Anything to keep Dahlia from whatever mischief she had intended for Colleen.
Alessandro had seen Dahlia slip into her office while Neil OBrien had drawn everyones attention. As soon as Alessandro could, hed left Colleens side to spy on Dahlia.
Through the partially open doorway of her office, hed heard her on the phone telling someone that, yes, it would be done, just give her a few minutes. And then shed hung up and taken a small vial from her desk drawer and poured the contents into a glass of punch. Hed hidden in the shadows when shed left. Hed slowly followed, wondering what she was up to.
His heart had nearly stopped when he saw her hand the glass to Colleen. Hed known he had to stop Colleen from drinking the tainted punch and the only feasible way to do so without giving up his own cover was to knock the glass from her hand.
Hed hate for anything bad to happen to Colleen. He liked hermore than he had any woman in a very long time.
Not since Paola. His heart squeezed at the thought of the woman whod broken his heart so many years ago.
He welcomed the pain as a reminder that no matter how much he liked and admired Colleen Montgomery, she was off-limits.
He wasnt looking for a relationship.
Only for justice.
Colleen made excuses to her family that she needed to go home and clean the punch off herself, but really she wanted to get started researching Donato and Sainsbury.
She left the museum, hailed a cab and was soon home in the house shed grown up in. Once inside the two-story ranch built in the 1940s, Colleen stepped out of her shoes, left them by the front door and then vaulted up the stairs to the guest room in the back where shed taken up residence ever since shed given up her downtown apartment and moved back in with her parents to save money.
It was only a temporary arrangement, but she couldnt bring herself to stay in her old bedroom with its purple walls and posters catering to her childhood whims. Living in a shrine to her youth would be too weird. Shed planned to redecorate her old room, but hadnt as of yet found time.
Once in the guest room, she changed into lightweight stretch pants and a T-shirt, pulled her hair up into a ponytail and then fired up her laptop computer.
With the marvel of modern technology, shed have access to all sorts of information on Donato. And luckily she knew several reporters in Europe who would be willing to do a little footwork for her.
She settled in and started digging into the life of Alessandro Donato.
Alessandro was glad to see Colleen leave, but he hated that he had the urge to follow her home to make sure she arrived safely.
As it was, hed watched her get in the cab without harm and that would have to do for now. Without the distraction of Colleens presence, he could concentrate on initiating Dahlias trust.
Dahlia had led him to an alcove near the swinging doors that closed off the caterers from the party. Tell me, Mr. Donato, would your buyer be willing to come to Colorado Springs and meet with me?
Sì , that could be arranged.
Out of habit he moved to stand with his back toward the wall so he could see any approaching threats.
Dahlia laid a hand on his arm. Good. Youll get back to me with a time?
Sì , yes. Alessandro would contact his boss and have someone arrange to pose as an art buyer.
A piercing scream split the air.
The noise came from behind the swinging doors.
Stay put, Alessandro said to Dahlia, as he left her to charge through the doors.
A sobbing waitress was trying to explain to another waiter what had made her scream. Alessandro took her hands. Shh. Breathe, signorina . Slowly, now. What has caused your tears?
Behind him, the swinging doors banged open as Sam Vance stormed in, followed closely by the Montgomery brothers and Al Crane.
I heard a scream. Is someone hurt? Sam demanded.
The girl hanging on to Alessandros hands hiccupped and then pointed out the back door. I thinkhes dead.
Alessandro beat Sam out the door. Seeing Neil OBrien face down on the ground, Alessandro hung back as Sam bent to check the pulse of the man lying prone in the alleyway, a dark stain spreading across his back.
Hes dead, Sam confirmed.
Sam secured the crime scene and placed a call for forensics. The burly doorman ushered all the bystanders back inside, where they were instructed to wait because the police would need to ask questions since they were all potential witnesses.
Alessandro observed Dahlias less-than-horrified expression as she assured those around her that the museum would be open for visiting as soon as the next day.
As the CSI techs and medical examiner arrived, Alessandro stayed on the fringes of the activity. After combing the scene for clues, the CSI team released the victim. They rolled Neil over and placed his body in a black bag before loading him onto a gurney and taking him away.
