The cop who will protect her

A tumultuous childhood taught private investigator Merlene Saunders that police are nothing but trouble. Then her latest surveillance job takes a dangerous turn when her subject is murdered and she becomes the focus of the killer. Like it or not, she’s hit the police radar, and in steps sexy detective Cody Warren…trouble of a whole different kind.

Against the odds, Merlene feels safe with Cody—he won’t let her in harm’s way. Very quickly things are intense between them, and her walls start coming down. Now she’s torn between the lessons of a lifetime and the urge to open up to the one man she can trust….

“Last chance, Merlene.”

Tucking his arm into hers, Cody drew her out of the elevator with him.

“Hey...” She pulled away, but the doors had already closed behind them.

“What’s going on? I know you have something to tell me.”

“And how do you know that?” Furious, she turned to confront him, but was stopped by his probing gaze, a look that brought all of her senses to full alert. Warmth spread outward from the spot on her arm where he had touched her.

“Because I’m a detective,” he said.

“Yeah? Well, so am I.” And she had never been as aware of a man as she was of Cody Warren at this moment—of his height a full foot over her, of the confident way he stood, of a muscular body full of power and authority. Sexy as hell, and infuriating.

Dear Reader,

I love stories about police officers. Something about that hint of danger swirling around the hero or heroine makes their developing passion so much more intense. During my working life as a court reporter, I encountered many situations that sparked my imagination, the “what ifs” that I enjoy turning into books. Now I attend any citizen police academy I can to help me understand the life of a cop. I encourage anyone who wants to know more about law enforcement to check if their local police department allows a citizen ride-along.

I’ve learned law enforcement is a perilous job, a career tough on romance, but that love can always prevail. Take Cody and Merlene, the hero and heroine of To Trust a Cop. When their worlds collide on a difficult case, at first mutual distrust makes the idea of love flaring between them seem impossible. I hope you enjoy reading their story as much as I enjoyed telling it.

I’ve met many police officers like Cody, honorable people who always try to do what’s right, no matter the cost. I admire and respect these men and women who stay true to themselves while performing an important but difficult job.

Nothing is better than hearing from my readers! Please visit my website at sharonshartley.com.

Be present and stay happy,

Sharon Hartley

To Trust a Cop

Sharon Hartley

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sharon Hartley writes romance stories that revolve around cops and the fascinating, often dangerous people that inhabit their world. A previous career as a court reporter, as well as multiple citizen police academies, provides ideas for her fiction. To calm herself from thinking about cops and robbers, Sharon teaches yoga, urging her students to accept themselves just the way they are. She lives on an island in Miami, Florida, with her husband, a Jack Russell terrorist and hundreds of orchids. Sharon loves to hear from her readers! Please contact her at sharonshartley01@bellsouth.net.

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This book is dedicated to my sister, Sandy Clark, who inspires me every day.

Her strength and determination have taught me that anything is possible.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Excerpt

CHAPTER ONE

“YEAH, YOU SING about those cheating hearts, Hank honey.”

Merlene Saunders edged up the volume on her car radio. A little down-home music always put her in the mood to catch another cheating husband, and tonight she definitely needed Hank’s help.

Merlene picked up her camcorder, aimed it at the front of Patricia and Rick Johnson’s graceful Spanish-style home and shot thirty seconds of video. From her vantage point behind a row of live oaks she had a clear view of any vehicles coming or going from the Johnsons’ house.

Nothing exciting to record. Just the expensive, lushly landscaped Coral Gables home of a wealthy orthopedic surgeon. A doctor with a nasty little secret.

“Nothing yet,” she murmured, and lowered the video camera.

Convinced his recent late hours had more to do with an attractive new nurse than an excessive patient load, Patricia Johnson had hired Merlene to conduct surveillance on her husband of fifteen years. Merlene glanced at the photo of a flashy blonde clipped to her visor. If the woman showed up at the house while Patricia spent the next month in North Carolina...well, that was more than enough proof for the high-strung and very jealous Mrs. Johnson.

But Merlene knew she would need much more to prove infidelity to the satisfaction of a judge, so she’d signed a contract to follow Dr. Johnson around Miami for a month, if necessary, to get the goods on him.

Merlene knew how to trail a subject—and not get caught—and now had a license that made it legal.

Just ask my ex-husband, she thought. Now, there was a doctor who’d thought he could get away with anything. Merlene shook her head to rid herself of thoughts of her ex. She didn’t want to believe all men were pond scum, but she’d yet to take a case and discover that the husband had been faithful.

She poured a cup of steaming coffee from her battered Thermos and settled in the seat, her gaze fixed on the Johnson residence. Pat had also promised to recommend her to a friend who did the hiring at a major insurance company if she caught Doc Johnson with his mistress. As she sipped, the strong, hot liquid warmed Merlene. Wouldn’t she just love a regular gig tracking down workers’ comp cheats? That would be more rewarding that chasing cheating husbands. She’d also liked the idea of saving the feds a million or so in Medicare fraud.

A bead of sweat trickled between her breasts, and Merlene pulled her cotton blouse away from damp skin. Miami in August and hot coffee didn’t mix, but she needed the caffeine to stay alert.

She had other props to help, her favorite being Häagen-Dazs Chocolate Chocolate-Chip ice cream slowly melting in a blue cooler. Nothing like a jolt of cool, creamy sugar to keep her focused when she got sleepy. She’d packed plenty of crisp tortilla chips and spicy salsa to munch on. Unfortunately, she didn’t have enough light to read.

With a sigh, Merlene took another gulp of coffee. The night promised to be a long one. She glanced in the rearview mirror and froze midswallow.

A large figure moved swiftly toward her car.

She dropped her cup in the console and rolled up the window. All four doors were locked. Her keys hung from the ignition for a quick getaway.

“Damn,” she muttered, as the shadowy figure became clearer. As surely as the Grand Ole Opry was in Nashville, a cop of some sort was on his way to speak to her. She’d been able to spot a cop since the age of ten.

No uniform, no marked car visible. Detective, maybe? Could Doc Johnson have spotted her and called 911?

Merlene fished her investigator’s license from her purse and waited for the tall, muscular man to get closer. Early thirties, she guessed, and annoyed about something by the way he punched out determined steps. Good-looking dude from what she could tell, but why the blazes would any man wear a tie in August?

He stopped two feet from the back of her car. “Merlene Saunders?” he shouted. “Miami-Dade County Police.”

So he’d run her license plate. Of course he had.

She rolled down the window and dangled her investigator’s license outside. “I’m unarmed.”

The cop approached and grabbed the license. “You’re a P.I.?”

Craning her head out the window to see his face, she nodded. “Any chance I could see your ID?”

He flashed a detective’s badge, and she barely had time to register the name Cody Warren.

“What’s the problem, Detective Warren?”

He handed back the license, placed his hands on her door and leaned forward to look inside. “What are you doing here, ma’am?”

“I’m on a case.” She patted the camcorder. “Conducting surveillance.”

“Does your surveillance have anything to do with Dr. Richard Johnson?”

“Yes,” she admitted.

“Then we have a problem.”

“We do?” Merlene stared at Cody Warren, and he glared back with a crystal-blue glare she could easily interpret in the dying light. He didn’t want her here.

Well, so what? She didn’t want him here, either. Cops made her nervous. Plus, his presence could attract attention from the Johnson house.

“Why don’t you hop in and tell me about this problem,” she suggested.

He peered into her tiny car, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I wouldn’t want to sit on your nachos.”

A rush of heat warmed her face. From the chaos surrounding her, it appeared as if a hurricane had blown through her car.

Well, no one ever said conducting a stakeout was easy.

“No problem,” she mumbled, tossing books and snacks into the backseat. She carefully placed the video camera and her new digital camera on the floorboard behind her, then threw her notebook onto the dash next to her binoculars and a deck of cards.

Her compact car became much too small when the cop folded himself into the passenger seat. Damn if his knees didn’t almost reach his chest.

“Does this thing slide back?” Warren asked, reaching for a lever beneath the seat. Before she could answer, he sent the seat zooming back, crackling cellophane and pulverizing her half-eaten bag of corn chips.

He glanced at her. “What the hell was that?”

“My dinner.”

He retrieved the crushed bag from behind the seat and raised an eyebrow. “Very nutritious.”

Merlene lifted her chin. “So I take it you’re with the diet police, Detective Warren. Some sort of special task force to ferret out fat?”

His expression morphed into a scowl. She shifted her weight, knowing she should have curbed her tongue. But that all-knowing male smirk had been too much.

“So what’s your interest in Richard Johnson?” Detective Warren demanded, now all business.

“I’ve been hired to keep track of his activities.”

“By who?”

“That’s confidential.”

He scrubbed his fingers against his chin, and Merlene heard an unmistakable scratch that meant he hadn’t shaved in a while. Long day?

Wishing cops didn’t always make her uneasy, she studied the detective in the fading light. He had an angular yet handsome face, a strong, confident jaw. His nose featured a slight bump, and she wondered if it’d been broken in a fight on the job. From the way he dominated space in the Toyota, he had to be at least six-two. The cotton shirt across his torso confirmed an iron-flat stomach, not an ounce of fat anywhere on him, probably because he never ate junk food.

Good for him.

“Is something wrong, Mrs. Saunders?”

Merlene jerked her gaze to Warren’s face. He watched her with a frown. Lord, what was the matter with her, checking out his body? She swallowed. “I’m wondering why the police are interested in Dr. Johnson.”

Cody shook his head. “Mrs. Saunders, the Miami-Dade Police would greatly appreciate your discontinuing surveillance of the doctor.”

“Why’s that?”

“Let’s just say your presence here could jeopardize a lot of work. Interference with a police investigation is something we take seriously.”

“By sitting here I’m interfering?”

“Possibly.”

“Are you going to give me any details?”

“No, ma’am.”

Merlene sighed, knowing she had to do as he asked. Her boss’s number-one rule was to stay out of the way of the police. She snapped the cover over the camera lens. “Sure, Detective, whatever you say.”

He nodded. “Good.”

Merlene stared through the windshield at the doctor’s house. “What did you do, you bad boy?” she asked softly, then picked up her notebook and entered the time.

The detective planted one foot on the grass, preparing to exit, then paused. “Did you get anybody on tape tonight?”

Merlene shook her head. “Nobody went in or out after I followed him home.”

“All right. The sooner you leave, the better.”

She smiled at his profile and tapped the pen against her cheek. “I’ll bet you’re worried that if he sees me following him, he’ll know you guys are onto him. Am I right?”

Without answering, the detective pulled himself from the car and walked around to the driver’s window. He held out a business card. “If you get anything you think might be helpful, I’d appreciate a call. My cell’s on the back. It’s always on.”

Merlene accepted the card. “If you won’t tell me what’s going on, how will I know what’s helpful?”

His steely gaze bored into her. “I think you’ll know. Thanks for your cooperation, ma’am.”

“Oh, sure. No problem.” She flipped the card against her thigh as he moved away. Why were the police always telling her what to do? As a child, they’d hassled her family with threats of family services and foster homes but never offered a bit of help.

