Cold Case Cop (7 page)

“Can’t I come to the club just for the fun of it?”

That comment made her laugh. “You’ve never done anything for the fun of it in your life.”

She was right. He was always so hell-bent on proving himself to his family and the department that his life had been absorbed by work. He’d had no personal life. But since the shooting, he’d realized something was missing. He wanted
more
. What that more was he couldn’t have said until he kissed Mackey last night. “My friend is Tara Mackey.”

“The crime reporter?” She stared past him at Tara for a long moment.

He wasn’t surprised Gertie recognized the name. She read the paper cover to cover every day. “Yes.”

“She’s a good writer. I am fond of her work. She doesn’t treat you with kid gloves in her articles.”

He smiled, noting he liked that about her. “No, she does not.”

Gertie’s eyes widened a fraction. “So why is she here? Please tell me she is a real date.”

“She’s not exactly a date,” he said with some regret.

“She’s here to ask questions about Kit Landover,” Gertie said.

He’d never underestimated how sharp his grandmother was. “Yes.”

“I’d heard there was a reporter at the club yesterday.” Gertie glanced over at Tara. Approval shone in her eyes. “She seems to be handling her own with Regina.”

“She’s smart as a whip.”

His grandmother nodded thoughtfully. “I’m glad to see Tara has done so well for herself. I always liked the girl.”

Alex’s interest peaked instantly. “I didn’t realize you knew Tara.”

“She dated Robert Stanford when she was in college. He brought her here often. He was over the moon for her and gave her an engagement ring. Then, when everyone thought they’d marry, he broke off the engagement. Seems his family didn’t approve of her. After that, she moved to Washington, D.C., and I didn’t see her again until you were in the hospital.”

Alex didn’t know which statement surprised him more. “Wait a minute. Tara was at the hospital when I was there?”

“She checked in on you several times. She never came into your room, but I overheard her speaking to the doctors.”

Alex turned and looked at Tara, as if seeing her for the first time. She’d never told him she’d come to the hospital. For reasons he couldn’t quite explain, that meant a lot to him.

He cleared his throat. “And you’re telling me she was engaged to Robert Stanford of the Mayflower Stanfords?”

“It’s not general knowledge anymore but yes, they were engaged.”

The benign dislike he’d harbored for Stanford over the years morphed into distaste. “And he dumped her?”

Gertie smiled at his accurate evaluation of the situation. “His mother didn’t think Tara was suitable. And Robert always listens to his mother.” She lowered her voice. “From what I understand, Mrs. Stanford tried to make a financial settlement on Tara. It was quite generous from what I remember. But Tara refused.”

No wonder Tara had a chip on her shoulder. “How do you know all this?”

“Servants talk.” Gertie’s gaze settled across the room on Tara and Regina. “You better go intervene. I think Regina needs rescuing.”

He glanced between the two women. They were as different as night and day. Regina was stunning and stylish and enjoyed her privileged life of cocktail parties, fundraisers and trips to Europe. And Tara said what was on her mind, didn’t mind covering the toughest crime stories for the
Globe
and moonlighted in a bar at night to pay her college loans. In his mind, Regina paled next to Tara.

“I’ll see you later.” Alex kissed his grandmother on the cheek and crossed the room. He stood beside Tara and handed her a beer.

She accepted it with a smile, but didn’t drink. “Thanks. Regina and I were just having the most interesting discussion.”

Alex doubted that. But he wanted to be closer to Tara. Except for his grandmother, she was the only other person in the room he cared about.

Regina looked visibly uncomfortable as Tara leaned toward her and asked, “So what did you and Kit talk about that last time?”

“Just girl talk. Nothing more.” She glanced across the room as if someone had caught her attention. “If you will excuse me. It was lovely visiting, Tara.”

Tara took a long drink of her beer. “Did you know that Regina hated Kit?”

“Doesn’t surprise me. At one time Regina had her sights set on Pierce, and then Kit came to town.”

“Was she a suspect in your investigation?”

“She had an alibi. Regina was in Europe when Kit vanished.” Alex raised his beer to his lips and paused when he caught sight of Robert Stanford. “Heads up.”

Tara turned to see Robert and his wife headed their way. Her face tightened only a fraction as she squared her shoulders.

His slim, athletic frame hadn’t softened in the last nine years and his blond hair was still thick. He rested his hand on the arm of the petite brunette, who was visibly pregnant. Tara could live with the fact that he hadn’t gotten fat or gone bald, but knowing he was about to be a father stung some. They’d talked about having children once.

Robert beamed as he approached. “Tara, is that you?”

She refused to show hints of the angry young woman who nine years ago had called him a coward as she’d stormed out of his parents’ home. “Robert.”

Kirkland moved a fraction closer to her. The gesture felt protective, and she realized he knew about her relationship with Robert. Boston society was a small world.