Alessandro watched Sam bend down and with the end of a pencil pick something up. A large lump formed in Alessandros chest when he realized the object of Sams inspection was the blue scarf Colleen had been wearing when shed first walked into the museum.
Colleen stayed up all night, tapping her resources for information on the mysterious Alessandro Donato. Shed e-mailed a friend at immigration asking for information on Alessandros visa, because knowing where the visa originated and when it expired could be helpful.
The information supplied had led her to Fabriano, Italy.
She contacted a former classmate who lived in Rome and had her check hospital records in the small town in the center of the country.
A few hours later, the information she received back stunned her. Not only had Alessandro been born in that small Italian community, but so had his child. A little girl.
The knowledge hit her like a physical blow. It was one thing to think of Alessandro as a playboy but another to know that there was a woman in his life.
A daughter, she muttered as she typed in the information in the spreadsheet she used as a tool for gathering notes for her articles.
She could picture a raven-haired feminine version of Alessandro running around with mischief in her dark eyes and a grin on her face.
The image tightened something unfamiliar in her chest. She frowned.
Children were for other people, not her. She didnt have time in her life for the ties of an immediate family. Yetshe couldnt shake the strange feeling or the image. She hoped that if she slept, shed be able to banish the sudden abnormal longing for a family of her own.
She forced herself to lie down and tried the relaxation techniques shed learned in college when shed needed sleep in order to be attentive for her classes. Deep breathing and concentrating on letting each limb become heavy helped her to relax. Eventually she fell into a light sleep.
Colleen awoke as daylight filtered in through the slats of the blinds covering the window. Though she was not completely refreshed, her mind buzzed with alertness.
Without preamble, she went back to work. In her note file, she typed, Wheres mother of child? Wheres child? Is the mother his dead wife? Is Dahlia Sainsbury mother of child? If so, what are they planning? If not, is he just a playboy sniffing after a pretty face?
That last question brought her up short.
There was no question the man was suave and charming. He had the ability to make whomever he was talking to feel special. But a womanizer?
That last question brought her up short.
There was no question the man was suave and charming. He had the ability to make whomever he was talking to feel special. But a womanizer?
Surely shed have heard rumors of specific liaisons if that were the case. No, whatever he was up to wasnt anything so frivolous or obvious.
Find the child and the mother wont be far away, she muttered.
She put another request in to her Italian connection and asked that she track down the childs whereabouts and check marriage records for Alessandro Donato.
A knock sounded at the front door. She glanced at the clock and realized she was alone in the house. Her parents would have left over an hour ago.
She clicked out of her e-mail and brought up her desktop screen saver: an ocean beach with tranquil water and warm-looking sand. One of these days she was going on a vacation.
She left her office and went downstairs to open the front door. Becca Hilliard and Sam Vance stood on the stoop.
Hey, guys, come in. Colleen stepped back to let them enter. It wasnt unusual for the pair of detectives to appear at her front door. Often theyd come with leads or in hopes of gaining information on a story she was working on.
Beccas light-brown hair was pulled back into her usual long ponytail hanging almost to her waist. She was dressed in navy slacks and matching jacket over a white blouse. She smiled slightly as she stepped into the foyer. Hello, Colleen.
Sam passed Colleen without comment. His tall, muscular build could be overwhelming at times, especially when he was working. His dark wavy hair looked clean and his face freshly shaved, but Colleen noticed the grim expression tightening his strong jaw.
Where were you last night? Sam asked as he looked around.
Colleen arched one eyebrow. You saw me last night at the museum. Whats up?
Becca walked into the living room. Are you alone?
Wary, Colleen followed her in. Yes.
Where did you go after you left the museum last night? Becca asked.
Colleen slid her gaze to Sam, who watched her with hooded eyes. She frowned. I came here.
Was anyone here? Sam asked, his voice low.
No. I heard my parents come home later.
Where are they now? Becca asked.
Theyre at their Bible study. Every Thursday morning for the past ten years. Colleen put her hands on her hips. What is going on?
Did you see Neil OBrien after you left last night?
