Passion's Law (4 page)

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.”

That was, he realized, the biggest difference between them. Not money or lifestyles or goals. It was the fact that she couldn't even conceive of such a man, while he had spent every day of the past ten years coming into contact with such men and trying to make some sense of the destruction they brought to innocent victims.

“Maybe it's time you thought about going back home,” he said wearily.

“Leave my uncle just when he needs me most?”

“Look, Heather. This isn't a video game of virtual bad guys. This is deadly serious. Someone wants Joe Colton dead. It could very well be a member of his own family.” He thought again about the timing of Jackson Colton's arrival. “And very often, when you have a madman loose with a gun, innocent people get caught in the crossfire. So my best advice to you is to leave Prosperino now and go back where you belong.”

Where you belong.

The words hung between them for the space of a heartbeat.

Heather's eyes went wide before narrowing with anger. “Thanks for the warning. I'm sure you mean well. But I have no intention of leaving Uncle Joe alone. Especially now.”

“He would understand. I'm sure—”

She crossed to the door, cutting off whatever else he was about to say. “Are you through with me, Detective? Because if you are, I'd really like to go and talk to my uncle now.”

Thad clenched his jaw. “Yeah. We're through. For now.”

As she yanked open the door and walked away it occurred to him that she was definitely going to be a problem. How the hell was he supposed to do his job without worrying about her?

He muttered a couple of rich, ripe oaths as he realized that Heather McGrath was the most damnably obstinate female he'd ever met.

And, like an itch he couldn't scratch, she was taking up entirely too much of his valuable time.

 

“I'm fine, Dad.” Heather sat on the edge of her bed and spoke into the cell phone. “Tell Mom that Uncle Joe has already added more security cameras and is hiring a security firm to patrol the grounds. I overheard him telling the police detective that he'll do whatever it takes to keep his family safe until this gunman is found.”

She listened, then waited while she could hear her father passing the phone to her mother. She spoke quietly with Andie McGrath before saying, “We had this same argument before I left San Diego. I know you're worried, and will continue to worry, but I'll be fine. And I promise to phone regularly. Please understand I'm feeling useful here. I think being here with Uncle Joe has made a difference. We're working our way through a mountain of paperwork. And that helps relieve some of his stress.” She paused, listened, then added, “I love you, Mom. Tell Dad I love him, too.”

She set down the phone and walked to her bedroom window to stare at the figures of the police officers silhouetted in the moonlight.

One figure stood out from all the others. One tall, muscular man standing in the grass, staring up at Joe Colton's window.

Suddenly his head turned slightly and she realized he was looking up at her, and that she was clearly outlined in the overhead light.

Naked. Vulnerable. Just as her uncle had been, before the bullet had pierced his window.

She watched a moment longer, then stepped away and turned out the light.

As she crawled into bed it felt oddly comforting to know that Thad Law was there, looking out for their safety. There was such strength in him. Not just physical strength, though that was apparent. She sensed something else in him. A goodness, a determination, a strength of will, that made her believe he would accomplish whatever task he set for himself. Without regard to the obstacles or the dangers, he would put himself in the line of fire for those charged to his care.

What sort of man willingly chose such a task? What quality was there in Thad Law that he would risk his own life for the lives of complete strangers? She thought about the men she knew. Most of them were well-educated, but absolutely lacking in any sort of street smarts. They knew how to climb the corporate ladder, would pay any price for the right clothes, the right haircut, the right image. But if they
found their lives in danger, they would be thrust into a state of panic.

She couldn't imagine any situation that would send Thad Law ducking and hiding. He was the type who would stand tall against an enemy, no matter how much danger it entailed.

It wasn't the badge or the gun that impressed her about Detective Law. It was the man himself. He struck her as one who would be absolutely fearless in the face of any threat.

She sensed a darkness in him. A determination to get the job done against all odds, without regard to personal safety.

There was such comfort in that.

She fell asleep, secure in the knowledge that, at least for tonight, no harm would come to them while their dark guardian angel was looking out for them.

