Suspicion of Guilt (7 page)

R
eece watched, spellbound, as Denni stood before a congregation of at least five hundred people and spoke with great passion about her vision for Mahoney House.

Following a hunch, he’d attended the service in order to keep an eye on Elizabeth Wilson. As far as he was concerned, going to church went above and beyond the call of duty. He was definitely putting in for overtime on this one. But he needed to do some sniffing around without alerting Elizabeth to his instinct about her. Going to the service seemed to be the best way to get close.

After the luncheon, he’d done a little checking and found out she’d been turned down as a foster parent. That alone had raised his suspicion. In a state desperate for homes in which to place children, why would Missouri DFS turn down a woman who worked for a church? Then he’d discovered her little secret. Black-market prescription painkillers—supposedly for her cancer-riddled mother. Regardless of whether she had been telling the truth or not, she had been sentenced to rehab, probation and a mark on her permanent record.

He still didn’t know what that had to do with Denni and knew he’d be laughed out of the department if he tried to make a case out of it. But Denni’s position as a social worker, Elizabeth’s sister scheduled to cater the luncheon which then got cancelled, Elizabeth getting turned down—all those things seemed to fit together, even if not quite perfectly. There were enough questions, as far as he was concerned, for him to take a closer look at the woman.

Denni’s sweet voice lifted above his thoughts, causing him to refocus. “The state only guarantees children a home until they’re eighteen,” she said. “At that point, unless they’ve made a real familial connection with their foster family, they are on their own.”

Her voice trembled, though from nerves or emotion, Reece couldn’t be sure. Whichever the case, his heart went out to her. She was trying hard for these kids. Too hard, most likely. He glanced at the line of girls sitting shoulder to shoulder on the third pew six rows ahead of Reece. At least they listened to their benefactress with undivided attention—oops, he’d thought too soon—Leigh glanced at her watch at the same time that Fran hid a yawn behind her hand.

Irritation nagged him. He turned his attention back to Denni. She faltered a split second as their eyes locked. He gave her a reassuring smile and nodded.

“I—I believe this is something God has asked me to do, and I know that He will provide all of my needs. I’ve been amazed at his provision so far.” Her lips curved into a smile and she sent Reece a pointed glance before turning back to the pastor. “Thank you for your time.”

Reece fidgeted in his seat as he watched her hand the mike back to the minister and take her place next to
Leigh. That last look from her could have meant only one thing. She considered his offer to help with her home repair to be direct provision from the Almighty.

What a laugh. He was no one’s answer to prayer. If God wanted to help Denni, He’d be more likely to send her a stable contractor with a heart of gold and a soft spot for orphans and the homeless. Not a cynical career cop with his own agenda.

Okay, sure. Maybe he did want to help Denni out of a bind. As a means to an end. But if there were nothing in it for him—a chance to find out more about the girls, the neighbor and now Elizabeth Wilson, for instance—Reece highly doubted his interest in Denni would be enough to warrant all the trouble.

As if sensing his attention, she turned and captured his gaze. Her smile quickened his pulse. Or was it only a means to an end after all? There was no denying the fact that he was attracted to Denni. Too attracted, most likely. He knew enough about religious women to know that even if she had any sort of feelings for him, her feelings for God were stronger and would prevent a relationship with anyone who didn’t believe the same way.

Deep in thought, he startled to attention when the entire row stood. Dismissal music flooded the room. Denni leaned over and whispered something to Leigh. The girl scowled, her gaze darting to Reece.

Reece sent her a two-fingered salute. From the glare he received, he could only surmise that if she could’ve gotten away with it, the girl would have stuck out her tongue. He didn’t bother to bite back his grin.

He remained still as Denni approached him, a delighted smile lighting her face. “Reece, it’s wonderful to see you.”

Drawn in by her warmth, Reece accepted the hand she offered and gave it a squeeze. “You gave a pretty compelling speech.”

A blush flooded her cheeks. “Thanks. I hope it helps when the powers that be make their decision.”

