“Let me interview Hammer and check the cabin before you cut Chad loose. Wait until I get to your house.” He also wanted to review the evidence against the suspect.

  “See you later. Another Walker has won over my son.”

  Chase said goodbye then started sorting through what had been gathered against Hammer so far.

  Todd stopped by his desk, grinning. “I pushed the lab about processing the ski mask for any hair samples and there are red hairs about the length of Hammer’s hair inside it. If he doesn’t cooperate, we’ll get a court order for a sample from him to see if it matches.”

  “Good. I’m going to show Kate a photo of the ski mask. It was the same color, but she got a better look than I did. If she can’t tell with the picture, we’ll do a lineup for her.”

  “Now that’s a first. Ski mask lineup.”

  “I don’t want any doubts that Hammer did it.” Chase always tried to do his best but with Kate and Jamie even more so. They were special to him.

  * * *

  After Kate received a call that Chase was on the way to her house, she double-checked the beef stew then hurried upstairs to change. As she stood in her closet reviewing her options of what she could wear, she couldn’t make up her mind—casual, a pair of slacks and blouse, or more formal, a soft, silk red dress with a scooped neckline and three-quarter-length sleeves.

  She finally picked the dress and donned it. When she viewed herself in the mirror on her closet door, she realized she hadn’t dressed up since James died. She ran her hand over the red silk and loved the feel of it against her palm. She didn’t want to give the wrong message, but the outfit made her feel feminine, and she hadn’t experienced that in a couple of years.

  She slipped on the matching red shoes and headed into the hallway. Sounds of two men talking in the foyer floated up to her, and she hurried her pace, looking forward to seeing Chase, safe with Zed Hammer locked up in jail.

  When she spotted Chase, her heart skipped a beat. He held a sleepy Jamie in his arms and looked so natural with her son. Jamie had played hard today with Mac and Chad, and although her son had taken a nap, he would go to bed early tonight. He’d never had this much company and action at the house before. Since James’s death, she’d lived a quiet and sedate life.

  As she descended the stairs, she smiled at that last thought. She certainly didn’t condone being attacked and fighting off a kidnapper to add spice to anyone’s routine.

  Chase caught sight of her and twisted in her direction, his eyes sparkling as he slowly tracked his gaze down her. “I’d give you a wolf whistle, but I wouldn’t want to scare Jamie.”

  “I decided to celebrate Hammer’s arrest tonight,” she said as her son nestled his head on Chase’s shoulder, his eyelids sliding close.

  “I’m all for that.” Chase’s grin slowly encompassed his whole face and reached deep into his eyes.

  He drank her in—as though they were totally alone.

  Chad cleared his throat. “That’s my cue to leave. It sounds like you aren’t gonna need me again.”

  She reached the first floor. “I thought you were going to stay for dinner.”

  “Your son wore me out. I didn’t know a young boy could have so much energy.”

  Chase laughed. “I was there when you were that age and believe me you could have beaten Jamie. You hardly took a nap most days.”

  Chad laughed. “I had to keep up with you, bro.”

  After Chase’s brother left, Rachel came into the foyer. Surprise flashed into her eyes at the sight of Kate’s fancy dress. “I’ve got the table set although now I wish I had in the dining room.”

  Heat flooded Kate’s cheeks. “The kitchen is fine.”

  “I’ll take Jamie upstairs and put him to bed. There’s a TV show I want to watch, so I’ll grab something later.” Rachel slid her a small smile. “If I don’t see you when you leave, Chase, I want to thank you for being here. I’m thrilled you’ve caught the man.”

  “So am I, Rachel.” He passed Kate’s son to the nanny, Jamie snuggling up against her.

  “Good night, hon.” Kate kissed Jamie. “I’ll check on you later.”

  While Rachel headed up the stairs with Jamie, Kate turned to Chase.

  “So it went well with Hammer?” She started toward the kitchen, starving for food and information about her attacker—and for the chance to get to know Chase better.

