Hot on Her Heels (11 page)

There was a lot more she could say—like no matter what, he was their father. She might think he was a class A asshole, but that was because he'd nearly killed a close friend. But she wasn't family.

Skye, ever elegant in a tailored suit, shook her head. “We don't have any second thoughts. Garth said nearly the same thing yesterday. We talked for hours and we know this is what we want.”

Lexi put her arm around Izzy. “He crossed the line. We want him taken down.”

Izzy, normally so full of life, was oddly silent. Her face was pale, a stark contrast to her dark, curly hair.

Dana had a small idea of what her friend was feeling. She'd had to deal with a father who was abusive. But she'd known what he was all her life, while Izzy had to deal with the shock of learning her own father had been willing to consider her a casualty of war.

Renee returned and they ordered breakfast. When they were alone again, Skye said, “If he hadn't arranged for the explosion, we would have backed off. But that changed everything. We have to protect ourselves against him. He needs to be prosecuted for everything he's done.”

The sisters were so different, Dana thought. Lexi, the cool blonde, with her holistic view on life. Pregnant and glowing, she looked radiant enough to make even the most cynical woman long for motherhood. Skye, with her fiery red hair, had the appearance of the wild child of the group, while she was the most maternal. The quietest and most caring.

Izzy, always ready for adventure, had nearly been defeated by the aftermath of the blast that had left her blind. Not permanently, but it had been a scare. She'd changed, but was still the one who led with her heart.

These women were her family, Dana thought. She would die for them, if necessary.

“If that's what you want, I'll move forward,” she said. “We'll get him.”

Renee returned with a pot of hot water, a teacup and a tray of teas. “The kitchen's backed up. It'll be a couple of minutes.”

“No problem,” Skye said.

Lexi sniffed. “Oh, Renee. Look.” She pointed at the tray of tea bags.

“So?” Renee's eyes narrowed. “What's your point?”

Lexi stood and hugged her, her big belly getting in the way. “They're organic.”

Renee shook her off. “Yeah, yeah, so what? I slipped when I placed my order. Checked the wrong box. Now I'm stuck with them, so you'd better drink them all.”

Lexi sniffed as she sat. “I will. I promise.”

“Cheap talk,” Renee muttered as she walked off.

Izzy grinned at Garth. “See what we do to people.”

“It's terrifying,” he said as he picked up his coffee. “I don't stand a chance.”

“If only that were true,” Izzy said. “But I have high hopes. Especially with Dana's help.”

Had Dana been drinking she would have choked. “You're on your own,” she said, hoping she wasn't blushing.

“While we're talking about changes,” Skye said, then paused.

Lexi leaned toward her. “Tell them.”

“Maybe it's not the time.”

“It's the perfect time.”

Garth looked at Dana, as if asking what they were talking about. She shrugged, not sure what Skye meant.

Skye shifted in her seat, then smiled shyly. “It's probably a ridiculous thing to say or even think about, with everything going on,” she began.

Izzy rolled her eyes. “Would you get to the point? It's wonderful. Come on. Tell them.”

Skye looked from Dana to Garth and back. “As you know, Mitch and I are engaged. We've been talking about the wedding and, well, it was Erin's idea, really.”

Izzy dropped her head to the table. “Will you get on with it?” she said, her voice muffled.

Skye cleared her throat. “We're talking about a Christmas Eve wedding. Erin thinks it would be romantic and I know Mitch is excited that he'll never have to worry about remembering our anniversary.”

“I don't think that's what has him excited,” Dana said with a laugh. A holiday wedding. Skye's daughter was right…it was very romantic. “It sounds perfect. And very you. Imagine the party you can plan.”

Skye looked more worried than happy. She stared at Garth. “Is it a bad idea? I'm thinking about all the things going on with Jed. Should we wait?”

“No. Getting enough on Jed could take weeks, months or even years. Don't put your life on hold. A Christmas Eve wedding sounds very…nice.”

“Nice?” Izzy straightened. “You are such a guy.”

“Thank you.”

“It would be a small wedding,” Skye said. “Family and a few close friends.”

“Don't compromise,” Dana told her. She might not
be a “fancy party” kind of person herself, but she cared about her friend. “Have the wedding you want.”

Skye smiled at her. “I appreciate that and I know you're right. We've talked and we want something intimate. Special. Just the people we love, at the house. But there isn't much time.”

