Crime & Passion Page 3

  It would serve her best not to respond to that. “You said you had several reasons for needing to round up suspects. What else is going on?”

  Donovan made another trip around the room and stopped in front of Madeline. He planted a hand on either arm of the chair and leaned into her. A tingling of excitement passed through her as Donovan’s warm cheek pressed against hers and his hot breath blew in her ear.

  “Chief said I can’t date you while I’m involved in this investigation.” He pulled slowly away from her, the slight stubble on his cheek revving up her senses as it brushed against her. “I want to finish this case quickly...very quickly.”

  Madeline tried to calm her erratic pulse as she watched Donovan cross the room and open the front door.

  He turned to look at her. “Lock this behind me, Maddie.”

  Chapter Three

  Madeline struggled to open the door of Woofy Cuts against the harsh wind whipping through town. Wasn’t California supposed to be the land of sunshine, bikini-clad babes, and over-muscled idiots? Perhaps only the southern part of the state boasted those attractions.

  She stepped into the interior of the shop, trying to smooth her tangled hair. Walking seven small dogs this morning, while dealing with the weather, was a test in patience. However, all the yappy dogs were safe in their homes, and Madeline only arrived ten minutes late to work.

  “There you are, Madeline. I was just about to call you.”

  Madeline glanced across the pink and blue room at her employer. Oversized bones decorated the walls and shelves of supplies for sale covered the left-hand side of the store. Her boss stood near the styling stations in the center, checking the grooming supplies.

  Lindsey Butters was everything Madeline wished she could be: blonde, blue-eyed, and petite. Madeline guessed Lindsey to be in her forties, but no one would ever know that from looking at her. The woman had the looks of a short supermodel in her mid twenties, though Madeline suspected Botox had a hand in Lindsey’s wrinkle-free face.

  “Sorry about that,” Madeline said, walking past the customer seating area. “I had the Pomeranians this morning. You know how much trouble they cause with the other dogs. It’s amazing I’m here now.”

  “Oh, I’m not angry you’re late.” Lindsey shook her head, bobbing perfect curls against her shoulders. “But after you found that body last night, I have more reasons to worry about you walking alone out there.”

  The memory of Frank Johnson’s lifeless eyes filled her vision for a moment. Madeline’s hand trembled slightly as she opened the door to the coat closet and hung her jacket. “How’d you hear about that?”

  “It was in this morning’s paper. Brandon Feldman must have worked all night to prepare the story so fast.”

  Madeline sighed and checked the white board to see how busy their schedule was today. She should’ve known the resident gossip, otherwise known as owner of the newspaper, would blab her life to the entire town.

  It wasn’t that she didn’t like Brandon, not exactly. The man had tried many times to convince Madeline to go out with him since she arrived in town. She turned him down each time, though she wasn’t sure what made her cautious of him. He seemed nice enough. One thing was certain; he was nothing like Donovan.

  Madeline pushed that thought away. She promised herself she wouldn’t think about Donovan anymore. She knew his type. Chances were high he found himself a nice little hottie to flirt with already today and forgot all about looking at Madeline’s legs last night.

  “Looks like we’re losing our overnight guests,” Madeline said, gesturing to the white board and struggling to get her mind on the right track. Two dogs had stayed at Woofy Cuts’ doggie hotel all week, but they were on the grooming schedule this morning.

  “Yeah, their family will be in to pick them up before noon. We’d better get to work.”

  Lindsey stepped through the swinging doors to the back end of the building and Madeline followed. An underlying hint of wet dog infused Madeline’s senses, even though Lindsey insisted they cleaned the back room religiously. It was impossible to banish that scent.

  “We’ll have a new boarder this afternoon,” Lindsey told her as they stepped into the kennel area. “Mrs. Stanfield is going to visit her sister. Your friend, big Brutus, will be an overnight guest.”

  Madeline smiled. “I do love that dog.”

  “Well, I’m glad to hear that because I need a favor.”

  A tendril of dread filled the pit of her stomach. Lindsey’s voice was far too bland and innocent. “What do you need?”

