Before the Dawn Page 10

  Thankfully, it’d been her on the operating room table fighting for her life and not Lexie.

  Thinking back to that life-altering day six months ago, a shudder ran through her and she pushed the pie away. Paul had been having an affair. She’d finally seen with her own eyes what Vinnie had been trying to tell her for weeks. Instead of calmly telling Paul to stuff it so far it’d come out the other end, she’d stormed the bank and returned her engagement ring to his mistress. That had been a brilliant move.

  Then in a fit of rage, she’d convinced Lexie to face a mobster, not paying attention to anything but her own pain, until the truck slammed into them. Forcing their car into the cement wall. Not such a brilliant move.

  If she’d been doing her job, doing what she’d been trained to do, she would have seen the truck hauling ass toward them. Noticed the man in the dark hat and sunglasses. The same one who tried to break into Lexie’s house. Instead, she’d let self-pity rule.

  “Hey, kiddo, what’s shaking?” Vinnie slid his happy, smiling self into the booth. “Miss Elsie, my love, bring me the usual,” he called out across the room.

  Staring at the man, Kat simply sat there. Temptation to knock the goofy grin off his face called to her. No one should be that happy. Finally, she pulled out her cell phone and pretended to take a call. “You know she can’t hear you, right?”

  “Spoilsport.”

  “What’s up with you?”

  “Is it against the law now for a man to be in a good mood?”

  “No. You’re unusually,” she flapped her hands, trying to come up with the right description for Mr. Sunshine, “chipper today. Any particular reason why?”

  “Any reason why you’ve suddenly turned into the Burgermeister Meisterburger?”

  Shoving another piece of pie into her mouth with her free hand, the other still holding the phone, Kat glared at Vinnie. “Very funny. In case you’ve forgotten, Intern, we have a client who is expecting us to solve a case, one in which we’ve got no clues, no witness, no leads.”

  Miss Elsie delivered a double bacon cheeseburger and fries to Kat. Vinnie smirked.

  “Um, I didn’t order that,” Kat said.

  “I know, but you’re barely eating the pie and I don’t have any Snickers. So eat.”

  Vinnie laughed but tried to hide it behind a cough as Elsie walked away. She got it. No one had to tell her she was being a bitch. She could feel it all the way to her toes.

  “Actually, that may not be true. On the witness thing.” He leaned over and inhaled deeply. “Man, the thing I miss the most about living is eating. What I wouldn’t do for a burger right about now.”

  Kat stared at him, waiting for him to elaborate on the important tidbit he’d dropped about a witness. Vinnie ignored her as he waxed poetic about food. Not wise, given her current mood. It must have showed on her face because he finally got to the point. “Last night I took the lovely and observant Marilyn Monroe, no relation, out.”

  “You’re kidding. That’s not her real name, is it?”

  “Yep, the former Marilyn Gustafsson married John Monroe. Anyway, at first, she didn’t want to tell me anything about the comings and goings around the neighborhood. However, not many are immune to the Vincent Mattetuci charms when released in full.”

  Not the information she wanted, but she resisted the urge to bop him upside the head. Not that that would have worked anyone. Expelling a deep breath, she counted to ten.

  “Vinnie, what did she tell you? I don’t want to know about the Mattetuci charms or how they work. TMI.”

  “Fine, even though I’ve had to listen to you and Lexie about your love lives for years.”

  “’Cuz you eavesdrop.”

  Picking up a fry and nibbling at it, Kat heard something that sounded like just doing my job looking out for you. She had to give him that. He’d always looked out for the two of them growing up. Had on more than one occasion offered to beat some guy up for them. Of course, it was all talk. But he cared. And pettiness wasn’t how you paid a friend back for caring.

  “Did you have a good time?” Kat asked.

  “She’s amazing. Knows four languages, has read everything from romance to crime drama to memoirs, traveled all over the world. And her artwork sold in galleries up and down the coast. She also has a wicked sense of humor and is very observant.”

  “Really? Then why is she hanging out with Nosy Norma, um, Babs?”