“If anyone can do it, you can,” Izzy said. “You're gifted at the party thing. And I'll help.” She held up her hands, palms out. “I know, I know. I'm a giver. I can't help it.”

“I'll help, too,” Lexi said, resting her hand on her stomach. “As long as I can do it sitting down.”

“I'll be busy,” Dana muttered, thinking she would rather tackle Jed in a gun battle than address invitations or fold napkins.

Everyone laughed.

Lexi started to say something, then frowned at Garth. “Didn't you have on that exact shirt and tie yesterday?”

The table went silent. Dana's first thought was complete panic. Oh God, oh God, oh God! Now what? Everyone would know. What would they think? What would
she
think? She didn't know what to say, where to look, how to breathe.

Garth calmly sipped his coffee. “No.”

Lexi squinted at him. “I guess you're right. They look the same.”

“All men's clothes look the same,” Izzy complained. “Have you seen their shoes? All those identical loafers. The big question is tassels.”

Just then Renee showed up with breakfast. Dana accepted her plate with a sense of being handed a reprieve. Slowly, carefully, she glanced at Garth, who was watching her. He winked.

 

A
FTER BREAKFAST, EVERYONE
went their separate ways. Lexi and Dana walked to Lexi's car. Dana hovered as her very pregnant friend waddled more than walked.

“How are you going to survive the last two months?” Dana asked.

“I'll manage,” Lexi said cheerfully. She paused by her car, then said, “He's not your usual type. Garth, I mean.”

Dana opened her mouth, then closed it. “I have no idea what you're talking about.”

Lexi raised her eyebrows. “I noticed the tie yesterday specifically because Cruz has the same one. I thought it was interesting. Men don't wear the same tie two days in a row unless they haven't gone home to change.”

“Right,” Dana said, struggling to stay calm. “But maybe he wasn't with me.”

Lexi watched her without saying anything.

Dana collapsed like overcooked pasta. “Okay, it was me. I don't know how it happened, but it did. And then he wouldn't leave. He spent the night.”

“Fascinating,” Lexi said slowly. She smiled. “I know we've been after you to try someone new, but Garth?”

“I can't explain it,” Dana muttered. “He's your brother. Is it too weird?”

“Of course not. Just…” She hesitated. “Be careful. We don't know that much about him. I don't want you to get hurt.”

“Hey, this is me we're talking about. I don't get that involved.”

“He's different.”

“I'm not. I take care of myself.”

“Then go for it. Enjoy the ride, so to speak. And if you want any advice…” She shook her head. “Never mind.”

“Advice? On guys? You're the one with a ten-year dry spell.”

“That was before Cruz and not what I'm talking about. I meant clothes and makeup.”

Dana glanced down at the shirt she'd pulled on. Izzy had given it to her for her birthday last year. “What about my clothes?”

“Just that he moves in different circles. He'll probably ask you to some events that require something more dressy.”

Events? As in a date? “We're not dating.”

Lexi's blue eyes brightened with laughter. “You're just having sex?”

“Yes. I would never date him.” She held up her hand. “I'll admit sleeping with someone you wouldn't date is probably bad, but I'll accept the consequences. We don't actually have a relationship.”

Lexi studied her. “Or so you think. You might want to ask Garth his thoughts on the subject.”

“I'd rather be shot.”

“I'm sure that's true.”

 

T
HAT AFTERNOON
Garth found his weekly staff meeting interrupted by the arrival of his three sisters. As they'd just had breakfast together less than six hours earlier, he didn't know what was so important, but he knew better than to keep them waiting.

He excused himself from the staff meeting, then returned to his office to find them “exploring” everything from the coat closet to several of his drawers.

“Ladies,” he said as he walked in.

Izzy was bent over, looking into drawers in his credenza, Lexi was on his computer and Skye smoothed the coat in his closet before closing it.

They looked at him without a trace of guilt.

“We were making ourselves at home,” Izzy said, closing a drawer.

“So I see. Lexi, would you like my password?”

She smiled and stood. “No, thank you. I was just…checking my e-mail.”

He motioned to the sofas by the window and waited until they were seated before joining them.

“An unexpected pleasure,” he said. “And the reason for your visit?”

“We want to know your intentions toward Dana,” Skye said, watching him intently. “She's our friend.”

