L.A.P.D. Special Investigations Series, Boxed Set: The Deceived, The Taken & The Silent (33 page)

“What’s up with your mother?”

“Nothing new. My mother is always worried that something isn’t going to go right.”

She sipped her drink. “Consider this visit your first session in Dysfunctional Family 101.” She couldn’t keep the sarcasm from her voice.

“I think I’ve already had that course.”

“Well, this will be a refresher, then.”

He laughed. “I could use one, especially since my family is coming to visit next week.”

Macy felt her tension fade and she laughed along with Rico.

“Italian mothers are the worst,” he said. “I bet your mother can’t hold a candle to mine.”

It was apparent from the love and admiration in his tone that regardless of what he said, he had a strong bond with his family.

“You’d better wait until after dinner before you make any wagers. Does your family live in New Jersey?”

He nodded. “Everyone but me.”

“Do you have a large family?”

“My parents wanted lots of kids, a dozen or so, but decided somewhere along the way that seven was just the right number. I forget how many nieces and nephews I have.”

“But apparently you’re not in any hurry to start your own family.”

“I would be if I found the right partner. But that’s about as likely as me leaving law enforcement.”

Interesting. “Sounds like someone got burned and doesn’t want to go near the fire again.”

He came closer, standing only inches from her, and she felt his warm breath against her mouth, smelled the scotch on his lips.

“No,” he said softly. “I’ve just never found anyone who’s made me want to get that hot again.”

“Ohhh…” Macy’s mother’s voice trilled from the doorway as she and Macy’s father came into the room. “A drink before dinner, what a good idea.”

Macy turned, hesitated a moment to shore her reserves. “Hello, Father. I’d like you to meet my friend Rico Santini.”

Wesley Capshaw nodded and held out a hand to Rico, all but ignoring Macy. “Nice to meet you, Rico.” The pleasant words didn’t match the stern look on her father’s face. He was probably still miffed about their last dinner. Her father motioned for them all to sit on the two facing brocade couches.

A couple of stiff drinks seemed to help her father relax, and it wasn’t long before he was teasing her mother about some computer glitch.

“I didn’t mean to break your beloved computer,” Sarah said. “I only wanted to learn how to use it like everyone else.” She looked to Rico and Macy sitting together. Too close for Macy’s comfort. “He wants to keep me in the dark ages.”

Was that a note of dissatisfaction in her mother’s usual appeasing tone?

Her father frowned. “If you want a computer, I’ll get you one of your own.”

“What’s the problem with the computer?” Rico interjected.

“The whole thing went down. I’m sure I’ve lost everything. I’m going to have to call someone on Monday.”

“Maybe I can help,” Rico offered. “I know a bit about computers.”

Her father’s expression was skeptical.

“Have you tried to restore the programs?”

Wesley shook his head. “Not my forte.”

“I can take a look at it if you want me to.”

“Let him try it, Dad,” Macy said.

It was obvious Wesley was taken aback. Then he grudgingly said, “It’s in my office.”

Both men started for the door.

“But Wes, what about dinner?” her mother blurted. “It’s almost ready.”

Macy’s father was practically out of the room with Rico on his heels. “It’ll wait,” Wesley said. “This is more important.”

“Well…” Sarah sputtered. “Isn’t that just like a man.”

Her mother seemed more than a little rebellious this evening. Not her usual appropriate self. Sarah rarely got angry at Macy’s father, or if she did, she never showed it in front of anyone. Not even Macy. “Not all men, Mother.”

Sarah forced a smile. “You’re right. Maybe it’s a good opportunity for the two of them to bond.”

“Mother. Rico’s just a friend. I told you that. They don’t need to bond.”

“Good friends.” Sarah repeated Rico’s words. “I think that’s nice.”

“Good or not, we’re still just friends.”

Sarah pursed her lips. “I saw how he looked at you. He likes you more than you think.”

Macy was acutely aware that Rico wouldn’t mind getting her into bed. Liking her had nothing to do with it.

“Well, what he likes and doesn’t like isn’t important if I don’t feel the same. And I don’t. We’re friends. Period. End of discussion.”

