Itits all right, she said. It was my fault. I wasnt watching where I was going.
The sound of her voice surprised him. The intercom in the box had distorted it until she sounded like some harpy fishwife. But here, standing so near to him, her words were low and throaty, wrapping around his brain like a mind-numbing drug, immediately turning him into an addict for the sound. No, it was my fault, he said, hoping shed speak again.
Can you tell me where Detective Wright is? she asked. He gave me these clothes to wear but Im afraid they dont fit very well.
She glanced up at him again and he saw the vulnerability return to her eyes, the hard facade gone. Detective Wright will be with you in a moment, miss, he said, steering her back through the door to the box. Wait in here until he returns.
With that, he turned and strode down the hall, rubbing his tingling palms together as he walked. See? Shes nothing special, he murmured. Just an ordinary witness. Sure, shes a beautiful woman. But sooner or later they all turn into clinging, grasping shrews. Conor repeated these words over and over as he walked to the parking lot.
By the time Danny helped a handcuffed Olivia Farrell into an unmarked sedan and roared off into the night, Conor had nearly convinced himself that his words were true. But as he followed the taillights of his partners car, memories of the feel of her skin and the sound of her voice flooded his brain.
She wasnt like the others. He wasnt sure how he knew, but Olivia Farrell was different. Conor couldnt help but feel a small measure of regret at the revelation. Hed never really know how she was different, or why she made him feel the way she did.
The only thing he knew for sure was that he damn well didnt intend to get within fifty feet of Olivia Farrell ever again!
2
CAPE COD during an October noreasterOlivia Farrell couldnt think of anything worse, except maybe a root canal without anesthesia. October was supposed to be warm and sunny. But the sky remained endlessly bleak and the wind blew off the Atlantic, seeping through every crack and crevice in the beach house and rattling the single-pane windows until she was certain shed go mad from the sound. The fireplaces throughout the cottage blazed but they did nothing to take the damp from the air. And the furnace, meant only to keep the pipes from freezing in the winter, did a pitiful job of staving off the cold.
She peered through a slit in the curtains, staring out at the restless waters of Cape Cod Bay, a sick shade of green and gray beneath the slowly rising sun. Rubbing her arms through the thick wool sweater, she fought off a shiver. How had she managed to get herself into such a predicament?
Ms. Farrell, please stay away from the windows. We dont know who might be out there.
Olivia sighed. Shed been in protective custody for only two days, but already shed had enough. She couldnt breathe without permission from Dudley Do-Right, the by-the-book cop that had been assigned as her shadow. Detective Danny Wright looked all of about fifteen years old, with a fresh-scrubbed face and a pudgy build. If she hadnt known he was a cop, she might have thought the gun he carried was a toy. Olivia ran her hands through her hair, then turned away from the window. How much longer do we have to stay here? Cant we find a place with heat?
Were thinking of keeping you here until the trial.
But thats twelve days away! Olivia cried.
Weve got men posted at the airport, on the highway and even at the ferry landing in Provincetown. The only way one of Red Keenans men can get past them is if they come over on a private boat and land on the beach. And with this weather, theyd be crazy to try. Local law enforcement knows all the year-round residents on this stretch of the Cape. This is the safest place for you.
Then why cant I at least go out for a while? You said it. Im perfectly safe here. We could go shopping, or go for a walk. Maybe get some breakfast in town?
Detective Do-Right shook his head. Im afraid that wont be possible, miss. If theres anything more you need, I can send a man out. Books, snacks, whatever. The district attorney wants you to be comfortable.
Fine! Olivia snapped. Send him out and tell him to buy me my old life back. I want my own bed and my cat and my hairdryer. My shop cant survive another two weeks of closed doors. My clients are going to go elsewhere. Will the department pay for all the lost business?
The officer looked genuinely apologetic. Were very sorry about that, miss, but you are doing society a great service by helping us shut down Keenans operation.
She sighed then bit back a sharp retort and flopped down on the sofa. She knew she ought to be grateful for the protection, but she felt like a hostage, held against her will. Her incarceration would probably be much more enjoyable if shed cut Detective Wright a little slack. Since were going to be spending so much time together, you might as well call me Olivia. Im getting tired of miss.
Actually, Ms. Farrell, its best if we dont get friendly. Department policy says that we should keep our relationship strictly professional.