  “They’re related. And Babs isn’t all that bad. We interrupted her while painting. Messed with her groove.”

  “Says Marilyn.”

  “Actually, she can see me. Babs, that is. Met her when I picked up Marilyn. She actually asked me what my intentions were.” Vinnie laughed. “But here’s the thing, Kat. She’s scared of someone.”

  The last two items piqued Kat’s interest. Sitting up and forward, she waited for Vinnie to continue. Thankfully, he was done torturing her and she didn’t have to wait long.

  “Seems there’s something hinky going on at the clinic. Marilyn and Babs have noted quite a few of the neighborhood teens going in and out of the clinic, usually toward the end of the day. Said they’re not in there long, same group of boys, at least one or two of them every week. They think they’re dealing drugs.”

  “They are.”

  Miss Elsie walked by, looked at the untouched burger and stopped with her hand on her hip. Kat pointed to the cell phone and her fake call. Miss Elsie lifted one brow. Kat sighed, muttered, “Hang on,” and took a bite. Miss Elsie smiled and walked away.

  Kat filled Vinnie in on the conversation with Sara, which she would have done days ago if Vinnie showed up to work regularly.

  “The cops are looking for them—about a murder case. No one’s seen them in days, so I’d just as soon let the police find them. Also, I don’t think they burned down the clinics. Why would they if the doctors were supplying them with drugs? And why the first two clinics? These kids live in Pawcatuck, and generally they stick to their own neighborhoods.”

  “We’re talking teens, since when do they think rationally? But I happen to agree with you. I got the feeling from Marilyn there’s someone else she’s not talking about because whoever it is scares Babs more than a bunch of punk-ass teens. I’ll try again tonight.”

  Kat cracked a genuine smile, her first for the day.

  “What? Do you think it’s too soon for another date?”

  The look on his face? Priceless. Eyes filled with doubt and worry and a bit of disappointment. Something she’d never seen with her overconfident, self-appointed guardian in all her years growing up, or since then.

  “Not at all. I’ve never seen you . . . smitten before. Man, too bad Lexie’s not here to see this. The great Vincent Mattetuci unsure because of a mere woman. I love it.” Laughter rolled over her tongue, the soft vibration filling her insides and releasing some of her pent-up tension.

  A look of horror passed across Vinnie’s face, quickly replaced by a scrunching of his eyes. “What’s the deal with you and our hot fire marshal? Has he asked you out yet?”

  “No, we’re business colleagues.”

  “Is he married?”

  “No.”

  “Engaged? Involved?”

  “No and no.”

  “Oh, he’s gay, got it.”

  Soda spurted out of Kat’s mouth and nose. “Vinnie! Just because a guy isn’t interested, that doesn’t mean he’s gay. Maybe I’m not his type.” Or maybe she was, because that had been some kiss two nights ago, but she wasn’t sharing that with Vinnie.

  “Maybe you should look in the mirror.”

  That was the second time someone had said those words to her today. In fact, she’d looked in the mirror just that morning. Obviously, she hadn’t seen what they saw. Maybe if she’d had a magic mirror, although that hadn’t helped Snow White. Something told her she wouldn’t find what she needed in a looking glass, but as the diner door opened her eyes were drawn to the man who’d just entered. Perhaps some of the answers lay wi
th him.

  Shawn’s eyes locked on her within the span of a heartbeat. Every fiber of his being responded like a homing pigeon—she was home and he was there at last. He knew the moment she became aware of him. Her body had gone still, the look on her face morphed from one thought to another, but it was the eyes that said it all. Her gaze met his, nailing him through the heart with the flare of heat.

  Shit, he was in trouble.

  Home was Washington State, not a woman. Especially not one that made him feel like he was in the middle of the Sahara. Body being scorched as he stood there. Lost. Dying for a taste of her.

  Not happening, buddy. You’re leaving.

  Thank God he still had a few working brain cells. People started to stare. By the time he reached her table, he’d somewhat pulled it together.

  “Marshal, how’s it going?” She set down the cell phone she’d been holding.