“Oh, sweetheart. Don’t ever give up.” Sarah gave Macy a concerned-mother look just as the two men returned.

“This guy’s a computer genius,” her father announced with one hand on Rico’s shoulder. “Hardly a minute under his touch and everything is back to normal.”

“It was an easy fix.”

“Well, that’s a relief,” Sarah said. “Now let’s have dinner.”

With that, Macy’s mother herded everyone into the dining room and indicated where each should sit. When they were all seated, Sarah gave Melanie, one of the staff, the nod to start bringing in the food. “So, I didn’t break it after all.” Sarah chortled with satisfaction.

              “But we didn’t know that,” Wesley returned. “And since almost all of my personal records are on that computer, it could’ve been a disaster.”

“But it wasn’t. Now let’s talk about something more interesting. Why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself, Rico?”

The rest of the dinner went along like that with Sarah asking questions and Rico responding with charm and patience. Listening with interest as Rico described his journey from MIT to the police academy in New Jersey and then to detective with the LAPD, it seemed the perfect segue to the questions she wanted answered. “As a matter of fact, Rico’s working on a case right now that involves Haven’s Gate.”

Looking from Wesley to Rico, she said, “My father knows the physician at Haven’s Gate. He could probably answer any questions you might have about the man.”

Wesley glared at Macy, daggers in his eyes.

Finished with dessert, Rico touched his lips with a napkin and then said, “But like you, Macy, I don’t talk about my cases outside of work.”

A reprimand. Subtle, but enough to make her aware she’d crossed one of Rico’s well-drawn lines.

“Good,” Wesley said. “A man after my own heart. I never take my business home with me.” That said, he and Rico launched into more talk about computers and a whole lot of tech talk she didn’t give a rat about.

Rico had shut her out just as her father had always done.

Well, what had she expected? They were both cut from the same steel. Rigid. Unwilling to bend. And dammit, that upset her almost as much as being shut out. She’d started to like Rico. And like an idiot, she’d even looked forward to spending the evening with him.

“Macy?”

Sarah was talking to her about something.

“What do you think?”

“I think—” Macy glanced at the time “―that we should be going.” She made sure her voice was loud enough for Rico to hear. “I’m expecting a call and need to be home for it.” Macy stood. “Sorry to break up the conversation, you two.”

After their goodbyes and a long silent ride home, Rico walked Macy to her door. Before she had a chance to go in, he stepped in front of her, his hands on her arms, making sure he had her full attention.

“What’s wrong? His eyes locked with hers.

She wiggled away, punched in her code and went inside. Rico caught the door and followed her to the elevator. “Can we talk about it?”

“There’s nothing to talk about.” She pushed the UP button, the doors opened and she stepped in. Rico slipped in with her. He grabbed her hand to keep her from pressing the button.

“I think there is.”

She faced him, anger and disappointment churning inside her. “Well, maybe you’re right. We could start with how you cut me off at the knees. We could’ve had some answers, but instead you made me feel like—” She stopped, her training kicking in. Never act on emotion. Emotion isn’t logical and it gives the opponent the advantage. Emotion now, regret later. That’s exactly what would happen if she let herself go.

Only this was different. She wasn’t in court and she didn’t feel like being logical.

“I’m sorry about that,” Rico responded before she had a chance to say more. “I only said what I did because it’s true. I don’t discuss cases in social situations. If I want to know something, I’ll ask.”

Her skin prickled. “Well, you didn’t ask, so I thought I’d do it for you.”

“I didn’t ask because sometimes I learn more from listening.”

Her anger abated a little, but the adrenaline still pumped through her, heightening her senses. She was acutely aware of how close he was — that she could smell his aftershave, that she could lean forward and she’d be touching him. “Then why did you agree to come along?”

He moved even closer, radiating body heat. He brushed his fingertips along her jawline. “I thought that was obvious.”

Desire pounded through her. Each breath shallower than the last. “Obvious to you maybe.” Was that her voice? So low and husky.

