Fatal Flaw (28 page)

While he was tired after multiple sleepless nights this week, he kept a watchful eye on the Lynch house, which is why he saw his mother step outside and gaze up at the stars. Freddie got out of his car and shut the door with a thwack so she’d know he was there.

In the moonlight, he saw her tip her head and her expression soften at the sight of him. “What’re you doing here?”

“Keeping an eye on things. How’s Mrs. Lynch?”

“Not so good.” Juliette gathered her long hair into a ponytail that she secured with a tie as she sat on the porch swing. “The poor thing cried herself to sleep. She’s got a long road ahead of her.”

“I appreciate you coming.”

“I was glad—and surprised—you called.”

Freddie shrugged. “I figured you’d know someone who could help Mrs. Lynch.”

“I hate having all this conflict between us.”

“I do too.” Freddie sat next to her on the swing and gave it a gentle push. “It was like he died, wasn’t it?”

“Your father?”

Freddie nodded.

“Yes.”

“For years after he left, I tried to figure out what I’d done to drive him away.”

“Oh, Freddie.” She rested her head on his shoulder and wrapped her hand around his. “It still breaks my heart to hear you say that.” Her voice caught. “He loved you so much. From the first instant he ever saw you…”

They sat in the darkness, swinging and listening to the chorus of crickets and frogs.

“I’m told I owe you an apology,” she said after a long period of contented silence.

“Who told you that?”

“Your father.”

Freddie didn’t want to be curious, but he couldn’t help it.

“He told me I was wrong in the way I’ve acted toward Elin—and toward you since you’ve been with her.”

“Is that so?”

She nodded. “He reminded me that when we were first together, my father didn’t approve of him and how difficult that was for us. I’d forgotten. It was such a long time ago, but I haven’t forgotten how it felt to be torn between the two most important people in my life.”

Flabbergasted by her revelation, Freddie had no idea what to say.

“I haven’t given her a fair chance, and I’ve put you in a terrible spot. I’m sorry for that.”

“You’re freaking me out here. Have you been abducted by aliens or something?”

Juliette laughed. “I’m trying to practice what I preach by treating others the way I’d want to be treated. That extends to my precious son, as well. I’ve been unkind to someone you care for, and I’m ashamed of that.”

“Aw, Mom, stop. You’re killing me here.”

“Do you forgive me?”

Freddie raised his arm and put it around her. “Yeah.”

She snuggled into his embrace. “It’s been just the two of us for such a long time. I was unprepared to share you with someone else.”

“And my father helped you to see all this?”

“He did.”

“Huh.”

“After he came back, the first time we talked, he wanted to know everything I could think of about you. I wish you could’ve seen his face when I told him you were a police officer, and a homicide detective, no less. He was proud. So, so proud.”

Freddie felt the walls tumbling down around him. He was once again ten years old and desperate for his father’s approval. “He really wants to see me?”

“Oh, Freddie, he wants that more than anything. He wants the chance to explain what happened and why.”

“I don’t want to know what happened twenty years ago. You told me about that. I want to know about the future. If I see him, if I let him back into my life, will the same thing happen again?”

“I wish I could tell you his troubles are behind him, and you can trust him to not let you down again, but I can’t do that. He has an illness—a serious and often debilitating illness. Right now, it’s under control. Will it still be in six months or a year? No one knows. It’s a gamble—for both of us—to allow him back in. I’ve decided the risk is worth it. You have to decide that for yourself.”

Freddie pushed the swing as he processed what she’d said. “I’d like to see him. No promises about anything beyond a single meeting.”

“That’s fair enough.”

“I’m doing this for you.”

“Don’t do it for me, honey. Do it for you. If nothing else, maybe you’ll get some closure.”

“Maybe.” Freddie looked up at the star-filled sky. “Remember that camping trip when Dad taught me all the constellations?”

“Sure I do.”

“I wanted to sleep outside, but you were afraid I’d get eaten alive by mosquitos. He talked you into letting us sleep out there.” Freddie studied the stars, remembering that long-ago night. “I think about that every time I look up at the stars.”

“You should tell him. It would mean a lot to him to hear that.”

“Maybe I will.”