Beccas softly asked question sent a ripple of concern down Colleens spine. No. He stormed out and that was that. She shook her head. He was really drunk. I hope he didnt get in a car and drive like that.
No. He didnt get into a car. Sam moved restlessly around the room.
Colleen tracked his progress. Sam. Talk to me.
He stopped his pacing and turned to look directly in her eyes. Do you own a gun?
What? She dropped her chin. Do I need one?
He moved to stand right in front of her. Colleen. Neil OBrien was murdered last night.
Colleen staggered back a step. He was about to be a father. Oh, poor Mary. HowWhat happened?
Someone shot him in the back, came Beccas reply.
In the back? Colleens journalistic nose twitched. Ive got to get my notebook.
Actually, Colleen, we need you to come down to the station with us.
Colleen stopped and stared at Sam as realization came at her like one of Jakes baseballs, effectively knocking the wind from her lungs. The question about the gunyou think Ihow could you?
Contrition showed bright in Sams warm brown eyes. Its just routine. You had an altercation with the man prior to his murder.
So that makes me guilty of killing him? she asked, her voice rising. Sam, youve known me my whole life.
Becca stepped forward. Theres more, Colleen. We really need your cooperation.
Im not going anywhere, she stated.
Her mind whirled with story angles and possible suspects in Chief OBriens murder. She had to get out on the street and find out who had killed Neil.
Then well need to read you your rights and then take you to the station, Becca said softly.
Read me my rights? Panic slithered up her spine. She felt as if shed somehow walked into a B movie and wasnt able to follow the plot line. What are you saying?
Colleen Montgomery, youre under arrest for the murder of Neil OBrien.
What are you doing here?
Alessandro halted at his cousin Sams harshly asked question. Hed come to the police station as soon as he heard theyd arrested Colleen.
Not for the first time, Alessandro wished he could confide in his cousin that they were on the same side.
But he couldnt.
The fewer people privy to such information, the better. For their sakes as well as for his own.
Colleen Montgomery had nothing to do with Neil OBriens death.
Sam raised a brow. Do you have proof of this?
Knowing his words would mean little to nothing to the detective, Alessandro stated, Your evidence is circumstantial at best.
Thats for her lawyer to prove, Sam retorted.
Frustration tightened in Alessandros gut. You cant believe she did this.
Sam ran a hand through his hair. It doesnt matter what I believe. I have to follow the law.
Not above using their familial connection, Alessandro lowered his voice and said, Cousin, I know you have no reason to trust me. But trust yourself. You know Colleen wouldnt hurt anyone. She is being framed. Think for a moment. The articles she has been writing lately on the escalating drug tradethe firessomeone wants her stopped. And I know who it is.
Sam grabbed him by the arm and pulled him into an interrogation room and shut the door. You better tell me what you know, Cousin .
Baltasar Escalante is not dead.
Sam gave him a droll look. Really. And you know thishow?
Alessandro ground his teeth together. He couldnt reveal his source of information without blowing his own cover. Youll have to trust me.
Sam snorted. As you said, I have no reason to trust you.
Regret for the image hed been forced to cultivate in order to work his way closer to Escalantes people stabbed him in the chest. I cant explain how I know. He is back.
Sam shook his head. Wed have spotted him.
This time Alessandro shook his head. He has had plastic surgery.
Sam scoffed. You cant expect me to go to my superiors with this without any proof or any corroborating evidence. Id be laughed off the force.
Sam opened the door and walked back into the hall.
Anger burned in Alessandros chest. He had to find Escalante and bring him down before he destroyed any more lives.
Including Colleens.
Thank you, Jake, Adam. I love you guys. Colleen hugged each brother and sent a silent prayer of thanks heavenward for the devotion of her family.
As soon as shed reached the police station shed called Jake. She was confident that as an FBI agent, he would know what to do. Her brothers had arrived within the hour with a lawyer in tow.
Theyd agreed to tell their parents after they had Colleen released. A terrific idea as far as she was concerned. Frank Montgomery would chew some hide inside and out as it was when he found out that Colleen had been arrested. At least this way they could protect Sam and Becca until Frank cooled down.