  Briefly she held his gaze before dropping hers to his lips and then focusing on her pie. He could think of several uses for that chocolate pie and none of them involved eating off a plate with a fork. Man, you’re like a randy teenager around Kat. “Could be better, could be worse. Came by to see if you’ve got anything new.”

  “Not much. Nothing exciting that will break the case wide open.”

  Shawn slid into the empty spot across from her wondering if the tension weighing down the air was simply his own frustration getting the better of him or if he’d interrupted something important. “Am I interrupting?”

  She shook her head.

  “No, I was talking with a friend who’s got his ear to the ground. A few of the residents back Sara’s story about a group of kids selling drugs in the area.”

  “Any witnesses who can tell us who these kids are? Or put them at the clinic the night of the fire?” Shawn’s stomach growled. For a moment, he thought about stealing Kat’s untouched burger and then decided he liked life too much.

  “Not yet, but he’s working on it. Any word from the police? Do they have any leads on Sara’s brother’s death?”

  “No, they flagged it as accidental.”

  Miss Elsie, the owner, appeared and introduced herself, then gave him the once-over as she advised him of the daily specials. The whole time the woman kept glancing back and forth between him and Kat, a slow smile spreading. Shawn asked Miss Elsie about the soup of the day and what pie she recommended. He knew the lady was sizing him up. Knew she’d probably assumed there was something going on between him and Kat and he found he didn’t mind Miss Elsie thinking those kinds of thoughts. Hell, he liked those kinds of thoughts. A lot. Kat rolled her eyes and kicked his shin, mouthing at him to hurry up.

  Finally, when his order was in and they were alone again he asked, “What was that about? I was being friendly.”

  “You’re such a flirt. We need to focus on this case.” Was it him or did Kat sound a little . . . jealous?

  “Not a fan of a competition?” Shawn asked playfully.

  “Please, I’m so out Miss Elsie’s league.” Kat glanced at the woman in question, a genuine smile filled with love and respect brightening her face. “I’m in the nosebleed section of the bleachers watching with envy. She’s my goal in life.”

  “Not a bad goal.” Shawn reached for Kat’s hand, but she pulled it back. “Kat, about the other night. I’m sorry.”

  For the past two nights that moment had played over and over in his brain. He had wanted to kiss her more than he had wanted to breathe. He had wanted so much more, but it wasn’t right. Not with him leaving.

  “I mean, I’m not sorry I kissed you. What guy would be sorry to kiss a beautiful woman? But the timing was wrong and you deserve more than a quick lay in a car. You’re the type of person who should be romanced and wined and dined. The type you bring flowers and chocolate to––”

  “Are you done? Apology accepted, but not needed. I’m a big girl, knew fully what I was doing, and have no regrets. Maybe one, but that doesn’t matter. Let’s move on and try to wrap up this case before you transfer. Okay?” While her voice sounded playful and the smile she flashed could have lit up the room, it also stretched a bit too far, looked a bit too forced.

  He wasn’t buying it.

  “That’s it? No need to talk about it and dissect it to death?”

  “Are you a girl? Because if you are, we can break it down and talk about it, but it will really be unnecessary then, ‘cause sorry, I’m not into other girls.”

  No need to obsess over that decision any more.

  “You’re into busting balls, though.”

  “Every now and then. It keeps me grounded.”

  A chuckle from deep inside busted out, releasing his earlier tension. She lifted one brow, smirked, and took a bite of her burger.

  “What’s next on your list? I’m thinking the good doctors need to be looked at again.”

  “Already did. First, I ran their financials. They all check out. One is a trust fund baby, the other inherited money after graduating, and the third…there was some modeling that help pay her way through school. Also, I checked with my dad. He’s a surgeon and knows them. All three are pretty respected in the community.”

  Miss Elsie delivered Shawn’s food with an order for Kat to keep eating. She swept away the mutilated pie and headed off.

  Digging into his fries, Shawn asked between bites, “Something wrong with the pie here?”

  “Long story.”

  A companionable silence filled the air as both, lost in contemplation over the case, ate. Occasionally Shawn glanced up to catch Kat watching him.

