
A Dozen Deadly Roses
by
Kathy Bennett
Copyright 2011 Kathy Bennett
License Notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If your're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
The characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
This book would not have been possible without the help and support of some of my friends: Barbara Ankrum, Carol Arens, Leigh Court, Alyssa Ganzer, Stacey Holderback, Barbara Joel, Linda O. Johnston, Dolores Maroney, Phyllis Middleton, Charlene Sands, Diane Sims, Beth Sjaastad, and Flo Tritel...I can't thank you enough for your patience, feedback, and camaraderie. A special shout out to Carol for coming up with a fabulous title for my book.
To my daughter, Jaimie Mitchell, thank you for dropping everything...every time I called... to help make this book a reality.
To my husband, Rick, thank you for being self-reliant, understanding, full of patience, and always saying, "You can do it," - even when I wasn't sure I could.
The red and blue rotating lights on the police vehicle cast circling shadows in the inky, early-morning darkness of the Los Angeles residential street. In front of the patrol car a battered sedan pulled to the curb.
Probationary officer Jade Donovan dimmed the light bar to a stationary red. Adjusting the spotlight to reflect into the rear view mirror of the violator's vehicle, she blinded him to the movements inside the police car.
Jade's partner stirred in his seat, one bleary eye squinting open.
"Whatta ya doin'?"
"He's got a headlight out."
"You're waking me up for a burned out headlight? Christ!"
Mac Stryker pulled himself from his slouched position, glanced at the street signs, gave the dispatcher their location and opened the car door.
Jade approached the left side of the stopped vehicle. Looking in the side mirror, she observed the driver: a young male with a shaved head and block letters tattooed on his neck.
He twisted toward her bringing his right arm to window level. A chrome semi-automatic handgun bucked in his hand as he fired several shots in Jade's direction.
"Gun! Gun!" Jade yelled, drawing her firearm and returning two shots in quick succession.
The kid's head snapped back and he slumped across the center console.
Jade pressed the transmit key on her radio. "Officer needs help! Shots fired, Erwin and Whitsett!"
Holding her gun on target, she slowly moved closer to the suspect's vehicle. The shooter's super-sized white T-shirt displayed a spreading stain of crimson. A dark divot dimpled the left side of his forehead. His heavily tattooed arms were flung above his head as though anticipating Jade's next command.
"Let me see your hands!"
The gangster didn't move. His face presented the slack-muscled tone of a corpse.
Remembering her partner, she glanced to the sidewalk, where academy training had taught her partner should be standing. She saw nothing but empty space. A moment of uncertainty overcame her. Where the hell was Stryker? Had he been shot?
Sirens blared in the distance. Jade held her position, the muzzle of her gun pointed at the suspect. Tires screeched and the odor of burning rubber filled the air. Help had arrived.
The first officers on the scene called to Jade to confirm she was all right. Then they yanked the shooter's lifeless body from his car and, per Department policy, handcuffed him. Additional arriving officers called for an ambulance.
A baby-faced sergeant placed his hand on Jade's shoulder. "Officer Donovan, you need to holster your gun."
Mechanically, Jade obeyed. "I don't know where my partner is," she blurted. "I couldn't see him after the shooting. He may be injured."
A look of disgust crossed the supervisor's face.
"He's fine -- for now. We found him sitting on the curb behind your black and white. He smells like a brewery." The sergeant motioned toward another police vehicle where Jade glimpsed a slumped silhouette -- presumably her partner.
"Your first shooting, right?" asked the sergeant.
Jade nodded.
"The way it works is I take you back to the station where you meet with the shooting team from Force Investigation Division. They'll take your statement."
"What about my partner?"
The sergeant shook his head. "Your Training Officer, Mac Stryker, is royally screwed."
Five years later...
Dear God, not again!
Jade Donovan clenched her fists at the sight of the gold florist's box leaning against the front door of her apartment. The delivery taunted her, flaunting the fact her skills as a police officer couldn't help her catch whoever was leaving the boxes.
"Mama got another present. Can I open it?" Jade's four-year-old son Donnie eagerly stomped up the stairs to the landing outside their apartment.
"No, honey, I'm sorry. This present is for Mommy only." She hurried to get to the box before her son, struggling to keep fear and dismay from her voice.
Donnie thrust out his lower lip. "I never get to open any presents."
"Sweetie, don't pout," Jade said, grabbing the foil container. She tucked the package under her arm. The thin cardboard lid gapped, and the musty smell of dead roses invaded her nose. Reaching under her sweater, she pulled a nine-millimeter semi-auto handgun from the holster at her waist. She unlocked the door and entered with her son trailing behind. She set the menacing box on the kitchen table. "Stay in the kitchen, Donnie."
"Why, Mama? Are bad guys here?" The slight tremble in Donnie's voice tore at her heart.
"Just do as I say." She glanced at her son and gave him what she hoped was a reassuring smile. "Everything's okay, but I need you to stay here," she said softly.
Holding the gun at a low ready, she purposefully advanced through her two-bedroom apartment. She made quick work of the living room, then inched down the hall.
Whipping open the door to the hall closet, Jade jumped a little as garments moved in the resulting draft. No one hid in the depths of jackets and the vacuum. The bathroom was clear and after checking the bedrooms, including under the beds, she was satisfied no one lurked in her home. She exhaled in relief.
But that relief was short-lived. The fact that each delivery contained one less dead rose was terrorizing. What would happen when there were no flowers left? Whoever was leaving the flowers was serious about intimidating her -- and it was working. She returned to the front room.
Donnie had shrugged out of his fire engine red jacket and stood at the forbidden carton. Chubby fingers pushed the cardboard sides of the box in an attempt to see inside.
Jade quickly re-holstered the gun and pulled her sweater back over the weapon.
"Donald Tyler Donovan, get away from that box!"
Donnie jumped and his brown eyes filled with tears. "I wanna see inside."
"I've already told you the package is for Mommy. You wouldn't like it if I opened your birthday or Christmas presents, would you?"
Donnie shook his head solemnly. "But...I always let you see my presents. You never show me what's in the pretty gold boxes."
Jade's heart crumbled at the hurt in his voice. "I'm sorry, Sweetie. I'd show you what's inside if I could, but it's a big girl present."
"Well, I'm a big boy. I'm almost five."
"I know, Donnie," she said, bending down and wrapping her arms around him. "You're growing up, faster than I can believe."
Her son hugged her back. "Who's sending you presents, Mama? Is it your birthday?"
"No, honey, it's not my birthday. I don't know who's leaving the boxes at our door."
She placed the deceiving carton, wrapped with a blood-red bow, on top of the refrigerator. Wondering if the boxes she received were related to what she'd witnessed a week ago, she shuddered. If her boss, a captain of police, were involved with sending the flowers, the implications were intimidating.
Brushing her hands together as if wiping the cardboard container's ominous presence away, she turned to her son with a sigh and forced a smile. "Now young man, let's see what we've got for dinner."
Jade knew one thing for sure. No psycho bastard was going to ruin time with her son.
The cops in the Roll Call Room sat silently while Lieutenant Callie Lasko scanned the typed line-up of officers working the day watch. "Stryker, your partner's gonna be late." Shaking her head with obvious disgust, she looked at Probationary Police Officer Mac Stryker for a response.
"Yes, Ma'am!"
"Set up your car and stand by after Roll Call until she shows up."
"Roger that, Ma'am!" Mac rolled his eyes. Perfect. Not only was his partner a woman, she apparently couldn't get to work on time. He'd heard the Los Angeles Police Department had changed since he'd been away - obviously not for the better.
As the lieutenant read aloud off crime bulletins and extra patrol requests, Mac noted problem locations into his Field Officer's notebook. He heard the scrape of a chair indicating a latecomer had arrived. He hoped it was his partner.
The lieutenant glanced toward the back of the room. "Nice of you to join us today, Donovan."
"Sorry, Ma'am," responded a female voice.
Donovan. He couldn't be that unlucky. Mac hoped like hell his partner wasn't Jade Donovan. He didn't dare turn around and look. If partnered with Jade Donovan, he'd have to get out of it somehow.
After Roll Call Training on "search and seizure," the lieutenant sent the watch on their way with a quick, "Be safe out there."
Mac stood and tried to sneak a look at the back of the room, but other officers blocked his view. He followed his fellow probationary officers down the stairs and stood in line at the kit room. There they would pick up their patrol car keys, shotguns, Tasers, and radios.
Mac checked out equipment for himself and his partner. Slinging his war bag over his shoulder, he maneuvered his way to the parking lot.
The black and white patrol cars all looked alike. He checked the metal tag on the key ring for the car number and went directly to his assigned vehicle to load the equipment. Conducting the safety check on the shotgun, he grunted in satisfaction at the solid blend of wood and steel. The smell of gun oil and the spotless barrel indicated the gun had been recently cleaned. After loading the weapon, he placed it in the shotgun rack. A quick check of the light bar and siren assured everything was operational.
With his partner still unknown, he got out a Daily Field Activity Report and filled out as much of it as he could. Sighing, he tossed his clipboard onto the passenger seat and locked the vehicle doors, then headed toward the station in search of his training officer.
"Come in," Watch Commander, Lieutenant Callie Lasko said. The scent of the lieutenant's perfume hung heavy in the air, irritating Jade's nose almost to the point of sneezing.
"You were late to roll call. How do you think that looks to your probationary officer?"
"Lieutenant, I'm sorry for being late, but with all due respect, I can't work with Mac Stryker. I won't work with him. Five years ago, he almost got us both killed." Standing before her supervisor, Jade bit at the inside of her lip, uncomfortable with her rebellion.
Remembering the grilling she'd gotten from the Force Investigation Detectives back then, she was determined not to work again with the drunk who'd made her look like an idiot. They'd sneered at her apparent inability to discern the fact her partner had been drunk the night she'd shot and killed Vinnie Souza. Jade had wanted to shout at them that he was drunk every night, and everybody knew it -- that's why only proficient rookie officers were assigned to him. But, in order to provide for Donnie, her need to complete her probation was greater than her desire to expose her training officer as an alcoholic.
She'd feared the day Stryker might barge back into her life and today he'd done it.
Although the door to the Watch Commander's office was closed, the walls were mostly glass. The static sound of employees being paged over the P.A. system seeped beneath the door. She wanted to keep this short. She didn't want anyone to see her speaking in private to the Watch Commander.
Cops were the worst gossips in the world, and Jade didn't want her coworkers to see her griping about working with Stryker. She didn't want to be this week's hot topic, although she was sure tongues were already wagging about her and Stryker being paired. The circumstances of Stryker's separation from the department would still be fresh in many officers' minds...even five years later.
Lasko sat behind a wide desk covered with various stacks of papers and folders.
"Donovan, I know it might be awkward, but work with me here. I'm in a bind. You and Luke Cates were the only training officers on day watch without a probationary officer assigned to them. Last night Cates broke his leg in a motorcycle accident, so it's all on you."
"Well, stick Stryker with someone else," Jade snapped, crossing her arms.
Lasko shook her head. "I can't take a probationer on his first day and put him with a less experienced cop." The lieutenant swiveled in her chair and interlaced her fingers behind her head. "Besides, people seem to think you're one of the best training officers in the division. Does a little hard work scare you?"
"Lieutenant, Mac Stryker worked the field for fifteen years. He doesn't need a training officer. For crying out loud, he used to be a training officer. Put him on the desk or in the kit room."
A frown appeared between the brows of Callie Lasko's overly made-up face. "Donovan, don't make things difficult. Work with him today and I'll see what I can do for the rest of the deployment period."
"Thank you, and I'm not trying to be difficult," said Jade. "Actually, I've got a bigger problem than Stryker."
"And what problem would that be?" the lieutenant asked. She unclasped her hands and grabbed a crime report from a tray on her desk and began to read.
Jade wasn't surprised by Callie's disrespect and, in fact, welcomed her lack of interest. Jade's personal life was none of the department's business, but she was following procedure by notifying a supervisor.
"For about the past week, every day, someone has been sending me a florist box of dead roses." Jade's cheeks warmed, and she hated the flush she knew was spreading over her face. For Jade, disclosure of her private life at work was humiliating - especially to Lasko.
The lieutenant frowned and looked up from the report. "Who would do such a thing, and why?"
Jade shrugged. "I have no idea. But it's hard enough for me to concentrate on my job without being partnered with a drunk."
A muscle jumped in the Watch Commander's jaw. "Mac Stryker has gone through physical and psychological evaluation. He's been deemed fit for duty. I hope you're not cooking up some story about dead roses to try to get out of working with him."
"I am not 'cooking up' a story. Furthermore, I'm following proper procedure by notifying you of the problem."
Lasko's eyebrows rose in surprise, but she didn't seem upset at Jade's sharp tone. "And what exactly would you like me to do? Has anything else happened besides getting the roses? I'm assuming you've already checked with the florist."
Jade shook her head. "They're hand delivered to my apartment."
The lieutenant waved her hand dismissively. "It's probably a prank by some cop, or maybe a former boyfriend is getting back at you. Either way, you have a job to do and I expect you to do it. That includes working with Stryker." Fluffing her peroxide-bleached hair with her hand, she said, "Besides, the guy's hot. I don't know why you're making such a big deal out of being partnered with him."
"Lieutenant, I'm telling you someone is trying to intimidate me. Don't you think the situation merits investigation?" Jade knew the lieutenant would discount anything she said.
"Donovan, I'll tell you what I'd tell any citizen. Leaving dead roses at your door isn't a crime. In fact, you're better off than most people because you carry a gun. Let me know if anything serious happens."
Lasko picked up the report again. "Now get to work. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes Ma'am," Jade said evenly.
"Good. Now, go find your partner and hit the street."
"Roger that," said Jade, doing an about face, pleased that her plan had worked. Lasko disliked her so much, Jade was certain the lieutenant wouldn't make any further notifications up the chain of command on the weird flower deliveries. Jade would handle the situation herself. Wanting to live up to the world's image of an LAPD officer, she was more afraid of appearing weak to her fellow officers than being stalked by some psycho.
Opening the door to leave Lasko's office, she nearly collided with Mac Stryker. His fist, raised to knock, whipped toward her face. Automatically, she grabbed his wrist before his hand connected with her cheek.
"Nice reflexes," he said with a wry smile.
"Academy training," she said matter-of-factly, releasing her grip. The heat of his skin still sent her heart racing. He was so damn good-looking and self-assured. The fact he could turn her life upside-down terrified her.
"It's good to see you again," he said. "Are you my training officer?" He gave her a smile worthy of a "B-list" actor on the red carpet, but his tone conveyed he wasn't happy with the arrangement.
"Yes, she is," Lasko interjected, "And I want you to tell me if she gives you any problems. Report to me at your end of watch."
Jade saw a flicker of surprise invade Mac's eyes. "Yes, Ma'am!"
She needed to get out of this office. There was only so much she was willing to take from Lasko. "Don't just stand there," Jade snapped as she strode past Mac. "Let's get a move on."
Her obvious anger pushed Jade's strides fast and hard. Although a few steps behind, with his long legs, Mac had no trouble keeping up with her. He noticed that since he'd been gone, Jade's rear end hadn't gotten a "patrol car spread." Her sable hair was tightly braided down the back of her head and fastened above the top of her collar. Medium in height, she looked taller in her uniform. She was definitely a fine-looking woman. He wondered if she'd married. If so, she hadn't changed her last name.
He'd gone to the Watch Commander's Office to confirm who his Training Officer was, although he had a pretty good idea already. In his gut he knew he was working with Jade Donovan. He couldn't believe the department would intentionally put them working together. Sure, he'd been to the LAPD shrink and been deemed fit for duty and cleared to be a cop again. But were they right? Or was partnering him with Jade some kind of a test? They'd work together today, but maybe if he pushed some of her buttons, tomorrow their working arrangements would change. He'd have to be subtle, though.
It wasn't that he had anything against Jade specifically. He just didn't want a daily reminder of his previous inability to function as a police officer -- the day he'd been put to the test and failed.
Lasko's order to tattle on Jade if she gave him any trouble spoke volumes about how the two women got along. The lieutenant's request was unprofessional and rude. Besides, Mac had never been a snitch in his life and if he couldn't handle working with Jade, he didn't deserve to be back on the job.
Jade turned toward the kit room.
Might as well get her worked up now. "I've already checked out the equipment and loaded the car," Mac said with an innocent tone. "Because you were late to Roll Call, I didn't have your serial number, or I could have logged onto the MDT."
She spun around, her gaze blazing into his. "Listen, Stryker. You were a cop for a long time. I know you were a training officer because you trained me. I respect your previous time on the job. But things in this department have changed. It's my job to see you're trained the way we do things today. Got it?"
"Oh, loud and clear, Officer Donovan," said Mac. "Just tell me what's changed about loading the equipment and doing a vehicle check, and I'll be sure to do it your way tomorrow."
And little lady, you'd better lighten up, or I'm not going to be subtle about making your life miserable. He wasn't any happier than she was about their working arrangement, but he wasn't going to be her whipping boy for the next ten hours.
Jade took one look at his clenched jaw and narrowed eyes, and knew she'd better de-escalate the situation. Besides, she was taking her anger at Lasko out on Mac, and he didn't deserve it. He was right. She'd been late to work.
She forced softness into her voice. "Well, nothing's changed in checking out the car, but they're calling the in-car computer an MDC: Mobile Digital Computer. You know the Department and their acronyms. The laptop shouldn't give you any trouble -- it's not that different from the old terminal; just a lot smaller."
They walked out to the car where she checked his preparations, loaded her equipment into the trunk, and then hit the street.
There had been no question she would drive and he would keep the books. Most probationers didn't drive for the first two weeks on patrol so they could get a good handle on the computer and broadcasting on the radio. Jade knew Mac wouldn't need much time at all to get back into the swing of being a patrol officer again. Heck, five years ago he'd been able to handle working in a black and white, even though he was hammered most of the time.
He sure looked better now. He'd lost about twenty pounds. Obviously he worked out with weights, and it showed on his tall frame. His badge gleamed on his uniform shirt where sharp creases enveloped his broad chest. Not an ounce of fat hung over his duty-belt holding his gun, radio, and other equipment.
His dark eyes, which always reminded Jade of caramelized root beer, were now clear and free of the watery redness caused by too much alcohol. His chiseled features were more pronounced, probably due to the weight loss. Robust coloring replaced his former sallow complexion. The fine lines etched around his eyes were payment for his years of hard living. Gray sprinkled the temples of his chestnut hair. Like most men, Mac had become distinguished with age.
She snuck another glance at him. His gaze surveyed his surroundings, just as he'd taught her to do five years ago. This is too weird. Now I'm his training officer. I wonder if he feels awkward, too? She decided to clear the air.
"I think we should discuss the shooting," she said.
"What's there to discuss? You were a hero, and I lost my job."
"And you blame me for that?"
"No. But I don't want to talk about it either."
Jade bit her lip in frustration. "That's just great. I remember how well it worked for you to hold in your feelings a few years ago."
Her partner didn't say anything, but instead focused his attention out his window.
Mac's appearance may have improved over the years but he still solves his problems the same way, Jade thought. He ignores them. The last time he was so shortsighted, it turned him into a drunk. I wonder how long it will be before he crawls back in the bottle.
Then a horrible thought struck her. Now that he was apparently sober, what if he'd remembered the other thing that happened five years ago? What if he'd returned to the LAPD to tear her life apart?
She inhaled sharply as her hands tightened on the steering wheel.
Don't panic, if he knew anything he'd have pounded on your door a long time ago.
"Okay," she said, with irritation filling her voice, "if you won't discuss the shooting, the first thing you need to know is citizens make complaints against cops for absolutely nothing. You wouldn't believe some of the crazy accusations that are made. Worse yet, Internal Affairs is required to open an investigation. I know some desk officers who got a personnel complaint because a woman alleged the officers had removed one of her kidneys while she talked to them on the phone."
"You've got to be kidding," Mac said.
Jade shook her head. "I'm not. But with obvious bogus complaints they write the paper, then close it out. Oh, and I.A. is now called PSB, Professional Standards Bureau, but everyone still calls it I.A., except the brass."
Mac let out a slow whistle. "No wonder morale stinks."
Jade shrugged. "The police union is working on the disciplinary system, but it takes time."
Mac pressed buttons on the car computer checking out what each screen was for.
"What a joke," Mac complained.
Three tones from their radio indicated an emergency call was about to be broadcast. Mac's heart rate increased, wondering if they'd be assigned the call.
"15A21, 15A21, handle the traffic collision at Whitsett and Vanowen. Vehicle overturned with a person trapped inside."
Mac keyed the mic. "15A21 roger."
"Handle the call Code Three," the dispatcher ordered.
"15A21, roger on the Code Three response."
Not taking her eyes from the road, Jade reached down and flipped a lever on the center console activating the black and white's emergency lights and siren.
Sunday traffic, lighter than on a weekday, pulled out of their way. Minutes later they arrived on the scene.
A single car had jumped the curb, flipped and slammed into a telephone pole. Contents from the car were strewn on the ground. The stench of gasoline filled the air.
A woman, bleeding profusely from the head, sobbed while sitting at the side of the road next to the wrecked vehicle. Mac jumped from the black and white and, as he ran toward the overturned luxury sedan, yelled to a male bystander to grab one of the clean disposable diapers that had spilled from the vehicle and place it on the woman's wound.
"Dexter," the bloodied woman screamed pointing at the wreckage. "You've got to get Dexter! He's just a baby!"
Jade rushed toward the injured lady and the other citizens milling around. As Mac sprinted to the torn and twisted metal, he heard his partner use her radio to request an ambulance and the fire department for a wash-down of the street.
"I need everyone to move away from the vehicle. It's leaking fuel," she ordered.
Blood pounded in Mac's ears as he dropped to hands and knees to find the child. The car was eerily silent. Looking in the rear of the vehicle he expected to see a child's car seat. Instead, the compartment appeared empty.
Mac turned back and shouted to the injured woman. "Was he in a car seat? Where was he sitting?" As Mac turned his head to look in the vehicle again, his adrenaline leapt and his heart jumped into overdrive. Smoke coiled from the engine area of the car.
"Jade! Get those people out of here! The car is on fire!"
Jade dropped any pretense of being nice. "I need all of you people to move down to the parking lot at the corner. Do it now!" she barked. The group of on-lookers began to shuffle down the street. She offered her hand to the injured woman. "Ma'am, if you can walk, you need to move away from the car too."
"I'll help her, officer," said the man holding the makeshift bandage to the driver's head.
"You've got to get Dexter," the woman screamed as Jade turned and ran to help Mac.
Mac, flat on his belly, low crawled into the vehicle. "I don't see the kid or the car seat anywhere," he yelled. "Do you think he got thrown clear?"
"Keep looking inside. I'll check around the car!"
The smoke from smoldering car parts mushroomed. The front of the vehicle was bent around the phone pole like a horseshoe. Mac put out of his mind the thought that his daughter, Ashley, had died in a similar car accident.
"Come on Stryker, focus! You don't have a lot of time," he whispered to himself. "Dexter, where are ya, bud?"
There! A small sound. Mac held his breath. Dragging himself on his elbows he crept deeper into the core of the car. The noise came from the front floorboard of the vehicle. Reaching to his equipment belt Mac grabbed his mini flashlight and clicked it on. The bright beam cut into the smoke-filled interior of the car. In anger, Mac punched the dashboard and swore.
It was a dog. A scared to death, black, Labrador puppy. The pup growled.
"I don't believe it," Mac muttered. "Come on, Dexter. We gotta get you out of here. This car may blow any second." Mac heard the sound of firefighters setting up to douse the smoldering car.
The canine cringed further into the wreckage. Mac reached for the puppy and Dexter bared his teeth. "Listen, pooch, you're coming out with me whether you like it or not." With a grunt, Mac grabbed the hound by the scruff of the neck and pulled the dog to his chest. Close to Mac's body, the puppy relaxed and licked Mac's face. "Jade, I've got him," he yelled.
Keeping a tight hold of the puppy's leather collar, Mac backed out of the vehicle. Once on his feet, Mac raced away from the wrecked sedan. A muted explosion blasted heat across Mac's back as the fuel ignited. Oily black smoke billowed into the air. Firefighters moved in, dousing the flames with a dry powder.
Jade gave Mac a visual inspection when she saw him. "Are you all right? At least she could have told us to look for a dog. Good job, partner." Jade brushed dirt and small shards of glass from Mac's back. "You almost became a crispy critter," she said eyeing the puppy squirming in his arms, "you and your little dog too."
"Very funny. Dexter, I'd like you to meet my partner, Jade. Jade, Dexter."
Jade shook the puppy's paw.
Dexter's owner staggered toward them, arms outstretched. "Dexter, darling! You're safe. Mommy doesn't know what she would have done if you'd gotten hurt." The woman, swaying on spike heels, covered the dog's shiny coat with kisses. She then turned to Mac. "Thank you, officer. Thank you so much! I can't tell you what this means to me." The stale smell of alcohol wafted in the air.
Mac passed the puppy off to Jade and took the woman's hand.
"I'm glad it turned out okay, and neither of you were seriously hurt. Unfortunately," he said, spinning the woman around, "I'm detaining you for driving under the influence of alcohol." He ratcheted the handcuffs in place before the woman could react.
Immediately the drunk began to wail and protest her innocence. Jade handed the dog to a traffic officer who had arrived to investigate the accident. Jade did a quick pat-down search of the sobbing woman, and then walked her to their police car. The closer they got to the black and white, the louder and more profane the woman became.
Mac shook his head. I wonder if people were as disgusted with me when I was drinking? His body still craved booze. It was a daily battle. Some days he fared better than others, but it was a thin line.
Mac and Jade gave the traffic officer their names and unit number and told him they would take care of booking the drunk driver if he would handle the dog and the traffic accident report. Seeing the woman banging her head on the windows of the police car, the traffic cop happily agreed.
Once the intoxicated female failed the Field Sobriety Test, and she'd been seen by a jail doctor and booked, the rest of the shift passed comparatively quietly. They handled a domestic violence call resulting in an arrest, and later, a barking dog complaint.
During the course of their day, Mac realized that Jade had turned out to be a competent police officer no thanks to the training he'd provided her. But today he'd been able to handle his side of the car as well. Oh, he'd needed help with some of the new paperwork, but overall, his cop skills were still intact -- a fact that surprised him. Working with Jade hadn't been nearly as bad as he'd imagined.
After unloading the patrol car, they hauled their gear back to the kit room, and then waited in line to return their equipment.
"Hey, Donovan," an officer called out. "You've got a package up at the front desk." As he passed by, he poked her in the arm. "Don't worry, it's not ticking."
The officer joked, but Mac immediately noticed Jade's expression froze in place. In fact, her usually creamy complexion turned as pasty as a cadaver's.
"Thanks, Bill. I'll get it as soon as we get this equipment checked in."
Mac turned to her, taking the shotgun from her hands. "I've got this covered. Go get your package."
Jade bit her lip. "Okay, thanks," she murmured.
Like a walking zombie, she headed toward the front desk. Mac frowned. Something was definitely wrong. His partner appeared dazed.
After turning in their equipment, Mac settled into the officers' report writing room to finish his paperwork. He glanced up as Jade came from the front desk. She held a gold foil box, typical of ones used by florists. A scarlet ribbon and bow secured the container. She hadn't opened the package yet.
"Hey, partner, need a knife?"
"Oh, no. Thank you. I'll open it at home," she replied in a monotone.
Again, Mac frowned. With her blank stare and droned response, she walked and sounded like someone high on PCP.
"Is everything okay?"
Her eyes finally focused on him. She gave him a sickly smile. "Yes, everything is fine. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Okay. Drive carefully." He felt his stomach tighten. His years of experience told him the sensation in his belly meant something was wrong. Maybe she'd had a fight with her boyfriend, and he'd sent the flowers as a way to make amends. If so, she didn't look happy to get them.
After changing out of her uniform, Jade drove to her father's home and pulled her ice-blue SUV onto the cracked driveway. No matter how long she lived on her own, this one-story ranch style house in the San Fernando Valley would always be home.
Stepping onto the concrete front porch, she rapped lightly on the wooden screen door. Creaks in the floorboards announced someone's approach. She plastered a smile on her face. She didn't want her Dad to see any evidence she was upset. The door opened.