“News travels fast.” He doubted Dana had coughed up the information, so apparently Lexi hadn't bought the similar tie story.

“She's a very close friend,” Izzy said. “Practically a sister.”

“You're not known for having serious relationships,” Lexi added. “You have a broken engagement and a string of abandoned women.”

“Abandoned,” he said. “As bad as all that?”

Skye drew in a breath. “Not that we don't care about you, too.”

“I can see that. Your concern for me is overwhelming.”

While he found their meddling irritating, a part of him was pleased that Dana had these women looking out for her.

“We don't want Dana hurt,” Lexi said.

“Neither do I,” he told her. “It's been less than twenty-four hours. Can you give me a week to figure all this out?”

“We're not asking if you're planning to propose,” Skye said. “Just be careful. We love her and we don't want you playing with her emotions.”

“I wouldn't do that. I respect Dana.”

“Then we won't have a problem,” Lexi said.

“Good. Anything else?”

When they all shook their heads, he stood. “I have a meeting to get back to. If you'll excuse me.”

“You're angry,” Skye said, coming to her feet.

“No, just not sure I'd want any of you at my back during a fight.”

Skye moved toward him and touched his arm. “We'll love you, too. It'll just take a little time.”

The words stunned him and burned away any lingering annoyance. He wanted to tell her that he didn't want their love. He preferred to go it alone. But he couldn't find the words and by the time he did, she and Lexi had left. Only Izzy stayed behind.

He turned to her. “You have something else?”

She tilted her head. “Maybe we're worried about the wrong person. Maybe we should be worried about you.”

No one worried about him. “I'm fine. I'm the powerhouse here.”

She smiled. “Okay. But just so you know, Dana usually gets involved with men she can push around. Then she gets bored and leaves. She's never taken a chance romantically. You're not her type and I don't think she's your type, either. So you might want to think about protecting yourself.”

“Thanks, but I'll be fine.”

She walked to the door, then faced him again. “It's funny. That's exactly what everyone thinks right before they fall.”

“T
HIS IS RIDICULOUS,”
Dana grumbled to no one in particular. Which was a good thing. No one was listening. She didn't know where the idea had come from, but it was totally stupid.

“Where do you want these?” Leonard, Skye's key IT guy, asked as he walked in with three laptops still in their boxes.

“On the desks,” Dana told him, pointing to where the furniture guys were moving desks into place.

Lexi looked up and smiled. “Oh, you have the computers. Thank you, Leonard. You'll stay to set them up, won't you? I'm so not in the mood.”

His gaze dropped to her belly. “Um, sure, ma'am. Shouldn't you be sitting down?”

Lexi rubbed the small of her back. “Probably.” She sank into a rolling chair and motioned to the boxes the furniture guys had brought in first. “If you bring those to me, I'll start opening them,” she told Dana.

“Right. And then I'll be in trouble for making the pregnant lady do the hard work.” Dana crossed to the boxes and pulled out her pocket knife. “I'll do it.”

“You are so crabby,” Lexi told her.

“We don't need an office. We're not selling sandwiches.”

“We need an easy way to coordinate what we're doing. Garth and I think it's better to have one central location.”

“As long as
you
and
Garth
think it's the right thing to do.”

Lexi blew her bangs off her face. “Don't make me roll my eyes. It makes me feel like I'm twelve. With the office, all the information is kept in one place. Leonard is going to put in a fancy firewall so Jed can't get into our system. If he wants to come after our information, it's not in someone's house.”

An excellent point, Dana thought, still wanting to grumble. Opening an office was too official. This was a private investigation. It should be kept private.

“As soon as Leonard gets us up and running, I'll see if I can access Jed's private computer,” Lexi said. “I know several of his passwords, or at least I did. Plus I have a few passwords from my ex-assistant.”

Before Dana could remind her how she felt about anyone breaking the law, the front door opened and a petite, well-dressed blonde swept into the room.

“Just so we're clear,” she announced as she set a black leather briefcase on a desk. “I'm in charge.”

Lexi looked at Dana who was staring at the woman. She recognized the piercing blue eyes, the determined mouth, the flashy diamond cocktail ring.

“Mary Jo?”

“Good morning, Dana. I'd heard you were involved in this mess. What was Garth thinking?”