Merlene tossed the card onto her front seat and started the car. She knew better than to get in the way of the police. Besides, she had other methods to keep track of Doc Johnson.

* * *

SOMETHING WAS WRONG. Dead wrong.

Cody couldn’t shake a gnawing feeling in his gut that he’d missed something important. Where was Dr. Richard Johnson?

Months of work to make this case, to put away a dirty doctor who didn’t care who he prescribed narcotics to or what bogus diagnosis he made—not as long as he got a big check from an insurance company—and now the whole damn thing threatened to fall apart.

Waiting for a traffic light to change, he wondered what hole Dr. Johnson had vanished into. Could his disappearance have anything to do with the Saunders woman’s surveillance? An image of the intriguing female private eye he’d encountered the night before flashed through his head. How could a woman who dug for dirt to pay the bills manage to look all wide-eyed and innocent?

The check he’d run on her came back clean. No outstanding wants or warrants, and he wished his credit report looked as solid. She worked for D. J. Cooke Investigations, the man and the firm both reputable, and no one had ever lodged a complaint against her license. The licensing board promised to double check with Cooke and get back to him.

Yeah, maybe her activities had nothing to do with Johnson’s vanishing act, but he didn’t believe in coincidences. A P.I. is on Johnson’s trail one day, and he disappears the next? Had to be a connection. He’d warned his lieutenant they needed twenty-four-hour surveillance to always keep track of the doc’s whereabouts. Damn budget cuts were undermining a lot of investigations these days.

“What the...” He swore under his breath as he turned the corner, spotting the P.I.’s vehicle secreted behind a tree across from Nurse Cole’s apartment building. Merlene Saunders had inserted herself square in the middle of his case again. This time he’d question her more thoroughly.

“Detective Warren,” Merlene said when he leaned in the passenger window. “We have to quit meeting like this.”

He jerked open the door. “You and I need to talk.”

“Have a seat,” she murmured.

Feeling as if he were squeezing into a bulletproof vest, Cody eased into the small car.

“You know,” she said, “it’s hard for me to blend into the surroundings when you’re always hanging around my stakeout.”

He slammed the door. “Who are you working for?”

She shook her head. “That’s confidential information.”

“Must be the wife. She’s worried about the doc and Nurse Linda Cole, whose apartment you’re watching.”

He studied Merlene’s face but wasn’t sure if he’d nailed her game.

“So what can you tell me about Nurse Cole?” Merlene asked.

He shrugged. “I’d rather hear what you can tell me about Dr. Johnson.”

“Truth is...nothing. Yet.” She lifted a video camera from the backseat and aimed it at the apartment. A large emerald-cut diamond glittered on her right ring finger. “Haven’t got anything but test footage to prove I’ve been watching their sorry butts. Never have caught them together.”

“How long have you been on them?” he asked.

“How long do you think?” Merlene lowered the camera. A faint red mark encircled her eye where the camera had pressed into her pale skin, and Cody resisted an urge to touch the spot, wondering why he wanted to smooth away the distrust shimmering in her eyes.

“Five days,” he guessed. “I’ll bet Mrs. Johnson hired you before she flew to Blowing Rock. She thinks the doc is fooling around and wants you to prove it, right?”

Merlene smiled, and the curve of her lips brought a curious sparkle into smoky-gray eyes. Damn but she had a beautiful smile. Shining, almost-black hair fell to her shoulders.

“Am I interfering with a police investigation again?”

Yes, and he needed to get his mind back on business. “If you’re spotted, you could blow months of work. Cooperation would be greatly appreciated.”

She glanced at him sideways, looking doubtful.

“I already showed you my badge,” he said.

“Cooperate how?”

“We’ll trade information.”

“Trade? Yeah, right. Cops just love to trade.” She raised the video camera again and pressed the record button.

“What are you recording?”

“I make a video record of all my activities to substantiate my bill.”

“Good plan,” he said. Hell, she talked like a pro. Time to throw her off balance—find out if she actually was one.

“So what does your husband think of your line of work?”

“I don’t have a husband.”

“Divorced?”

“You know,” she said, placing the camera in her lap, “you are absolutely the rudest man. First it’s my diet and now my marital status?”

He caught her gaze and held it. Beneath delicate brows, her eyes had darkened to an opaque, deeper gray.

She looked away, glancing toward the apartment. Cody admired her flushed cheeks as he chose his next words. Too bad if she didn’t like his probing. It was his job to stir things up and see what kind of reaction he got.

“Guess what,” she whispered in a husky voice. “Linda is on the move.”

He shifted his gaze. Nurse Cole hid behind large, white sunglasses and a floppy straw hat, but there was no mistaking the woman climbing into a white BMW.

Merlene started the car and shoved it into gear.

CHAPTER TWO

“HEY!” CODY SHOUTED as the car lurched forward.

“I’ve been hired to watch her, remember?” Merlene shot a sideways glance at the detective as she accelerated and found him staring at her, mouth open. Yeah, maybe she shouldn’t have taken off with him in the car, but if she’d waited to get rid of him, she’d have lost her subject. No way was she losing her subject. Linda Cole could be on her way to meet Dr. Johnson.

“You are unbelievable,” he said, fumbling the seat belt across his lap.

“Just cooperating with your investigation.”

“Then don’t follow so closely,” he said.

“Thank you, Detective, for your professional advice, but I’ve never been made on a tail.” She kept her gaze fixed on the road, but the heat of his scrutiny made her squirm. At least the car’s movement created a rush of cooling air.

“And how many tails have you been on?”

“Probably less than you,” she admitted as she stepped harder on the gas. “So Nurse Cole is involved with whatever the doc’s into?”

“You know I can’t answer that.” Cody peered at the speedometer.

“What happened to trading information?”

“Don’t speed,” he said.

“I’m not speeding.” Okay. So she was—but only a little.

Merlene stayed well behind the BMW as she followed the nurse toward Miller Drive, holding out her right hand to test the blessedly cold air blasting from AC vents.

“She’s probably just going to the grocery store,” Merlene muttered. “Won’t even have time to cool the car down.”

Warren loosened his tie. “Glamorous work.”

Suppressing a laugh, she thought of the khaki shorts and sleeveless cotton blouse she wore, her usual surveillance uniform. Some glamour. In case she needed to follow a subject to a more formal atmosphere, she always kept a skirt and jacket hanging in the backseat. A good investigator was always prepared.

“I hope she is going to meet Johnson,” Warren said.

With both vehicles caught by a red light, Merlene scribbled the time and mileage in her notebook. “Why?”

“Because he didn’t show up at his office today.”

She raised her head. “Are you saying you don’t know where he is?”

He rubbed a hand over his chin. “Not at the moment.”

“Why don’t you have him under surveillance?”

“Good question,” Warren said.

“Well, well. I guess you should have let me stay last night,” she said, not even trying to keep satisfied amusement out of her voice. She couldn’t help but enjoy this turn of events. “I’d know his location if you hadn’t run me off.”

Warren answered with a strangled noise.

The BMW turned south on Galloway Road, and Merlene stayed with it.

“How long have you been a private investigator?” he asked.

“Two years. I work with D. J. Cooke Investigations.”

Warren nodded as if he knew where she worked, which she didn’t like one bit. But of course he’d probably verified her license was current and she’d paid all her fees. Fortunately her boss was a stickler for those kinds of details.

“I didn’t know D.J. was still around,” the detective said. “Tell him I said hello.”

Was that a note of respect in Warren’s usually overbearing tone? “You know D.J.?”

“He’s a good man.”

“He is, isn’t he?” She adored her boss, a distant relative from Missouri. He’d taught her how to follow a subject and not get nailed. D.J. was semiretired now, bothered by too many medical problems, but she’d heard tall tales of his exciting career, first as a cop and then a P.I. “Did you ever work together?” She’d love to hear another war story about D.J.’s time on the job.

“My dad knew him,” Warren said in a flat voice.

She threw him a look, but he stared out the windshield, his eyes fixed on the vehicle in front of them.

“Linda is turning into Norman Brothers,” he said.

“Shoot.” Merlene drove slowly past the gourmet grocery, confirmed that her subject had parked in its lot, then turned around at the next intersection.

“I don’t see Johnson’s car,” Merlene said as she drove through the jammed parking lot.

She maneuvered the Corolla into an empty space, then reached into a zippered sports bag in the backseat and selected a red wig.

“You’re going to follow her in?” Warren asked.

“Unless you want to.” Gathering her long hair into a bun, she tugged the wig securely over her head. The detective leaned against the passenger door to watch.

Hating that his scrutiny made her self-conscious, she checked herself in the rearview mirror, rearranged the wig with quick fingers, then grimaced at her pale face surrounded by a mop of hideous red hair.

Oh, definitely a glamorous job, she thought, angry with herself for caring what she looked like.

“Cole might meet the doc here,” she said. “Haven’t you heard the grocery store’s a hot spot to pick up dates?”

“Speaking from experience?” he asked, quirking an eyebrow.

“There you go with rude questions again.”

He grinned. “That’s one hell of a wig.”

“It works.” She placed tortoiseshell frames with clear lenses on her nose. “I don’t want Dr. Johnson to recognize me.”

“The doc won’t meet her here.”

“Probably not,” Merlene agreed, “but it’s my job to confirm that. Stay put and keep the air-conditioning running.”

Without waiting for an answer, she stepped out of the car and breathed a sigh of relief. Detective Warren’s presence made the compact car feel like a toy.

* * *

CODY LAUGHED AS he watched Merlene half run across the lot and enter the grocery. Stay put? Where did she get her nerve? He should have arrested her for kidnapping him.

But he enjoyed the feminine sway of her hips, thinking good things definitely came in small packages. He smiled, guessing this was one lady who never resorted to the grocery to meet members of the opposite sex.

And a meet at a produce market wasn’t Richard Johnson’s style, especially since the good doctor wasn’t having an affair with “Nurse” Cole. Linda Cole had been hired only as a player in Johnson’s elaborate game of fraud and deceit. No wonder the wife got suspicious, considering how much time her husband spent with the bogus Florence Nightingale.

She’d be more likely to hook up with Sean Feldman, the attorney mastermind of the scheme, but a survey of the parking lot didn’t reveal either of his vehicles. Too bad. Merlene could have recorded Nurse Cole and Feldman together. That would be one nice piece of evidence against Feldman, the lawyer who filed lawsuits based on the phony injuries diagnosed by Dr. Johnson, allowing them to fleece insurance companies out of millions. Usually by quick settlement so the insurers didn’t have to even bear the expense of a trial. What an easy con.

So where was Doc Johnson? Had he gotten wind of the coming bust and rabbited? If so, he hadn’t cleaned out any accounts. Didn’t seem likely since he’d made a fortune off his various schemes, including a lucrative pill mill in Hallandale where any addict with an itch could get a prescription for a fee. Cody shook his head, thinking about the greedy physician who’d supplied narcotics to his sister’s husband.

