Blue Jeans and a Badge (15 page)

“Or came along after the crash, found the stuff and made off with it.”

“Sounds like a job for a CSI. Who do you call in for forensics? Ted's guys?”

He laughed sardonically. “Forensics? I've never needed forensics on any case before. Hell, I don't
have
cases in Piñon Lake. Nothing ever happens here.”

She nodded, straight-faced. “Yeah, I've noticed that.”

“Smart-aleck.” Twice in one day. This was getting downright ridiculous. Lost tourists—that's what he was supposed to deal with. Not real crime. Certainly nothing that could bring national attention to his little village—and himself. Damn, damn, damn. “I better call Ted to bring in his team again.”

“And the medical examiner.”

“Yeah. Her, too.”

“What's that?” Luce asked, pointing to a jumble of things next to the pilot's seat.

Philip leaned in for a closer look. “Fast-food remnants. Jacket. Baseball cap. Good grief, it's—” He reached in as far as he could, snagged the corner of a pile of oversize manila folders and carefully pulled them loose. “Legal files.”

“Suzy's missing files?” she asked excitedly.

“I'm not sure—”

Suddenly, the peaceful mountain air was shattered by the explosion of a gunshot.

Instinctively, Philip clasped the files to his chest, grabbed Luce and dropped them both to the ground, rolling toward the cover of nearby trees.

Another gunshot rang out. A bullet ripped through the metal of the plane behind them.

Luce cursed quietly. “You carrying?” she whispered.

“Beretta's in the Jeep with your Walther. I wasn't expecting trouble.”

“We need to get to it. Create a diversion and I'll run for it.”

“No chance. I've got the key to the strongbox. I'll run.” He gathered up several baseball-size rocks and handed them to her. “Throw these in the other direction and try to figure out where the shots are coming from.”

She nodded and followed his silent countdown, throwing the first missile on zero. He took off at a sprint. He heard the rocks crash into the plane and tumble noisily down the other side, one after the other. Immediately several gunshots blasted. He wasn't hit. He made it to the Jeep and dove onto the back bench, wincing as his shin hit a sharp edge. He held his breath for the next shot. The one that would take him down.

None came. The diversion had worked.

In a flash he had his gun out and looked to Luce for direction. She pointed steadily to a copse of pines up the hill. He aimed and let five shots whale. Two more answered his, but they went wild. Then there was silence.

Luce threw another few stones, but no more shots came. He beckoned, and she dashed to the Jeep. By the time she jumped in, he had the engine running and the wheels cranked for a U-turn. He tossed her the gun and they were out of there.

At the first cow-catcher gate down the hill, he prayed the shooter wasn't following them. “I'll go,” he said.

She nodded, and slid behind the wheel. Thankfully, they got through without incident.

“Whew.”
She let out a breath, her eyes meeting his. “That was exciting.”

That kind of excitement he could do without, and he said so. Since Luce was now driving, he pulled out his cell phone. “I better call Ted. And Captain Segura. They're both going to want to know about this.”

“Should you call Joseph Clay Pipe?” she asked, gaze softening with sympathy.

“Yeah. Better do that, too.”

That was one phone call he was not looking forward to making.

 

Philip had Luce park the Jeep behind some bushes where the road met the highway until Ted arrived. They stayed hidden in case the shooter tried to drive out that way. He didn't. But Ted got there surprisingly quickly, so Philip helped secure the crime scene, then waited for Segura to arrive an hour later.

“Only about half of the chips from this shipment showed up in the cache of stolen crates at the ruins,” Segura told them after taking a look at the plane.

“Half? That's strange,” Philip said.

“Maybe they had a different buyer for the rest,” Ted said.

“Or were interrupted taking the shipment off the plane.”

“Maybe Clyde interrupted them,” Luce suggested. “When he was repairing the plane, he could have overheard the bad guys discussing plans for the theft. But instead of reporting it, he decided to rescue the shipment for his employer.”

“Or hijacked the chips for himself,” Ted said.

“Then where's the rest of the shipment?” she asked.

“Good point.”

“Anyway, we know he's been dead a few days by the decomposition of the body. Whatever it was, it must have happened the day the plane was stolen.”

The M.E. walked by just then, accompanying two EMTs with Clyde's remains in a body bag, and the four of them stood in a line watching.

“Hopefully the forensics people will come up with something to narrow it down,” Philip said with a sigh.

When the ambulance had gone, Ted gently cleared his throat. “Luce, can I see you for a sec? In private?”

