind, looking under the mattress and in every nook and cranny for anything that might have been hidden.

Once back at the precinct, Sam dug deep into each witness’s profile, hoping to find some connection to the Diablo Syndicate, Venezuela, or local drug dealers. He couldn’t believe they had a connection and he’d slipped right through their fingers. Sam contacted Valenti’s next of kin, depressed to think that Valenti’s parents had to hear the news from a total stranger, under such incriminating circumstances.

This job never got any easier.

He spent two hours on the phone with the director of Doctors Without Borders, trying to evaluate whether they had noticed any problems with Lionel Valenti before the burglary that injured Adam Montgomery. He kept digging, hoping someone could identify locals in the area that Valenti had been seen with when off duty.

Either Dr. Valenti led a very isolated life, or he was very adept at keeping secrets. No one seemed to have known anything about Valenti’s personal life, who his friends had been, or where he’d lived.

Before Sam realized it, it was time to go to City Hall. The crew had set up the cameras and lights in the conference room. Colleen Montgomery, reporter for the Colorado Springs Sentinel, stood by as her father prepared for his speech. Mayor Montgomery stepped behind the podium and began by giving a picture-book description of Colorado Springs as the idyllic city.

“For the past year, however, we’ve experienced a drastic increase in violent crimes and drug-related violence.” Montgomery encouraged the community to join together to help city officials work to bring justice to criminals. Twenty minutes later a local television reporter interviewed Sam for the evening news.

Jessica closed down her computer at the Galilee Women’s Shelter, ready to call it a day. She locked the door behind her and shouldered the strap of her backpack, then walked past Susan Carter’s door. “See you tomorrow, Susan,” she said to the director.

“Come here a minute. You might be interested in this story on the news. The mayor is going to speak after the commercial.”

“Mayor Montgomery? I wonder what is up?”

“I’m not sure, but I received an e-mail from his secretary requesting my attendance at a task-force planning meeting on Wednesday.”

“Do you need coverage? I’ll be here Wednesday, but not Thursday or Friday, remember?”

Susan nodded, sending her corkscrew curls into motion. “I have your sick leave on my schedule. Are you getting nervous about the surgery?”

“No, I’m so ready. I can hardly make it through the evening with Amy some nights. That’s just not fair to her—”

Their conversation was interrupted by the return of the program. Mayor Montgomery’s picture came on, and then they moved to clips from his speech. “Violence is like a virus—it mutates and spreads, and it will take over our city if we don’t do something now. We are going to stamp out crime in Colorado Springs. Our law enforcement will work to eradicate domestic abuse, drugs…”

“That must be what the meeting is about,” Susan said.

“They have a huge job ahead of them. I admire the mayor’s determination. Someone has to do something.”

As Jessica headed for the door, Sam appeared on the television screen. Jessica stopped to watch. She admired him, anxious to see him at dinner tonight. Even if it would be official business.

“That is one handsome man,” Susan said with a teasing grin.

Jessica smiled. “I wouldn’t dream of arguing with you. I’m sure he’ll bring a pretty penny for the shelter’s budget. Which brings me to say farewell. I need to get Amy home. We girls have a business dinner to get ready for.”

Susan raised her eyebrows. “That sounds interesting. Keep me up-to-date on how it goes. And if you need any help finishing up the publicity, I’ll be glad to get it to Colleen.”

Just before seven o’clock, Sam called Jessica to confirm her address and see if they were still on.

“Surely you don’t think you’re going to be let off the hook? Took me long enough to get the courage to ask you to do this, Samuel Vance. Now that I have you, I’m not about to let you go.”

“You sound awfully confident, Ms. Mathers.”

“Do you want to be the one to tell your mother you backed out?”

He laughed. “Not a chance. But honestly, I can’t believe that spending the evening planning a date for a bachelor auction is the highlight of my day. I’ll be right over.”

Chapter Four

D espite the tension of the murder investigation, a smile teased Sam’s lips when he saw Jessica and Amy waiting in front of the two-story Victorian. He stopped the truck and walked around it to meet them.

“Evening, Jessica.” He knelt down and smiled at the little girl. “Hi, Amy, I’m Sam, a friend of your mom’s.”