Cody still searched for answers when Linda exited the store and loaded brown paper bags into the trunk of her white BMW. She lit a cigarette, dropped the lighter back in her oversize purse and climbed behind the wheel.

Moments later Merlene slid into the driver’s seat and yanked off the wig. “Oh, that itches.” She scratched her head, her own dark hair cascading to her shoulders in waves.

“You look better with your own hair.”

She stopped scratching and looked up, gray eyes suspicious. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

She shoved the car into gear. Neither spoke for a moment as she followed the BMW into traffic.

“Looks like she’s headed home,” he said.

“She didn’t speak to anybody in there except the clerks.” Merlene sighed. “Just a routine trip to get groceries.”

Silence filled the car again. He studied Merlene’s face, trying to figure out why she intrigued him. He liked her, despite her interference. No question she was a looker. She had a fragile, porcelain look, although her attitude was anything but docile. She appeared to be a competent detective, but she was wasting her time attempting to catch Linda Cole and Dr. Johnson together in a romantic tryst. He ought to tell her and save her some effort. She had to be frustrated. He sure as hell knew how that felt.

Plus, he couldn’t help but believe her constant presence around the players in his case had somehow changed the game, had caused Johnson to vanish. The sooner she moved on to other surveillance, the better. This wasn’t just another case to him. This case involved a doctor more interested in cold, hard cash than healing patients, some of them patients like his brother-in-law.

“Have you recorded anyone going into the doctor’s house?” he asked.

She shook her head. “Nope. He’s pretty damn boring, if you ask me. His wife is probably well rid of him.”

“Because he’s boring?”

“He’s a crook, too, right?”

Cody nodded. “Listen... Mrs. Saunders...”

“Don’t tell me. I’m interfering and you don’t want me to mention anything about a police investigation to my client.”

“Actually, I’ve decided to help you,” he said. “I’ll save you the headache of following Cole around.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Then call me Merlene.” She tossed him a look. “I don’t answer to Mrs. Saunders. That’s my ex’s mother, thank you very much. Not me.”

Amused by her prickly tone, Cody relaxed against the seat. He’d known her marital status, but now he knew how she felt about her ex.

“So how are you going to help me?” she asked.

“You’re wasting your time chasing Linda Cole. Dr. Johnson isn’t romantically involved with her.”

“My client thinks otherwise.”

Cody nodded. “He’s spending a lot of time with her, but only to make money, not love. They won’t meet outside the office.” He watched while she turned the information over in her mind.

“You’re sure?” she asked.

“We’ve got them on audio, and it’s all been pure business.”

“Interesting.” Merlene remained quiet for a moment. “But not good enough for my client. She wants concrete proof, and I can’t exactly tell her my info came from the cops, now, can I?”

“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t,” he said. Merlene’s sarcasm bothered him, but he wasn’t sure why. She seemed to take particular delight in antagonizing him. Hey, he was trying to help her.

“I don’t know.”

Fascinated, he watched her absently twirl a strand of thick hair around a long, graceful finger, the diamond ring flashing with her movements.

“I’ll run it by D.J.” She dropped her hand to the steering wheel and narrowed her eyes. “But don’t feed me any nonsense about you pulling my license if I don’t back off. I know you can’t do that. It takes months...probably a year to suspend a P.I.’s license.”

“I didn’t say one word about suspending your license.”

They’d arrived back at Linda’s apartment. Without speaking again, Merlene pulled in next to his white, unmarked unit.

“Are you going or staying?” he asked, not caring that he sounded sharp.

“Going. For now. I’ll let D.J. tell me what to do. I trust him.” She met his gaze as if daring him to object.

“Fine,” Cody said. “I don’t want to say, ‘See you around,’ exactly, but...”

She crossed her arms. “I won’t promise to stay out of your way.”

“Then I guess I will see you around.”

* * *

“LICENSING BOARD?” Merlene stared at D. J. Cooke behind his cluttered desk. She’d thought her boss looked more tired than usual. Now she knew why. “What do you mean you’ve heard from the licensing board?”

“Something about your client’s husband,” D.J. said with a sigh. “Interference with the police. They’re sending an investigator out next week to interview me.”

“They’re starting an investigation?”

“Routine, I’m sure,” D.J. said.

“Damn that Cody Warren,” Merlene muttered. “I knew he was nothing but trouble.”

“Cody Warren?”

She nodded. “That’s the cop who rousted me off surveillance on the Johnson case.”

“Cody. Doggone it. That’s a name I haven’t heard in a dog’s age.”

In spite of her annoyance, Merlene grinned at D.J.’s wrinkled face. Her boss always resorted to Ozark slang on a trip down memory lane.

“He remembered you, too,” she said. “He said you were a good man. His exact words.” She stared at her lap, organizing her notes from the surveillance. “That’s the only nice thing he said all day. I should have known he’d pull something like this.”

D.J. made a clucking sound. “Little Cody. I’m glad he stuck it out.”

“Well, he’s not little anymore,” she said, remembering the way his white shirt had stretched across a muscular back.

D.J. didn’t seem to hear her. “It sure was rough on him there for a while.”

She raised her gaze. “What was?”

D.J. sighed. “Bad business. His dad was a longtime beat cop and got caught shaking down shop owners for protection money. Cody was a rookie when the scandal broke.”

“He seems to have survived.” So she and Cody had the same rotten luck when it came to their parents.

“I can’t rightly recall what happened to Bill Warren, but Cody became a cop who plays it strictly by the book.” Tapping his glasses against his cheek, D.J. swiveled in his chair and looked out the office window. “He worked in homicide for a while, then asked for assignment to the fraud division.”

Merlene followed his gaze outside to a suburban backyard. Two small brown squirrels chased each other around the gnarled trunk of an avocado tree. Her boss conducted business out of his home now, taking only an occasional case, allowing Merlene to work as many surveillance jobs as she could land.

She watched the squirrels fuss at each other. Probably squirrel husband and wife, she thought. But at least one of them still wanted the other.

D.J. coughed. Not liking the sound, she shifted her gaze back to his face and really didn’t like what she saw. D.J. looked exhausted. No, more than that. He looked sick, his face as pale and white as his hair.

“Hey, are you okay, boss?” she asked softly.

“Fit as a fiddle,” he said with the wave of a thin hand. “Don’t worry about me.” D.J. swiveled back and placed his forearms on the desk. “I’ve handled much worse problems in my career.”

She nodded, thinking he definitely didn’t need the stress of a Division of Licensing inquiry at this stage in his life.

“What should I tell Mrs. Johnson?” she asked.

“You’ve never seen the doctor and the nurse together away from the office?” D.J. asked.

“Never.”

“Call your client. Tell her you’ve got nothing. Let her make the decision.”

Merlene nodded. “Good enough. I’ll even offer to refund some of the retainer.”

“Is money part of the problem in this marriage? From the home address, I thought they were loaded.”

“Could be. I definitely get the feeling the doc keeps her on a tight leash,” Merlene said. “And I remember what it’s like to be divorced, broke and unemployed. Scary. Maybe she’s got nobody to help her. If it weren’t for you, I don’t know where I’d be right now.” D.J. and his wife had been there for her when she hit rock bottom after the divorce.

“You’ll always be fine, Merl. You’ve taken care of yourself since you were knee-high to a grasshopper.”

She smiled at yet another of his country clichés and then shrugged. “I’m also thinking her husband might soon be in jail. That’s my next question. Should I tell her the cops are investigating Dr. Johnson?”

“No. If she calls her husband and tips him off, it could torpedo an important case. My policy is to always cooperate with the police.”

Merlene nodded. “I wonder what he’s done.”

With a thoughtful smile, D.J. leaned back in his chair. “Probably some kind of fraud. Or selling narcotic prescriptions to bogus patients. Maybe he’s become addicted himself. Doctors can be quite creative.”

“You don’t have to tell me that,” she said as she stood. “Remember, my ex was one of the great creative healers of all time.”

D.J. chuckled, which turned into a cough as he waved Merlene out. “Good luck on the Harris case tomorrow.”

She turned back. “Thanks. You know how much I hate testifying.”

“Are you ready?”

She sighed, wishing tomorrow and her court appearance were already over. “I’ve typed my report and been over it four times.”

D.J. nodded. “Good. Make sure you can prove chain of custody on the video. Judge Robinson is a stickler for details.”

“You got it. I’ll check in with you tomorrow.”

Merlene stole a last look at D.J. as she exited his office and paused in the doorway. A tickle of worry nudged at her thoughts as she watched him struggle to take a breath, an effort which prompted a deep cough.

No wanting him to watch her hovering, she stepped out of his view, but waited in the hallway until his hacking ceased and she knew he was okay.

Moving toward her car, she wondered about D.J.’s health. Of course, he hated it when she fussed over him, but, damn, how could she help worrying? Seemed he was deteriorating a little each day. Well, too bad if he didn’t like her nagging about his meds. She’d keep reminding him anyway.

* * *

WHEN MERLENE’S TIRES crunched gravel in the driveway of her Coconut Grove home, she wished all her problems were as simple as proving the authenticity of her evidence. Her video of a philandering John Harris had never left her possession and certainly hadn’t been tampered with. The pickiest judge in the country would have no basis to exclude her absolute proof of infidelity.

But she was more worried about D.J. Anyone could tell his cough had worsened, and she suspected he hid something from her. He didn’t act worried about the investigation triggered by Detective Warren, but maybe that was a ruse, too. Were they in serious trouble with the licensing board thanks to Warren?

But they hadn’t done anything wrong, so why would they be?

And she dreaded talking to her client. She’d rather keep trustworthy records anytime than talk to a distraught wife about discontinuing surveillance on her jerk of a husband. All of this mess thanks to Cody Warren. The nerve of that man. So he’d really gone after her license.

Her mood lightened as she walked across the shaded front yard, savoring the scent of blooming gardenias. She’d bought this small, eighty-year-old house after her divorce from Peter, the only real home she’d ever had. To her, home meant safety, a refuge, a place to hide. She’d never felt any of those things while living with Peter.

After unlocking the front door, she collapsed onto her green leather couch and tossed her briefcase onto the cushion next to her. No way to hide from calling Mrs. Johnson tonight.

The phone rang before she’d had time to slip off her shoes.

“What have you found out about my husband and that woman?” Pat Johnson demanded. Merlene closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Nothing yet, Pat. In fact, I’ve seen no evidence at all after five days.”

Mrs. Johnson lowered her voice, as if conveying a sensitive government secret. “I think Rick is in Ocala.”

Merlene sat up. “Ocala?”

“We have a horse farm in Marion County, one of his little hobbies. I rarely visit, but I think he and that slut nurse are there together right now.”

“No, Pat. The nurse has been in her apartment all day. I was sitting out front. Listen, I’ll give you back half the retainer if you want to call this off.”

“Absolutely not. I know I’m right. Stay on it, Merlene, please.”

Merlene cringed at the insistence in Pat’s voice. “Pat, I hate to see you waste your money. I think there’s a chance that—”

“That he’s involved in something illegal?”