"Hi Dad. How's it going?" Although he hadn't touched a drop in three years, she couldn't keep herself from looking for the telltale signs he'd been drinking.
Angus Donovan opened the screen door, allowing her entry.
"Oh, fair to middlin'. That young 'un of yours is a handful. He's kept me and Mona hopping all day."
Jade followed her father to the family room. Well-worn furniture lined the walls. A blanket covered the floor in the center of the room. Donnie and her father's friend from Alcoholics Anonymous, Mona, lay on the blanket and colored in large books while cartoons blared from the television in the corner.
"Mama!" Donnie jumped up and ran to her, throwing his plump arms around her knees.
Jade bent down and squeezed her son tight. Tears filled her eyes seeing how much he resembled his father. It broke her heart that Donnie's daddy wasn't around, but having no male parent was better than having an unfit father.
"Hey, Sweetie. Did you have a good day with Grandpa and Mona?"
The child nodded his head, his dark hair framing his chestnut eyes. "Mama, you're holding me too tight," Donnie complained, wiggling from her arms. "We played war, and Grandpa and Mona were terrorists. I was a fireman, and I saved the world," the four-year-old said, proudly.
"I think it's disgraceful children his age even know about terrorists," said Mona, rising from the floor and moving to the tan faux-suede sofa. "Whatever happened to Bert and Ernie, or Captain Kangaroo?" she asked, sitting next to Angus on the tan faux-suede sofa.
Jade shook her head. "Times have changed. You never know where danger lurks. That's why it's important to be aware of your surroundings and be prepared." Her thoughts flashed to the foil box hidden in the back of her truck. Pretty sanctimonious speech, considering you've got some nut sending you dead flowers every day, and now he's even bringing them to the police station.
Angus shifted on the couch. "Ah, lassie, you've always been head-strong and self-reliant; it's your Irish pride. I suspect that's why you haven't found a husband to take care of you and be a daddy for the wee one."
"I don't need a man to take care of me, and I'm perfectly capable of taking care of Donnie." Jade's heart lurched thinking of Donnie's father and how he was anything but daddy material.
"Don't get your feathers all ruffled," said Angus. "I'm just sayin' sometimes it's nice to have a safe place to fall." He focused his gaze to Mona, who returned his look of adoration.
"Well, I like things the way they are," Jade said, turning her attention to her son. "Donnie, let's get your backpack and head on home. I'm hungry."
"Okay, Mama." He gathered his crayons and coloring books and stuffed them into a worn canvas backpack.
"Dad, I got a subpoena for court on the twenty-fifth. I know I told you I wouldn't need you to watch Donnie that day, but would you be able to babysit? I probably won't be long."
The elder Donovan shook his head. "I thought you were off that day. You know I don't mind watching the boy, but when do you get a day to rest?"
I never get to rest, thought Jade. First, I'm bombarded with dead flowers, and then Mac Stryker turns up at work.
Jade forced a smile for her father as she helped Donnie zip his jacket. "Going to court comes with the job, even if it is my day off."
"Well, Mona and I will be here." Angus peered over his bifocals at the refined woman sitting next to him. "You will be here, won't you?" he asked.
"Angus, my love, where else would I be?" she said, patting his hand. She turned to Jade. "Who would have thought the terrible disease of alcoholism would bring two people together?"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Angus grumbled. "She just likes to come over and boss me around."
Jade laughed. "I can see that you suffer. Donnie tells me all about the "nummy" lunches Mona makes for you guys." Jade scooped the little boy into her arms and grabbed his backpack. "See you tomorrow, Dad. And thanks again. Both of you. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Bye, Grandpa. Bye, Mona." Donnie waved his plump hand as Jade carried him out to her truck. "Did you have a good day or a bad day, Mommy?" Donnie asked while Jade strapped him in his car seat.
Jade's mind returned to the stressful day working with Mac, the screaming drunk, and then the shiny box covered by a blanket in the cargo area of her truck.
"Well, hon, I'd have to say this was kind of a bad day. But it's much better since I came to get you."
The little boy favored her with a wide grin. "Can we have macaroni and cheese for dinner? Please?"
"Someday you're going to turn into macaroni and cheese," she replied, maneuvering her SUV towards their apartment.
Once they got home, Donnie helped Jade make the requested pasta. While he stirred the powdered cheese into the macaroni, Jade noticed the red flashing light on her telephone answering machine. Pressing the button, she was surprised to hear a male's voice.
"Hey, Jade, it's Malcolm Toombs. I know we haven't talked in a while, but I was hoping we might get together for dinner or something. Give me a call when you get a chance." After reciting his number the message was over.
"Who was that, Mommy?" Donnie asked, licking grains of powdered cheese from his wrist.
"Oh, just someone Mommy knows," she said casually. But inside, Jade was surprised and a little unsettled. She and Malcolm had dated a couple of times. He didn't take it well when she told him she didn't think there was any point in continuing to see each other. Remembering how annoyed she was by his pitiable attempts to appear worldly, she jabbed the "erase message" button. She wouldn't be calling him back.
After a dinner of salad, baked chicken breasts and macaroni and cheese, it was bath time, and then she read Donnie a story while he snuggled in his bedding adorned with bright red fire trucks.
"Go right to sleep. Firemen need lots of sleep," she said, turning out the light and closing his door.
Moving around the apartment, she closed all the blinds. Checking the knobs on the three dead bolt locks she'd recently installed on the front door, she took comfort in the heavy pins aligned in place. The new locks on the windows were all secured. She made her way to the hall closet where she'd hidden the rectangular box with its brash ribbon. She argued with herself while carrying the shiny box to the table.
He's getting more brazen. He brought a box of dead flowers to the station! You really should tell someone.
Don't be an idiot, you told Lasko, and she did everything but laugh at you. Do you want the whole station whispering behind your back?
They won't laugh. You've already proven yourself. You shot and killed an armed suspect.
That was five years ago. What have you done to validate yourself lately? You're only as good as your last good arrest. Now, if you could catch this psycho...
Blood pounded in her ears while scissors sliced through the crimson trim. She'd hated bringing the box home, but dumping it at work would have caught someone's attention. Here at home, she'd take quick peek and get rid of it. She knew what was in the box. She didn't want to open it, but she had to. It was like looking at a dead body. Most officers didn't like scrutinizing a corpse but, in order to rule out foul play, were required to witness there were no obvious signs of trauma.
She lifted the lid of the container. There they were. Five days ago there'd been a dozen. Yesterday there were eight. Today, seven. Seven roses - wilted, withered, and dead lay in the green tissue paper. She knew there would be no note, but she looked for one anyway.
Tears slid down her face. "Who's doing this? Why?" she whispered to herself. Then she remembered a sign hanging at the police academy. It read, 'The more you sweat up here, the less you bleed on the street.'
Suck it up, Jade. It doesn't matter who is after you or why. What matters is that you're ready. Smoothly conducting a chamber check to reassure herself the gun was loaded, she took a deep breath and returned the weapon to the leather pouch on her hip.
Come on asshole, I've killed before, and I won't hesitate to do it again. I'm ready for you. Bring it on.
The next morning, bloated gray clouds filled the sky. Heavy rain soaked the thirsty soil of Los Angeles. Although the precipitation was much needed, water runoff surged down the streets to be sucked into storm drains.
"Mama, I need my rain boots and my umbella," Donnie cried, looking out the window at the downpour.
"Okay, okay," Jade replied. "Do you have your backpack? We've got to get going to Grandpa's. Mommy can't be late for work again."
Jade was grateful to have a car with a high undercarriage. It had been pouring all night, and some of the intersections were flooded and littered with cars half submerged.
After leaving Donnie at her father's house with a quick goodbye, she carefully navigated her way to the station. She hated to burden her father with caring for Donnie, but Jade had seen too many sexual abuse reports where a caregiver had violated the trust of the child and parents. No pervert would get their hands on her son if Jade could help it.
Afraid to be late for Roll Call again, like a shot, she changed into her uniform and was seated just before Lieutenant Lasko and the sergeants arrived to start Roll Call.
Mac was sitting in his spot in the front row when she came in. He nodded to her, but said nothing. Her stomach rolled in response. Yesterday she'd felt as though she was on probation all over again. Mac had watched her every move. She knew he was just waiting to criticize. She kept reminding herself he was the one on probation.
Were the butterflies in her stomach something more? There was no doubt Mac Stryker looked fantastic on the outside. His healthy appearance emphasized the fact he was no longer a vulnerable widower grieving over the deaths of his wife and daughter. A muscular body and take-charge attitude replaced the haggard raw pain that touched her heart years ago.
Her thoughts were interrupted as Lasko began reading off the car assignments.
"15A21, Donovan and Stryker."
The smirk on Lasko's face paired with an intense stare were a challenge to Jade to complain about being partnered with Mac again today.
Screw you, Jade thought, I'll work with him all month -- whether he's sober or drunk; but you're not going to get a rise out of me again.
After roll call she met her partner outside the kit room. Mac handed her a set of car keys and a camera. He held the shotgun and Taser. They both wore bright yellow, waterproof jackets over their uniforms. His was long, almost like a cowboy's duster. Hers was shorter and was equipped with a hood. Each plastic garment had a cutout that left their pistols exposed and available.
"You look tired. Did the storm keep you awake?" Mac asked. "Those dark circles under your eyes make you look like you got popped in the face."
"Thanks a lot," she replied. "Yeah, it must have been the storm that kept me up."
There was no way she'd reveal she'd tossed and turned all night in a cycle of nightmares where an intruder broke down the door to her apartment. Sometimes the invader was Mac, and sometimes the attacker was a faceless beast. In each vision, Jade was unprepared to defend herself and Donnie. She'd force herself awake just as the assailant reached for her son. Shaking off the memory of the frightening thoughts, she got back to the business at hand.
"We probably won't have many radio calls because of the rain. But I hope you have lots of traffic collision report forms. People in L.A. just don't know how to drive in the rain. They looked like bumper cars on my way to work."
He smiled at her and nodded. "I know. I almost got creamed by some moron in a Mercedes."
As they dashed through the raindrops to their patrol car, Mac was glad she seemed more at ease with him today. The tension between them yesterday had been rough. He'd thought about it last night and realized she probably felt somewhat threatened. After all, he had more experience in the field than she had time on the job. He made the decision to let her do the leading.
Jade wasn't the only one who'd had trouble sleeping last night. Recurring images had haunted him on and off for the past five years. The dream always started the same way.
He'd been at a party and had too much to drink. Jade was there and offered to drive him home. He was in no shape to drive, so he let her. When they got to his house, she helped him inside. Then he started crying over the deaths of Susan and Ashley.
In the dream, Jade wrapped her arms around him and comforted him. Before he knew it, he was kissing her. Unrestrained hunger surged as he deepened the kiss, his hands filtered through her hair. He picked her up and moved down the hall, being careful she didn't hit her head. As he walked, he lowered his face to hers and found her lips. He was like a drowning man searching for air. He couldn't get enough.
He maneuvered into a bedroom where he laid her gently on the bed. She opened her arms to him. In a heartbeat he was beside her, nibbling her face, her neck...and more. It wasn't long before he had her out of her clothes.
With one quick movement he entered her. Their excitement built, causing a rasping moan to escape her lips as spasms shot through their bodies. A cry of victory spilled from Mac's mouth. Then he collapsed upon her.
The dream, as always, scared him. Did it mean he wanted to drink again? Did it mean, after all the years of therapy, he still wasn't over the death of his wife and child? Or did it reflect the most basic instinct of a male/female partnership - he simply wanted to nail his partner?
Forcing his thoughts back to prepping the black and white for the day, they made quick work of the vehicle inspection and, before long, were on their way. The police radio crackled with numerous reports of traffic collisions, but they weren't assigned any of the calls.
They each wrote traffic citations to drivers who, despite the rain, drove well above the posted speed limit. They'd just released a driver that Mac had cited when they got their first radio call of the morning.
"15 Adam 21, see the security officer holding a 484 suspect at Billingsley's Stop 'N Shop, 7629 Lankershim Blvd. Handle the call Code-2."
Mac keyed the microphone. "15 Adam 21, roger. En route."
"Good," said Jade. "This shoplifter will keep us out of the weather for awhile."
A few minutes later they arrived at their call. After taking the thief into custody from the security officer and getting all the information needed, they returned to the station.
"I'll book him and write the reports," Mac said, knowing probationary officers were expected to do everything themselves.
"Nice offer," Jade replied, ignoring an inner voice whispering that Mac thought her incompetent, "but you're not a typical boot. You already know how to do that stuff. You write the reports and I'll book him. Maybe after we're done, we can grab something to eat."
After an hour of joint effort, they were back in their patrol car en route to lunch. The coffee shop Jade picked was famous for their chicken tortilla soup and corn bread.
"Mmmmm. Doesn't it smell wonderful in here?" she asked, inhaling.
Mac shrugged. The place was warm, dry, and they had fresh coffee. That's all he cared about right now.
Their server came to take their requests. While Jade ordered the popular soup, he studied her. He remembered her as being attractive, but the truth was she was beautiful. There were a few laugh lines around her striking green eyes, but the faint creases didn't detract from her delicate features. Guilt washed over him as the memory of his wife filled his mind. Yes, Jade was pretty, but he loved Susan.
Mac ordered a burger along with some fruit instead of French fries.
"So," Jade said, eyeing the watermelon and cantaloupe on his plate, "now I know how you lost the weight." She blew on her soup. "How is it you're back with the LAPD?"
She already knew about his weaknesses. He might as well start repairing his reputation - beginning with his partner.
"The city needs good cops. I'm a cop." His explanation was the simple truth. He wanted to be a cop again. He was sure his former therapist would have all kinds of "touchy feely" theories about his return to the LAPD, but beyond all that, he was a cop.
"Don't you read the papers? The city is broke. There's talk they're going to cut our pensions, and you can forget about a raise." She jabbed a straw into the soda the server had set down. Mac frowned. "But other departments aren't the Los Angeles Police Department," he said. "They don't have the pride or tradition of being the best police department in the country. And with the way things are going today, I'm thankful to have a job."
"Oh, don't get me wrong," she said. "I'm proud to be an L.A. cop, but other agencies don't get beat up by the press every other day like we do. I just want you to know it's not the same department you left."
They held their conversation as their food arrived.
Mac reached for the ketchup. "The Rampart Scandal and the May Day incident were certainly a black eye for the department, but we're still the best police department in the country. And I don't care if my views are popular, or not. One of the things I learned while I was gone was I had to be true to myself and my beliefs." He took a bite of his burger. "So tell me about our Captain. What's his name? Kincaid?"
Jade's heart lurched. Why would Mac be asking about the Captain? Did he know something? "What do you mean?" she asked.
He wiped his mouth with his napkin. "With all my time in the department, I've never heard of him," Mac said easily. "Is he a hard-ass or what?"
Jade sighed and tried to force herself to keep her face neutral. If Mac only knew.
"What? Is he tough?"
Jade thought about how she should answer. Certainly not with the truth. "I haven't had much contact with him. I've heard from some of the other guys he did most of his early career in the south end of town. Then he made sergeant and went to Metro Division. Couple of years later he was in charge of SWAT."
"So why the look?"
"What look," she asked.
"You got a funny look on your face when I asked about the captain."
She shrugged. "I didn't know I did. Maybe I hiccupped or something." His eyes told her he knew she was lying, but that was her story and she was sticking to it. Purposely looking at her watch, she said, "We'd better get back out there."
The radio traffic was fairly slow, with traffic collisions being the majority of calls assigned.
The windshield wipers slapped a steady rhythm while sluicing water off the glass. Jade drove the car slowly down a major boulevard.
"How do you like being a training officer?" Mac asked.
Jade smiled. "I like it a lot. It's best when I get a good probationer and I don't have to tell them what to do every second. Like you, you're easy."
Mac snapped his fingers and gave her a big grin. "Darn. I was hoping that particular secret wouldn't get out so soon. You aren't going to write my name on the wall in the ladies locker room, are you?"
A warmth rose in Jade's cheeks as her mind immediately returned to her memories of the night Donnie was conceived. Thank goodness he couldn't read her thoughts.
"Since you're blushing, does it mean you've already written my name in the ladies room?" he asked, his eyes wide and teasing.
"Of course not," she replied, "and you know that isn't what I meant."
Mac twisted in his seat to take a second look at something outside a convenience store. Jade looked too. Seeing a teenage group just hanging out, he turned his attention back to her.
"So how did you manage to keep from getting hitched in the last five years?" he asked.
Jade snorted. "Who's got time? Between work and D-," she cut herself off. Donnie was none of his business. "I don't have the time or desire to date."
A light on the computer indicated they had a message. Mac pushed a button and information appeared on the screen.
"We're being called to the Watch Commander's office. They have a rape victim requesting to speak to a female officer, and you're the only female in the division available."
Jade turned the car toward the station while Mac typed back to the station that they were on their way.
With rain coming down as though someone held a garden hose over their car, Jade drove with caution. The windshield wipers were having a hard time keeping up with the onslaught.
Out of the corner of her eye, she caught movement. She slowed the cruiser to get a better look. At the same time, Mac rolled down his window to get a sharper view of a commotion along the flood-control channel, which paralleled the street.
A golden retriever, soaked to the skin, barked frantically while running back and forth along the gravel utility road above the churning river of water cascading down the concrete canal.
"Something's not right. Stop the car," Mac ordered, opening his door.
Jade keyed the mic clipped to her uniform shirt and told the dispatcher their location and that they were out for investigation, of unknown trouble.
Mac ran to the dog, who continued to bark, pace and look toward the raging water.
Jade got there seconds behind Mac. Through the torrential rain they saw the problem. A small boy had fallen or climbed down the steep cement walls of the channel. He dangled in the water, clinging onto one of the metal footholds used by workers to enter and exit the channel for clean-up duties.
"15 Adam 21," Jade yelled into her radio above the noise of the fast-moving water, "Officer needs assistance. We have a male, approximately nine years old, in the flood control channel at Sherman Way and Tujunga. I need the fire department swift water rescue here code three!"
The dispatcher's voice remained calm, but an intense undercurrent could be heard as she repeated Jade's frantic call for help. "15 Adam 21, is the child floating down the channel?" the dispatcher asked. "If so, at approximately what speed, and do you still have the child in sight?"
"15 Adam 21, the boy is hanging onto a metal bar used as a step. Get an air unit. Do you have an ETA for the fire department? Tell them to hurry. He can't hang on much longer."
As she answered, Jade heard Mac yelling at the boy to hang on.
Jade looked up and saw Mac strip off his raincoat, Sam Browne duty belt, shirt, and body armor. He moved in front of her and started down the metal bars that were used as a ladder for ingress and egress from the channel.
"Stryker, you can't go down there. I've got water rescue on the way," she yelled.
Mac didn't acknowledge her. He continued shouting something to the child, who cried and begged for help while being buffeted in the agitating water. Mac got within three feet of the boy when the child lost his grip on the foothold. The juvenile was sucked immediately into the raging current.
Just as fast, Mac leapt from his position on the ladder into the murky turbulence.
"Oh my God, Mac!" Jade yelled. Another surge of adrenaline ripped through her body.
"15 Adam 21," she shouted into the radio, "the boy and my partner are in the water. They're southbound. I'm going to follow in my black and white. Is the air ship en route?"
Jade scooped up Mac's clothes and equipment and ran to her car, whistling for the dog to follow. The dispatcher broadcast her last transmission and requested responding officers to switch to a tactical radio frequency so the other channel would be clear for radio calls not related to the water rescue.
Tossing Mac's belongings on the passenger seat, she opened the rear door for the dog. He hopped in. Running to the driver's side, Jade jumped in and switched on her lights and siren. Tires slid on wet pavement as she stomped the accelerator, made a u-turn, and tried to catch up to Mac and the child.
She remembered her academy training where she'd learned not to separate from her partner. "You've sure mucked that up," she said aloud.
In her rear-view mirror she could see the flashing lights of fellow officers and fire department personnel as they approached. Her heart pounded so hard it hurt.
The dispatcher came on the radio. "15A21, all air units are down due to weather."
The radio crackled to life. "Air 11 responding from Piper Tech."
Jade said a quick prayer, knowing the pilot and observer were risking their lives for the boy and Mac.
It was impossible to drive and see down into the churning waters. She tried to pick out her partner or the child in the fast-moving torrent. Even with her emergency lights and siren activated she had to veer several times to avoid a collision with other vehicles.
Within minutes, the air unit was over the scene.
"This is Air 11 to units at the flood control channel. I haven't spotted the officer or the child in the water. 15 Adam 21, where did you last see the officer and child, and how long ago?"
Jade keyed the mic. "15 Adam 21, southbound in the water parallel with Tujunga, north of Sherman Way -- approximately three minutes ago."
"Air 11, roger."
Jade continued southbound, trying to slow her breathing. Her mind raced with horrible outcomes to the situation. She envisioned Mac impaled on a tree stump, or the boy careening into a boulder and splitting his head open. She knew that often people who fell into the frigid water suffered from hypothermia and were unable to even make an attempt to save themselves.
"Please, Lord, don't let Mac die," she said to herself. "I should have told him about his son. I promise to tell him, just don't let him die."
"Air 11 to control, we have a visual on both parties in the water. They're approaching the Victory Boulevard overpass. Fire department personnel are on the bridge trying to get set up."
Jade glanced in the sky to see the air unit about a half-mile ahead of her.
"Sit down!" she yelled at the dog whose toenails slid across the hard plastic seat of the patrol car. "I've got all I can do to drive without you acting up." Jade forced herself to take a deep breath. "I'm sorry, dog, I just feel so helpless with my partner down there and me up here. Don't worry; we'll get your little boy. I promise." Jade monitored the air unit's broadcast.
"Air 11 to control, send rescue personnel ahead to the Ventura Boulevard overpass. They won't be set up in time at Victory."
The dispatcher relayed the message to all units and the fire department.
"Oh my God, Mac!" Jade whispered.
Bypassing the Victory location she sped ahead to the location further down the channel.
When she arrived, she parked her black and white behind one of the many fire trucks at the scene. Relieved to see fire department personnel with numerous ropes and cables in place, she directed people out of her way as she ran to the overpass.
Despite the pouring rain, a crowd of on-lookers converged on the bridge. Several news helicopters hovered over the scene out of the way of the LAPD air unit. Arriving officers blocked off the streets to traffic and began to move the crowd away. With all the noise and commotion, she turned her radio to full volume.
Jade stood at the railing, her hands gripping the cold metal. She scanned the gushing gray water for any sign of the child or her partner.
"Air 11 to control, we've lost visual on one of the victims in the water. We still see the other one, but we're not sure if it's the officer or the child."
Jade knew she was crying, but thank goodness, no one would be able to tell. Tears streamed down her face, mixing with the pounding rain.
"Air 11 to control, victim is approaching the Victory rescue location. Stand by."
Jade held her breath, knowing that just a half-mile up-stream a life and death rescue was being attempted.
"Air 11 to control, advise the rescue personnel at Ventura Boulevard to be ready - they missed him at Victory. Be further advised, we're still only seeing one victim."
Jade expelled her pent up breath. To lose the child was unthinkable. She'd had a split second to look into the terrified eyes of the little boy before he'd lost his hold on the step. All she could think of was what if it was Donnie in the water? If the child weren't saved, the look in those eyes would haunt her for the rest of her life.
On the other hand, Jade couldn't bear the thought of losing her partner. She'd always thought it was best if Donnie knew nothing about his father. Now she wasn't so sure. At least Mac should be told he had a son...if only she got the chance.
Another officer on the overpass holding binoculars to his eyes yelled out. "There he is."
In a tense flurry of activity, the rescue team readied themselves.
Jade squinted as her gaze searched the agitated waters. There! A shapeless form bobbed in the water as it careened down the ravine. Jade realized the figure she was looking at was actually two people. The boy sat high on Mac's chest, his head well above the turbulent water. Mac fought to stay upright.
Her hands flew to her mouth as her knees went weak with relief. "Good job, Mac. Hang on. Please, hang on," she whispered through her fingers.
As they disappeared under the bridge, Jade ran to the other side to look over the metal railing. On each side of the channel several swift water rescue team members stood ready. Each team member was tethered by a rope, which was connected to a fire truck or a tree.
Mac sped by, the child still on his chest. Water rescuers timed their approach, threw lines and jumped. The first four men missed. The last man jumped in and snatched at Mac's arm, almost causing him to lose his grasp on the boy, but the police officer hung on. A cheer went up from the crowd.
Jade exhaled with relief. She clapped and cheered with everyone else as she made her way to where Mac would be brought up. The trio was slowly pulled to the side of the canal. One by one they were pulled from the treacherous water.
The boy was the first one to make it to the top of the channel. She didn't get a good look as he was placed on a backboard and loaded into an ambulance, which immediately sped away.
Mac was the second person up. Jade ran to him as he was assisted onto a stretcher.
She threw her arms around him. "Thank God, you're alive. Good job, partner. "
"Well, I feel awful. I think I must've drunk half the Los Angeles River."
"You're going to be all right," she said.
A paramedic stepped between them.
"Officer, we need to check him out. We're going to take him to Valley Hills Hospital. You can meet us there."
Jade nodded and gave Mac's shoulder a squeeze. "I'll see you at the hospital." She gave him a smile and a thumbs up. "Outstanding job, Mac."
A half hour later, Jade couldn't believe the number of people who crowded the trauma center waiting room. Patients fidgeted in their seats as reporters crowded the already full room.
She tried to push her way through the throng into the area of the treatment rooms. Due to the water rescue and accompanying media attention, the lobby was standing room only. The hospital staff was understandably short with anyone trying to gain access to the rear emergency rooms.
Jade stood aside, waiting for a lull at the admission desk before she tried to get back to see Mac.
"Yo, Donovan."
Jade turned to see who was calling her name. Callie Lasko.
"Hi, L.T." Jade said, using cop slang to keep things neutral. "What's up?"
"Have you been in to see Stryker yet?" Callie tucked some loose strands of frizzy blond hair behind her ears.
"No, ma'am. It's a madhouse in here. I'm waiting until the clerks have a minute before I bother them to go in back."
"Nonsense." Lieutenant Lasko stepped to the front of the line of people waiting to speak to the admission clerk. Moving ahead of a woman whose arm was held in place by a dishcloth forming a sling, the lieutenant knocked on the glass partition.
The frazzled clerk's gaze was frosty. "Can I help you?"
"I need to go in back and talk to Officer Stryker, the officer who saved the boy. I'm conducting an investigation, so I can't wait."
Wordlessly, but with a look that would intimidate an ex-con, the clerk jabbed a button. A buzzer sounded and the lock released in the heavy wooden doors leading to the examination rooms.
"Come on, Donovan. I swear, you'd have stood there all day waiting for an invitation to see your partner."
Jade bit back the sarcastic reply that came to mind, and whispered, "I'm sorry," to the woman with the makeshift sling.
Lieutenant Lasko and Jade walked down the hall, glancing into open doorways looking for Mac. They finally found him in the last examination room. A blue patterned hospital gown replaced his soaked uniform.
Numerous medical personnel, working as a team, surrounded him. A wire attached to his finger connected to a monitor that hung from the ceiling. A lime green line blipped across the black screen, alerting the doctor to Mac's pulse rate. The physician quietly directed the staff as they worked.
The lieutenant tapped on the doorframe. "Uh, excuse me, doc. I need to get a statement from Officer Stryker. Okay if I come in and talk to him while you're working?"
The doctor lifted his head, irritation in his eyes. "No, it's not all right. You can speak with him when we're done." The physician glanced at Mac. "That's if he wants to talk to you."
The lieutenant seemed oblivious to the practitioner's disdain. "Oh, he'll want to talk to me. Mac and I go way back. Besides, as his supervisor, he really doesn't have any choice," she said with a chuckle.
The physician spoke softly to the nurse, who immediately came and shut the door leaving Jade and the lieutenant standing in the hall.
Jade's face burned with embarrassment.
"Okay," said Lieutenant Lasko, leaning against the doorjamb. "It looks like it's going to be a while before I can get a statement from Mac. Might as well get down to business." She crossed her arms and glared at Jade. "So, Donovan why don't you tell me what the hell happened at the flood control channel."