A throat being cleared behind them interrupted. “Excuse me. I need a moment of your time, Denni.” Elizabeth Wilson’s high-and-mighty tone acted like a wet blanket, dousing any flame of interest between Reece and Denni. For the moment, anyway. The woman gave him a high-browed once-over. “Detective…Corey, was it?”

“Corrigan,” he replied, finding it difficult not to grit his teeth.

“Did you need something, Elizabeth?” Denni asked.

“I still haven’t received your application for the grant. We can’t really make a decision until you submit it, can we?”

“I didn’t realize I had to submit another application since I
am
reapplying for the same grant. But if I do, I’ll pick one up this week.”

“New policy. I sent you one two weeks ago.”

“I didn’t get it.”

“I’ll send another one tomorrow. Please try not to misplace it. We’re running out of time.”

Denni’s eyes narrowed and sparkled with anger, but to her credit, she held her tongue as the self-important woman said goodbye and walked away.

“She must have forgotten to send it,” Denni muttered.

“Either that or someone conveniently forgot to give it to you.”

“Don’t start. Detective.”

“Just doing my job.”

“This is a day of rest. So
give
it a rest, will you?”

Unable to resist a grin, Reece nodded. “Okay, but only if you’ll go to lunch with me.”

“Actually, I came over to see if you want to have a late lunch—or early supper, if you prefer—at the house. We’re trying out the new deck you and your crew so kindly fixed for us. The barbecue grill is all cleaned and ready for chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs. Sean already invited himself to join us, so you might as well come too.”

“Sean invited himself to dinner?”

Amusement tipped one corner of her lips. “He’s been over every day since your work day. Leigh pretends to be annoyed, but I think she’s mostly afraid to let herself hope he’s really interested.”

“He doesn’t seem the sort to play with a girl’s feelings.”

“They rarely do. But you never can tell when someone has an ulterior motive, can you?”

Unease crept through him. Was she fishing? Warning? He forced himself to keep eye contact when he really wanted to sink through the floor to hide from her knowing gaze.

“So, what time is this barbecue?”

After another second of scrutiny, she seemed to let it go. “Around three.”

“Can I bring anything?”

“You’ve done enough for us. This is our treat.”

On the verge of telling her she didn’t owe him anything and that doing things for her was his pleasure, Reece stifled a growl when Leigh’s voice shut him down.

“Coming, Denni?”

“Yeah.” She touched Reece’s arm with slender fingers. “See you later, then?”

“Yep. I’ll be there.”

Her eyes lit with pleasure as she turned to join her girls.

“He’s here.” Fran’s flat tone could mean only one person. Denni turned away from the grilling burgers. She nearly dropped her spatula at the sight of Reece, dressed in khaki shorts and a black T-shirt. Leather loafers finished off a casual, Rhett Butler sort of nonchalance that never failed to make Denni sweat. Reece was just cool. And probably way out of her league.

“I told you not to bring anything.” She nodded at the enormous watermelon cradled like a puppy in his arms.

“Sorry, it’s in my nature to bring something to a barbecue. Didn’t figure a six-pack would win me any points.”

“It would have won you points with me,” Fran quipped.

Denni scowled at him as if to say, Now see what you’ve started?

“Next time I’ll bring one, then,” Reece said, ruffling Fran’s hair. “A six-pack of soda.”

“Hey, watch the hair, Corrigan!” But her voice lifted with amusement. She aimed her sports water bottle at him and squeezed.

Reece sucked in a breath as the ice-cold water spotted the front of his shirt. “You little twerp!” He chuckled despite the confrontational words and snatched up a bottle of water from the large ice cooler next to the kitchen door.

With a squeal, Fran took off at a run.

Denni laughed, watching the scene unfold. Reece caught up with Fran without too much effort, capturing her in a headlock.

Fran screamed as he squeezed water over her head. Both were laughing when he let her go. Fran pointed her bottle at him again. Reece raised both hands. “Truce?”

“Sure, truce.”

Denni could see by the glint in her eye that the girl had no intention of allowing a truce just yet. Not when Reece had gotten the last squirt. She was about to warn Reece when she noticed his arm shoot out at the same time Fran’s did. Water streamed from both bottles. Denni shook her head. They deserved each other.

