Suspicion of Guilt (9 page)

D
enni stared at the duo on her doorstep. Never in a million years would she have guessed that she’d answer the bell to find Shelley and Reece waiting. “What’s going on?”

“I can’t find my key,” Shelley said, swinging her purse over her shoulder. “I’m sorry I’m late. The study session went on longer than I thought it would.”

Denni inwardly gave her forehead a smack.

Now
she remembered Shelley had told her about the study session. “Okay, that explains where you’ve been. Why is Reece bringing you home?” She lifted her gaze to his. “Were you at her study session, too?”

“Hardly.” His lips twisted into a wry grin. “I saw her walking home and thought I’d tag along as protector.”

Alarm shot through Denni. She focused her attention once more on Shelley. “Why were you walking home? You should have called me to come and get you.”

“Mark offered to bring me, but I found out pretty quick that he’s not the gentleman our detective, here, is.”

Reece grinned and shrugged at Denni’s questioning glance.

“Anyway, Mark got handsy and I made him pull over and let me out. The big jerk actually dropped me off a good mile and a half from here. I still wouldn’t have made curfew, though. We lost track of time.”

“Well, we won’t talk about curfew, this time, since you were studying.” She sent the girl an affectionate smile. “You’ve never given me reason to worry before. Did Reece tell you what happened?”

She nodded. “How bad is it?”

“The kitchen looks like we had a fire. And you can smell smoke all over the house, but I think we can get the clean-up done in a reasonable amount of time.” She gave a long sigh. “The stove’s ruined. And the counters will have to be redone.”

Shelley scowled. “That’s all we need right now. How are we going to do all that?”

Denni patted her arm. “Let’s not worry about it for now. We’ll think about that tomorrow.”

“After all, tomorrow is another day,” Shelley returned.

“Okay, Miss Scarlett, better get to bed. I’m going to need all the help I can get tomorrow cleaning up that kitchen.”

Shelley gave her a quick hug. “I’m going to check out the damage, then go up to bed.” She turned to Reece. “Thanks for being my knight in shining armor.”

“No thanks necessary.” His mouth drew up into a teasing smile. “That’s just the kind of guy I am.”

After Shelley left the room, Denni gathered a deep breath. It seemed she couldn’t turn around without Reece being there lately.

“Are you doing all right?” Reece’s voice seemed genuinely filled with concern. She wanted to believe it, but something niggled inside, raising her suspicions.

“I’m just glad no one was hurt or killed. The fire could have been so much worse.”

“Have you given any more thought to who might have started it?”

A weary sigh escaped Denni’s throat. “I think the fire investigator will conclude that it was an accident, started by the teapot on the stove.”

Reece narrowed his eyes, but nodded. Denni’s ire rose at the obvious patronizing.

“I mean it, Reece. There was no malice here, so just get that out of your head.”

A wry grin split his lips. “My Kojak-bald head?”

Denni’s jaw dropped. “Wh-what do you mean by that?”

“I know you and your girls are calling me Kojak behind my back.”

“I never once…”

“Oh, it’s okay. I’m just kidding.” He rubbed his head. “Anyway, I guess I should be going so you can turn in.”

“Reece?”

“Yeah.”

“Do you want to come inside and have some hot chocolate with me?”

Surprise showed in his face and the lift of his eyebrows. “Are you sure? You have a pretty full day tomorrow.”

“I’m wired. And…I guess I’d rather not be alone after all.”

He took a step forward. “All right. I’d love to stay for awhile and keep you company.”

She was keenly aware of his presence behind her as he followed her to the kitchen. She stopped short before entering.

“You okay?” he asked, close enough that she felt his breath against her hair.

“I forgot,” she whispered. “I can’t use the stove to boil the water.” Her words caught in her throat.

“It’s okay, honey.” He moved around so that they faced each other in the doorway. He towered over her. Her face was inches from his neck, and she watched his Adam’s apple bob as he swallowed hard.

Slowly, she lifted her chin to meet his gaze. Her mind clouded as he stared into her eyes. And she couldn’t move. Had no desire to move. If only he would…

He searched her face and Denni didn’t care if he saw her neediness at the moment. She did crave the comfort of his embrace. Keeping her eyes locked on his, she took a step forward.

He gathered a ragged breath. His arms crept around her and pulled her close. She drank in the spicy scent of aftershave and drew from his strength as she rested her head against his chest. With her arms tucked close to her body, she wouldn’t exactly call this a hug. His heart beat a steady rhythm against her ear. For the first time all evening, she felt herself relax. She closed her eyes and drowsed against him.