"I'm not sure I know what you mean," Jade replied.
Her supervisor raised her voice. "I want you to explain to me why your probationer violated department policy by going in the water after that kid."
"What would you want him to do? Let the child drown?" Jade knew her sarcasm was disrespectful, but she didn't care.
A technician wearing green doctor's scrubs pushed a cart past the women into Mac's room. The man propped the door open with a rubber stop.
"Policy is very clear that police officers don't go into a flood control channel after someone who's fallen in. The fire department has the swift water rescue team. They're properly trained to handle that kind of situation. We're not."
"Lieutenant, the little boy fell into the water right in front of our eyes. If we'd gotten there a couple seconds sooner he never would have been in the water."
The lieutenant's eyes narrowed. "I notice you managed to stay out of the channel and keep dry. But then you've never struck me as the type to jump right in if it looked like you might break a fingernail."
"You can't have it both ways, lieutenant. Write me up if you have to for Mac going in the water, but don't think I'm going to let you berate me for not breaking the rules too." I'm berating myself, thank you very much.
Lasko waved her hand dismissively. "Either way it seems to me that you didn't display proper leadership or exercise proper control of your probationary officer. You allowed his life to be put at risk. Those actions are unacceptable and will be noted on a comment card and placed in your personnel file."
Lasko removed a tube of lipstick from her shirt pocket and rubbed the scarlet stain over her mouth. "You're just damn lucky they both survived," she said, pressing the lid on the make-up and returning the plastic cylinder to her pocket. "I've got enough of the story to brief the Captain. I'll interview Mac later."
The lieutenant glanced into the trauma room where the medical team worked on Mac. "You know, I always wondered what might have developed between us if Mac hadn't been married." A smile bowed her lips. "I'll see you back at the station."
Jade fumed as Callie sashayed down the hall. She's got some nerve saying I was afraid to go in the flood control channel. At least I didn't jump into bed with anyone and everyone I thought would further my career. That bimbo has no street time other than her probation, and now she's calling me a coward. I'd like to kick her ass from here to Sunday. But Jade realized the priority was the little boy and Mac; not the fact Callie Lasko was an abrasive jerk.
"Hey, partner, is that you I hear out there?"
Jade looked toward the bed. The medical staff was finishing up with Mac and leaving to carry out other duties. She stepped into Mac's line of sight, surprised he recognized her voice. Her heart pounded. She hated he had that effect on her.
"How are you feeling? What did the doctors say?"
He started to shrug, then winced in obvious pain. "Nothing broken, but I'm kind of beat up from my water ride. How's the kid?"
Jade shook her head. "Last I heard they were taking him for some x-rays. His parents are with him. I think he's going to be okay, thanks to you."
Mac waved his hand in the air. "I did what anybody else would have done - except maybe that tight-assed lieutenant. How in the hell did Callie Lasko get promoted to lieutenant with that attitude?"
"Oh, you heard her."
"How could I not? That witch must have a block of ice in her chest instead of a heart. She would have let that little boy drown, all because it's against the rules to try and save him." Mac sat up and dangled his bare legs over the side of the bed. "That's what I mean when I gripe that officers are afraid to do their jobs."
Jade nodded and sighed. "I know what you mean and you are right. But, I'm going to have to make a negative entry on your daily evaluation."
Mac started to speak but Jade held up her hand.
"Any other violations of department policies or procedures will also be documented. I'm sorry, but I have to."
"What is it with you women? You sound just like her."
Jade didn't react to his frustration, because she was frustrated with the situation as well.
"Mac, I'm just trying to do my job. I have no choice. Lasko's never liked me and technically she's right. I have to report any violation of department rules or policy. If I don't, I'm subject to a complaint. And you can bet Lasko will be right there ready to draw up the paperwork."
"What a crock this is." His scowl was as dark as the storm clouds outside. "Now I know why the department can't find anybody to hire. The LAPD is run by morons."
Jade shook her head. "They may be morons, but they're just trying to show the public the police are not afraid to discipline their own. You're just getting a taste of how public perception and the media have changed the Department."
Just then a nurse came in with some painkillers and paperwork for Mac to take back to the station.
"How's the little boy?" he asked.
The nurse smiled. "He's very lucky. He's banged up just like you. He'll be bruised and sore, but in a few days he'll be out playing as if nothing ever happened. God bless you, Officer." The nurse shook Mac's hand while Jade held back tears of feeling inadequate.
While Mac put on a spare set of doctor's scrubs, Jade called the station to be sure they'd found another female officer to interview the rape victim. When Mac and Jade left the hospital, the news media surged forward, all wanting a statement.
Mac kept his answers to their questions short and to the point. Many of the reporters were calling him a hero. He tried to play it off, but Jade could see the pride in his face.
If Mac was a hero, what did that make her?
Callie Lasko marched up to the captain's secretary.
"Is he in? I want to brief him on the water rescue incident."
The clerk excused herself and tapped on the closed door of the captain's office. She poked her head in the office, and after a few seconds motioned Callie in.
Douglas Kincaid turned away from the computer he worked on and motioned Lasko to sit down in one of the chairs in front of his desk.
"Are Donovan and Stryker all right?" he asked.
"Yes, but-"
"How about the little boy?"
"Yes, yes, he's fine, but-"
"Good. That's the kind of news the chief likes to hear."
Callie held up her hands. "Well, not so fast. There were all kinds of problems with the rescue. Policies were broken, tactics were poor, and I really think we need to discipline Donovan. As the senior officer at the scene, she let the whole thing turn to crap."
"No," said the captain, his eyes drilling into hers.
Callie couldn't believe what she'd heard.
"What?"
"I said no."
Callie opened her mouth then, closed it. This didn't make sense. "Why not?"
Kincaid leaned back in his leather chair and clasped his hands behind his head. "Because, lieutenant, this is a win-win situation. Our officers are heroes, they're getting a lot of positive media attention, and their actions are one more step to help me make Commander."
"And you don't care about Donovan's poor leadership skills or the fact her partner almost died?"
"I care about the fact a nine year-old boy is alive because of the actions of Mac Stryker and Jade Donovan. I care about the fact the Chief has already scheduled a press conference and told me what a fine job my people are doing."
He unclasped his hands and placed them flat on his desk. "I don't care that Mac went into the channel after the child. I don't care he went in alone. I care about the outcome. And the outcome was outstanding. Any other questions?" His remark wasn't an inquiry; it was a challenge.
"No."
"Good. So when you write this thing up, it will have the positive attitude of the result, right?"
"Yes, sir."
"And I'm sure you'll write the commendation for both Stryker and Donovan, right?"
"Yes, sir."
"And you'll even send it downtown, and we'll see if we can't get them the Medal of Valor, right?"
Callie sighed in disapproval. "Right."
"Good. Tell them to see me when they get back from the hospital."
After he and Jade returned to the station, Mac winced in pain while getting out of the black and white. They made their way to the Watch Commander's office. Lieutenant Lasko, barely looking up from her paperwork, advised them the Captain wanted to see them.
"You go see what he wants," Jade told him.
"The captain said he wanted to see both of you." Lasko's tone was venomous. "In fact, Donovan, you go ahead. I want to talk to Stryker for a minute. He'll catch up to you."
Jade looked to Mac for an explanation, but he had no clue what Callie had in mind. In reply, he just shrugged. Wordlessly, Jade turned and headed toward the captain's office.
"Close the door," Callie directed.
Mac hesitated, then did as he was told. It would be stupid not to do as she ordered. In spite of his dislike for her, he knew the hierarchy of the department and, as his supervisor, she held all the cards.
Callie motioned to a chair in front of her desk. "Sit down and relax. I don't bite," she said with a weird grin.
"Thank you, I'm fine standing."
The lieutenant frowned. "What's the matter, Mac? We go back a long way and have a lot of memories together."
Mac glanced at the closed door and the curious glances of coworkers as they walked past the glass door. "Lieutenant, with respect, our working together is ancient history. No one other than you and I has any interest in those war stories." He felt, rather than saw, the cooling in her demeanor.
"I have an interest in them. I have an interest in you. Now, we can do this the easy way, or the hard way. I'd like to meet you for a drink some night after work." She leaned forward across the desk. "The department would find nothing wrong with me mentoring you -- in fact, with your past, they'd probably encourage it." Callie pulled a folder down from a tray on her desk and opened it. Searching a grid on the document inside, she found what she was looking for. "I see you'll be off in a few days. Why don't we meet on the last day you work? There's a new little bar called Frank's over on Tujunga. We could have a few shots, share a few laughs and who knows what might happen?" She looked at him with expectant eyes.
"Lieutenant, you're damn lucky it's me you're talking to. Since I'm a recovering alcoholic, not only would the department have a problem with your 'mentoring' suggestion, if I started drinking again, I could sue you, sue the department, and sue the city. You'd probably get canned. But I won't do that. I know what it's like to lose this job. I'm going to do you a favor and give you a warning -- this time. If you ever pressure me again to meet you off-duty, I'll come after you, and I guarantee you, it won't be pretty."
The color drained from Callie's face. With her crimson lips, frizzy hair, and pale skin, she resembled a clown. Mac was certain he'd made his point.
"I'm going to go find Jade and meet with the captain. As far as I'm concerned, this conversation is over and forgotten. Don't give me a reason to remember it, okay?"
Callie nodded as if in a trance. Pleased with finally putting Callie in her place, he went to find Jade.
Reporting to the captain, Mac gave him the paperwork from the hospital. Captain Kincaid reviewed the doctor's notes. "Stryker, if I'm reading this right, the doctor hasn't placed you off-duty."
"That's correct, sir," Mac replied.
The commanding officer gave Mac a searching look. "I can see several bruises developing on your face and your arms. What you experienced is the equivalent of a pretty good traffic collision. Don't you think you need to take some time off to recuperate?"
"No, sir. I'll be fine. I may be a little stiff and sore, but I can still do my job, and I promise I won't violate department policy again."
The captain scoffed and shook his head. "Don't even think about that. Lasko was making some noise about putting a Comment Card in your personnel file. I told her to forget it. You made the department and the Chief of Police look good today. No one will hassle you for putting common sense over policy. You know, Stryker, it's been a long time since we've had your kind working patrol. These young kids today get a hangnail and have to go off 'injured on duty' for six months. You're a fine role model."
Mac shifted his feet and looked at the floor. Jade, next to him, wished the ground would open and swallow her. There was nothing her boss could praise about her performance. Jade was sure the captain wasn't surprised at her lack of action. She wanted to get out of there. She didn't want to face the captain. He hadn't looked her in the eye once. What if he sent Mac away and wanted to discuss what she'd seen last week?
Then there was the fact she'd done nothing to save the child. Her self-doubts about her abilities as a police officer amplified with every word of praise heaped on Mac.
The captain finally turned his attention to her. Neither of them held eye contact very long.
"Donovan, you did a great job of directing the air unit to your location. It's been one hell of a day, hasn't it?"
"Yes, sir."
"I want you and your partner to go home and get some rest. Be back here at your regular start of watch tomorrow."
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."
Mac and Jade turned to leave.
"And Stryker. Good job. Both of you."
Jade breathed a sigh of relief as they left the office. If the captain were going to say anything, it would have been then. He obviously wanted to pretend the incident Jade saw last week never happened. But could he be sending the boxes of dead roses to intimidate her to keep silent? Jade couldn't believe a captain of police would use such tactics. She knew all too well that people backed into a corner could resort to desperate measures, but would he risk his job and possible jail time? It seemed impossible, but Jade wasn't ruling anything out.
After turning in their equipment, they climbed the stairs to the locker rooms.
"Mac, are you okay to drive home?" Jade asked. "Do you want me to give you a lift?" While she worried her partner might be too beat up to drive himself home, she also considered the drive might give her the perfect opening to tell him about Donnie.
"No thanks. I'll be fine."
Jade wasn't sure if she was disappointed or relieved. "Okay, I'll see you tomorrow. Take care," she said, stepping into the ladies locker room. The fact was she wasn't ready to tell him he was Donnie's father - in spite of her pledge to God. She just hoped God would understand.
Doing a quick walk-through, she found the sour-smelling room empty. Jade was glad. She took off her duty belt and uniform. Her pants and shirt were still wet from being in the rain. Jade folded them to take to the cleaners. She put on her jeans and over-sized charcoal-colored sweater. It felt good to be in dry clothes. Sitting on the bench in front of her locker, she held her head in her hands.
"Oh what a day," she sighed.
This was the part of being a cop they didn't show on television, the part where you relived your day and second-guessed your actions. If her position with Mac had been reversed, would she have jumped into the churning water to save the child? She'd like to think so, but then why didn't she jump in with Mac? Don't be silly she told herself. Having three people in the water is foolish, and who would report what was happening on the radio so emergency personnel could respond to the proper location? She also had a four-year-old son who needed a mother. But now he also had a father - a father who appeared to have turned his life around. A caring, capable man who would want to take care of his son. She'd done the right thing, but just the same, she felt she should have done more.
Slapping her thighs as she got up she said, "You did your best. That's all you can do and no one got seriously hurt, and everyone lived. Now it's time to go home."
Reaching to the top shelf of her locker, she brought out her lightweight Glock nine-millimeter semi-auto. She slid the gun in the holster at her waist. Under her sweater, the Glock was smaller and lighter than her Beretta, which is why Jade liked to wear it off-duty. She'd never worn a gun in her own home until she received the first of the flower boxes.
Jade gathered her gear, left the station and jogged to her car hoping to not get too wet. On the drive to her father's house, Jade thought about Mac and the impact his return could have on her life.
Jade had intentionally kept Mac Stryker out of her world. She'd made a conscious decision to raise Donnie herself, without any help or interference from Mac. However, now that Mac had returned to the police department and was literally by her side ten hours a day, things had changed. He seemed to have changed. It appeared he was no longer a drunk. But Jade's father had promised her a dozen times he'd quit drinking only to disappoint her again and again. Mac was probably no different.
Seeing him ricochet down the canal awakened the guilt Jade had hidden from herself so well. If Mac had been killed trying to save the boy in the river, Jade didn't know how she would explain to Donnie she'd purposely kept his father out of his life. But what if Mac demanded joint custody? There was no way she'd turn her son over to someone one beer away from falling off the wagon.
Then there was the psycho who taunted her daily with dead roses. What if he made good on his wordless threats? Each day, the box of flowers was delivered with one less rose inside. When there were no more flowers in the box something was going to happen. What if she were murdered? Who would take care of Donnie? Angus was in his seventies. On a long-term basis, he couldn't care for her son.
Should she tell Mac about Donnie in case something happened to her? Why, oh why, had Mac returned?
Back at his house, Mac made a fist, slammed it into his pillow, then collapsed on the newly formed softness. Minimal relief registered in his body. Face it Stryker, he thought, it's too early to be in bed -- at least alone.
Mac had thought the best thing for him would be a hot shower and early to bed after the captain sent Jade and him home. Muted light still peeked around the edges of his bedroom's blackout blinds. But, in his heart, Mac knew the problem wasn't the intruding light from outside, but the events of the day that had him tossing and turning.
Every time he closed his eyes, the petrified face of the little boy losing his grip on the step of the flood control channel sprang to life. It was just a hop, skip and a jump to imagining that same look of terror on his own daughter's face seven years ago when an armed gunman had shot her mother, jumped into the family's SUV, and took off. Beautiful, precious Ashley. How confused and scared she must have been. Stop it! Think about how happy that little boy was to be reunited with his mom and dad.
Mac assaulted the pillow again, and flopped onto his other side. He groaned as pain shot down his shoulders and arms. Then both Ashley and Susan's faces broke into his thoughts. "Screw it," he muttered, throwing back the covers.
Leaping out of bed, he stifled a moan. He hobbled into the kitchen and yanked on the refrigerator door. Wincing at the glaring light, he opted for some orange juice.
What I wouldn't give to have some vodka to mix into the juice, he thought, pouring the citrus drink into a highball glass. Lord! He hadn't wanted a drink this much in months. Just put Ashley and Susan out of your mind, he told himself. Gulping down the acidic liquid, his stomach gurgled in protest.
"Stop kidding yourself," he mumbled to his reflection watching him from his toaster. "You've gotten through lots of nights of grieving about your losses without wanting to drink. Nope, tonight the new factor is Jade Donovan. You almost got yourself killed jumping into that flood control channel so you could save the kid and prove to Jade and everybody else you're a good cop." Mac shook his head in disgust. "Mac Stryker, you're one sick puppy."
Having left work early due to the water rescue, Jade arrived at her father's house just in time for a snack. Angus and Donnie sat at the kitchen table while Jade explained why she was home early.
Mona brought over a sectioned tray loaded with cheese and crackers, celery sticks stuffed with peanut butter, and green and black olives.
The adults listened solemnly to Jade's account of the water rescue. Donnie, oblivious to the drama, placed five black olives on the fingers of his left hand, and five green ones on his right. He waved his hands with delight.
"We watched the whole thing on TV," Angus said. "They interrupted my game show for 'breaking news.' I had no idea it was my little girl down there."
"Goodness, Jade. I'm still not convinced it's safe for you to be a police officer," said Mona. "It might have been you floundering in that awful water. How is the little boy?"
"He'll be fine. Hopefully he learned his lesson about playing near the flood control channels."
Angus moved his hand over his face, rubbing a day's worth of stubble. "Nah, it's the same thing every year. Some kid falls in the water and the taxpayers spend a fortune to get 'em out. How's your partner? He musta had some kind of ride."
Jade shuddered with emotion. "It was horrible. I didn't know if I should jump in too. They were gone so fast. I'm just so thankful they were rescued."
"Who was rescued, Mama? Did the firemen help? I'm gonna be a fireman when I get big."
"Good for you, Sweetie. Now eat up those olives, and we'll go home." Jade grabbed a loaded celery stick and savored the peanut butter sticking to the top of her mouth.
"I can't, Mama. Mona and me was baking some cookies. Can't you smell them?"
"Donnie, dear," Mona interjected, "it's Mona and I, not Mona and me. And don't worry about the cookies. Your grandpa and I will save them so you can have some tomorrow."
Jade inhaled. "I was wondering what smelled so good."
"Ah, lassie, I almost forgot," Angus said, shuffling to the refrigerator. "You got a package."
"Here?" Jade questioned. Her heart hammered with dread. "What kind of package?"
"One of the best presents a woman can get," Mona said, beaming. "Someone sent you flowers. You didn't tell us you had a suitor, Jade."
"Who delivered them?" she demanded.
"Darlin' we don't know. The box was sittin' on the porch when I went out to get the mail. So, who'd be sendin' my little girl a big shiny box?"
"I, um, I don't know who would send me flowers."
"Mama, don't fib. You gotted lots of those boxes."
Jade hurried to Angus and took the box from his hands. The shaking of her knees made her steps unsteady. The celery and peanut butter threatened to come back up. "I'll just get this out to the truck and come back for Donnie."
"Don't you want to open it?" Mona called, as Jade hurried the box toward the door. "I guess not," Mona murmured, as Jade exited without a reply.
The outside air felt cool on Jade's cheeks. She tried to swallow the panic threatening to erupt as a scream. The wacko knew where her Dad lived. Should she tell Angus about the flowers? No, if the nut had wanted to hurt her family he would have done it today. He was just trying to scare her. It was working.
After gathering Donnie's belongings and putting him in his child seat, they were on their way. Jade's attention was fixed on the rear view mirror watching for someone following her. Don't be stupid, she told herself. He already knows where you live.
Even with the rain, it didn't take them long to get home. Jade quickly searched the apartment. She wanted to get Donnie settled.
"Mama, can I watch TV?"
Jade functioned on autopilot. Her mind raced with the implications of the latest delivery. "Sure, just don't have it too loud."
Jade went to the kitchen and retrieved her gun cleaning kit. After about fifteen minutes of steady work, she was satisfied her weapon was serviceable and duty ready.
Finally getting a chance to relax, she sat in the recliner, staring blindly at the colorful cartoons her son watched.
I've never been a drinker, she thought, but if I were going to imbibe - today would be the day. First, I had to face the captain, then there's some nut stalking me, and tomorrow I face Mac Stryker again.
I've got to tell Mac about Donnie, but how? Oh, by the way, partner, I haven't told you about my son. He's almost five and he's your son, too. Or, maybe something like, have you ever thought of having a son? I know just the kid for you.
Jade, you should have tracked Mac down when you found out you were pregnant and told him then, she thought. You're an idiot. No, you're not. The man was an alcoholic, and once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic. You know better than anyone else what living with a drunk can to do a child. You were protecting your son and, Irish pride or not, you need to continue to protect him. If Mac finds out he's Donnie's father he could try to take Donnie away from you. And that can't happen. Angus is sober only because of Mona. If she leaves, he'll fail again, he always has. It's only a matter of time before Mac fails too.
She closed her eyes and listened to the comforting sound of rain collide with her front window. She must have dozed off, because suddenly Donnie was standing next to her, tapping her on the knee.
"Mama, can we go to the park? I want to practice going down the jungle-gym pole, just like the firemans do."
Jade glanced at her watch. Four o'clock. Then she remembered the rain. "Sweetie, I'm sorry, but it's too wet and cold outside."
"Darn," he said, with a big scowl on his face.
He looks just like Mac, she thought. Somehow, I've got to think of a way to tell Mac that Donnie is his son, but not let him get too involved in Donnie's life.
"I'll tell you what," she said. "Since we can't go to the park, why don't we have a picnic on the floor? We'll get out a blanket, and we'll spread it out. We can eat off paper plates and I'll order pizza. There's root beer in the refrigerator, and while we wait for the pizza, we could make some cupcakes. How does that sound?"
The little boy pursed his lips, thinking over the suggestion carefully. "I guess so. It's not as good as going to the park."
"I know, Sweetie, but you can practice your fireman skills getting ready for the picnic. You know, to be a firefighter you have to be strong. Why don't you see if you can carry the old brown blanket from the linen closet into the living room?"
While Donnie yanked, tugged, and dragged the bulky bedding to the front room, Jade called and ordered a large pizza.
They spread the blanket out and plugged in Donnie's red and yellow plastic boom box. He ran to his room to retrieve his favorite cassette recording of children's songs.
"Mama, are we going to make cupcakes now?"
"You bet, and I'm going to need your help. Pull over a kitchen chair to the counter. Did you know that firemen have to learn to cook?"
The little boy shook his head. "How come?" he asked, climbing on the makeshift footstool.
"They take turns fixing the meals for all the other firemen. Okay, now pour the chocolate cake-mix into the bowl, and then we'll turn on the beaters."
Jade held the boy's hand onto the mixer handle while the metal whisks whirred. Donnie giggled with delight. "My hand tickles," he said.
Suddenly, there was pounding at the door. Startled, Jade pulled the beaters out of the bowl, spattering cake-mix throughout the kitchen and flecking them both with the chocolate goo.
Donnie started to cry, but Jade shushed him. She wiped her hands on a towel and approached the door. There was a second knock.
It was too soon for the pizza. Gripping the gun at her waist underneath her sweater, Jade looked through the peephole. Mac Stryker. What was he doing here? She let out the breath she'd been holding, and opened the door about a foot. His tall frame looked especially large in the heavy sheepskin jacket he wore. Both the coat and his black jeans were dotted with wet spots from the rain. Black cowboys boots kept his feet dry. Ugly purple bruises and numerous scratches marked his face.
"Hi, I'm sorry to bother you at home, but I needed to talk to you." She saw his eyes scrutinize her face.
She was going to say something about his injuries, but opened the door wider to allow him to enter. Then she saw it. A long, gold foil box secured with a red ribbon. His eyes followed her gaze.
"This was next to your door," he said.
She slapped herself on the forehead. "Stupid me, I brought it home from my dad's and forgot it outside."
"Can I open it?" Donnie cried.
"No," Jade blurted louder than she intended. "Let me get you cleaned up, then I want you to play in your room."
The little boy's lower lip began to quiver. "But what about our picnic?" he whined.
Jade moved to the kitchen, grabbed a dishrag and began blotting chocolate batter from her son's face and clothing. "We'll have our picnic, but Mommy needs to talk to this man. Be a good boy now. Go play in your room."
Donnie stomped to his room looking over his shoulder at Mac, a scowl fixed on his face.
"Cute kid, but I don't think he likes me. How come you've never mentioned him?"
She needed to take Mac's mind off Donnie. Jade knew she'd have to tell Mac about his son eventually, but she needed time to figure out the best way to do it. She took the shiny box from his hands. "What is it you want? You shouldn't be here."
In answer, Mac leaned close and extended his hand to her face. Jade's heart went into overdrive as he took his index finger and caressed her cheek.
"What do you think you're doing?" she demanded.
He pulled his hand away and she saw a thickened brown substance on the tip of his finger. He stuck his finger in his mouth and slowly slid it out again. His finger was clean.
"Mmmmm, delicious. That's my favorite," he said, as his eyes moved over her body. "Chocolate is a good color on you."
Jade felt her cheeks redden in embarrassment, realizing he was teasing her about the fact she was speckled with batter from the mixing bowl. Did he see how her pulse was racing from his touch?
"Let me just get this mess cleaned up." Turning away from him she went to the kitchen and pushed the gleaming box she was holding on top of her refrigerator. Then she dabbed at the remnants of cake batter on her face. When she was satisfied she had gotten most of it, she turned to him.
"How do you know where I live?"
"The phone list in the Watch Commander's office," he answered easily.
She leaned against the sink. "So, why are you here?"
His expression grew serious. "I need to talk to you about what happened today. I need you to understand why I had to jump in after the boy."
"Look, Mac, it doesn't matter. The captain said nothing would go in your personnel file. It worked out."
"The little boy was about the same age my daughter would be, if Ashley were alive. I wasn't around to save her, but I was there for this little boy."
Jade bit the inside of her lip, ordering herself not to cry at his words.
Mac moved out of the kitchen into the living room. He turned to her, his eyes pleading with her to understand. "There was no conscious decision on my part to go after the kid. I'm a cop. Helping people is what we do. That's why I became a cop, to help people - especially those who can't help themselves. And as long as I've got a breath left in me, no child will die on my watch." He sighed. "I don't care about the rules or policy. If I see someone who needs my help, I'm going to respond. If supervision doesn't like it, screw 'em."
He was right. Helping people was what being a cop was all about. Mac had been trained 'old school.' He did the right thing even if the brass and society were so out of touch they didn't remember what the right thing was in the first place. A good cop did the right thing and asked for forgiveness later.
Mac started moving toward the door. "I just thought you should know. And by the way, I appreciate you standing up to the lieutenant. I know I put you in a bad spot."
Before Jade could reply, the doorbell rang. Mac was so close he opened the door. It was the pizza man. He wore a clear plastic raincoat, baseball cap and heavy rubber boots.
Jade moved to the door, pulling some bills from her pocket and handed them to the deliveryman. He gave her the flat cardboard box and hurried away, leaving a trail of soggy footprints behind.
"I'll be going, too," Mac said.
He looked so beaten and tired. "Wouldn't you like to stay for some pizza? We have plenty." As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she wanted to take them back. Maybe he'll refuse, she thought.
"Are you sure?"
Tell him no. What if he saw the resemblance between Donnie and himself? What if he questioned her about her son's father? She still hadn't established the best way to tell him he was Donnie's dad.
Proper manners won out over common sense. She forced a smile. "Of course I'm sure. I hope you don't mind having an inside picnic on the floor." She moved to the kitchen set the pizza down. Quickly filling the cupcake pan, she slipped the treats in the oven.
"Just let me get my son," she said walking down the hall and entering one of the doors.
While she was gone Mac surveyed the apartment. It was neat and clean but there was no evidence a man lived here or ever had. He'd been surprised by the child. Not once since they'd started working together had she ever mentioned a son. He knew some cops were fanatics about keeping their personal lives to themselves, and apparently, Jade fell into that category. Thinking of the flower boxes and her 'hidden' son, she appeared to be a woman with secrets. And he found that interesting. Very interesting.
Mac smiled to himself as he heard the little boy's protests that their picnic was just supposed to be him and his mother. He couldn't hear Jade's reply, but her coaxing tones carried through the closed door.
In a few minutes Jade returned holding the hand of a small boy. The child appeared to be about four or five. He walked behind his mother, hiding behind the curves of her thighs.