She patted his leg. “You ought to go home and get some sleep.”

“I’m not going anywhere as long as you’re here. Someone was killed here today, and the person who did it is still out there.”

“Then come inside and stretch out on the sofa. No reason you can’t be comfortable while you stand watch over your mama.”

Freddie let her take his hand and lead him into the house.

Sam opened her eyes slowly, anticipating the blast of pain that had ruined her day yesterday, but the only pain that registered was in her heart as she remembered the shredded remains of her wedding gown.

She found Nick standing by the window, wearing only a pair of well-worn jeans. Hands in pockets, he stared intently through the glass.

“Hey,” she said.

Turning to her, he smiled but his eyes were troubled. “Oh, you’re awake.”

Sam focused on the ridiculously sexy stubble on his usually smooth jaw. He hadn’t shaved once on their honeymoon, and she’d discovered she loved him a little scruffy. “What time is it?”

“Just after six.”

She noticed he also seemed tired and haggard, a look she’d never seen on him before.

“Did you sleep?”

“Some.”

“What’s wrong?”

He sat on the bed next to her and reached for her hand. “How do you feel?”

“I asked first.”

Shaking his head, he looked down at their joined hands. “I’ve been over it and over it in my mind and for the life of me, I can’t remember setting the alarm yesterday morning. Scotty was all excited, he was talking a mile a minute—”

Sam reached up to rest a finger over his lips. “It’s not your fault. How often do I leave without giving a thought to the alarm?”

“But you were going to be there alone last night. What if they’d still been in the house when you got home? What if—”

“Nick…come here.” She held out her arms to him and wrapped them around him. When he dropped his head to her chest, she ran her fingers through his hair.

“If anything had happened to you… I don’t know what I’d do, Samantha. After all we’ve had together, how would I ever live without you?”

“Stop.” She framed his face and forced him to look at her. “I’m right here, and I’m fine. I’m also a little relieved to find out that contrary to past evidence, you are indeed just like the rest of us.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You actually
forgot
something. You
never
forget things. It’s rather annoying to live with. This proves you’re as human as the rest of us.”

“What a thing to forget, something that could’ve gotten my wife killed.”

Sam pressed a kiss to his pouting lips. “Get over it. I know it’s a terrible shock to discover you aren’t perfect, but you’ll be glad to know you’re still perfect for me.”

That earned her a small, reluctant smile. He leaned his forehead against hers. “We have stuff we need to talk about.”

“First, I want to hear about Boston.”

Nick stretched out next to her but kept a firm grip on her hand. “It was fantastic. He was so cute and appreciative.”

“What did he think of meeting Big Papi?”

“Just what you’d imagine. For a minute there, I thought he might pass out from the shock.”

“You came home early so you didn’t get to take him to Lowell.”

“No, but I told him about it.”

“Did you ask him about coming to live with us?”

Nick nodded.

“And?”

“And, I think he said no.”

Sam stared at him, incredulous. “Really?”

“Yep.” Nick relayed the highlights of the conversation with Scotty. “I loved that he got the connection between what Graham did for me and what I want to do for him without me having to draw him a map. But I guess he’s too entrenched in Richmond to shake things up now.”

“I never imagined he’d say no.”

“Neither did I.”

“You’re disappointed.”

“Hell, yes, I’m disappointed. I’d gotten my hopes up, you know?”

Sam rested her head on his chest and put her arm around him. “Yes, I know. Maybe when he has some time to think about it he’ll change his mind.”

“Maybe.” He brought their joined hands to his lips. “We need to talk about what happened at our place yesterday.”

“Do we have to?”

“We got another card.”

That got her full attention. “What did this one say?”

Nick tugged the sheet of paper Gonzo had given him from his back pocket and handed it to her.

Sam skimmed it and gasped. “Oh my God, it’s all related. When did we get this? I need to make a statement to the press, or someone else is going to die!” She sat up quickly and was hit with a head rush that stopped her short.

Nick’s hands on her shoulders steadied her. “Babe, hang on. You’ve been really sick. You need to take it easy.”

“I need to stop this person before they kill someone else.” As she got up, her stomach let out a huge growl. In the boxes Celia had packed for her, Sam found an old pair of jeans, some underwear and a T-shirt. She’d have to make due with yesterday’s bra. “Did you check the rest of the house last night?”

