“I know I said that, but I really didn’t expect you’d do it.” He grinned, the smile devastatingly attractive.

  “So is that your commentary on women taking too long to get ready?” she asked, liking the change in his mood.

  He nodded and came toward her, the smile still in place. He stood toe to toe with her and studied her face before running his finger along her jaw. “Your injuries are healing nicely.”

  His touch was soft and intimate and words failed her. He bent closer as if he was going to kiss her. She waited for his mouth to descend, instinctively knowing it would be the best kiss of her life. A kiss that spoke of the way they’d connected over the past few days. The way they could connect in the future.

  The future. That’s what she should be thinking about. Not kissing a man she’d never let into her life.

  “We’re gonna be late.” She backed up and disappointment clouded his eyes, making it even harder to walk away, but she did. She heard him take a deep breath behind her as they walked to the door.

  He stepped outside, surveying the area, then giving her clearance to exit. She focused on the glorious sunshine so foreign at this time of year and let the soft breeze chase out the remnants of his touch. They went straight to his car and as Mitch pulled onto the road, they passed Derrick sitting at the curb in his SUV.

  They rode silently though the city and nearing their stop, her phone trilled. She opened her purse to retrieve it and found a mess. Someone had rifled through her bag.

  Angie? She hoped not.

  Mitch had said she hadn’t taken his money, but what about hers? She ignored the phone and opened her wallet in the confines of her purse so Mitch couldn’t see. No cash. No credit cards. Angie had indeed struck.

  How did she tell Mitch about this?

  She glanced at him.

  “Everything okay?” He smiled warmly at her, and she knew she couldn’t tell him how his sister had once again betrayed his trust. Once they got to their appointment, she’d find a way to call and report her credit cards stolen without Mitch overhearing. And that would be the end of this.

  “Everything will be just fine,” she answered and grabbed her phone to check voice mail. Cole wanted her to know he approved of this outing. He added that he trusted Mitch, but he still wanted to remind her to be careful and not take any chances. Not like Cole at all to be so laid back. He had to have an ulterior motive, but what could it be?

  She sighed.

  “Problem?” Mitch asked.

  “Actually no. Cole just wanted to tell me to be careful.”

  “So why the big sigh?”

  “He has to be up to something. I expected him to grill me about the plans today and insist on accompanying me, but nothing.”

  “As I mentioned, we worked out the details already so he didn’t need to grill you.” Mitch smiled, but it lacked any real conviction as he turned back to the road.

  He checked the mirrors and his watchful expression reminded her that despite their precautions he was still concerned for her safety. The killer could be waiting for her when she got out of the car. He’d tried to end her life not just once, but three times now and there was no reason to think he’d give up until he completed his mission.

  * * *

  Mitch stood in the reception area outside Weichert’s office and watched Kat make a phone call on the other side of the room. She claimed it was too loud with the children and parents chatting near him, but he got the feeling she wanted some privacy.

  Not that he minded. He was in a foul mood, and didn’t want to take it out on her. He shouldn’t let the situation with Angie get to him. After all, he’d expected her to bail again. So why did it always hurt so much?

  Without warning, Kat looked at him and instead of being surprised at catching him watching her, she smiled. A soft, intimate smile that he’d wanted to see directed at him. He returned it without thinking of the message he might be transmitting and let the warmth envelop him. She was quite a woman. She’d faced terrible times and came out stronger with her faith intact. She was a role model for him, and he was falling for her. Falling hard.

  Is that why You brought us together, Lord?

  It was the first time in a long time that he’d even wanted to ask God a question. All because of Kat. Adorable Kat who now crossed the space, her eyes never leaving his.

  They were in public—children, parents and staff members milling around—and he only had eyes for her. And she didn’t seem to mind. His heart tripped faster. He felt as if he should say something, but what did he say?

  I’m falling for you, but I can’t do anything about it?

  Can’t or won’t? the uninvited thought popped into his head.