And the laughter started all over again.

Denni loved the sound of that laughter. When was the last time she’d seen Fran do anything playful? The girl had been under so much tension trying to find a job and keeping up with school that all she ever did was growl anymore. Maybe Reece’s attention today would bring her back to her old self again. Prospects were looking up anyway.

The kitchen door slid open and Shelley stepped out just as the chicken reached the point where it was necessary to take it off the grill or serve it up as a burnt offering.

“Oh, Shelley, hand me that tray, will you?”

“Sure.”

She lifted the platter from the patio table and held it out. Fran’s laughter echoed through the air. Denni reached for the tray and caught a glimpse of Shelley’s face darkening as she watched the playful antics.

“Is there a problem?” Denni asked.

Shelley blinked back to attention. “No. Just surprised, that’s all. When did the queen of mean get so friendly with Kojak?”

Denni snickered at the reference to the bald-headed cop. “All he needs is a lollipop.”

“So what gives with those two anyway? New romance or a father figure?”

Alarm shot through Denni. Surely not romance? Or
did Reece like younger women? “I don’t know. Friends maybe? They both like to play.” She glanced across the yard. Fran was on her way back to the deck. Reece seemed to be focused on Mrs. James’s backyard.

“Yeah, who’d have thought it of either of them?”

A breathless and soaked Fran climbed the steps onto the deck, her face shining with pleasure. “I’ll be back to help out in a sec, Denni. I have to change my shirt.”

“New boyfriend?” Shelley baited.

“Gross.” Fran threw her a look of disdain and disappeared through the sliding glass door into the house.

Denni’s lips twitched, as relief flooded her. “Guess that answers that little question.”

Shelley chuckled. “I guess. Kojak wouldn’t appreciate the sentiment, though.”

“Stop calling him that. He’s going to hear you.” She tossed a towel at the girl and laughed despite her admonishment.

Grinning, Shelley grabbed a stalk of broccoli from the enormous salad bowl. “You think he’s never heard it before?”

“Maybe so, but it’s a little insulting.”

“Then maybe he ought to let his hair grow out.” She frowned. “What’s he doing, anyway?”

“What?”

“Corrigan. He’s doing something to Mrs. James’s fence.”

Denni followed Shelley’s gaze. Reece bent and studied something at the bottom of the fence, then stood up.

He turned, as though in thought, and noticed his audience. He waved and headed toward the deck just as Leigh and Sean joined the group from inside.

“Hi everyone,” Sean said.

Denni smiled at their laced fingers.
Oh, Lord. Please protect Leigh’s tender heart
.

She turned to Reece. “What’s up with Mrs. James’s yard?”

“Just trying to see how Buffy keeps getting through her fence.” He shrugged. “I didn’t see any weak spots in the fence, though.”

“That’s because she jumps it, genius.” Leigh rolled her eyes.

Reece’s eyebrows shot up. A giggle bubbled to Denni’s lips. He had to admit the girl had one-upped him this time. His lips twisted into a sheepish grin. “Why didn’t I think of that?”

Leigh shrugged, refusing to join in the camaraderie if it meant sharing a laugh with Reece.

“What do you think, Sean? Got another project in you?”

“What kind of project?”

“I’m thinking maybe we should add a foot or two to Mrs. James’s fence.”

“The battleax that called you a pimp?”

Leigh, Fran and Shelley let up a howl.

“She called you a pimp?” Fran asked, nearly out of breath. “I suppose we’re your stable of fillies?”

“Presumably.” Sean grinned at her. Leigh shifted beside him, her eyes narrowing. Jealousy?

“I think that would be really nice of you.” Denni smiled at Reece. “And I’d feel a lot safer without Buffy roaming around growling at everyone.”

“Me too.” Reece’s gaze captured hers and Denni read volumes of meaning in the two-word sentence.

He wanted to keep her safe, but there had to be another reason he played the hero.

R
eece kicked back in a cushioned patio chair on Denni’s deck. The chair had seen better days as far as he was concerned. He shifted as a rough seam in the material rubbed against his bare legs.