Merlene rose to her feet, clutching the cord. “Why do you say that?”

“I’m not stupid, and I have an office key,” Pat said. “Ever since that Linda Cole took over Rick’s office, billings have doubled. I think she’s gotten him involved in something, well, frankly, sordid. I have a feeling it’s not...legal.” Merlene waited as Pat sucked in a breath to regain control of her voice. “That’s why you have to...to prove their affair, so I can force him to break it off, get rid of her.” After another pause she said, “I have two children, Merlene. They need their father.”

“But, Pat...”

“I’ll double your fee.”

Merlene stopped pacing. So money obviously wasn’t a problem for Mrs. Johnson. She sighed. “All right, Pat. I’ll do my best. Tell me why you think your husband is in Ocala.”

“Because I got a call from a friend. He’s been seen in town. Alone, thank goodness. I want you to drive up there and check it out. Maybe his nurse is going to meet him there.”

“I guess that’s possible,” Merlene murmured, although if Cody were right, that definitely wouldn’t happen. But who was she to argue with her client?

“I’ll leave tomorrow afternoon,” Merlene said, now thinking with pleasure of a visit upstate courtesy of Pat Johnson’s expense account. The scenery in northern Florida reminded her of the Midwest—more woodsy, a lot less people crowding the roads. More room to breathe. She could leave as soon as she finished her testimony in the Harris divorce. The trip would provide a much-needed break from city life.

“Even when he comes back to Miami I want you to stay on this,” Mrs. Johnson continued. “I need to get absolute proof of his infidelity. Remember what I told you about my friend at Union Farm Insurance. One word from me and the job is yours.”

“Of course I’d appreciate that, Pat.” If she could nail a high-billing insurance gig, maybe D.J. could finally retire.

“Then do not let my husband out of your sight. Have you got a pen? I’ll give you directions.”

“Trouble,” Merlene muttered when she’d disconnected, staring at the address she’d jotted down, wondering if it would be hard to find. Her client might want her to stay on the case, but Detective Warren would not be happy. No indeed.

She relaxed against her sofa cushions, her thoughts drifting to Cody Warren. She couldn’t stop thinking about the man and his piercing blue eyes that noticed everything. What was really strange was how she actually liked how they circled each other, seeing who would give up information first. Enjoying that kind of conversation made absolutely no sense. He’d probably turn out to be another macho cop convinced he knew everything, one who didn’t care who he hurt as he shoved his way through life.

No, that wasn’t fair. After all, he had clued her in about the doctor and his nurse. He didn’t have to do that. He could have let her spin her wheels for weeks chasing the pair trying to catch them together. But then he’d probably told her so she wouldn’t keep sticking her nose into his big case.

His case. She sighed, tapping the pen against her chin. D.J. always cautioned her not to interfere with active police investigations. And she supposed his case was important, would in some way protect the citizens of Miami-Dade County. For sure Cody acted as if he thought the case was vital, although he wouldn’t tell her anything specific.

So should she clue him in about Johnson being in Ocala? After all, he’d helped her. How had he put it? Trade information? Actually, telling him might be fun since he didn’t know where the doc was. Did the cops even know about the horse farm in Ocala? If so, had they bothered to look there?

She wrapped her arms around her knees and smiled, deciding to find Cody before her drive to North Florida. How would Mr. Don’t-Interfere-with-My-Case Warren react when she supplied him information he didn’t have? She nibbled at her bottom lip, picturing how he’d respond to her news, how those eyes would drill into her. Maybe she could get more details out of him about what the heck was going on with Dr. Johnson, why the cops were so hot to find him.

She’d follow D.J.’s advice and not reveal to Pat Johnson anything Cody told her. Still, her client already suspected something was up and blamed Nurse Linda Cole. But Cody insisted the nurse and the doctor were not involved romantically.

So what was really going on?

* * *

CODY RECOGNIZED HER by the maddening sway of her hips and the bounce of that amazing cascade of hair. He knew he’d run into Merlene Saunders again but hadn’t expected it to be so soon, and definitely not in the lobby of the Miami-Dade County Courthouse.

What was she doing here? For sure not following Nurse Cole for Pat Johnson. The nurse had shown up in Dr. Johnson’s office this morning like clockwork.

He was anxious for his conference with the prosecutor on the Johnson case, but seeing Merlene made him want to slow down and find out what she was up to.

“Hold it,” he shouted, and stuck his hand into the closing elevator. The doors jumped open and he squeezed in the crowded car beside her.

“Morning,” he said, letting his gaze wander over her tiny but shapely form. She did indeed look good.

“Detective Warren,” she said.

He smiled down at her, noting her briefcase and a professional navy blue suit. Leaning over, he spoke close to her ear. “If I didn’t know better, Merlene, I’d say you were a lawyer ready for trial.”

She switched her briefcase to the front of her body and grasped it with both hands. “I’m here as a witness.”

“Ah. Keeping Miami-Dade County safe from cheating husbands?”

Smoky-gray eyes shifted from the elevator door to meet his gaze. Her discomfort was easy to read. “And to think I’d decided to help you.”

Damn. He’d forgotten she had no sense of humor. “Help me?”

She shrugged and raised her chin.

The elevator stopped on six, and he nodded at two smiling clerks from Judge White’s office as they exited. “Ladies.”

When the doors closed and the car resumed its upward motion, he turned back to Merlene. “How are you going to help me?”

Although all eyes focused politely elsewhere, he knew the remaining occupants of the car listened to their conversation. Merlene knew it, too, and shot him a chilling glance, one meant to shut him up.

He caught her gaze and smiled. She hesitated, then shook her head. Pleasure slid past Cody’s defenses as her full lips curved into a tentative smile. She faced the burnished metal doors again.

“Never mind,” she said. “Maybe I’ll call you later.”

“Why not talk now?”

“I’m due in court.”

He studied her profile, thinking she was as lovely in the harsh, artificial light of the elevator as she had been in the softer, muted shadows of early evening. A subtle, warm fragrance of citrus—was it lemon or orange?—hung in the air.

As the car slowed down for the tenth floor—his stop—he said, “Last chance, Merlene.”

She threw him an unreadable look. “Good luck, Detective.”

Tucking his arm into hers, he drew her out of the elevator with him.

“Hey...” She pulled away, but the doors had already closed behind them.

Cody released her arm and threw her a grin. “Now you know how it feels to be abducted.”

“This is not the same and you know it.”

“No?”

“No.” Merlene jabbed the call button, but at this busy time of the morning in this old building it would take forever for another elevator to arrive. She was already nervous about testifying, and now she’d probably be late. Damn Cody.

“I need to be on the twelfth floor in about two minutes,” she said, “and now—thanks to you—I’ll be late.”

“Maybe you should have left home earlier.”

She punched the button again, knowing her impatience wouldn’t hurry the machinery in the least, wishing she could jab her finger into Cody’s chest instead.

“What’s going on, Merlene? I know you have something to tell me.”

“And how do you know that?” Furious, she turned to confront him but was stopped by his probing gaze, a look that brought all of her senses to full alert. Warmth spread outward from the spot on her arm where he had touched her.

“Because I’m a detective,” he said.

“Yeah? Well, so am I.” And she had never been as aware of a man as she was of Cody Warren at this moment, of his height a full foot over her, of the confident way he stood, of a muscular body full of power and authority. Sexy as hell, and infuriating.

Turning back to the elevator, she looked up at the light. At least a car was descending. But of course it stopped on twelve—her floor.

She took a deep breath and let it out slowly to calm herself. “Did you ever find Dr. Johnson?”

“No. We still don’t know where the hell he is.”

“I might know.”

He took a step closer. “Yeah? Where?”

“His wife thinks he’s in Ocala. I’m driving up this afternoon to check it out at her request.”

“She thinks he’s staying at the ranch?”

“Exactly.” So Cody knew about the ranch. Of course he did. She took a sideways glance at him and decided he looked confused. Yes, this was fun.

“Why would the doc go to the ranch in the middle of the week? He had a calendar full of patients.”

“I don’t know why, but a friend spotted him in town and my client wants me to investigate. She thinks he’s there with Nurse Cole on some sort of romantic getaway.” Merlene shrugged. “We know different, of course, but I couldn’t convince her.”

Cody ran a hand through his thick, sun-streaked hair. “Going to Ocala right now makes no sense.”

“What do you mean? Why doesn’t it make sense?” She’d given Cody some good info. Maybe he’d share some in return.

“Did you tell Pat Johnson about the police investigation?”

“I know better than that.” She sighed. Cody loved to answer a question with a question. Great strategy to wiggle off the hook. And once again, she learned nothing.

“I was wondering if that’s what made Johnson disappear,” he said.

“Well, if he knows, I promise that info didn’t come from me.”

“Thanks,” Cody said. “I appreciate it.”

“I can tell you this, though,” Merlene said. “Pat suspects her husband is into something illegal and that our Nurse Cole led him down that crooked path.”

Cody laughed. “Yeah, women are a bad influence.”

“Not funny. She’s worried about her kids.”

“Yeah, I’m aware he has kids.” He shook his head and after a pause said, “Ocala doesn’t add up.”

“Maybe not,” Merlene agreed, “but as long as my client pays my bill, I do what she asks.”

Cody jammed balled fists into his pants pockets; body language that told her he was really worried about something. What was it? Damn. Why wouldn’t he tell her anything?

“Do you carry a gun?” he asked.

“A gun?” She stabbed the lit elevator button again. “For surveillance? I don’t think so.”

“Surveillance is all you do?”

“That’s all I’m interested in doing. Besides, D.J. says don’t carry a gun unless you plan on using it.”

He nodded. “Good advice. Listen...watch yourself.”

That unexpected comment caused her to face him again. “Do you know something I don’t? Is there something special I should look out for?”

His blue eyes searched her face. For a moment she thought he was going to give her something, but then he tightened his jaw. “You’re in a profession that could be dangerous. Just be careful.”

“I’m always careful.”

He nodded, looking doubtful. “Call me when you get back.”

“What for? Wait. You actually expect me to report in? Tell you what I found in Ocala?”

“Cooperation is a good thing, Merlene. Remember?”

The elevator doors bounced open, and she stepped into the crowded car.

“You have my card,” he said. “Call me.” He held his hand to his ear, mimicking a phone.

She stared at him as the doors closed between them and wanted to stamp her foot in frustration. She would have, too, if this elevator hadn’t been as full at the last one.

So this overbearing man screws around with not only her license, but D.J.’s license, and then expects her to call him with a report? Amazing. The nerve. Especially since he hadn’t shared a thing of use with her.

Detective Cody Warren was driving her crazy.

CHAPTER THREE

CODY CHUCKLED AS he pushed open the door to the tenth-floor conference room. No question an encounter with feisty Merlene Saunders always lightened his mood. Too bad they’d met under the strained and tense circumstances of this serious case. Maybe he could look her up later and they could start over.

He’d like that. The question was: would she?