“Denni,” he whispered after what seemed like several minutes.

“Mmm?”

“I need to let you go.”

Heat crept into her cheeks and she pulled back to look at him. “I’m sorry.”

Despite his admission, he didn’t release her. And she
didn’t protest. “Don’t be sorry. I enjoyed it,” he said, pressing his forehead to hers. His voice dropped to a husky tone that tripped her stomach. “Probably more than I should, considering…”

Disappointment shot through Denni, and her muscles tensed again. “Considering you’re determined to crack a nonexistent case?” She started to step out of his arms, but he tightened his hold and pulled her back.

“Considering everyone in the house has gone to bed and we’re alone down here at 2:00 a.m.”

“Oh,” she mouthed.

His tone dipped along with his head. “Not to mention that for months I’ve wanted to do this…”

Warm lips covered hers before Denni could react. As her heart rate kicked into high gear, two parts of her brain played tug of war in her overloaded mind: the part that knew that this was impossible, given the difference in the way they lived their lives, and the part that wanted to press against Reece, slip her arms around his waist and surrender to his melting kiss. She didn’t have to choose, as the kiss ended oh-so-soon.

“Reece,” she whispered.

“Yeah, I know,” he whispered back. He pressed a kiss to her forehead and slowly released his hold, never taking his eyes from hers. Recovering, he gave her a twisted grin. “If you feel the need to slap me, I’ll stand strong and take it like a man.”

With a short laugh, she stepped into the kitchen. “I think we’ll just chalk this up to you trying to console me. I can let it go. Just…”

He held up his hand. “I know. Just don’t let it happen again.”

“Right. And I promise I’ll be a rock when you’re
around so you don’t feel the need to offer me any more manly comfort.”

She felt around for the flashlight on the counter and switched it on.

Reece whistled under his breath. “That fire did a number on your counter and wall. This isn’t going to be cheap.”

A groan escaped her in spite of her resolve to hold up whenever Reece was around. “I suppose I’ll call the insurance agent in the morning. This is going to shoot my rates sky-high, but I don’t have a choice, I’m afraid. A new stove, counter and the wall behind are going to cost a bundle. And don’t offer to help, because I know this is way above your handyman skills.”

She smiled to take the sting out of the words.

He studied the damage, rubbed a hand over his head and nodded. “Okay, you’re right. I’d be as lost as a cow in a blizzard.”

“I’m proud of you for admitting it.”

He tossed her a lopsided grin. “It wasn’t easy for a man with my level of pride.”

“Well, you’ll be a better man for it.”

He gave her a brow-raised grin. “Don’t be too sure.”

She started to return his grin, then spied an object on the floor. Realizing what it was, she bent over and snatched it up.

“What’s that?” Reece asked.

Facing him she tried to mold her face into the image of innocence. “Nothing.”

He scowled. “What do you mean, nothing? I just saw you pick something up off the floor.”

“Well, sheesh. Okay, if you’re going to make a federal case out of it.” She winced at her choice of words as she opened her fist and let him see.

He stared at her hand, confusion causing his brow to furrow. Then understanding dawned upon his expression and he nodded. “Shelley’s key.”

“Yeah,” she said, hearing the dull tone of her voice. “Please don’t read anything into this.”

“Her key was in the kitchen, she wasn’t here when the fire started, and she walked home. Denni…”

“No! Shelley loves me.” Denni’s lips trembled. “I know she wouldn’t do anything to hurt me.” She slapped her hand down hard on the counter. “I mean it, Reece. Please trust me. This is a coincidence.”

Rolling his eyes, he frowned and shook his head. “No way. Give me the key. I want it for evidence.”

“No. You can’t have it.”

“Listen to me.” His voice was gruff. Gone was the tender man who had held her only a few moments earlier.

She squared her shoulders and braced herself. “Go ahead.”

“You might think no one would possibly be out to hurt you, but someone obviously is. You even admitted after the flooded basement that someone is out to cause damage to this place. First there was the theft. Then there was the fire in the laundry room. Then the flooded basement and now this. The incidents are getting closer together which means that whoever did these things is getting impatient. You’re going to have to let me do my job before something happens to you.”

Denni’s stomach turned over, not only at Reece’s ominous prediction, but at his obvious concern—concern that went beyond his public servant role. “I know something isn’t right. It’s just so hard even to consider one of the girls capable of this. It must be someone else.”

“So you’re admitting these aren’t random accidental mishaps?”

“I’m not stupid, Reece.” Frustration loosened her tongue. “I told you before it might be sabotage. But for the life of me, I can’t imagine why anyone would have a motive. If it’s one of the girls, they’ll be out of a home. If not…who?”

