pushed the thought out of his head. Tony had had the same idea earlier and if itd been anyone else, Riley would probably even agree. Anyone with a loss of this magnitude should take their three days, but the worst part was having his case ripped out from under him.
Surreptitiously, he watched Miss Morgan. Three days of mandatory leavethree days to get that woman to crack. He raked a hand through his hair. Three days to get the answers he needed for his brother, Mac, and his old man.
A lead weight dropped to the pit of his stomach as he picked up the phone and dialed the ranch. Hey, LuAnn, he said when his stepmom answered the phone. Hows Dad?
Devastated like the rest of us, but hell be glad to hear from you. Hold on, hon, and Ill get him for you.
Riley waited, not sure what to expect from his dad and not able to take his eyes off the enigma of a woman sitting at his desk. He was going to make it his priority to find out everything about her that he could and flush out whatever she was hiding from him.
He watched Tony bring her a cup of water. She nodded, thanking him, a trace of a smile touching her face. As she sipped the water, a hint of moisture wet her seductive lips. She turned, her melting blue eyes meeting his through the glass. Awareness rushed through him, hot and thick, making him cringe.
He was going to take her down.
Hey, Son. His fathers voice sounded dull through the receiver.
Riley turned away from the glass. Hey, Dad.
When you coming home?
Soon.
Good, cause we all need to be here right now to support your brother. Hes taking it real hard.
Guilt slithered through him. Yeah, I suppose he is.
He has a lot of unanswered questions. Were hoping you can fill him in.
I dont have a lot of answers right now. If Id known what Michelle had been planning I didnt know shed try to draw this guy out alone, Dad.
We know you didnt, Son. No one blames you.
Riley knew that, but he could still hear the quiet disappointment in his old mans voice, disappointment that had been festering for eighteen years. And now he had Michelle to account for, too. A heavy weight pressed against his chest.
Who knows what she was thinking?
She wanted to nail the SOB that had been cutting up women in the Quarter. Only she hadnt been prepared for a new monstera different monster. Im going to find her killer, Dad. I promise, he whispered, his voice raw with emotion.
I know you will, Son. I know you wont let us down.
No, not again I wont.
Riley ground his teeth with frustration as he hung up the phone. He took a deep breath, steeling his emotions as he watched Miss Morgan talking with Pat and Tony. There she was, playing the demure little kitten again, but it wasnt as convincing without her big blue eyes directed his way. Now he could easily see through her little game. Her shifty little glances kept giving her away.
He left the office and approached them. Come on, Miss Morgan. Ill take you home.
Why dont you let me do that, Pat said, rising. You go home to your family. He stood possessively over her, his chest puffing up like a peacocks.
Made Riley want to spit. Thats quite all right, Pat. Thanks for the concern and the offer. He dropped the good-ole-boy smile and pierced him with a cold stare. Miss Morgan and I have some unfinished business. Im sure you understand.
Pat held his gaze for a moment, then looked away.
Riley turned back to Devra. She was staring at him, her fear shining like a beacon in her luminous eyes. Yeah, she was goodhe took her by the arm and led her awaybut he was better.
DEVRA STARED OUT of the Expeditions window, pushing loose tendrils of hair back into their clip. Everything in its place, her mother used to say. Thankfully, the detective hadnt muttered a word since they left the station. As he stopped in front of her house, she hopped out of the car and all but ran toward her door. Dark storm clouds raced across the sky. Electricity sparked the hairs on the back of her neck. Either that, or it was the detectives close proximity as he followed behind her.
Mind if I come in for a minute? he asked when she stopped to unlock the door.
She turned, looking up into his dark brown eyes. They lookedtormented. She pushed back the compassion rising within her. I cant imagine what else we have to say to each other.
I have something Id like to say.
She cringed at the plea in his voice, at the pain clearly etched in his eyes. She could feel his anguish. A part of her wanted to help him. But she couldnt. To do that, shed have to trust him with her secrets, and trust was a luxury she couldnt afford.
She turned away from him
and waited, but he didnt speak. Didnt leave. She took a deep breath, knowing it was a mistake even as the words left her mouth. All right, but only for a minute. Shed listen, but she wouldnt help himthat would cost her too much. She opened the door and they walked in.
Inside, the house was hot and heavy with humidity, but it wasnt nearly as uncomfortable as his presence behind her. She set the ceiling fan in motion and watched the wide wooden paddles spin, circulating a gentle breeze.