  “Short of him confessing, we got everything I could have wanted. Todd and I found more evidence to place him at the scene. Today, we discovered the ski mask he used.” Chase retrieved his cell phone and showed her several photos of it from different angles. “Is that the type of mask he wore?”

  “It looks like it is, but to be sure I would need to see it in person. That was about all I saw when I was struggling with him—that and his dark brown eyes.” Kate trembled at the memory of his face thrust close to hers. It had smelled like...cigarettes. “Does Hammer smoke?”

  “I saw ashtrays full of butts at the cabin and come to think of it, at his house, too, so I would say yes.”

  “I can’t believe I’d forgotten that was the smell that nauseated me.”

  After assisting Kate to sit, Chase took the chair catercorner from her. “Lots of victims forget things and then slowly remember details after the trauma. I’ve had people forgot almost everything, the event a blur for them. I’ll show you the ski mask tomorrow. How about lunch time? I’ll pick you up, bring you to the station and set a lineup with black ski masks. Hammer says he doesn’t own a ski mask. He gave us a sample of his hair to rule him out. I’ll know the results hopefully tomorrow, so until then I’d like to remain here with Mac. That’ll be the piece of evidence that will nail the case.”

  “Not to mention the photos found at his house, his vehicle being the getaway car, his threats against me, his build being the same as my attacker and the fact he tried to escape the police.” As she listed the evidence, a peace settled over her. She would have her life back after tomorrow.

  He covered her hand on the table between them. “I hope we’ll continue to see each other.”

  “I’d like that very much.” Whenever she was in Chase’s presence, she was torn between wanting to pull away so she could stay in the safe, isolated world she’d constructed for herself—protected from being vulnerable or getting hurt again—and thinking that it was time to put her life back together and move forward. Could Chase be part of that? She hoped—at least as a friend.

  But what about more?

  Even if the time came when they both were ready to accept that was what they wanted, would it be possible? She remembered their conversation about having children. Children she could never give him.

  Warmth spread across her face. She was attracted to the police detective, and she thought he was to her, but that didn’t mean getting married. Could she open herself up to the pain she’d experienced when her husband had died? Maybe it would be better to be content to be a mother.

  They would never eat if she continued this train of thinking. “We’d better dig in before it gets cold.”

  “I agree. And let’s not talk about the case anymore tonight.”

  She lifted her glass of tea. “Agreed.”

  As she passed the food to Chase, she asked, “Chad told me that when your dad left you became the man of the house.”

  “I was the oldest and Mom needed help. Now she’s remarried and has a man who treats her right. My father never hit her, but he put her down all the time. When my dad left, it was like a pall had been lifted from the house.”

  “Were you the one who taught Chad to play ball?”

  “Yes. I never did nearly as well as he did.”

  “Do you know that he joined the police force because you had?”

  Chase plucked a roll out of the bread basket. “He’s never told me that, but I figured as much. He used to follow me around everywhere, and when I was with a girl, he would downright embarrass me. But I’ve gotten him back a few times since he started seeing the receptionist at the station.”

  Chase described how he’d hung a sign at the baseball field announcing to the crowd that the coach was dating Bailey the first time Chad’s girlfriend came to a game. Kate couldn’t stop laughing as Chase detailed the many tricks his younger brother had tried to get back at Chase until Chad finally gave up. “I could always top him and a few weeks ago he decided to surrender.”

  “Are you sure he has?”

  “What did he say to you?”

  “Nothing, but Chad doesn’t seem like the kind of guy to say uncle.”

  Chase used the roll to clean up the last of the beef stew on his plate. “You know, you’re right. No telling what he’s planning.”

  As they cleaned up the dinner dishes, Chase tried to find out everything Chad had asked her. She finally threw up her hands and said, “I can’t help you. He never said a word, it’s just a gut feeling I have.”