She grabbed the book shed been reading from the end table. Im going to lie down. I didnt get much sleep last night. Officer Do-Right was about to issue another warning but she held up her hand to stop him. And dont worry, I wont stand near the windows.
She closed the bedroom door behind her, then leaned back against it. The least they could do was put her up in a house with heat. It was probably warmer outside. Olivia crossed to the bed and grabbed her jacket, then tugged it on. In truth, she wasnt tired. Shed been so inactive over the course of her imprisonment shed gained five pounds. Had she been at home, shed be heading out for her morning walk right about now, taking her usual route, down Dartmouth to the river and then back again. Shed stop in her favorite coffee shop for a half-caf, no-fat latte, then grab copies of the morning papers, and head for her flat on St. Botolph Street.
Olivia paced the length of the bedroom, then turned on her heel and retraced her steps. She picked up the speed and before long she was jogging in place. If she closed her eyes she could almost feel the brisk morning air on her face, hear the wind rustling in the leaves and smell the river in the distance.
But when she opened her eyes, she was still stuck in what amounted to a prison. Olivia glanced at the window, then walked over and pushed aside the curtains. The drop to the ground wasnt so bad. She could easily fit through the window without making a sound. All she needed was a little time to herself, some fresh air and exercise.
She reached up and flipped the latch open. Wincing, she slowly pushed the creaky sash up, the wind buffeting her face. The sound of crashing waves filled the room and she waited to see if Officer Do-Right would burst through the door with gun drawn. When he didnt, she threw her leg over the sash and wriggled out the window. The sandy ground was damp beneath her feet, muffling the sound.
Olivia turned around and pulled the window shut, then stepped out from the shadow of the house and headed toward the beach, avoiding the sight lines from the big wall of windows across the back of the house. The wind cut through her jacket and chilled her to the bone, but the sense of freedom sent her pulse racing and she wanted to dance and sing and shout with joy.
She ran over the dunes, through the wind-whipped sea grass to the hard-packed sand at waters edge. The roar of the waves filled her head and she jogged along the beach, drawing deeply of the salt air, caught up in the fierce weather. No one had ventured out this morning. Not a footprint marred the damp sand, no human for as far as the eye could see. There you are, Officer Do-Right, Im perfectly safe. Not a hit man in sight.
She wasnt sure how long she ran but by the time she sat down on a small patch of damp sand, she was breathless. Olivia knew she should go back inside before her watchdog noticed she was missing, but now that she was warm, she just needed a few more minutes to
Arms clamped around her torso and she felt herself being lifted from the ground. The shock knocked the air out of her lungs and, for a moment, Olivia couldnt scream. She struggled to catch her breath as she was spun around and tossed over the shoulder of a dark-haired man dressed in a leather jacket and jeans.
He trudged up the dunes, carrying her as if she weighed nothing more than a sack of feathers. Finally, she drew enough air to make a sound. First, she screamed, long and hard, a shriek guaranteed to carry on the wind. Then she began to kick her legs and pummel his back with her fists. Let me go! Olivia cried. This place is swarming with cops. Youll never get away with this.
He stopped, then hoisted her up again, adjusting her weight until his shoulder jabbed into her belly. I dont see any cops, do you?
IIll make you a deal, she pleaded, staring down at his backside. Shed do well to keep her head about her. Surely she could reason with the man. From the look of his behind, he was young, fit, probably attractive. II wont talk. Ill refuse to testify. Your boss doesnt have to worry. He wont go to jail. Just dont kill me.
She pushed up and looked around, then noticed they were heading toward the house. Officer Do-Right was inside! With his gun! Oh, God, she was about to be caught in a hail of bullets. And the way he was carrying her shed be shot in the butt first. You cant go in there, she warned. The cops are in there. See, Im on your side. Id never say anything to hurt your boss.
When he reached the steps to the deck, he grabbed her waist and set her down in front of him, his fingers biting into her flesh.
Olivia swallowed hard, looking up at an expression as fierce as the weather. Even through his anger, she could see he was a handsome manfor a criminal. And his features were strangely familiar. She knew this man. You! Olivia cried. I saw you at the station house. Youreyoure a
An unexpected smile touched the corners of his hard mouth. Im the man who just saved your life. Now get in the house.
