Just in Time: Portals of Time (13 page)

Now Helen laughed uproariously. The girlish giggles filled the room. “I never thought I’d have occasion to know all that about the word pussy.”

All three of them joined in the mirth. Thankfully. Dorian didn’t want Helen to feel bad. She’d come to care about her, too.

“GOOD JOB, LUKE,”
Al Patchet said when Luke walked into his office on Wednesday afternoon. “RICO’s got almost enough now for the indictment.” Al sat behind a scarred oak desk, messy with the endless forms that had to be filled out.

“Do you want me to do more surveillance for them?” Luke asked.

“No, this was the only task they needed our help with. For now, at least.”

“Glad to do it. That’s what Special Investigations is for.”

Al watched him for a minute then nodded to a chair. “Have a seat. I wanna talk to you about something.”

Luke dropped down across from him. “Shoot.” He smiled inwardly. Dorian would have a field day with that idiom.

“Are you glad to help? Really?” Al asked.

“Why would you question that? Of course I am. Anyway, it’s my job.”

“I ask because you’ve been preoccupied at work for the last couple of weeks.” He stared at Luke through piercing brown eyes accented by his bald head. “Something going on I should know about?”

Hell, he thought he’d been more circumspect. He didn’t mean to fidget, but he was unaccustomed to being questioned. “Going on? What do you mean?”

“Don’t bullshit me, Luke. We’re friends as well as colleagues.”

“All right, yes. There’s something in my life that’s taking up my attention. It has to do with my brother Jess. But the situation’s personal. I can’t go into it.”

His captain was momentarily silenced. “Why don’t you take some time off? You have vacation coming. And if need be, you could always take a leave of absence. I know how close you are to your brother.”

Luke had thought about taking leave, of course, but making the actual decision…hell, work was his life.

Other than Jess and Helen.

“I’d hate to lose any standing in the department. It could be a month, maybe more before this is cleared up.”

Al laughed. “Luke, you were the youngest man appointed head of SI, and you’ve already received the Medal of Honor. The brass loves you.”

He gave a small smile at the recollection of how he’d barged in on a drug bust gone bad and saved five NYC police officers; he’d been shot in the process.

“Your team respects you,” Al went on. “I’m sure we can do without you for a few weeks.”

Why the hell not? He’d earned this. “And if it’s longer?”

“Go for it. I’ll also add that if my brother needed me, I’d do the same.”

Well,
that
decision was made. He’d be able to help Jess.

And spend time with Dorian, which made him smile. Suddenly, he couldn’t wait to see her.

THE RESTAURANT RICK
chose was elaborate, with black cloths on the tables, dim lighting and soft musicals from a three-piece group he’d called a band. Rick turned out to be a fine date. His muscular build—he was bigger than Luke—short blond hair and gray eyes were attractive, too. She sipped her wine—
just one glass
, Alisha had warned—and enjoyed the ambiance as he told stories of his experiences in the Marines. She listened intently to the firsthand account about this time period’s military.

“Seriously, we were stark naked when the colonel came in.”

Dorian laughed. Who knew men could be so entertaining?

You did. You’re very entertained by Luke Cromwell.

No, she wasn’t going to think about Luke tonight. But some primitive female element inside her did wonder what he’d think of her being out with another man. Would he be jealous, an emotion she’d never experienced? He was still away on a mission for the police of New York, so he might not ever know about tonight’s excursion.

“Shall we order?” Rick asked, picking up a menu.

“Yes. I’m hungry.” Dorian and Alisha had called up the offerings online and picked out healthy food. The idea of being able to have such a variety of sustenance was astounding. She chose the salmon, broccoli and brown rice.

“Are you a health nut?”

“What is that?”

He looked at her askance. “Someone overly conscious about her diet.”

“I wouldn’t say overly. Everyone should eat right and exercise.”

“I agree.” He gave her a male perusal. “It’s obvious you do, too.”

His interest in her body didn’t set off any fireworks, as Luke’s had. After they gave their orders to the person called a waiter, she smiled over at Rick. “I know you didn’t bring me here for just conversation. Ask me what you want.”

“Who are you to Jess? David said not to pry about it, but I care about him, too.”

“First, tell me about your job at Petron.”

He blinked. “That’s a
non sequitur
.”

