“She’ll be here. I guarantee it,” Deegan said.
“Because the librarian told you she would?”
“Janie didn’t tell me that Mont would be here. She said this place draws all the younger crowd, especially on karaoke and live band nights.”
“Oh, Janie, huh?” Kiersten chuckled but it sounded more like a strangled choking sound.
“People are friendly around here. You should let it rub off on you.” Deegan made a second round through the parking lot of the bar. “This place is hopping so Janie was right.”
“You’re a riot. Did you by chance show Janie a picture of our target?” Kiersten wasn’t sold on the idea that the roommate would show up. She also didn’t like that it was getting late and the only clue they had was a promise from a local that all the young crowd came to Owl’s Bar on Monday nights. A neon sign boasted karaoke and half priced wings which was a good reason why they couldn’t find a parking spot.
“No, I didn’t, but trust me. She’ll be here.” He finally found a spot on the street and darted his truck in.
It was a good thing she’d bought jeans, a button-down plaid shirt, and cowgirl boots, as well as personal items today because her dressier jacket, slacks, and heels would have made her stick out like a sore thumb. Fortunately, Deegan fit in with his usual T-shirt, Wranglers, and hat. He seemed to fit in wherever he went, especially with the ladies. As they entered, every woman’s head turned to look at him, admiration evident in their glowing faces. Kiersten slid her arm around his and caught his side-glance. “We are a couple, right?”
There were no tables available, so they took seats at the bar and ordered a beer each. Although Kiersten wasn’t one to drink on the job, she did want them to fit in. Deegan seemed at ease, as always. She wasn’t sure much ruffled his feathers. That’s what made him skilled as an agent.
“Cheers.” He clanked his bottle against hers.
She brought her gaze up to watch him sip his beer. He had nice lips and strong cheekbones. When he wasn’t wearing a beard, he looked younger, but she didn’t find that she disliked the whiskers. Her mind naturally skipped down a path of curiosity…wondering what the crisp hair would feel like on her skin, on her most sensitive parts.
Clearing her throat, she shifted on the stool and drew in a deep breath.
He was right, she was stuck on that night—and the feelings he had evoked in her. When she’d walked into the room at the B&B, seeing the large bed and having desire wash through her, her control had slipped some and he’d seen right through her. Calling her out that she was afraid…and she was. A man like Deegan could turn her world upside down.
What if they had sex one more night, just to get it out of their system?
Who was she kidding? The thought was laughable. Sex with Deegan would only strike up every need and desire within her, awakening a seductive beast she’d wanted to tame for two years.
His phone beeped and he pulled it out to glance at the screen. When he shoved it back in, she smiled. “A girlfriend checking up on you?” Although she completely blew off the question as teasing, she truly wondered. He probably had more than one. A sensation started in her stomach and rose into her chest, almost suffocating her. What was it? Jealousy? How could she be jealous? She had no rights to Deegan and she didn’t want any.
Of course, she didn’t.
“No. I’m unattached,” he said with a wink.
There was that familiar feeling between her legs and in her limbs. That wink was the icing on the chocolate cupcake. Taking a long drink, she hoped the cool liquid would ease the fire in her. No such luck. “I find that hard to believe,” she admitted.
“Why?”
She smoothed her finger around the rim of the bottle. “Oh, just water cooler talk. Something about those eyes and dimples have women blushing. They’re always taking a stab at who warms Deegan Bronx’s bed.”
“I didn’t think you were the type to participate in rumors.”
“It’s my job to know everything that goes on. Is it true you and Hamilton’s assistant, Denise Parker, were dating?”
“Wow. A man buys a woman a coffee and he’s said to be in love. How about you? You’re really not attached to the Yuppie, right?”
“Brad is a nice guy.”
“I’m not asking if he’s nice.” Deegan leaned in. “I’m asking if he’s your man.”
“No. I don’t have time for a relationship.” Did she really want to tell him that she hadn’t been in a real relationship in years and had been seeing someone for sex only, and the best thing she had going on was hiring an agency to match her with a candidate to father her baby. Not to mention taking fertility drugs had her libido in overdrive and her emotions a livewire.
He nodded. “The bureau leaves little room for anything outside of crime fighting.”
She twisted her stool to face him and smiled. “And still here we are, neck deep in solving crime. Where are our capes?”
“Mine is at the dry cleaners. Yet, this is an addiction, and a very lonely lifestyle.” He tipped his bottle and drank thirstily. “Who was the guy at the pizza place?”