Still, she was grateful for Kirkland as Robert leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. He still wore the same aftershave.

“You look great,” Robert said as his gaze skimmed her frame.

She smiled. “So do you.”

“I read your articles. They’re good.”

“Thanks.”

Robert’s gaze shifted to Kirkland. “Alex, I never see you at these things.”

Alex’s expression was flat, as it was when he was interviewing a suspect. “Tara and I thought it would be fun.”

Robert lifted a brow. “You and Tara are dating?”

The brunette cleared her throat. “Robert. Are you going to introduce us?”

Robert glanced at his wife and had the good sense to look embarrassed. “I’m sorry, this is my wife, Debra. Debra, this is Tara.”

“Tara?” The extra emphasis on her name told Tara that Debra knew of her husband’s history. “How nice to finally meet you.”

Tara had never been good at small talk. “So when is your baby due?”

Debra’s hand slid proudly to her belly. “November. It’s a boy. He’s our fourth child.”

“Fourth? That’s nice.”

“The girls are eight, six and three.”

Emotion tightened Tara’s throat. Robert must have married Debra within months of their breakup. “Lovely.”

An awkward silence settled between the four, and finally Robert cleared his throat.

“Tara,” Alex said. “Ready to see my sailboat? I did promise you a tour.”

She grinned brightly at him. “I thought you’d forgotten.”

Alex glanced at Stanford. “If you’ll excuse us.”

Stanford nodded. “Sure.”

Alex didn’t bother with goodbyes, and seemed glad to see them go. He escorted her through the crowded room out onto the club’s patio. Stars twinkled in the sky above and danced on the calm waters of the bay. The air was warm but had lost the biting heat of midday.

Outside, Tara felt as if she could breathe. She stared out on the water at the sailboats moored on the docks. Their sails were down for the evening and their tall masts jutted proudly toward the sky. Most of the boats looked as if they could sleep eight to ten people.

Tara took a long sip of her beer. “So who told you about Robert?”

“My grandmother,” Alex said without apology. He stood close to her, staring out over the water.

“Good news travels fast.”

“If it’s any consolation, Stanford is an idiot.”

That did make her smile. “Thanks. And thanks again for being a stand-in date.”

“No problem, Mackey.” He sipped his beer.

“So do you really have a boat?”

“I do.”

“Which one is yours?”

“The one at the far end.” She followed his outstretched arm out to a seventy-four-foot boat moored in the last slip. Teak decks and brass accents gleamed.

“So does it sleep like twenty or thirty people?” she asked jokingly.

“Just six. Three staterooms and three heads.”

“Wow.” She took a long sip of her beer.

He stared down at her as if trying to read her thoughts. “You ever been sailing?”

“Not since Robert took me. I got seasick each time.”

“That’s because Robert didn’t and still doesn’t know what he’s doing. You sail with me and you’ll love it.”

She glanced up at him. His gaze held no hint of humor. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

“Sorry?”

“That I would like it too much.”

A hint of a smile touched his lips. She realized several people were staring at them.

And then Alex’s gaze rose and fixed on a point behind her. “And speak of the devil.”

Tara turned and followed his line of sight. Pierce Landover cut through the crowd, his sights set on Tara. Alex had the urge to protect her, but checked himself. She might have appreciated the chivalrous gesture when Stanford had approached, but Landover was different. He was the man she’d come to interview and if Alex knew anything about Tara, she was a tough interviewer. Still, he decided to remain close.

Pierce stopped beside Tara and sipped his neat single-malt scotch. “I understand you are asking questions about my late wife.”

Tara didn’t flinch. “Yes, I am. I’m doing a story on Kit for the
Boston Globe
. I had a few questions for you about Kit.”

“I make it a policy not to discuss my late wife with the media.”

Tara’s head cocked a fraction. “You refer to Kit as your late wife. Her death was never proven. Do you believe she’s dead?”

His lips flattened. “Yes, I do. And I’m in the process of having her declared dead. It’s time I move on with my life.”

This was news to Alex. The last he’d heard, Pierce had vowed never to stop looking until he knew what had happened to Kit.

“Any theories on what could have happened to her?” Tara asked.

“Whatever I know, I shared with the police. Now do us all a favor and drop this story.”

Tara met his gaze. “I’m afraid I can’t do that. In fact, the more people who warn me away, the more I have a tendency to dig in my heels.” She barely took a breath before asking, “Do you have any idea what happened to the gems Kit was wearing?”

“No.” Pierce studied Tara with an assessing gaze that reminded Alex of a cat toying with a mouse before the kill. “Ms. Mackey, Tara if I may.”

“Sure.”