Dana hadn't seen the other woman in years. Not since Dana had arrested a bank officer and Mary Jo Sheffield had been his attorney.

Lexi stood. “Who are you?” she asked coolly.

Her tone was “Who the hell are you, bitch?” but Lexi would never say that. Not at a first meeting.

“Mary Jo Sheffield. Garth's attorney. He told me what you all were planning and I came by to make sure I approve.”

It was the battle of the blue-eyed blondes, Dana thought, not sure if she should back away or pull up a chair.

“Your approval isn't required,” Lexi told her. “But thanks so much for stopping by.”

Mary Jo didn't even blink. “I'm Garth's representative. I'm here to look after his interests.”

“He's being protected by a girl?” Dana said with a grin. She couldn't wait to mention that to him.

Mary Jo raised her eyebrows. “Dana, you of all people know what I'm capable of.”

That was true. She'd been in court and watched Mary Jo in action. It had been damned impressive.

“How do you know her?” Lexi asked, turning to Dana. “Who is she?”

“We were on opposite sides of a case. Mary Jo used to work for a big law firm.”

“Now I work for Garth,” Mary Jo said with a smile. “Exclusively for Garth. He has a lot to lose.”

Dana had always liked Mary Jo, but family came first. She moved between the lawyer and Lexi. “The Titan sisters have discovered that not only is their father willing to sell them out to the highest bidder, he arranged for an explosion that nearly killed Izzy. I would say they have a whole lot more to lose than Garth.”

Mary Jo smiled. “That's my girl. I'm looking forward to working with you, Dana. I know how formidable you can be.”

Dana cocked her head. “Right back at you, Mary Jo.”

“Okay.” Lexi looked concerned. “Can we trust her?”

“I'm standing in the room,” Mary Jo pointed out.

Dana ignored her. “Yes. But she's not kidding about working for Garth. Don't for a second think she's neutral.”

“There shouldn't be sides,” Lexi said with a sigh. “There should be a single goal.”

“In a perfect world.” Mary Jo smiled. “But we're in this one. Now where are we?”

Dana let Lexi bring her up to speed. She went to help Leonard with the computers, doing the unpacking while he set them up. Next she tackled office supplies, which she quickly put away. Mary Jo had a heated conversation with the phone company. Fifteen minutes later, all their lines were working, including their high-speed Internet.

Mary Jo and Lexi seemed to have established an uneasy peace. Dana figured there would be trouble
later, but she was willing to accept the calm while it lasted.

About eleven, Garth breezed in.

Dana didn't have to look up from the notes she was making. She could tell he was there by a subtle shifting inside her body. Her chest got tight and anticipation filled her. Talk about acting like a girl, she thought in disgust. This was why she never got involved with anyone like him. She hated that he was on her mind, that she was aware of him in the room. That she noticed he greeted Lexi and Mary Jo before coming over to her.

“How's it going?” he asked.

“It's not. There's too much activity. It will be better when the setup is done and everyone gets out of here.”

He laughed. “You're such a people person.”

“Bite me.”

“All right. I'll tell you something you'll like. I'm about to piss off Jed Titan.”

“By doing what?”

“That would be my question,” Mary Jo said, hurrying over to them. “Nothing illegal. We've talked about that.”

“Several times,” he agreed, settling on the corner of Dana's desk. “I'm backing him into a corner. I want him pissed and panicked. Both will cause him to act without thinking. That's to our advantage.”

Dana glanced at Lexi, who was listening from her desk. “You okay with this?” she asked.

Lexi nodded. “Perfectly. He has to be stopped and
this is the only way. It's not just for us, but for Erin and my baby. We can't trust him. He's proven that.”

“What are you doing?” Mary Jo asked.

“I don't want to spoil the surprise,” Garth told her. “It'll be in the papers soon enough.”

“I hate it when you do things behind my back,” his attorney said. “It usually means trouble.”

“That's why you get the big bucks.”

“I might need a raise.”

Dana listened to the exchange with interest. Garth could have hired any lawyer in the city. Or the state. Why had he chosen an opinionated woman who wouldn't be afraid to tell him he was wrong? Did he want the truth? If so, it was an unusual characteristic for a man used to being in charge. Jed had never liked dissenting voices.

“Do any of you need anything?” he asked. “Except for Mary Jo and her raise.”