“Back to him?”
“The curiosity is killing me.”
She moistened her lips. “A friend.”
“Did you dump him?”
“Do you ever mince your words?”
“No.”
“It’s none of your business.” She’d leave it at that.
“Ah, I see. You can ask but you can’t answer.”
“How about we change the subject. Do you think anyone has any idea who we are?” She scanned the room, looking at all the twenty-somethings which made Kiersten feel even older.
“Nah, no one has a clue.” He glanced toward the dance floor. “Completely for appearance sake, would you like to dance?” He had already put his bottle down and was off his stool.
“I don’t dance,” she mumbled.
“Pfft. I don’t believe that for a second.” He smiled and she felt the heat of it all the way into her bones.
She looked back where couples were joining each other on the floor. Fact was, she liked to dance, but she hadn’t in years, back in those days when she attended galas and such. Suddenly she didn’t have any excuses to use to turn him down. Sliding off her stool, she jutted her chin. “Promise not to step on my toes, lawman,” she teased.
The slow country song played from the jukebox and he surprised her when he took her hand and led her the short distance to the dancefloor. He stopped, and she stepped against him, his fingers covering hers as he gently placed his other hand at the small of her back where it fit so perfectly.
The second they moved together her breath came out in a rush like air being released from a balloon, too quiet for any of the small crowd gathering around them to hear. The music played loud, but her heart thudding in her eardrums was louder. Their steps took on a mutual pattern, following the rhythm of a silent union.
She hadn’t been held this close in a long time by any man outside of Brad, but what she had with him was different—worlds apart. In truth, snuggling wasn’t a part of their relationship. No hand holding. No sneaking of kisses when no one was looking or deliberate surprise touches while they made dinner together. Anything of the sort had been off limits and prohibited. She’d set the firm rules from the start.
Deegan’s hand slipped from her back to her hip and the material of her jeans was no resistance to the scorching heat warming her blood. His solid thighs moved against hers and her nipples beaded. Her knees wobbled, but she leaned into him, accepting the security he offered in his strong arms. Feeling the onslaught of a wild mixture of sensations, she laid her cheek against his shoulder and closed her eyes to manage the combustion of feelings. They could easily do something stupid, but she wouldn’t. Couldn’t. This wasn’t the right time to add more to her plate. She was supposed to be balancing work and becoming a mother.
Lifting her head, she cleared her throat. “Any sign of Mont?” This was her simple way of reminding him, and herself, that they were here on a case.
“Mont? Who’s that?” He flicked a glance around the room.
She looked up at him. “Deegan?” His brows raised and their gazes met in a heated exchange. She followed his lead effortlessly as they moved seamlessly together as if there was no beginning or end to each of their bodies. He was sleek, athletic, powerful and a force to be reckoned with. “Seriously?”
“No, I haven’t seen her,” he said quietly. Then he leaned closer and nuzzled his nose in her hair, pulling her closer. His warm breath caressed her cheek sending wave after wave of shivers down her body. “How do you think we’re passing off as a couple?”
“Just watch those hands, lawman,” she warned, but she craved having his hands all over her.
A strong woman could admit her weaknesses and the only one she had was the man holding her in his authoritative grasp. He managed to strip her of all her protective walls and leave her vulnerable. Most people searched for this feeling…dreamed of finding the one person who made her feel like she was the only woman in the world. Hell, she was no different. Every woman secretly wanted a prince charming who saw her as an equal. But this was a fairy tale that ended with a dose of reality. They didn’t have a place together in their lives. She refused to date a lawman and getting involved with him would be professional suicide. Although she had her days where she wanted to walk away, she always woke the next morning feeling convicted in catching a criminal. It was in her blood…or the Cade curse as she and her siblings referred to it. Her grandfather had been a policeman, her father too. Each of her brothers. She’d known while she was still in pigtails that there were two things she wanted in life. To wear a badge and enjoy the family ranch. No wonder her love life was doomed. While most young girls dreamed of their wedding, cutting out magazine pictures and gluing them in a scrapbook, she had been visualizing hooking that shiny badge at her waist, holding the cool steel grip of a gun, and wrapping her handcuffs around a criminal’s wrists.
Yet, Deegan understood above everyone else.