Inside the room, he found Assistant County Attorney Rafael Alvarez at the head of a long wooden conference table cluttered with files, books and paper. The prosecutor had summoned Cody and his partner to the courthouse this morning for a strategy session on the Johnson case. Jake Steadman, his partner, was tied up in a deposition but would join them later if he got finished in time.

Alvarez wasn’t looking at his papers, though. He stared out the window wearing an solemn expression.

“Hey, Rafael,” Cody said. “What’s wrong, man?”

Rafael turned to face him with a grimace. “Cody. Yeah, well, I’ve got some bad news. I’m not sure I quite believe it myself yet.”

Cody sat down beside Rafael. “What?”

The prosecutor used a pen to nudge his cell phone on the table before him. “Just got off the phone with my supervisor.”

“I’m listening.”

“We’re done, man.”

“Done?”

“They’ve pulled the plug on the Johnson case.”

Cody felt blood drain from his face as he stared at Rafael. He’d thought this meeting was to discuss an arrest, not an ending to the investigation.

“Pulled the plug? Is that some kind of a sick joke?”

“It’s no joke, man,” Rafael stated with a shake of his head. “Believe me, I wish it were.”

“But you can’t end this investigation. My partner and I have put in six months of hard work.”

“And you know the hours I’ve logged,” Rafael said. “It’s not me, Cody. It’s coming from the top guns. As of now, I’m off the case. Reassigned.” Rafael stood and jammed his scattered papers into a brown leather briefcase. “I’ve got to get back to my office. I suspect when you return to your station you’ll find that you’ve been reassigned, as well.”

“What’s going on?”

“Off the record, I think Dr. Johnson got to someone. I saw him leaving the federal building early this morning.”

“You saw Johnson in Miami today?”

“Right. Around eight.”

“You’re certain?”

Rafael paused in his quick movements. “Why? What do you know?”

Cody also rose. “I got a tip that he was in North Florida.”

“No way. Johnson was with Tony Menudo, an FBI agent I know.”

“He was with a fed?”

“Yeah, and Tony was treating him like a confidential informant.” Rafael reached out and shook Cody’s hand. “I’m sorry, man. We were almost there.”

“Yeah. Thanks, Rafael,” Cody said. “But I’m not giving up on nailing this bastard.”

“See you on the next one,” Rafael said.

Frustration and fury raged inside Cody as he strode toward the elevator. He rotated his shoulders to release the tension. Didn’t help. What he needed to do was jog about twenty miles. Or punch something.

What the hell was going on?

But he knew.

Most likely Doc Johnson had buddies in high places. Slimeballs always did. Johnson had gone to his friends and struck some kind of cushy deal. Oh, maybe he’d get a few months, maybe even a year in a nice country club prison, but he wouldn’t do any hard time. Maybe he’d have to pay a stiff fine, but nothing a wealthy physician couldn’t easily handle. Before long, Johnson would return to his old life and continue to enjoy his illegally obtained riches. Within months of release, he’d start another lucrative fraud.

Hands on his hips, Cody stared down the hallway and tried to calm his rushing thoughts. What would his lieutenant say? Had Montoya already assigned him a new case? Not that he didn’t have plenty of other open cases to work.

What about Jake? Cody placed a quick call to his partner to let him know the latest development. Jake’s cell was off for the depo, but Cody left a voice mail that their conference had been cancelled.

He knew Jake would be equally pissed when he learned the reason. They’d worked hard to develop the evidence to convict Dr. Johnson. And now it was over. All that work for nothing.

Cody shook his head. Damn. So Johnson had returned from his trip to Ocala...if he’d ever gone there. Jealous wives often overreacted, read more into a situation than really existed. Maybe the good doc had never even left town.

When the elevator pinged its presence, Cody entered and punched the button for the twelfth floor. He needed to find Merlene and save her a long, pointless trip.

To his knowledge Dr. Johnson had never been violent, but not so the other players in this fraud. He hated the idea of her going after Johnson by herself. Yeah, she seemed competent enough, but the woman had no idea what she was getting into.

There was a hell of a lot more to this case than a wandering husband. Maybe it was time he told her. What did it matter? Wasn’t his case anymore.

* * *

INSIDE A CAVERNOUS wood-paneled courtroom, Merlene jotted careful notes as her client’s soon-to-be ex-husband whined out his side of the story. She didn’t want to make any mistakes when called to testify. Lawyers loved to confuse, to trip up witnesses. There was probably a class in law school on how to do that.

She’d thought she might be sequestered, not allowed to hear the other witness’s testimony until sworn in, but her client’s attorney informed her there was a chance the case could settle thanks to her surveillance. Merlene secretly crossed her fingers. She certainly hoped so. She hated testifying.

But, man, had this Mr. John Harris ever changed his story since his wife had filed for divorce. At first he denied any wrongdoing, but he couldn’t do that under oath once he’d viewed her video of his frequent visits to his secretary’s town house.

Poor guy. She thought Harris might actually cry. Not that she had any sympathy for him. She remembered Carol Harris’s tears when she watched the video that confirmed a wife’s worst suspicions. Because of Merlene’s surveillance, John Harris would have to cough up a lot more money per month for his wife and kids.

Of course he could afford plenty of alimony and child support. She’d seen his income tax returns for the last three years. She’d never realized one person actually made that much money.

Judge Robinson summoned the lawyers up to the bench for a sidebar conference no one else could hear. Were they about to settle? Glancing at her watch, Merlene hoped she’d be called soon or they reached an agreement. She planned to leave for Ocala by one, but that wouldn’t happen at the pace this hearing plodded along. She might have to wait until tomorrow.

As happened all too often, her thoughts drifted to Detective Cody Warren, he of the piercing blue eyes and wide shoulders. No question Cody made her nuts. She couldn’t remember ever responding to a man the way she did to him. And it made no sense. How could he infuriate her but make her feel totally alive and glad to be with him at the same time? And Cody was likely married. Men that looked like him always were.

She glanced at John Harris, who still waited in the witness chair. Out of nowhere she hoped Cody wasn’t a cheating husband like this man.

An envelope thrust into her lap jarred Merlene from her thoughts. As she glanced up, her breath caught when she found Cody standing to her left. He smiled and winked, then hurried up the aisle. She turned in her seat and watched him exit the double swinging doors.

She took a quick glance around the courtroom. The judge and counsel were still engrossed in their bench conference. She took a deep breath. No one else had even noticed Cody.

Relieved that he hadn’t waited around to watch her testify, she slashed open the envelope with her pen.

In large spidery scrawl he’d written: “Meet me before you leave for Ocala. After three I’ll be at Tamiami Little League Park. Find me. It’s important. Cody.”

Her heart racing from his startling appearance, she read the note over and over. He’d underlined “important” twice and used an exclamation mark.

Cody wanted her to meet him at a Little League park? What could be so important?

And who did he think he was? Her boss?

She bit her lip as she slipped Cody’s note into her briefcase. If she postponed her trip until three, it would put her into Ocala after dark. But the hearing hadn’t even resumed yet, and from the amount of questions the judge was asking the lawyers, it looked like it might be a while before the testimony resumed. She’d already considered the option of postponing a day.

Should she find Cody later? Of course D.J. would want her to cooperate.

Still, when would cops ever stop telling her what to do? This one in particular enjoyed ordering her around, making her life miserable. Merlene crossed her legs and edged down her skirt, wondering how her spirits could possibly lift because she anticipated an afternoon meeting with Detective Cody Warren.

If she were honest with herself—always hard to do when it came to Cody Warren—she liked the idea that he’d sought her out and wanted to meet with her. She liked it too much. Was it about the case? Of course. What else could he want to see her about? She doubted he found her as attractive as she found him. No way would his steady cop’s heart race as hers just had if she showed up unexpectedly in his life. She’d practically had to fan herself with her notebook when she saw him. She could tell herself her reaction stemmed from nerves over her imminent testimony, but that wouldn’t be the whole truth.

Yeah, she’d meet Cody later. She wanted to know what was up. Heck, she looked forward to another one of their standoffs where they jockeyed for position and each other’s information. Jockeying for position? That thought brought up all kinds of erotic notions and rocketed a shiver down her spine. What was wrong with her?

Judge Robinson banged his gavel and called the hearing back into session. Merlene shook her head and forced her attention away from images of a naked Cody Warren.

* * *

THE CRACK OF a ball slamming into a bat echoed through Tamiami Park. Merlene paused next to a game in progress as the image of her little brother punching a mitt flooded her memory. Donny had loved to play first base more than he’d loved to eat, and she’d loved watching him.

She took a deep breath. How long had it been since she’d remembered the fun of watching kids playing baseball? Too long.

She relaxed as she inhaled the sweet fragrance of freshly mowed grass. Four or five boisterous games were in progress on fields surrounding her. A carnival atmosphere enlivened a park full of squealing kids and boastful parents. Oh, look at that young catcher in his bulky uniform. Merlene laughed, remembering how once in a pinch she’d subbed as an umpire for Donny’s game. What a disaster that had turned into.

A light breeze ruffled her hair and brought the fragrance of fresh popcorn and cotton candy. Donny’s usual after-game snack had been a lime snow cone. She closed her eyes and tasted the sweet-tart flavor of her little brother’s favorite treat.

After a nostalgic moment or two absorbing this familiar all-American scene, Merlene remembered why she’d come.

Right. Back to business. So how would she locate Cody? No help but to look for him game by game.

With fingers entwined in a tall chain-link fence behind home plate, she searched the closest field, figuring Cody must be coaching his son’s Little League team. Of course, the man was married and had kids. The absence of a ring never meant a thing. She ignored the nagging sense of disappointment that accompanied her thoughts.

She considered leaving without finding him. How embarrassing that she’d allowed her imagination to take off like a runaway train.

But no. What did she care if the man had ten kids? She’d come on business, pure and simple. And, damn, she wanted to find out what was so important.

At the third game she visited, she looked up at a tap on her shoulder.

“Keep your eye on the shortstop. We’re convinced he’s headed for the majors.”

“Yeah?”

Cody towered over her, his eyes hidden by dark sunglasses. “No doubt about it.”

Merlene judged the shortstop in question to be around eight or nine, his hair a similar light brown color to Cody’s. The boy focused intently on the batter, his face screwed into a tight ball of concentration.

She also tried to concentrate on the game but found Cody’s long, muscular legs distracting. He wore tan coaching shorts and a blue shirt that emphasized the width of his shoulders.

“Heads up, Charlie,” Cody yelled.

The shortstop grinned when a pint-size batter swung nowhere near the ball.

“That’s strike two,” Cody said. “When this team is out, Charlie will be first up.”

She nodded at the batter. “That kid’s not standing close enough to the plate.” Her brother had had the same problem his first year.

“You’re a baseball fan?”

“I used to be.”

The little boy missed again, and she felt a twinge of pity as he fought tears. Poor little guy. Donny’d hated it when he struck out.

“Third out,” Cody said.

Ten small players raced toward the dugout. “Is that talented shortstop your son?” she asked.

“Nephew.”

Nephew? Interesting. “Is your son here, too?”

