The Past Came Hunting (14 page)

“That was the rudest display I’ve ever witnessed,” the warden said. “I can’t believe you intruded on my time with Melanie.”

“I had to,” Joe said. “I need information.”

“So you bulldozed your way in here? Next time, pick up the phone.”

“Does she know how you feel about her, Warden?”

“Does she know how
you
feel, Lieutenant?”

“She has an idea. Are you aware that a corrections officer by the name of Jesse Ropes was murdered in Cañon City?”

Simon nodded. “It’s been the talk for days. But it didn’t happen at a prison facility or in your jurisdiction, so why your concern?”

“Because Ropes worked at the Colorado State Pen, the same place Maxwell was incarcerated.”

“So?” Simon wiped his mouth and tossed his napkin on his plate. “Maxwell’s gone.”

“Are you positive? Have the police any leads?”

Simon sighed and placed his elbows on the table. “Ropes had a gambling problem, a big one. The police suspect his creditors got to him. That or...” A look formed over the warden’s face as though his next thoughts were repugnant to him.

“Or?” Joe pressed.

“The night of Ropes’ murder, he held a poker party. Ten corrections officers were in attendance. Jesse Ropes wasn’t especially liked, and the men in attendance haven’t been fully cleared of any involvement.”

Armed with these different and more probable scenarios, the tightness that had lodged in Joe’s chest all day lessened. It also explained Warden River’s reluctance to talk.

“Drake Maxwell’s not in Colorado. I personally sent a man to watch him board a plane.”

“He could’ve come back.”

“For what reason?”

“Don’t give me that. He could’ve discovered Melanie’s whereabouts.”

“Then he’d have to be psychic. You’ve seen the lengths I’ve gone to keep things quiet. With the exception of you, I’ve told no one her location.”

“What about Luke?” Joe asked. “Has he been in touch with his former classmates?”

“Mel only recently bought him a cell phone. And even if he used it to keep in touch with old friends, I don’t think Maxwell knows she has a son. How would he make the connection?”

“Guards talk to the convicts, Warden. Surely Maxwell knows something.”

“Correctional officers keep their mouths shut, particularly about their families. It’s ingrained in them from the day they accept employment. If they don’t, they don’t work for the DOC.” Simon pushed back his chair. “It seems you ruined our dinner for nothing.”

Having gotten what he’d come for, Joe stood. He was, however, unimpressed by River’s arrogance. No matter how much confidentiality was stressed, there was always a weak link in the system. “It appears I owe you and Melanie an apology. Will you do one thing for me?”

“I don’t know why I should, but if it’ll make you leave, gladly.”

“Find out if Ropes knew Maxwell... for Melanie’s sake.”

“It’ll be a waste of time, but I guess I can do that much.”

“Great.” Joe handed Simon his card. “I’ll let myself out. Enjoy the game.”

“You’re not going?”

Joe shook his head, regretting the way he’d manipulated Melanie to come by the information. But if it meant keeping her safe, he’d do it again. The realization of how much she’d come to mean to him stunned him. “Not tonight. I think Mel’s stomached about as much of me as she can stand.”

Chapter Sixteen

Simon had been cool after dinner, courteous during the game, then pensive on the drive home from Coronado. Mel wanted to talk to him, to explain Joe’s reprehensible behavior that afternoon, but simply had no understanding of why he’d gone to such lengths to humiliate her or embarrass Simon.

He drew to the curb, cut the engine, and suddenly she didn’t want to explain anything. She gazed out the window at her quiet little house and wanted to be inside, the whole episode forgotten.

“Your son’s a superstar, Melanie. I wish Carl could’ve seen him play.” Simon made the statement without smiling.

“Thank you. Every time Luke steps on the court, I wish the same thing.”

Her husband’s longtime friend leaned back against the headrest. He looked tired, older. “Do you trust me, Mel?”

At a loss to understand such a ludicrous statement, she said, “Excuse me?”

“Do you think I’d ever steer you in the wrong direction?”

“Would I have gone through all of this if I did?”

He shook his head. “Then hear me out. Part of my job as warden is dealing with statistics. I see men and women returned to the system more often than those who go straight. On average it happens in months, not years, oftentimes weeks.”

Her throat went dry, the subject too close, and not at all to her liking. She’d beaten the statistics, hadn’t she? She gripped the armrest. “Why are you telling me this?”

“When Carl got sick, and he and I hatched this plan, we discussed these numbers. We agreed that Maxwell was the type who, once on the outside, would resort to his old habits.”

Hope surged within her. “You think he’ll commit a crime and go back to prison?”

The warden shrugged. “He had every opportunity growing up. Maxwell wasn’t a kid who came from nothing and acted out of desperation. From the beginning, he felt like the world owed him something. Yes. I think he’ll end up back in the system.”

“Well, that’s a good thing, isn’t it?” She wanted to cry out in relief.

“Absolutely. If you keep your head down.”

Frustration tightened her chest. “What do you think I’ve been doing? I’ve done everything you’ve asked. Left my home, my friends―”

“Do you have any idea how many people you talked to tonight?”

The more games she’d attended, the more people she’d gotten to know. “Five, ten, maybe? They’re the players’ parents, Simon.”

“I don’t care if they’re cloistered nuns. You need to keep a low profile. Unfortunately, your son is going to bring you unwanted attention.”

“What are you talking about?”

“When I said superstar, I didn’t mean it as idle praise. Luke came off the bench and scored twelve points in one quarter. If that coach doesn’t make him a starter, he’s a foolish man. If the papers don’t make something of this boy, then they’re blind.”

Mel held up her hands. “What has this got to do with Drake Maxwell?”