Without thinking, she brought her arms up around his neck and he grasped her hips with those magical fingers as they moved to the hypnotizing tune of the song. He had moves, which didn’t surprise her. She’d already found that out a few years back. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to imagine this being her place in life…in his arms. Would life be easy? That’s how he made her feel. Comforted. Protected. Special. And this left her confused. She wasn’t looking for a man, not anymore. And she most certainly didn’t need protection from anyone. She’d spent most of her life convincing her brothers to back off. They had always scared away interested boys, and later men. Kiersten had a feeling Deegan wouldn’t be easily scared, even by her abrasive brothers. Although they could bring a bad guy to tears with one look, Deegan had that capability too. She’d watched him in action.
What was she doing even allowing her brain to wonder about such things?
The song ended and she removed her arms, although every ounce of her wanted to stay connected with him. His lips thinned as he dropped his hands from her hips.
Once they were seated at the bar again, and two more beers were ordered, she started feeling more relaxed. Every time the door opened, they’d both glance that direction, but neither of them seemed overly concerned whether Mont showed up. “I don’t think she’s coming,” Kiersten said, sucking on a lemon wedge and wincing.
“Stay positive.”
“I’m always positive.” She winked.
He laughed. “If you say so.”
She opened her mouth to argue, but the screeching of the microphone interrupted her.
“Who’s ready for some karaoke?” the portly announcer wearing a bright Hawaiian shirt and baggy beige slacks asked from the stage. The crowd hooted and shouted. Several sitting at the bar whistled.
Wow. Kiersten had no idea karaoke was this popular.
“So, this is the highlight in Folklore,” Kiersten whispered to Deegan.
“Didn’t you grow up in a small town? You should know that karaoke is always a hit at honky tonks.”
“So are mechanical bulls but I don’t see one here.” She smiled. “Do you sing?”
“If I’m smashed.” He laughed.
“When was the last time?”
“Being smashed or singing? Doesn’t matter. It’s the same answer. Never.”
“Well, considering I did grow up in a small town, I learned nothing goes better with karaoke than something strong.” She waved to the bartender and ordered two shots of Tequilas. She was breaking all kinds of rules since she’d met Deegan Bronx, but if she was going to make it through the night without making a fool of herself with him, then she needed something to ease the ridiculous tension in her body.
*
Her silken hair hung in waves around her glowing face. Deegan loved how he could see the twinkle in her eyes from where he sat at the bar. The overhead twinkling lights seemed to catch the brightness like diamonds from where she stood on stage, gripping the microphone as she sang a popular hit from the eighties. Her smile was wide and fascinating which only drew him in deeper. She’d drank too much and when she said she wanted to sing, he decided it was best she work it off.
The song picked up in beat and she started to gyrate her hips, which rewarded her with whistles and cat-calls from the men in the bar.
Deegan smiled, loving how this was a new side to her. She connected with the crowd, luring them in, just like she did to him.
He really didn’t know anything about her…nothing that he hadn’t heard through the grapevine at the bureau. She grew up on a ranch in a small town with five brothers who were known all over Wyoming for their skills in law enforcement.
Her singing voice wasn’t too bad. She tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear and she met his gaze across the short distance. He gave her a thumbs up. She wagged her brows and stepped to the other side of the stage. The crowd responded with claps and whistles. He could understand how they melted under her attention because even when she was looking at him with daggers in her eyes, he still wanted to drag her into his arms and hold her…among numerous things.
Her eyes were remarkably blue and they sparkled from within when she was excited or passionate about a subject. He glided his eyes lower over her plaid shirt that was tied at the waist, exposing a sliver of flat stomach. The waist of the jeans settled low on her hips. She was slender, athletic, and he knew she took great pride in being in shape. She jogged every morning. She also kickboxed. He knew this because he’d been at the gym a few times and saw her working with a trainer. Her arms and legs were toned and she was strong which made her a good lover. She’d ridden him like a cowgirl, giving as much as taking, and he found he’d appreciated her lack of modesty when it came to sex. Some of the girls he’d dated in the past treated intimacy like a delicate matter that should be done modestly and silently. But Kiersten was the complete opposite. She’d been uninhibited, and he’d enjoyed taming her with a handful of orgasms that left her satiated and exhausted.
He felt himself growing hard and he shifted on the stool. Since he’d met her, he’d been a walking hard on.
