Daddy's Home (7 page)

“Why don’t you get names and numbers from her then, if she was, is, so willing to share.”

“I would do that. However, I haven’t been able to get a hold of her for a few days, and I figure that maybe she’s out of town. And you know how we can all get when we’re feeling a little . . .
needy
.” She placed her hands on her hips and smiled coyly.

Yes, he did know that feeling. “I think maybe you’re right. Maybe you should try to reach your friend, because for the life of me, I certainly cannot remember a Shannon McKay.”

“Fine. Thank you for your time. I may be back.”

She stood, and William escorted her out of his office. She brushed against him. What did this lady really want? What had Shannon told her? As fine as she was to look at, and as much as William had wanted her when she’d walked into his building, he couldn’t wait to see her go. “I’m sorry we couldn’t be of any help.”

Ms. Richards waved a hand at him and left the building. Perplexed, he watched her go.

“You okay?” Darla, his receptionist and his on-again, off-again, asked after the woman walked out.

“Yes.”

“Do you think she really knew Shannon?”

“I don’t know. But I want to know exactly who she is. I don’t believe she was here for a date.” He left Darla staring at him, knowing that her stupid little mind was spinning. He regretted ever telling her anything about that night with Shannon.

Ah, the things they had done. Shannon better not have talked to anyone about that night. He’d discussed the consequences of talking about their escapades and what they could mean for her charming little daughter. But Darla didn’t have anything so sweet to be blackmailed with, and she wasn’t nearly as bright as Shannon. He might have to take care of Darla. She could talk if she grew angry enough. And this Katrina Richards . . . what did she know exactly? He’d have to find out a little more about her. Damn, he’d have to find out a whole helluva lot about her. There could be no loose ends in his kind of business, and Katrina Richards, if that was really her name, could be a loose end.

CHAPTER SEVEN

“That perverted bastard knows something,” Holly said. “I feel it right down to my soul. I’d like to get a subpoena and search that place.”

“On what basis? That you think William James knew Shannon McKay?” Chad asked. “I agree with you. He’s a slime-ball. I could hear it in his voice while you were in his office. But let’s face it, Holly, unless we get something further than the fact that he’s creepy, we’ve got nothing to go on.”

“Hopefully Craig will have found some dirty little secret on him by the time we get back to work in the morning,” Maureen said.

“If he doesn’t, I say we go back in there anyway and bully him a bit. Get him to ‘fess
what he knows.” Holly took a drink from her margarita. The tart mixture of tequila, lime, and splash of Grand Marnier went down smooth. She checked her watch. It was a little after six. Time was running short, and she knew that she’d have to go easy on the booze. Just because she was a cop didn’t give her a license to drink and drive, and she should probably finish only three-quarters of the strong margarita.

“I’m betting that he has himself an expensive attorney on retainer who is just as sleazy as he is. So, if we want to get him yapping, our best bet is the way we went about it. If nothing turns up on him, you’re going back in, Holly. It’s the only answer,” Chad said.

Holly held up her hand, fingers crossed. “I’m hoping and praying that Craig turns up something, because the last thing I want to go and do is play Miss Trampy Tina with that scuz again.”

“Seriously,” Maureen said. “I’ll be shocked if we don’t find something on him. At least enough info to bring him in and throw some questions his way. I’m going to grab another drink. Anyone want one?” she asked.

“Not me. I’m good,” Holly said. “Besides, looks like there’s quite a group at the bar, and by the time you get back here with it, I’ll probably have to head out and pick up Chloe.”

“Okay, nice job today. There’s a
friend
at the bar I’d like to say hi to.” Maureen waved and sidled over to the bar, right on up to one terribly good looking man that Holly knew was Maureen’s trainer at the gym. He was Maureen’s once-in-awhile, convenient affair. That was Maureen for you, and Holly sometimes wished she could be more like that herself. But men and relationships were far from convenient for her, and she had a child to think about. Then, of course, there was Jack, and each time she thought about him it pretty much destroyed any hope for what she might be able to find with another man.

“So where’s the good doctor?” Holly asked Chad. If she was right, she could swear she saw him blush.

He looked at his watch. “She should be here any time.”

“Something is up, partner. What is it?”

“Nothing.” He took a long sip from his gin and tonic.

“I’ve got a hunch that it’s more than nothing. And my hunch tells me that nothing starts with a capital B and ends with an M.D.” She grinned at him.

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

“Sure, sure. Go ahead, play dumb. You know what I think? I think every time anyone mentions Dr. Madison, you start fidgeting, and a little color rises to your cheeks. I’ve also noticed that she’s joined our evening bar sessions in the last month, and I haven’t said anything. Come on, since when does the office shrink join a bunch of detectives for drinks after work?” Chad started to protest, but Holly cut him off. “Now, don’t get me wrong. I like the good doctor. I think she’s a real sweet gal and one helluva psychiatrist. Without her, I don’t think we could get into the minds of some of the bastards we hunt down. She’s good. Really good. And we want to keep her happy so we don’t lose her to the Feds.”

“But? ‘Cause I know there’s a ‘but’ in there,” Chad replied.

“At least you’re not denying that the two of you are screwing.” Chad gave her the evil eye. “I guess all I’m trying to say is, keep your relationship under wraps.” Holly laughed. “Guess that’s what you’re doing. No, seriously, you know that Greenfield would have a shit fit if he knew that you and the doc were fooling around.”

“Believe me, I’m just as versed on Greenfield’s policy on fraternization as the rest of the force.” He paused. “Holly, I really like her. No one has ever made me feel this way.”