Sean sat next to him and they watched as the girls tossed a Frisbee in the yard.

Leigh turned toward them. “Hurry up you two.”

“In a minute,” Sean called back. “Let our food settle a little. We ate more than you.”

“Wimp!” she shot back with a teasing grin.

Sean chuckled.

“So, that Leigh…” Reece began, then regretted ever mentioning her. Now what did he say to follow up? She’s a real sweet girl? Not even close. Pretty? She could be without the piercings and black dye.

“I’ve seen her before,” Sean said.

“Quite a lot, from what I hear. Denni said you’ve been a regular fixture around here since last week.”

“Yeah. But I mean I recognized her from somewhere when we came last week.” He shook his head and stared
closer at the girl. “I can’t put my finger on where, though. That’s why I’ve been hanging around so much. I just have a hunch.”

“You mean you’re investigating? Not really interested in her?”

The rookie shrugged. “She’s a lot more normal than I thought she would be at first. But taking her home to meet Mom and Dad? I doubt that. My mom’s a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.”

Reece frowned. “Hey, she’s got feelings. Just don’t forget that.”

“You’re one to talk. I thought I’d just help you out. You’re going after the housemother. I’m concentrating on the girl. Fran’s sort of cute too. I might spend a little time with her if I can manage it without Leigh getting suspicious. Unless you have plans to work on Fran?”

“She’s a kid.”

“I saw your water fight earlier.”

Incredulity sprang inside of him. “We were just kidding around. Like I said, she’s just a kid.”

“Okay, then. I’ll take the younger girls, as I can get by with it, and you concentrate on Miss Mahoney.”

Surprise sucked the words out of Reece’s brain. He stared at Sean. “You think I’m playing with Denni’s emotions to help the investigation?”

“Well, let’s see…You haven’t had a date with the same woman twice since I’ve known you.”

“That you know of.”

“Have you?”

“Well, no.”

“Okay. It’s obvious this wholesome woman isn’t your type, but you seem to go out of your way to spend
time with her. So I figured out that you’re playing her to get closer to the investigation.”

It sounded pretty low-down when verbalized by someone who obviously didn’t have a problem with doing whatever it took to bring in the guilty party. “I like Denni,” he said, noting how insincere his voice sounded.

“Oh, sure. I like Leigh too. I’m not saying this case isn’t going to have its rewards.” He laughed as only a twenty-year-old guy can. “I’m just saying that two heads are better than one. A couple of good-looking guys like us, hanging around a bunch of women, we’ll get this case wrapped up in no time.”

“Hey, heads up!” Leigh called.

The Frisbee sailed through the air toward them. Sean hopped up and caught it effortlessly. “All right. I’m coming.” He glanced down at Reece. “You going to play?”

“I don’t think so. Denni’s headed this way.”

Sean gave him a knowing grin before jumping over the deck rail and joining the game.

Denni climbed the steps to the deck. She smiled at Reece. “I’m definitely not in shape. I’m worn out. Amazing how I forget I’m not still eighteen until I hang out with a couple of eighteen-year-olds.”

Reece chuckled. “I know what you mean.”

She rolled her eyes. “Sure you do.”

“You don’t believe me?”

“I’d say you’re in pretty good shape. You could probably run circles around them.”

“So you’ve noticed my buffed physique, huh?”

Reece enjoyed the quick rise of color to her cheeks. “Do you want to go for a walk?”

“Sure,” she replied. “Let me go inside and grab my tennies.”

“Tennies?”

“Walking shoes. We called them tennies when I was a kid. I guess I’m not grown up yet.”

“I think it’s cute.”

The flush returned. “Thanks. I’ll be right back.”

Reece watched her enter the house. What had Sean meant about Denni obviously not being his type? What sort of woman did the rookie think he was looking for? A rough, beer-drinking, cussing biker chick? He might have wanted that when he was younger. A woman to have fun with without any kind of commitment. And he wasn’t even hinting to himself that he wanted a relationship. But lately, he couldn’t get interested in anyone. His usual casual dates held no appeal.

When was the last time he’d even stepped inside the local sports bar to wind down at the end of a shift? A long time. Months. Was he getting soft or just old?