Now she moved to the opposite side of the stage and worked that side of the room. Again, applause lifted the roof. He laughed. It was more than her looks that enticed him. She wasn’t a girly-girl, and yet she was feminine, a great balance of femininity and strength. He’d be happy having her watch his back any day. He’d witnessed her take down a few burly criminals without blinking an eye. She’d earned the nickname barracuda in the office, coming from a couple of guys who were threatened by her resilience and skill. She was fair and treated her subordinates that way, never asking any of them to do anything she wouldn’t do or hasn’t done.
Kiersten was also loyal to her career, and he’d guess she gave the same determination, compassion and loyalty to her family and friends. He found she didn’t have any problem calling things exactly as she found them, even against the bosses. He’d heard she’d gone toe to toe with a few of them when it came to cases.
The finale of the song came and she handled the high note like a champ, then left the stage with more cheering. When she swept up to the bar like a pleasant warm breeze, she looked at him, laughing. “I’d forgotten how much fun that can be. You should try.”
“I’m having a blast watching.” And that was the truth.
The bartender stepped over. “Can I get you anything?” He was a tall brute of a man with a pockmarked face and skull cap who didn’t bother hiding his appreciation for Kiersten.
Deegan wasn’t sure why that twisted his stomach. Did he think he was the only man who found her attractive? Beautiful. Amazing. Sexy.
“I’ll take a tequila on the rocks with a slice of lemon, please.” She slid onto the stool, lifted her hair off her shoulders and fanned herself. “It’s hot up there.”
“Yes, it was,” he agreed. She met his gaze for a mere second, but in that short time something passed between them, an erotic pull. The chemistry was obvious, and they’d been fighting the draw.
Once she had her drink, she took a long sip. Her cheeks glowed pink and her eyes dazzled. What he wouldn’t give to lean forward and kiss those plush, sweet lips that were made for a man’s kiss…his kiss.
Deegan felt a nudge on his shoulder and he looked up to a doe-eyed cowboy who had his sights on Kiersten. He pushed back the rim of his Stetson and smiled like he’d used it a time or two to catch a woman’s interest. “Hi there. I hope I’m not interrupting.” He didn’t even bother to look Deegan’s way.
Although the man was tall and built, Deegan wasn’t intimidated. Fancy cowboy’s hands looked like they’d never touched a rope. And his teeth were a bit too bright white.
“No. I’m just having a drink,” Kiersten responded happily.
That gorgeous smile. Deegan felt a stabbing pain to his chest. He didn’t own her smiles so why was he feeling envy? This was ridiculous. They weren’t even dating and he felt protective over her.
“You have an amazing voice. I’m Dawson, by the way.” The man, who could barely be called as such, offered up his smooth, baby hand.
Kiersten shook it and Deegan emptied his beer.
“Would you like to dance?” Cowboy asked.
Bringing his gaze around, Deegan laughed. She’d never dance with a stranger, especially one who looked like he was barely out of high school.
“Sure. I’d love to.” She accepted and slid off the stool, looking at Deegan. “Don’t take my drink.” She winked and headed for the dance floor.
Swiveling on the stool, he tightened his grip on his bottle and watched Kiersten dance to the upbeat country song about a man too sexy for his truck. She moved so gracefully, lifting her hair off her neck, leaving tendrils of silken hair on her skin that made a man ache to twirl them around his fingers. Her laughter rang out, so joyfully, like she had no worries in the world. He wanted to see her happy like this often. Not with the cowboy, but Deegan would like to see her smile at him.
Could they ever be more while he worked at the bureau? He realized that as his boss, she had rules that applied. That was a big hurdle, but nothing he wouldn’t be willing to work out. Jobs came and went, but beautiful women that made his world spin didn’t.
Kiersten did a twirl and the cowboy caught her, pulling her against him, wrapping his arms around her waist. It took all Deegan’s inner force not to jump up, cross to the couple, and punch the guy in his throat. Maybe back in his twenties he would have done something so impulsive, but fifteen years later, after a contract in the military and a law career under his belt, he’d learned that a man only responds with his fists when all other options are off the table. Deegan considered himself patient, and as pissed as he was to see a strange man try to take advantage of Kiersten, he waited to see what would happen. He believed she could handle herself.
She stepped out of the stranger’s arms and gave her head a shake.
Deegan felt a sense of relief as he brought the bottle to his lips and drank, but realized it was empty. He sat it on the bar and decided he’d reached his limit. He was glad the cowboy didn’t push his boundaries again because Deegan would gladly draw a few for him.
At midnight, and still no sign of Mont, and Kiersten’s dancing clean out of her system, he walked her back to his truck, his hand possessively on the small of her back. Although he wouldn’t consider her drunk, he did see her sway a few times, although he didn’t bring it to her attention.
