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  “I’m aware how my daughter can get on your nerves,” he said, “but she’s mellowed toward you, ever since you saved her life in the sports club. I’d even venture to say she likes you.”

  “That isn’t the issue. I’m not eager for a relationship including a child.”

  His mouth compressed. “That’s just an excuse. You’re already taking Brianna to dance class. From what she tells me, you’re also offering motherly advice. I suspect you care for her more than you’re willing to admit. Anyway, this discussion is about you and me. You’re afraid to get stuck with a bad apple again, aren’t you?”

  Damn right. She bit her lip, nodding. Put into a pinhole, she feared making another mistake. She already had two strikes against her: first Stan and then David. Ma said things happened in threes.

  “I know you’re a good man, Dalton, and you respect my career. But sometimes you come across as too demanding.”

  “That’s because I want you to be safe.”

  “You can’t protect me from the world.”

  “I realize that, and I also feel you’re diverging again from the real issue here. You’ve hooked up before with guys who won your family’s approval, but they were losers. It’s tough for you to take a chance on someone different.”

  He leaned forward. “Let me tell you what I’ve rarely mentioned to anyone else. After Pam’s death, I didn’t think I could handle being with another woman. Not only did I miss my wife terribly, but I was concerned that if I cared too deeply for someone else, I might lose my memories of her as well. But then I met you, and the future suddenly didn’t seem so bleak and lonely anymore. Think about how it makes me feel when you place yourself in the path of danger chasing after murder suspects. Getting closer to you is a risk for me, too, but it’s one I’m willing to take.”

  “I hadn’t thought about it from your viewpoint.”

  “So where do we go from here? I don’t want to scare you off.”

  She took a drink of water. “I-I guess we’ll just let things unfold as they’re meant to.”

  “Good. Now that we’ve established how much you want me, I have something for you.” He leaned back when the waiter brought their menus. After they’d given their orders, he reached inside his jacket pocket.

  Marla held her breath. Not a ring, please don’t let it be a ring. She didn’t want to be forced into a decision she’d regret later.

  “Here,” Dalton said, “it’s a photograph Kaufman found among his wife’s things. This man called on Kimberly a couple of weeks ago, but she wasn’t home. Kaufman answered the door. He recognized the same guy in this photo.”

  Dalton was showing her a picture Stan had given him? Marla gaped at her companion. All right, so the item wasn’t a ring. But did he have to present a murder clue in the middle of a romantic dinner?

  That’s what happens when you date a detective.

  Pasting a placid expression on her face, she studied the photograph. An elderly woman smiled proudly beside a tall gray-haired gentleman. The man, who looked to be in his fifties, had a distinguished face and squared shoulders that gave him an authoritative air. Marla peered more closely at his deep-set brown eyes that looked somewhat familiar.

  “Who is he?” she asked.

  “I haven’t a clue. He wasn’t at the funeral, or I’d have nailed him there.”

  “Did Stan let you examine the Pearl family albums?”

  His gaze clouded. “I wasn’t aware he had them.”

  “Stella is anxious to retrieve the books. Stan hinted that Kim had become fascinated by something in one of the volumes. I suppose I’ll have to pay him a visit to see what it is. Do you think this photo fell from one?”

  “It’s possible.”

  “Stan had no idea what the man wanted with his wife?”

  “Nope. Oh, the man left a message since Kim wasn’t home. She should contact Uncle Jerry.”

  “Uncle Jerry? Who’s that? Morris doesn’t have a brother.”

  “Maybe he and Kim were on friendly terms,” he suggested in a dry tone.

  “This man is old enough to be her father!”

  “Could be she found herself another sugar daddy.”

  “I don’t believe it. Lacey would have said something.” She related her conversation with Kim’s best friend.

  “I’ll visit Lacey and show her this photograph. I brought it with me when I canvassed the neighborhood. One of the folks mentioned seeing this man around before when Stan wasn’t home.”

  “Did anyone see or hear anything the morning Kim was killed?”