Reece shrugged. “Mrs. James doesn’t seem too happy about the girls living here.”

Waving away his suggestion, Denni shook her head. “No way. The lady’s a little eccentric, and not mad about my girls, but she isn’t a saboteur.”

“How do you know?”

“Well, I just do.” She peered closer to see if he was joking. “Reece. You can’t possibly believe a sweet little old lady is capable of causing flooded basements and starting fires.”

“I never rule anyone out based on age. And unless we’re talking about two separate people, that Mrs. James isn’t exactly
sweet.
”

“Well, no. Probably not. But remember, the first incident wasn’t sabotage, it was theft. And I can’t exactly picture her breaking into the house and stealing.”

“We never found evidence that anyone broke in,” he reminded her. “I still think that was an inside job. And possibly unrelated to the three incidents of damage.”

“You make my head ache with all of your theories.” Denni leaned across the counter, pressing her palm against her forehead. “Find some proof to substantiate any of these so-called hunches, will you? I don’t know how much more I can take.”

“Believe me, I’m doing my best. It’s only a matter of time, now. What about Sarah?”

“Sarah James?”

He nodded. “It’s possible. Especially if she’s nuts. That would explain the irrational incidents.”

“She’s not ‘nuts’ and you need some etiquette lessons.”

“Funny, I’m not too concerned with etiquette when your safety is at stake.”

Denni looked up at the hard tone. The stubborn set of his jaw left no doubt in her mind that he would beef up his investigation. Somehow, she couldn’t quite decide if she should be relieved or worried.

“Y
ou’re going to have to wrap this up soon, Reece. We’ve already spent way too much time on a burglary case.”

“It’s more than burglary, Chief.” Sitting across from his superior made Reece nervous. It wasn’t often he was summoned to this office for something other than a pat on the back.

This time, however, was far different. And Denni’s safety might very well depend upon Reece’s ability to convince the chief that this case went beyond the obvious.

He could throttle Denni for failing to report the laundry-room fire and the flooding of her basement. He had the feeling that if Mrs. James hadn’t called 911, the kitchen fire would have been dealt with using the sink sprayer and anything Denni could find to beat the flames.

But the file on the chief’s desk didn’t contain most of the incidents. Only the theft and the 911 call. The chief gave him a convince-me look.

“Look,” Reece said, taking the friendship approach.
“You know me. I’m not going to waste the taxpayer’s money on a frivolous case. First of all, we haven’t recovered any of the items that were stolen.”

“How close are you?”

Rubbing his hand over his head, Reece blew out a breath.

The chief nodded. “That’s what I figured.”

“Since that robbery, there have been three sabotage attempts. Someone doesn’t want Mahoney House to stay open.”

The chief glanced down at the skinny folder and back up to Reece. “I see that there was a fire a few nights ago, but it looks like an accident. There’s nothing in this report about other incidents.”

Reece scowled. “I know. Denni didn’t report them.”

“There you have it, then. Not much we can do about something that isn’t reported.” The chief’s Groucho Marx brows pushed together and he leaned forward. “Are you making this personal? It’s not about the woman, is it?”

Shifting in his seat, Reece swallowed hard and forced a level gaze. “You know me better than that.”

“I thought I did. But you’re spending way too much time worrying about this. We both know that computer and stereo are long-gone. I think it’s time to close this investigation and move on. I could use you on a couple of other cases.”

The thought of reducing Denni’s case to one of hundreds stuffed unsolved into a filing cabinet sent shards of anger through Reece. With a tenacity he’d rarely used with his superior, he stood and leaned forward on his clenched fists. “I’m not ready to throw in the towel on this one, Chief. Trust me and give me a little more time.”

Obviously not intimidated, the chief drummed his fingers over the open file. Reece held his breath while the man made up his mind. Finally after what seemed like an eternity, he glanced up and nodded. “I’ll give it one more month. But you’ll have to take on the Stuart case as well.”

The thought of adding more work to his schedule didn’t exactly thrill Reece, but he
was
thrilled with the permission to continue to work on Denni’s case.

He walked out of the office with a lift in his spirits.

“I guess the chief didn’t pull the plug after all, huh?” Sean came from behind and fell into step beside Reece. The kid had become his virtual shadow since his self-appointed decision to join the “hunt” for Denni’s saboteur.

“I have a month.”

“You mean
we
have a month.” Sean chomped spearmint gum and fairly shook with pent-up energy.

“You’re not even assigned to this case. What’s in it for you?”

Sean shrugged. “I’ve seen Leigh somewhere. But every time I get this close to remembering, it leaves my mind. She doesn’t have a record.”