“Tara. My wife was quite unstable. Beautiful, but very unstable. I was willing to overlook all her faults because I loved her. Her death was a tragedy. The furor around our wedding day has finally started to fade away and I don’t want it stirred up again. Now, I’ve asked nicely. Next time I won’t be so kind.”

Alex’s hackles rose. “That a threat, Mr. Landover?”

“A promise,” Pierce said, his gaze shifting to Alex. “Stay out of my business.”

Tara’s gaze flicked to Alex as if she were annoyed by his sudden protectiveness. But as Pierce turned to leave, she blurted out, “Have you ever heard of Brenda Latimer?”

Pierce hesitated and frowned. “Who?”

“Brenda Latimer,” she said carefully. She spelled the last name.

Alex watched Pierce’s expression closely. As a cop, he’d learned not only to listen to what people said, but also concentrate on how they said it.

“No,” Pierce said. He seemed genuinely bemused, but then he had a reputation as an accomplished liar. “Who is she?”

“A grifter and prostitute from New York,” Tara said.

He arched a gray eyebrow. “Why would I know someone like that?”

Tara shrugged. “I’ve seen pictures of her. She looks a lot like Kit.”

Pierce sipped his scotch. “We all have our doubles, Ms. Mackey.”

“These two women could be twins,” Tara interjected as he started to turn.”

Pierce shook his head. “Don’t start any nasty rumors.”

“I only deal in hard facts.”

His expression tightened. “You will only get one warning from me.” He strode away.

Tara watched him leave as she sipped her beer. “That went well.”

Alex didn’t hide his surprise. “You’ve been a reporter too long not to recognize a serious threat.”

“His threats are a good thing.”

“How so?”

She tapped her finger against the side of her beer bottle. “I’m getting closer to the truth.”

Trying to kill Tara last night had been an impulsive act.

Borelli had been so careful this past year to cover his tracks. But when the nosy reporter had come sniffing around, pure adrenaline and anger had driven him into action. He’d gone to the paper, and when he’d seen her leaving he’d followed her. His rage had overtaken him and he’d rammed her car.

It had been thrilling and exciting to see the fear in her eyes as her car had rolled off the road. It had also been maddening to see her climb out of the wreckage whole and healthy. It had been tempting to double back and take a second swipe at her but by then motorists had begun to stop and help her.

In retrospect, it was better she’d lived.

The last thing he needed was Detective Alex Kirkland breathing down his neck. The cop was smart and he’d figure this whole mess out if Borelli wasn’t careful.

Borelli just needed to control his temper and stay calm. What was it Kit used to tell him? Keep your anger in check and your mouth shut.

Just a few more weeks and the waiting would be over.

Tuesday, July 15, 10:00 p.m.

T
ara relaxed back in her seat as Kirkland drove them back to Roxie’s after they left the club. They talked on the ride back about everything and nothing and Tara found herself forgetting about Robert, Pierce and the fact that Kirkland was from their social set.

Right now, he was just a man. A very attractive man, who made her feel things she hadn’t felt in a very long time.

He parked in front of Roxie’s and shut off the engine. They sat in the moonlight. He’d taken off his jacket and loosened his tie. Chest hair curled out from the vee of his shirt collar.

She wasn’t in a rush for the evening to end. “Thanks again for taking me.”

“You’re not a bad date, Mackey.”

“You’re not so bad yourself.”

She remembered the kiss they’d shared the other night. She wanted to kiss him again, and that insight scared her. She had vowed nine years ago never to enter the high-society world and she feared Kirkland would put her back there.

Tara grabbed the door handle with hands that trembled just a little. “I better get going.”

He frowned. “What’s the rush?”

“I’ve got a very early morning tomorrow.” Not waiting for him to open her door, she got out. As she walked to the bar’s front door, she pulled out her keys.

His car door opened and closed. His steady footsteps sounded behind her. “So what’s your early morning call?”

She faced him. “I’m going to Cadence.”

He wasn’t surprised. “I figured as much. I’m coming with you.”

The idea of traveling with him, alone, made her very uncomfortable because it was a recipe for sexual chemistry and disaster.

“Don’t come, Kirkland. It’s not worth your time. I’ll only be gone a day, and when I get back I’ll report back to you.”

He leaned a fraction closer, forcing her to press her back against the door. He appeared in no rush to end their evening, nor did he seem to be in the mood to argue. “I like to do my own legwork.”

“I don’t have a partner.”

Kirkland was so close Tara could feel his warm breath on her cheek. A hint of his aftershave mingled with his scent. “You looked great tonight.”

That caught her off guard and her defenses rose. “Did Regina ask you to find out where I got my vintage fake jewelry?”

His gaze darkened. “Regina is the last person on my mind right now.” He touched her pendant. “I just liked the look.”

Tara had a habit of not thanking people when she was given a compliment. “Thanks.”

“You’ve got great legs.”

