Always Yesterday (6 page)

Courtney rose. “I’m not arguing with you guys about this. I’ve made up my mind. I’m dating Tad, and I will not compromise my moral standards—not one bit!” She picked up her tea glass and soup bowl. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with a gorgeous man, so I won’t be at Bible study tonight.”

As Delanie watched Courtney leave the coffee shop, she fought a huge urge to run after her, tackle her, and beg her not to go.

“No, he isn’t affecting her decisions, not one bit. She hasn’t missed Bible study in over a year, until tonight. . .” Kristen voiced what they were all thinking.

Delanie shook her head. “I need you guys to pray for me. I’m in the same predicament. Only it’s my job assignment, so I have no option. Eli and I will be spending eight or more hours a day together, and I realize how vulnerable that makes me.”

“So his kiss was pretty amazing, huh?”

Delanie smiled at Kristen. “You have no idea. When he slipped his arms around me, I felt like a bowl of jelly. At that moment every rational thought fled, and all I wanted was to kiss him. The only good thing is that I don’t affect him at all—except maybe he feels disgust.”

“So he won’t be trying to date you?” Jodi asked.

Delanie chuckled. “When pigs fly—and believe me, I do see the blessing in that.”

“That may be God’s protection,” Kristen agreed.

“I’ve decided to ask him to refrain from kissing me because of my religious convictions. We can play the loving couple without quite so much intimacy.” Delanie raised her chin in determination. “There will be no more lip-locking with Detective Dangerous—absolutely none! I promise you guys that.”

❧

Eli strapped on his helmet, sat astride his bike, and cranked the engine to life. Riding home, he couldn’t get his mind off Delanie, her heroics, or the mayhem she inflicted on his emotions. Tuesday and Thursday nights he tutored his junior high posse, and he was running late. He attempted to focus on them and their educational needs, but Delanie kept sneaking into his thoughts. When he rode up to his apartment, the whole gang—all eight of them—were waiting for him in the parking lot. Removing his helmet, they loaded into his old, dingy-white, fifteen-passenger van—the one he’d bought just for toting them—and they headed for the nearby Burger House.

Oscar grabbed the other bucket seat in the front, and Miguel sat in the center of the seat right behind them. “So, Eli, how’s that fine partner of yours?” Miguel asked in a teasing tone, and all of the boys chuckled.

Eli gave him “the look” through the rearview mirror, but he’d obviously lost his power of persuasion.

“She swept you off your feet again?” one of the boys from the very back hollered. The chuckles increased to loud laughter.

“Glad you boys can have fun with that whole incident.” Eli knew their banter would be ongoing for the next few months, and he took no offense. He’d have done the same at their age.

“She’s sure pretty,” Oscar said in low tones for Eli’s hearing only.

He smiled at the boy and nodded. “Too pretty. Girls like her get us boys into trouble.”

“Whatcha mean?” Oscar asked.

Eli thought carefully about his answer. He didn’t want his negative opinion to taint their young minds.

“She’s the kind of girl to make a man think about marriage, and because of my job, I decided long ago that I’d never marry.”

“But lots of cops are married.” Oscar shot a hole in Eli’s excuse.

“I know, but since I do undercover work, it’s more dangerous. And I have my dad and you guys. My life doesn’t have room for a wife.” Only the empty ache in his heart belied his words.

When they arrived at the restaurant, Eli stepped to the end of the line, surrounded by his noisy band of boys. An obviously pregnant teen and a man in a suit were in another line, a couple of people ahead of where Eli stood, but they caught his eye. The hair on his neck stood on end. He studied them, straining to pick up bits of conversation.
If only these boys would be quiet.

“How about if you guys go grab a couple of tables? I pretty much know what you want anyhow since your orders never change.”

The rowdy group boisterously made their way to a spot in the corner. Eli focused on the odd couple in line, trying to figure out if the young woman was with her father or perhaps someone connected to the baby-selling ring. Tilting his head, he tried to catch their words, but the fast-food establishment was too loud, even with his boys across the restaurant.

After receiving their order, the man grabbed the bag in one hand and the girl’s elbow with his other. As they passed Eli, he heard her say, “That’s a lot of money.” She wore a surprised but pleased expression. Eli resisted the urge to grab her from him then and there. For all he knew, they could be discussing her allowance, though he doubted it.

They exited out the side door. Eli darted to the back of the restaurant. “You guys stay put for two minutes.” Eight pairs of startled eyes fixed on him, but he had no time to explain. He rushed for the door but caught no sign of the pair. He ran around the building to the other side. Still nothing.
How could they vanish into thin air?

Chapter 5

Eli entered Sarge’s office at seven forty-five the next morning, and there stood a very pregnant-appearing Delanie. He stopped short—the scene before him felt intimate, something he wanted no part of. She had her hands under the false belly, which only highlighted her “condition,” but it was the yearning he felt that nearly sent him running. He thought he’d settled the issue of family long ago.

“Eli,” Sarge said, “you’re early.”

He nodded, but his eyes hadn’t left Delanie. At Sarge’s greeting, her gaze rose and connected with his. She blushed, stood straighter, and let her hands fall to her sides.

“I came in early to get fitted with this thing.” She patted the protruding bulge over her normally slender waist. “I wasn’t sure how long it would take and didn’t want you to have to wait.”

Eli nodded again, grateful for her thoughtfulness.

Sarge shook some keys, and both Eli and Delanie refocused on the metal ring dangling before them. “An old beat-up Nova. You’ll find it out in the fenced lot with the other police vehicles.” He tossed the keys to Eli, where he still stood just inside the doorway. “Hit the road.”