  “No, but a couple of neighbors acted strangely when they spoke about the victim. When you meet Stan next, query him about the Addison and the Shpritz couples.” His brows drew together. “I’ll come along when you see him. You may not know the right questions to ask.”

  “Excuse me? I’ve been doing quite well on my own, thanks.” A smile curved her lips. “You just don’t want me to be alone with Stan. Don’t worry, I can handle him.”

  “I’m more worried about how he handles you.” His glowering expression left no doubt in her mind as to what concerned him.

  They spent the rest of the meal exchanging small talk. Several times, Dalton glanced at his watch, making Marla wonder why. Did he have to return to the station tonight? Sometimes he worked late shifts, but he would have said something earlier. Or was he worried about Brianna being home alone? Once you had a kid, freedom flew out the door. Just how much was she willing to sacrifice to be with Dalton Vail?

  “It’s time,” he announced smugly after he’d paid the bill. “Let’s check out the rest of this place. It was someone’s house before being converted into a restaurant. Each room is decorated differently.” He led her upstairs and paused by a set of closed double doors. “This used to be the library. You go in first.”

  “Are we allowed?”

  “Sure. It’s where they serve the desserts.”

  Imagining a room with dusty old books, Marla pushed open the door. Bright lights flashed in her face, and she heard the clicks of cell phone cameras.

  “Surprise!” a chorus of voices shouted.

  “Oh, no.” Marla covered her face with her hands.

  “Hey, girlfriend, loosen up. This is your party.”

  Marla dropped her arms and smiled. “Nicole, I can’t believe you didn’t give away a hint at work today.”

  “I thought having a little surprise for you at the salon would allay suspicions.”

  “How clever. Arnie and Jill, you rascals, letting me think you’d backed out of our date. And, Tally, no wonder you didn’t ask me out to lunch today.” Glancing at the sea of faces smiling at her, she whirled on Dalton. “You knew about this all through dinner?”

  His broad grin gave her the answer. “You bet. The only reason I agreed to play along was because they let me have a couple of hours alone with you.”

  “You’re getting as deceitful as your suspects.” Marla turned to greet her friends and accept a bounty of gifts. A clothed table held glasses of champagne and plates of chocolate raspberry torte along with a bouquet of Mylar balloons.

  “This is too much.” Her voice shook with emotion. She addressed one of the guests. “Lance, how sweet of you to come.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it,” said the computer guru. “Don’t let your cop friend see this,” he whispered, handing her a gift bag.

  Marla peeked inside the wrapping. “SonicEarz. What is it?” Lance usually presented her with electronic gizmos.

  “Earphones for when you want to snoop on people from a distance.” His owlish face brightened at her delighted reaction.

  “Isn’t that illegal?” Thank goodness Dalton was helping himself to a piece of cake.

  Tally gave her a dance exercise video to play at home. “Gosh, the dress was enough,” Marla said, smoothing her hand down the silken fabric.

  “You enjoyed the Dancercize class at Perfect Fit Sports Club, and we’re not members anymore. I thought you’d like this video to use at h
ome.”

  “Great, it’ll help me stay in shape.”

  “Open mine next.” Dalton retrieved a foil-wrapped package from the gift table. He must have dropped it off at the restaurant earlier, Marla surmised. “I’m sorry Brie couldn’t be here,” he said, “but she has an exam tomorrow.”

  “That’s okay.” Tearing open the gift wrap, Marla uttered a cry of disbelief. “A new cell phone! Dalton, you shouldn’t have. This is expensive.”

  “Your model needed updating,” he said. “You’ll like its features, plus the battery is supposed to last longer.”

  Jill presented her with a large ribboned box. Marla was delighted to discover a collection of cosmetics inside. “For your disguises,” the blond actress said, clinging to Arnie’s arm.

  “I may need some lessons,” Marla joked. She put the package on the table as a commotion by the door caught her interest.

  A tall, dark-haired man entered, his face brightening when he spotted her. He was accompanied by a lithe woman with straight hair the color of golden oak.