He pressed the key fob and opened the door for her. She turned and looked up at him, the engaging smile still on that lovely face. “This wasn’t such a bad idea after all. It’s nice to have some fun sometimes.” She threaded her fingers through her hair. The street lights caught the color of her eyes and infused twinkles in them. “What time is it?”
“Midnight. You partied hard,” he laughed.
“I hate to go,” she frowned.
“I can tell, but we have an early morning.”
She leaned in and pressed her finger into the center of his chest. “I. Told. You. She wouldn’t show.”
“Let me help you inside the passenger seat. I believe we’re heading the same direction.”
“I can manage. I’m not drunk, just feeling good.” She made a failed attempt to climb into the passenger side and luckily he caught her before the pavement did. She giggled and he finally managed to have her safely in the seat.
He reached over and slid her seatbelt into place, feeling her fingers in his hair. He looked up and their faces were within inches.
“You’ve let your hair grow out long.”
“It kind of suits the undercover thing.” He winked.
Move before you do something stupid.
He rounded the truck and settled into the driver’s seat. She was staring through the window which gave him time to get his emotions under control.
By the time they drove the few blocks to the B&B, they had sunk into a comfortable silence. But once they reached the room, her demeanor changed. “There’s only one bed.”
He had no problem sharing it, but even though she wasn’t drunk, she was at least tipsy and his dad taught him a real man never takes advantage of a woman who had been drinking. Deegan had always lived by that rule. “I’ll take the couch. It looks comfy.” He lied. He’d probably end up on the floor before the night was over.
She pointed at the barely-more-than-a-loveseat and laughed. “Your feet will hang over. I’ll take the couch and you take the bed. After all, you did make the reservation.”
“But you didn’t expect to be in Folklore this long. I’ve slept on worse.”
“Yeah, I guess you have,” she said with obvious reluctance. “Are you sure? Once my head touches that pillow, I’ll be out like a light. I’m exhausted.”
“Positive.”
She stepped over to the bed, grabbed a pillow and the top blanket and handed them over to him. “Have a good night’s sleep.”
He smirked as she stepped into the bathroom.
He didn’t count on sleeping, but he’d been awake for what felt like days.
Tucked on the too-small couch when she came out of the bathroom, he knew he wouldn’t get more than a wink or two. The only light still on was the bedside lamp, but it was enough that he could see her pretty damn good. Her hair was pulled back into a pony tail, her face was washed, and her jeans were gone. She had untied her shirt to second as a nightgown and it landed high on her toned thighs. She crawled into bed and clicked off the lamp, but he could hear the rustling of sheets as she tossed and turned. So he wasn’t the only one who was having a hard time getting to sleep?
“Deegan?” she said his name in a soft voice. “You still awake?”
“Yes,” he mumbled.
“You’re going to owe me big time,” she said in a sleepy voice.
He smiled. “Go to sleep, Kiersten. We’ll talk debts tomorrow.”
Wincing against the bright light flowing in through the open curtains, Kiersten groaned, wanting to fall back to sleep. She wasn’t sure what woke her until she felt the bed sink and her body slid toward the weight. Opening one eye into a slit, she saw Deegan. His hair was damp, his clothes were changed, and he looked magnificent, even to her blurred vision. She’d enjoy him even more if she didn’t have a throbbing in her temples. “How late have I slept?”
“Late enough to hopefully feel better.” He held up a small sealed plastic bag with a straw sticking out. Inside was a brownish-orange liquid with two slices of lemon floating on top. “Sandy was kind enough to let me in the kitchen so I could make this. It’s a remedy for a hangover. Oh, and I ordered coffee and toast.”
Lifting her head, she waited for the bout of dizziness to fade before she pushed herself to a sitting position, hoping to feel more human. Propping against the headboard, she looked up from the exotic drink to the steaming coffee, the last being the most appetizing, but it was hot and she was thirsty. Her mouth felt like she’d been sucking on cotton balls.
He handed her the bag and she held it up to look inside. “What’s in this?”
“Let’s see…apple cider vinegar. Ginger. Cinnamon. Lemon juice. Honey and the hair of a virgin.”
She snapped her gaze up and saw that he was grinning. “Did Sandy cut it from her own locks?”
“I wouldn’t let her innocence fool you. She asked if I wanted her to show me the honeymoon suite which I kindly declined.”