“Quickly. I didn’t see anything else missing, but we’ll have to check closer when we have more time.”

In the shower, she washed her hair and was loading it with conditioner when Nick stepped in behind her. “Don’t start any funny business,” she warned. “I need to get to work.”

He filled his hands with liquid soap and washed her back. “You think my business is funny?”

Despite the lingering effects of the migraine, the investigation that had just taken a turn for the personal and the disappointment over Scotty’s decision, he still made her smile.

She turned to face him. “You know what I like best about being married?”

He put his arms around her and brought her in close to him. “What’s that?”

As his nearness made her tingle with desire, Sam really wished she had more time. She went up on tiptoes and planted a lingering kiss on him. “I can do that anytime I want.”

“You could do that anytime you wanted before we were married.”

“But now no one else can ever do it but me. I like that.”

“I like it too.”

She kissed him once more. “Gotta go, Senator.” They dried off and threw on clothes.

Downstairs they found Scotty devouring bacon and eggs that Celia had made for him.

“You guys are up early,” Sam said.

“Oh, Sam, honey, how’re you feeling?” Celia asked, rushing over to hug her stepdaughter.

“Much better. How’s Dad?”

“Also much better. He had a good night, and they’re talking about letting him come home maybe tomorrow. We’ll see how he’s doing twenty-four hours from now.”

Sam nearly swooned with relief. “That’s such great news. Tell him I’ll get over there as soon as I can today.”

“I will. How about some breakfast?”

“I’d love some. I’m starving.”

“We can fix that. Sit.”

“You don’t have to wait on me.”

“Sit,” Celia said, pointing to a chair. To Nick, she added, “You too.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Nick said.

Scotty snickered at the exchange and then zeroed in on Sam. “Are you really okay? We were worried.”

“I’m fine. I’m sorry you got cheated out of a night in the hotel.”

“That’s okay. As long as you’re better that’s all that matters.”

“Thanks, pal. I heard you had a great time in Boston.” Sam listened to his animated report as she ate as fast as she could without making herself sick again and downed two tall glasses of ice water. “I hate to say it, but I’ve got to get to work.”

“But it’s Saturday,” Scotty said.

“Unfortunately, criminals never take a day off.” She bent to press a kiss to the boy’s forehead. “I’m glad you had a great time at the game.”

“It was awesome. Thanks again for getting the tickets.”

“My pleasure.” She kissed Nick and thanked Celia for breakfast. “I’ll see you boys when I get home. Try to stay out of trouble.”

“Can we go to the farm to ride horses?” Scotty asked Nick.

He glanced at Sam, troubled.

“There’s nothing you can do here today, so go on ahead. We’ve all got protection.”

“My officer is
adorable,
” Celia said, blushing.

“Easy, Mrs. Robinson,” Sam said on her way to the front door. She was almost to a clean escape when her sisters rushed in, bearing shopping bags.

Angela hugged her. “I can’t believe what that psycho did. Tracy and I were out early to get you some essentials. The slutty stuff was her idea. She reminded me you’re still a newlywed.”

Sam rested a hand on her sister’s pregnant belly. “You need your rest more than I need new clothes.”

“Don’t be silly. An excuse to shop with Nick’s credit card? I was all over that.”

Sam should’ve guessed he’d had something to do with it. “Thanks, guys.” She hugged them both. “I appreciate it. I gotta get to it, but I’ll see you later?”

“We’ll be with Dad,” Angela said.

“Are you sure you feel up to working today?” Tracy asked. “You were in rough shape yesterday.”

“I don’t have any choice. Either I show my face to the media or some other innocent person is going to die.”

“God, your job sucks the big fat one,” Angela said.

“Sometimes, it really does. Later.” She was outside in the street when she realized her car was at HQ. “Goddamn it.”

“Good morning, Lieutenant Holland. It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

Confronted by the officers who’d been assigned to her detail, she groaned. Officers Hernandez and St. James, the same two fresh-faced recruits who’d guarded her during the last investigation, were back for another tour.