The best times he’d had lately were the luncheon, the work day, today…Being with Denni. Hmmm. Was she getting under his skin? He certainly wasn’t any closer to figuring out who was trying to shut her down than he had been two weeks ago. Or two months ago for that matter.

The door slid open and he looked up, his heart lurching at the sight of her bathed in the bright light of the late-afternoon sun.

One thing was for certain. His feelings were definitely entering the arena. This couldn’t be good. Not for him. Not for Denni. How was he going to be objective now that his palms were itching to hold her hand? Now that he knew that he was feeling something for her that went beyond a desire to see justice prevail on her behalf? He wanted more than that. He wanted to see her safe, happy, her dreams and goals fulfilled.

Love had eluded him for his entire adult life. Were his feelings betraying him after he had carefully avoided entanglements all these years?

“Ready to go?” Denni smiled. She had changed into a pair of gray shorts and a light-pink tank top. He stared at the soft curves of her calves and shoulders.

“What?” she asked, seeming a bit flustered by his attention.

“Nothing. Let’s go.” He reached out and snatched her hand.

She glanced up at him, alarm in her eyes. But before he could apologize and let it go, she curled her fingers through his. Reece swallowed hard. Her small, soft hand inside his evoked strange new sensations inside his chest.

“Hey, where are you two going?”

Shelley’s voice snapped him back to the moment.

“For a walk,” Denni replied.

“Don’t forget curfew.” Fran’s voice rang with amusement.

A smile tipped Denni’s lips. “Don’t worry. I won’t.”

“You two have fun,” Sean called. He gave Reece a thumbs-up.

“What’s that all about?” Denni asked.

Reece tightened his fingers around hers and gave her a sideways grin. “You know how guys are.”

“Not really,” she muttered.

Guilt splayed through his chest. He had the uncomfortable feeling he was taking advantage. Denni obviously hadn’t had much experience with men. Would he be able to get what he needed from the relationship and still salvage the good parts at the end of the day? He knew his feelings for her were real. When all this was
over, he’d have to find a way to convince her. Hopefully it wouldn’t be too late.

Still the case had to be solved. He didn’t have that much time to do it. The chief had made it pretty clear: either solve it soon or file it away.

So far, Denni had been stolen from, her basement sabotaged. Next time the harm could be to her personally. The thought made him tighten his fingers. She looked up at him, questions written in her eyes.

He loosened his grip, but determination pressed him. He wouldn’t let Denni be hurt. Even if it meant he risked losing her when it was all over.

Denni leaned back against her pillow, a book resting on her bent knees. Not that she could concentrate on one word. The memory of Reece’s long fingers laced with hers permeated every thought, causing butterflies to flutter in her stomach. The romance novel she was attempting to read couldn’t compete with the reality of their walk. Of the entire day, really.

A slow smile lifted the corners of her lips. They’d enjoyed a few moments alone. Shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand. What was it about this guy that made her heart race?

Dad had been a cop before retiring. Was that it? The whole adage about a girl marrying a man just like her dad?

She laughed at her foolishness, then sobered as a thought made its way into her mind.

True, Reece was like her dad, Mac Mahoney, in lot of ways. Strong, a servant of the people, stubborn to be sure. But in the way that mattered most, they were nothing alike. Mac loved God above all else. Reece admitted he had no use for religion.

Her dreams crashed as this reality drove home. She had been so caught up in the surprise of his grabbing her hand, that she hadn’t even considered the impossibility of a romantic relationship between them.

Her cell phone chirped Beethoven’s Für Elise—Raven’s ring. She glanced at the clock next to her bed. Figured, only Raven would call her at eleven at night. Just as well, she was about to start getting really depressed over the whole Reece issue. She snatched up her phone from the nightstand.

“Hey, Rave. What’s up?”

“Can’t I call my sister even if nothing’s up?”

Denni laid the romance novel face down on her end table and sank under her comforter. “You could, but you don’t.”

“Well, how honest of you to say so.” Raven sounded amused and maybe a bit offended.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah. I guess.”