“I don’t have a son.” He faced her and grinned. “Thanks for coming. How’d it go in Judge Robinson’s court?”

“Other than not getting called until after lunch, fine.” Looking up, she smiled back, liking the friendly expression on his angular face. Damn, but Cody was tall. Okay. No son, but what about a daughter?

She sighed. “I’m just glad my testimony is over.”

He led her away from the game to a concrete bench in the shade of a large oak. The bench and the ground below were covered with oak leaves. Cody brushed the debris away.

“Testifying is never a picnic,” he said as they sat. “Believe me, police hate going to court, too. It’s time away from our regular duties, and I’m sure you know how defense lawyers try to destroy our evidence, make us look bad.”

At his mention of cops, familiar suspicion bumped into her good mood. So why was Cody acting so nice? He obviously wanted something. No one ever did anything for free, especially not cops.

“Are you going to tell me why I’m here?”

“Relax, Merlene. You don’t have to rush off to Ocala. Dr. Johnson is back in Miami.”

“What? Are you sure?” She searched his face, wishing she could see his eyes behind the glasses.

He nodded. “I confirmed it myself even though I’ve been reassigned. He’s at his office this afternoon.”

“Reassigned?” she asked. “What does that mean?” When he leaned toward her, the scent of fresh grass and clean masculinity curled around her senses.

“That you’re free to watch your favorite doctor as much as you want. He’s no longer under active investigation by my department.”

“But why? Has he been cleared of whatever you thought he’d done?” Which Cody still hadn’t told her about, by the way. Was he about to tell her now?

“No, ma’am. I didn’t say that. In fact, I was hoping you’d tape the comings and goings from the good doc’s house for me.”

“What? Come on, Cody. You have to tell me what’s going on.”

Cody removed his sunglasses and ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t know why yet, but I’ve been pulled from the case. So has the county attorney my partner and I’ve been working with.” He leaned back and caught her gaze. “Guess what? It’s not because of budget cuts.”

“Wow.” Merlene thought hard and came up with only one explanation. “Dr. Johnson must have powerful friends.”

He nodded. “That’s what we think. So if you stay on him, at least I’ll still receive some information.”

“Because his friends can’t call me off,” Merlene said, nodding. “And I suppose you’ll want a full report?”

“I wouldn’t mind.”

The complete irony of the situation caused a laugh to bubble up from deep in her chest. She tried to stop herself but couldn’t. At the confusion on Cody’s face, she clamped a hand over her mouth. “Sorry,” she murmured.

“My case is a disaster, and you’re laughing?”

“Because you chased me away twice and now...now you want me back.” She shook her head. “I never thought I’d live long enough for the police to ask me for help.”

“At least something I say can make you smile.” He startled her by raising his hand, but merely brushed a lock of hair away from her face, then dropped his hand to her shoulder.

She sucked in a quick breath but didn’t move.

“Do you know you have a beautiful smile?” he said.

She didn’t reply, only felt the weight of his hand resting on her shoulder.

His eyes searched hers, and an unfamiliar yearning shot through her as he leaned closer. His hand inched closer to her neck. She found herself shifting in his direction. Was he going to kiss her? She suddenly wanted him to. Wanted him to more than she’d wanted anything in a long time.

“Hey, Cody,” a voice shouted. “Get back over here. Charlie’s up next.”

She stiffened, and Cody dropped his hand.

He angled his head toward the ball field. “Want to come with me to watch my nephew at bat?”

“No!” She jumped to her feet, furious with herself for letting down her guard. “No, no. I can’t. I have to go.”

He stood beside her with a frown. “Slow down, Merlene. You don’t have to drive to Ocala, remember? Since you haven’t got anywhere else to be, why not enjoy the game with me?”

“Thanks, but no. I—” She looked around, searching the bench so she didn’t leave something behind. Like her good sense. Or maybe she could find an excuse for why she had to run away from him. And, Lord, she needed to. Her flesh burned where he’d touched her. She resisted the urge to stroke the spot.

“I have to catch up with Dr. Johnson again,” she said. There. That was the truth. “My client wants me to maintain constant surveillance on her husband.”

“But I wanted to—”

She stuck out her hand to shake his. He took hold and squeezed, so she quickly withdrew her arm. She needed to get away from Cody before she did something really stupid. “Thanks for letting me know about Dr. Johnson, Detective Warren.”

“Sure,” he said. “Why don’t you—”

“Really, I appreciate it. But I’ve got to get back to work.”

Refusing to meet his gaze again, she fled toward the parking lot. When she got to her car she unlocked the door and collapsed inside.

What had happened to her just now? For those few moments it was as if Cody had put her into some kind of a trance. She frowned. No, not exactly. She’d been conscious of every hammer of her pulse, exquisitely aware of him, silently urging him to take her into his arms and kiss her.

She glanced back the way she’d come. At a baseball field. In front of children.

Dear heaven, what was wrong with her?

Long ago she’d promised herself to never, ever lose control of her actions. Losing control was what had happened to her parents when they drank. She’d learned to never let anything but logic and common sense rule her life.

So obviously she had to stay away from this detective if he could make her forget where she was with a mere touch.

* * *

MERLENE SIGHED AND stretched her legs, trying without success to get comfortable in the Toyota’s bucket seat. What was that old country song about being back in the saddle again? Yep, that was her. And nothing doing at Doc Johnson’s house—as usual. This promised to be another long night. She’d have to remain on this stakeout until after midnight.

After a conversation with her client, she’d resumed surveillance on the good doctor, picking him up again at his office where Cody said he’d be. Johnson arrived home after dark and hadn’t budged since.

And her mind wouldn’t budge from thoughts of her encounter with Cody Warren this afternoon at the ballpark. Now that she’d calmed down, in hindsight she wished she hadn’t run away like a big chicken. She’d behaved like a scared little girl who’d never been kissed.

Well, truth was she’d never been kissed by somebody as exciting as Cody. What must he think of her, running away like that?

She lightly stroked a finger across her shoulder, tracing the path of his touch, remembering the flood of sensation he’d aroused. Part of her wished he had kissed her. She rubbed her finger across her lower lip. What would kissing Cody feel like?

And, really, how could a simple touch, a hand resting on her shoulder, make her behave so crazy? Maybe her reaction had more to do with the haunting emotions the baseball field had dredged up, bittersweet memories of her younger brother.

Yeah, right. She laughed at herself. Blame poor Donny. Of course, that was it.

She did the math and realized this year Donny would be twenty-two years old. Imagine that. What would he be doing now? Would he be in college? Working? She liked to think he’d have beat the odds and made the major leagues in baseball. He could even have kids of his own.

A loud bang on the car door jerked Merlene from her reverie. Startled, she looked up to find Cody grinning at her through the open window.

Placing her hand over her racing heart, she closed her eyes. How had he snuck up on her like that?

“Unlock the door, Merlene.”

She opened her eyes to glare at him, but he was already at the passenger door waiting to climb in. She reached across the front seat and flipped the lock.

“You scared me half to death,” she accused as he positioned himself in the small seat. A delicious spicy aroma floated from the brown paper bag he carried.

He shrugged, obviously unconcerned by her fright. “You should be aware of what goes on around you at all times, Madam Detective. Especially at night. Maybe it’s a good thing you don’t carry a gun.”

She bristled at his words even knowing he was right. “Did you come to give me a lecture?”

“No. I brought you dinner.” He held the paper bag in front of him and rattled the contents. “Smells good, doesn’t it?”

Yes, it did smell good, and she hadn’t had a decent meal all day. She’d been too nervous about testifying to eat breakfast or lunch and had only grabbed some cheese crackers to nibble during the surveillance.

“What is it?” she asked, eyeing the bag.

“My sister Annie’s homemade vegetable soup. When I told her I was coming by to check on you, she insisted I bring you some. She saw us talking at the game this afternoon.”

“That was nice of her.” Merlene swallowed. And nice of Cody to bring her food, especially considering how she’d acted this afternoon. What was with him? This was probably a bribe meant to insure her cooperation. For sure cops loved cooperation, but so far it had traveled mainly in one direction.

“You don’t need to check on me, you know. I’m a big girl.”

He pulled a clear plastic container filled with a thick liquid from the bag. Heat had condensed moisture underneath the lid. “Better eat before it gets cold.”

She gave in to her hunger. No sense letting homemade soup go to waste.

“Okay, thanks.” When she pried open the lid, steam and an appetizing hint of garlic spread into the car. Cody handed her a spoon, and she took a tentative taste, closing her eyes as she savored the flavorful, warm broth. Best soup she’d had in ages. Of course, she couldn’t actually say it was better than her mother’s since her mom never made soup that didn’t come from a can.

“What about you?” she asked between sips.

“I already ate. My sister’s a great cook, isn’t she?”

Merlene nodded, enjoying the soup too much to answer, not caring that Cody watched every spoonful she placed in her mouth. She hadn’t realized she’d been so hungry.

He smiled, then glanced toward the Johnsons’ house. “Anything going on tonight?”

“Uh-uh,” she mumbled, shaking her head.

“You need to be more careful around Johnson. He’s involved with some dangerous people in high-stakes insurance fraud and pill mills.”

“Pill mills?” Merlene asked. She’d read about that scam in the paper lately. “You mean he provides painkillers, narcotics to addicts when they’re not truly sick?”

“Bingo. Very lucrative for the physician, but people are dying because of greedy doctors. It’s a huge problem in Florida.”

She nodded, wondering about the hard set to Cody’s jaw. “I’ll record any cars coming or going, report the tags to you.”

He glanced at her again. “I like how you set up in a different location this time. Smart.”

“D.J. taught me well.”

Cody rubbed his hand across his chin. “D.J. was a good cop.”

“Oh, you think so?” she asked, unable to keep the sarcasm from her voice.

Cody cocked a brow at her tone. “Yeah, I do.”

“Well, I doubt if he’ll appreciate your praise since the Division of Licensing is investigating him...thanks to you.”

Cody narrowed his eyes. “What are you talking about?”

“You didn’t know they’re sending out an investigator because of your complaints?”

“Complaints? All I did was confirm you had a valid license.”

“Well, guess what? A call from the cops worries the regulators in Tallahassee.”

Cody sighed. “I’ll see if I can call them off.”

“Good.” Her outrage cranked down to a simmer, Merlene took another bite of soup, spilling a drop on her blouse. She reached for a crumpled napkin and said, “D.J. hasn’t been feeling well lately.”

“Sorry to hear that. How did you hook up with him?”

“He’s a distant relative. My mother’s second cousin, I think. They were close as kids. He moved away from Joplin and made good, though.”

“Joplin?”

“Joplin, Missouri. Once the proud home of the Bob Cummings Motel, its only claim to fame until the tornado last year.”

“Your home, too?”

“No, not my home,” she murmured. “But I was born there.” Merlene gulped the last bite of soup and placed the container in her console next to a half-eaten bag of cheese crackers.

“You moved to Miami and looked up D.J. so you could make good, too?”

She shifted in the seat and looked out the window. Seated like this, Cody was too close. “Not exactly. I moved here when I got married. I looked up D.J. afterward.”