  “Detective.” Weichert’s nasal voice came from behind and Kat’s good mood vanished, as did Mitch’s.

  He signaled for her to follow Weichert who spun on perfectly polished shoes. Her expression as she passed Mitch said she was thankful for the interruption. He was, too, wasn’t he?

  Weichert stared blankly at them in his office after they all took a seat. “I presume you have your court order.”

  “Actually,” Mitch said, planning to give Weichert an opportunity to confess to his knowledge of the threatening client before he had to drag it out of him. “We have a few questions first.”

  “What kind of questions?” Weichert crossed his arms leaving Mitch wary. After the morning dealing with Angie’s betrayal, he wasn’t up for a contentious interview, but it looked like he was about to get one.

  “Did Bodig work with a client named Paul, father named Ray?” Mitch asked, forcing neutrality into his tone and watching Weichert for any reaction. A flicker of surprise flashed in his eyes, the response a man with something to hide would have.

  “I don’t remember a client with that name, but let me check.” He turned to his credenza and pecked slowly at his keyboard with one finger. He’d typed much faster yesterday. He was avoiding them. Either stalling for time to come up with a lie about Paul or hiding his emotions so they couldn’t tell he was evading them.

  Mitch needed to apply a little more pressure. “We’re waiting, Weichert.”

  The man’s shoulders tensed, and he hit Enter. “I don’t see a Paul.”

  “How far back are you looking?” Mitch asked, starting to lose patience.

  “The last ninety days as you requested on your prior visit.” His voice was syrupy sweet, his focus still on the screen.

  Despite his frustration, Mitch would give him one more time to come clean before showing him the email and demanding a truthful answer. “And you’re certain there’s no Paul?”

  “I’m certain.” Weichert glanced back at him.

  “Mind if I take a look?” Mitch slid forward acting as if he intended to take over.

  Weichert spun, blocking access to the monitor. “These are sensitive records, and I can’t let just anybody view them. Not without that court order.”

  “Suppose I gave you a court order. Would I see a Paul on the client list?”

  “I’ve already told you there’s no client named Paul.”

  “If that’s true, how do you explain this?” Mitch took the evidence bag holding the threat from his jacket pocket and slammed it on the desk.

  Weichert picked up the bag and studied the email, his face paling. “This has to be some sort of mistake.”

  “Then why was it in Bodig’s files at his house?” Mitch demanded.

  “I don’t know.” Weichert’s voice rose as if he was going to lose it. “I can’t explain it.”

  “Perhaps your report is wrong. Computers aren’t infallible,” Kat jumped in, her soft tone contrasting nicely with Mitch’s harsh demand. Hopefully it would make Weichert finally admit his knowledge of Paul.

  “Perhaps,” he mumbled.

  “Maybe you should check with your staff to see if they know anything about this.” Kat smiled, and Weichert relaxed a bit.

  “I can do that,” he said but stared ahead.

  “Now,” Mitch commanded.

  “Yes, of course.” He logged off his computer and hurried out of the office.

  Mitch looked at Kat. “I appreciate your giving Weichert the chance to think about this, but it’s time we face facts. He’s not going to talk without that court order.”

  “Shouldn’t Tommy have gotten that to you by now?” Kat asked.

  Mitch dug out his phone and thumbed through his call log just to be sure he hadn’t missed one. “Nothing. Worst part now is Weichert knows we’re on to him and could destroy records to save his hide.”

  “You could request an officer to keep an eye on him until we get the order.”

  Mitch saw Weichert returning so he tipped his head at the door. “I’ll give him a stern warning, and we’ll see how he reacts before committing any resources to watching him.”

  Weichert didn’t take his chair, but stood by the door and crossed his arms. “No one in the office knows of a Paul and Ray. But I have a few caseworkers out in the field today so I’ll follow up with them.”

  “This is urgent, Weichert,” Mitch said.

