Understanding had taken the place of concern in his expression. Understanding that, as it turned out, was totally misplaced. Youre not in any kind of trouble, are you girl? Take some advice from your dakeep your cons out of your workplace. Its cleaner that way.
For one of the few times in her life, she was speechless. She stared at him, shocked that he knew her so little. And then shocked at herself for being surprised by that. She shook her head, gave a grim laugh. Yeah, Da, Im running scams in the hospital. Got a little betting pool going on the wheelchair races on the fourth floor.
Which brings me to why Im here. Although she didnt quite follow his segue, she was glad he was finally getting to the point of his visit. Ryan reached for his bottle of water again. Ive got a chance to get in on a dandy little deal, and I think you can be a big help to me.
No.
He went on as if he hadnt heard her. All I need is a list of people in the city with the kind of money needed to be interested in what Ill be selling.
Shae picked up the lid to her own bottle, screwed it on with more force than necessary. Didnt you hear me? I said no.
Names, thats all Im asking you for. Doctors have plenty of money and you must have contacts at the other hospitals, as well. His tone became wheedling. Its not so much to give, Shae, to your dear old da you havent seen in years. Pleased with his pitch, he tilted the bottle to his lips and drank. Maybe you could arrange for an introduction or two, as well. Ill do the rest.
I realize this is a difficult concept for you to understand, Da, but listen carefully. Im not going to say it again. She leaned over the counter, shoved her face close to his. No.
Youve got a streak of stubbornness in you, girl. Have to think you got it from your sainted mothers side, God rest her soul. Ryan did a quick sign of the cross, cast his gaze heavenward. Cant help but believe shed frown on the way youre treating your father right now.
Youve always had a talent for believing whatever suited your purposes. The irony in her voice was lost in the sound of her doorbell ringing. Her head jerked toward the door. She was the only occupant on this floor. It was rare for another tenant to come calling for any reason, with the occasional exception of TeKayla. Pushing away from the counter, she went to the door, looked out the peephole.
Somehow, the last person shed expected to see there was Detective Cade Tremaine. She took a step back, and then another. But she couldnt avoid his voice. Open the door, Shae. Itd be useless to pretend youre not in there.
Dimly she was aware that Ryan was rapidly making his way to the staircase, ascending it. She could only assume he was looking for a place to hide until the detective left.
How about if I just pretend you werent invited into the building? Temper snapped in her words. Oh, wait, that wouldnt be pretense, would it? I told you it wasnt a good time, Detective.
And Im sorry about that.
There was that voice again, the same one hed used when hed tried to convince her to help him with LeFrenz in I.C.U. The smooth drawl coated his raspy tones like thick sweet honey, designed to weaken the knees and elevate the pulse. But the fact that hers was pounding had nothing to do with him, she told herself firmly, and everything to do with the stress of the past hour.
I wont take up much of your time, Dr. ORiley. Shae. His voice dropped intimately on the last word, as if caressing the single syllable. Let me in. I dont want to talk to you through a door and Im not going away. I can be very persistent.
She didnt need to be told that. Undecided, she threw a look over her shoulder. There was no sign of Ryan, and probably no reason to worry about him. Hed always had an aptitude for dodging the police.
Making her decision, she unlocked the dead bolt, swung open the door a few inches and surveyed him. Persistent isnt the word I would have used. Stubborn, maybe. Inconsiderate. Pesky.
His mouth curved slightly. Semantics. Are you going to let me in?
She didnt even need to think about her answer. No.
Okay. His easy acceptance didnt fool her. This mans will was like forged steel. He propped himself against the doorjamb, the position putting his face too close to hers. She wasnt short, but he topped her five-foot eight by a good four inches. I looked for you at the hospital last night.
Wariness threaded through her. I got off at five. Im not back on again until tomorrow.
Thats what somebody said. He wore jeans again today, old sneakers and a white shirt under an open leather jacket. His eyes were a little bloodshot and he hadnt shaved recently. Either hed gone on a bender last night or he hadnt slept at all. Intuitively she knew it was the latter.
Why are you here, Detective? she asked bluntly. The sooner they got this over with, the sooner she could send him on his way. And then focus on dispatching Ryan with the same speed. Just the thought made her tired again.
Do you think I could have a glass of water? When she only blinked, his mouth curved again. Got a bit parched standing out front trying to wheedle my way in here.
Since I didnt let you in, Im assuming you wheedled one of the other tenants.
He gave a slow nod. Nicest little old blue-haired lady. She had a mite more respect for my shield than you do.
Look, Detective
That water? he prompted.
Giving up, she turned away and strode toward the refrigerator, yanked it open. Taking out a bottle, she rose, only to find him standing inside the apartment, the door closed behind him, his gaze sweeping the area. A burn began to simmer inside her. Very clever. Youre pretty adept at getting what you want, arent you, Detective.
She could have told him that the innocent look he attempted was in vain. Innocence was one expression his warriors face could never carry off. All I wanted was a glass of water.
When she threw the bottle to him, he caught it in one hand. Thanks. Taking his time, he removed the cap and drank, all the while surveying the space. Nice place. I was a bit surprised at your address. I thought doctors lived in gated communities. By the lake or something.
Maybe those are the doctors whove paid off their college loans.
Maybe. His gaze landed on the two half-empty water bottles on the counter, lingered. Did you have company?
Shed never know what compelled her to lie. Experience had taught her that it paid to keep things simple. But the words tumbled from her lips before shed had a chance to think them through. No. I was just thirsty. He didnt speak, but neither did his gaze waver. And being the object of that intense jade regard was just as nerveracking as shed feared. I forgot Id already opened one.
He crossed to the counter, leaned against it. After taking another swallow of water, he then set the bottle down, reached out a lazy finger and touched the one Ryan had left. Still cold.
She snatched it away, took it to the sink and poured it out. I have things to do, Tremaine. Lets get on with whatever it is that brought you here.
Have you spoken to anyone from work today?
The abrupt transition had her turning back toward him. No, why?