The huskiness of his voice made her belly tighten with desire. She struggled to regain equilibrium. “So what is the deal with Regina?”

He shoved out a sigh. “Why?”

“I don’t know. She’s your ex. But I think she’s still got a thing for you.”

“I told Regina we are finished.” He brushed an imaginary fleck of lint from her shoulder. His hand brushed her cheek. “And for the record, I don’t have a thing for her anymore. We’re done.”

Her body tingled with the contact. It had been far too long since she’d had a man touch her. She didn’t realize until this moment how much she missed being touched.

Kirkland tucked a stray strand behind her ear and then gently slid his hand to the back of her neck. Ever so gently, he edged toward her, testing to see if she wanted him to kiss her.

She did.

Tara leaned into him, anxious to know what he tasted like. Gently, she kissed his lips. They were soft, sensuous.

He deepened the kiss, pressing his lips harder against her and then coaxing her lips open with his tongue. She leaned her body into him, savoring the sensations exploding in her. This man knew how to kiss. He knew how to make a woman want.

She wrapped her arm around his neck and pushed her breasts against his chest. He pushed her gently back against the door. His erection pressed against her as he started to kiss her neck.

A low moan rumbled in his throat. It had a primitive quality that made her wonder what other sounds he could make if they went up to her room and made love right now. She splayed her fingers over his hard chest. The brushed cotton of his shirt covered a hard, muscled torso.

Kirkland’s hand slid down her shoulder and brushed her breast. She hissed in a breath.

His even, white teeth flashed. “Do you like that?”

“Yes.” She barely recognized the sound of her voice. “Yes.”

This time when he kissed her he cupped her breast, and her nipples grew hard under the lacy silk bra she wore.

“I want you,” he murmured against her ear. “I want to peel that dress off you and see what your skin looks like in candlelight.” His voice had a roughness to it that she found even more titillating.

She’d never been moister and she’d never wanted a man inside her so much. What would one night hurt? How could an hour or two of mindless sex change her life so much?

Tara knew the answer. For some it might not matter but for her, sex had to be attached to emotional commitment. And she could become very attached to Kirkland if she didn’t take care.

Tara pulled back, moistening her lips with her tongue. “I can’t.”

“What?” His voice sounded far off, lost in a mist.

“I can’t do this.”

He pulled back and looked into her eyes. There was no anger, just confusion. “Why not?”

“I can think of a million reasons.”

Kirkland’s brow knotted. “Name one.”

“Because tonight would just be about the sex. And I don’t do casual very well.”

He traced her jawline with his callused thumb. “It would be good between us, Mackey.”

Her gaze dropped to his lips and she was already sorry they’d not be sharing a bed tonight. “I’ve no doubt. In fact, I’d bet it would be great. But like I said, I don’t do casual.”

A sigh shuddered through him and he leaned his forehead against hers. “Okay.”

Tara stared into his vivid eyes. “Thanks for not making a big deal out of this.”

Kirkland pulled back and kissed her leisurely on the lips. She savored the taste, and despite her virtuous words she wasn’t so sure she could live up to them.

When the kiss ended he pulled back. “You’re going to dream about me tonight.”

He was so full of arrogance it made her laugh. “I probably will.”

“Good. I know I’ll be thinking about you.” He smiled and drew back. “What time do we leave in the morning?”

Her thoughts hadn’t kept pace with his. “Sorry?”

“For Cadence. What time do we leave for Cadence?”

“Not we,
me
.”

“I come or I’ll bring you into the station for withholding evidence.” His stance was still relaxed but she didn’t doubt that he meant exactly what he’d said.

She stood a little straighter. “That’s blackmail.”

There was no hint of contrition in his gaze. “Yes, it is.”

Her mind cleared. “I was planning on leaving early, so I could be in Cadence when the courthouse opened.”

“Perfect. I’ll pick you up at seven in the morning.” He kissed her lightly on the lips one last time. He strode toward his car with the arrogance of a man very sure about himself.

Tara was ditching Kirkland.

She’d decided last night that she wanted to go to Cadence without Kirkland. This was
her
story. And she wanted to be the first one to crack it.

She knew he would be mad when he realized she’d left him behind. But if the information she found was valuable enough she might be able to talk her way out of jail.

She’d risen before dawn, dressed and eaten a quick breakfast. Clearing her throat, she picked up her briefcase and stowed it in the trunk of her rental car. Above, the stars had already started to fade and the first hint of the sun peeked over the horizon.

She expected this excursion to be just a day trip but experience had taught her always to expect the unexpected. So to be on the safe side, she had packed a few necessities in case it turned into an overnighter.

Just the thought that this trip could extend to morning shored up her decision to leave Kirkland behind.

The last thing she needed was to be stuck in the middle of nowhere, overnight, with Alex Kirkland.