  “You don’t walk any dogs on Friday mornings, right?” she asked with raised eyebrows.

  Madeline groaned. “Oh, no! Can’t Maria come in to work? You know I need that day.” It was the only day of the week Madeline had completely free. She worked at the school or Woofy Cuts all the other days, in addition to walking dogs every morning and most evenings.

  “Pretty please, Madeline. Just come in and walk Brutus around seven o’clock and open the store. Marie said she’d come in and take over at nine.” She bit her lip, looking hopeful. “I have a dentist appointment in Eureka at eight. If I cancel, it’ll be two months before I can get in.”

  Madeline sighed, but nodded. Lindsey gave her a job when no one else in this town had anything to offer. She also suggested Madeline offer her services as a dog walker and helped smooth the way so Madeline could obtain clients. Besides, it wasn’t as though she’d be stuck the whole day. She could handle a few hours, and taking care of Brutus was always a fun challenge.

  “You’re a doll,” Lindsey said, flashing her perfect smile. “Just be really careful tomorrow morning when you come in."

  Madeline opened the store herself on Monday mornings each week. She found it a bit offensive that Lindsey still didn’t completely trust her. “I know how to open the store by now. It’ll be fine.”

  “That’s not what I meant.” Lindsey patted her shoulder. “Brandon said in the paper this morning that Frank had only been dead minutes when the police arrived.”

  Madeline thought once again of Frank’s vacant eyes. Donovan said the guy was a creep, but did anyone deserve to be murdered? “That’s true. I don’t understand why you’re worried.”

  Lindsey shook her head and sighed. “Sweetie, whoever killed Frank knows who you are now. If he thinks you can identify him, he might come after you next.”

  ***

  Donovan parked the police cruiser, and he and Eric hopped out. It had been a wasted day. They spent most of their time reassuring frightened citizens they would catch the killer and Pleasant View’s streets would be safe once again.

  Donovan followed Eric into the station. Tourist season quickly approached. Citizens worried that with news of a killer on the loose, people would vacation elsewhere, crippling the town’s revenue.

  “Andrews, Sanders, get in here,” Chief Stone bellowed from his office.

  They stepped into the cramped office and closed the door. Eric once again took the chair while Donovan stood with his arms clasped behind his back.

  “Please tell me you got a lead,” Chief Stone said, leaning back in his chair and stacking his feet on the desk. “I’ve been fielding phone calls all day from terrified mothers who won’t let their children outside. I need this case solved.”

  Donovan nodded. “We’ve been talking to scared moms too. That’s mostly who we were able to interview today.”

  Donovan didn’t blame them for being afraid. Pleasant View was usually a safe town; a place people came to raise a family. The worst thing that ever happened was an occasional fight or a teenager pulling a dumb prank and ruining some property. Well, except for jerks like Frank Johnson who abused their wives.

  He fished a notepad from his front pocket and opened it. “Here are the three names we were given today of people acting suspicious, but I don’t think this will lead anywhere.”

  The names reported were people Donovan knew had an ongoing problem with the person who reported them. He ne
eded real suspects to keep himself out of the line of fire. Personal grudges would not help him.

  Stone grunted and swung his feet to the floor, taking the list from Donovan’s hand. “How many interviews did you get through?”

  “Fifteen, sir,” Eric answered.

  “I’m thinking we should get some extra help,” Donovan said. “I don’t know if six of us on the force are enough to handle this.”

  Stone ran his hand over his head. His gray hair stuck up on end, as if he’d been pulling it all day. “Even if we call in the six back-up cops that come in during the summer, we’re not going to be able to interview everyone.” Stone looked at the list. “Start with these names tomorrow, and I’ll see what I can do about finding more help.”

  Donovan took the notebook back. “Has anything useful turned up?”

  “Only something Stephanie Johnson said,” Stone replied.

  Donovan’s heart gave an extra squeeze. “What’s that, sir?”

  “Someone called Frank right before he left the house yesterday.”

  The band of tightness relaxed slightly and Donovan tried to muffle his sigh of relief. “Who was it?”