  “Michael and Charlene!” Marla rushed to greet her brother and sister-in-law with a quick embrace. “I can’t believe you came down from Boca Raton.”

  “You know we wouldn’t miss your birthday.”

  Charlene handed her a large gift bag. Marla added it to her loot and made introductions until Dalton announced her mother’s arrival.

  Anita swept into the room, followed by a portly fellow in his late sixties judging from his sparse hair and lined face. The man covered up his bald spot pretty well, considering he didn’t have much left to work with. Crinkles beside his eyes showed he smiled often. Marla pursed her lips, regarding his lime green pants and canary yellow jacket. He must be another condo commando who’d tired of wearing conservative suits throughout his working life.

  Anita kissed her children. “I’ve been meaning to introduce you both to Roger. Roger Gold, this is my daughter, Marla.”

  Roger grabbed Marla’s hand, beaming at her with a row of evenly capped teeth. “Delighted to meet you,” he said, pumping her hand vigorously. “Anita has told me so much about her talented daughter. I see she understated your looks.”

  “You’re too kind,” Marla murmured. Why hadn’t Ma mentioned this guy before? Come to think of it, her mother had left cryptic messages about news she meant to share, but Marla’s busy schedule prevented her from delving into it. So this is what she’d had up her sleeve. Marla eyed the man warily, cautious about anyone who gave effusive compliments.

  “Meet my son, Michael, and his wife, Charlene,” Anita said. “How are the kids? Did you leave them with a sitter?” She cornered the pair to talk about her grandchildren.

  “Let’s get something to eat,” Roger suggested, signaling for Marla to accompany him to the dessert table. “Hey, where are those cream puffs I ordered? Waiter!”

  “You made the arrangements?” Marla asked in astonishment.

  “Sure, doll.” He muttered a Yiddish phrase. “You know what that means?”

  “Not really.”

  “When the stomach is empty, so is the brain. It’s from my book of Yiddish proverbs by Fred Kogos. You know, feed the stomach and fuel the brain.”

  He turned to the sweets and dug right in, stuffing a huge piece of torte into his mouth. “Anita told me all about you.” Smacking his lips, he winked. “I understand you have the hots for that cop.”

  “Is that so?”

  He lowered his voice. “Doesn’t bother me that he isn’t Jewish. Your mom, though, she’s still fishing for someone else to catch your eye. Heed my warning. Now where the devil are my cream puffs? This waiter doesn’t deserve a big tip.”

  Marla didn’t care for the way her mother hustled over at his summons. “The pastry chef is bringing the rest of the desserts,” she told him. “This party was my idea,” she explained to Marla. “Did you suspect anything?”

  “Not a clue. Thanks, I love you.” She hugged Anita and then stepped back, hailed by her other friends.

  The older couple left shortly thereafter, ostensibly to avoid driving home late at night. Marla noticed her mother’s glow and prayed that was the only reason they’d gone so early. Or maybe it was because Roger had consumed too many sweets. His skin had looked rather pale.

  “I can’t understand what Ma sees in him,” she confided to her brother.

  “He has a lot of energy,” Michael suggested with a grin.

  “He’s a fresser. Did you see how many slices of cake he stuffed down? I’ll make a date with Ma and ask her about him.”

  “She seems happy, Marla. In my book, that’s what counts.”

  ****

  “I can’t believe how everyone fooled me,” she said to Dalton during the drive home. Weariness settled into her bones as she sank back against the seat cushion.

  “You’ve been preoccupied,” he replied in a teasing tone.

  She considered her recent schedule. “That’s true. I don’t have any free time coming up, either. I want to see Stan about those albums, talk to his neighbors, meet Kim’s classmates, and I still have to take care of Miriam.”

  “What happened during your interview on Sunday?”

  “I never told you, did I?” She gave him an accusing glance. “You didn’t return my phone calls.”

  “I didn’t dare speak to you before tonight, or I might have given away the surprise.”