“I
have your conference call arranged, Uncle Joe.” Heather handed over the phone.

“Thanks, sweetheart.” Joe Colton shifted in his chair, his hand over the receiver. “You've put in enough hours today. When I'm through with this, I'm calling it a day. You know you've been dying to go horseback riding. Why not now?”

She brushed a kiss over his forehead. “I like the way you think. Sure you don't want me to wait and you can join me?”

He shook his head. “It may be a bit cool, but I intend to take myself out to the pool and do laps before dinner.”

“Okay. It's a good thing it's heated.” She waved as she headed out of his office.

A short time later, dressed in boots and denims, her hair tucked under a baseball cap, she started toward the stable.

It was one of those perfect California days. A clear, cloudless sky with sunlight so bright it hurt to look at it. The air, as she drew closer to the stables, was ripe with dung and freshly turned earth. She breathed it in, as comfortable here as she would be at a country club dance.

Heather loved riding. From the time she'd been a little girl she'd had a passion for horses. And though her parents had expressed concern about her recklessness, she'd refused to give it up.

Now, for the next few hours, she would indulge herself.

She stepped inside the stable and waited for her eyes to adjust. After the brilliant sunlight outside, it seemed almost gloomy as she made her way between the rows of stalls.

Suddenly she heard a deep familiar voice muttering a rich, ripe oath. She looked up to see Thad Law standing on a ladder, fiddling with a security camera. In the heat of the barn he'd removed his shirt and tossed it in the dirt below. Her heart did a series of flips at the sight of his naked back and arms, rippling with muscles.

She'd seen him for days, going over the security system with a team of professionals. But she had the strong suspicion that he'd been avoiding her.

Just then he tightened a switch and security lights flashed on, indicating that the sensors had detected an intruder. He turned and caught sight of Heather looking up at him.

His frown slowly dissolved. “Sorry. Guess I didn't hear you.”

“That's all right, Detective Law. I'm just getting even for those times you've managed to catch me by surprise.”

He climbed down the ladder and picked up his shirt, mopping sweat from his face and chest before slipping his arms into the sleeves. While he buttoned it, Heather couldn't seem to tear her gaze from the mat of dark hair on his chest.

He tucked the ends of his shirt into his waistband. “Did your uncle send for me?”

She shook her head. “He didn't even mention that you were here. I was just going to ride.” She glanced at the new security camera. “Do you really think that's necessary in here?”

He arched a brow. “Do you have any idea how much all this horseflesh is worth? Not to mention the building. If someone wanted to hurt Joe Colton, setting fire to the stable might be a good start.”

Heather couldn't keep the pained expression from
her eyes. “It's hard to believe anyone could do such a cruel thing to helpless animals.”

“Believe it.” He saw the look in her eyes and felt a rush of annoyance. Not at her, but at himself for putting it there. His job had hardened him to the violence man was capable of. He was sure a woman like Heather McGrath, raised in that ivory tower, didn't have a clue.

“Anyone who can fire a shot during a crowded party has no conscience. A man, a horse, or half a dozen innocent bystanders. It's all the same to a cold-blooded killer.”

She shivered and wondered if Thad knew how fierce he looked when he talked about lawbreakers. If ever she'd doubted his passion, she needed only to hear his words and look into his eyes to see the depth of it. She wouldn't want to cross this man's path on the wrong side of the law.

He glanced around. “Which horse are you planning to ride?”

“Diablo.”

At that Thad's eyes narrowed. “Joe told me he's the toughest stallion in his stable.”

She nodded. “That may be. But he and I are well suited. We both enjoy speed and the freedom to leave the well-worn trails and just run where the mood takes us.”

“I'd rather you'd stick to the trails, if you don't mind.”

She was about to argue when she recognized the thread of steel behind those softly spoken words. She gave a careless shrug. “Okay.”

She crossed to the stallion's stall and lifted a hand to its nose, giving Diablo a chance to get her scent. The horse blew and snorted as she opened the door and stepped inside.