His pupils dilated as he looked at her, and as if drawn by some invisible force she leaned into him. And then she was in his arms and he was kissing her, a slow drugging kiss. She kissed him back with unleashed passion, her hands all over him, his all over her. He pressed into her, her back against the elevator wall, and then her elbow hit the buttons and she felt the pull of upward motion and resistance as she explored his mouth, ran her tongue along his smooth teeth, savoring the taste of him. As the elevator climbed, she wrapped one leg around the back of his knee to secure herself, felt his hot hands skim down her backside and then up under her skirt between her bare legs. The sensuous touch of skin against skin made her want him even more.

It was dangerous. Exciting. And she was ready. Right here, right now.

Almost as she thought it, the elevator bumped to a stop. She pushed away from Rico just in time to see her elderly neighbors standing outside the door. Quickly pulling down her skirt, she stepped out.

She motioned for Rico to come, too. But he didn’t move.

“Can’t,” he said. “I’ll be in touch.”

Her neighbors avoided her gaze and hurried onto the elevator. The doors shut, and there she stood — alone in the hallway, clothes rumpled, lips swollen, heart pumping, chest heaving and unable to catch her breath.

              She was an idiot. A complete idiot.

CHAPTER SEVEN

IT WAS JUST A KISS. Okay, maybe it was more than that… Macy opened her condo door, flipped on the light and felt something smooth underfoot. A manila envelope. Hercules was standing next to it, his tail whipping back and forth, obviously happy to see her.

She picked up both dog and envelope and went into the kitchen for a glass of water. She always had the bellman bring up legal papers when they came, but this was strange. She wasn’t expecting anything.

Placing the packet on the table, she nuzzled the dog. “How are you doing, little guy?” Hercules stuffed his nose into her armpit. After another snuggle, she set the dog down and crossed to the fridge for some water, but her thoughts were on Rico.

She should be mortified that he’d rebuffed her invitation to come inside and finish what they started, but whatever she’d felt at that instant dissipated as quickly as it had come. Instead she was energized, supercharged. Excited.

Maybe it was because she enjoyed Rico’s company — without the emotional attachment. It was impossible to deny the sexual attraction. If someone would have told her two weeks ago she’d be intrigued by a cop, she’d have said they were smoking some bad stuff. But…she was.

She had no fantasies of romantic interludes of any kind with Rico or anyone, for that matter. It was better to be a realist where romance was concerned. But she couldn’t deny the man intrigued her.

He’d surprised her when he’d casually revealed that he’d graduated from MIT. A cop with an engineering degree. A man who could carry on a conversation with her father. Who’d have thought it?

She headed to the bedroom to change clothes and took the envelope with her. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she kicked off her shoes, then ripped the package open and pulled out a sheet of paper.

Seeing ragged cutout letters pasted on a sheet of paper, her breath caught. It took a second to decipher the message …
STAY AWAY OR YOU’LL REGRET IT
!

***

“NOTHING EARTH-SHATTERING with the Board of Medical Examiners,” Rico told Jordan. “A couple complaints, but none about quality of care.” Macy’s concern appeared unfounded.

“So how was the business dinner?”

“No big deal.”

Except that his attraction to Macy Capshaw baffled him. Maybe abstinence was taking its toll? He’d pulled back from relationships after Angelica, a name that was as far away as Mars from the real woman.

“No insights on Wesley Capshaw?”

Rico laughed. “I wouldn’t say that.”

“How about your date? Any insights there?”

“I wouldn’t say that, either.”

Jordan arched an eyebrow, got up and sauntered over to Luke, leaving Rico wondering what he should do about the woman crowding his thoughts at the most inopportune times. Hell, all the time. As much as he’d wanted to follow Macy into her condo last night, he’d waffled.

He didn’t want to get into something he’d regret later. Or have her regret.

“Here’s the stuff you asked for, Detective Santini.” Rico looked up from his desk to see Mary Beth, the office assistant, holding out a ream of papers. “It’s the birth and death records from Haven’s Gate.”

“M.B., you’re the best.”

“They were separated from the rest of the files, that’s why you couldn’t find them.”

“I appreciate it.”

“Uh… What’re you looking for?” Mary Beth continued to stand at his desk. The woman wanted to be a cop so badly she tried to get in on everything. Apparently she’d taken the police exams, but couldn’t pass the physical.