Amy giggled then ducked behind Jessica’s leg.

“She doesn’t talk much,” Jessica explained. Amy held out her teddy bear for Sam to see.

Sam recognized it as the one he’d given her in the hospital. “That’s a really cute bear. Looks like you love it a lot.”

Jessica tousled Amy’s windblown hair. “She takes it everywhere. Someone gave it to her after the accident.”

He extended his hands, but Amy held on tight to her mother’s leg. “Well, if you’re ready to go… Amy, would you let me help you and your bear into the truck?”

Jessica glanced into the truck as she spoke. “I was going to suggest we take my car since you don’t…oh, you do have a child seat.” She looked again in the truck and back at him. “I hadn’t even considered you might have children.”

He somewhat enjoyed watching “Miss Personality” fumbling for words, though it seemed peculiar. She hadn’t seemed at a loss when he’d seen her lunching recently with those other men at the Stagecoach Café. “I brought one from the station. We keep them on hand, in case we need to transport children.”

She bit her lower lip, wrinkled her nose for a second and looked at him, her expression full of appreciation. “What made you think of bringing one?”

“It’s my job to plan ahead. I figured it would be easier this way. Are you ready? I’m starving.” Sam motioned to the truck and opened the passenger door.

As Jessica stepped back, Amy moved with her. “Don’t tell me you got so caught up in the investigation that you didn’t have lunch?” While Jessica pried Amy’s arms from around her legs, Sam noted her disapproving glance. “Amy, we’re going to eat now. Can you let Sam help you into his big truck? Mommy’s back hurts.”

Amy nodded. “Mommy owie.”

He offered Amy a hand, and she lifted both arms up to him. “Can you say ‘Sam,’ Amy?”

Amy smiled and gave Sam a hug.

“Wow.” Jessica’s slate-colored eyes opened wide. “You should be flattered.” She apparently hadn’t expected Amy to respond so well to him. “What did you do, give her C-A-N-D-Y when I wasn’t looking?” She gave him a wink as she moved to the truck and set her briefcase on the floor beneath the car seat.

As she stepped back, Sam reached up and grabbed the door, blocking her in the small triangular opening with him and Amy. “Kids are a good judge of character. I don’t need to bribe her.” Jessica’s eyes brightened with her usual perkiness. “Must just be that natural charm, huh?”

“Must be. Only works on certain females, though.”

She blushed, then ducked under his arm, skimming her hand along his ribs. “That’s what you think, Samuel Vance.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” While he waited for another of Jessica’s smart-aleck remarks, he gently set Amy in the seat and helped position the straps over her shoulders. Amy grabbed the buckle, as if she thought she could do it herself. Sam waited until she took his hand and guided it to the buckle. “Need help?”

Amy nodded. Sam snapped the locks in place, then tested the seat to make sure it was secure. “I asked around the precinct for suggestions on where the car seat works best. There isn’t enough room in the back seat. Sometimes kids kick the gearshift when they’re in the middle, so the passenger seat won the vote. I turned off the air bags, so that’s safe.”

“Sounds like you have everything under control.”

“Not quite everything. You didn’t answer my question.”

Her pink cheeks were answer enough for him.

“Nor do I plan to.” Jessica wished she had an on-off switch to her heart. Sam’s charm could be considered a lethal weapon. And this wasn’t even a date, it was a business dinner.

“Plan to what? Answer me honestly, or fall for my charms?” He stepped around her, glancing up the street, then back at her with a boyish smile. Sam opened the driver’s door and the half door to the back seat, lifted the bench seat, placed his service pistol inside a lockbox and closed it. That told her a lot about him. “Knowing I had plans with you and Amy got me through the day.”

She hated avoiding his questions, but her feelings for Sam were difficult to explain. She remembered his compassion from the accident as well as his determination to get to the truth, no matter the cost. She’d seen him a lot recently at the café where she’d met with the other bachelors. She presumed he was there to meet a wife or girlfriend. Then, after his mother mentioned introducing them and an article in the newspaper about his capturing Adam Montgomery’s assailant, Jessica had put the pieces together. Sam had been going to have lunch with his mother. “I saw you on the news tonight. How did the investigation go?”