"Mac, I'd like you to meet my son, Donald. I call him Donnie."
Mac tried to peer around Jade's leg, but the little boy scrunched further away.
"Donnie, we talked about this in your room. This is Mommy's friend from work. Say hello to Mr. Stryker."
"Hello," the child said, from behind her.
Jade motioned for Mac to sit on the blanket spread out on the floor.
"Sit down, Donnie. Our pizza is getting cold."
Jade moved to the kitchen to grab the pizza and paper plates. Her son clung like a leech to her leg.
"Donnie, let go," she ordered. She gently pulled away. Her sweater rode above her waist, and Mac was surprised to see she was wearing a firearm in the house. Most cops carried a weapon in public when off-duty, but it was rare to wear one in your own home. Somebody must have really spooked her. His mind flashed back on the box of flowers she'd gotten yesterday and then the box today. He wondered if the flowers and wearing the gun in the house were connected. Maybe he'd get the chance to ask her later.
"Hey, champ, would you like me to tell you how the firemen rescued me today?"
Bingo! The boy's eyes lit up like fireworks, but he stayed put, warily eyeing Mac's discolored face.
Mac patted the blanket beside him. "Come sit down and I'll tell you how my face got all banged up and bruised." He was pleased when Donnie plopped right down next to him.
While Mac told a watered-down version of the rescue, Jade placed large pieces of pizza onto the plates.
Donnie sat transfixed while his new friend finished the story.
"So you see," Mac said, wiping a spot of tomato sauce from the boy's mouth, "you must never ever play near a flood control channel."
"I won't. I promise," Donnie said, crossing his heart with his index finger.
Mac and Jade made small talk while they ate. Afterward, they all went to the kitchen and took part in icing the cupcakes. Pretty soon, Donnie was yawning and rubbing his eyes.
"I'd better get going. I've stayed too long," Mac said, stretching.
"Can't you visit a little longer?" Jade asked. "There's something I need to talk to you about. Just let me give Donnie a quick bath and put him to bed."
Mac was surprised. He'd never intended to stay this long. He wondered what she wanted. "Sure, I've got a few more minutes."
"I wanna eat a cupcake," Donnie whined.
"You can take them to Grandpa's house tomorrow," Jade quickly replied.
"No," Donnie said, scowling. He crossed his arms across his small chest. "I didn't get no cookies at Grandpa's and I want a cupcake now."
Jade sighed and wordlessly went to the kitchen and grabbed a still-warm treat from the tray, then hustled the little boy into the bathroom.
Mac heard the water filling the tub as well as the muffled sounds of Jade and Donnie talking.
Looking around the apartment, Mac sighed. Jade had made a nice home. Pictures of her and Donnie were prominently displayed around the room. The furniture wasn't cold and sterile-looking like the furnishings at his place. Her sofa showed areas where the fabric was worn thin, and the bookcases had their share of dings, but her home was comfortable and lived in. He'd had a home like this once, but some scumbag had stolen that life away from him.
Recognizing he was driving himself into a dark mood, Mac descended on the paper plates and napkins strewn across the blanket, and carried them to the kitchen trash. Then he carried the plastic bottle of root beer to the refrigerator. He closed the door harder than he intended. The florist's box, perched on top of the icebox, slid to the floor with a dull thud. The crimson ribbon snapped and the top of the package became dislodged.
He started to place the carton on top of the refrigerator, but broken pieces of dried petals sifted from the box to the floor.
Carefully using his fingers to peer inside the box, he discovered dead roses inside.
What's up with this? He scanned the box quickly for a card. Not seeing one, he replaced the lid, and set the carton back on top of the fridge. Something was definitely weird about the flower boxes Jade was getting. Did they all contain dead flowers? If so, why?
He returned to the living room and folded the blanket. Seeing nothing else to put away, he sat on the navy sofa and turned on the TV to the local news.
Although his eyes focused on the images on the screen, his mind was racing. This was the second box of flowers Jade had received in two days. She looked like hell yesterday when she got the first box, and she didn't look much better when he'd showed her the package tonight. She also wore a gun in her own home. Something wasn't right.
An ex-boyfriend might send one box of dead roses as a joke, but certainly not two. The whole scenario stunk, but would she tell him what was going on? His cop instincts were on full alert. He'd have to come up with a plan to get her to tell him what was going on.
A few minutes later, Jade returned to the front room and sank into the recliner. Mac saw her gaze dart around the room and acknowledge the cleaning he'd done.
"Thanks for picking up the picnic. Sometimes Donnie wears me out," she said.
"He's a great kid. You've done well with him. I'd always hoped to have a little boy someday."
Jade's head snapped up and her mouth was set in a hard line. "You know, it was a bad idea for you to come here. I don't let my work life and my personal life overlap. You're risking your job and jeopardizing mine, too."
Mac leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees. His hands were clasped comfortably. "Jade, you worry too much. Do you think the department has Internal Affairs following probationers to see if they share a meal with their training officer? From what you've told me, they're overworked as it is. We've done nothing wrong."
She shook her head. "I'm your immediate supervisor. You being at my house could be distorted as misconduct. You really should leave."
Her attitude had totally changed from when she asked him to stay. What had set her off? Mac sat back and gave her a hard stare. "You're forgetting you're the one who asked me to stay. What was that all about? Or, are you afraid that whoever sent you the flowers will show up and get mad if he finds me here? Is it the boy's father?" She gave him a blank look. "Maybe if you put them in a vase, he won't be quite so upset when he sees me here." Mac stood and walked toward the kitchen.
"Stop! What do you think you're doing?" she cried. She darted to the refrigerator, pushing in front of him. She placed herself between him and the heavy appliance.
Well, this was getting cozy. He couldn't help the corners of his mouth lifting into a slight smile. His plan to shake her up was working perfectly. His gaze searched her face. "I'd say you really don't want me to see who sent you those flowers."
Jade's breathing was distracting him. He was standing so close her breasts threatened to graze the front of his chest with every breath. But would that necessarily be a bad thing?
"It...It's none of your business who sent the flowers."
"Is it someone from work?" he whispered. "Is someone there bothering you?"
He could feel the warmth of her breath on his face. His heart beat with the staccato of rapid gunfire. Her face was so close to his. Ever so gently he placed his lips on hers. She froze in place. He worried she might push him away, but her hands hung at her sides as though weighted. He slanted his mouth slightly, deepening the kiss. He felt her relax. He pulled away. Her eyes flew open with a look of surprise.
"Now, this could border on misconduct," he said. "So what do you say we get these flowers in some water and then you can tell me why you asked me to stay."
He'd really gotten her flustered. Still she didn't move, but her eyes darted around the room occasionally landing on his face. She had a funny look on her face. He hoped she didn't start crying. He hated it when women cried.
"So where's a vase?" he asked.
"Huh?"
"A vase. A glass container that holds water and you put flowers in it." He started to open some of the upper cupboard doors.
"Mac, stop it!" She swatted his hands away from the cabinet. "You just can't come in here and start wiping chocolate from my face, telling me you want a son, asking questions about my life, and kissing me. You've got to leave."
"I thought you wanted to tell me something," he prodded.
"No. There's nothing. Forget about the flowers. You've got to go home."
"Hey, I'm sorry. I upset you." Maybe the kiss had been too much.
"No, no. I just realized how late it's getting. I get up early to take Donnie to his grandfather's." She moved to the living room and retrieved his bulky jacket from the chair.
He took the garment from her and laid it back on the chair. Then he placed his hands on each side of her head. "You asked me to stay because you had something to tell me. I'm giving you my undivided attention. What is it you want?"
For a split second a softness filled her eyes; but then she jerked her head from his grasp.
"I'm telling you I want you to leave. I don't remember what I wanted to talk to you about and neither of can afford to lose our jobs. So, please...just go."
Looking at her narrowed eyes and mouth set in a line, he saw raw fear in her face. She was really afraid; and she seemed to be afraid of him. She wasn't going to tell him anything tonight...if ever.
Wanting her to relax he picked up his jacket and slipped it on. "Okay, I'll see you tomorrow." He walked to the door. He eyed the three deadbolts - a little excessive, even in crime-ridden Los Angeles.
"The last few tenants all wanted their own lock." She shrugged. "Go figure."
His gaze searched hers. She squirmed, but said nothing. He didn't believe her. He brought his hand to her cheek. "Be safe, Jade."
He wanted to kiss her again, but he left instead. As soon as he was out the door he heard her immediately secure all the deadbolts in place.
Mac drove home with his stomach in turmoil. His plan had started well. He'd wanted to shake her up and get her to tell him who was sending her dead roses. Maybe that's why she asked him to stay so she could tell him about the gold boxes. He struck his steering wheel in frustration.
Instead of letting her tell him about the boxes he'd tried to force her hand and wound up kissing her. That's when she got flustered and hustled him out of the house. Now he had no clue who was sending her the flowers. Could it be the father of the little boy? He was a cute kid. Suddenly, overwhelming sadness fell over him. He missed his daughter. He missed being a father. He missed his wife.
His thoughts turned to kissing Jade. He hadn't intended to kiss her, but when she'd wedged herself in front of him, he hadn't been able to resist. It had been absolute agony to pull away from her, but he'd needed to. He was getting way too aroused, and she was right, they both could get in big trouble if someone thought they were involved. Of course, he still didn't know who sent her the flowers or why. The most likely answer was a ticked off boyfriend. Maybe tomorrow she'd open up. At work he could focus on getting information and not be distracted by her green eyes and her full round breasts. At least he hoped so.
Jade walked into the roll call room and did a double take. The whole right side of Mac's face was the color of eggplant and almost as rounded. Similar ugly markings covered his arms - at least the parts his uniform shirt didn't cover.
"Holy cow. I think the Los Angeles River won the bout. You look terrible," she said. "Do you think you'll be able to work today?"
Mac nodded. "I'm stiff as hell, but I look worse than I feel."
Jade moved to the back of the room where most of the training officers sat and took her seat. As the sergeants filed in, she remembered the feel of Mac's lips on hers. His kiss had been gentle, inviting. She'd been so startled, she'd responded. When he'd pulled away so abruptly, her brain had shouted, "more." She'd thought about that kiss the rest of the night and it had inspired some interesting dreams.
Jade's thoughts were interrupted when Lieutenant Lasko swaggered past the probationary officers sitting in the front row and came to a stop in front of Mac. She smiled broadly at him.
"How are you feeling today, Mac? You really took care of business yesterday. Remember those nights working down in the 'hood' together? We handed out our share of bruises, didn't we? Let's grab a cup of coffee later and reminisce. I've got to get roll call underway."
The buxom blond sat in the Watch Commander's position at the large desk that faced the officers. She looked across the room and favored Mac with another bright smile. Next to her sat Sergeant Phil Blank, who'd transferred in a few months prior from the elite Metro Division. He took the position of Assistant Watch Commander.
Lasko began giving officers their assignments by calling out their names and unit numbers. When she got to Stryker and Donovan in 15 Adam 21, Sergeant Blank interrupted her.
"Jeez, Donovan, haven't we told you to take it a little easier on your probationary officers? Stryker's almost the color of Barney the dinosaur."
Several officers chuckled.
Lasko glared at the officers, deep furrows between her brows. "Knock it off! It's no laughing matter. Stryker could have been killed." The jovial mood in the room instantly cooled.
The Watch Commander cleared her throat and continued with the routine roll call assignments and announcements. When she was done she turned to Sergeant Blank. "I know you wanted to debrief the troops on yesterday's water rescue incident, but I'll do it since I was there. At the captain's request, I'll keep it short and sweet." There was no mistaking the controlling power in her voice.
Jade sat in her chair twisting a paperclip until it snapped in two. "Monday morning quarter-backing" in the name of debriefing was a common occurrence after a major incident. More often than not, peers were tough in their appraisal of a fellow officer's actions in a critical situation -- especially if a female officer was involved.
Lasko stepped down from the platform and paced in front of the desk while recounting the events of the rescue.
"Yesterday we had a close call. A young child fell into a flood control channel. Two of our officers responded, and from there, the whole incident fell apart." The lieutenant tugged on her equipment belt, causing the leather around her thick waist to creak. "The probationary officer jumped into the water after the child and placed himself at risk. His training officer attempted to follow in the black and white and tried to broadcast her partner's location, which was impossible because she had no idea where her partner was. In the Academy it's taught as a fundamental you never separate from your partner, yet the training officer thought she knew best and let her partner face the danger alone."
When Lasko began speaking, Jade felt her face flush. As the tirade continued, Jade twisted the remaining bits of paperclip until, too small to bend, they poked painfully into her fingers. She opened her mouth to defend herself, but someone beat her to it.
"You know Lieutenant Lasko, with all due respect you're full of -"
"Stryker!" Jade blurted out, "I can speak for myself. I'll take this up with the lieutenant after roll call."
Mac swiveled in his seat to face her. "Listen, partner, I've got no problem debriefing an incident I was involved in, but when it turns to personal attack, I'm going on the offensive."
Mac turned to face Callie whose face had gone pale during their exchange. "Now lieutenant, with all due respect why don't you tell us how you would have handled the situation? I'm sure with all the extensive street time you have, you've faced equally intense situations."
A dazed look replaced smug superiority on the Watch Commander's face. It was common knowledge Callie Lasko left the field right after she completed probation and worked a series of inside jobs until she was promoted.
"Don't be shy," Mac goaded, "I'm sure we'd all love to hear some of your war stories."
Measured clicks from the clock in the back of the roll call room were the only sounds as everyone sat stunned at Mac's bold outburst.
Sergeant Blank cleared his throat. "We all know our main goal on this job is to do the best job we can, and have everyone go home safe at night. Yesterday, Stryker and Donovan saved the child and although Mac is a little worse for wear, last night they both went home. It doesn't get any better than that." The sergeant pushed back his chair. "Be safe out there and let's get to work."
The officers were silent filing out of the roll call room past Lieutenant Lasko. The grapevine would hum between the black and whites about today's briefing, and by tomorrow, Mac's challenge of Lasko would be all over the department.
The lieutenant called out after the officers moving down the hallway. "Stryker and Donovan, after you get your equipment and black and white, I want to see you in the Watch Commander's office."
"Count on it," Jade snapped, setting her mouth in a hard line.
After stopping at the kit room for equipment, they walked out to the parking lot.
Mac tried to make light of the incident, but Jade just grunted in reply. Too angry to talk, she slammed her war bag in the trunk and shoved her ticket book on the dash. Lasko thought she'd been ineffective yesterday, and now Mac jumped in and defended her in front of the whole roll call. Everyone was going to think she was spineless.
After they got their patrol car set up for the day, they returned to the station. Sergeant Blank intercepted them.
"I talked to Lasko and got her straightened out. Forget what she said in roll call. You guys did an outstanding job yesterday. I'll be writing up a commendation. Go hit the streets and try not to do anything else that's going to get Callie all riled up."
Jade folded her arms across her chest. "Listen, Sarge, that woman has no idea what being a street cop is all about. Then she goes into roll call and calls me out in front of my peers, and you expect me to forget about it? I'm not made that way."
Mac shifted and looked at Jade. "There's no sense in getting Lasko's panties in a twist. I slammed her good and she knows I'm not going to take any crap off her. Sergeant Blank is writing a commendation, so why make waves?"
Jade turned her gaze to him, her fury white hot. "Easy for you to say. She didn't criticize you in front of your coworkers. In fact, she wants to get together and reminisce about the good old days." Why did that bother her so much? Jade bit the inside of her lip.
Mac's eyes narrowed and he opened his mouth to reply when Sergeant Blank held up his hands indicating they should calm down.
"Look, you two," he said, lowering his hands, "You both did a great job yesterday and everyone knows it." He smiled. "Well, everyone but Callie. But does she really matter? The answer is no. So don't waste any more time on worrying what she's going to say or what she's going to do. Go out and do another bang-up job...except make sure neither of you get banged up in the process." He gave them a wide grin.
"You got it Sarge. Come on, Jade," Mac said, turning toward the parked black and white patrol cars. "Let's get to work."
"You know, you really ticked me off," said Jade a few minutes later as she turned their patrol car back toward their assigned area. "You seem to be trying to make a name for yourself at my expense."
"I defended you in front of the whole roll call, what more do you want? Besides," he said adjusting the passenger door mirror, "Everyone knows the only reason Callie Lasko was promoted to lieutenant is because she found inside jobs where she could spend all her time studying for exams. I've listened to stuff in the locker room. You've got a fine reputation."
Jade glanced from the road to look at him. "Who's been talking about me in the locker room? What are they saying?"
Mac fought to keep a smile from creeping upon his face. Female officers were often the topic of conversation in the male locker room. However, Jade was always the most admired in those discussions. Almost every man in the locker room admitted to wanting to bang her. But mixed with their lewd fantasies were tales of respect for her common sense and dedication as a police officer - a distinction not easily won by a woman in the department. Of course, the fact she refused to date any of her coworkers only added to her mystique.
One of the younger guys even acted friendly and teased him about how he was too old to nail his 'hot' training officer. But Jade didn't need to hear about that. Naturally, Mac's thoughts had turned to making love to her - especially after that kiss in her apartment. It had taken every bit of his will power to pull away from her tantalizing lips and provocative full breasts. The memory of her kiss haunted him several times an hour.
"The guys say you're a good, solid cop," he said finally.
She kept her attention to the road. "I'm glad they feel that way. I work hard to do a good job. But I could have stood up for myself in roll call." Seeing a vehicle with expired registration tags, she motioned for him to run the license plate number on the computer.
He tapped the number into the machine. "Seems to me you've got some kind of inferiority thing going. I wasn't going to let Lasko rag on the good job we did yesterday." The return message showed the vehicle he'd run was not stolen, and the registration current. The owner hadn't put the new tags on yet.
"I don't care if you make a name for yourself as long as you don't jeopardize my job or my reputation," she said.
Mac input another vehicle plate into the computer. "Seems to me we both have the same goal, so let's find us a bad guy to put in jail."
The day passed uneventfully. They recovered a stolen vehicle that was left in the parking lot of a mall, returned an Alzheimer's patient to the care facility from which she'd wandered, and arrested a gang member for selling methamphetamine.
At the end of the day, they made a last loop through the five square miles that comprised their basic car area when they got a message on the computer. Come to the Watch Commander's office Code 2.
Mac groaned and read the message aloud to Jade. "What do you think the witch woman wants now?"
"I don't know, but it must be fairly important if it's Code 2. Whatever it is, let me do the talking. After the hard time you gave her in roll call, she won't mess with you, but I want her to know I'm not going to put up with any of her crap either."
At the station, Mac noticed how Jade's whole persona changed when they got out of the car. She stood taller and had a "don't screw with me" look on her face.
I wouldn't want to be Lasko. Jade's ready to do battle.
They entered the Watch Commander's office.
"Did you want to see us?" Jade asked, with an edge to her tone.
Lasko looked up and Mac saw her hands trembling as she shuffled some paperwork.
"Uh, um, yes. I've got training orders for both of you - Arrest and Control training."
"They're still doing that nonsense?" Mac questioned.
Jade turned to him. "Yes, but they've shortened the class to eight hours instead of forty."
"You'll need to sign the receipt to show you were issued the orders," Lasko said.
Jade took the orders and handed Mac his copy, then frowned.
"Lieutenant, the training is scheduled for tomorrow."
"So?"
"Well, don't you think we should have been given a little more notice?"
Lasko slammed the arrest report she was reviewing on her desk creating a breeze sending other paperwork airborne. She glowered at Jade.
"Officer Donovan, you signed on to be a Los Angeles Police Officer. The Department doesn't revolve around you or your schedule."
"I think Officer Donovan might be concerned with child care issues," Mac said.
Jade shot him a warning look.
"Perhaps she should have thought of that before she pinned on the badge," the lieutenant replied while reorganizing her paperwork with a flourish.
"Lieutenant Lasko, because I'm a professional, I'll make arrangements for my child and be at the training even with this short notice."
The Watch Commander ignored Jade and turned her attention to Mac. "I'm sorry I'm not scheduled to go to the class. We could work out together and 'mix it up' a little."
"Maybe next time," Mac said dryly, giving Callie a nod as they started into the hallway.
"You would think after that tongue-lashing I gave her in Roll Call she'd want to avoid me," Mac said incredulously, shaking his head.
"I hate that woman," said Jade as they moved down the hall. "She sure seems to want to jump your bones. Are you sure you didn't have a fling with her when she was your boot?"
Mac snorted and made a face in reply.
"I need to go to the car and finish my D.F.A.R.," he said, referring to the daily log of their activities.
Jade resented the lieutenant's provocative manner toward Mac; it was completely unprofessional. Besides, Jade bristled at the innuendos that Callie and Mac were more than partners years ago. It made Jade uncomfortable to think that she'd been one of several of Mac's conquests.
What a fool you are, Jade thought. For over four years you've told yourself the night of passion you and Mac shared was a magical joining of two wounded souls. He doesn't even remember it, and from all of Lasko's insinuations, apparently sleeping around for Mac was not that uncommon.
Mac waved his hand in front of her face. "Earth to Jade. Earth to Jade." Startled, she focused her attention on him. "Did you hear what I said?"
"No."
"I said Callie is jealous of you."
"Jealous of me?" Jade scoffed.
"Why do you sound so surprised? You're competent, attractive, and most of all you're a good street cop. That's something she never was nor ever will be."
"You sure didn't say things to me like that when I was your probationary officer," Jade said.
"I wasn't always in the best shape to know," he said matter-of-factly. "But I've got it together now."
Embarrassed by his praise, and not knowing what to say, Jade changed the subject with the first thing that came to mind. "Should we carpool to the training tomorrow?"
"Sure. What time do you want me to pick you up?"
Jade thought for a second. "Why don't you let me come get you? I have to take Donnie over to my dad's for the day. I'll head to your place after I drop him off."
"Okay. We have to be there at 0800 hours. Why don't you pick me up about seven?"
"Sounds good," she replied. "You ready to call it a day? I just heard them say night watch is out of Roll Call."
Later, Mac sat in his truck parked just around the corner from the station. He didn't know why he felt the need to follow Jade home, but he did. Something wasn't right in her life and it involved the boxes of flowers she was getting. He just hoped she wouldn't spot him.
At first, he was confused when Jade headed away from her apartment, but then realized she was on her way to pick up Donnie at her father's house. He thought about Jade and how independent she was. Of course she'd have to be self-reliant being a single parent and all. She'd joke about it and call it Irish pride, but the truth was, her life wasn't easy. Donnie was a great kid, but Mac remembered what a handful Ashley had been at that age. At least he'd had Susan to help him. Jade seemed to be handling single parenthood well. He really admired her. He couldn't help but wonder why Donnie's dad wasn't in the picture.
Mac pulled his truck to the curb and into the shadows of a towering pine tree. In the distance, he watched Jade exit her vehicle and go up to the front door of her father's house. Scanning the surrounding yards and vehicles, Mac didn't see anyone - much less, anyone who might be stalking Jade.
After a few minutes, the front door opened again and Jade emerged, carrying Donnie, with his backpack slung over her shoulder. Mac watched as she secured the little boy in his car seat and then got in the driver's seat.
Fearing Jade might spot him following her, he sped down a side street to reach her apartment before she did. After pulling to the curb, he looked into his rear view mirror and saw the silhouette of Jade's SUV approaching. He ducked down in his seat as she whizzed by. He watched her park and smiled as she hustled Donnie out of the car and into the building's interior. Shortly thereafter, the lights were on in her apartment and the blinds drawn. He felt better; she'd gotten home safely.
Just the same, he sat in his truck watching for whoever was bringing the flowers to make an appearance. Mac had been there a couple of hours when noisy gurgling in his stomach made him realize how hungry he was. Calling it a night, he drove to a diner near his house.
About an hour later he sauntered back to the parking lot. His truck sat low to the ground. Something was wrong.
Jogging toward his vehicle he registered that all four tires were flat. He quickly scanned the other cars near his. None of them had any damage. His truck had been singled out. He turned his gaze across the lot and into the surrounding shadows looking for a suspect. Nothing.
Muttering an oath, he used his cell phone to call a tow truck. Then he went back in the restaurant to see if they had video surveillance cameras in the parking lot.
"Hurry, Donnie, hurry." Jade grabbed her son's hand and tugged him towards her SUV. "Mommy has to drop you off, then go pick up a man from work. We're going to be late."
"What man, Mama?"
Your father, she thought, strapping Donnie in his car seat. The one who doesn't even know he has a son. The one who was so intoxicated he doesn't even remember a night with your mother."Mama, what man?" Donnie's tone was insistent.
"Mr. Stryker. The man who ate pizza with us the other night."
"Oh, I guess that's okay. He gotted rescued by firemen. He told me he'd try to get me a fireman's hat. Do you think he'll give it to me today?"
"I wouldn't count on it, Sweetie," she replied, throwing the car in gear and racing toward her father's house. As she drove, she wondered what would possess Mac to offer to bring her son a gift. He shouldn't be expecting to see her son again, although once she told him the truth, she wasn't sure what his reaction would be. What if Mac demanded joint custody? She wasn't going to turn her son over to a recovering alcoholic. What if he tried to take Donnie away from her? Instead of carpooling with Mac, she should be avoiding him at all costs. Oh, what a mess.
Once she'd left Donnie with her father, Jade sped to a neighborhood not far from the station.
Mac's condominium complex was one of the nicest she'd seen. A private security guard checked her in and the resplendent wrought-iron gates silently swung open, allowing her to drive down tree-lined streets. Set back from the curb, Spanish-style stucco buildings joined at odd angles, forming several residences per building. Gardeners wearing wide-brimmed straw hats swung earsplitting leaf blowers, causing clouds of dust and cut grass to billow into the street.
Jade's knock at the door was answered, not by Mac, but by a smiling Hispanic woman.
Fearing she'd gotten the wrong house, she searched the pockets of her sweatpants for the paper containing Mac's address. She verified the location was correct.
Utilizing her weak Academy Spanish, she inquired if Mac was at home. "Senor Stryker, aqui?"
"Si, si, uno momento, por favor," the woman replied, disappearing down a short hallway.
Within seconds Mac, holding a steaming mug, popped his head around the door. The aroma of French Vanilla mixed with coffee wafted to her nose.
"I see you've met my housekeeper, Irma. Come in and make yourself at home. There's coffee in the kitchen. I'll be with you in a minute," he said as he climbed a set of stairs tucked in an alcove.
Jade made her way from the foyer through the living room to the kitchen that adjoined a large family room. Muted shades of moss green and marigold set off the tasteful Mediterranean furnishings and accessories that flowed from room to room.
The townhouse is so beautiful and elegant, she thought, so different from his last house. Her mind drifted back to the night five years ago when she'd driven Mac home from a retirement party. He was intoxicated, and as his "boot," it was her responsibility to see he got home safe. When she'd crossed the threshold of the cozy bungalow, she'd never imagined she'd wind up in his arms and in his bed.
Her reminiscing was interrupted when Mac bounded down the stairs carrying a black nylon gym bag.
"Ready to go? Did you get some coffee?"
"Yeah, I'm ready. I'll pass on the coffee. Your home is beautiful."
"Thanks," he said opening the front door for her. "I can't take the credit though. I hired a decorator to do the place. If I'd done it myself you'd be looking at four white walls, a black leather couch, and a zebra skin rug on the floor. It was well worth it. Not only did I get a color-coordinated house, I got the decorator too."
An instant stab of jealousy pierced her. Although it was perfectly logical, it'd never occurred to her Mac would have a woman in his life. He was handsome, smart, and since he'd stopped drinking, he seemed like a downright nice guy. But if he was so nice, what had prompted him to kiss her the other night? Maybe Jade had Mac all wrong. Maybe he was a big time player. Lasko kept throwing out insinuations she'd slept with Mac, and now he was telling Jade he had a girlfriend right after he'd kissed her in her apartment. Guilt flooded through Jade's body. You didn't do anything wrong, she thought. Mac kissed you.
"I guess we should get going. You know how awful the traffic on the 405 can be." Jade hated the shakiness in her voice as she fought her emotions. On one hand, she was terrified Mac would find out her secret and take Donnie away. On the other hand, she hated the idea of another woman in Mac's life. But apparently, he was a cheater as well. You can't have it both ways Jade, she thought to herself. It's safer to keep your distance from Mac.