She didn’t question the term, just said, “Answer it anyway.”

“All right. I got a job there when I left the Marines. Eventually, I worked my way up the ladder to head of their security.”

“Wasn’t that enough for you? Why did you leave and start your own PI firm?” She knew people of this time were ambitious in their employment. In 2514, members of society worked only for the good of the community.

He gave her another odd look. “You’re not a spy for the oil company or anything are you?”

Spy as in
someone doing covert observation.
In a way she was. “Of course not.”

Nodding, he frowned. “The company is into some shady deals.”

“Shady?”

“Yeah, when they lobby for their product in Washington, they threaten those who balk. I didn’t want to be part of that.”

“I see. Then you are an ethical man.”

“Yes.” Now the corners of his mouth turned up. It was a nice mouth but… “Are you an ethical woman?”

“I am.”

“Then tell me why you checked out my background.”

She and Alisha and Jess had agreed on a story that was partly the truth. “Jess is getting some weird email. Possibly threatening. Vista Institute hired me as his bodyguard until the source can be found.”

One of which she and Luke would investigate when he returned.

“That’s awful. Jess is such a good guy.” He cocked his head in a very appealing way. “And you thought I might be a threat…why?”

“Because you worked for Petron.”

“You think the oil company is behind the emails?”

“The police don’t know. I’m allowing them to find the perpetrator.”

“I see. And if what you’re doing is to keep Jess safe, I’m all in.”

“You’re a nice man, Rick.” She’d heard a phrase on the video box. “One of the good guys.”

“I do my best,” he said with a wink, the kind Luke gave her.

Oh, my.

AT NINE THAT
night, Luke took the steps to Jess’s house two at a time. He was anxious to tell his brother he was taking vacation time and, okay, anxious to see Dorian. He let himself in and found Jess, Helen, Alisha and David at the kitchen table. “Hi, all. I’m back.”

Jess’s face lightened, making Luke sure he’d done the right thing by accepting Al’s offer. “Hey, buddy. I’m glad you’re here. No offense to Dorian, but I feel safer when you’re around.”

“Good. Then you’ll like my news.” He scanned the kitchen. “Where is she, anyway?”

“Dorian had a date,” Alisha said.

“A date?” The notion stopped him cold. “With who?”

“Rick Carson.”

“The guy she suspected in church that day? Why the hell would you let her go out with him?”

David spoke up. “Because I’ve known Rick for years. He’s not involved in Jess’s emails, Luke. But he found out Dorian was investigating him and came over the other night and confronted her.”

“Confronted?” Luke remembered how she reacted to confrontation. “Did he hurt her?”

“No, of course not.” This from Jess. “I’m good friends with Rick, too. I told you we didn’t need to investigate him. He was pissed, rightly so, and insisted Dorian go out with him to tell him why she did a search on him.”

“She didn’t have to go out with him to do that.”

David chuckled. “I think he took a fancy to her. Which is nice, because Rick hasn’t dated much since his wife died.”

Shit, Luke couldn’t even hate the guy, if he was a widower and if David liked him. Luke wasn’t hurt or anything like that, because he and Dorian didn’t really have a relationship. Only one kiss. But still…

He crossed to the fridge and snagged a beer. He could use something stronger but needed his wits about him. Taking a seat at the table, he pretended nonchalance. “So, are we waiting up for her?”

On cue, Helen yawned. “Not anymore. I’m going to sleep.”

Standing too, Jess took her hand. “I’m going along with her. Want to stay over, Luke? I’ll make up the bed in the den.”

“If I stay, I’ll do it myself.”

“What was your good news?”

“I’ve taken a leave from my job until this whole thing is…resolved.”

“That’s great, buddy, really great.” Jess’s voice was hoarse with emotion.

Rising, Luke kissed Helen’s cheek. “Good night, honey.”

After they left, David said, “Alisha, I’d like you to show me some things on the computeller device you have. Some religious history. Do you think that would be all right to do now?”

“Yes, of course, if you’re staying.”

The good pastor gave a mischievous grin. “I am. Now that Luke’s back, Dorian might need protection.”

“What does that mean?” Alisha asked.

Luke glared at the good reverend, who had a teasing streak. “Nothing. I’ll wait up here for her.”