Olivia gasped, then narrowed her eyes. Youre a cop!
He nodded once, dismissively, and she felt her temper rise. She let out a colorful oath, then drew back and kicked him squarely in the shin. I thought you were a bad guy! she cried, ignoring his yelp of pain and the little one-footed dance he did as he rubbed his bruised leg.
Damn it, what did you do that for?
You scared me half to death! I thought you were going to kidnap me. Andand then, put a bullet in my brain oror fit me with cement overshoes. My life flashed before my eyes. I nearly had a stroke. I could have died.
He stared up at her, bent double with the pain. It was only then that she noticed his eyes, an odd shade of hazel mixed with gold. Shed never seen eyes quite that color. Eyes filled with cold, calculating angerdirected at her. Yes, you could have died, he muttered. And I want you to remember how scared you were. Because thats what its going to be like when Keenan finally gets you. Now get in the house, he continued, emphasizing each word. Or Ill shoot you myself.
With a sniff, she spun on her heel and flounced up the steps. Of all the nerve! What right did he have to treat her like somesome recalcitrant child? Next thing, hed be throwing her over his knee and spanking her. Olivia risked a look back as she walked in the door. Good grief, why did that notion suddenly appeal to her?
When she got inside, she found Detective Wright nervously pacing the room. He looked up and relief flooded his expression. Olivia almost felt sorry for him and was about to apologize when the door slammed behind her. What the hell were you thinking, Wright? You never, ever, let a witness out of your sight. She could be dead now and then where would we be?
Olivia turned and sent the dark-haired cop a livid glare, one he returned in equal measure, sending a shiver down her spine. Dont you think youre being a bit dramatic? Besides, its not his fault. I snuck out.
He took a step toward her and she backed away. Did I ask for your opinion? He turned back to Detective Wright. Why dont you watch the road and the perimeter? Ill stay with Ms. Farrell for now.
I dont want you here, Olivia said, tipping her chin up defiantly. I want Officer Do-Right to stay. You can leave.
Officer Wright is needed outside. And since youve decided to ignore his warnings, youre stuck with me. Or more precisely, Im stuck with you. His gaze raked the length of her body and stopped at her toes. Give me your shoes.
What?
Take them off. He turned and stalked to her bedroom, then emerged a few moments later with the boots and loafers shed hurriedly packed after the incident at the shop. You can have them back once Im sure youre going to stay inside. Now, give me your shoes.
Olivia had every intention of refusing but the look in his eyes told her otherwise. She sat down on the sofa and yanked both shoes off, then threw them in the direction of his head. Then she crossed her arms and sank back into the cushions, watching him suspiciously and waiting for the next demand.
He drew Detective Wright aside and spoke softly with him, giving Olivia a chance to observe him in an objective light. He stood at least half a head taller than Wright and his dark good looks stood in sharp contrast with Dudleys clean-cut choirboy features. When his face wasnt filled with fury, the guy was actually quite handsomehigh cheekbones and a strong jaw, a mouth that looked as if it had been sculpted by an artist. His hair was dark, nearly black, and his eyes were that strange shade that she couldnt quite describe in words. Fascinating. Unearthly. Riveting.
While Dudley looked conscientious and trustworthy, this new guy had a wild and unpredictable air about him. His hair was just a little too long, his clothes a bit too casual. He had a sinewy build, long legs and broad shoulders and a flat belly that showed no evidence of too many donuts. When they both turned her way, she averted her eyes and casually picked at the fringe of a throw pillow shed pulled onto her lap.
Detective Wright approached the sofa. Ms. Farrell, Im going to leave you in the care of Detective Quinn. Hell be with you until the trial. I hope you wont give him any more trouble.
She forced a sweet smile and slowly rose. That all depends upon Detective Quinns behavior. As long as he can stifle his Neanderthal tendencies, it will be pure bliss.
Wright looked back and forth between the two of them, then nodded before hurrying out of the room. Left alone with Quinn, Olivia wondered whether she might be better off taking her chances with Keenans hit man. It would be best to keep Quinn off guard, to refuse to give in to his bullying. Twelve days of yes, sir and no, sir would be completely intolerable. She shrugged out of her jacket and tossed it his way. You might as well take it, she said. Do you want my socks as well?