  “Don’t know yet. We’re working on getting phone records.”

  “Did Mrs. Johnson say anything about what happened at her house that day?” Eric asked. “I mean, after Social Services left?”

  Donovan turned to Eric with narrowed eyes. He was getting into dangerous territory, and Donovan wished he’d just shut his mouth.

  “The kids returned home this morning and there didn’t seem to be any problems. She hasn’t said anything more about the day they were taken away,” Stone said. “Why? You have anything you want to add, rookie?”

  Donovan cleared his throat. “Things were a little tense in the house.” He couldn’t afford to have the Chief hear everything that happened.

  Stone looked at Eric. “Is that what you’re referring to?”

  “Yes, sir,” Eric mumbled, looking at the floor. “It was very heated. Frank said some things that didn’t sit too well with us, and Mrs. Johnson became upset.”

  Donovan held his breath, wondering how Chief would react to that news. Eric had mentioned once again today how nervous he was about Stephanie saying something. Donovan had tried his best to reassure him, but obviously it hadn’t worked.

  Eric shrugged. “It just seems like a lot of people didn’t like Frank.”

  Stone gave Donovan a hard look, causing Donovan’s stomach to twist with discomfort. He wondered if Stone suspected what really happened after Social Services left with the children. It wouldn’t be too big of an assumption for him to make, since Frank had filed complaints in the past.

  The Chief finally shook his head. “At least we’ll have a lead when we find out who called him. You guys write up your findings and go home.”

  Donovan led the way out of the office. He sat back in his desk and pulled up a form on the computer, pushing half the hand-written notes across to Eric’s desk.

  Madeline’s face once again filled his vision, as it had so many times throughout the day. He’d wanted to go see her, but given the past relationship he’d shared with Lindsey Butters, she wouldn’t have been happy if he showed up at Woofy Cuts. Besides, what excuse could he give? Madeline obviously told him everything she knew.

  Then again, he could casually stop by her apartment this evening, find a new tea to take her. She seemed to love tea. Maybe it would get him in the door.

  Damn...he couldn’t do that tonight. Donovan ground his teeth and punched a name into the form. He’d made reservations at The Carriage House for him and Christy. What had he been thinking, letting that girl talk him into the date? Christy was twenty-three and in her last semester of college. He knew they had nothing in common after the first date. When she’d begged to go out again, Donovan agreed, feeling guilty only giving her one chance.

  Now having met Madeline—sophisticated, sarcastic, tall Maddie—he wished he dared cancel. Donovan shook his head. He’d have to go through with this one last date with Christy, but he would find a way to see Maddie tomorrow.

  ***

  Madeline glanced at the clock as she handed change to Mrs. Duncan. She placed the dog toys and water dish into a plastic bag and handed them over the counter. Although the store had been slow as far as grooming appointments, it seemed everyone in town needed pet supplies. Madeline was glad this hectic day would soon end.

  They all wanted to question her about finding Frank’s body. Madeline had a suspicion that was the real reason they swarmed to the shop today. She smiled and bid Mrs. Duncan a good day, though the woman left angry, unable to get information out of Madeline to fuel the gossip.

  Thankful the store was finally empty of customers, Madeline walked into the back room to look for Lindsey.

  Her boss poured food into an enormous bowl and placed it in Brutus’ cage. “Finally got rid of her, did you?” Lindsey asked. “I thought she’d never quit asking questions.”

  “I don’t understand the people in this town.” Madeline shuddered. “Why would you want to know all the details about a dead body? I wish I didn’t have that memory.”

  “I know, sweetie. It’s a horrible thing, but you have to remember how boring life is around here. This is the most excitement we’ve had in years.” Lindsey locked Brutus’ kennel and led the way to the front of the store. “Face it—you’re an overnight celebrity.”

  Madeline sat on one of the styling stations and closed her eyes. “Do you think that will keep me safe if the killer thinks I know anything? Maybe I should let the townsfolk mob me. Safety in numbers and all that.”