Sam shook his head. “I’ve had better days. If I hadn’t had a date planned, I’d probably have grabbed a burger and worked straight through.”

“You have to go back to work after dinner?” She turned, suddenly aware of the cramped quarters, of how firm his square shoulders felt against hers.

“Afraid so. Let’s talk about something more pleasant.”

Jessica tilted her head. “Such as…the auction?”

“Such as your adorable daughter.” He laughed. “Surely you don’t think I’d refer to the bachelor auction as pleasant.”

“It’s going to be fun. You get to meet someone new, and it won’t cost you anything. What’s wrong with that?”

“I don’t like being set up. And this screams of trouble.”

Amy mumbled quietly, and Jessica saw her bear on the floor. “It’s too far, sweetie, I can’t reach it. I’ll get it when we stop.” Jessica settled back into the seat, wondering if Sam could overlook her past enough to ask her on a real date. “I understand how you feel. A few friends are determined to find me the perfect husband, and the results have been atrocious. I’d just as soon stay single the rest of my life if they are examples of today’s average single man.”

“And you think I should be excited to throw myself out in the public eye for this kind of scrutiny?”

She laughed. “You’re a brave and courageous servant of the community. I’m sure you can handle one date.”

“I don’t see you putting yourself up for sale.”

Amy made a noise that sounded like a sick horse.

“If there had been any men on the committee, maybe they would have suggested we include bachelorettes, too.”

Amy said something again, a little louder.

“That’s a poor excuse.” Sam teased. “What’s Amy saying?”

“She wants to see the man on the horse. You know, the statue of the founder of Colorado Springs. You don’t have to…”

Sam turned toward the life-size statue of General William Palmer in the middle of the intersection at Nevada and Platte. Amy clapped. “She knew right where we were. That’s amazing.”

“And what’s your excuse? You didn’t even know what the fund-raiser was until Adam and Kate’s engagement party. Your mother is even helping. You could’ve given her suggestions.”

He didn’t say a word.

“So maybe you’d like to serve on the next committee?”

“To help raise money to educate victims about domestic abuse?” He didn’t even pause to think about it. “Sure. With the increase of domestic abuse, it’s long past time we do something. With all of the statistics and research available, I’ll never understand why anyone stays in an abusive relationship.”

Jessica couldn’t respond. He had asked her time and again after the accident how she got the bruise on the left side of her face. Something about it didn’t fit with her other injuries. She hadn’t told him the truth then, and she wouldn’t now.

Sam drove to the restaurant, a renovated firehouse in Manitou Springs, a quiet little town built into the tight valley of the rocky mountains. “I thought this might be an easier place to talk. It’s not nearly as busy as restaurants in the city.” Inside, the owner greeted Sam by name, and he in turn introduced Jessica and Amy.

Jessica took the opportunity to make a professional contact, giving her title at the shelter. “We hold fund-raisers throughout the year to support the education and counseling of victims of domestic abuse.” She explained how the shelter operated and started to go into their mission.

“I’m familiar with the shelter, and their mission,” the gentleman said. “I’ll do more than a gift certificate. I’d like to make a donation.”

Jessica couldn’t hold back her surprise. “Thank you, we would appreciate any support you could offer.” She handed him her business card with a promise to include him on the list of donors at the bachelor auction.

Jessica perused the former firehouse. She showed Amy the play area including a child-size fire engine, and introduced her to the two children at the Lego table. While she and Sam waited for a table to open up, they watched the kids play. The two other children were obviously friends, as they chattered together, trying to get Amy to talk.

Sam tipped his head to ask the question quietly. “Does she talk to the other children at her child-care center?”

“Not really. I’ve asked her pediatrician about it, but he’s not concerned. She was quiet before the accident, and it didn’t get better afterward. She’s an observer. She interacts. She just doesn’t talk much.”

“Does she talk to you at home?”

“Of course she does.” She couldn’t help the defensive tone that accompanied her answer. “She’s simply shy.”