Thad walked closer to watch as she expertly tossed a blanket over the horse's back, and then a saddle, which she quickly cinched. When she lifted the bridle, Diablo tossed his head, but with a few soft words she managed to calm him enough to take the bit.

Thad seemed surprised to see the ease with which she saddled her own mount. “I figured you'd want somebody to do that for you.”

She shook her head. “As an equestrienne you handle your own equipment, so if there's any problem with it you have nobody else to blame. That's the first rule. The second rule is, see to your horse's needs. That means a good rubdown when you're through, followed by a check of the feed and water, before going off to take a shower.”

He grinned. “With just a few words changed, the same rules apply for being a good cop.”

She paused, considering, then nodded. “I never
thought about it before. But you're right. I'm sure you always have to put the public ahead of your own needs.”

“And I never trust anyone but myself to inspect my equipment. If my gun should misfire, it's nobody's fault but mine.”

She had no doubt that he would treat his gun with the same care that he seemed to treat all the security devices here on her uncle's property.

Minutes later she opened the stall door and led the stallion out into the sunshine.

She turned to where Thad was standing. “Sure you don't want to join me?”

He shook his head. “I still have some work to do in here. Then I'll have to check the monitor, and show your uncle which switch will control the stable cameras.”

“That's too bad. It's the perfect day for a ride.” Her smile was quick and sly. “And maybe we could have made another bet. Which I'd no doubt win.”

He watched as she pulled herself up to the saddle and dug her heels into Diablo's sides. The horse took off at a fast clip, its hooves spewing dirt.

As horse and rider headed across the rolling meadow, Thad stood for the longest time, enjoying the view. Damned if Heather McGrath wasn't just about the prettiest thing he'd ever seen. Especially on the back of such a magnificent animal.

The absurdity of it suddenly struck him. He was watching an angel riding a devil. If he had to bet which one held the upper hand, his money was on the angel.

 

“I've had light sensors mounted front and back, and cameras installed inside the stable.” Standing beside Joe's desk, Thad threw several switches. “Anyone who gets within ten feet of the building will cause the lights to go on. Once inside, you can view them here…” He switched on a camera to show an overview of the horses in their stalls. “…and close up like this.” He flicked another switch and directed the zoom lens, catching a mare in the act of eating hay.

“You do good work, Thad. Why, I can even zoom in on the fly buzzing around her ear.” Joe looked up at the ringing of his phone. “Excuse me a minute.”

He swiveled his chair and reached for a file while he spoke into the phone.

Thad studied the monitors and caught sight of Heather and Diablo just cresting a hill. He stared at it for long seconds. Then, glancing at Joe's bent head, he threw a second switch directing the close-up camera toward Heather's face. The sight of her, laughing as the wind took her baseball cap and sent
her hair fanning out around her, had him watching with avid interest.

She slowed the horse, touching the reins to his neck until he turned. When they reached the spot where her cap had landed, she leaned low in the saddle, snatching up her hat as the horse's hooves pounded the earth.

Thad held his breath for a moment, afraid she would surely fall and be trampled. Instead she straightened and flicked the reins, urging the horse once more into a run.

She looked so easy and comfortable astride the big black stallion. Whatever tension she displayed when she was around Thad had disappeared. In its place was grace and poise. Natural beauty. If a film-maker were to catch this on video, he could market it without a single sound in the background. All that was needed to hold the viewer's attention was the woman, the horse, and the rolling hills of Prosperino.

Joe set aside the phone and turned. The first thing he noticed was the rapt expression on Thad's face. Then he glanced at the monitor and saw the close-up of his niece.

“She's beautiful, isn't she?”

Thad nodded, afraid to trust his voice.

“The best thing of all about Heather is that she's as sweet, as good-hearted as she is lovely to look
at. But then, I'm sure you've discovered that for yourself.”