“You checked?”

“Yep. Not a thing on her.”

Reece had already done that of course, but it irked him that Sean was playing lover boy to her face and investigating her behind her back. Leigh was a pain, but did she deserve that? Furthermore, was he any different in his dealings with Denni?

His mind went to the shared kiss. The feel of her, soft and pliable in his arms. His heart sped up at the memory. Why was it that when he finally found a woman he
could picture a future with, she turned out to be religious? If there was a God, this was a nice little joke He was playing.

“So?”

The sound of his shadow’s voice swung Reece back to the present. “So what?”

“Where do we go from here?”

“What do you mean?”

“After the fire the other night, I figure whoever is doing these things is probably stepping up the action. Right? It hasn’t been that long since the flooded basement. So we might not have much time to catch her before she hurts someone.”

“You really think it’s Leigh?”

A troubled frown played at Sean’s brow. “She doesn’t seem like the type and if I had to guess, I’d say she loves Denni like a mom or something. But you’re the one who told me not to assume anything. And not to let personal feelings distract me from doing a thorough investigation.”

Reece nodded.

“If I could just figure out why Leigh looks so familiar, I could put it to rest or confirm that she’s the one.”

They walked out the double doors of the police station. Sean followed as Reece headed toward his Avalanche.

“Don’t you have something to do?” Reece asked.

“Nope. Day off.”

“Then what were you doing at the station?”

Sean shrugged and grinned, smacking his gum with perfectly white, straight teeth. “I like it. Besides I wanted to see what you were doing.”

The kid reminded Reece of himself at that age. He remembered himself as a rookie cop, wide-eyed and de
termined to be a crackerjack. He’d pretty much achieved that goal. He supposed Sean would too. He was willing to use whatever means were necessary to solve a case.

“Get in.”

“Where we going?”

“Where do you think?”

“I knew I should have worn my cologne. You wouldn’t want to swing by my apartment would you?”

“Forget it, pretty boy. I don’t think it’s your fancy smell that makes Leigh’s heart go pitter-patter, anyway.”

“So, you think she really likes me?”

Reece rolled his eyes. “I don’t know, Beav. Why don’t you write her a note and ask her?”

Rather than being miffed by the sarcasm, Sean guffawed, slapping his crossed knee. “I think she does. I’m starting to hope she’s not guilty.”

“Really? You’re rethinking taking her home to the folks?”

Sean shrugged. “They’d have to get used to her. I did. Once you look past the dark makeup and the piercings, she’s a pretty great girl.”

“Yeah, but how do you get past the fact that she can beat you up?” Reece snickered at his own joke.

“I’ll just be nice to her so she doesn’t have a reason to.”

He had to hand it to the kid. He could take a little ribbing.

“Do you know she’s carrying a 4.0 grade average? Has been since she started college, and she graduates in a few days, a full semester early. She got a full ride to the university. She was Denni’s first girl. That’s why she’s older. She holds down a full-time job too. I think my parents would look at that part of her and the rest would just fade into the background in importance. Don’t you think?”

“How do I know? I’ve never met your parents.”

“What do you think yours would have done?”

Reece glared at him. This was starting to get too personal. “I never liked a girl enough to want to introduce her to family.”

“Never? How old are you?”

“Drop it. I don’t talk about my personal life with rookies.”

Sean shrugged. “I just don’t see how someone can get to be pushing what…senior citizenship? And never have been in love with a woman.”

Denni stared at the woman standing on her porch. “Elizabeth. This is…quite a surprise.”

“I’m sorry to barge in on you this way.” The woman’s tight-lipped smile failed to communicate any apology.

“Not at all,” Denni said stepping aside. “Come in, please.”

Elizabeth seemed ill at ease as she entered the house. She cleared her throat.

“What can I do for you?” Denni asked, closing the door.

“I think we need to discuss a concern I have about your application.”

“Oh?” Denni immediately went on the defensive. “I’m sorry. It will be there soon.”

“No, it’s not that.” Elizabeth glanced about the room as though assuring herself that no one could overhear. “My concern lies in the fact that your home seems to be run more like a foster home than a ministry.”

Stinging under the criticism, Denni fought against the rising anger. “Elizabeth, I’m not sure what you mean. The girls are in church every time the doors are open.”

“True. But other than that, what are you offering them that ensures their spiritual life?”

“I’m not sure what you’re getting at.”

Gathering a deep breath, Elizabeth met her gaze. “The girls come and go as they please.”

Outrage filled Denni. She scowled. “I take it you’ve been talking to Mrs. James.”