Philip struck up a conversation with Segura about what else they'd found at the cache, already knowing what was going on between Ted and Luce. He was taking the DNA
swabs. Last night on the phone, they'd decided Ted should take two samples. One to send to the usual lab, which would take six weeks or more to get results back on. The other, Ted would overnight to the FBI in Albuquerque, who had a new field-test kit that would give instant results. Not nearly as reliable or complete, but hopefully enough to get a ruling one way or the other. She would only find out about Maria, since Peter hadn't required a DNA test before burial, and therefore had no records to compare with Luce's results. But it was a start.

Philip could see them talking quietly, Luce with her arms crossed tightly over her chest, staring at the ground. He longed to go over and put his arms around her, to reassure her. But he had a feeling she wasn't in the mood for that kind of gesture.

And he didn't feel like being rebuffed in front of half the Sheriff's Department. Again. That scenario brought back way too many bad memories.

He might be living in the present these days, but a fool he wasn't.

“Everything all right?” he asked, when she and Ted finally came over to rejoin them.

She nodded, but he could tell she was upset and a million miles away.

“We found the missing files from the lawyer's office robbery, so we can have Jim Kendall released from jail,” Philip told Ted.

“That should make Suzy happy.” His friend gave his shoulder a thump of solidarity. “You both look like you're about to fall over.”

“It's been a long few days,” Philip admitted. “You need us anymore?”

“Nah,” Ted said. “Get out of here and get some rest. Your job is done.”

Philip tried to smile, but couldn't. “Yeah.”

His case was closed. And Luce's.

She'd be leaving soon. Maybe even tonight….

He set his jaw determinedly. No. Not if he could help it. They had a few things to settle first.

Like the fact that even now his child might be growing inside her.

And the fact that even if it wasn't, he didn't want her to leave.

Ever.

The plain truth was, he was in love with Luce Montgomery. Totally, inescapably, head-over-heels in love with the woman. And this time, nothing…
nothing
…would stand in the way of him getting what he wanted. Which was her in his bed, in his home, and in his life.

Permanently.

O
n the way back to Philip's, they stopped by the Shamrock Slipper to pick up some takeout for dinner. The delicious scent of chili and fresh-baked rolls permeated the small vehicle, but tonight it just made Luce queasy. She couldn't stop thinking about the DNA test she'd just done. And wondering if it was the right choice.

In her mind she knew it was. But her stomach was telling her it had been a big, fat mistake not to leave well enough alone.

As a distraction, she called her boss to give him the news about Clyde.

“I'm sorry,” Arthur said. “I know you were counting on the retrieval fee for your P.I. business.”

“Yeah, well, there'll be other jobs. I just feel awful about Clyde. That man had some terrible luck.”

“When are you coming home? I'll save the next jumper for you.”

She shot a glance at Philip, who was studiously ignoring
her conversation. “Not sure. I, uh, have a couple of things to clear up first.”

Arthur chuckled. “Take all the time you need. But you be careful of the cops out there in New Mexico. I hear they have a way of casting spells on innocent young ladies.”

“Guess I'm safe, then,” she drawled. “And don't believe everything my mom tells you,” she added before saying goodbye.

A scowling Philip pulled the Jeep into its usual parking spot at the edge of the cliff, where they'd watched their first sunset together. Neither of them moved.

Once again the sun was going down, all red and purple and yellow and orange. It was so beautiful it made her heart hurt.

Philip didn't even seem to notice it. He ran his finger back and forth along the rim of the steering wheel, looking as if he had something other than sunsets and food on his mind.

She didn't know if she was ready for the conversation she knew was coming.

“So, am I one of those things you have to clear up before leaving?” he asked, breaking the silence.

She was definitely not ready for
that
conversation.

“I was thinking more along the lines of the DNA test,” she said. Which was true enough. She didn't even want to think about the other. She'd break down completely if she did.

“Ah,” he said, sounding singularly unconvinced. “You'll get the results tomorrow?”

“That's what Ted claims.”

There was a pause. “Then what happens?”

She rolled down the window and took a deep breath to settle her stomach. “I guess…I go back home. Assuming I'm not a Hidalgo. Which I am. Assuming.”

“And what if you
are
a Hidalgo?”

She closed her eyes and leaned her head back on the seat. She was still convinced she hadn't found her real family. But what if she had? The thought terrified her.

“I don't see that happening. It's just too crazy.”

“But if it did?”

With difficulty, she tried to imagine what it would it be like to have blood relatives after all this time. What would they think of her?

Probably not much.