On the way to the training, Mac surprised her. "I've thought about what you said about not talking about my problems," he said, adjusting the car's visor to keep the sun out of his eyes. "So, I'm going to tell you about my drinking. It was hard at first. I was so sure I wasn't an alcoholic. I thought my drinking was something I could control." He shook his head smiling. "Even though alcohol caused me to lose my job, what didn't hit home was the fact I had a problem." He ran a hand over his face. "It took me several months to realize I needed help. One of the things I had to accept was that I couldn't have prevented the murder of my wife and child. It wasn't pretty, and it wasn't easy, but I made it. Of course, it's still a struggle. There are days it's so tempting to pour myself a short one. It's so effortless to drink, and so very hard to stop."
Jade understood and feared the battle he fought. She recalled memories from her childhood.
"My dad's drinking began after my mother died from a stroke. I was only eight, but by the time I was ten, I'd learned to roust my dad out of bed and into a cold shower and send him off to work. Then, I'd get myself ready for school. By the time I was twelve, I was paying the bills and running the household. Dad would always promise that tomorrow would be different, but it never was. Not until one of the neighbors called Children's Services. They almost took me away, but he agreed to start A.A. that very night, if they'd just give him a chance. I was all he had."
She changed lanes to get off the freeway. "He broke his promise a few times and fell off the wagon, but by then, it wasn't too hard for me to convince him to start attending meetings again. I'd threaten to call the authorities if he didn't go." Her voice trailed off as she thought of those years.
The cycle had repeated itself well into Jade's adulthood. Even though he hadn't missed a meeting in years, she couldn't help searching for signs he'd slipped again. Of course, meeting Mona at one of his meetings hadn't hurt. He hadn't had a drop since the refined woman entered his life. Nonetheless, there was no way she'd go through that again, nor would she put Donnie through that kind of hell.
Jade swung her SUV into the parking lot at Training Division. She was glad they'd arrived; she didn't like reliving her childhood.
Entering the four-story building they flashed their I.D. cards at the recruit officers manning the front desk. What a joke, Mac thought, the recruits aren't allowed to carry ammunition in their guns until after they graduate -- what kind of security is that? He adjusted the holster at his waist, secure in the fact he was armed. He remembered an incident near L.A. where a disgruntled former police employee had barged into a staff meeting and shot some of the upper echelon of the police department. He glanced at the fresh-faced recruits. Don't worry, I've got your back guys. If the shootin' starts, just grab some cover and get out of my way.
A sign written on a white board sat perched on a chair directing them to the Arrest and Control School on the third floor. Inside the classroom, the instructors briefed them on the curriculum they'd be learning. The training consisted of a review of pepper spray usage, and an update of martial arts to be used in wrestling with a suspect. The instructors directed the students to select partners, preferably working with a student of the same sex. Mac was delighted when Jade scanned the room for an available female only to find the other women were already paired. There were a lot worse ways to spend a day than wrestling with Jade.
"Don't worry partner. I've got you covered. I promise, I won't hurt you too much," Mac said, smiling.
"I can't tell you how much I appreciate that," she said, giving him a wry smile.
The first part of the day was spent on compliance techniques, handcuffing, and weapon retention.
Mac tried to keep his mind on the technique, but failed with Jade standing in front of him as he simulated searching her for weapons. He pretended to "spider" his fingers up and down her arms and across her chest and back. The scent of tropical flowers clung to her hair. He leaned in. "I'm not hurting you am I?"
She quickly shook her head.
He wondered if she could tell he was getting turned on. If she leaned back a few inches, there would be no doubt in her mind how much he enjoyed pretending to search her.
It was even worse when Jade took her place behind him. She stood so close her breath warmed his neck. His imagination kicked into overdrive during a section where part of the technique was to tuck his arm into her chest. When finished with the procedure, he noticed her nipples had hardened to pea-sized nubs beneath her white T-shirt. He let out a breath of relief when the instructors called a time out at noon.
After lunch, the students returned to the mat-covered gym. Two beefy instructors displayed ground techniques to be used with combative suspects. Their skin slapped the vinyl mat with a deadened thud as they wrestled with surprising intensity. They didn't notice or care most of the body placement could be mistaken for exotic sexual positions.
Mac clenched his jaw, knowing he was in for a long afternoon. From the instant he'd seen Jade this morning in her T-shirt and navy blue sweat pants he'd fantasized about her charms hidden under her baggy clothes. She looked so cute and sexy with her flirtatious ponytail and spotless white sneakers.
The trainers gave detailed instructions on what they wanted the students to do. They wanted him to lie on the floor on his back and have Jade straddle his hips so he could practice throwing her off of him. Fat chance. His natural instincts encouraged him to hook her leg with his own, flip her over, remove her clothes and then sink himself inside her. It might be a long afternoon, but it was going to be fun.
Mac smiled, watching Jade scrutinize every move the instructors made. She really had a hang-up about being perfect.
"Okay class," said the instructor, "you give it a try."
Mac lay on his back, his knees bent. Slowly Jade lowered herself between his thighs.
Mac recited vehicle code sections in his head to keep his mind off Jade's breasts swaying directly in front of his face as she got into position.
Supporting herself on her arms, she grinned at him. She must have sensed his discomfort, and it was obvious she was enjoying every moment.
At the instructor's command, he maneuvered into what was called a guard position, then on further instruction he flipped over, taking Jade with him. Now their positions were reversed. They were in the classic "missionary" posture. Blood surged to the lower part of his torso as he gazed into her sparkling green eyes.
"Is that a gun in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me," Jade whispered. Suddenly, she put him in the guard and flipped him over as he'd just done to her. Again, she dominated.
"Good, good," the instructor praised, walking by, observing their technique.
"You know, I think I might like this better myself," said Mac. There was no mistaking his arousal and the impact she was having on him.
"Oh," she said, her eyes wide. "I think it's time for a break, or we might have an accidental discharge," using a term usually associated with mistakenly firing a gun.
As if on cue, the instructor called for a rest.
"I'm going to have to lay here for a minute," Mac said. "I'd embarrass myself if I got up now."
"I'm going to grab my bottle of water. You want yours?" she asked.
"Sure."
He watched Jade move to wooden cubicles where she'd left her car keys and a couple bottles of water for them. He liked the way she'd joked about his erection. It made the situation less awkward. Of course, the way they were intertwined, it was easy to imagine having sex with your partner. He was glad he had Jade as a partner -- no way did he want to roll around like that on a mat with another guy.
He saw her pull his bottle of water off the shelf and start toward him, but he got up and jogged to her.
"What's wrong, my service too slow?"
He gave her a wide grin. "Nope, wanted to grab a drink and hit the head before class starts again." Twisting the lid off his drink, he gulped half the contents. Wiping his arm across his mouth he handed her his bottle. "I'll be back," he said, moving to the restrooms.
Jade returned to the mat and sat down. Today sucked, she thought. It started out okay, but then Mac told her about his girlfriend, and that revelation changed everything. Any thoughts she'd had on confiding in Mac about the stalker were shot down in flames. Obviously, he couldn't be trusted.
We'll you can't be trusted either, Jade told herself. Just because the department mandates training and you happen to be partnered with Mac, doesn't mean you have to be a bitch and flirt with him. Sure, it took the sting out of the fact he has a girlfriend, but it's pretty low behavior - and the guy has enough problems without you stirring the pot.
One of the instructors squatted beside her.
"What's your partner's name?" he asked.
"Mac Stryker, why do you ask?"
"He looks really familiar to me. How much time does he have on the job?"
Jade wasn't sure how to answer. "Um, about fifteen years." She hoped the inquisitive teacher would go away. She didn't want to have to go into Mac's history.
"Stryker," the man said tapping his head with his index finger. "Mac Stryker." Suddenly, the man's eyes lit up. "Wait! Wasn't he in a shooting about four years ago? Didn't he get fired for being drunk on duty? What's he doing back on the job?"
"Starting over," Mac said quietly from behind them.
The instructor's face turned a ruddy shade of red. Mac's voice was calm, but his eyes were narrowed, his gaze challenging the inquisitor to say anything more.
"Okay class," yelled another instructor. "Let's review what we've gone over today. Then we can get you out of here."
The entire class put their hands together in lackluster applause.
After a brief review, the instructors lectured on the importance of practicing what they'd learned. "These are perishable skills. Use 'em or lose 'em. Remember: never give up. Those who survive a deadly attack have the will to live. Thanks for your attention today."
As Jade and Mac walked to her truck, she decided to try to make amends for the hurtful words Mac had overheard from the instructor.
"I'm sorry you had to hear those comments by the instructor," she said, feeling confused by her own reaction to Mac's return to the job.
"No worries, Jade. I knew when I came back to the LAPD there would be officers who didn't feel I deserved to have my job back. I just have to prove them wrong."
"Well, that's a pretty good attitude to have."
"Do I have any other choice?" he asked getting into the SUV.
"I guess not," she said, tugging on her seatbelt.
Wanting to change the subject, she asked, "Is it okay for me to pick up Donnie from my dad's? It's on the way and I don't like to leave him any longer than necessary."
"Sure. He's a great kid and I'd like to see him again." Mac stretched his legs out in front of him. "In fact, I hope someday to have a boy like him of my own."
After battling with the traffic on the Los Angeles freeways, Jade pulled into the driveway of her father's house.
"I'll be right back. I'll leave the engine going so you can have the radio and the heater if you want."
Mac watched her bound to the front porch and knock on the wooden screen door. Her breath came out in a vapor every time she exhaled. Seconds later the door opened and she stepped inside.
A few minutes later Jade returned to the car with Donnie in tow. Mac was surprised when a tousled older man came out onto the porch holding hands with a statuesque elderly woman. They seemed like an odd pair. The man in his work pants held by suspenders, while the woman wore tailored slacks, silky blouse and low heels.
A burst of cold air filled the car as Jade strapped Donnie in his car seat.
"There you go, hon. Say hi to Mr. Stryker."
"Hello Mr. Stryker. Did you bring me the fireman's hat?"
"Donnie!" Jade scolded. "You don't ask people if they've brought you presents."
"I do," the child replied. "He said he was gonna give me a fireman's hat."
"Sorry, Donnie, I don't have it yet, but I promise I'll get it very soon." Silently, Mac berated himself for not following through on his promise. Donnie was such a good little boy. Mac hoped his firefighter buddy would come through with a duty helmet.
The elderly couple stepped down from the porch and approached the car on Mac's side. Mac exited the vehicle. Jade slammed Donnie's door closed and turned to the twosome. "Dad, Mona, I'd like you to meet my current partner, Mac Stryker."
Mac extended his hand. "Pleased to meet you."
Jade faced Mac. "This is my father Angus Donovan, and his, um, his..."
"For heaven's sake child, stop dancin' around like a leprechaun prancin' around his pot-o-gold." Angus grasped Mac's hand. "Mona and I met at A.A."
Mona's voice was smooth as melted chocolate as she reached forward with her manicured hand. "We're both active in the program," she said. "More importantly, I'm Angus' girl," she said smiling, pulling Angus's arm around her waist.
Mac released Mona's hand. "I attend A.A. meetings too," he said softly. "It's tough going sometimes."
Angus nodded his head. "Aye, laddie, that it is, that it is."
Just then, Donnie tapped on the window and motioned for Jade to hurry.
"Okay, 'his highness' has spoken", Jade said. "Got to run, Dad. Bye Mona."
"It was nice meeting both of you," Mac said while climbing inside the truck. "Maybe we can go to a meeting together sometime. Of course, I'm going to be busy for awhile." He slammed the door and rolled down the window. "Angus, your daughter needs lots of work on her Arrest and Control techniques. We're going to have to do a lot of practicing."
Angus and Mona nodded and smiled at Mac, not understanding the true meaning of his words.
Jade stuck her tongue out at Mac. "See ya, Dad," she said as she put the truck in reverse.
"Bye, Grandpa. Bye, Mona," Donnie called waving pudgy fingers.
Jade shifted gears and they were on their way. She wondered about Mac's inside joke to her dad and Mona about practicing their arresting techniques. He sure wasn't being faithful to his commitment to his decorator girlfriend.
"They seem to be nice folks," Mac said.
"Yes, they are. I'm so lucky to be able to leave Donnie with my father. Of course, I feel better about it since Mona is there with him. Between the two of them they're less likely to slip up."
"Mama, does Mona babysit Grandpa, too?"
"No, honey, she's just Grandpa's friend."
"No she's not. She's gonna marry Grandpa, and be my new Grandma."
"Where'd you get that idea?" Jade demanded.
"Grandpa and Mona told me to keep it a secret."
Jade turned a rueful gaze to Mac. "Mona started out as Dad's friend, but before long, she was at the house all the time. I can't believe their friendship has gotten that serious. They come from two different worlds."
"Ah, cut them a little slack. They've each fought a tough fight and, so far, are winning. I think it's great they found each other this late in life," was Mac's reply. "I should be so lucky."
Jade turned into the housing development where Mac lived. "I thought you were dating the interior decorator. How many women do you need?"
Mac took a moment to form his answer. "Only one," he said. "But she has to be the right one. The decorator wasn't. She wanted to get married and I'm not sure I could ever be married again."
In his mind's eye, Mac relived the joy of his wedding to Susan, the awe-inspiring birth of Ashley, and the feelings of despair when he found out they were dead. Their deaths had sucked the life out of him. He wouldn't allow himself to love again. He knew he couldn't endure that kind of pain a second time.
But hanging around Jade and Donnie made him realize how much he missed having a family. In fact, he liked being around them too much. Now he'd met her Dad and his girlfriend.
I'm getting in too deep here. I'm not going to get involved just because I think Jade is an amazing woman and Donnie is a terrific kid in need of a father. Our relationship needs to stay professional. Then Mac remembered the heat of Jade between his legs and how turned on he'd gotten. Yeah, keeping our relationship professional will be as easy as shooting at gnats.
"Why are you frowning?" Jade demanded, her voice cross as she pulled in front of his house.
Mac, startled out of his thoughts, turned to her. Her mouth was set in a hard line. He must have missed something. She looked angry. I wonder what's wrong, he thought. Keep it professional. Remember? Don't get any more involved than you have to.
He opened the truck door. "Oh, sorry. I was just deep in thought. Thanks for the ride and enjoy your days off." He turned and jogged up the walkway feeling empty and very confused.
Jade stomped her way up the stairs, Donnie trailing behind her. She couldn't get Mac's words out of her mind. I'm not sure I could ever be married again. Jade wasn't sure why that comment made her upset, but it did.
Then she saw it. Another box sat at her front door, mocking her. Jade snatched the package before Donnie saw the stiffened body of the rat attached to a blood-red bow. She shuddered and hustled Donnie into their apartment. Immediately she got a plastic trash bag and slid the box inside, away from Donnie's inquisitive eyes. He wanted to know why he couldn't see what was inside the packages. It was getting more difficult to distract his attention away from the deliveries. She had to do something.
She'd tried to tell Lasko what was going on, but the Watch Commander wasn't interested. Normally, Jade would go over Lasko's head, but that was out of the question because Captain Kincaid was Callie's supervisor. Suspecting Kincaid might be responsible for the flower deliveries, Jade couldn't go to him.
After setting Donnie in front of the television with a snack, Jade took the trash bag containing the box into the bathroom. I wonder if there's any significance to the rat attached to the box. She cut the crimson ribbon on the box and looked inside. Five brittle flowers -- nothing more. No note, no greenery, no clue. The dead rodent was attached to the package with a piece of the ribbon around its neck. Shuddering, Jade tiptoed like a thief, carrying the bag containing the garish foil box down to the trash dumpster.
Academy training had taught her that the textured outside skin of the boxes were not suitable for fingerprinting. The fancy gold surface was too rough. With the first couple of boxes, she'd dusted the smooth insides in an attempt to find fingerprints. Whoever sent the boxes was smart. There were no prints. The suspect had worn gloves.
The bang from the metal lid slamming closed on the garbage bin was loud. At least the decaying body of the rat was out of her house. The roses are bad enough, but God only knows what he'll attach to the box next time. She wasn't afraid for herself -- she carried a gun, but she had Donnie and her father to think about too.
She ran back inside, anxious to wash her hands.
After being dropped off by Jade, Mac changed his clothes and went for a run. Even if he ran every street in his neighborhood, it wouldn't be enough. He had energy and tension to burn. Being so physically close to Jade in their training had him all wound up. Waving at the guard in the security office, he jogged out of his gated community.
His mind kept replaying the feel of her wrapped between his legs, her breasts covered by a t-shirt swaying temptingly in his face. Focus on the run, he thought. That's why you're out here. Stop thinking about Jade!
Running easily, his thoughts turned to his first attempts to kick the booze. He hadn't thought he needed A.A. Trying to help himself, he'd started running again to get in shape. When he'd first started exercising, he'd thought he was going to die. He hadn't believed how out of shape he was. For a while, he'd been able to slow the drinking down and eat better. He'd thought he had it licked. Then came the first anniversary of his family's death. He drank himself into alcohol poisoning. Luckily, he'd known something was seriously wrong and called an ambulance. The hospital social worker got him hooked up with A.A. He'd resisted for the first month or so, but as he'd heard other stories of the struggle, the relapses and successes, he'd given it a try.
Every day he grappled with the temptation of the bottle. He told himself daily if he resisted, it only made him stronger. In his soul he wasn't sure he could resist forever, but he took one day at a time. Sometimes, it was one hour, or on really bad days, one minute at a time. That's how he felt right now.
As if fighting the bottle wasn't hard enough, he realized his feelings for Jade and Donnie were growing. He didn't want to care about them. He didn't want those feelings again. The last time he'd cared, he'd lost everything and became a drunk. His addiction almost cost him his life -- and Jade's life too. Thanks to her, he was still alive. Lord, he needed a drink. He forced himself to run faster, concentrating on his rhythmic breathing, footfalls, and the cool air rushing by his face.
Mac pulled himself out of his thoughts and wasn't too surprised to find he was running down Jade's street. But he was startled to see her skulking out to the dumpster carrying what was obviously another one of those damn foil boxes wrapped in a plastic bag.
She didn't see him as she lifted the lid of the metal trash container and tossed the bundle inside. She let the top slam closed and didn't even look back as she dashed to her apartment.
Turning on the next street to go home, Mac made plans to confront Jade about the boxes. Besides, he wasn't sure he could wait the two days they were off work before he saw her again.
The next morning, Jade was glad it was her day off. It gave her time to talk to the apartment manager and ask him to keep an eye open for strangers prowling the building. She didn't reveal the fact she was being stalked, but did tell the manager some strange things had been left at her door. She also reassured him she felt the odd deliveries were being directed only to her. There was no need to be concerned for any of the other tenants.
She'd just hung up the phone when a bleary-eyed Donnie emerged from his bedroom, short spikes of hair framing his face like sun bursts. "Mama, am I going to Grandpa's today?"
"Nope. It's Mommy's day off, so we can spend the day together. We have some errands to do, but we'll do something fun too. How does that sound?"
"Can we go to Mr. Stryker's house and get my fireman's hat?"
Jade looked sharply at her son. Why would Mac Stryker be Donnie's waking thought? Don't be ridiculous, Jade. Donnie just wants the helmet.
"Um, I don't think so. Mr. Stryker probably has stuff to take care of too."
"Does he have a little boy at home?"
Unbidden tears formed in Jade's eyes. How are you going to answer this one, Jade? You promised God you'd tell Mac he had a son, and now Donnie is asking about it too. When are you going to live up to your promises?
"He used to have a little girl, but she died a few years ago." Very smooth, just ignore his question and hope it won't come up again. You'd better make up your mind what you're going tell them -- and soon!
The little boy clutched the chocolate milk his mother had poured for him and moved to sit on a kitchen chair.
"What happened to her? Did she get sick?"
"No, Donnie. She died in a car accident."
"How come? Was Mr. Stryker driving?"
Jade lifted her son into his chair and put her arms around him. She breathed deeply, inhaling the aroma uniquely her son's. "Oh, no, Donnie. Mr. Stryker had nothing to do with it. It was just an accident. Mr. Stryker's wife died too. It wasn't their fault."
"Well, he must have been very sad."
Jade thought about the broken man who'd been her training officer for two months. "Yes, Donnie, he was very sad." And out of Mac's misery, you were conceived.
Jade released her grip and looked into her son's dark eyes. Eyes very much like his father's. "But Donnie, sometimes bad things happen for a reason. Sometimes bad things make us stronger, or teach us lessons. And sometimes those lessons can be the greatest gifts of all."
"Well, I'm glad you're a policeman, Mama. Bad things won't happen to us, and no one can hurt us."
I hope not, Jade thought, thinking of the foil boxes. I sincerely hope not.
Later, Donnie yelled from his bedroom. "Mommy, I can't find my shoes. I think they're losted."
Jade sprayed cologne on her neck. With a sigh, she gave herself an appraising look in the bathroom mirror. Not too bad she thought, liking the contrast of her dark hair in soft curls against the burnt rust of her sweater. Flipping off the light switch, she strode to her son's room.
"I'm sure your shoes aren't lost," she said. "But this is why it's so important to put your clothes away at night."
Suddenly there was a loud knock at the door. Jade stiffened. She hadn't threaded her gun and holster onto her belt yet. Who would be knocking at her door so early in the morning?
Jade put her fingers to her lips, indicating to Donnie he should be quiet and stay there. Silently Jade moved down the hall. Another knock, this time a little louder, erupted from the door.
"Jade, it's me, Mac."
What was he doing here? She let out the pent-up breath she'd been holding. She moved to the door. Looking through the peephole she confirmed it was her partner standing in the hallway.
Jade unlocked the series of deadbolts and chains she had on the door. It was a lengthy and noisy process.
"I feel like I'm gaining entry into Fort Knox," Mac joked, as he stepped inside the door she'd opened.
Jade immediately spotted the fluorescent yellow firefighter's helmet in Mac's hands. The headgear was city issued. She'd expected him to bring Donnie a toy store replica.
Donnie shuffled down the hallway, a battered sneaker in each of his chubby hands. "Mama, I found 'em." His eyes widened at the sight of Mac, and the helmet he held. "Is that for me?" he asked in an awed tone.
Mac knelt on one knee and offered the boy the present. "You bet it is."
"Wow," Donnie cried, taking the gift and putting it on his head. "It's a real fireman's hat."
"What do you say to Mr. Stryker?" Jade prompted.
"Thank you, Mr. Stryker. This is the bestest present I ever got."
"It's my pleasure, Donnie." Mac looked over the little boy's head to Jade. "I have a friend in the fire department. He owed me a favor."
Donnie ran from the room saying something about seeing himself in the mirror.
"Well, you sure know how to make a little boy's day," Jade said. "Thank you very much. Would you like some coffee or tea or something?"
Mac lifted himself from the floor. "No thanks, I'm fine. You sure have a sweet little boy there."
Jade's heart lurched as her heartbeat accelerated, the rhythm thundering in her ears. He's your son, too, she thought, fighting back tears.
"Yes, he's very special," Jade managed to choke out.
"How about I take us all out to breakfast?" Mac offered.
"That's not a good idea. You're forgetting we could get in trouble if anyone finds out we've seen each other off-duty, no matter how innocent the circumstances."
Besides, she thought, I can't stand to see you and Donnie forming a relationship. What if he wants to live with you when he finds out you're his father?
"We can say we're practicing our arrest and control techniques," Mac said, suddenly grabbing Jade's waist and gently forcing her to the floor.
He pinned her on her back. He leaned diagonally across her, his face inches away from hers. Startled, her initial reaction was to knee him in the crotch. But as she watched his brown eyes darken to the shade of molasses, an awareness of just how close they were shifted her train of thought. If she lifted her head just an inch or two...
Mac must have had the same thought, because without hesitation his mouth found hers. His lips parted, hungry with need. His tongue teased her mouth to grant him entry.
I can't do this, she thought. Donnie is right down the hall. But it felt so right. At first, she kept her mouth closed tight, resisting his overtures for deepening the kiss, but passion won out. As her heart accelerated, her mind relived flashbacks to five years earlier when she and Mac had kissed like this. She'd never intended that night to end in passion, but it had...and she'd never forgotten.
She was on probation and Mac was her training officer. She'd reluctantly attended the retirement party of the captain. It was expected she'd be there.
Mac was at the party, too. Of course he was drinking - heavily. She was horrified when her direct supervisor, Sergeant Kincaid, suggested Jade drive Mac home since he was obviously unable to do so for himself.
She'd maneuvered Mac into her battered compact car and he'd been the perfect gentleman...he'd fallen into a drunken sleep. Luckily, she'd gotten his address out of him before he'd passed out.
At his house, he'd leaned heavily on her as she'd dug around his pockets for his house keys.
"Gee partner," he'd slurred, "I didn't know you liked me so much."
"Shhh. Let's get you inside," she'd replied, slipping the key in the lock. Mac, where's the light switch?"
"Huh?"
"I need to turn on some lights. Where's the switch?"
"No. I don't want lights on. No lights."
Sighing, she'd propped Mac against the wall and then started feeling along the other wall for some kind of lighting.
"Flashlight. I only use a flashlight."
Mac had leaned around her and she felt him groping beyond her. Suddenly, a pinpoint of light from a mini-light shot through the darkness.
Jade was fed up and tired. She didn't want to play games with her alcoholic partner. "Okay, Mac. Remember, we don't work tomorrow. We're on days off. Are you able to get to bed okay?" She'd gotten no reply. "See ya," she'd said, easing past him and out the door. Stepping off the porch, she'd heard a loud crash from inside the home. Her conscience had won over her distaste, leading her back to the house.
"Mac? Are you alright?" Nothing. Jade had moved her hand along the wall, making contact with the light switch. Light splintered the darkness. Her heart had constricted at the poignant scene before her.
Shattered picture frames crunched beneath her feet as she approached Mac. Tears fell off his chin onto the photos of smiling faces of his dead wife and little girl. Faces captured in happy times.
Mac hadn't acknowledged her. He'd gazed longingly at the images of his honey-blond wife and tow-headed daughter.
"Mac, it will be alright. I promise. Sometimes things happen for reasons we don't understand."
"Who are you to tell me it will be alright? What the hell do you know? You're a naive kid who has no idea what I'm going through. Susan and Ashley are dead, damn it!"
Jade had shaken her head, tears filling her eyes.
"Oh, Mac, you're wrong. I lost my mother when I was eight years old!"
Now she understood why he didn't want any lights on. Pictures of his wife and daughter hung from ceiling to floor on all the walls. Closest to her was a photo of Susan holding baby Ashley in the hospital, each of them wearing pink plastic bracelets bearing the word "Stryker". There were images of Mac, Susan and Ashley at an amusement park, eating watermelon at a family picnic, proudly holding up a string of fish on the muddy shoreline of a lake.
Mac had sat amidst ornate frames with haunting images of his former family gazing adoringly into the chaos.
"I can't go on," he'd slurred. "I drink to drive them out of my mind, but they won't go. They won't leave." He'd hung his head and more tears had splattered onto a silver-framed wedding picture.
Feeling his pain, Jade sat on the floor next to him and pulled him close, stroking his head as she would a child's. "There, there. It will be okay. I promise, it'll be okay," she'd said, softly brushing his hair with her fingers. His eyes were closed while she ministered to him. He'd looked so beaten, so worn out, so vulnerable. Frown lines burrowed between his brows. She'd wanted to place her lips on the slashes of discontent, willing them to evaporate and give Mac some peace.
She did. The result was electric. His eyes flew open and he'd pulled back and stared into her face. His expression had taken her breath away. Raw need radiated from his tormented gaze.
Mac's gaze had settled on her lips. Was he going to kiss her? Would she let him? Should she let him?
She'd let him kiss her and then he'd made enthusiastic love to her. Five weeks later she'd learned she was pregnant.
Now, lying on the floor in her living room remembering the passion of that night, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders drawing him closer as her quickened heartbeat pounded in her ears. He shifted his body, moving the bulk of his weight off her. She loved feeling his broad chest pressed to her breasts. She ached to rub herself against his flannel shirt.
Mac's kisses trailed from her lips to her neck. Jade squirmed with delight and dug her fingers into the muscles across his back. A gasp escaped her lips. She needed him closer. She needed to feel his skin upon hers.
