The Past Came Hunting (13 page)

He quickly stuffed it inside his coat pocket, held the door open for her as they stepped into the cold night.

You should tell him, Mel. Get it out in the open.
If she didn’t, Lord knew he had an abominable way of discovering the truth anyway. More and more she saw him as a human being. He loved his son and the rest of his family deeply. She suspected he even cared for her.
But he’s still a cop,
an inner voice whispered.
Remember what happened before.

And she did remember. As Joe walked her home, the topic stayed buried. This was one secret she just couldn’t share.

Saturday morning, Joe scanned
the headlines, while waiting for the furniture stores to open. Nothing he saw compelled him to read further until the caption,
Prison guard found dead
drew him in.

Jesse T. Ropes, a former Colorado Springs resident and currently employed as a corrections officer at the East Cañon Correctional Complex, was found dead at his Cañon City home. Police were called to the west-side neighborhood on Wednesday in the early morning hours when a rash of dog barking led a neighbor to complain.

Finding nothing unusual, police left the area.

On Wednesday afternoon, law enforcement was again summoned to the neighborhood, this time to do a welfare check on Mr. Ropes, when the officer failed to call in or report to work. Finding him deceased, it is estimated he died between midnight and the predawn hours. Authorities have declined to list an official cause of death, pending autopsy and further investigation.

Joe drained the rest of his coffee. Huh.
Found dead
.

If Ropes had been discovered in the prison, the words would be self-explanatory. It would mean that an inmate had gotten hold of something sharp and stuck it into one of Ropes’ vital organs.

But at home?

Joe drummed his fingers. Drake Maxwell had been housed at the East Cañon Complex. Still, Joe had been assured that the ex-con had returned to California. So the fact the guard worked where Maxwell did time was merely coincidence.
Wasn’t it?

With all the coincidences he’d witnessed of late, why couldn’t Joe buy this one?

Found dead
. What the hell did that mean?
And what about those barking dogs?

Joe dialed information, then phoned the Cañon City Police Department and asked for the detective division. The cop on the other end of the line sounded like he’d barely gone through puberty.

Joe identified himself and said, “I read an article about a correction officer’s death in our local newspaper this morning. What can you tell me about it?”

A perceptible silence filled the line. “Meaning no disrespect, Lieutenant, but I need to clear this with a superior and verify your identity before I talk to you.”

Joe’s intuition cycled into dread. The police wanted the details kept out of the media. That could only mean one thing.
Found dead
meant murder. Joe gave the detective the precinct’s number. “Tell Dispatch I said to give you my home and cell number. I’ll be waiting.” He hung up the phone.

Fifteen minutes later, when the Cañon City P.D. still hadn’t returned his call, Joe withdrew Warden Simon River’s business card from his wallet. What were the chances Simon would confide in Joe about Ropes’ death? On a one to ten scale, and based on their recent history, that probability most assuredly fell in the negatives.

Then Joe remembered the warden’s planned visit with Melanie today. Joe hadn’t forgotten the warden’s protective stance when it came to the Norris’s. Plus, Joe was only half kidding when he suggested the warden had feelings for her. Simon’s visit was too darn convenient to overlook.

Joe dialed Melanie’s number. She answered on the first ring.

“Did I wake you?” he asked.

“You’re kidding, right? How come my phone only rings when I’m walking out the door? I thought you were going furniture shopping today.”

“On my way.” The sound of her voice put a smile on his face. “I could use your help. What do you know about mattresses?”

“They’re flat,” she said dryly. “Otherwise, not a thing. You’re on your own. I have to work until three. Why don’t you take Matt?”

“He’s no fun. His back is killing him from all the heavy lifting. He wants to rest up for the game. Say, are you still expecting the warden today?”

“He’s coming for dinner.”

“Really? Dinner.” Joe wanted that information. If the Cañon City P.D. viewed his phone call as outside interference, he might never hear from them. Could he confide in the warden without alarming Mel or making her suspicious? “What are you making?”

“Pot roast, mashed potatoes, creamed gravy...”

“Stop. You’re making my mouth water. I know the warden likes you. I didn’t realize your feelings were reciprocal. He must be pretty special to warrant such a feast.”

She laughed. “Jealous?”

“Green.” Joe grinned, noting her jab was payback for his accusation on Thursday. “So if there’s really nothing between you two, maybe you could invite me to join you for dinner.”

“
Why?
”

“If I have to go to the game by myself, the least you can do is feed me.”

“Before I came along, Joe Crandall, you always went to the game by yourself. What are you up to?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Why would you want to have dinner with Simon and me?”

“One, Matt tells me you’re a great cook. Two, maybe I want to size up my competition.”

The laughter was back. “Who says he’s competition? And what makes you think
you
stand a chance?”

“Ouch, Mel, that hurt. I kind of liked kissing you Thursday night. I was hoping to do it again sometime. So would Simon mind?”

“You’re serious.”

“Completely.”

She hesitated, and Joe knew she was waiting for him to say ‘never mind.’ She was out of luck. And then it occurred to him. He didn’t make an ass out of himself for just any woman.

She sighed. “Honestly? I wouldn’t think so, then again, Joe, maybe it’s not―”

“Let’s find out. If Simon objects too strenuously, I’ll take the hint and leave. What do you say?”

“Oh, all right, five o’clock.”

“Great. See you then. Sure you won’t come help me shop for mattresses?”

He received her answer by way of dead air.

“Mel, what you do to a place.”

Pleased that Simon noticed, Mel stood in the doorway as he surveyed her recently faux-painted living room. One of the specialty wreaths a customer had ordered had turned out so well, she’d made one for herself. It hung over the fireplace. As for the hearth, she’d trimmed it with white freeze-dried gardenias interlaced with gold leaf pinecones, eucalyptus and salal. Between work, school, basketball practice and life, she and Luke had decorated the tree. His childhood ornaments hung on the branches, the scent of pine filled the air and the house she’d been so reluctant to buy indeed seemed like home.