He shook his head. “I don’t know. Anything that’ll give me a fresh slant on this case.”

“If you need any help—”

“I’ll keep you in mind.” He cut her off, anxious to find the entries for the two stillborns Macy had mentioned. Within 24 hours of each other.

“Oh,” Mary Beth said before she went back to her desk, “if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you might want to check with the Department of Health’s agency that licenses Haven’s Gate. They have incident reports about everything that happens in licensed facilities.”

“That’s a good idea, M.B. Thanks.”

After three hours sorting through the records, he picked up the phone and called Macy again. He wasn’t sure what kind of reception he’d get, but he hoped she’d understand.

Her secretary, Cheryl, answered and told him Macy wouldn’t be back for several hours. “This is important. She wanted this information as soon as possible. If you give me her cell number, I’ll call her directly.”

Cheryl paused. He remembered how young she’d seemed. Inexperienced. “I can try to get in touch and have her call you.”

Young and inexperienced, maybe, but protective. “Thanks. I appreciate the effort.” Macy was going to have to give him some kind of information on her client. If she didn’t, he had nothing to go on. He could question all the parties at Haven’s Gate again, but he didn’t want to do that just yet. Macy was right. It might alert them that the facility and its staff were being scrutinized.

***

MACY WALKED WITH Karen Creighton back to their cars after leaving Cody with his new foster parents, her heart wrenching at the forlorn look in Cody’s eyes when she left him with his new foster parents.

“He’ll be fine,” Karen said. “This family is top-notch.”

Maybe so, but Macy couldn’t forget how sad he’d sounded after she gave him a hug and said she’d be back soon. “Tomorrow?” he’d asked quickly. She felt another pang of guilt for leaving him with total strangers. He’d been discharged from the hospital and there hadn’t been any time for him to get to know the foster parents first. She only hoped she’d made the right choice.

Both families she’d interviewed were experienced at foster care and she’d finally agreed that this placement seemed a positive one. Nancy and Joe Appleton were cheerful and responsible; they had two other foster children and one child of their own. So why did she feel so uneasy?

“He’ll get friendly with the other kids and in no time he’ll be right at home,” Karen said. “I’ll let you know how it goes.”

She gave Karen a puzzled look. “You know I’ll also be checking up on him. My job doesn’t end with his placement.”

An exasperated sigh was Karen’s response. “Well, apparently you have a lot more time than I do.”

Right then, Macy realized the difference between her and Karen. Macy didn’t see Cody as a case she needed to handle. He was a lost little boy who needed love and affection — and someone who cared about his well-being. He needed more than custodial care, and she wasn’t sure he was going to get it with the Appletons. She didn’t know why, but her gut feelings were usually on target.

Macy’s cell phone chirped, bringing her to attention. She fished the unit from her pocket. “Yes, Cheryl, what’s up?”

Karen waved goodbye as Macy listened to her assistant and continued to her car.

“I’m sorry to disturb you, but Detective Santini called and he wants you to contact him right away. He said it’s important.”

Macy’s stomach drew tight. Did he have some information on Haven’s Gate or Dr. Dixon? Or was he calling about last night?

“Was I wrong to call you?”

“No, it’s fine Cheryl. You did the right thing.” The poor girl was barely out of high school and didn’t know how to operate in a world that wasn’t filled with drugs and violence. For a kid who’d been in jail for car theft six months ago and had no viable skills, she was picking up the job remarkably well.

Macy slid into the driver’s seat, started the engine and headed downtown. She punched in Rico’s number.

“Santini here.”

“Hi, Rico. It’s Macy. What’s up?”

“Can you meet me somewhere? I need to talk to you.”

“Personal or business?”

“Both.”

Business was easy, personal stuff hard. “I’m in my car heading to my office.”

“How about Pershing Square in an hour? That’s close to your place and I have to go to the courthouse first.”

When she didn’t respond right away he added, “It’s way too nice today to be inside.”

Macy looked out the tinted car window. She’d hadn’t even noticed the sun was shining and wondered when she’d stopped paying attention to her surroundings. “You’re right,” she said as she pulled into the parking garage. “It is too nice to be inside. See you in an hour then.”