“I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Sam looked tired and she felt bad for snapping at him. “I’m sorry, too,” she said with a wry smile. “It’s just that I feel guilty for leaving her at the center. It’s hard not to, when child care is one of the benefits. I thought it would be nice to have her close to me all day. With the money saved, I’m almost ready to start looking for our own house. I wonder sometimes if the turnover of children with so many residents coming and going is good for her, or if a small setting, like a family child-care home, would be better. Yet Deanne gives her so much love and attention, I can’t ignore that either. Even I can’t give Amy as much as I’d like to, after fighting back pain all day.” She looked up and realized that Sam was patiently listening to her. “I wish you’d stop me when I carry on like that.”

“I’ve never met anyone who can say so many words in one breath. Besides, it gives me a chance to know more about you.”

Jessica felt a small pang of disappointment. “Maybe I’d like to know something about you.” Something besides the fact he had no understanding of living with domestic abuse or the challenges of being a single mother.

“Sam, your table is ready.” The hostess collected two menus and a children’s packet from the conductor’s booth.

“Amy, come on, we’re going to eat now.” Jessica took her little girl’s hand, aware of Sam following them. He had some nerve judging her. She recalled all too clearly the days when she’d felt as if she could never overcome the challenges ahead of her. That feeling of incompetence flooded her now.

The table had the privacy and ambience that she’d want if Sam hadn’t made her feel as if she couldn’t do anything right.

Sam lifted Amy into the booster seat and set the packet in front of her. She grabbed the crayon and whispered to Jessica.

“Can you tell Sam what color that is, Amy?”

She held the crayon up and smiled.

Sam chuckled. “I love the color red. Can you color me a picture?” Then, as if sensing Jessica’s annoyance, he cleared his throat and wiped the smile from his face.

Jessica stared at the open menu, trying to hide her inner misery from his probing stare. Her throat tightened and her heart squeezed as she realized she actually cared what Sam thought of her. She wanted to prove to him that the victim he’d met so long ago was strong enough to help other women in the same situation.

Sam reached his hand out to touch hers. “Jessica, I wasn’t criticizing. Mom says I was born a detective. I never learned when to quit asking questions. I’m sorry.”

She bristled. It unnerved her that he’d known the instant things changed between them. “Am I that easy to read?” Had she been this transparent the last time he’d questioned her, after the accident?

“Not always.” He opened the menu and did a good job of acting interested in what it had to say.

She found her standard Caesar salad with chicken, and Amy’s favorite, chicken strips. As soon as they placed their orders, Jessica pulled out her file of donations for the auction.

“Jessica.” His voice lost that impersonal, professional tone, and she was in no condition to deal with anything personal right now. “Could we start over?”

“Don’t, Sam. Let’s get on with business.” She had a critical fund-raiser to finalize, and back surgery on top of that. She didn’t need to take an emotional step back sixteen months. “We have several restaurants left to select from…” She thumbed through the businesses who had donated dining packages, tortured by the look of interest in his gaze.

“Ma’am, could I get you something to drink?” The cocktail waitress waited while she looked through the wine list and menu of fancy well-drinks, tempted to fall back to the crutch she’d once depended on to get through difficult situations with Tim.

“What do you want, Jessica?” Sam looked impatiently at her.

“Do you have cranberry juice?”

The woman seemed annoyed. “Yes, we do.”

“I’d like that with a splash of orange juice and a spritz of seltzer. And could I get a glass of chocolate milk for Amy?”

“Certainly.” The waitress looked at Sam.

“Whichever cola you have, and plenty of refills. Thanks.”

“Oh, Amy, you can’t color these.” Jessica grabbed the gift certificates from her, relieved to discover that she’d only colored on one. “Here, can you color the dog on the fire engine? See the dalmatian? Just like in the movie—”

Sam interrupted her. “I think dinner at The Ore Cart sounds nice. I hear it’s a great place to take a date.”

Jessica flipped through the stack again, annoyed to think he’d chosen The Ore Cart because Amy had colored the certificate. “You don’t have to take that one, Sam. I’m sure they will replace it. It’s only a piece of paper.”

“I like it just the way it is. Don’t exchange it.” His eyes danced with hers, only hers were tripping all over the place.

Jessica didn’t know how to take him, as the cynical cop he’d claimed to be this morning, or the charming suitor that he seemed to be tonight.

The waitress dropped off their drinks and a basket of bread.