  “Did he put you up to saying that?”

  She chuckled. “No, but obviously he should have tried that. It’s working.”

  Chase put the last plate into the dishwasher. “Yeah, you have a point.”

  “Maybe let him win one.”

  “You’re probably right. But I always thought the big brother should get the upper hand.”

  “I can’t answer that. I don’t have siblings, although listening to you two talk makes me wish I did.” She went to the refrigerator and removed a chocolate pie. “Chad told me you love chocolate. Would you like a slice with decaf coffee?”

  “Yes to both. I’m going to check the house first.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll bring this into the den. That’s where Mac is. Jamie and Chad wore him out. He’s sleeping on the couch.”

  He moved closer toward her. “If he gets up, I’ll put him outside then he can go back to sleep.”

  “You know, Mac has spoiled us. We’re going to have to get a dog. What do you think about getting one from the pound?”

  “If you want, I’ll go with you. I’m not an expert, but I’ve had a few in the past. Maybe I can steer you in the right direction.”

  She turned to look at him, and smiled. “Careful,” she teased. “You’ll get us used to having you around to look out for us, too.”

  He took another step closer before reaching out to run his fingers through her hair and hook some behind her ear.

  She tilted her chin up, leaning her head into his touch. His mouth was inches away. In that moment she wanted him to kiss her. Every fiber of her being screamed for him to.

  SIX

  Chase knew he shouldn’t, but he couldn’t resist Kate’s lure. When her beautiful, brown eyes looked into his, he couldn’t hold back any longer. He slowly dipped his head toward hers, giving her a chance to pull back.

  When she didn’t, he grazed his lips over hers so softly he barely touched her. When she leaned in to deepen the contact, he wrapped his arms around her and pressed her against him, releasing his emotions he’d pent up since he’d first heard her screaming for help. The sound still echoed through his mind when he fell asleep.

  He needed to rein in his feelings and focus on protecting her. But the effect of their kiss mocked that declaration. He leaned back, staring into her half-closed eyes, a flush tainting her cheeks. He wanted nothing more than to swoop down and kiss her again—and that was exactly why he shouldn’t. He needed to stay focused on the goal of making sure she was safe.

  He dropped his arms to his side and stepped back. “I’d better check the house and see to Mac.”

  As he hurried from the kitchen, he tried to tell himself that it was for the best that they had gotten the kiss out of the way so he’d no longer waste time wondering what kissing her would feel like. He now knew and could move on.

  Yeah right, Walker, that’s a brilliant suggestion. How are you going to forget that kiss?

  * * *

  On Monday during her lunch break, Kate assessed the five black ski masks, similar only in color. One was an acrylic knit with wide ribbing while another had ribs that were side by side. There was also a smooth stretchable cotton mask. The logos varied and two didn’t have any. The slits for the eyes and mouth were different shapes.

  “I didn’t realize there were so many different black ski masks.” Kate walked the length of the table.

  Chase stood on the other side from her. “Neither did I until I went shopping for them. Because of the season, I ended up begging people I knew to let me borrow theirs.”

  “Can I touch them?”

  “Yes.”

  After looking at each one, she went back down the table and stroked her fingers across the material. Then Kate closed her eyes and tried to recall her struggle with her attacker. She didn’t remember any logo, certainly not one of another color. Then she tried to remember the feel of the material when her fingers had touched it. Smooth? Rough?

  Her eyes popped open. She knew which one. “That’s the mask he wore.” She pointed to the second from the end.

  “Are you sure?” Chase asked in a neutral tone, no indication if she’d picked Zed Hammer’s or not.

  “Yes.”

  “That’s Hammer’s.”

  She didn’t realize she was holding herself so stiffly until she heard his confirmation and her shoulders sagged. “Good. I feel better knowing he’s in jail.”

  Chase gathered the ski masks into a box. “This was taped for court. I’ll send a copy to the DA this afternoon.”