“Ah, I understand. There will be—what do you call them, fireworks?—between you and Dorian because you weren’t consulted on this.” Alisha narrowed her gaze on Luke. “You have to be more levelheaded. Everything we do is for Jess’s safety.”

“I know. I’m okay with what she’s doing.”

Having told the bald-faced lie, Luke went outside. They’d all agreed that, though Jess was supposed to be killed by a car, something might change because the Sisters of Doom were here. Consequently, they should take other precautions. Luke had already spoken to a buddy of his, Dick Anderson, who owned a security firm. Luke was thinking of asking him for some general coverage outside of the house until Jess was safe.

After walking the perimeter of the grounds, he was circling back to the front yard when a car pulled up. Stopping abruptly behind a bush, Luke watched as both Carson and Dorian got out of the vehicle. She turned to him when he reached her side and said, “Good night, Rick. I had a wonderful time.”

The man watched her then drew her to him. It didn’t look as if they kissed—he just hugged her—but it drove Luke’s blood pressure up. Carson mumbled something then she headed for the house. When she reached the bottom of the steps, she turned around and waved. Carson got in his car and drove off.

Luke strode toward her. Before she climbed the steps, she searched for her key in a purse he’d never seen her carry. He reached her there. Jesus, what was that clingy thing she had on? Thinking of the hug, he grabbed her arm more roughly than he intended.

She whirled on him, yanking his arm forward and stomping on his foot. “Ouch,” he yelled as she elbowed him square in the solar plexus.

Around coughs and choking, he said, “Dorian, it’s me, Luke.”

Stopping, she stared at him, then shook her head as if to clear her mind. “What the hellor are you doing here at this hour of the night? You scared the life out of me.”

Rubbing his stomach, he grumbled, “I guess I don’t have to worry about any man attacking you.”

“I’m not used to being grabbed. I don’t like it.” She let him go. “But I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

Straightening, stepping nearer, he grasped her hips and tugged her close. “This okay?”

She nodded.

“What happened with Carson tonight? Where did you go? What did you do? Did he kiss you?”

Raising her chin in that haughty way that made him hot, she said, “I don’t have to explain anything to you.”

Placing his thumb on her mouth, he brushed it back and forth. “Shh. Don’t be mad. Just tell me that.”

He thought she was going to refuse to answer. But then her whole body softened and she leaned toward him. “No, he wanted to kiss me at the car. But I stepped back.”

“Why?” he asked. A bit smugly, he’d have to admit. “You let me do it.”

In the light from the lamp on the grass, her look was pure, unadulterated sexy. “I didn’t want to share that special thing with him.”

“You did with me.”

“Yes,” she whispered, moving in closer. “And I’d like to again.”

“Ah, a girl after my own heart.” He’d just touched her lips with his when the porch lights went on.

“Dorian?” Alisha called out. “Is that you?”

Luke shook his head. That woman
had
to stop interrupting him just when things were getting good with her friend again.

DUNBAR, CONNECTICUT WAS
a sleepy little town that might have been the model for one of the Thomas Kincaid prints Luke’s mother had collected. In the balmy spring of late April, windows were open on the suburban houses; dogs barked and kids played in yards while the scent of cooking meat emanated from backyards. It was too nice of a setting for the visit he, Alisha and Dorian had to make. They’d looked up the Kruegers—Kara was married—and the history chips on them were corroded. Still, Luke felt in his gut that this was a solid lead.

Alisha rode shotgun while Celeste took the backseat. Alisha commented, “What
is
that scent? It’s making me gag.”

“Barbeque.”

“I think it smells wonderful,” Celeste put in. “Maybe we can stop for some on the way back to New York.”

“Celi, you have to be more conscientious about their sustenance.”

Celeste mumbled under her breath, and when Luke looked in the rearview mirror, he saw her eyes sparkle with mischief.

Concentrating back on his surroundings, he took a right turn and stopped at a red light. “The town doesn’t look like a sinister place where threatening emails might come from.”

Both Celeste and Alisha did not respond. He shot a glance at them. They were staring off to the left, where a woman in a bathing suit sprayed a hose at two little children and a puppy. Squeals of joy wafted through the open windows. Both Alisha and Celeste were smiling. “It’s so idyllic, isn’t it, Lisha? Why couldn’t we have that in our time?”