Denni rolled her eyes at the ritual and glanced at the clock again—11:02. It would be at least 11:05 before she could pull the truth out of Raven. Usually, work was the reason for her melancholy. “So how are things going at the station?”

“All right, I guess. I found out tonight that Tom’s getting ready to retire.”

Bingo. That didn’t take long.

“Really? You going after the anchor slot?”

“Duh. That’s been my goal for the last ten years. I thought the guy would never give it up. I mean he has to be at least seventy-five.”

“So why is this a problem?”

“I thought I said there was no problem?”

“Okay, fine. Everything is just hunky-dorey.” Denni turned her hand over and winced at her chipped nails. She reached to her right and fumbled in the nightstand drawer for a file.

“Man. What has you in a bad mood tonight?”

“Nothing.”

“All right. Listen. You tell me what’s wrong with you and I’ll tell you what’s wrong with me. Okay?”

It was a game they’d played since they were kids. “Fine. You go first.”

“All right. The station manager’s daughter also has her eye on the anchor position.”

“Becca? But she just got out of college. Surely they won’t give it to her.”

“Nepotism is a powerful force. And the force is unusually strong with Becca.”

Denni snickered at Raven’s impression of Darth Vader. “I just can’t believe they’d do something so blatantly unfair.”

“Well, believe it.”

“All right. Let’s think. You need to come up with a spectacular story. One that will blow the socks off those guys in charge.”

“Spectacular stories are in short supply, unfortunately.”

“You could always do something about a social worker who…oh I don’t know, say is trying to open a couple of houses for former foster-care girls…that might drum up some interest.”

“For you, but probably not for me.”

“All right.” Denni tried to swallow the hurt and remember that her sister was the only Mahoney who currently wasn’t serving God.

“Hey, Denni. I’ll run the idea by Charles and see if he’ll okay it.”

Denni hesitated. “I don’t want to force you into anything.”

“Are you kidding? A bleeding-heart story will make me look really good. Just think about what all that positive mail will do for my chances of getting the anchor position.”

Denni laughed. “Well, I’m glad my bleeding heart is good for something.”

“Okay, your turn.”

Denni had pretty much talked herself out of spilling it about Reece. Besides, Raven wasn’t going to agree with her commitment not to get involved with an unbeliever. The “unequally yoked” rule didn’t impress her. Nor did anything else about the Christian life. She didn’t speak her disapproval aloud, but Denni knew she felt just a little superior…a little more enlightened than the rest of the family.

“Come on, Denni. A deal’s a deal.”

“Okay. There’s this guy…”

“Oh?” Raven’s voice lifted with interest and teasing.

“Yeah, but don’t get too excited. He’s the cop investigating the break-in from a couple months ago.”

“Corrigan?”

“Good memory. Yeah. Reece.”

“So you’re dating him?”

“No. Nothing like that.” Denni paused, wishing she’d never brought it up.

“What then?”

Realizing her inquisitive reporter of a sister wasn’t going to give it a rest until she got the story, Denni told it all. From the break-in and Reece’s suspicions, to the water in the basement and Reece coming to her rescue,
and finally to the wonderful warmth of his large hands wrapping around hers this evening.

“So what’s the problem? Sounds like he really likes you.”

“Did you hear anything besides the part where he held my hand?” Denni chuckled.

“I’m not saying there won’t be kinks to work out. But when was the last time you were interested in a guy?”

“You mean, when was the last time someone was actually interested in me, don’t you?”

“Either way. Don’t throw it away just because he’s the one looking into the stuff going on around there. Sounds to me like he might actually have a point with the girls.”

“Not really. Why would they want to take a chance on getting kicked out of their home if I had to close it down?”

“Who knows? But even if he’s wrong about that, don’t give up without exploring the possibilities. There aren’t enough guys left in the world who can make a girl’s heart go pitter-patter.”

“Well, we’ll see.” As far as Denni could tell, there was no point in bringing up the main reason a relationship wasn’t possible. Raven would just turn it around and be defensive. And eleven-thirty at night was too late to get into that kind of argument. Besides, it smelled like something was…burning.