“Fine. What kind of entertainment would you like? We have a few athletic packages—rock climbing, skiing…” She thumbed through the briefcase. Not finding what she needed, she lifted the bag to her lap and continued searching.

Amy reached for the rolls and knocked over her milk.

“Oopsie,” Amy said, wide-eyed.

“Oh, honey…” Jessica grabbed her files and set the entire bag on the ground, then righted the empty cup.

“Waitress, could we get a rag?” Sam gathered napkins and stopped the milk from going toward Jessica’s bag, then moved the condiments and silverware into a pile, ignoring the flow of chocolate heading toward him.

Jessica tried to dam the stream with her hand, but it quickly flowed around it and onto Sam’s khaki pants. She closed her eyes, willing this accident to disappear.

The waitress arrived with a clean dish towel ten seconds too late. Sam thanked her, then quickly wiped Jessica’s hand. “Accidents happen. This one’s pretty minor, don’t let it upset you.” After he let her hand go, he wiped up the table and then the floor. Their meal arrived, along with another glass of milk. “Why don’t we stop by my house for a few minutes after dinner and discuss the date?”

“Date? What date?” Jessica certainly didn’t want to chance disaster again during dinner, but she didn’t want to go by his house either. She could just imagine what Amy would find to get into in unfamiliar surroundings.

Sam looked at her as if she’d lost her mind. “For the bachelor auction.”

“Oh, right. If you need to stop and change clothes, that’s fine, but I think a certain someone would do better if I put her to bed before we get the brochures out again. Maybe you could come into my apartment for a few minutes when you drop us off.”

“Sounds fine. Amy, how are your chicken strips?”

Amy looked up at Sam, opened her eyes wide and smiled. “Mmm…” She reached for her glass, which was less full this time, but just a bit out of her reach. Her tiny fingers repeatedly touched her thumbs like a clamp, her “word” for “some.” Jessica helped her with a drink, wishing she’d exchanged her briefcase for Amy’s diaper bag after all. So much for proving her success as a working mother.

They chatted about their childhoods, and Sam was surprised to discover Jessica had grown up in Italy, where her parents were teachers for the Department of Defense.

“I have family in Italy,” he said. “Dad met Mom in Rome.”

She smiled for what seemed like the first time since they had gotten out of the pickup. “I know. Your mom and I have talked about it. Small world, isn’t it?”

Sam nodded. “And getting smaller every day. So how did you end up in Colorado?”

“I met Tim in Italy. He was stationed there after basic training. What can I say, Italy’s a romantic country. When he left, I followed him.”

“You just left? How old were you?” Sam took a drink of his soda and set the empty glass on the corner of the table.

“We were old enough to elope. I told my parents and came back to the States. I was swept off my feet. I landed a couple of years ago.”

“How’s that?” With a crayon in one hand, he outlined a tree for Amy and encouraged her to color it. Amy pulled out a green crayon and colored the trunk and leaves all the same color. He drew a teddy bear and asked her what color bears are. Amy pulled a brown crayon from the bag. She seemed to like playing with Sam.

Jessica, on the other hand, wasn’t so sure. She liked him, no doubt. But they were so different. She saw her parents once a year, and he managed to visit with his daily.

She looked up from her salad and into the depths of his brown eyes when he asked, “What do you mean you landed?”

Jessica stirred her salad while considering how much to tell him. “Life was different in Italy. Everyone has a glass of wine with dinner. No one thought anything about it. When we got back here, everything changed. Tim liked to get together with friends when he was home. I hadn’t realized how much we drank until we started planning to get pregnant and I quit drinking completely.”

“Unless my math is off, or you mean a second baby, two years ago your pregnancy was long over.”

“And so was the honeymoon. I finally put my foot down—” Jessica stopped herself. She hadn’t meant to tell him any more than necessary, and here she was airing all of her dirty laundry. She pushed her plate forward after barely eating half.

“Could I bring you any dessert?” the waitress asked, eyeing first Sam, then Jessica. When she saw Jessica’s red eyes, she looked back at Sam, as if he’d done something to cause them. “Are you okay, ma’am? Can I get you anything?”

“I’m fine, just recalling a bad day. No dessert, thanks.”

Sam answered without a second thought. “I think Amy and I need your peach pie à la mode, please.”