  Kate nodded. “I’m meeting the DA after work today. She wants to talk to me about the case.”

  “Are you going to the arraignment tomorrow afternoon?”

  “Yes. I asked for it to be at the end of the day so I could attend without cancelling part of my scheduled trials. I’m pushing for no bail. Until his trial, I want him in jail.”

  “Are you sure about going? You don’t have to.”

  Other than his photo—and the attack—Kate hadn’t seen Zed Hammer in a month, since he was in her court. She needed to face him before his trial. It would be easier for her then when she had to testify against the man later. “Yes, I’m sure.”

  “Then I’ll meet you outside the courtroom and sit with you.”

  “You don’t have to.”

  “I know. But sometimes I do it for some victims, especially when they don’t have family nearby. When a person’s safety has been threatened, it can change how he looks at life. I just like the injured party to know he has someone on his side.”

  His offer only confirmed what a caring and honorable man Chase was. That wasn’t part of his job, but he did it anyway. “May I ask a favor of you?” Kate said as they left the interview room.

  “Of course.”

  “Come to dinner tonight. Jamie is getting used to you being around. I didn’t want you to suddenly no longer be around.”

  “That’s easy. Yes, I will, and I’ll make it a point to stop by and see Jamie—and you—after this.”

  Her son had few men in his life. She shouldn’t have been surprised how fast he’d bonded with Chase, but she had been. The whole weekend when Jamie was up, he’d follow Chase or Mac around every chance he got. “I’d like that.”

  Chase opened the passenger door for Kate then rounded the hood and slipped behind the steering wheel. “Give me a call when you’re through with court today. I’ll swing by and pick you up. Hopefully I’ll have gotten the hair comparison from the ski mask and Hammer’s sample we obtained.”

  On the short drive to the courthouse, Kate leaned back and released a long sigh. “I can’t wait until this is over with. I feel like I’m the ball in a juggler’s act being constantly tossed up in the air, not sure if I’m going to be caught or not.”

  He chuckled. “That’s an interesting way to put it. I haven’t heard that one.”

  When Chase parked, Kate opened her door. “You don’t have to escort me inside. You’ve got the right man in jail.”

  He exited the car at the same time she did. “Humor me. I’ll feel better when the report on the hair samples come back from the lab with a proven match for Hammer.”

  Kate took the stairs to the second floor where her office and courtroom were. At the door into her office, she turned toward Chase. “I’ll be praying for good results from the lab.”

  He grasped her hand and stepped nearer. Her heart sped up a bit at his closeness, but all he did was smile at her and say, “I’ll see you in a few hours.”

  As he walked away, she couldn’t believe she’d wanted him to kiss her in the corridor of the courthouse and was disappointed he hadn’t. She kept repeating that he had a dangerous job, and she didn’t ever want to lose someone she loved again the way she had lost James. When Chase wasn’t around so much, she was sure she would begin to think logically concerning him.

  * * *

  “She’s expecting you.” Kate’s assistant waved Chase into her office when he came by later to pick her up.

  While lounging against the front of her desk, Kate had her briefcase and purse in hand. She straightened and said, “What were the lab results on the hair samples?”

  He grinned. “The hair in the ski mask was Hammer’s.”

  She blew out a long breath. “I knew it, but it’s nice to have it confirmed.”

  “That’s exactly how I felt.”

  “Now all I have to get through is the arraignment tomorrow. If he stays in jail until his trial, I’ll feel as though I have my life back.”

  “But if he doesn’t, we’ll figure something out. I can always stay at your house.”

  “I appreciate the offer, but that would mean you’d be on duty twenty-four seven. That’s not good for any length of time.”

  When she passed him strolling toward the door, he caught her arm and halted her. She glanced at him, and he said, “I’ll do what is needed and is the best for all involved. I won’t let someone be hurt if I can do anything to stop it. My job is to protect, not walk away because I don’t get a few hours off.”