  Marla described her adventures as a nurse’s aide. “I’ll try to find out who this Uncle Jerry person is, although I have to be careful what I say when I’m at Miriam’s place. If I reveal my intimate knowledge of Stan’s affairs, I’ll blow my cover.” She patted her purse. “You can reach me on my new cell phone, once it’s activated. That was a really thoughtful gift.”

  He pulled up to the curb in front of her townhouse and shut off the ignition. Street lamps lent a soft glow to the night, but they didn’t compare to the gleam in his eyes when he turned the full power of his gaze on her.

  “I know how you can express your gratitude.”

  “I can’t imagine what you mean.” She smiled coyly. “Come inside, I have a Valentine’s Day gift for you. Watch out for Spooks.” After the poodle greeted them, she offered Dalton a cup of coffee.

  “I had enough at the restaurant. Let’s sit on the couch.”

  Uh-oh. Dangerous place, a couch. She retrieved the wrapped box she’d forgotten to bring earlier and handed it to him. Her heart hammering, she sank down on the sofa. It delighted her to see the pleased reaction on his face as he examined the package.

  “What is it?”

  “You’ll see.”

  He tore it open like a child, making her wonder when was the last time he’d received a genuine gift, other than from Brianna. “It’s a beautiful pen.” He turned the silver instrument around to examine it.

  “You take notes so often. I thought you could use this.”

  “It’s great.” He placed it on the cocktail table before turning to her. “I’ll thank you first.” Putting his arms around her, he drew her close.

  Pressed against his solid length, she felt her limbs liquefy. His spice cologne sent her pulse thrumming while his thumb stroked her cheek.

  “Your skin is so soft, just like your heart. Being with you takes me away from all the ugliness I face every day.”

  “Oh, Dalton.” She saw the need in his eyes, and yearning overwhelmed her. Reaching up, she pulled his head down and kissed him.

  “I’ve waited a long time for this,” he murmured against her ear when they came up for air.

  “Well, don’t stop now.”

  His hands slid down her body as he drew her in for a deeper kiss. “I won’t be able to leave if we go any further.”

  “Mmm,” she murmured. “I don’t want you to go.”

  He sucked in a ragged breath. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.”

  With a groan, he slipped the dress straps off her shoulders. His mouth found her bared flesh, and Marla’s senses reeled. She was just
about to suggest they move to more comfortable accommodations when a cell phone rang.

  “Is that mine?” she asked, springing backward.

  “No, it’s this one.” He pulled the phone off his belt and glanced at the display. “Brie, is that you? Anything wrong?” He paused, glancing guiltily at Marla. “No, the party is over. I’m at Marla’s. Yes, I’m coming right home. You should be in bed already. No, I’m not doing anything I’ll regret, and shame on you for thinking that way. Don’t wait up for me.”

  He disconnected, a sheepish grin on his face. “Gotta go,” he told Marla. “Next time, I’ll make sure she sleeps over a friend’s house.”

  Disappointment mingled with relief as she accompanied him to the door and waved goodnight. Another reason why not to get involved with a man who has children, she thought while locking up. Too many interruptions.

  Interruptions were something she couldn’t afford right now. Three weeks remained before Stan’s deadline. She needed to devote herself to finding Kim’s killer before an innocent man went to prison for a crime he didn’t commit.

  Chapter Eight

  Thursday morning, Marla was swamped at work. She barely had time to gulp down breakfast, let alone get anything extra done. A break came when her two o’clock appointment canceled. Yes, she almost shouted aloud. No one else had been scheduled during the two-hour block, so she was free until four.

  She phoned Stan at his office. He agreed to meet her at his house but only for an hour. That was fine with her; she’d spend the rest of the time checking out his neighbors. Next Marla dialed the number for the School of Arts and Design. Claiming she’d been referred by her recently departed friend, Kimberly Kaufman, to their interior design program, she made an appointment for the next morning. How convenient that her first customer wasn’t scheduled until eleven.

  Not wanting to get stuck on the phone, she called a few numbers she’d jotted down earlier. She’d promised Dalton to help plan his daughter’s thirteenth birthday and had been negligent of her duty. Last night reminded her of the obligation.