“Sam, she’s going to take all night to get to sleep after all that sugar.”

He smiled at her then, and Jessica knew she was in trouble. The tables had turned since their first introduction. She’d wanted something from him that night, but now, it looked as if he had his own plan in mind.

“Kids go wild from sugar? I thought I read research has disproved that theory.”

“Researchers didn’t test Amy. And honestly, I don’t have the energy to stay up with her tonight. That chocolate milk pushed her limit.”

He caught the waitress’s attention and changed his order, asking for a bowl of fresh Colorado peaches for Amy, instead.

“Think she’ll buy it?”

Sam’s sly expression turned her heart to mush. He was a dangerous man. “Probably not, but it was very nice of you to try.”

The pie and dish of peaches arrived, and Amy devoured them before Sam had two bites eaten. Amy reached her fingers across the table and again pinched her fingers and thumb together.

“One bite, Mom?” he whispered to Jessica.

“Only if you’re willing to keep her busy later,” she threatened.

“Not a problem. Amy, say ‘please,’ and I’ll give you a bite.”

She motioned “some” with her fingers.

Sam backed away. “No, say ‘please.’”

Jessica held up her hand. “Sam…”

“Say ‘please’…”

“That’s not a good idea, Sam.” Jessica tried to warn him, but it took even less time than usual for Amy to lose her patience and pitch a royal fit. “Amy, no.”

Sam looked terrified of what he’d done and started to give her the bite anyway. “I’m sorry.”

Jessica held out her hand and blocked the spoon with the bite on it. “Don’t reward negative behavior, Sam. No matter how desperately you want her to quiet down. Finish your pie and we’ll meet you outside.”

She dropped a few bills onto the table, lifted Amy and her bag and made a beeline for the exit. Amy kicked and screamed all the way to the pickup, where Sam met them minutes later.

“I’m so sorry, Jessica.”

“Amy has no patience. It’s not your fault.”

Amy lifted her head from Jessica’s shoulder and reached out her dainty hand. “Pwease,” she sobbed.

“It’s all gone, sweetie.” He opened both hands to show her, and Amy dove into them. “Whoa, got her.”

Jessica let go and winced in pain.

“Are you okay?”

She nodded while her eyes filled with tears. Sam quickly helped Amy into her car seat, then made his way around the pickup.

“By the way, here’s your money. I didn’t expect you to pay. I invited you out tonight.”

“Invited me?” He had considered this a real date? She couldn’t think about that now—her back was beginning to burn. She motioned to the truck. “I think I’m going to need help…maybe I could stretch out in the back seat.”

He tilted her chin. “I know you’re upset, and I heard your back pop, but the last thing you need tonight is to have the rescue unit using the jaws of life to get you out of there.” He waited until she mouthed okay before he picked her up and set her onto the leather seat, helping her slide to the middle. “I bet you’re wishing we’d brought your car now.”

She got nervous even when a police officer drove behind her. She couldn’t imagine having had to drive with one in the seat next to her. Especially Sam. “Right now, I’m very glad you’re here.”

“Why don’t we take you to the hospital and let a doctor check it out?”

“There’s nothing more they can do. I have surgery on Thursday. That’s the soonest they can get me in. Just take us home and I’ll get ice on it.”

“Will you at least let me stay and help until Amy’s asleep?”

Jessica took a deep breath and let it out very carefully. “But you have to go back to work.”

“That can wait. You need help now.”

Chapter Five

S am seemed to be hitting every red light in town. The good part of that was that Amy had fallen asleep. The bad side was, Jessica’s back had her cringing in her seat belt. “Don’t you have pain pills you can take?”

“Not until I get Amy to sleep. The medicine knocks me out.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of her.” The light changed and Sam hurried through the college campus, then turned the corner to Jessica’s house.

“Amy…” Jessica let the excuse drop when she looked at Amy, her head drooping in the car seat.

“…is asleep,” Sam finished for her. “I’ll carry her in to her bed and come back to help you.”

“I’ll be fine,” Jessica argued.

“What kind of louse do you take me for? I’m not leaving you in this condition.”

“I don’t think you’re any such thing. I don’t want to be a bother.”