The Hidalgos were an old, wealthy, aristocratic family who didn't even like having a bookkeeper in their midst. How would they react to an out-of-control bounty hunter crashing their ranks? One who'd been raised by a used-car salesman and an outspoken women's libber. One who also threatened the status quo of the family hierarchy.

She suddenly realized she was trembling. And scared to death. The fear that crawled down her spine was visceral, overwhelming.

“They won't want me,” she whispered.

Philip touched her cheek. “Don't be silly. Of course they'll want you. Why wouldn't they?”

She stuck her hands under her armpits to make them stop shaking. “Maria Hidalgo married Peter Santander against both sets of parents' wishes. Ted told me his mother is still alive.”

“Hell, Luce, that would make you her granddaughter. I know if I had a lost granddaughter floating around, I'd want her back big-time.”

Her throat closed up at the thought. “Maybe. But even if she did, the others wouldn't.”

“Why not?”

“Peter Santander was the oldest son. And Maria was heir to a fortune.”

Philip didn't respond for several moments. “I see your point,” he finally murmured. “Inheritances could be at stake.”

“Why put myself through all that? I already have a perfectly good family, whom I love with all my heart.”

Coward, coward!

“Because if the Hidalgos and Santanders are your flesh and blood, they need to know the truth. At least they deserve to be told you exist.”

She turned to look at him, surprised by the vehemence of his words and tone. “But what if knowing that only creates unhappiness and problems for everyone concerned?”

“You don't know it will. And keeping secrets like that—big secrets—will always lead to much greater heartache.”

The red glow from the disappearing sun cast his features in an eerie collage of shadows and light. He looked almost threatening. And so serious. Like he knew exactly what he was talking about. She supposed he did with all those things about his father coming out years later.

But it was easy for Philip to sit there and talk. He was braver than she was. Plus he wasn't the one staring down the barrel of a frightening, uncertain fate. He already knew who he was and where he wanted to be.

She was just struggling to stay afloat among all the doubts. Fighting the urge to run as far and as fast as she could. Because suddenly her whole life seemed like a sham.

Deep down, had she always known it was her birth family she'd been searching for? Not chasing after some ethereal good thing she assumed was just on the other side of the mountain?

She closed her eyes again. “Have I finally reached the other side of the mountain?” she whispered.

Philip reached over and gave her knee a squeeze, and whispered back, “I hope so.”

 

Despite not being hungry, Luce let Philip feed her. It was something he seemed to need to do, so she indulged him.

He really was the most amazing man. A big, tough cop, macho to the max, but not afraid to show his feelings or take the time to make her feel safe and pampered.

He'd make a hell of a husband for some woman one day.

The thought that the woman wouldn't be her made Luce's chest squeeze so tight, for a minute she couldn't breathe.

“You okay?” he asked, refilling her iced tea.

She nodded, unable to actually say it aloud. Because it wasn't true. She doubted she'd ever be okay again.

What was she
doing?
She was so confused she didn't know which way to turn.

All her life she'd been afraid to face the truth about her so-called restlessness, unwilling to acknowledge, even to herself, it was the family who abandoned her she'd been seeking. Even now she was petrified to face the results of her DNA test, terrified that when they learned she was alive, they would once again reject and abandon her.

But had she also been avoiding love in her relationships with men because of the same deep-rooted fear?

“You look exhausted,” Philip said. “Why don't we have an early night?”

Her pulse skittered.

She didn't know if she could take another night in his arms. Another night of his hot and tender lovemaking. Another night to remember him by when she was back in St. Louis, kicking herself for letting him go.

“Okay,” she said, and for the first time she thought to herself, maybe, just maybe, she didn't really have to let him go.

“Let's grab a shower first.”

Thoughts of their shower last night sifted through her memory, and she shivered. “Together?”

He glanced over at her, obviously remembering, also. “Listen, about last night. I've been meaning to tell you I'm sorry.”

“Why?”

She watched as he put out the fire in the fireplace and closed the glass doors. “I was trying to pretend I didn't care about you. More than casually. And I maybe came off a bit…callous.”

“Why would you do that? Pretend?”

“It seemed to be what you wanted. Someone cool and casual.”

“That's not how you feel?”

“No,” he said. “It's not.” But he didn't elaborate, he put an arm around her and led her into his bedroom, propelling
her toward the bathroom. “You start the shower. I'll stoke up the woodstove so it's nice and warm when we get out.”

She did as she was told, shedding her clothes in a pile like yesterday and stepping under the hot spray, hoping it would soothe her frazzled nerves.