Eli’s gaze returned to Delanie, and he knew Sarge was right. She was the perfect girl for the job. In her black capris, snug-fitting pink maternity T-shirt, and honey-hued locks hanging long and straight, she easily passed as a high school teen. Upon his scrutiny she tugged at the shirt, trying to loosen it across her midsection. “This isn’t mine,” she assured him. “I don’t normally wear things this tight, but they thought I should look the part.”

Once again he just nodded and waited for her to exit Sarge’s office, then closed the door behind them. On the way out of the building, Delanie received a few wolf whistles and joking remarks from other cops in the hall.

She gave them a sidelong glance. “Grow up, boys.” Her gaze returned to him. “Hey, E, I’ve been doing some checking. My friend Kristen is a paralegal, and she claims Peg’s Diner on Sierra Street, just south of downtown, is a favorite hangout for many of Reno’s attorneys. Do you want to start there? We can have breakfast, watch who comes and goes, formulate a plan.”

Eli gave her a nod, held the door for her, and then led her to the beat-up black car. He opened the passenger door and waited while she struggled with her new protrusion to situate herself in the seat; then he shut the door. Once he turned the key, the engine roared to life.

“Nice pipes.”

He glanced at Delanie, surprised she knew anything about mufflers.

She grinned at him. “What—girls can’t like souped-up cars?”

He revved the engine. “The mechanics on this car are sure in better shape than the body.” He let out the clutch, and they rolled forward toward the gate.

“Well, I’m relieved you don’t have laryngitis,” Delanie said.

“What?”

“That’s the first thing you’ve said all morning. I thought maybe you’d lost your voice or the cat had your tongue.”

Though he hadn’t realized it, she was right. Not being one for idle chitchat, he’d have liked to keep it that way. Delanie, however. . .

He found a parallel parking spot along the street a couple of blocks from the restaurant. Digging in his pocket, he stuck a few quarters in the meter. Delanie had already exited the car and waited on the sidewalk. Remembering his self-made promise, he grabbed her hand in his, and they sauntered toward Peg’s. Her small, warm hand reminded him he hadn’t done this hand-holding thing since high school.

“Two, please,” he informed Rosie, the hostess, as soon as they entered the building. He noted her curiosity as she gawked at Delanie’s pregnant form. She led them to a small booth, and Eli didn’t release his clasp on Delanie’s hand until they arrived at their destination. Sliding into the seat proved difficult for Delanie. Her belly barely fit.

“You guys lucked out and just missed a big rush.” Rosie handed each of them a menu. She directed her next comment at him. “You’re running late today. The waitress will be around soon.” She turned and walked away.

Delanie’s forehead crinkled. “You’re a regular here?”

Eli nodded, laid his menu aside, and flipped over the upside-down coffee cup. He was sure she’d have said more, but Sue ambled by just then with a pot in her hand and filled his cup with the rich, dark brew.

“Any for you?” she asked Delanie.

Laying her menu down, Delanie stroked her girth. “It’s not good for the baby.”

The waitress nodded and moved on.

Delanie checked out the restaurant. Eli had already noted several business professionals but saw no pregnant women dining with any of them.

“This is a fun place—all the colorful pictures on the walls,” Delanie said with her normal enthusiasm.

Eli perused the light blue walls and shrugged. He’d never paid much attention before.

Another waitress took their orders, grabbing the menus as she left the table.

“You’re really a gentleman at heart.” Delanie squeezed lemon into her water.

He stared at her. Where had that come from?

“You open building doors and car doors. Not many men are that attentive these days. It’s sweet.”

Sweet?
“My dad always did that for my mom.”
Even in a drunken stupor.
“Comes second nature.”

“You never speak of your family.”

“Nope.”
And I never will.

Sue came by and refilled his cup. “It’s good to finally see you here with someone.” She smiled at Delanie. “We’d convinced ourselves the man was a hermit.”

Delanie returned her smile and rubbed her tummy. “No. He’s got me and the baby.”

“Good for you,” she said and winked at Eli.

“So you don’t bring your women here?” Delanie whispered.

He shook his head.
Always fishing.

“I’ve never been to this diner before,” Delanie said, her gaze roving. Then she focused on him. “Are you married?”

“Nope.”

“Me either.”

As if he cared.

“Ever been?”

He stared into those tranquil eyes and debated answering.
Might as well. She probably won’t let up until I do.
“Nope.”

“Me neither.”

The waitress set his usual in front of him and a spinach omelet in front of Delanie. She scrunched her nose at his
huevos rancheros
. “How can you eat that this early in the morning?”

“How can you talk so much this early in the morning?” he countered.

She grinned, apparently undaunted by his intended dig. Sometimes her beauty nearly stole his breath. Her skin glowed with peaches-and-cream perfection. The kiss from yesterday floated to the forefront of his mind, and he wanted to repeat it. No wonder he steered clear of all women; he obviously had no willpower whatsoever. Clearing his throat, he hoped to clear his thoughts, as well.

“My brother sometimes orders the same Mexican egg dish, but yours looks different.” She pointed at his plate with her fork.

“It’s served in a tortilla.”

“And smothered in hot sauce,” she noted.

Eli decided that since peace and quiet didn’t appear to be an option, they might as well at least discuss work—a safer topic than his personal life. “I think I might have gotten a lead last night.”

Delanie laid down her fork and leaned forward.

“I was at the Burger House up by where I live.” She nodded, and he recounted the incident. “I had hoped to see them climb into a car so I could ID the vehicle, but they were nowhere to be seen. I searched both sides of the parking lot. The guys thought the girl went to their middle school a couple of years ago. Said she was in eighth when they were in sixth grade, so that would probably make her a sophomore. I thought I could get the police artist to sketch both her and the man with her. Might be our first lead.”

Delanie chewed her lower lip, appearing deep in thought. “We could search all of the local attorney Web sites and see if we can find a picture that matches.”