“Nothing, if he goes back to prison soon like we anticipate. It’s if he doesn’t that concerns me. Each day that he’s out gives him more opportunity to find you. Luke’s a sophomore. Right now, hundreds of college scouts are taking notes. Soon they’ll be tracking this kid, taking pictures, writing reports―”

“Of Luke, not me,” she said, her voice rising.

“They’ll want quotes from the parents, personal interest stuff. When they hear about this fatherless boy, living with his stepmother, the press will gobble him up.”

“Are you suggesting I make him quit?”

Simon brushed a hand through his short military-cut hair. “God, no.”

“Then what would you have me do?”

“Be more standoffish. If someone wants to include you in the photograph, become camera shy.”

Mel glanced out the window. In other words, remain in prison. She’d been so proud tonight, reveling in the praise of her son, and in talking to people who genuinely seemed to like her as well.

“And for God’s sake stay away from Crandall,” Simon added.

Mel twisted to meet his gaze. “I thought you liked the idea that a cop lived next door.”

“I did. Until I realized you were forming an attachment to him. You looked for him the entire night, do you realize that? Tell me something. Are you sleeping with him?”

Her pulse quickened and heat shot to her face. “How dare you ask me that? I couldn’t believe he would miss his son’s game, that’s all. Not that it’s any of your business, but we do not have that kind of a relationship.”

“Finally, something that makes sense. If you’re thinking there could be something more between you, prepare to be disappointed.”

To hell with self-control, she made her fury visible. “Not that I’m looking for anything permanent, but why is that?”

“The divorce rate for cops is astronomical. Same for alcoholism, domestic violence, nervous breakdowns. The stress they’re under, do you think they turn it off in the driveway?” Simon studied her. “Of course not. They bring it home to their families.”

She wasn’t a total fool. Every word he described was true. She’d had a taste of that lifestyle being married to Carl.

The interior of Simon’s Explorer became deathly still. Finally, he said, “Lt. Crandall already has one strike against him. He’s divorced.” Staring up at the ceiling, the warden blew out a long breath. “He’s a
walk away
, Melanie.”

If Simon had punched her, he couldn’t have inflicted more pain. “What did you say?”

“You heard me.”

She hadn’t heard the term since prison. The term
walk away
was used to describe a man who took advantage of a woman. Women who fell for
walk aways
were the stupidest life forms imaginable. During her indoctrination into the Department of Corrections, both the officers and the inmates had referred to her
walk away
as Drake Maxwell. In other words, he’d set her up, left her to rot, and
she’d
let it happen.

“I’ve met Joe Crandall’s type before,” Simon continued. “His career will always come first.

“It’s too early even to be having this conversation,” Mel said, looking away and aching that so much of what Simon said was true. “You’re worried about nothing.”

“But that’s just it. I’m very concerned. Carl left you in my care. At first it was my duty. Now...” It was Simon’s turn to look away.

Like her, he’d lost a spouse. But it had been years. He’d raised his children alone and never remarried.

“Perhaps I made a mistake in insisting you come here. Perhaps you should return to Cañon City.”

If she’d been in better spirits, she might’ve laughed. Still, there was nothing humorous about his tone or this heart-wrenching topic. “But I’m known there. That was your whole point in suggesting that Luke and I leave. People could point us out.”

“Yes, but if you come back, you’d no longer be alone.”

“You’re not making any sense.”

Simon reached for her hand. “I thought my feelings were simply because I admired you. They’re not, Melanie, I swear it. I’d planned to wait a respectable time. I swear to God, I did. Luke can play ball in Cañon City. Sure, it’s small, but he’ll get exposure no matter where he plays. And you said it yourself, he’s fond of me.”

Mel pulled back her hand and pressed a palm to her mouth. This couldn’t be happening.

“Becoming a warden’s wife has certain advantages.” Simon’s voice became embarrassingly pleading. “You’d never want for anything. Drake Maxwell wouldn’t dare approach you if you were under my protection.”

Nausea engulfed her. These people had
taken care
of her most of her adult life. Did he think that because she’d loved Carl Norris’s infant son and married the corrections officer as a young girl, she wanted a repeat performance?

Under my protection. You’d never want for anything
.

Did he think he could buy her?

For the first time in her life, she felt free. Even with Joe’s sudden interest and his off-the-chart kiss, she loved having full say over the decisions she made.

If she’d learned anything in prison, she’d learned survival. She’d be a fool to alienate the warden. She had to preserve their friendship. “I’m sorry, Simon. I’m not in love with you. I’m not in love with anyone.” And although it sickened her to lie, she added, “I’m honored that you’ve asked. You have a long drive ahead of you, and it’s getting late. I’d like to go inside now.”

“I’ve offended you.”

She shook her head. “Never. I don’t want to talk about this anymore. I’ll take your advice. I’ll try not to be as
outgoing
.”

Frowning, he watched her. “Does that apply to Crandall as well?”

He’s a walk away, Melanie
. She lowered her head. Giving Joe up so new in their relationship would be painful. But too much of what Simon had said made sense. “Yes, it applies to Joe as well.”

“I’ll see you inside.”

Two nights ago, Joe had said the same thing and she’d welcomed his advances. Tonight, she couldn’t bear a man’s company. “There’s no need. Good night, Simon.” Before he could argue, she opened the car door and walked into the night.

The warden sat waiting until she reached the porch. A vehicle made its way down Serendipity Lane. Mel turned, expecting her son.

But it wasn’t Luke. Most likely it was one of the neighbors, a dark Taurus she’d seen coming and going for days.

Mel inserted the key in the lock, stepped inside and leaned against the door. Closing her eyes, she clenched her fists. How long was she willing to play victim? She was through being taken care of, damn it. No more.

Her gaze traveled to the stairway and what lay beyond. Illegal or not, the gun hidden away in her closet ensured she’d be able to defend herself. If Drake Maxwell came for her, she’d be the last person he ever came for.