“She’s three, I’m thirty-two. It’s no bother to get her into bed so you can take care of yourself, especially when I should really be taking you to the hospital.”

Jessica shook her head in exasperation. “You think you know everything. Children just aren’t that predictable.” The pickup filled with silence. “If you’re staying, you should park around back in the driveway. I’d hate for you to get a parking ticket.”

Sam laughed. “Not a chance.” Despite his remark, he followed her directions to the back alley and shut off the engine. Sam immediately walked to the passenger door and took Amy into his arms. “How difficult can getting one child to bed be?”

“I have but one regret.” Jessica turned to him, a look of delirium quickly taking over her eyes.

“And what’s that?” Sam asked.

The corner of her rosy lips turned up. “That I won’t be awake to see this.”

Surely she was joking, trying to make him feel incompetent. Jessica handed Sam the keys to her apartment. “Go ahead and take Amy inside and lay her on her bed. She’ll be awake soon enough to change clothes.” Jessica moved gingerly to get out of the truck.

“If you’ll just wait, I’ll help you.” Sam turned to Jessica. “What can I do?”

Jessica declined his offer, insisting she’d make her way.

“Leave your bags, I’ll come back for them.”

Sam climbed the stairs to the apartment. While Amy wasn’t big for her age, he couldn’t imagine Jessica carrying her daughter up these stairs. He walked through the tiny kitchen and headed for what appeared to be a bedroom, startled to find a twin bed in what looked nothing like a little girl’s room. He turned the corner to the other bedroom, comforted to find another twin bed, toy box, and a pile of dolls. After laying Amy on the bed, Sam pulled her shoes off and Amy pulled her bear to her chest. His niece came to mind, though Natalie and Amy looked nothing alike. Travis’s daughter had brought an unbelievable amount of joy to his family’s life. It had been Natalie that made Sam realize how much he wanted kids.

He was about to head back to help Jessica when Amy woke. “Day-ee.”

Sam stopped and turned toward Amy. Maybe Dayee is the bear’s name. He had the family bug bad, he knew, but imagining little girls calling him “Daddy” was a bit much.

Jessica walked into the apartment. “Mommy’s here, Amy. Let’s find your pj’s and get you into bed.”

“DaDa.” There was no dispute now. He’d clearly heard “DaDa.” Amy reached for Sam, and his heart swelled.

“I’ll help her, Jessica. Where are her pajamas?” He lifted Amy into his arms and she rested her head on his shoulder.

He could see Jessica’s agony. Not only was she suffering physical pain from her back, but emotionally, it had to hurt hearing her daughter call him “Daddy.” “She’s sleepy. She doesn’t know what she’s saying.”

“Right.”

Jessica’s expression puzzled him. The look was almost contentment. But with the pain, how could that be?

“I thought Dayee might be her bear’s name. Or Baby?”

“No…” She set her bags on the table. Jessica shook her head, winced, and let out a deep groan. “It’s not.”

He wanted to know what was going through her mind. Was she upset with him? With Amy? Or was she simply in such agony that she didn’t feel at all like talking?

“It looks like you found her room. Amy’s pj’s are in the top drawer of her dresser.” Jessica walked stiffly to the refrigerator and removed an old-fashioned hot-water bottle from the freezer. As if she could read his mind, she held it up. “It freezes flat.”

“Good idea.” He walked past the bathroom and stopped. “Does Amy still wear a diaper? I’m not too familiar with exact ages on that sort of thing.”

A faint smile teased Jessica’s lips. “Ah, how refreshing, you aren’t an expert on everything. No, she’ll need to go potty. She’s pretty self-sufficient, but I’ll get her cleaned up and change her clothes.”

Sam wanted to relieve her of duty but realized Jessica didn’t know him very well and backed off. “Sounds good.”

He watched her hobble past him, and then left Amy with Jessica while he went in search of pajamas. The multicolored dresser coordinated with the curtains and had a Winnie-the-Pooh theme. Jessica handed him a warm washcloth when they returned a few minutes later.

“She washed her hands, but wouldn’t let me near her face. Maybe you can work your charm on her.”

Amy hopped onto the bed as if the catnap had recharged her battery.