Pershing Square. The oldest park in the city was smack in the middle of downtown L.A. — practically next door to her office and she couldn’t remember ever going there. Certainly not on purpose.

Fifteen minutes later, she parked her car, rode the elevator to the seventh floor and headed for her office where she was bombarded with messages to return. Karen Creighton — when did she have time to call? — Macy’s mother, Marilyn Joffrey, Mother…again, Mark Weston, an attorney in her building who couldn’t take no for an answer and Mother two more times.

She slipped off her suit jacket, opened the collar of her blouse one more button, then sat at her desk and prioritized. Her mother…file C; Mark, file C; Marilyn and Karen — both in the A file. She picked up the phone to call Karen first.

“Cody’s locked himself in the bedroom and won’t come out,” Karen said without any greeting. “I thought you’d want to know.”

“What happened?”

“Nothing that we know of.”

“Precisely why Cody needs therapy as soon as possible,” Macy reiterated her plea from the last time they’d talked. “Since we don’t know his history, we don’t know what’s bothering him. He might not remember who he is, but he does know he’s been abandoned — and he knows no one has claimed him. What kinds of issues might that create in a child? His therapy should’ve began before he left the hospi—”

“The Appletons will be making appointments for all of his needs, medical and otherwise. That’s their job,” Karen said, her voice sharp and obviously not liking Macy’s interference.

“Yes, but someone needs to monitor the situation. Isn’t that your job?” It was Macy’s job, too, but Karen had to take some responsibility.

A long silence ensued. Then Karen said, “It is. But there just isn’t enough time in the day to give extra to any one child.” Macy thought she heard sincere regret in the woman’s voice. “I have a list of several reputable therapists I can give you,” Macy said.

Karen cleared her throat. “I gave Nancy Appleton a list of physicians, but you’re welcome to give her yours, too. She can only use those on the list of county-approved clinicians. I’ll fax you the list so you can check.”

“Fine. So what’s the situation right now? What’s being done about Cody?”

“Nancy said she’s had this happen before. It’s best to leave him alone. He’ll come out when he’s hungry.”

Macy didn’t think it was the best solution. She remembered how sad Cody looked when she’d left him. It would be natural for him to feel abandoned again. Some children lashed out, some tried to do better, be better. Others hurt themselves. God, she hoped the Appletons had kid-proofed his bedroom.

“I’ll talk to you later,” Macy said, then clicked off and punched in the Appleton’s number. “Nancy, it’s Macy Capshaw. I understand you’re having a problem with Cody.”

“No problem, except he won’t come out of the bathroom.”

The bathroom. Karen had said it was the bedroom. Macy’s pulse jumped. “Is there anything in the room he could use to hurt himself?”

The woman hesitated. “Uhm…I don’t think so.”

She didn’t think so?
“Are you saying it’s not child-proofed?” Before the woman had a chance to answer, Macy asked, “Do you keep any medications in the bathroom?”

“Anything that’s there is way up out of reach.”

“So you do have medications in the bathroom?”

“Just some prescriptions.”

“What kind of prescriptions?”

Nancy was silent for a beat. “Meds for the other children…and a couple others.”

Whatever medications Nancy was taking, she didn’t want the foster care system to know about it. Great. Just great.

“Can you tell Cody I’m on the phone and I’d like to talk to him.”

“You think he’ll come out for that?”

Maybe, maybe not. “I’m hope he will.”

“I’ll check and be right back.”

Though it was only minutes, it felt as if an hour had passed before Nancy finally came back. “He wouldn’t answer me, and—” Macy heard what sounded like a muffled curse. “Sorry about that,” Nancy said. “He won’t come out.”

“What kind of lock is on the door?”

“It’s on the doorknob and you push it in.”

“Why don’t you get a screwdriver and take the doorknob off?”

“Oh, I don’t — wait. I hear something… Okay, it’s Cody and he’s out.”

“Please let me talk to him.”

The other end of the line went silent and then, finally, a small voice said, “Hello.”

“Cody. It’s Macy Capshaw.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Why did you lock yourself in the bathroom?”