Simon touched the leaf of a spider plant hanging next to the sofa. “Imagine what you could do on a greater budget.”

Holding her hands out, she laughed. “Probably grow more plants.”

He grinned and said, “Where’s Luke?”

Her smile faded. “He wanted to be here, Simon. But the coach requires the players to be at the gym early. Luke really wants to see you. You understand, don’t you?”

“Of course, I do. I’ll see him tonight.” He linked his hands behind his back and rocked on the balls of his feet. “Something smells good.”

“I hope so. Dinner’s not quite ready. Would you like something to drink?”

“Beer if you have it. I want to hear what’s been going on in your life.”

They sat on the sofa and chatted amiably, for the most part sharing information they already knew. The warden appeared antsy and out of his element, and for the first time ever, she considered Joe’s idiotic statement that Simon might be attracted to her. Lord knew she was nervous, but for an entirely different reason.

Their awkward silence was broken only when Simon cleared his throat. “What about Colorado Springs? Do you like it?”

“It’s definitely bigger, but I’m finding my way around. Luke seems happy and we love the house. All in all, it’s been a good move... thanks to you.”

“I’d have done anything for Carl, you know that.” Simon’s brows knit together. “I’d like to think you and I have become friends as well.”

“Without a doubt.” She smiled uneasily. Who knew? Without the warden’s assistance, she might’ve been in Drake Maxwell’s clutches even now.

“If I have one regret,” Simon went on, “it’s that I let you down. If I had any idea that cop lived next door...”

Oh, God. He was going to bring up Joe.

“When that police lieutenant came to my office, Mel, he was as determined as any man I’ve ever met. You understand I had no choice but to tell him, don’t you? And, of course, about Maxwell.”

Shaking her head, she said, “It all worked out. It’s over now.”

“I have to say I don’t care for his machinations. He’s probably the type who uses them to advance his career. But since I can’t be here, I suppose Crandall’s the next best thing.”

She arched a brow. Next time Joe provoked her beyond reason, she’d refer to him as
the next best thing.
Envisioning the reaction she’d get from that remark, she smirked. “Joe’s not a bad guy when you get to know him.”

The warden’s eyes narrowed. “You call him Joe now?”

Immediately, she felt a charge in the atmosphere. She rose from the couch. “Our boys have become great friends. Lt. Crandall asked me to call him Joe.”

“You see him frequently then?” Simon stood as well.

“Luke and Matt play on the same team. Of course, I see Joe.”

“Melanie, I think you should stay away from him. To be honest, I’m not certain he’s all that good a cop. Personally, I don’t like him very much.”

The timer went off on the stove. Never had she been so ready for an interruption. Joe should be here by now. Maybe he wouldn’t show. Or maybe he hadn’t planned on coming in the first place. Perhaps he’d only finagled a dinner invitation to annoy her.
Please, God
. One could only hope.

They walked into the kitchen where Simon’s gaze fell to the extra place setting on the table. “I thought Luke couldn’t be here.”

The doorbell rang, and she jumped. Pressing a hand to her chest, Mel turned to the warden and sighed. “He can’t, Simon. Please. Sit down. That man you don’t like very much is joining us for dinner.”

Much to Mel’s surprise and annoyance,
Joe kissed her cheek when he walked through the door. Simon’s eyes grew wide and a flush made its way up his neck.

Gazing between them uncertainly, she said, “I believe you two know each other.”

“Warden,” Joe greeted him.

“Lieutenant.”

“I hope you don’t mind me joining you,” Joe said. “Melanie was nice enough to ask.”

She turned a shocked gaze to his.

He winked. “And I’m very grateful.”

She flashed the big jerk her best behave-yourself-look. “Let’s eat so we’re not late to the game.”

But it wasn’t to be. Over dinner, as Simon and Joe stared at each other, Mel quite simply wanted to die. Their remarks had been hostile from the start. The pot roast she’d slow cooked to perfection tasted like cardboard in her mouth.

“You been busy, Warden?”

She looked from one man to the other. Okay, this was better. Asking about each other’s jobs had to be a safe topic.

“Very,” Simon replied. “Mel, this is a fantastic meal. I read about the robberies, Lieutenant. If you and your team can’t apprehend the culprits, perhaps you should ask for state or federal assistance.”

Joe’s mouth formed a tight line. “We’ll get ‘em. It’s just a matter of time.”

“Simon.” Mel placed a hand on his arm. “Out of forty-five boys, and as young as Luke and Matt are, they both made Varsity.”

“That’s wonderful, Mel.” Simon refocused on Joe. “How many robberies have there been now, Lieutenant? Six?”

“Five,” he replied.

Oh, dear God. Joe’s clamped jaw reminded her of an electrical wire set to snap. Helplessly, she studied the men as they engaged in a bizarre verbal battle. “Joe, please,” she murmured under her breath.

He turned to her. “The warden’s right, Mel. If the robberies go unsolved, it could hurt my career. How about those unexplained budget overruns, Warden? There’s been talk of embezzlement.”

A practiced political smile formed on Simon’s lips, but his eyes shone with hostility. “Indeed. We’re investigating the matter.”

Mel threw down her napkin and glared between the men. “This is your idea of a pleasant dinner? What’s wrong with you two?” She unleashed her anger on Joe. “You just had to come, didn’t you? Fine. Sit there and insult each other. But I’m not going to sit here and watch it.”

Mel’s rapid footfalls
sounded on the stairs, followed by the very loud bang of an overhead door.