"Mama! Are you okay? Mr. Stryker, are you blowing air in my mommy? Should I call 9-1-1?"
Jade jumped as if the floor were on fire. She tugged at her sweater, which had ridden halfway up her rib cage.
"Donnie, everything is fine. Mr. Stryker and I were practicing stuff for work."
Mac leisurely made his way to his feet and gave Donnie a conspiratorial wink. "Your mother needs to practice her work stuff a lot more." He turned to Jade and extended his hand to help her from the floor. "Listen, Champ, I'm trying to convince your Mom it would be a good idea for us to go get some breakfast together - maybe the pancake house. What do you say?"
"Yippee! I'll get chocolate chip pancakes with whipped cream. Can we go, Mama? Can we?"
Jade shot Mac a disapproving look. "You're not playing fair." She turned her attention to her son. "Okay. Just this once -- but you'll eat something nutritious, not chocolate chip pancakes."
Riding in Mac's truck, Jade tried to be irritated at the way Mac had manipulated the breakfast arrangement. But the truth was she was happy to spend more time with him. No doubt about it, the man was sexy as hell and revved her engines faster than a ninety mile an hour pursuit. Her reaction to his kiss made that evident. But, in the future, she'd have to be stronger. She mustn't lose sight of the fact that if he knew he was Donnie's father, he'd probably try to take him from her, or at the least demand joint custody. No doubt he'd see Donnie as a convenient replacement for the daughter he'd lost. No way was that going to happen.
At the restaurant, Jade and Donnie sat on one side of the booth with Mac on the other. Donnie colored happily on the paper placemat the hostess had given him. The smell of fresh coffee melded with the appetizing scent of bacon, eggs and syrup. Mac and Jade sipped mugs of the steaming brew while waiting for their order.
Mac leaned forward to be heard over the din of the busboy clearing the table behind them. "So tell me about your secret admirer," he said.
Jade tensed. "What admirer?"
"The one who keeps sending you flowers. First to the station and then to your apartment."
Donnie looked up from his drawing. "Mama got another present last night, too. I keep asking her if I can open them but she won't let me," he said with a frown.
"Donnie, you just worry about your picture and stay out of the conversation I'm having with Mr. Stryker."
The child's eyes filled with tears. Jade felt horrible for snapping at her son. Why was Mac prying into something that wasn't his business?
Jade gave Donnie a quick hug. "I'm sorry, honey. Mommy shouldn't have been cross. Keep working on your coloring, and your food should be here soon."
She needed to find out who was tormenting her. Mac was getting suspicious and even Donnie was curious about the many flower boxes she received. She turned her attention back to Mac.
"So?" he said.
"So what?"
"Who's the lucky guy?"
"I don't think that's any of your business."
"I just find it strange you're getting flowers daily, but I'm not seeing any bouquets in your apartment."
"How do you know I'm not keeping them in the bedroom?" she replied, proud of herself for thinking so fast.
"Well, I guess I don't. Maybe when we get back, I should have a look," he said with an easy grin.
"Don't hold your breath. You won't ever get there. We're partners, nothing more." Jade bore her gaze into Mac's dark eyes, trying to send a strong message. You are such a liar, she thought to herself.
Jade was relieved when the server brought their food. They were so busy eating there was no more talk of the foil boxes she'd received.
A musical chime interrupted the meal. Glancing at the display on her cell phone, she saw the call was from her father.
"It's my dad," she said, "He never calls my cell. I'd better take this," she said.
"Hi grandpa!" Donnie yelled toward the phone.
"Hello," she said into the mouthpiece, while waving her hand at Donnie to be quiet.
"Hey, daughter. I have some news I didn't think should wait."
"Dad, what's wrong?"
"Nothing. This is good news. Mona and I are getting married this Saturday in Las Vegas."
"Dad, you're kidding me, aren't you?"
Jade saw Mac's eyes fill with concern at the tone of her voice.
"I'm serious as a heart attack, lassie," the older man replied. "We picked Saturday because it's your day off. Naturally, we want you and Donnie to be there. You can bring your partner too, if you want."
Jade took a deep breath. "Well, Dad, I'm happy for you, but I'm kind of tied up right now. How about if we talk about it later?" She listened some more. "Okay, bye," she said, then snapped the cell phone closed.
"Bad news?" Mac inquired.
Jade shook her head in disbelief. "My father and Mona are getting married on Saturday. They want us to come."
"I told you so," Donnie said, nodding smugly.
Mac smiled. "So what's the problem?"
Jade brushed toast crumbs from her fingertips. "I'm not sure my father should marry Mona. In fact, I'm not sure he's ready to marry anyone."
Mac used his fork to cut a sausage link. "Why not?"
"Mommy, can I get a red crayon? The lady left one on the table over there."
Jade quickly assessed Donnie's request and saw a group of colored wax sticks left on a nearby table. "Yes, go get the crayon but come right back. I'll be watching you."
Donnie, clambered off his seat and scampered to retrieve the color he desired.
Mac kept his eyes on Donnie, but repeated his question. "So why don't you think your dad is ready to get married again?"
"I'm afraid he'll fall off the wagon again. I've been down this road many times with him since my mom died." Jade waved the air. "I'd go over to the house and he'd be soused." She affected an Irish brogue. "I'm sorry darlin,' I promise I won't have a wee drop ever again." Jade snorted. "He'd go back to AA and sober up for a couple of months and then do the same thing all over again. The way I see it, once a drunk, always a drunk." Out of the corner of her eye she saw Mac clench his jaw. "Oh, I'm sorry. I was referring to my father, not you."
Mac took a long sip of his coffee then set the cup in the saucer with a clatter. "No need to apologize. You're entitled to your opinion, and it's probably not far off the mark. And yet...you leave Donnie with your father on a regular basis, right?"
Jade squirmed in her seat. "Um, yes. Pretty much since he met Mona. I couldn't afford to pay an outside babysitter."
"And didn't you tell me he's been sober since Mona came into his life?"
"Okay, you've made your point. Maybe I need to reconsider my opinion," she said.
Donnie returned to his seat victoriously waving the coveted red crayon.
"No. You've stated what's in your heart and in your mind very clearly." Mac turned to Donnie, "How 'bout it, champ? You set to go?"
"In a minute," the little boy replied. "I have to color the fire truck red."
After they'd made their way back to Mac's truck, Donnie made small talk about firemen and dinosaurs while Mac drove. Jade stared out the passenger window of Mac's pick-up truck, berating herself for being so blunt. But what she'd said was true. Her father had broken his promises about not drinking too many times. It was easier to expect the worst -- that way she wouldn't be upset when he faltered. She thought of Mac the same way, only more so. He'd stopped drinking only recently. For Donnie's well-being, she wasn't willing to take that kind of risk.
She glanced at Mac. His eyes were focused on the road and he grunted non-syllable responses to Donnie's endless chatter.
Pulling to the curb in front of Jade's building, Mac walked around to the passenger side of his truck and assisted Donnie out of his car seat and set him on the sidewalk.
"Thank you for breakfast, Mac. Donnie, what do you say to Mr. Stryker for the fireman's helmet and breakfast?"
"Thank you Mr. Stryker. If I had a daddy, I'd want him to be just like you."
Jade felt as though she'd been kicked in the stomach.
Mac dipped to a short bow. "Thank you very much, young man. If I had a little boy, I'd want him to be just like you." Mac's strong hand reached out and ruffled the boy's hair.
Jade reached inside to retrieve Donnie's safety seat. Once it was unbuckled, she set it on the sidewalk next to her son.
"So, I'll see you at work in a couple of days," she said.
"Yeah, I guess you will," he said popping a mint into his mouth as he walked to the driver's side of his truck.
"Mac, I'm sorry. I said something stupid at the restaurant. Just because my father relapsed, doesn't mean you're going to. I know I hurt your feelings and I'm sorry."
Mac stood at the open driver's door of his truck and motioned to her. "Come over here for a minute."
Jade cast a quick glance at Donnie and saw him playing with the car seat. "Donnie, stay right there and don't come out in the street."
"Okay, Mommy." He perched the fire helmet on his head. "I'm a fireman and I'm rescuing the baby," said Donnie as he spoke softly to an imaginary infant in the child-safety seat.
Glancing toward on-coming traffic, Jade walked to the driver's side of the truck.
As soon as she got close, Mac pulled her into his arms. His eyes narrowed as he gazed in her eyes. "I fight the battle of the bottle every day, Jade. It's not easy, but, so far, I'm winning. Try to believe in me and give me a chance." He lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers.
Jade's initial reaction was to resist, but her body rebelled and she sank into his embrace and returned his kiss. He tasted of wintergreen. Her heart pounded and her breathing was heavy. Mac's tongue teased her lips, flirting for entrance. He groaned, as his hands slid down her back and cupped her bottom.
The touch of his hands on her behind jolted her from her passion. She pushed against his chest, but his hands slid up to her waist to keep her held against him. There was no missing the fact he was enjoying himself.
"We need to stop. We're in the middle of the street." She raised her voice over the noise of an approaching car. "As much as I'm enjoying this, it isn't the place. Especially in front of Don-"
"Look out!" Mac yelled. He tightened his grip and threw her over the hood of his truck.
A boxy black SUV with tinted windows sped past, nearly colliding with Mac's pick-up. He jumped on the hood of his truck to avoid being struck.
Jade's eyes immediately sought the license plate to identify the vehicle. The reckless driver sped down the street and careened around the next corner. She glimpsed the license plate frame and saw it was empty.
"Get Donnie inside and lock the doors," Mac ordered, sliding into the driver's seat of his truck.
Donnie! In the upheaval, she'd forgotten about her son. The little boy stood on the sidewalk with his lower lip quivering. "Mama, I'm scared. What's happening?"
Jade swept her son in her arms and snatched the straps of the safety seat and ran toward her apartment. The booster was awkward and slowed her down. She heard Mac's tires burn rubber as he took off after the truck that almost hit them.
Once inside, she snapped all the deadbolts in place. Then she went to her phone and dialed the direct inside line to the Watch Commander.
As soon as the phone was answered she started speaking.
"This is Jade Donovan. I'm off duty and I've just been the victim of an assault with a vehicle. The suspect is driving a newer black SUV with tinted windows and chrome wheels. There's no rear plate on the truck. He was last seen northbound Etiwanda Ave, to eastbound Rinaldi St. Can you put out a crime broadcast? This happened about three minutes ago."
"Christ, Donovan. Even on your days off you're causing me problems."
Jade's chest caved with defeat. The voice on the phone belonged to Lieutenant Lasko. There would be no fast action here. Jade was tempted to hang up and call Communications Division and take her chances that the overworked 911 operators would give her quicker response than she was going to receive now.
"Now, what's goin' on? Someone tried to hit you with a vehicle? Where'd this happen?"
With a sigh, Jade repeated the information to the Lieutenant at a snail's pace, knowing it was too late to be useful.
When she was done, Lasko assured Jade that a unit as well as a sergeant would respond. "Just sit tight."
Jade slammed the phone back into the cradle.
"Mama, what happened? Where did Mr. Stryker go? How come the black car was going so fast?"
Jade pulled her son onto her lap and smoothed his hair, her fingers raking the fine softness.
"Don't worry Donnie. Everything's fine." She stood and carried the boy to the window that faced the street and watched for Mac's pick-up truck. Although she knew he was capable of taking care of himself, she imagined all the worst scenarios.
She also had to decide what she was going to tell the sergeant when he arrived to investigate. Should she mention she was with Mac? Would the story they were practicing Arrest and Control stuff hold up? She doubted it, and worried she could get fired for lying. She'd already tried to tell Lasko about the stalker, so she couldn't get in trouble at work for hiding the fact. But Jade wanted to have some idea as to who was responsible for terrorizing her before she went above Lasko's head to report the stalker. Knowing the department might feel it was safer to take her out of the field and have her work some inside job, Jade didn't want to appear weak and incapable. She needed to handle the situation herself.
Against many protests, she made Donnie lay down for a nap. No need to have him interviewed. This way she could come up with a story and not worry what he might say.
The wail of approaching sirens and the vibrating whirr of the police helicopter overhead told her she didn't have long. She picked up her phone, thinking she'd coordinate with Mac on concocting a story, but two patrol cars pulled in front of her building. Setting the phone back down, she glanced at herself in a mirror by the front door. Hopefully, the responding officers would think her frazzled appearance was the result of almost being hit by a car, and not the result of weaving the truth into a fabricated tale.
Jade recognized the two officers who got out of the lead vehicle and made their way towards her apartment. She groaned aloud seeing Callie Lasko emerge out of the other black and white. The witch must have thought she'd impress the captain with her response to the scene, Jade thought.
She met the officers at the door.
"Okay, Donovan, what's all this commotion about?" The lieutenant pushed past Jade, openly scrutinizing the apartment.
Jade related her hastily fabricated story. She kept as close to the truth as possible, without revealing she and Mac had been together -- much less kissing in the street.
The arrogant tone of the lieutenant's voice caused Jade's stomach to gurgle.
"So, Officer Donovan, you'd been out with your son and he conveniently dropped a toy in the street. As you went to retrieve the stuffed teddy bear a mysterious car barreled toward you. If you hadn't jumped out of the way, you would have been flattened and become road kill. Is that your story?"
Jade leveled her gaze at Lasko, mustering as much indignation as she could, considering how far she was stretching the truth. "Yes, that's my story." And I'm sticking to it, she thought miserably.
One of the patrolmen cleared his throat. "And, uh, Jade you said your son didn't see anything because you'd left him on the sidewalk and his view was blocked by a vehicle at the curb."
Jade nodded her head hoping she wasn't making a costly mistake. She could lose her job by lying about being with Mac, or admitting she'd been seeing her probationary officer off-duty, no matter how innocent their contact. She was screwed either way.
There was a light tap at her front door. Three sets of eyes expectantly turned to Jade. She shook her head indicating she didn't know who it could be. The uniformed cops took a position of advantage. They nodded to Jade they were ready for her to open her door.
She moved to the front door, peeked through the peephole and her knees almost buckled. Mac. He looked calm. There was no choice but to open the door. She hoped he wouldn't blow the story she'd concocted.
"Officer Donovan, I'm sorry to disturb you, and I know this is highly inappropriate, but I saw patrol cars out front. Is everything okay?"
Jade opened the door wider to reveal their coworkers.
"Stryker? What are you doing here?" Callie Lasko demanded, her eyes narrowing.
"Officer Donovan had told me the general area of where she lived and later on showed me a picture of her son in front of the building. I must have paid more attention than I thought because as I happened to be driving by, I realized this was her building. I saw the black and whites out front and thought maybe something was wrong and I could help."
The lieutenant frowned and shook her head. "This is none of your business. Everything is fine. You've no business here."
Jade saw a muscle in Mac's jaw jump. The officers who'd responded with Lasko averted their eyes in embarrassment of the lieutenant's rudeness.
"Sure, lieutenant," Mac said. "Sorry, Officer Donovan."
Jade let out a pent up breath. "No problem, and thank you for your concern." Mac stepped out and she closed the door.
Callie Lasko gave Jade a long, hard look. "Don't you think it's pretty coincidental your probationary officer is driving by and happens to recognize your building from a picture? You really don't expect me to believe that, do you?"
Barely registering the metallic taste of blood, Jade bit at the inside of her lip. "Well, um, he isn't a regular probationer. He has fifteen years of patrol time behind him."
"You're lying and he's lying." Callie's tone was accusing. "I'm guessing you two have been sliding between the sheets playing hide the salami. I'm going to scour this neighborhood looking for witnesses. If I find out you and Mac have an off-duty relationship going, I'll have your badge. Count on it." Callie turned on her heel and marched out the door.
After the lieutenant left, the two officers completed a preliminary investigation report. Jade signed the document and afterwards, her fellow officers told her to be careful, then returned to their patrol car and left. Jade wilted into the sofa and wept.
Fifteen minutes later there was a light knock at her door. Looking through the hole in the door she saw Mac had returned. She flung open the door and pulled him inside.
"Are you crazy?" she hissed as she closed and locked the door. "Lasko thought it was suspicious when you showed up before. How do you know she isn't parked down the street waiting to see if you come back?"
Mac's narrowed eyes glowed like molten lava. He turned and moved toward her. He looked twelve feet tall and very mean.
"Forget about Lasko," he spat out. "First off, are you and Donnie okay?" After she nodded, he continued. "This game has gone on long enough. You're going to tell me what the hell is going on. Don't bother making anything up because I'm not leaving until I get the truth."
Jade felt the color drain from her face. "I...um, I...don't know what, ah, you mean." She was taking small steps backwards in an effort to stay away from him. "Did you find the SUV?"
She was stalling. She'd seen this coppery glitter of rage in his eyes once before. It was years ago when she was on probation. A suspect caught her by surprise and punched her in the face. Although boozed up, Mac had moved lightning fast. The criminal was pinned to the ground and Mac's eyes had an eerie fervency while he threatened to shove the crook's head into a far-reaching orifice. That same crazed look glowed in his eyes now.
"I'm not kidding, Jade." His face was inches from hers and now he was whispering. "Someone is after you and I want to know who it is and why."
He knew! A wave of relief washed over her. Her knees buckled and she sank to the floor. "How did you know?" she asked, blinking back tears. "I wanted to handle it myself."
Mac's gaze softened and he reached down and grabbed her arms and pulled her up. He motioned for her to sit on the couch. She sank into the thick cushions. He sat beside her and took her hand.
"Tell me what's going on and we'll figure it out."
Jade took a deep breath and began.
"It started just a little over a week ago. I got a box of a dozen dead roses. There was a note inside saying I deserved to die and my time was coming -- stuff like that." Jade rose and paced the room. "The next day another box showed up. This time there were eleven roses inside, but no note."
Jade passed by Mac who remained on the couch. Her hands balled into fists. Her strides were short and clipped. "Each day another box minus one rose mysteriously appears. I have no clue who is sending the packages, although I did consider they could be coming from a guy I'd dated who didn't take rejection well. That's why I didn't notify anyone at work. I thought I could handle it myself."
"Did you try to trace the sender through the florist?" Mac asked.
Jade nodded. "No florist. The boxes are hand delivered outside my door."
"What about the one that was delivered to the station a few days ago? Did the desk officer get a florist's name?"
"No. I didn't want to sound like I was interrogating him and make a big deal about it. Bill said some guy in street clothes dropped off the box and said it was for me." She plopped on the sofa next to him. "I'm really scared. I'm sure the SUV that almost hit us is connected to the roses." She motioned toward the front door with its series of locks. "I beefed up security as best I could. I started wearing my gun at home. I tried to lift some fingerprints from the boxes, but he either wiped them clean or wore gloves." She shifted in her seat. Unshed tears filled her eyes.
"Did you notify work? I'm sure they would set up a surveillance team to try to catch this nut." He rose from the couch and started to pace.
"I tried, but Lasko wasn't interested. I'm not going to make an issue of it."
"Why the hell not? Go to the captain," he argued, running a hand through his dark hair.
A horrified look spread across Jade's face.
"What is it between you and the captain? You seem afraid of him. Why? What do you have to fear?" He was suddenly struck by a thought that made perfect sense. "Is Captain Kincaid Donnie's father? Is that why you avoid him?"
Jade got up and jabbed a pointed finger at his chest. "Don't be ridiculous. You have no idea what it's like to be a woman in this department. I have to work twice as hard as a man to gain the respect of my peers and supervision. If a woman makes a mistake or uses shaky tactics, the guys whisper to one another that she's unsafe or an idiot. If a guy does the same thing, the men slap him on the shoulder and tell him not to worry, they'll get the crook next time."
Mac started to open his mouth, but Jade held up her hand warning him to hold his tongue.
"If a woman really wants to get labeled as a moron she sleeps with the guys she works with. Most of the men will throw out a line to a new woman in a division. It's usually the new women right out of the Academy, the ones who don't know better. They're flattered by the attention and want to fit in. So they take the bait. Unfortunately, no one tells them their name will be passed around the men's locker room as someone who puts out."
Again, Mac tried to speak. Jade shook her head and continued.
"Those of us that don't fall into that trap work hard at gaining our coworker's respect. I worked damn hard to become a training officer and I'm not going to let some psycho slime-ball make me look like I can't handle myself." Jade sank onto the couch again. "And no -- Douglas Kincaid is not Donnie's father."
Mac blew out a breath. "I'm going to talk now. Okay?"
She gave a slight nod of her head.
"I don't agree with you not telling the captain you're being stalked. And make no mistake about it, that is what's going on." He sat next to her. "Kincaid still has friends in Metro. I bet he'd make arrangements for some Metro officers to watch you and Donnie for a while."
Jade started to speak and this time Mac held up his hand.
"Since you don't want to involve the department, this is what we're going to do. You and Donnie will come live with me at my place. Together, we'll try to flush out the stalker and throw his sorry ass in jail."
She shook her head. "I hope you're kidding. First of all, it's against department policy. We've already played fast and loose with the rules. I am not going to lose my job over this, nor am I going to move myself or my son out of our home because some whacko is after me." Besides, she thought, Donnie will only become more attached to you. She turned a hard gaze on him. "I'm not asking for your help. I don't need your help."
Mac's nostrils flared. In anger, he grabbed her by both arms pulling her toward him as if he were going to shake her. Her face was inches from his.
"Listen to me. You've got some chip on your shoulder about how hard it is to be a woman cop. If you don't like the job or how you're treated, get out. Meanwhile, while you play Jane Wayne, you're endangering the life of your son just so you can look like one bad-assed chick. For you, it's all about appearances and your Irish pride." He tightened his grasp. His eyes sparked with anger. "You and your child are in danger. I've lost my wife and child. I'd give anything to have them back. You better get your priorities straight real fast." His eyes drilled into hers like a bullet in the center ring of a target. Mac released his hands from her arms. Cool air replaced where his heated fingers had gripped her. Their locked stare remained unbroken.
"I've got my priorities straight, and shacking up with some guy my son has just met doesn't seem like a smart move right now. And what about Lasko," she countered. "She said she was going to canvass the neighborhood for witnesses. What if one of my neighbors saw us kissing?"
"First off, there's no way Lasko is going to walk the street talking to witnesses. Now, she may direct those patrol guys to do it." Mac paused to think.
Jade watched as Mac pondered ideas.
"You know what I think? I think if those same two patrol officers do happen to find a witness, they'll write an accurate report on the crime without mentioning you were in the street kissing me."
Jade snorted.
"Furthermore, I don't think it matters because it's nothing we can control at this time."
"Well, it may not matter to you, but I've got a son to raise. And if I lose my job I've got no way to support Donnie."
The clock on the wall drummed a few staccato beats as neither of them moved. The silence was broken by a weak whine from the rear of the apartment.
"Mama, I want up."
"I...I'll be there in a minute, Sweetie."
"If this guy gets to you and kills you, you're not going to be supporting Donnie either. So what will it be?" he whispered.
Finally, she averted her eyes. "Donnie and I could stay at my dad's. Although the sicko has delivered flowers there too."
"Do you want to put your father in more danger?"
"Of course not," she snapped. "Maybe you could stay here," she said hopefully.
"Jade, the stalker knows where you live. He's tried to run you down with a truck. This whack job is escalating. Use your head. If you refuse to get help from the department, I'm all you've got."
"So I should expose you to danger too?"
"He just tried to run us both down. I've already been exposed to danger."
Rustling from the hallway made them both turn.
"Mama, you said you'd come and get me." Donnie's lower lip stuck out in a pout as he shuffled to Jade's side.
She immediately put her arm around her son and pulled him close. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. Mr. Stryker and I were talking about something important." She sighed and lifted a defeated gaze back to Mac. "Donnie, how would you like it if you and Mommy stayed at Mr. Stryker's house for awhile?"
Jade couldn't help but smile at the look of astonishment that flooded her son's face as his gaze moved between her and Mac.
"Really? Do you mean it, Mama?"
Mac sat on the couch and lifted the boy to his lap. "You bet, Champ. We'll have a good time."
Defeated, tears pooled in Jade's eyes. As they sat with their heads close together, the resemblance between father and son was staggering. Maybe she'd find a way to tell Mac that Donnie was his son while they shared Mac's condo. But was telling Mac the smart thing to do? Oh, this was such a mess. Maybe with Mac's help everything would be more clear.
"Donnie, why don't you go to your room and pick out a few of your favorite toys you'd like to take to Mr. Stryker's house?"
"Okay, Mama," said the child as he scampered off. Suddenly he stopped and turned. "Mr. Stryker, will it be awright if I bring my fireman's hat?"
"You bet, Donnie. I never know when I might need a fireman around."
Captain Douglas Kincaid looked up from his desk and inwardly groaned. Callie Lasko advanced through the outer office toward him like a speed walker - head high, arms pumping, and a smirk on her overly made-up face.
What now, he thought.
"Captain, I've got to speak to you right away. Donovan and Stryker have screwed up big time." She plopped into one of the chairs in front of his desk.
"Ah, jeez, Callie," he said running his hand across his flattop hair. "What is it between you and those two? I heard Stryker called you out in Roll Call." He was pleased to see she at least had the sensibility to blush. "I also heard he was completely justified in doing so."
"That's a matter of opinion," she said in a huff. "But what would you say if I told you Training Officer Donovan and her Probationary Officer Stryker have been conducting an off-duty relationship?"
"I'd say you better have evidence to back it up. So, what do you have?"
Callie explained the call she'd gotten from Jade and the resulting investigation.
Kincaid felt acid building in his stomach. Callie didn't have any solid evidence of misconduct, but even without talking to Donovan and Stryker, he knew their story was ridiculous.
"Did a search for witnesses come up with anything regarding the assault?" he asked.
"Unfortunately not. The two patrol guys couldn't find anyone who'd seen the SUV, Jade, or the crime. They're also asking about seeing Stryker in the neighborhood as well." She leaned forward. "We may have them yet," she said with glee. "One of the neighboring apartment buildings has security cameras that face the street. The guys are with the manager reviewing the video as we speak. They're supposed to call me with anything they find."
As if on cue, her cell phone rang. After a brief conversation she ended the call and shook her head.
"Nothing on the surveillance cameras. The cameras are dummies. They're all for show."
"Callie, I'm all for trying to find a suspect who tried to run down one of my officers. What I don't want you to do is form a witch hunt targeting two of my officers."
Callie stood and the heavy scent of her perfume reached his nose.
"Are you saying you don't want me to investigate allegations of misconduct?"
"The only person I've heard make any allegations is you," he said. "And you haven't provided any evidence to support those assertions."
"Captain, if we were talking about anyone other than Jade Donovan, I think you'd be all over this like a fly on crap. I don't know why you're so ready to protect her, but you're treading on some dangerous ground."
Rage filled Kincaid and he felt blood rush to his face as a result. Although he wanted to yell, he maintained control.
"Are you threatening me, lieutenant?" he asked calmly.
"I'm saying that maybe Jade Donovan is sleeping with more than one member of this department." With that, Lasko turned and walked out of the office.
Kincaid reached in the top drawer of his desk, found his bottle of antacids and poured some into his hand.
Mac's forearm twitched as bacon grease spattered at him from the frying pan he tended.
"How's that toast coming, Donnie?" he asked.
The little boy stared intently at the neon orange elements browning the bread.
"I think it's almost done, Mr. Stryker."
"How about you, Jade? Was there enough lettuce and tomato?"
"You just take care of the bacon, Stryker. I've got the rest of it covered."
The stress of being stalked had worn Jade down. Mac couldn't help but notice how much more relaxed she seemed since they'd arrived at his house. Once she'd made the decision to stay with him, he'd been amazed at how efficiently she'd gathered up necessities for Donnie and herself.
Being around the little boy opened old wounds in Mac's heart. He'd loved being a father and was devastated by Ashley's death. It didn't help that sometimes when he looked at Donnie, he'd flash back to a memory of his daughter. It was weird; sometimes the way the boy looked at him was the same exact way his little girl used to look at him.
Mac sneaked a glance at Jade. When he was her training officer, he hadn't given her much thought personally. Back then every male in the division wanted to know if he'd gotten into her pants, but he'd been too far in the bottle to act on his carnal desires. To his knowledge, she'd been too smart to fall for any line. She'd done all right on probation. She was sharper than most. He only had to tell her something once and she got it. Thankfully, she was better than average with her gun. She'd saved his life. Somehow he'd have to find the words to thank her. He never had. He'd never returned to work after the night of the shooting; the night their lives were on the line and he was too drunk to take care of business. Maybe with Jade and Donnie staying with him he could find the right time and the right words to properly thank her.