  “Well...I know one man who wants to keep you safe, and he’s headed to the door right now.”

  Donovan? He’s here? I must look horrible after practically bathing with the dog this morning!

  Madeline opened her eyes, running her fingers over her hair in an attempt to put it in some semblance of order. She squinted into the sunlight shining through the door and tried to make out the person on the other side.

  The chime sounded as he walked inside. Madeline’s eyes adjusted to the brightness and her heart sank a little.

  “Good afternoon, ladies,” Brandon Feldman said, crossing the room to place a kiss on Lindsey’s cheek. “Everything go okay today?”

  Madeline bit her lip and looked into Brandon’s tanned face. She knew Lindsey was right, Brandon did seem to want to keep Madeline safe—or at least away from other men—but a secret corner of her wished Donovan had come to check on her. After last night, she really thought he’d at least casually show up, if to do nothing more than remind her he wanted a date once the case was closed.

  “It’s been busy,” Lindsey told Brandon. “People want to know more about Frank, and everyone wants a piece of our Madeline.”

  “I hope you’ve told them they can’t have you,” Brandon said with a wink as he leaned down to kiss Madeline’s cheek. “I have every intention of convincing you to be mine.”

  Madeline tried to keep a straight face. Not a very subtle pickup line. Still, Brandon was here, trying to use it on her. Her earlier assessment about Donovan had to be right. He forgot about her the second he left the apartment and now used his charm to seduce some other unsuspecting woman.

  She looked into Brandon’s startling green eyes. Even though she wasn’t attracted to him, he was a handsome man with his light-brown hair, deep tan, and large muscles. Brandon fit the stereotypical, over-muscled idiot she had been thinking of earlier. One of the beautiful people, she thought, grinning.

  She stood from the styling table, which put her eyes level with his. “You’re sweet, Brandon, but I told you I’m not interested in dating right now.”

  Brandon took a step back. “Really? The town’s buzzing about Donovan Andrews leaving your apartment late last night. They say he wasn’t in uniform and it seemed like a social call.” He shrugged. “I’d hoped that meant your ban on dating was over.”

  People gossiped about her? Wh
o did they think they were, judging what she might be doing in her own home?

  “Oh, no, sweetie.” Lindsey shook her head. “You aren’t dating Donovan, are you? Please tell me they’re wrong.”

  “It’s nobody’s business who I choose to date.” Madeline tried to keep her tone civil, but gossip irritated her. She dealt with enough of that at home once she called off the wedding.

  Lindsey's mouth tightened and she put her hand on her hip. “I thought we were friends, and you talk to me like that? Donovan’s trouble, but don’t worry, I’ll stay out of your private business.” She whirled around and marched to the back of the store.

  “Lindsey, wait,” Madeline called, taking a step to follow her as Lindsey disappeared through the swinging doors.

  Brandon grabbed her hand, stopping her. “Let her go. She needs time to cool off.”

  “But why did she get so mad? I didn’t mean to upset her.”

  Brandon captured her other hand and stared deep into her eyes. “It’s not your fault. I’m sure no one told you. Donovan Andrews isn’t a nice guy. He’s dated most of the women in this town and broken their hearts.” He looked toward the back room. “Lindsey thought she was different. She thought Donovan would finally settle down with her. They were engaged two weeks before he called it off.”

  Madeline swallowed hard, trying to bite back her disappointment. She thought she’d felt a real attraction to Donovan. Even though initially he struck her as a womanizer, by the time he left her apartment last night she’d hoped for something a bit different. Obviously he was good at tricking women into believing he was what they wanted. At least until he moved on to the next one.

  “I didn’t know,” she whispered.

  “I hope you didn’t think anything different was going to happen with him. He’ll break your heart.”

  “No. It wasn’t anything like that.” Madeline shook her head. “I wasn’t dating him. He came by to talk about the case.”

  Brandon grinned. “So, then, you don’t have plans with him tonight?”

  “Of course not!”

  “Good.” He released her hands and stepped back. “I made us dinner reservations for The Carriage House at eight. Can I pick you up at seven-thirty?”