“I'm feeling a bit shell-shocked,” she admitted when Philip joined her.

“I'll take care of you,” he said softly, and he did. He washed her and rinsed her and stood stoically as she lost herself in the hard geography of his body with the shower gel. She didn't know how something so powerful and muscular could be so comforting to touch and caress.

She especially liked touching the taut iron velvet of his masculinity. He seemed to like it, too. But after a minute he grabbed her wrist, turned off the water and suggested they get out.

Then he dried her with a soft towel, carried her to his bed, and made achingly sweet love to her, until all she could see, all she could hear, all she could feel, everything she knew, everything she would always know, was Philip.

Only Philip.

 

Luce woke the next morning with a sense of impending dread. She knew this could be the most momentous day of her life. But she didn't want to face it. All she wanted was to huddle close to Philip's strong body and hide there under the covers forever.

She'd changed her mind. She didn't want to know the results of the DNA test. She liked her family just fine the way it was.

She snuggled closer, stroking her hand over Philip's chest and abdomen, and lower.

“Mmm,” he purred sleepily, stirring to life. “I could get used to waking up like this.” He smiled up at the ceiling, but didn't open his eyes. “Your turn to be on top.”

“Lazy bones,” she chided softly. Not that she minded a bit when he rolled her onto his chest.

“You wore me out last night,” he protested smugly, hooking her knees down beside his ribs so she straddled him. He grasped her hips and in two swift motions, he was inside her.

With a gasp of pleasure, she settled down harder and pushed him in deeper. He groaned and arched his back, hilting inside of her.

Suddenly she remembered, and gave a moan of distress. “We forgot protection.”

“Doesn't matter.” He pulled her back onto him when she made to withdraw. “Don't go.”

“Philip, I don't want to get pregnant.”

“Too late,” he murmured, running his hands along her thighs.

She frowned. “What?”

He didn't reply, just continued smoothing his hands over her nakedness. When he drew his fingers lingeringly over her belly, shivers of warning tingled through her.

“What do you mean, too late?”

He looked up at her with an expression somewhere between defiance and guilt. They were still joined, and she could feel him pulse within her, hot and huge. “I've been meaning to tell you this, but I wanted to wait until—”

“Philip, please what are you talking about?”

“One of the condoms we used, the first night, it ripped.”

His words spun through her in slow motion. Like in a kung fu movie where the guy was doing one of those jumping kicks and the film slows down to show every inch of his windup and its impact in vivid detail.

“It ripped?” she managed to squeak through the ton of bricks that hit her square in the gut. “It
ripped?
”

“I don't know how. It's never happened to me before.”

Not to her, either, on the few occasions where it might have.

She stared down at him, trying to gauge her own reaction, but feeling strangely…disoriented. “You lied to me?”

“I didn't lie to you,” he said calmly. Calmer by miles than
she felt. Calmer than she would
ever
feel again. “I just delayed telling you because—”

“How could you
do
that?” She couldn't believe it of him. Him, of all people. “You
lied
to me!”

She could be pregnant. With Philip's baby.

She had to get out of there. Had to think. She wrenched off him and scrambled from the bed. Headed for the bathroom. Slamming the door, she locked it and pulled on the shorts and T-shirt from yesterday that still lay on the floor.

“Luce!” He yanked repeatedly on the door handle, trying to get to her. “Listen to me!”

“No.”

“I was going to tell you, obviously. I just wanted to wait until—”

She jerked open the door and wrestled past him. “Until what? I was gone and you could get an unlisted phone number?”

“
What?
No! Luce, wait!” He grabbed her as she grappled with the strap to her suitcase, which was still sitting next to the hall door. His fingers dug into her upper arms, but she hardly noticed the pain. “I wanted you to stay for
me.
Not the baby. Not because you
had
to stay, but because you
wanted
to.”

She stared at him, his words slowly penetrating the haze of anger and confusion.

She burst into tears.

She didn't know who was more surprised, him or herself.

“I have to get out of here,” she hiccoughed. “Let me go.”

It was probably the flood of tears, but his hands dropped to his sides and he just watched as she snatched up her suitcase and ran for the front door.

“Keys are on the kitchen table,” he called after her.

She grabbed them, and somehow navigated the Jeep down the long driveway to the highway, found the village and the Lakeview Motel where her own car was parked. She didn't know where she was going, she only knew she had to get
away from Piñon Lake. And Philip. At least long enough to sort through the avalanche of feelings that plowed through her each time she thought about what had just happened. And what he'd just said.