“Jessica…” He wanted to take her into his arms and put the mishaps of the evening into perspective. He wanted another chance. That surprised him, after his initial impression of her.

She paused, clearly annoyed and not in the mood to discuss anything. “Never mind, we’ll talk later.”

“Yeah, we need to finish talking about your date.”

“Our date,” he corrected.

Jessica looked him in the eye. “I’m talking about the auction.”

He shrugged. “The only way I can stand to think of it is if you’re my date.” Where he kept coming up with these ideas he wasn’t sure, but he couldn’t argue with them. He didn’t want to see anyone else. Not until he was certain about these feelings for Jessica.

She didn’t seem too pleased with his idea. “I don’t mean this to sound as harsh as it will, but don’t count on it. Not that I wouldn’t like to…date, mind you, but the point of this is to raise money. And on my budget…” She looked around the apartment. “I’m saving for a house.”

“I see.”

“And besides that, I don’t think it would look good for the organizer to wind up with the ‘prime property’—excuse the analogy, my brain’s a little foggy right now.” She raised her eyebrows, revealing beautiful gray eyes and a sense of humor.

He liked the gleam in her eye when she called him that, though, as a man of God, he probably shouldn’t. “It’s nice to know you have high ethics.”

“Yeah, now that you understand I’m a clean-cut woman, where are my drugs?” She disappeared, stifling another groan.

Sam heard the rattle of pills in thin plastic bottles, such as a prescription would come in. She returned from the kitchen with a glass of ice water and a hopeful look of relief.

“Thanks for staying, Sam. If you’d just lock the back door when you leave, Amy will come to my room if she wakes.” Jessica went into Amy’s room. “’Night, sweetie. Be a good girl for Sam.”

“’Night, Mommy. Owie better.” They blew kisses, obviously both used to the limitations of Jessica’s back problems.

Sam noticed that Amy had dressed herself as he and Jessica were talking, even though her pajamas were on backward. “C’mon, Day-ee.”

“I’ll talk to you later, then,” he said with uncertainty as he heard the latch of her bedroom door click between them.

Sam helped Amy onto her bed, then spread his hand wide under the washcloth. “I’m gonna get you,” he teased.

Amy giggled and pushed her hand against his, collapsing onto the mattress.

He let her win a couple of times, then made contact and washed the leftover ketchup from her cheeks. “All cleaned up and ready for bed.”

He covered Amy with the sheet and turned out the light. “’Night, ’night.”

Amy waved to him and he waved back.

He looked around the tiny living room, wondering if Jessica was out for the night. He found the remote control, sat on the overstuffed sofa and turned to the local news.

Tonight, as they were eating, he had realized Jessica had been in party-girl mode with the men he’d seen her with at the Stagecoach Café. She had been far from flirtatious with him. Gut instinct told him the woman he’d spent the last few hours with was the real Jessica Mathers. He knew enough of her past to understand her struggles. Like her temptation to have a cocktail with dinner. Alcohol was a tough habit to break, and he admired Jessica’s determination to improve her life one step at a time.

Sam heard toys rattling in Amy’s room. “Amy?”

Karumpf. Sam would never forget the sound of tiny bodies jumping into bed. He shouldn’t—he and his brothers did the same almost every night growing up. Usually they were pulling some prank on their younger sister, Lucia. The memories brought a smile.

Sam crossed the compact living room to Amy’s door, and found her totally immersed under the covers with the corners of a book jabbing into the sheet. She was chattering away in gibberish. He watched for a moment, comforted to see Amy acting like a normal little girl. After the accident, he’d prayed that she wouldn’t suffer any problems as a result of being thrown from the car.

He knelt next to the bed. “Could I read the book to you?”

Amy scrambled beneath the sheet, emerging with eyes wide and a smile to match. She nodded.

He opened the book. “If you give a moose a muffin..” He turned to her and frowned. “A moose?”

She giggled and snuggled closer. Sam felt as if his heart had been handcuffed to these two females.

After two books, she jumped out of the bed.

“Where are you going, Miss Priss?”

She giggled, covering her mouth with her tiny hand. “Potty,” she whispered.

“Okay, potty is allowed. Then back to bed. To sleep this time.”

“Weed anofer book?”

“No more books, Amy. You need to go to sleep.”

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