  “I understand. I’ll get a hold of them as soon as I can.” He smiled, but it was shaky and totally false. “Now, unless you can produce that court order, the weather has messed up our schedules here, and I need to get to work.”

  Mitch stood and locked gazes with Weichert. “We’ll be back with that order. Until then let’s be clear on one thing. The email strongly suggests there’s a client named Paul in your database and for whatever reason you’re not willing to admit it. If you’re contemplating destroying records of any kind, that would be grounds for criminal charges. I’m pretty sure you don’t want us to file charges against you.”

  Weichert paled. “No. No. Of course not.”

  Mitch gave him one last withering look then followed Kat down the hall. “Think we need to send an officer out here?” he asked as they crossed the lobby.

  “No.”

  “Do you have a minute, Detective?” The voice came from behind and Mitch turned to find a short, rotund male hurrying into the lobby from the same door they’d just come through.

  “Are you by any chance investigating Nathan Bodig’s death?” he asked when he reached them. They nodded in confirmation.

  “And you are?” Mitch asked, studying the man.

  “George Anderson.” He stuck out his chubby hand. “I’m a caseworker here. I worked with Nathan.”

  “Detective Mitch Elliot and my associate Katherine Justice.” They exchanged handshakes.

  George took a few steps closer. “I’ve heard you’ve been here a few times asking questions about Nathan’s cases.”

  Interesting that he didn’t sound sure about this given Weichert’s recent questioning of the staff. Maybe he’d just returned to the office.

  “Didn’t Weichert just talk to you about this?” Mitch asked.

  “Weichert? No. I’ve been swamped with clients at my desk and haven’t seen him all morning.”

  So he had been in the office. Weichert had lied about asking around. Mitch shot a quick look at Kat to make sure she’d caught the significance of this. “Was there something you wanted to tell us about Bodig?”

  Anderson glanced nervously over his shoulder. “It’s just that...well...I don’t think his accident was an accident.”

  “Why would you think that?” Kat jumped in.

  He looked at the office door again then took a step closer. “Just before Nathan’s accident the father of one of Nathan’s clients went ballistic on him. The boy was killed in juvie and the dad blamed Nathan. He sent threatening emails and even stopped him one night on our way out of work. I thought the guy might punch Nathan, but he settled for poking him in the chest a few times and yelling at him.”

  “Do you know this father’s name?” Mitch asked.

  “Ray, but I’m sorry, I don’t remember the client’s name.”

  “Did Weichert know about this?” Kat’s voice held the enthusiasm Mitch felt in his gut.

  Anderson nodded enthusiastically. “Since I was there when the dad went on his rant, Nathan asked me to sit in when he told Weichert.” His enthusiasm vanished. “Not that it did any good. The guy blows everything like this off. He says no one’s ever been hurt. Now Nathan’s dead.”

  “His death was ruled accidental.” Mitch didn’t want to mislead Anderson in the event that their investigation proved that Bodig’s death wasn’t intentional.

  “I hope so. But I keep thinking it should at least be checked out. You know?”

  “I’ll be happy to look into it for you,” Mitch offered. “Can you get the client’s contact information for me?”

  One more glance at the door and fear darkened his eyes. “I could lose my job if I do.”

  “No one needs to know where the information came from,” Kat said, ending with a reassuring smile.

  “You’re certain?”

  “Yes.” She kept smiling, and Anderson seemed to relax a bit.

  “I guess I can get it when Weichert goes to lunch. He always leaves at one o’clock on the nose.”

  Mitch gave Anderson a business card. “My cell’s on the back. Call me the minute you have the records.”

  “Thank you for being such a good friend to Nathan,” Kat added while offering her hand.

  “If I had been a good friend, he’d still be alive.” Anderson’s worried expression returned and he walked away, his shoulders drooping.

  “Poor guy,” Kat said as she pushed open the door.

  “It’s not his fault.”

  “I know.” She stopped outside the door and peered up at him. “But then your sister’s problem isn’t your fault, either, and you still feel responsible for it.”