One thing he knew for sure, he was giving Jade a lot of thought these days. Without the alcohol to numb his desire, his standard "Jade dream" had morphed into scenes of erotic, and sometimes, exotic lovemaking.
"I know I said crispy bacon, but I think you're burning it," she teased. She smiled at him. "And you were worried I wasn't handling my end of the meal."
"Huh?" Mac glanced down to see greasy sizzling strips starting to smoke. "Oh, sorry." He grabbed a fork and fished the crinkled pieces out of the pan.
A few minutes later all three were quietly munching their sandwiches. In addition to the BLT's, Mac had heated some soup and Jade had made chocolate pudding.
"Mama, can I have some pudding now?"
Jade inspected Donnie's plate. It was empty. "Good boy. You ate your sandwich and your soup."
"I eated all my samich cause Mr. Stryker made it. He cooks good."
"Thanks, Donnie. How would you like to eat your dessert in the family room while you watch television?"
"Oh boy! Okay, Mama?"
Jade gave her permission and then started to clear the table. "I really want to thank you for letting us stay here."
Mac carried his dishes to the sink and began loading the dishwasher. "There's nothing to thank me for. It wasn't safe for you to stay at your apartment."
"I've been meaning to ask you how you knew that I hadn't told Lasko we were together when the truck tried to hit me. Actually, you're a victim of assault, too."
Mac shrugged. "I tried to put myself in your shoes. I knew you wouldn't tell anyone more than you had to. You've got enough time on the job to know your personal life isn't the department's business. Just an educated guess."
"Well, we're lucky we didn't get caught. I can't believe you came back while Lasko was there."
"I needed to see for myself that you and Donnie were alright. I figured I could handle Callie one way or another -- even if I had to take her for coffee to distract her." He gave Jade a wry grin. "If that had happened, you would have owed me more than a thank you."
Jade smiled back at him then cleared her throat. "You know, Donnie and I can't stay here for long."
A sense of dread came over Mac as he finished rinsing the sink and turned to her. "You just got here. I assumed you'd stay until we catch this psycho." Mac didn't tell her about his truck tires being slashed, and now that he had the whole story, he assumed the stalker was responsible. He wondered why the suspect would target him as well as Jade.
Jade shook her head. "I can't. Having us here could cost us both our jobs."
"There are worse things in life. I don't want bureaucratic nonsense to cost you your life."
"Easy for you to say. I have a son to support."
He pulled down a mug for himself. "Coffee?" he asked.
"No thanks, I wouldn't be able to sleep."
Mac was quiet as they moved to the glass and chrome kitchen table. I won't be able to sleep either, he thought. The problem won't be caffeine; it'll be the thought of you sleeping in my guest room. A fantasy of Jade wearing wisps of ivory lace filled his mind. In his mind's eye she smiled and beckoned to him. The sound of Jade pulling out a chair at the kitchen table jarred him from his thoughts.
"So, let's try to figure out who the dirt bag is that's scaring you. Got any ideas?"
How about our macho "Metro Man" captain, she thought. The one I stumbled across in a bar in San Francisco wearing a brunette beehive wig, a mini-skirted police uniform complete with fake badge and size twelve gold, jeweled, sandals. How about him?
That's what she wanted to say, but she never would. When she'd been on probation, her then-sergeant, Douglas Kincaid had filled her in all about the trust between officers. He'd made sure she understood that officers were always under the microscope for any minor infraction of rules -- real or fabricated. He'd made it clear that a good cop didn't "roll over" or "drop a dime" on another cop. It just wasn't done and that was that. That's why she'd never gone above her sergeant to report Mac's drinking problem or "sickness." Her sergeant was Douglas Kincaid and he'd told her he knew Mac was sick and to "suck it up and handle it." And she did.
Of course, over the years the department had changed. Now, probationary officers thought nothing of running to a supervisor with complaints about a training officer -- real or imagined.
"So can you think of anyone?" Mac asked.
She shook her head. "I can't imagine why anyone would do this to me."
"Let's not focus on why. Let's figure out who possible suspects are, then maybe we'll know the why. Who've you pissed off recently?"
"The first person that comes to mind is Callie Lasko," she said.
Mac nodded. "Who else?"
"I really can't think of anyone else."
"Could it be someone who is trying to get back at your father?"
"Nah, Dad doesn't have an enemy in the world, unless it's his conscience."
"What about Donnie's father?"
Jade's mouth set in a firm line. "It's not him."
"Are you sure?"
"I told you. It's not him. Move on."
Mac sat up a little straighter.
"Okay then, tell me about the boyfriend who didn't want to take no for an answer."
A blush flooded her cheeks. "I really wouldn't call him a boyfriend. We just dated a few times."
"Was he a cop?"
Jade shook her head. "No. I don't date people I work with."
"Why is that?"
"It just isn't a smart move. And you know as well as I do cops are the biggest gossips ever - there are no secrets in a police station."
Mac grinned. "To say nothing of the fact cops are horny ninety-five percent of the time and will try to hit on any little honey who gives them a smile."
"Speak for yourself," Jade shot back.
"Ouch. Sounds like I touched a nerve. What secrets have you got hiding in your closet, Ms. Donovan?"
"None. Now, do you want to know about Malcolm, or not?"
Mac snorted. "Malcolm? You dated a guy named Malcolm? What was his claim to fame? Badminton?"
Jade sprung from her chair. "If you're going to mock me, I'll handle the stalker myself." She turned on her heel and strode toward the family room.
With several long steps, Mac blocked her path.
"Get out of my way," she ordered, reaching up to push him.
He grabbed her wrists. "Hey, calm down." He kept his voice soft. "I was teasing you. I'm sorry." He lowered his head to look in her eyes, but she moved her gaze to the floor.
"Look at me and give me a smile," he urged.
She shook her head.
"Don't be stubborn. If you don't look at me, I'll have to think of a way to make you."
"Give it your best shot, cowboy. You just got done telling me how male cops drop their pants for every woman who smiles at them." She lifted her head defiantly. "I'm not that kind of girl," she said, fighting a smile.
His jeans pressed uncomfortably across his groin. The woman was driving him crazy. There was only one thing to do.
Mac lowered his head and captured her lips. They were so soft and warm. She tensed, but didn't pull away. He moved one hand to the back of her head and used the other to stroke her cheek.
She relaxed, returned the kiss, and leaned into him. There was no way she couldn't know the effect she was having on him. He deepened the kiss, teasing her fabulous lips with his tongue. The smell of flowers clung to her hair.
She raised her hands and placed them over his and gently pulled them away from her head. She drew back.
Her eyes were languorous, her lids heavy.
"Mac, I appreciate the fact you want to help me with the stalker, but I have no intention of becoming a notch on your headboard."
"That isn't what's happening here," he said.
"Well whatever is happening here isn't going to continue. There are so many reasons why this is a bad idea. Let's get back to Malcolm." She stepped away from him and they both returned to the table settling into chrome-framed chairs.
He was disappointed, to say nothing of the hard-on he had going. Face it, he thought, you've tried to pretend your relationship with Jade is strictly partners -- it's not. You might as well admit to yourself you've become dangerously attached to Jade and Donnie. In a deep part of your soul, you've fantasized being together as a family. You're a schmuck. She told you she doesn't hook up with people at work and that would include you.
Sighing, he placed his hands flat on the table.
"Okay, so what makes you think Malcolm might be weird enough to send you dead roses, and what does he do for a living?"
"He's a doctor. He works in the E.R. at North Hollywood Hospital. Our paths crossed and he asked me out. We went out several times but I didn't feel a connection, so I stopped seeing him." She drew circles on the table with her finger.
"I told him I didn't think we were right for each other but he kept calling." Jade sighed and looked at Mac. "He was mad and yelled all kinds of garbage, saying I probably liked women - they were probably more my type. A few days later he sent a gorgeous bouquet of flowers to the house with a note saying how sorry he was." She shrugged. "I hadn't seen or heard from him for about three months - maybe four - until a few days ago."
Mac sat straighter. "What happened?"
"He called, left a message and said he wanted to get together for dinner or something." She shrugged. "No big deal. He left his number and asked me to call back. I didn't. I didn't even save the message."
Mac shook his head. "I doubt he would wait so long to start the dead rose thing, but you never know. It's kind of suspicious he appears about the same time as the dead roses. And he's sent you flowers before. We'll check him out and see what he's up to these days. I also think we should put hidden cameras outside your apartment door. If we're lucky, we can see who's delivering the flower boxes, although we'll have to get them up soon. If the stalker holds true to form, we've only got four more days."
"I had the same thought. There's a video camera company in our patrol area on Lankershim Boulevard specializing in covert surveillance equipment. I ordered some cameras last week after I'd gotten the second box of flowers. The store had called and said my cameras had come in, but when I went by there a few days ago they were closed for an emergency. The sign on the door didn't say how long they'd be closed. They're the only business in the division that carries such sophisticated surveillance cameras. I hate shopping on duty, but I guess it's kind of work-related."
Mac nodded. "Don't be silly. Keeping you and Donnie safe is more important than not writing a parking ticket or two."
"Well, we can try the local shop tomorrow." Jade rose from the table. "I'd better check on Donnie and get him ready for bed." She started from the kitchen, stopped and turned to him. "Thanks again, Mac. For the first time in a week, I feel safe."
Mac watched from the kitchen as she gently coaxed her son to turn off the television and go with her upstairs. He swallowed hard to clear tightness in his throat. How many times had he watched his wife, Susan, shepherd their daughter to bed? Unshed tears blurred his vision.
"Susan, I failed you and Ashley," he whispered. "What happened to you is all my fault." Using his fingers to rub the tears from his eyes, he took a deep breath. "I've got to keep Jade and Donnie safe. I hope you understand."
"Mama, how come we're sleeping over at Mr. Stryker's house?"
Jade used a warm washcloth to flush shampoo from Donnie's hair. She'd known this question was coming. She hoped the answer she'd thought up was plausible.
"Remember how I told you about Mr. Stryker's little girl, Ashley? Well, sometimes he gets very lonely for her. I thought with you and me staying here for a couple of days he wouldn't be so lonely."
"Are you going to marry Mr. Stryker?"
Jade froze at the question. "No, why would you think that?"
"Cause I think he likes you," the little boy stood to be dried off, "and we never lived at a man's house before."
"Donnie, Mr. Stryker and I are just friends, we work together. You and I are just visiting. We aren't living here."
Donnie thrust out his chin. "Darn it! I wanted a Daddy."
Tears rushed into Jade's eyes as her heart filled with guilt. She thought she'd done a good job of being both mother and father to her son. She'd hoped her father, Angus, was enough of a male role model for Donnie. Apparently not.
Jade dabbed her eyes with Donnie's towel. "Well, honey, maybe someday you'll get a daddy." She ruffled his hair with the terrycloth. "Until that time, you'll just have to settle for me."
A mass of giggles erupted from beneath the towel. "I want you and Mr. Stryker."
Jade's heart lurched with renewed guilt. She too, had wondered if through some miracle the three of them might form a family. But as soon as those kinds of thoughts entered her mind, she forced them out. There were too many problems -- starting with the fact that Mac didn't even know Donnie was his son and how he'd feel about it when he found out. Then there was the issue of alcoholism. Coupled with the murder of Mac's wife and daughter, it was just too much.
Maybe staying here wasn't such a good idea. Donnie was getting too attached to Mac. Her son flipped the cloth back exposing his face. "Tickle me some more, Mama."
A short time later, Jade rubbed her neck as she watched the shallow rise and fall of her son's chest in the double bed in the guest room. A small nightlight left a comforting glow in the room.
Leaving the door ajar, Jade gathered pajamas, toiletries and slippers and headed down the hall to the guest bathroom. While washing her face, she mulled over the idea of telling Mac how she'd seen the captain a week ago. She couldn't believe Kincaid would try to keep her quiet by intimidating her with dead roses, but the timing sure fit. But if she was wrong and the captain wasn't the stalker, Jade would have put herself, Mac, and even the captain in an awkward position. She padded into the family room, her navy satin robe covered matching pajamas.
Mac was watching the news on TV. He glanced at her as she came into the room.
"Another shooting in Pacoima," he said, shaking his head at the flashing pictures. "I'll never understand these kids killing each other over gang affiliation. It's crazy."
She sat in a recliner facing the screen, feeling at a disadvantage in her nightclothes. Her mind screamed this was the time to tell Mac that Donnie was his son. She rehearsed several different ways to open the conversation. She hated all of them.
"Most of those kids don't know any other life. Often, they live in a single parent home where the mother is overwhelmed with supporting the whole family. The gang becomes a substitute parent."
"Do you worry about that with Donnie?"
Jade gasped. "He's only four."
Mac jabbed at a button on the remote control silencing the blare of a weather report and turning off the flat-screen.
"I mean when he gets older. You're a single parent. Don't you worry he could fall in with a bad crowd?" Mac got up and started checking that the doors and windows were locked. "Let's face it. Police work doesn't allow for a 'Brady Bunch' home life."
Jade sighed and walked with him while he did his security check. "I'd be stupid not to think about it, but I've been taking care of him myself since he was born." She shrugged. "Dad was sober for one year before I left Donnie with him. I still wasn't convinced my father wouldn't fall off the wagon, but I didn't have the money to hire a babysitter. It was more of a financial thing. But now, I'm happy to have someone who loves Donnie to help take care of him. These days you see so many horror stories about babysitters. I'm hoping between the two of us, we'll be able to teach him to be a responsible member of society."
Finished with securing the downstairs, Mac led the way to the stairs. He stopped and turned to her abruptly. "You've never said, and it's none of my business, but where is Donnie's father?"
Jade sucked in air while her heart hammered at the speed of an automatic rifle. "Um, his father? Well, uh, it's kind of a long story."
Mac turned away from her and started to climb the stairs. "A story clearly none of my business. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked."
Jade's fingernails dug into her palms as she clenched her fists, willing herself to tell Mac the truth.
Mac continued up the stairs and stopped on the landing. "I shouldn't have pried. I don't talk about my wife and daughter because it's very painful. It gets better with time, though. I'm sure whatever happened between you and Donnie's father will be better with time, too." His voice trailed off, and his gaze settled on a collage of photos of his family in happy times.
Jade climbed to the top of the stairs and stood in front of him before he could move. "There's something you should know."
He apparently didn't hear her. He stared past her into the frames of photos of his deceased family.
"I could never love another woman or child like I did Susan and Ashley," he mumbled.
An internal icy stake silenced the rapid-fire of her heart. Mac had no room in his heart for Donnie, much less for her. She swallowed the lump in her throat. As he blinked back tears, she knew what he said was true. She'd been fooling herself with fantasies of a happily ever after.
He placed his hand on her cheek. "I'm sorry. I get lost in memories. Did you say something?" he asked.
She jerked her head from his touch. "No. Nothing." She turned to join Donnie in the guest room. "We're working tomorrow. I'd better get to bed."
The next morning, Mac woke with a start. Someone was using the shower in the guest bathroom. Before he could grab the gun he kept on his nightstand, he remembered Jade and Donnie were in the guest room. He sank back into the pillows and stared at the ceiling.
He hadn't slept well. He never did when he'd been thinking of his wife and child and how he'd let them down. He should have left work and taken Susan to the doctor that horrific day. If he had, he'd have been there to keep them safe from carjackers. "Face it, Stryker," he muttered, "your whole life is comprised of your inability to take action when it mattered most."
He'd be dead if it wasn't for the woman showering in the nearby bathroom. He'd spent many drunken nights wishing the tattooed gangster had shot him. Bad enough he'd been too drunk to even attempt a shot at the kid with the blazing gun. More humiliating, his rookie partner had dropped the guy with just two rounds.
Of course, the resulting investigation revealed Mac was totally hammered. He did the only thing he could do without getting fired. He resigned.
After about a year he'd started to get his life back together again. He joined A.A. and took a job as a security guard at a movie studio. He tried to pretend what he did was important. The film moguls claimed they wanted security, but, in fact, they wanted a cardboard cutout who'd wave at the stars as they sped by in their tricked-out sports cars and SUV's. Mac learned his lesson the hard way when he busted one of the studio's biggest stars snorting speed with a prostitute on one of the sets.
After the Chief of Security upbraided him for embarrassing the mega-star and his "guest," Mac told his boss where to shove it and quit on the spot. It was only pure chance he'd run into an old LAPD partner who'd told him the Department was having a hard time hiring officers and was looking for former Los Angeles cops to come back to the job. Mac checked it out and two months after leaving the movie studio, Mac was back in the Police Academy.
How ironic his first training officer was Jade Donovan. After the shooting, he'd heard through the grapevine she'd gotten an Official Reprimand for not reporting his drinking on duty. The penalty was unfair. Back then no probationary officer would dare turn in their training officer for anything -- unless they wanted to get drummed out of the department. It was simpler for a rookie to play dumb and pretend they didn't know of any misconduct.
It was a different story now, Mac thought. New rookie officers took notes of any activity they perceived as wrongdoing and blabbed to a supervisor. Sergeants and lieutenants complained probationary officers spent more time in the station tattling on their partners than they did in the field. The rookies didn't understand department policy and what it took to get things done, and most often, their allegations were without merit.
The sound of Donnie's voice down the hall interrupted his musings. "Mama, I need to go potty. Hurry up!"
Mac heard the bathroom door open as Jade shushed her son. The door closed and muffled conversation ensued. A few minutes later the whine of a hair dryer filled the air.
As he swung his legs out of bed, Mac's thoughts returned to Jade. He wondered what kind of a fool would leave a beautiful woman and an adorable son. Jade was pretty evasive when it came to Donnie's father and she'd looked spooked when he'd asked. It must have been a hell of a break-up. Donnie never mentioned his dad, so the kid probably never really knew him. What a waste. He'd give his right arm to have a woman like Jade, and a son like Donnie, and some schmuck had let them slip through his fingers.
You think you're so smart, he thought, you've got a single, intelligent, and heart-breakingly sexy woman staying down the hall. So, what are you going to do about it?
After an uneventful day at work, Mac and Jade fought their way through the traffic to the camera store where they could buy some surveillance cameras.
"Was your Dad okay with watching Donnie after we got off work?"
Jade nodded. "Yeah, I called him and told him we're running an errand after work. He was fine with it. Donnie isn't a happy camper though," she said. Sitting in Mac's truck, she inhaled deeply, absorbing the scent that was distinctively Mac's. "I sure hate the fact we had to come all the way back to your house to drop off my car. But I think it's safer than trying to get out of the station parking lot without being seen together."
"You're right. Besides, I was thirsty," Mac said, waving a plastic water bottle at her. "So, now Donnie's upset. Poor little guy."
"I told him I'd make it up to him when we go to Vegas for Dad's wedding. You know, my Dad mentioned again this morning that he and Mona would really like for you to go, too."
"How do you feel about it?" Mac asked, slamming on the brakes to avoid a pedestrian who was jay-walking.
Jade's cheeks heated in embarrassment. "That's certainly a loaded question," she said with a smile. "Seriously though, I know Donnie would love it."
"That wasn't the question," Mac said. He took his eyes from the road to look at her.
She chose her words carefully. "It would be nice to have someone to go with, but I don't want you to feel obligated. You had a life before Donnie and I disrupted your household, and besides, you hardly know Dad and Mona."
"Well, you know that's one of the nice things about A.A. Everybody is fighting the same demon, so almost immediately you have a connection."
"So you are planning to come to the wedding?" Jade hated the hopeful tone in her voice but, the fact was, she felt less vulnerable to the stalker with Mac around -- at least that's what she kept telling herself.
Mac flipped on his blinker to change lanes. "Yes, not only because I want to, but I think we should stick together until we catch the dirtbag following you. Going to Vegas may buy us some time with this scumbag. It may take him a day or two to figure out you're out of town, and maybe we can discover who he is with our surveillance cameras. Speaking of which, where is the camera store?"
An hour and a half later Mac and Jade marched up the stairs to Jade's apartment. Each of them held boxes of components to construct a hidden camera system.
Jade fished her keys out of her purse. Slipping a key into the top deadbolt lock, she involuntarily gasped as the door swung open at her touch. Her police training kicked in and she jumped out of the doorway, getting clear of the "kill zone." Moving the box she held to one arm, she pulled her handgun from beneath her jacket.
When Jade bolted, Mac flattened himself on the other side of the doorway against the wall. He quickly set down the box he was carrying and replaced it with his Glock handgun.
Jade set her box on the floor as well and looked across the doorway at Mac. She too now had her gun drawn at a low ready.
"Did you see anyone?" he whispered.
She shook her head. "No, but the place has been tossed."
"How do you want to handle this? We can call for back-up or handle it ourselves."
"I don't want the department involved. Whoever broke in is probably long gone."
"Most likely you're right, but let's get a plan together anyway -- just in case."
After determining Mac would go first with Jade covering, they entered the apartment in one swift motion. They each took a position away from the door and slowly moved forward.
Anger raged through Jade as they made their way through her apartment. Everything in the refrigerator had been pulled out and thrown to the floor. Pasta sauce and eggs were thrown on the walls. In the living room, the couch and recliner oozed stuffing that had been slashed from the cushions and scattered throughout the room. Milk and orange juice had been poured on the carpet.
With practiced stealth they moved from room to room, securing closets, cupboards or any other hiding place large enough to conceal a person. Their footsteps squished the sound of their movement toward her bedroom.
She smelled the problem before she saw it. Although her bed was still neatly made, positioned in the center was a blob of human excrement. Above the odorous deposit, the familiar gold box rested across the pillows. Jade saw a muscle in Mac's jaw work in anger. Over the container, her panties and bras were precisely positioned, each piece cut to shreds.
After they'd cleared the apartment for suspects, they holstered their firearms.
"Let's open the flower box," Mac said.
"Why? I don't have to open it to know what's inside. This one will have four dead roses in it."
"Well, humor me," Mac said, walking over to the cardboard box. "This bastard broke into your house this time. That's something he's never done before." Mac pulled a folding knife from his rear pocket and sliced the red ribbon encircling the box. Using the tip of the blade, he lifted the lid and moved it aside.
"See, just what I said. Four dead roses." Jade turned from the bed and went down the hall. "I wonder why he left Donnie's room untouched," Jade said, peering at her son's things.
"This guy is after you, and leaving Donnie's room alone is sending a message to you. Be glad he doesn't seem interested in Donnie," Mac muttered, looking around at the carnage in the front rooms. "This bastard is sick. We'd better call this in."
"No! I advised Lasko I was being stalked and she blew me off. Screw her and the Department." Jade's stomach gurgled with fear and tension, but she couldn't report the stalking now. It was too late, she'd missed her chance. If she reported the crime now, she'd wind up looking like a fool for not pressing the issue with Lasko earlier, or going above Lasko to get some protection.
Mac's face grew red. "Jade, you're in over your head. Take a look around. The present he left on the bed is meant to disrespect you, but have you looked at your lingerie? He means to hurt you."
Mac strode out to the living room. Jade followed and surveyed the damage. He picked up a frame that held a picture of Jade and Donnie. Jade's face was burned out of the picture. The marred photo had been neatly placed back in the casing.
Mac marched over to Jade and held up the wooden frame.
"Look at this!" he said, pushing the snapshot toward her face. "This guy is playing for keeps." He moved to the phone.
"Wait! Mac, listen to me. He's bound to come back when I don't show up here and he can't find me. We've just bought surveillance cameras. Instead of having Metro or some other plain-clothes detail sitting on their butts looking for an unknown suspect, we'll let the camera do the work for us. No one will be in any danger because Donnie and I are staying with you and we're all leaving for Las Vegas tomorrow. When we get back, we'll know who we're looking for." She took a deep breath.
Mac rubbed his hand across his mouth, apparently considering her logic. "I don't like it. What happens if we wind up confronting the guy and blowing him away? The Department will have our fannies on a silver platter because we didn't advise them of this mess."
"I told you. I already advised Lasko. She'll be the one to fry, not us. Besides, there's nothing in the Department Manual that says I have to report being a victim of a crime. And we're not going to wind up shooting this guy unless it's justified." She returned to the hall where they'd left the surveillance camera equipment. "Let's get this stuff set up so we can get going. The apartment reeks. Hopefully, the damage this jerk did won't interfere with our putting the cameras up."
"You better call a locksmith to get the locks changed," Mac said as he opened several windows.
A couple of hours later, Jade and Mac were satisfied the cameras they'd placed in the light outside her front door and in a flower arrangement in her living room were well concealed. The lens they put in the bedroom was the most hidden, disguised in a mock bottle of hairspray.
"I think we're a day late and a dollar short with all this equipment," he grumbled. "This guy is probably watching us put this stuff up and is laughing his ass off."
"I doubt he'd stick around after destroying my apartment. Maybe, we'll get lucky and snag some video of him before we go to Vegas."
While Mac put the camera boxes in his truck to be disposed of at his house, Jade called her apartment manager and advised her someone had broken into the apartment and she was having a cleaning service come the next day. "You don't have to do anything other than let in the cleaning people."
Next, she called a cleaning service and made the arrangements. She advised them to see the manager to gain access to her home.
Coming back into the apartment, Mac heard the last part of her telephone conversation.
"You don't think your property manager could be involved with all of this do you?" he asked.
Jade shook her head. "Bertie is about seventy years old and is hooked on some computer game. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body, unless you attack her cyber-college sorority house."
Once the locksmith arrived, he made quick work of replacing the door locks. "Looks to me like this guy had some kind of master key, or he's a professional burglar. There was very little damage to your locks." He assured Jade he'd replaced her hardware with the best materials available.
After the locksmith left, they verified the cameras were operating properly and then they secured the apartment. On the drive to pick up Donnie, neither of them spoke. An involuntary shiver shook Jade's body although Mac had the truck heater blasting.
Now, with time to think, the devastation in her apartment horrified her. The attack was violent and blatantly personal. Her personal space had been violated, and she'd never feel safe there again.
"I'm going to have to think about getting a new apartment."
Mac nodded. "I don't blame you. Do you think you should tell your Dad about this? After all, this nut already knows where Angus lives and he probably knows you and Donnie often visit."
A new sense of dread filled Jade's heart. "I haven't wanted to worry my Dad. What on earth would I tell him?"
"How about the truth?" Mac suggested.
"Absolutely not. The last thing I need is for him to fall off the wagon." She chewed on her lip while she thought. "What if I just tell him some kook I arrested made some threats against me and Dad just needs to be more aware of strangers around the house and that kind of thing?"
Mac shrugged. "I guess. I'm a firm believer you can't go wrong with the truth."
"I just don't want to alarm him unnecessarily. The chances of this dirtbag showing up at my Dad's are slim. I think the story I made up will work."
She could tell by the slight shake of Mac's head he didn't agree, but she didn't care. Her father would have no rest at all if he thought Jade and Donnie were in any kind of danger. They rode in uncomfortable silence until they reached Angus's house.
"Why would someone hate me so much they'd destroy my house?" An involuntary image entered her thoughts of Captain Kincaid dressed as a woman, throwing orange juice on her carpeting.
Mac didn't say anything.
She shifted in her seat to face him.
His mouth, set in hard line, was the epicenter of features filled with rage.
Finally he spoke. "Who would do something like that to your home?" he repeated. "Someone who has no fear of dying," he said with finality.
At her father's house, Jade kept her visit short, quickly gathering Donnie's belongings and getting him bundled up for the ride home. Pretending her speech about threats at work was an afterthought, she downplayed the jeopardy she was facing. As she knew he would, her Dad immediately wanted more details, but Jade kept her answers vague.
"Ah, lass, someday your Irish pride is gonna get you into trouble." Angus looked at Mac pointedly. "Maybe you can talk some sense into her."
Mac lifted his hands in a gesture of surrender. "Angus, I'm no match for your daughter's stubborn streak." But then Mac smiled. "But I'll see what I can do," he said as they, along with Donnie, made their way out the door.
Once all three of them were belted into Mac's truck they headed to his house. Jade saw Mac constantly looking in his mirrors for someone following them. She was watching too, and didn't see anything to cause alarm.