Elizabeth confirmed Denni’s words by breaking eye contact.

Denni folded her arms across her chest, fully aware that the body language conveyed a woman on the defensive. “Let me assure you, Elizabeth, that the girls have a strict curfew when they are not working. But aside from that, they are adults, not children. They adhere to the house rules, attend church services, and that’s good enough for me.”

“That may be.” Elizabeth fixed her with a frank stare. “But you are asking ministries to fund you from our ministry outreach funds. From the looks of things, what sets you apart from a foster home?” She reached into her bag and pulled out some brochures. “These are some ministries similar to what I believe you want to accomplish here. You might find some of the information useful. There are also phone numbers and Websites listed.”

Denni opened her mouth to protest, then thought better of it. She nodded. “All right. I see your point. Let me look through these and pray and see what I can come up with to integrate more ministry tools into the house project, and I’ll get it back to you with the application.”

Elizabeth’s face relaxed. “I look forward to reviewing it. Please do be sure to get it in soon. Time is running extremely short.”

Feeling as though perhaps she’d found a sort of rap
port with Elizabeth, Denni took a chance. “Would you like to come into the living room and have a cup of coffee? I’m afraid the kitchen is still a bit of a mess.”

Elizabeth’s guard shot back up. “No, thank you. I have to get back to the church.”

Denni walked with her to the door. They stepped onto the porch just as Reece’s Avalanche pulled into the drive.

Not again. Not again.

A person couldn’t turn around without the detective snooping. How was she ever going to finish her plans for Denni if there were always cops about Mahoney House? Mother would blame her if something wasn’t done soon. Apparently, drastic measures were going to have to be taken.

Denni stood on the porch until Reece and Sean reached her. “What brings the two of you over here?”

“We came to see if we could help with anything.”

“Help?” Elizabeth’s brow rose.

Denni smiled. “They’ve been helping with some repairs around the house.”

Elizabeth nodded. “It’s kind of you to offer to help, detective.”

Denni couldn’t tell if she was sincere or not.

The woman gave a tight smile. “Anyway, thank you for your time and I’ll look forward to hearing from you.” With a clipped nod, she moved across the porch, her heels clacking against the boards.

Reece and Sean moved aside as she walked down the steps. Reece cast a questioning glance at Denni. She shook her head, and pressed her lips together until Elizabeth was safely out of earshot.

“What was she doing here?” Reece asked.

“She came by to drop off some brochures from some benevolence ministries. She thought I might need to change the structure of Mahoney House a little.”

A frown creased his brow. “Is she giving you a hard time?”

“I really don’t know. She didn’t seem confrontational this time. It was like a ‘help me help you’ sort of thing.”

“I see.” But he didn’t sound convinced.

“Anyway,” she said, “Don’t you have to work today?” she asked.

“I took the rest of the day off.” Reece smiled. “I’m all yours if you want me.”

The implication of his statement made her breath shorten. But his eyes were innocent, so she forced herself not to read too much into his words. “I could use a couple of muscle men to move furniture. Think you can handle it?”

Sean grinned and flexed his biceps. “Bring it on.”

For the next three hours, they worked, cleaning behind couches, chairs, bookcases, the china cabinet. They washed walls and knickknacks. Denni put the young people to work cleaning windows, upstairs and down. By the time she proclaimed a halt to the day’s labor, the group descended, exhausted, upon the living room. They sprawled on newly shampooed and therefore slightly damp couches and carpet, but no one seemed to mind.

Reece sat next to Denni on the couch. He turned to her and her heart leaped into her throat at his smile.

“You know how to work a group.”

“I was always in charge of spring-cleaning, growing up. My mother had very little structure to her life, but she insisted on a thorough cleaning every spring and fall.”

“I’m starving,” Cate piped up. The girl, now eight and a half months pregnant, looked about ready to explode. Denni had spared her most of the work, but she’d insisted on helping where she could.

Denni roused. “I guess I’ll go rustle up some grub,” she said in her best Old West accent.

Reece caught her fingers in his and pulled her back. Alarm shot through her as she over-compensated for the force and landed so close she was almost sitting on his lap. She ended up against his chest, her face a mere inch from his. “What are you doing?” she demanded, trying to add
oomph
to her voice, but finding the words difficult to get out in any tone.

“You’re not cooking,” he said. “I’d like to take you out.”

“What about the rest of them?”

“We’ll all go out,” Sean suggested.

Reece scowled. Denni’s heart thrilled. A group date obviously wasn’t what he had in mind. “Next time it’s just the two of us,” he muttered, loud enough for her ears alone.