“We meet again, Lieutenant,” Hernandez, the cheekier of the two, said. Sam had suspected he was lusting after her the last time around.

“Great,” Sam muttered. “Make yourselves useful and give me a ride to HQ, will you?”

“Yes, ma’am,” they said in unison, snapping to. St. James held open the back door of their patrol car for her while Hernandez rushed around to the driver’s seat. They practically fell over themselves in their haste to do her bidding.

This was going to be a
long
day.

After Mrs. Lynch’s sister arrived, Freddie saw his mother home and then went to his own place to shower and change. Elin had already left for work, which was a relief because he had so many thoughts cluttering up his brain at the moment he feared he’d make for lousy company.

He’d replayed the middle-of-the-night conversation with his mother a million times, and while he was anxious to tell Elin about his mother’s change of heart, he was still trying to process it himself. And he’d agreed to see his father. That thought sent a wave of panic all the way through him. What would they say to each other after all these years? How could he risk letting his father back into his life when he’d caused such pain in the past?

The questions had kept him awake for what’d remained of the night on Mrs. Lynch’s sofa.

As he was getting ready to leave for work, he called Sam. “How’re you feeling?” he asked when she answered.

“Better. I’m on my way to HQ now. Tweedldee and Tweedledum are back on my detail.”

“Awww, that’s so sweet. They must be thrilled. I think Dee was totally in love with you last time. Or was that Dum? Hmm.”

“Are you through?”

Freddie laughed. “Yeah, I think I am.”

“Good because I’ve requested protection for you too.”

“Why me?”

“This whole thing has taken a personal turn, and whether I like it or not, you’re…you know…personal. To me.”

“Oh. Well. Okay then.” He cleared his throat. “I really need to talk to you. Some stuff has happened. I don’t know what to do.”

“We’ll talk when you get in.”

“I’m going to interview the staff at Lynch’s office before I come in. Just making sure you’re cool with that.”

“Good. We need to find someone who didn’t love him. If we can find one person any of our vics was having problems with, we’ll probably be able to link all these killings.”

“I’m on it, boss.”

“Watch your back. Someone’s gunning for me, which puts you in jeopardy too.”

“I’ll be careful.”

“See you when you get back to HQ.”

Freddie vowed to put aside his personal turmoil and focus on closing this baffling case before anyone else had to die.

Terry O’Connor woke with an armload of soft woman and an erection so hard it hurt. Checking his watch, he was glad he still had some time before the daily AA meeting he attended on Capitol Hill.

“Does this mean you’re happy to see me?” Lindsey asked sleepily as she wrapped her hand around his cock and stroked him.

Terry gritted his teeth and stopped the movement of her hand.

“You don’t like?”

“Like it too much.”

“Ahh, I see.” She grabbed their last remaining condom from the bedside table and made quick work of rolling it on him. Straddling his hips, she took him in.

Terry rested his hands on her hips as he watched her ride him, her small breasts bouncing in time with the movement of her hips. He’d never seen anything more provocative than the blush that stained Lindsey McNamara’s fair skin when she was aroused.

She threw her head back and sent them both spiraling into orgasm in no time at all. Panting, she fell forward onto his chest.

Surrounded by her scent, the soft cascade of her red hair and riding the aftershocks of their coupling, Terry had never been more content—or more afraid. Here, finally, was everything he’d ever wanted. No doubt he’d find some way to screw it up. He always did.

“I hate to say it, but I have to go.”

“So early? You have to work on Saturday?”

“No, but I have a meeting to go to. Every day.”

“Oh.” She shifted off him and settled next to him.

Here it comes,
he thought as he waited for her to say something.

“Could I go with you sometime?”

Startled by the question, Terry glanced at her. “If you want to. Sure.”

“You wouldn’t mind?”

Terry shrugged. “I have no secrets, least of all from you.”

“You mean that?”

“I’ve spent most of the last decade screwing up my life. I don’t want to live like that anymore. I have a job I love, a reason to get up in the morning that doesn’t revolve around getting loaded. My father is looking at me with respect again, the way he used to before I destroyed my life. And now,” he said, turning on his side and putting his arm around her, “I have you. So please, come to AA. Hear my story and you’ll know why I never want to be that guy again.”