“I…haven't had time to notice much of anything, Joe.” Just then he caught sight of Jackson Colton on the monitor, urging his Palomino into a gallop to catch up with Heather.

Thad's smile faded. His frown deepened. “Now, about the new security in the stables.”

For the next hour he and Joe went over the controls until Joe felt comfortable with everything that had been added.

Finally the older man pushed away from his desk. “Is that everything?”

Thad nodded.

“Good. Now, since you're off the clock, how about a drink?”

Thad glanced at his watch. “Sorry. I have to get back to town.”

“You're a hard man to pin down, Thad. Could I persuade you to stay for dinner if I told you Inez was fixing sirloin tips in wine sauce?”

Thad gave a rare grin. “That's tempting, Joe. But between the police department and the extra hours here, I'm running as fast as I can.”

“Yeah. I understand. I'm sure you need a little time for a personal life as well.”

Thad's smile faded. “A schedule like mine doesn't leave time for a life.”

“Then you've got to make time, man.” Joe clapped a hand on his shoulder. “I've got spare swim trunks in the pool house. Sure you can't join me?”

“You're making it awfully tempting.”

“When was the last time you took a couple of hours just for yourself?”

Thad thought a minute. “Probably three years ago. When I was recovering from a gunshot wound.”

Both men laughed.

Joe tried one last argument. “Heather will probably be back soon, and I'm sure we can persuade her to join us as well.”

Thad nearly weakened at the thought of seeing Heather in a bathing suit. Then he squared his shoulders. “Sorry, Joe. I just can't spare the time.”

As he made his way to his car Thad thought about all the demands being made on his time. He felt he was being stretched to the very limit. Still… He paused, and glanced toward the stables. What he wouldn't give to spend a lazy evening around the pool, doing nothing more strenuous than lifting a drink to his lips.

And, of course, watching Heather McGrath in a bathing suit. A bikini, he decided as he turned the ignition and started away from the ranch. Better yet, a thong. Bright pink.

He was grinning as he let his imagination take him where he had no doubt reality would never permit him to go.

 

It wasn't pink. And it wasn't a thong, or even a bikini. It was a plain black tank.

Thad paused in mid-stride and stared in pure male appreciation when, days later, he caught sight of Heather poised on the high board. With that fabulous body, that sun-bronzed skin and all that honey hair, she was absolutely riveting. She lifted her hands above her head, took one quick bounce on the board before soaring through the air and cutting neatly into the water.

She was, he realized, pure poetry in motion.

She broke the water and tossed her head, sending her hair fanning out around her shoulders like a veil of glistening diamonds. Then she began to swim in smooth, long strokes until she reached the edge of the pool, where she pulled herself out and reached for a towel.

She was still drying herself when she turned and saw Thad walking toward her. He'd removed his suit jacket and rolled the sleeves of his white shirt. His eyes were hidden behind reflecting sunglasses.

She smiled. “I didn't know you'd be here today.”

“Neither did I. But I had some questions for your
uncle. And I thought I'd see how the sensors were working in the stable before I head home.”

“Do you ever take a day off?”

He slipped off the glasses and Heather absorbed a jolt at the heat of his gaze. “No. And for once I'm glad. Tell me, do you swim every day after work?”

“Not always. Some days I ride. Other days I just walk over the hills until it's time for dinner. Why?”

“I figured if I could count on seeing you like this at the same time every day, I'd make it a point to be here. Strictly as an impartial observer, you understand, to see to your safety.”

His unexpected humor had her laughing. A clear sound that did something to his heart. “Of course. I didn't realize you were so noble, Detective Law.”

“Yeah. That's me. Pure of mind and brave of heart.” Reluctantly he turned away. “I guess I'd better get over to the stable.”

“I'll walk with you.”

He halted. “I don't think you'd like to walk barefoot. That is unless you don't mind stepping in some pretty slimy stuff.”

She stepped into a pair of drawstring pants and slipped her feet into canvas deck shoes. “If I encounter any ‘slimy stuff,' I'll just toss these in the washer.”