“That’s great. It really is. But before you go getting yourself in some kind of trouble with the boss, see if this thing lasts past the bump and grind stage. If it does, then you may want to let Greenfield know that you and Brooke are serious.”

Chad nodded. Holly could see by his expression that he was somewhere in between embarrassment and relief. “Um, Holly?”

“I know what you’re gonna say. Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. However, if I were you, and I didn’t want anyone else knowing, I might think of taming down the after work drinks and staying real low key. If you don’t, it won’t be long before the cat is out of the bag. Let’s face it, you aren’t the best at keeping your emotions in check.”

They both knew this to be true about Chad. When he was taken with a woman, he had a hard time hiding it. Holly had figured out, or at least suspected, there had been something going on between Brooke and Chad for about two weeks now. Tonight, she had confirmed it.

Not only was she a bit fearful of losing Chad as a partner if Greenfield found out, but her instincts told her that Dr. Brooke Madison was a little more high maintenance than what Chad was used to. Holly had the distinct feeling that once Brooke had him wrapped around her finger, she could easily break Chad’s heart. Holly did not want to see that happen. Chad was the brother she never had; growing up with sisters, she’d really wanted a brother at times. All that female energy under one roof had not been easy, to say the least. Holly loved her sisters, but she was glad they were now all grown and living separately. They were actually much closer that way.

“Okay, Inspector Clouseau, now that you have me and my love life figured out, I have a few questions for you,” Chad said.

Holly set down her drink and put on her best I-don’t know-what-you-mean face. “What kind of questions?”

“I tried that innocent act on you a few minutes ago and you didn’t buy my line. What makes you think I’m buying yours? I’ve got a feeling about you too, Detective. I think there’s more to this man who’s the parent of a little girl in Chloe’s class. If I’m not mistaken, there’s something behind those eyes at the mere mention of this guy. Is there something I should know?”

Holly set down her drink. “There is nothing you should know. It’s exactly what I said it was. I have to pick up Chloe at a friend’s house.”

“Yes, you did. But you also said at the dad’s house, which means he’s divorced. I
am
a detective, remember?”

Holly shrugged her shoulders, not sure she wanted to get into this with him.

“Holly?”

“What?” she asked sheepishly.

“Who is he? Am I right? Are you interested in him?”

“Oh, fine. I opened the can of worms by giving you the third degree, so I guess trying to close it now isn’t possible. Yes, I am kind of interested in him. I guess. We had pizza with the kids one night, only because I had to pick up Chloe from him and it worked out that way. And then we did some volunteer work for the teacher and wound up having some wine afterwards. That’s it, nothing more to tell. He encouraged me to take a yoga class with him, so I have been, but with this case and all, I haven’t gone for a few sessions. That’s it. Nothing more to tell.” There, she’d let it all out. Well almost all of it anyway. She’d finally confided in her partner and best friend. What she didn’t tell him was how good it had felt to be around Brendan.

“No way. I had no idea that you had a
thing
going on, Holly. I knew you might have a crush or an interest, but it sounds like you’ve got a
thing.
” Chad finished off his drink. He was obviously looking around for Maureen to get him another one, but she was far too busy flirting with the personal trainer to take notice.

“Want the rest of mine? I’ve got to get going,” Holly said, shoving her margarita over to his side of the table. “It’s not a
thing.
Yoga class and a couple of glasses of wine don’t constitute a
thing
.”

“Oh, no, you’re not skipping out on me after dropping a bomb like that. But, yeah, I will take the rest of your drink if you don’t want it. I didn’t mean your telling me about the class and your wine date made it sound like a thing. It’s the sound of your voice when you talk about him. And I can see it in your eyes.”

“Like I said, it’s nothing. It certainly isn’t a
thing
. He’s a nice man I’ve spent a bit of time with, and we enjoyed each other’s company. But I am not ready to get involved.”

Chad shook his head. “Really?”

“Yes, really.” Holly stood just as Brooke walked into the bar, all long legged and dressed as if she’d just stepped out of Neiman Marcus. She let out a low whistle. “Someone is dressed to impress.”

Chad glanced at the door and turned away.

“Are you blushing?” she teased.

“No. And we’ve only got a minute or two before she spots us and makes her way over, so give it to me straight, partner.”

She rolled her eyes at him and said, “I did give it to you straight. He’s a nice man, that’s it. End of discussion.”

“Wait a minute. Oh, wow, Detective Holly Jennings has a major crush.”

“I do not,” she hissed, giving his arm a hard knuckle-rap.

“Hey, I told you to watch that swing of yours. You’re brutal. I hope this guy can hold his own. So, what does he do anyway?” He looked back over at the entrance. Brooke was still trying to get through the crowded bar. It was one of those places that had standing room only once the five o’clock hour hit.

“He’s a vet.”

“Cool, cool. You like animals.”

“I work with you, don’t I?”

“Low blow, Detective. All right, enough beating around the bush. Give me the whole story for real, and I’ll be nice for the rest of the week.”

“You are so lucky I don’t tell Brooke that I know the truth. But since you’re a relentless ass, I’ll tell you this much. He’s cute, he’s nice, he’s funny, he’s a good dad. I don’t know. He’s about as close to perfect as any man could get, I suppose.”

“Boy, has he got you snowed. You know that we men are all liars. But since you’re the one who used the word perfect, tell me, what’s the problem?” Chad asked, eyeing her suspiciously. “Or should I answer that and say that Jack is the problem?”