She took a drink and winced. It tasted bad…very bad. “I don’t know if I can do this.”
“To get to the castle you have to swim the moat.” He winked.
“I think you spent too much time with perky Sandy this morning.” She rolled her eyes.
“Now, now. Be nice. After all, she did give me an address.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a slip of paper.
Rubbing her forehead, she leaned in. “Is that the address for who I think it is?”
“Sandy informed me that RayAnn Mont is living a few miles outside of town. They’re good friends. Sandy even called our target to set something up for us to meet.”
“Wait, why would she want to meet with us? No one wants to meet with the Feds.”
“Oh, but she does. You and I own a modeling agency and are looking for the next top model.”
“That’s why you have that shit eating grin. You scored one for us.” A pain shot through her head and she rubbed her temple. “Sheesh. Why did I do this to myself?”
“You know nothing quite goes with karaoke like tequila.”
“If I was feeling better I’d so kick your ass for the sarcasm,” she moaned. She sipped more of the concoction and surprisingly it did start to help.
“Do you think you can be ready in twenty minutes?”
“Did God create earth in twenty?”
He stood and hooked his thumbs in his front pockets. “I’ll go alone. You stay and rest.”
“Like hell you will.” She threw back the covers and stood up, a little wobbly, but she managed to stay upright. “Let me take a five-minute shower and I’ll be ready to go.” She shoved a half slice of toast into her mouth and downed the coffee.
She’d forgotten that she was only wearing her short shirt until his gaze dropped over her. When he looked back up, his eyes were bright.
“I’ll meet you at the truck.” He turned and made his exit.
Shaking off his awkwardness, she grabbed her clothes from last night and headed for the bathroom. Her wish was to talk to the roommate and get back home. Preferably away from Deegan.
They drove to the address which was a small house in the middle of a corn field. But as promised, RayAnn was there and she welcomed them in, excitement showing in her bright smile and wide brown eyes. She was a pretty woman and Kiersten almost felt sympathy for the woman who was about to find out that they’d lied, or rather Deegan had lied.
“Sandy said you are looking for models? I’ve modeled some, but then I had to move back home.” She rolled her eyes and dropped down on the chair. “You know how that is.”
Kiersten did, but for different reasons.
Joining Deegan on the couch, she let him take the lead. He wasted no time in taking out a picture of Annie and placing it on the coffee table between them. “You know her?”
Several expressions flickered over her face until it settled on annoyance. “Wait. What are you talking about? You’re not here looking for a model, are you?” She jumped up and crossed her arms over her chest. “There’s the door. Use it!”
“I’m sorry, RayAnn. Can I call you RayAnn?” Kiersten stood. “We didn’t think you’d see us if we told you the truth.”
“Why don’t you try me?” she huffed.
Kiersten knew in cases like this it was best just to be totally honest. “Because you left Cheyenne and then your friend passed—”
“What? Wait…what the hell are you talking about?”
Looking back at Deegan, Kiersten nodded. “You haven’t heard the news? Your friend, Annie Steele, was found dead in her apartment.”
“Annie passed? That’s not possible.” She dropped back down onto the chair, her face pale and her bottom lip quivering.
“Have you spoken to her since you moved?” Deegan asked.
“No. What happened? It was his wife, wasn’t it?” RayAnn hissed the words. “I told Annie not to see him. I knew there would be trouble.”
“So you knew that she was seeing Senator Kline?” Kiersten asked.
“It wasn’t like they were trying hard to keep it hidden, at least from her friends. She was proud that she’d landed a rich guy and it didn’t matter to her that he was hitched. Is that how she died? The wife killed her?”
“No,” Deegan answered. “She was found dead in her bathtub, suspected overdose. Heroine.”
“What?” RayAnn’s laugh came out in a snort. “Annie using drugs? Anyone who knew her would know better. She loved life, and herself, way too much to put chemicals in her. I mean, back in college she smoked a little four twenty, but never anything stronger.” She reached for the cigarette pack on the table, took one out and lit it. “She hated that I smoked. She called them cancer sticks.” She frowned. “That girl had too many big plans to be wasted so early. She wanted to travel and, because her student loans were finally paid off, she finally could.”
“Did she pay off her student loans?” Kiersten sat back down.