  He looked at her then. Her eyes were filled with concern. For him? Maybe. Probably. It warmed his heart and sent it into that funny little spin again, but when he glanced away and caught sight of Derrick sitting guard, Mitch shook off the warm fuzzy feeling and replaced it with hypervigilance.

  He might enjoy having her look at him this way, but when she stepped into the open where anyone could attack, his focus needed to be firmly on keeping her alive.

  TWELVE

  Mitch and Kat arrived at the restaurant where they’d arranged to meet Tommy. He’d called after they’d left Weichert’s office, claiming he’d discovered something they’d absolutely want to see. The hostess showed them to a booth, and out of habit, Kat slid in facing the door. Mitch lingered at the edge of the table glancing back and forth to the door before slipping in across from her, a scowl on his face. She should’ve thought before taking this spot. Cops didn’t like to sit with their backs to the door. She didn’t, either, but with a family of five who’d worked in law enforcement, she’d had to compromise on that point more times than she could count.

  The hostess took their drink orders and Mitch kept glancing over his shoulder and fidgeting with his silverware.

  “You want to trade?” she asked, when the hostess left.

  He looked at her. “What?”

  “Trade sides. So you can face the door.”

  He smiled, small but real. “That obvious, huh?”

  She smiled back at him and patted the bench next to her. “Or you could sit here. I promise not to bite.”

  He didn’t hesitate, but got up and joined her. She felt the heat from his body and instantly regretted inviting him to sit so close. After that intense moment outside Weichert’s office when he’d caught her off guard, she didn’t want him to think she was doing this because she was interested in him. That would just be leading him on.

  “Please promise me you won’t try to squeeze Tommy in here, too.” He grinned, the crooked little grin that sent her pulse racing.

  She laughed and felt all of the day’s tension abate. Whatever this was between them, it was good. Really good. Comfortable. And tempting her to want more.

  Mitch’s cell vibrated on the table, and he seemed reluctant to change his focus to the phone, but he did so, picking it up without identifying the caller.

  “Elliot,” he said, then listened intently and his smile faded. “What did she do?”

  Kat saw him work the muscles in his jaw. Not good news that was for sure.

  “Whose credit cards?” His voice shot up, and his gaze swung to Kat, his disappointed look landing on her face and convicting her. She should’ve thought ahead and known if Angie was arrested for the card use that his fellow officers would give him a heads-up.

  “No, I won’t bail her out. She can spend the night.” He slammed his phone onto the table, his eyes never leaving Kat’s. “Why didn’t you tell me about your credit cards?” he asked, his voice disturbingly cool.

  He was mad. Really mad. She should be concerned about the way he slammed his phone down, but the chill in his voice was far more difficult to deal with.

  “I’m sorry, Mitch,” she said, though she knew an apology couldn’t begin to make up for not telling him. She searched for something to say that would help him understand. “Just think of this like when you called Cole yesterday without telling me.”

  “That was totally different, Kat. Your life was at stake. I won’t die from finding out my sister has pulled another one of her stunts.” He watched her with those intense dark eyes, and she didn’t look away, but tried to let him see her sincerity.

  Taking a risk and putting her hand over his, she said, “You’ve been through enough. I just didn’t want you to be hurt again.”

  He let out a breath, and his anger faded with it. “I’m sorry I got mad. It’s Angie I’m upset with, not you.”

  “I still should have told you about it.”

  He lifted his hand still resting under hers and threaded his fingers through hers. “And I should’ve told you before I called your brother so we’re even.”

  They were back on solid footing—as solid as it could be with the emotions that zinged between them all the time—and she should leave it alone. But she thought he was making a mistake with Angie and she wouldn’t ignore it. “Are you sure you want to leave Angie in jail for the night?”

  His jaw firmed again. “Once she comes down from whatever drug she’s on today, she’ll be far more susceptible to the idea of going to rehab where I plan to take her tomorrow.”