  “What?”

  “Where do you put it all?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  She waved a limp fry at him. “You ate, like, the entire menu from the Chinese restaurant the other night. Now, you’re having a double bacon cheeseburger with fries and onion rings. That’s like ten thousand calories. Yet there’s not an ounce of fat on you.”

  “Really? How do you know?”

  “I’ve got eyes.”

  Beautiful ones that had been stealing glances his way. “I don’t know. I might be able to pinch an inch.”

  Kat choked on her fry. “Doubt that.”

  “Want to find out?”

  “No, I’m good.” A blush stole over her cheeks, telling him he probably wasn’t the only one who’d been replaying their kiss and imagining what came next.

  Just the thought dropped his glance to her soft lips. Her kiss had been filled with passion and promises of a night to remember for a lifetime. He shifted in his seat to adjust the tension in his jeans. The next couple of weeks would be a living hell. Looking but not touching. If he was smart, he’d pass the case off. But damn if he’d voluntarily do that.

  He blamed it on the bull riding. Brain damage from being shaken back and forth and then tossed viciously on the ground. Yeah, that was his story and he was sticking to it.

  Pushing away his empty plate, Shawn looked up at her. “I was thinking I’d finish lunch off with a slice of pie, but I’m not sure after I saw what you did to yours.”

  “Trust me, no one makes a better pie than Miss Elsie. Smooth and rich, it’s ecstasy in your mouth.”

  Kat must have realized how suggestive her comment sounded when she slapped her hand over her mouth. The blush spread from her cheeks, down her neck and turned the tips of her ears scarlet red.

  “In that case, I better order a slice. Care to join me?”

  “Think I’ll stick with ice water.”

  He fought the smile, kept his voice low and serious. “You okay? You look a little flushed.”

  “Peachy.”

  “You know what you need?”

  Uh, yeah, but she didn’t dare voice it here or it’d be all over town before she could blink. Instead, Kat shook her head, afraid to hear his response.

  “You need a night of fun. Some time off not thinking about anything remotely resembling responsibility. How about we go to Dave and Buster’s tonight and you can try to kick my but
t in air hockey?”

  Now it was Kat’s turn for a slow smile to spread. Not only had his answer taken her by surprise, but he was so going to get his pride handed to him when she swept the floor with him in air hockey. “You’re on. I hope you like the taste of crow.”

  A Judas Priest song played and Shawn grabbed his cell phone. The playful grin faded. Kat’s burger turned to a rock sitting in her stomach. Crap. Please not another arson, she silently pleaded to any celestial being who’d listen. As the conversation went on Shawn’s body tensed up, the knuckles on his hand holding the phone turning white. Anxiously she waited for the call to end.

  “Bad news. Sara’s missing.”

  “Any sign of foul play?”

  Shawn shook his head. “Her mom reported she came home last night around eight and went directly to her room. The school called this morning to report her absence and that’s when her mom finally checked on her. She’s not sure when Sara left. The room looks like it does every day, neat and tidy.”

  “So, she skipped school. Not a big deal.”

  Shawn held up a hand. “It gets worse. A neighbor stated she saw a few teens that fit the description of the gang we’re looking for. Detective Daines has men searching the area, but he’s short staffed.”

  “Your car or mine?”

  Sliding out of the booth, he tossed down more than enough to cover all their food and told Miss Elsie to hold the pie—he’d be back later for it. “My truck’s out front. Where should we start looking?”

  At five nine Kat wasn’t short, nor were her legs, but she had to hustle to keep up with Shawn as he headed out of the café and to the truck. “Down by the river there are a lot of abandoned buildings from when the river flooded. Unfortunately, there are as many on the Rhode Island side as on the Connecticut side.”

  “Let’s hope they didn’t cross the state line. While I don’t mind more manpower, the feds can be a pain to work with.”

  Hours later, exhaustion and frustration setting in, Kat and Shawn found themselves driving back toward town. Every warehouse on both sides of the river had been searched. Several showed signs of recent occupation, however most looked likely to be by the homeless rather than a bunch of delinquent teens.