“Ah, the husband. I’m curious about what he thought of your career choice.”

“Not much, since I chose it so I could catch him in bed with his lover.” There. She’d said it. She raised her chin and gave Cody a direct look, daring him to say the wrong thing.

“I see.”

She sighed. “It was a long time ago.”

“Well, did you?”

“What?”

“Catch him in bed with his lover?”

She nodded. “Like I said, D.J. taught me well.”

“Was your husband a police officer?”

“No.” She issued a short laugh. “Another no-good doctor.”

“So since you were so good at surveilling people, you decided to make a living at it?”

“Made sense, don’t you think?”

“Hell of a way to choose a career.”

“It wasn’t my first choice.” After a pause she said, “Did you always want to be a cop?”

“From the time I was about ten. My dad was a cop.”

“Yeah, D.J. told me. That’s nice that you ended up doing what you always wanted,” she said. “Most people don’t get that in life.”

“So what was your first choice for a career?”

Damn, she’d left herself wide open for that question. “An impossible dream.”

“Why impossible?”

“Never mind.” She leaned her head against the seat back.

“You can’t do that, Merlene. You have to tell me.”

“You don’t want to know.”

“Yeah, I do.”

She sighed and wrapped a strand of hair around a finger.

“Come on.”

Wondering why she was dredging up ancient history, Merlene gazed toward the Johnson house. “I wanted to be a singer, specifically a country singer. I ran away to Branson, auditioned for every music hall in town, but all I ever did was wait tables. What a mistake.” She examined the ring on her right hand and wondered why she still wore it. To remind her how miserable her marriage was?

“That’s how I met Dr. Peter Saunders.”

“Ah. You’re a singer?”

“That’s just it. I’m not.” She shook her head. “I can’t even carry a tune. When I was seventeen I thought I could, but believe me, what happens when I sing isn’t music.”

“I like country tunes,” he said. “Sing something for me.”

“No way, Detective.” She held up both hands. “I knew better than to tell you.”

He grinned at her. “Coward.”

You got that right. I’m a big fat chicken who might start clucking any minute.

“Forget it.” As she reached for her notebook on the dash, her arm brushed against his shoulder, the same arm he’d touched this afternoon. Warmth again spread out from their contact. Did he feel that spark, too? She felt her belly muscles contract and thought about their almost kiss this afternoon. Being in a confined space with this man was definitely a bad idea.

Taking a deep breath, she checked the time and entered her status into the log. She needed to refocus.

“Did you find out why you’ve been yanked off Johnson’s case?” she asked.

“There’s rumor,” Cody said, “but nothing concrete.”

Or maybe you’re refusing to tell me, she thought, tossing the pad back to its place.

“You should have stayed and watched the game,” he continued. “In the fifth inning my nephew hit a triple.”

“Hey, that’s great,” she said, and meant it. “I’ll bet he was thrilled.”

“He was. And I think you enjoyed yourself at the park today, too.”

“Yeah, I got a kick out of watching the kids. It’d been a long time.”

He nodded. “I thought so.”

She caught his gaze and held it, again wondering why he’d really come tonight. “You’re observant. D.J. says that’s the mark of a good detective.”

“Is that a compliment, Merlene?”

She rested her head against the seat, watching him. “Maybe.”

“Well, thank you, ma’am.”

“Don’t let it go to your head.”

“Too late,” he whispered. “It already has.” He cupped his hand around her neck and pulled her toward him, lowering his mouth to hers.

CHAPTER FOUR

MERLENE SURRENDERED TO the tide of pleasure sweeping through her, oblivious to anything but the power of Cody’s kiss. Magic, that’s what it was. Sweet, soul-stealing magic she was powerless to resist, had no wish to resist.

He made a husky noise, a rumbling deep in his throat. Arms corded with muscle gathered her close. He was warm, strong, solid as an ancient oak. She arched toward him, needing to get closer, wanting to feel the safety of his strength crushed against her.

Until an insistent, shrill beep echoed through the Toyota.

She stiffened and pulled away. Cody eased her back against her seat but didn’t release her.

“Ignore it,” he growled.

She swallowed. “It’s D.J. He’ll be worried.” She cringed at the catch in her voice but grabbed her cell phone.

“Oh, well...if it’s D.J.,” Cody muttered as he slumped against the passenger seat.

A green light glowed in the dark car when Merlene flipped open her phone. What had just happened? Her heart galloped as she focused on the keypad. Fighting to control her trembling fingers, she punched in D.J.’s speed number. He answered immediately.

“What’s going on, Merl?” D.J. barked. “Why didn’t you answer?”

“Nothing is going on, D.J. I couldn’t get to my phone in time.” No need to tell him why.

“You scared me a bit,” her boss said. “I got plumb worried.”

“Sorry. But everything is fine. The doctor arrived home around nine and is probably tucked into bed for the night. I’ll go on home around midnight as usual, get some sleep and be back here before he leaves for work tomorrow.”

“Sounds good,” D.J. said. “Talk to you tomorrow.”

“You feeling okay?”

“Fine.” D.J. hung up, and the tone of the off button sounded in the quiet car.

“He likes to check on me,” Merlene said. Watching the light of the numbers dim, cold reality settled over her. What would have happened if D.J. hadn’t called her? She needed to get Cody out of her car.

“You’d better go,” she said.

Cody turned to her with a frown. “What’s wrong?”

What’s wrong? What was right? Good Lord, how could she make out in a car like a hormone-impaired teenager? During an assignment, no less.

“I’m working, and you shouldn’t be here,” she said. “Now who’s the one interfering?”

His brows arched. “What?”

“You heard me. You’re interfering with my investigation, distracting me from the job.”

“Come on, Merlene. I’m keeping you company on a boring stakeout.”

“What would your precious police department think about me crashing one of their stakeouts and seducing an officer on duty?”

He opened his mouth to speak, then tightened his jaw without speaking. She looked away, recalling how easily she’d given in when he’d urged her lips apart. Furious with herself for succumbing to his potent attraction, she searched for the quickest way to make him leave. So what would piss him off? She could ask for money. That should work.

“How much is the Miami-Dade P.D. willing to pay for help with your little problem?”

“Pay?”

She shrugged. “I don’t work for free.” Yeah, maybe this was a lame idea, but the best she could come up with on short notice. Next time she’d know better than to unlock the car door.

“You know damn well I’ve been pulled from the case. I can’t pay you. I hoped you’d cooperate.”

“Typical of the police.” She folded her arms across her chest and stared out the windshield. “All take and no give.” Her cheek tingled from the scratch of his beard. She longed to run her fingers where he’d touched her. She didn’t dare look at him.

“What the hell are you talking about?” Finally he sounded angry. Took him long enough.

She shrugged. “Money talks. I have bills to pay.”

He lifted her hand and wiggled the finger with the diamond ring. “Doesn’t your ex-husband pay your bills?”

She snatched her hand back. “That’s none of your business.”

She held her breath waiting for his reaction.

“No,” he said, dragging out the word. “I guess it’s not.” He opened the car door, then paused and glanced at her over his shoulder. “I’ll be sure to tell my sister you liked the soup.”

Merlene watched him walk away, surprised by the tears stinging her eyes. With him gone, her car felt empty. Lonely. Lifeless.

Her heart felt empty, too. Like a big pit she’d seen once in the Ozark Mountains.

She hated the look on his face when she’d asked for payment. Now he obviously thought she was a greedy witch. She only asked for money to get him out of the car.

But she would make the video he requested and send him a copy. He might call her to say thanks, but she suspected there was a good chance she’d never see him again after this little episode. Who could blame him?

The thought that she’d never see him again made her sorry she’d answered D.J.’s call.

She’d been hungry most of her life. Sometimes for food, always for love. When very young, often escape from freezing weather was what she hungered for most. But when Cody kissed her she’d felt...full, as if she finally had enough of whatever she needed. Well, at least she couldn’t imagine needing anything else during that kiss.

Problem was, this new sense of fullness was addictive. How could anyone resist a feeling that made you feel so good, even if lasted only briefly?

Yeah, and wasn’t that the way drugs worked? She thought of the pill mills Cody had told her about tonight, and how her client’s husband helped make addicts out of good people. What would be so wrong with letting herself go with Cody? Just enjoy his company and see what happened? She’d been resisting him solely because he worked in law enforcement, following her years-old logic that told her all police officers had to be jerks.

She knew that couldn’t be true. Not all of them, anyway.

Cody definitely wasn’t a jerk. Jerks didn’t bring you vegetable soup. Jerks didn’t tell you how evil pill mills were connected to your case. And how could a jerk kiss like that?

Anyway, he had shared information with her. Probably about as much as she’d shared with him.

With him she felt so...what was it? Alive. New. With Cody it felt like the past didn’t matter, that she didn’t have to be that hungry little girl from Missouri. She could be somebody different, somebody new.

* * *

STOMPING BACK TO his car, Cody decided Merlene Saunders had a chip on her shoulder that stretched all the way to Branson, Missouri. Why did everything in life always come down to greed? Cody jerked open the driver door and slammed it behind him.

Oh, but he knew why. People always want what they don’t have. His old man had wanted way, way too much, more than he could ever get on a cop’s salary. He understood exactly what desperate yearning had done to his hardworking father, and it was never going to happen to him.

Cody cranked the engine, his angry thoughts now focused on his dad. What had happened to him to make him turn? He knew his father hadn’t been dirty his whole career. For a treat, his family used to eat in a neighborhood café near their home on Friday nights. What was the name? Smitty’s, named for the owner. Money was always tight, but Smitty had some kind of deal for early diners. His mom raved about the meat loaf. He and Annie loved the outings because the early-bird meal came with dessert, one of the choices being their favorite: hot apple pie.

Smitty usually came out to say hello and every time offered to pick up the entire check because his dad was a police officer. But his dad always paid the bill, refusing to take anything from Smitty. Not even a free cup of coffee.

“But it’s just a way to say thanks,” Smitty would say. “Really nothing. Cops put their life on the line every day.”

“That’s my job,” his dad had always responded seriously. “And it’s my privilege to uphold the law.”

Cody remembered practically bursting with pride because of his dad’s honesty. He’d decided right then he wanted to grow up and be exactly like his dad. Be honest. Be a cop. Uphold the law.

And he’d wondered a million times since what had happened to make Dad change. He’d even considered the idea the refusals had all been for show in front of the family. If the wife and kids hadn’t been there, would Dad have let Smitty pay the tab?

Cody maneuvered his vehicle onto the roadway. He’d never know. He’d never know what it was his father had wanted so much that he had to turn crooked, forced him to end his own life.

Merlene Saunders sure as hell wanted something. Probably another rich doctor who could buy her more flashy gems to adorn her skin, skin that in his opinion needed absolutely no help from bling.

Now that his initial anger had ebbed, a heavy sense of disappointment weighed him down over what had happened with Merlene. He liked Merlene. He liked her sassy attitude, even if it drove him nuts, and she was definitely easy on the eyes. He’d been looking forward to getting to know her better.