“We're good,” Lexi said, returning her attention to her computer.

Dana nodded.

“That's what I like to hear.” He stood. “Dana, want to walk me out?”

“It will make my day complete,” she muttered, but rose and followed him. Once they were outside, she faced him and folded her arms across her chest. “What?”

He smiled. “You're kind of prickly.”

“Part of my charm.”

“It's subtle. I need to talk to you.”

She braced herself for bad news. He didn't want to see her again socially. Not that they were dating. They weren't. They were working together and they'd spent the night together. Big whoop. So he wasn't interested in sleeping with her again. She didn't care. She wasn't sure she even liked him.

He leaned in and kissed her. “Tomorrow's Saturday. Want to do something?”

Huh? “What do you mean, something?”

“Go out. Have lunch or dinner or both. Help me pick out drapes.”

“You need drapes?”

“No. I'm saying let's spend some time together.”

On purpose? It wasn't a date. It wasn't that specific. It was…

“All right,” she said cautiously.

“Good. I'll pick you up at ten.”

“I'll come to your place.”

He chuckled. “Sure. If that's better.”

“It is.”

“I'll see you then.” He walked to his car and opened the driver's door. “Oh, I wanted to tell you. Lexi and her sisters know. About us. They came to see me and asked me my intentions. See you tomorrow.”

He got in the car and drove away.

She stared after him, unable to believe the words. Lexi had told her sisters and they'd gone to see Garth? Obviously she needed to have a very serious talk with all three Titan girls. Starting with Lexi.

 

“W
E HAD TO TALK
to him,” Lexi said later as she propped her feet up on a box.

Dana had waited a very long forty-five minutes until Leonard and Mary Jo had both finished and left. Now she stared at her friend, unable to believe she wasn't sorry.

“He's not your usual type,” Lexi added, sipping on bottled water. “Come on, Dana. He's very successful with women. He has a reputation. We love you and want you safe.”

“You're saying I couldn't handle him? I can so handle him. I don't need you protecting me.”

Lexi sighed. “Yes, you do.”

Just then Izzy breezed in, a bag of sandwiches in her arms. “Hi. I brought lunch.” She looked from Lexi to Dana and back. “What happened?”

“I just found out Lexi told everyone about me sleeping with Garth and that you went to see him.” Dana's voice rose with each word. “What is wrong with all of you?”

Izzy's eyes widened. “I've never heard you shrill before. Careful, Dana. You're acting like a girl.”

“Not funny. None of this is funny. Why would you do that? Why would you get involved?”

Izzy put the sandwiches on the desk and sat next to them. “If it makes you feel any better, I also told Garth he needs to be careful, too. After all, he's in as much danger of getting his heart broken.”

Apparently aliens had swooped down and taken
over the world. Or they'd all fallen into an alternative universe. None of this made sense.

“Seriously?” Lexi asked. “You're worried about Garth?”

“Dana's different for him, too. I'm not saying if I had to pick, I'd take his side, but Dana has all of us and he doesn't have anyone. He thinks he knows the rules of the game and I think he's wrong.”

“I hadn't thought of that,” Lexi said slowly. “Maybe you're right.”

Dana glared at them both. “You two will stop it right now. We're not having this conversation. Is that clear? You will stay out of my life. You won't discuss this anymore, not even among yourselves. It's my life and my business. Not yours. And leave Garth alone. He can take care of himself.”

Izzy grinned. “Have you met us? We get involved. We give advice and we talk. A lot. So sue us.”

Lexi nodded. “She's right and you know it. We love you, Dana.”

Dana wanted to scream with frustration. When had she lost control of the situation? “I can take care of myself. I'm perfectly capable of protecting my heart. As for Garth, I'm not sure he has one.”

The idea that he might be at risk of falling for her was laughable. As if. He would never care about her that way, she thought wistfully.

Izzy dug in the bag and held out a sandwich to each of them. “He has one. We'll see what happens there.
As for you, Deputy Dana, you've been protecting your heart your whole life. Maybe it's time to let go and see what happens.”

“When pigs fly.”

Lexi smiled. “I saw a flying pig just the other day.”

“You make me insane. Both of you.”

Izzy handed over chips. “You're getting shrill again. You need to watch that. Next you'll be buying fashion magazines and talking about shoes.”

“I'd rather be dead.”