RayAnn’s shrug sent the shoulder of her shirt down her slender arm, showing off an exquisite dragon tattoo. “She didn’t pay them off. She wasn’t that great with money. I assumed the rich politician did, although she never confirmed or denied the fact. Once she started seeing him, she suddenly went from ramen to filet mignon.” She took a long drag from her cigarette, then tapped her ashes into a pop can. “That girl was made to be a man’s trophy wife and she believed she had it with the Senator.”
“Senator Kline doesn’t think Annie killed herself either. He wants us to help find out what really happened and that’s why we tracked you down. We need to find out if Annie had any enemies. Anyone you think would want her dead,” Deegan asked.
There was a long, drawn-out hesitation. “Annie didn’t have any enemies that I know of, but when I found out about the affair, I asked her if she was scared the wife would find out and she didn’t seem concerned. She said she and the politician were in love and he was going to leave his wife.” RayAnn cackled, then coughed. “I told her she was being a fool. We all know it’s ridiculous to think that a married man will ever leave his wife, especially for an aide. Hell, did she listen? Nope.” She put out her cigarette. “Want to see pictures I have of her?”
Kiersten was glad to see how open the woman was, although so far, they hadn’t learned much. “Yes, we would.”
RayAnn took out a cigar box from under the table, opened it and took out a pile of photos. After fanning through the stack, she tossed one onto the table. “Here she is from a few years ago. Pre-fucking-politic days.”
Kiersten looked at the picture of the pretty red head who was glamming it up for the camera, like most twenty something girls in their selfies. Kiersten felt a stab in her chest thinking that the young woman had no clue what her future held. Her life had ended way too soon.
“Here’s another.” RayAnn handed over several more.
“Who’s this guy?” Deegan pointed at a man Annie was standing with at a Halloween party. The man wore nipple rings and leather pants with his hair slicked back.
“That’s Everest. She worked with him for a while until she got the job with the Senator. As far as I know, they were still friends. They both liked to party, and Everest, well, he’s the life of the party.” She giggled. “We used to joke and call him “Daddy” because he was so old…like thirty-five. I think he liked being called daddy though.” She wagged her brows.
“Do you have his number so that we can ask him a couple of questions?” Kiersten asked.
“No. I didn’t like him much and we never hung out but a few times. I thought he was creepy.”
“How about where they worked together?” Deegan placed the pictures back on the table.
“Nope. I can’t remember. Some corporate office downtown, like an advertising group or something.” Her cell buzzed from her purse across the room. “Hang on a minute. I need to get that.”
Kiersten turned in time to see Deegan take the picture of Everest and Annie, fold it and stick it into his jacket pocket then he shuffled the pictures back into the stack.
*
“Well, I guess it wasn’t a complete loss,” Deegan said as they got onto the Interstate heading toward home.
“So, what about the wife? RayAnn seemed pretty adamant that Senator Kline’s wife might have been involved.” Kiersten asked from the passenger seat.
He shot her a quick glance. “Lisa? No. I’m sure she was shocked to find out her husband was unfaithful, but I know her.”
“As much as you know Max Kline?” She raised a brow.
“Yes, as much as I know Max. We were all friends.” He knew where this was headed. “I am looking at this objectively.”
“Okay. If you say so. But no one is off the table of suspects until we have proof that they weren’t involved,” she said stubbornly.
“So far we don’t have much to go on, but maybe this Everest fellow has some answers.”
“He’ll be easy to find. Party guy. Thirty something. You can track him down and talk to him.”
“Wait, I can talk to him?” He looked at her across the seat. “I thought we were doing this together?”
“I have something else I need to take care of today.” She kept her gaze turned away from him.
“More important than speaking to this guy?” Why was he disappointed? He was on vacation and she wasn’t. Did he really expect that they would hang out together? He needed a break from her to clear his head of all the cobwebs.
After he dropped her off at the bureau, he still felt a stab of displeasure. It wasn’t that he couldn’t handle the case alone, but he’d enjoyed her company. Usually he liked working alone, and for an undercover agent, it always worked out for the best. Even living alone was for the best because most women wouldn’t understand his schedule. Sometimes it required him to be gone for weeks, sometimes for months. Privacy was his middle name. Confidentiality was his game. The last five-minute relationship he’d had, he came home from a mission and she was waiting for him at his apartment to break up. She thought he’d cheated, but any woman who knew Deegan, really knew him, would know he wasn’t a cheater. If he promised something, it would happen. If he was committed, he was as loyal as a newborn pup.
He blew out a long breath and looked at the scrap piece of paper on the passenger seat. “Everest Gilbert. I hope you have some useful information.”