For sure kissing her had been a pleasure. He shifted in the seat, remembering how she’d felt in his arms. Yeah, he’d like to get to know her a lot better, but not if money was what spun her world.

Why hadn’t he noticed such a materialistic streak in her? Had he been so blinded by her beauty? Missing a trait like that sure as hell wasn’t like him. She’d even called him observant, which had led to that fabulous kiss.

Well, the department wouldn’t pay her, and he wasn’t about to. He never had money left over from a paycheck anyway, didn’t have a dime saved anywhere, didn’t want to be a slave to possessions, didn’t want to end up like his dad.

Money talks. Yeah, right, it always does.

How could a woman come apart like warm honey in his arms and then freeze into a sheet of ice in seconds? Why had Merlene pushed him away? She was interested in him. He would have to be blind not to have picked up on the signals, the way she secretly checked him out. Even his sister had noticed their mutual attraction this afternoon.

Annie! Damn. He’d forgotten that his sister and Charlie were bunking with him tomorrow night while their home was tented for termites. She’d asked for the couch, but of course he’d give them the only bed in his one-bedroom apartment.

Annie had reminded him about the plan this afternoon, and he didn’t have any food in the house. He glanced at the digital clock on the dash. After ten. Too late to pick up groceries now. He’d have to make time tomorrow. Nah. Better yet, he’d order pizza. Charlie would love that idea.

He probably should straighten up the place, though, maybe run the vacuum. If not, he’d have to listen to Annie grumble about how he should get married, have kids, settle down. Cody sighed. Fat chance that would happen anytime soon. The only women he met were on the job.

Like Merlene. Would he ever see her again? Did he want to see her again? Hell, yes. What was it about her? Merlene might be greedy, but he’d never been this intrigued by a woman.

* * *

CODY OPENED HIS door to his sister and nephew the following evening, hoping a little family time would improve his mood. He needed a distraction so he could stop thinking about one certain female private investigator.

He and Charlie talked baseball stats and who would make the playoffs over a pepperoni pizza, boring Annie to eye rolling, until she announced since tomorrow was a school day, Charlie had to go to sleep.

“Look at this place,” Annie said, as she collapsed onto the sofa beside him after her son had reluctantly crawled into Cody’s bed. “When are you going to buy some furniture?”

“This place is good enough for you and Charlie to crash in,” Cody said, glancing around the small, sparsely furnished room. His secondhand belongings suited him fine.

Annie sighed. “Don’t get huffy. You know we appreciate not having to pay for a motel. Besides, Charlie insisted. He wanted to talk to you about sports, sports and more sports.”

Cody nodded. “And we know sports are way over your head, Annie Oakley.”

She punched his shoulder. “Annie Oakley! Nobody can call me that but you, Cody Wyoming.”

He grinned at his sister over the strange names their mother had cursed them with. Thank God Annie was better now, finally able to smile again, enjoy life. She’d had a difficult couple of years after her husband had overdosed on pain meds following complications from back surgery. Pills he’d obtained from another unscrupulous doctor. Yeah, just hand over the cash and the doc was only too glad to provide relief. Mark had been a damn good man, but one with a low threshold for pain. Addiction sent him on a downward path that had spiraled out of control.

Annie plumped a cushion behind her and turned to study him. “So now you can tell me more about that gorgeous new girlfriend who came to the game yesterday. Where did you meet her?”

“She’s not my girlfriend.”

“Yeah? The two of you seemed awfully engrossed in each other.” Pinching him lightly in the ribs, she continued, “You almost missed Charlie’s turn at bat.”

“Strictly business, Annie.” He knew eagle-eyed Annie had noticed his interest in Merlene.

“Why is everything always business with you, Cody? You need to lighten up.”

“I take my work seriously.”

Annie waved her hand. “Everyone knows that. You’ve spent years trying to make up for Dad’s mistakes. It’s time to stop and get a life.”

Cody glared at Annie. First she ragged him about Merlene and now their father. If he didn’t love his sister, he’d arrest her for disturbing his peace. “I’ve got a life, thank you very much.”

“What life? You work constantly and don’t own a thing so that, God forbid, you won’t become attached to anything. You even drive a county car. I’m wondering what you do spend your paycheck on. You must have a mint stashed away.”

“Not everyone worships money. I don’t need material things, Annie. They’re not important.”

“Please.” She held up her hand. “You talk like some wigged-out new age guru when I know what you really like is to watch grown men bash each other’s heads in on Sunday afternoons. But that’s only if you’re not at work trying to arrest felons and bash heads yourself.”

“I’m sorry you think so little of police work,” Cody said in his most wounded tone.

“It’s not that.” She sighed. “Cody, you don’t have anything to prove. No one thinks you’re going to end up like Dad. And buying a few nice things wouldn’t mean you’re greedy.”

“I’m happy with what I’ve got.”

“Hey, it’s me, your sister. I know how badly you want kids. If you don’t settle down and get married, you’ll never have them.”

“I’m twenty-nine. I’ve got plenty of time.” He closed his eyes. He’d had this conversation with his sister too many times. Hell, yes, he wanted kids, but she didn’t get how hard his job was on a relationship. Or how important his job was to him.

“Did you at least give her my soup?”

“Yes, I gave her your soup. She enjoyed every drop.” An image of Merlene placing her delightful lips around a spoon loaded with veggies flashed into his mind. He’d enjoyed every drop right along with her.

Annie nodded. “Good. Now call her up and ask her out.” She tugged on her thin, straight blond locks. “I’d give anything for hair like that.”

He stood, now pushing away a mental image of Merlene wrapping dark hair around a long, graceful finger. Annie wasn’t providing a distraction. She was making him think about Merlene even more.

Call her up and ask her out? If he did, would she accept?

He stood. “It’s been a rough day, Annie. I’m sorry, but I’ve got to get some shut-eye.”

Annie rose beside him. “I hate that we’ve thrown you out of your bed. Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. Go to sleep.”

She grinned at him. “You don’t fool me, Cody. You just don’t want to listen to me nag anymore.”

“You got that right. See you in the morning, Annie.”

“I hope you don’t have one of your horrible nightmares tonight.”

“Good night, Annie.”

“You should buy a condo,” she said, moving to the bedroom. “You can’t rent forever.”

* * *

MERLENE REACHED FOR her video camera when a dark-colored sedan pulled into Doc Johnson’s driveway. She glanced at her watch. Almost midnight.

Definitely not Linda’s BMW, but she’d record the license plate for Cody. She zoomed in on the rear of the car until she got a good image of the numbers as the car doors opened.

Two men dressed in dark slacks and casual jackets exited the vehicle and moved toward the front door. Merlene lost them when they moved behind a hibiscus hedge.

She lowered the camera. Strange. Who would visit Doc Johnson in the middle of the night? She’d planned to leave in another few minutes.

She jotted the plate number and a description of the vehicle in her notebook. Tomorrow she’d call Cody with the information.

He’d still be furious with her for throwing him out of the car last night, but that was tough. The man knocked her rational brain patterns out of whack. She needed to stay away from him.

Why did she find Cody so bone-meltingly sexy? She doodled his name on the side of her notebook, then scratched it out. She’d be fine as long as she didn’t see him. Or think of him.

Her head jerked up when a loud crack sounded from the Johnson house. Then another, and another.

She froze, recognizing the noise. Gunshots.

Her heart pounded inside her chest. When she remembered to breathe, her inhalation sounded shaky in the quiet of the car. What the hell was going on inside that house?

She picked up the video camera and refocused on the car in the Johnsons’ driveway. The same two men rushed toward the vehicle as Merlene hit the record button.

One carried a gun.

Her mind racing, she continued to record as the sedan careened out of the driveway and raced north on Granada Avenue. The car skidded while making a sharp left turn, bounced off a street marker, then disappeared.

Merlene lowered the camera, took a deep, painful breath, then exhaled with a whoosh. She glanced back at the house.

She had to call the police. This was one time when she had no choice. Still...she hesitated. Every time the cops got involved in her life, disaster followed.

If she called the police, it would blow her surveillance of Dr. Johnson clear to Missouri...but she had to do something. She couldn’t just sit here and ignore what she heard and saw.

One of the men had waved a pistol. What if he’d shot somebody? Like Dr. Johnson.

She dug in her console for Cody’s card.

He answered on the third ring with a groggy “Hello.”

“Cody, wake up. Something’s happened.”

“Merlene?”

“Yes,” she whispered. “I—”

“What’s wrong? Where the hell are you?”

“I’m in front of Doc Johnson’s house and—”

Merlene paused as she heard a female voice questioning him in the background. Cody told the woman to go back to sleep.

Damn, a woman was with him. She shut her eyes. What the hell was she thinking to call Cody? She knew better.

“What’s going on?” Now Cody sounded wide-awake.

“Never mind,” she said. “I shouldn’t have—”

“Talk to me, Merlene.”

“I think someone just shot Dr. Johnson.”

* * *

CODY RACED FROM his apartment in West Miami to Coral Gables, barely slowing down as he sped through intersections. Merlene had sounded terrified, the first time he’d ever heard anything but bravado in her voice.

All he could think about was getting to her.

Johnson’s neighborhood remained quiet as he pulled up beside her Toyota. He’d monitored the Gables police frequency, and no one else had called in a disturbance.

He eased himself into the tiny seat beside her.

“Thanks for coming,” she said, eyes wide, cellular phone in her right hand.

“Let me hear it again,” Cody said.

She related the story exactly the same way the second time.

“What if he’s in there bleeding to death?” She closed her eyes. “I should have called 911.”

Cody placed his hand on her shoulder and squeezed. “Hey, take it easy.”

Her chest rose as she inhaled deeply. “You didn’t hear that loud crack. You didn’t see those men run away.”

He released her and opened the car door. “I’ll check it out. Wait here.”

Exiting the car, he wondered why the hell he was bending the rules for Merlene. He’d known her...what? Less than a week and he was about to peer in the front window of Dr. Richard Johnson’s house, a man that two days ago was the subject of an investigation he’d been abruptly ordered to terminate. He’d played it strictly by the book for years and now—

A car door closed behind him. Cody whirled around.

“I told you to wait in the car,” he growled as Merlene moved close. A flicker of distrust flashed through her eyes, an expression he’d analyze later.

“I’ll make a better witness if I see what’s going on. Besides, you might need me.” She clutched her cell phone as if it were a lifeline.

He stared into her stubborn face and couldn’t think of how to dissuade her.

“This is my client’s house. I have her permission,” Merlene insisted. She dug in her pocket and held up a key. “I’ve never used it, but Pat gave me this just in case.”

“You have a key to this house?”

“So it’s not trespassing, is it?”

He shook his head. “I don’t even want to think about that.”

He turned and moved through the front yard. Merlene stayed with him.

“Do you think we’ll be able to see anything through the front window?” she whispered near his ear. “There’s a light on in the foyer.”

He held up his hand to slow her down, then edged forward. “We won’t need your key. The door is wide-open.”

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