After the stress of their unsettling discovery at her apartment, Jade was more than happy to spend a quiet evening at Mac's. They watched some television, played a couple of games of checkers, and ate an early dinner. After Donnie was in bed, Mac and Jade discussed what time they'd leave for Nevada.
"Okay, I'll see you in the morning," he said as they climbed the stairs. "After what happened today will you sleep all right?"
"I hope so. That whole episode kind of knocked me off kilter. I'm sure a good night's sleep is just what I need."
"Well if you need me, you know where I am," he said in a calm tone.
Although his voice was even, Jade couldn't help but notice the flicker of desire in his eyes. Her heart started to warm at the realization he wanted her, but then she remembered his statement from the night before of how he could never love again. You've got enough problems, she told herself. Don't throw a broken heart on top of the heap.
"I'm sure I'll be fine," she said, squaring her shoulders and opening the guest room door. She'd forced herself to sound confident, although she was sure every time she closed her eyes, images of her ruined apartment would fill her mind.
The next morning, Mac checked the tire pressure, oil level, and radiator fluid in Jade's SUV. While Mac inspected the car, Jade and Donnie used Mac's truck to trek over to Angus's house.
"Donnie, I don't know why you insist on taking your fireman's helmet to Las Vegas," Jade said irritably.
"Cause Mr. Stryker told me I should always be prepared. What if a fire happens?"
Jade swung Mac's truck into the driveway of her father's house as Angus and Mona came out the front door, each pulling a suitcase on wheels.
"Ay, lass, what are you doing here?"
"Donnie left his fire helmet here yesterday. He's insisting on taking it to Vegas."
"I hung the hat on the coat rack in the laundry room," Mona said. "It's surprisingly heavy."
"It's not heavy, Mona. It's just 'cause you're a girl," Donnie said.
"Well, let's go get the darn thing," Jade said. "What time does your airport shuttle get here, Dad?"
The elderly man looked at his watch. "Supposed to be here in a half hour."
"Well, you're certainly out here early."
"I don't want to keep the man awaitin'."
Jade nodded, knowing her father didn't travel much and feared missing his plane. "I don't know why you don't come with Mac and me."
Angus put his arm around his fiancée. "Because I promised this little lady a classy wedding trip, and if we fly we can be there in an hour compared to five hours it would take to get there in your truck."
"All right, all right," Jade said, shaking her head. "Listen, I need to run to the drug store real quick. It'll only take me about ten minutes. Can Donnie stay here?"
"No, Mama. I want to go too," Donnie cried.
"Not this time Donnie. Mommy needs to get stuff just for girls."
Mona nodded her head immediately. "Donnie you can stay here and help us watch for the shuttle van."
"Oh aw right."
"I'll be right back," Jade said.
When Jade returned, she was surprised to see her SUV parked in the driveway and Mac chatting with Mona and Angus. Donnie played nearby.
"I finished sooner than I'd planned. I thought we might as well hit the road as soon as we can," Mac explained.
"Works for me," said Jade. "Dad, can we leave Mac's truck in the driveway? It'll make the place look like someone is home."
"Sure thing, lass." A bright blue and green van pulled to the curb. "Okay, daughter, this is it. We'll see you in Vegas."
Jade hugged her father and his bride-to-be while Mac helped the driver load the luggage in the storage area.
"Bye, Grandpa. Bye, Mona," Donnie said as the couple climbed into the van.
Mac, Jade and Donnie stood on the sidewalk waving as the shuttle drove out of sight. A few minutes later, they too were on the road.
"Mommy, how far is Las Vegas?" Donnie asked from the back seat of Jade's SUV.
She turned to face him from the front passenger seat. "It's a very long way. I think if you can fall asleep it would be a good idea."
Her son scowled at her. "I just woked up, I'm not tired."
Mac gave Jade a sidelong glance. "Don't argue with the logic of children, they'll beat you every time." From the driver's seat he looked into the rear-view mirror at the boy. "I don't think your mother expects you to go to sleep now, Donnie, but it's going to take us about five hours to get there. That's a long time. You may want to sleep later."
The little boy nodded back at him. "Okay, Mr. Stryker. I'll let you know if I get tired." He picked up a book about firemen from the seat where Jade had set a bag of books and small toys for him to play with.
"What time is the wedding tomorrow?" Mac asked.
"Not until seven. Mona wanted a candlelight service."
"Good. That will give us half of today and most of tomorrow to see the town."
A few hours later, Mac swung the SUV into a parking spot outside a fast-food restaurant in Barstow. Although the day was sunny, the ambient air was cool as they got out of Jade's car.
"Donnie, hold Mommy's hand. Cars are pulling in and out and they can't see you."
"Come here, Champ. I'll carry you," Mac offered.
The little boy sprang into Mac's arms as they made their way through the crowded parking lot. Mac had forgotten the sense of contentment that came from holding a small child. Ashley had loved it when Mac carried her. She always told him he was the "strongest Daddy in the whole world." God, how he missed her...and Susan.
Inside the restaurant, Jade and Donnie sat at a table while Mac got their food.
"Mama, can we go outside to the playground?"
"Not right now, Donnie. Here comes Mac with the food."
Mac placed the tray laden with burgers and fries in the middle of the table.
Jade used a plastic knife to cut Donnie's burger in half.
"I can't believe how crowded it is in here," she said. "I think everyone going to Vegas must stop here."
Mac looked around at the crowd. His eyes assessed two muscled, leather-clad bikers. They sat across the dining area, their hardened stares focused on Jade.
Mac wasn't sure if their interest was in Jade's toned body wrapped in black jeans and moss-green sweater, or if there was a more sinister meaning behind their attention. Mac glared at the men, the weight of his handgun in a shoulder holster comforting. They must have felt Mac watching them because the larger of the two men said something to his friend who laughed, displaying a smile with several missing teeth. The biggest man wadded the wrappers from his meal and hurled them at a trashcan as they swaggered from the burger joint. The big guy glared a challenge to Mac.
If Jade was aware of the men, she gave no indication. She encouraged Donnie to finish his hamburger.
Mac purposely stalled for a few minutes to give the bikers plenty of time to get on their motorcycles and leave the parking lot. If he had been alone, he would have confronted the tattooed scumbags. But with Jade and Donnie here, he'd take the path of least resistance.
"All set, Champ?" Mac asked. At Donnie's nod, he turned to Jade. "How about you, Mom? Ready to go?"
"Yes, but I think Donnie should use the bathroom before we go. Would you mind taking him?"
"I think I can handle that. Come on, Donnie."
"You mean I don't have to go in the girl's bathroom? Oh boy. Mama always takes me in with her," Donnie explained, grasping Mac's hand.
"I'll meet you at the car," Jade said, heading toward the ladies room.
Mac didn't realize how long it took to get a small, curious boy to use necessary facilities. Finally they were done. "Come on, your Mom will think we fell in."
Stepping into the cold, crisp air, Mac spotted Jade by the SUV. From her rigid stance, and the way she scanned the parking lot, he knew something was wrong.
Lifting Donnie to him, Mac jogged to Jade. Then he saw the box in her hands. Sunlight glared off the gold foil.
"Where'd you get that?" he demanded.
"It was on the hood of my car." Her face was devoid of color and her shoulders slumped. "He's following us."
Mac pressed the car keys in her hand. "You and Donnie get in the car and lock the doors." He jogged into the middle of the parking lot and did a quick surveillance. There was no one who stood out or looked as if they were paying any attention to Jade. Although Mac didn't think the bikers were involved, he checked for them but didn't see them. He returned to the SUV.
Jade unlocked the door and he climbed into the driver's seat. "When you came out, did you see anyone around the truck?"
Jade shook her head as a single tear slid down her cheek.
"Mama, why are you crying? You got a present. Let me open this one. Pretty please?" he whined.
"You know what, Champ? The boxes are a special present, just for adults. But you know what I'm going to do? When we get to Las Vegas, I'm going to buy you your own special present. How would you like that?"
"Oh boy! Do you think I could get a fireman's badge?"
Jade's voice was flat. "You know, you don't have to do that. Keep giving him gifts, he'll expect a present every time he sees you."
Mac ignored her barb. "Go outside and take the box to the back of the truck. Let's see what you got this time."
Jade clutched the box and slammed the door as she got out of the car.
"Your Mom and I will be outside, behind the truck," Mac said. He handed Donnie a toy fire engine and firefighter before closing the driver's door.
Jade thrust the shiny box towards Mac. "I know what's inside," she said. "You open it. The frigging psycho is following us to Vegas." Her low tone was shot with fear.
Mac opened the rear hatch of the SUV and set the box in the storage area next to their luggage. For the second time in two days, Mac produced a black-handled folding knife and flipped open the blade with a reassuring snap. The sharp edge severed the scarlet ribbon encircling the box. Lifting the lid off of the container, he saw she was right. Nestled in the green tissue paper lay three roses, brittle with decay. There was something else inside. A piece of paper, folded in half. In the afternoon light he could see letters of the alphabet had been cut from various publications and affixed to the page to form a cryptic message.
"There's a note inside," he said. "Maybe there's prints." She stood next to him as he used the top of the knife to expose the writing.
Thought you could hide didn't you? I'm coming for you bitch. You AND your kid.
"When I find out who's doing this, Mac, I'm going to kill him."
"We can't fool around with this anymore. Not with him following us and threatening Donnie. We've got to let the Department know what's going on. You've got a gun, right?"
She lifted the edge of her sweater to expose the barrel of the black semi-auto holstered to her belt.
"There's no need to let the Department know about this," she said, her lips forming a thin line. "Lasko didn't want to know about it when I tried to tell her, and they sure as hell aren't going to send anyone out here to the desert to investigate. Let's just get going."
"You know, you are fucking crazy."
"What?"
"Someone has literally destroyed your house and threatened your son in the last twenty-four hours and you still refuse to let the Department or the captain know. You're letting your pride get in the way. I thought you were smarter than that."
"You don't get it, Mac! Neither the Department nor the captain cares! For all we know, maybe the Department is behind this."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm just saying that at this point I don't trust anyone, including the Department or the captain. The Department didn't care before and they aren't going to care now." She tossed her hair behind her back. "We'd better get back to Donnie."
"Jade, is there something more going on? Are you under investigation for something? Is that why you're refusing to get help from the LAPD?"
She shook her head.
"Well then, what you're saying doesn't make any sense."
"Okay," she argued, "try this on for size. If you and I go to the Department, or even the FBI with this, we'll both be under investigation and probably lose our jobs because we aren't supposed to be socializing off duty. I can't bend the truth and say that I found the box by myself because detectives will come out here and pull surveillance video to see who left the box. They may not see the psycho, but you can bet they will see you, me and Donnie looking like a big happy family on vacation! I need my job, Mac. I can't get fired over this. I'm sure the two of us can get this figured out. Let's get to Vegas, get my Dad married and then we can buckle down and get this bastard." Turning on her heel, Jade marched to the passenger side of the SUV and got in, slamming the door behind her.
Wordlessly, Mac put the lid back on the box and stored it behind the luggage in the cargo compartment. Then he did a quick walk around the vehicle making sure none of the tires had been flattened or some other booby-trap had been set.
Mac was really puzzled. For some reason, Jade refused to go to the organization that could help her the most. She was right about them possibly losing their jobs, but the danger she was in was so much greater of a threat.
"We'll get to Vegas and check into the hotel in my name," he said. "Maybe we'll call the captain and let him know what's going on. I'm sure he'll make arrangements to have Vegas Metro P.D. assign someone to watch us."
"I already told you how we were going to handle it," Jade said, pointedly looking over her shoulder at Donnie.
As they drove off, Mac checked the rear view mirror for a tail while moving along the highway. He didn't see anything unusual. A few hours later, the SUV sped down the highway towards the large assortment of various shaped buildings forming the infamous "strip."
"I think we should play it safe," he said. "I know we've got reservations, but let's stay at a different hotel. Once we get settled, you can call your dad and Mona and let them know where we are."
"What am I going to tell them? I don't want to tell them the truth."
"Mama, you told me to always tell the truth," Donnie said.
"Gosh, Donnie, you were so quiet, I thought you were asleep," said Jade.
"Mama, look at the castle," Donnie said pointing a plump finger. He twisted in his seat. "That one's shaped like a triangle. Wow. Hey look at that tall pointy one."
"That hotel has a roller coaster on the very top," Mac said.
"Cool. Can we go on it, Mr. Stryker?"
"I'm not sure you're big enough, Donnie, but we'll check it out."
"Great," Jade said to Mac, "on top of everything else going on, I've got to worry about my son becoming a Vegas junkie."
"I think that's one worry you can let go," he said. "We've got enough to keep us busy right now."
They checked into a hotel with a tropical theme. Mac insisted they stay in a suite where the three of them could all stay together. He'd braced himself for an argument from Jade, but she didn't say a word. He felt sorry for her; she looked so tired and discouraged.
Donnie was wide-eyed but quiet, holding on to his mother's hand as they wound their way to the bank of elevators to take them to their accommodations.
"Can I press the button?" he begged.
Once in their room, Jade perked up a little. "Oh, Mac this is beautiful. Look at the view."
Donnie ran over and peered through floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the pool area. "Look, they got a slide that goes in the water. I wanna go down and do it."
"Donnie, it's too cold to go swimming. But maybe I'll take you down to the pool later so we can check it out," Jade said.
"You two take the bedroom with the king size bed. I'll sleep on the fold-out couch," Mac said, glancing at the king-size bed in the bedroom. He imagined Jade wrapped safely in his arms beneath the blankets in that bed. Better get those thoughts out of your head, he thought to himself. Your mission is to focus and keep Jade and Donnie safe -- not get her into bed.
"I'd better call Dad and Mona," she said. "They must be wondering where we are."
Mac easily carried their luggage to the bedroom. "Tell them we'll meet them for dinner over at their hotel. That will give us time to check out the grounds here, and see what else they have to amuse a little boy," he said, ruffling the hair on Donnie's head. In return, Donnie erupted in a melody of giggles.
A couple hours later, Mac, Jade and Donnie stood in the lobby of Angus and Mona's hotel. Decorated in an old west theme; the casino was easily in view. Melodic chimes of the slot machines beckoned, while cocktail servers dressed as saloon girls moved with surgical precision through the throngs of people. Employees working the table games wore brocade vests and long-sleeve white shirts with black ribbon ties. Animated videos and music from the slot machines competed with excited shouts from the dice tables.
"What are those people doing, Mommy?" Donnie asked. A large wheel emblazoned with various denominations of dollar bills spun against a leather flap. The strip of cowhide snapped rhythmically as the wheel slowed and then stopped. The players surrounding the table emitted a chorus of groans.
"They're losing hard earned cash, Donnie. That's what's they're doing," Mac said, his gaze scanning the hordes of people in the lobby and crowding the gaming area.
Jade turned to him, surprise in her eyes.
"You don't gamble? You used to talk about it all the time."
Mac shook his head. "Not any more. For me, drinking and gambling went hand in hand. I'm having enough trouble staying away from the bottle without throwing money away, too."
The expression on her face turned from curiosity to concern. "Are you having a hard time?"
"No more than usual. As I told you before, I take it, 'One day at a time.'"
Suddenly a boisterous mass of people exited an elevator. A man, not paying attention, crashed into Jade. Mac's arm shot out and steadied her before she toppled to the floor.
"Jade? Is that you?" the man asked.
Mac immediately placed his body between Jade and the interloper. Mac's right hand hovered over the butt of his gun concealed beneath the blue denim jacket he wore.
"Malcolm? What are you doing here?" Jade asked, peering around Mac's chest, her eyes wide with surprise.
Ah, so this was Malcolm, the doctor who'd been angry when Jade didn't want to date him anymore. This Malcolm guy went right to the top of Mac's list as a suspect. What were the chances of Jade running into him in Vegas?
Mac estimated him to be in his mid-thirties. Receding blond hair was left long in the back. The man wore a rust-colored silken shirt beneath a black leather jacket. A gold chain adorned with a Chinese symbol rested at his neck. A horseshoe shaped diamond ring glinted on his hand under the bright lights. He didn't look dangerous; he looked like a wise-guy wanna-be.
Jade started to step around Mac, but he blocked her path. He placed his left arm around her, turning her, remaining a barrier between her and the newcomer.
"Honey, I don't think I've met your friend," Mac said amicably as he extended his hand to the man.
"I'm Doctor Malcolm Toombs," the man said, gripping Mac's hand.
"Mac Stryker," Mac offered, noticing the other man sizing him up. The good doc also scoped out Jade's left hand for rings.
"What brings you to Las Vegas, Malcolm?" Jade asked.
The doctor ran his hand through his hair. "A seminar about recognizing injuries from domestic violence. Working in the E.R., I come in contact with it all the time."
Jade nodded her head. "So many victims are afraid to report the crime. They lie about how they got injured."
Malcolm leaned forward, extending his arm toward Donnie. "I haven't seen this little fellow in a long time," he said, ruffling Donnie's hair. Donnie frowned, moved behind Mac and wound his arms around his thigh.
"Are you staying here at this hotel?" Malcolm asked Jade.
"We're here for a wedding," Mac interjected. Let the wise guy chew on that one for a while, Mac thought. He changed the subject. "This is a great resort," Mac said. "Are you staying here, doctor?"
"Yes, I've got a deluxe suite upstairs. Killer view."
"Gee, that's great." Mac extended his hand again. "Nice meeting you, Doctor, but I'm afraid we've got to go now." Mac guided Jade, who clutched Donnie's hand, deeper into the lobby area.
"Hey, Jade, it's good to see you. Give me a call!" the doctor yelled after them.
Mac moved fast and kept a tight grip on her. She barely called out "goodbye," before the crowds enveloped them.
"Hey, Mama, there's Grandpa and Mona," Donnie cried, breaking away and running to the elderly couple.
After a leisurely dinner with her father and Mona, Jade and Mac returned to their tropical-themed hotel and traversed lamp-lit paths near the gigantic swimming pool. Mac carried Donnie, who was sleeping. A fine mist spewed from giant fountains, chilling their faces in the crisp winter air.
"Do you think Dad and Mona bought the story you had a friend who worked here and got us a good deal on a suite?" she asked.
"Yeah, I think they did. I plan to check out your friend, Malcolm. It's too much of a coincidence that he'd be in Vegas, much less staying at the hotel where we'd originally had reservations."
Jade nodded her head. "Kind of surprising to see him here, isn't it? How are you going to check him out?"
"I'll be sure he's staying at the hotel he says he is, and then verify there really is a medical seminar going on. Pretty bizarre he'd literally bump into you while you're in Vegas."
Jade opened the door for him.
Despite the noise from the casino, Donnie didn't wake up as they walked to the elevators. Once inside their suite, they discovered the maid had turned down the bed and left a piece of chocolate on each pillow.
"Oh, chocolate," Jade said, unwrapping a piece and popping it in her mouth. "Mmmm, now I can sleep a happy woman."
Mac laid Donnie down on the bed. "If you feel that way about it, here, take the other piece, too," Mac said, offering her the other foil wrapped confection.
"I really shouldn't. It's Donnie's. Besides, I need to watch my calories, you know."
Mac appraised her slim frame. "You don't have a weight problem. I don't think one piece of candy is going to kill you."
"I should probably save it and let Donnie have it tomorrow," she said, looking wistfully at the treat.
"Live a little," he said taking off Donnie's sneakers. "Go ahead and eat it already."
Before he'd finished the sentence, she had the wrapper off and the chocolate in her mouth. Her eyes closed as she savored the sweetness.
"I'll get Donnie changed into his pajamas and then come help you get your bed made up," she said.
"Don't bother. I can get it. Will it bother you if I take a quick shower first?"
"It won't bother me at all," she lied as Mac disappeared into the bathroom area. I'll just sit out here and fantasize about hot water running over your muscled chest and down your broad back, she thought.
Without waking him too much, she got Donnie into his pajamas and tucked him under the covers. She turned the TV on low, and listened to the local news while digging through her suitcase for her nightgown. Suddenly, she winced as intense pain shot through her abdomen.
"Wow," she said to herself, "that was weird." She stood still for a minute to see if she'd be stricken again. When no new discomfort wracked her body, she resumed her search for her nightwear.
The sound of the running shower told her she'd have time to unpack, so she started to pull sweaters and slacks from the soft-sided luggage. Once again a severe cramp assaulted her. Quickly, she unhooked her belt and slid her gun and holster from her hip. Wobbling to the closet, she placed the firearm on the top shelf of the closet. Making her way to the bed, she sank to the mattress. A cold sweat broke out on her skin. Her stomach rolled in distress.
"Oh," she groaned. Not able to sit any longer, she lay opposite her sleeping son. A spasm shot through her abdomen caused her to draw her legs toward her chest. Even lying down, she was feeling dizzy.
The water flow in the shower ceased. She could hear Mac moving about the bathroom. In a few minutes she heard him brushing his teeth.
She didn't want him to see her in this condition. She tried to sit up, but nausea forced her to lie back down.
Finally, the bathroom door opened and Mac appeared, the lower half of his body covered by a towel. He looked at Jade and did a double take and rushed to her side.
"What's the matter? You look terrible. Are you sick?"
Jade tried to prop herself up on her elbow, but didn't have the strength. "It must have been something I ate," she said weakly.
"I've got something in my suitcase that will coat your stomach. Do you think that'll help?"
She nodded her head and Mac hurried to his satchel. While he pawed through his belongings, the towel bunched at his waist undid itself, falling to the floor. He quickly found the medicine, then retrieved the covering from the floor and rewrapped it in place.
"You know, if I were feeling better, your strip tease would have been the highlight of my day," she whispered.
Mac made a face. "Very funny. Let's get some of this into you," he said, pouring the Pepto Bismol into the plastic cup provided.
After drinking a small amount of the chalky pink liquid, she laid back and waited for the elixir to work.
Instead, she felt worse. The nausea turned to paralyzing pain. She couldn't help but moan.
"What did you eat at the restaurant tonight?" Mac demanded.
"'member, I had the baked potato stuffed with vegetables and chicken." Her voice sounded feeble even to her.
"I'm going to call for a doctor. The hotel must have someone on call."
Jade tried to shake her head, but it only caused the room to spin more. "Oh, don't do that, Mac. I'm sure it's just something I ate. I don't want to make a big deal about it."
"Jade, I'm looking at you, and quite frankly, you look like hell. If you've got food poisoning, we need to get you to a hospital." Not waiting for her reply, he went to the phone on Donnie's side of the bed and called the hotel operator and requested a doctor or paramedics.
Jade gave in to her desire to close her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
At the hospital, Mac paced the emergency room lobby. He'd naturally gravitated to the rear. There weren't as many people in this section so it was quieter. He could also observe the people who came and went.
Angus sat in a rounded plastic chair staring into an untouched cup of tepid coffee-machine brew. "I don't know what she could have eaten that would make her so sick," he said, shaking his head.
Mac didn't share his gut feeling with Angus that Jade was suffering from something other than food poisoning. In his mind he'd replayed Malcolm colliding with Jade. When they'd bumped, did Malcolm have time to inject her with something? While she was being admitted, Mac alerted the nurse that it was possible foul play was involved.
Reliving the evening's events at the hotel, his stomach clenched with the fear he'd felt after he'd called for help. Jade's body went limp and she'd shut her eyes. Mac's heart had dropped to his knees. He'd slapped her cheeks, doused her face with water, and even bent her fingers in a painful compliance technique usually used on drunks. Nothing had worked. He'd quickly dressed.
When the hotel doctor arrived, he'd done a quick examination and immediately requested an ambulance. Fortunately, it hadn't taken long for paramedics to arrive and get her in the ambulance. But they, too, had been unable to revive her.
Mac had hated to wake Donnie and frighten him with his mother's condition, but having Jade go to the hospital alone wasn't an option. He'd called Angus and Mona at their hotel, and told them what had happened and directed them to meet him at the hospital. Donnie had been both frightened and in awe of the paramedics who treated his mom. Donnie, from his car seat, had cried and begged Mac to hold him as they followed the racing ambulance to the hospital in Jade's SUV.
Mona and Angus had arrived by cab about a half hour later. Angus's hair was standing on end, and he wore a corduroy jacket over his pajama top. Mona's slacks and sweater were the outfit Mac had seen her wearing at dinner. Both of their faces had been creased with worry. Mona had volunteered to take Donnie back to their hotel, while Angus stayed with Mac.
A short time later, a grim-faced doctor appeared in the waiting room and called for relatives of Jade Donovan. Angus stood slowly and Mac held his arm and steadied him while they walked to learn Jade's fate.
"You're the family of Jade Donovan?" the doctor asked in a curt tone.
Both Mac and Angus nodded.
"I won't lie to you. She's very critical. You need to prepare yourselves for the worst."
Angus wilted into Mac, who threw an arm around the older man to support him. "Do you have any idea what's wrong with her?" Mac asked.
The physician shook his head. "Not yet. I do know it's not food poisoning. When I know more, I'll let you know."
"Can we see her, doctor?" asked Angus.
"I'm still trying to get her stabilized. She's in critical condition right now. If she takes a turn for the worse, I'll let you in. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get back."
Mac led Angus back to the chair he'd been sitting in. "Angus, I've got to make some phone calls. You stay here. Do you want me to call Mona and have her bring Donnie back?"
"No, laddie, I don't want the boy to be here if she..." tears spilled from the older man's eyes as his face crumpled with emotion, "...if she doesn't make it." Mac patted the old man's hand and then walked out of the lobby outside to the front of the hospital.
Mac tried to gather his thoughts. Once again, Stryker, someone you care about is in danger of dying because of your incompetence. You've had plenty of time to get this stalker thing under control, but no -- you've been too busy pretending Jade and Donnie are your family, enjoying them living in your house. Instead, you should have insisted Jade get some help from the department, or never left her alone...anything would have been better than what you've done! If Jade dies, it's your fault.
"God, I need a drink," he whispered to himself. Pushing that thought out of his mind, he used his cell phone to call his division.
"This is Lieutenant Ryan. How can I help you?"
"Uh, lieutenant, I don't think you know me. I work day watch. This is Officer Mac Stryker."
"No, I don't know you Stryker, but I've heard a lot about you. So what's up?"
"I'm in Las Vegas with my partner, Jade Donovan."
"What? Are you putting me on?"
"No, I'm serious. Donovan is in the hospital. She got really sick and she may not make it."
"Hold on a second."
A muffled rustling in his ear told Mac the Watch Commander had put his hand over the handset of the office phone. In spite of the lieutenant's efforts, Mac could still hear what was said.
"I need everyone out of my office right now. Hurry up, and close the door behind you."
The rustling in Mac's ear stopped.
"Okay, I'm back. Start over and tell me everything."
"It's a long story, but I'll try."
After Mac explained about the stalker and why he and Jade were in Las Vegas, the lieutenant let out a long whistle.
"I gotta tell ya, bro, you haven't even been back on the job a week, and you and your partner are in a heap of trouble. But from what you've told me, you did the right thing by calling. I don't know why neither of you notified the Department before now about the stalker, but at least your trying to fix it now. It sucks to be you. But then, I guess you're a lot better off than your partner, right?"
The lieutenant's tone turned more professional as he told Mac someone would be calling him back. Mac knew with certainty not only was Captain Kincaid going to be advised, the notifications would probably go up to the Chief of Police. Internal Affairs would be called to start an investigation into the off-duty relationship between Mac and Jade.
Mac wouldn't bother explaining to this lieutenant that Jade had tried to advise Callie Lasko about the stalker. That information could wait for the captain or the I.A. investigation.
In retrospect, he realized how foolish it was to share a suite. It made their relationship appear sexual which, much to his disappointment, it wasn't. While he'd spent many of the last few nights fantasizing about making love to Jade, his feelings for her were growing into so much more. Now they'd probably both be fired because no one would believe that only a few kisses had been shared.
Mac went back inside to check on Angus. The old man looked like he desperately needed a drink. Mac felt the same way. Thank goodness they were together. They could support each other. Mac knew without a doubt, if he'd been alone, he'd be looking for a bar right now. The thought of Jade dying was too much to bear.
"Angus, I can't use my cell phone in here. I've got to go outside to wait for a call. You gonna be okay?"
"No need to be frettin' about me. Do what you need to do, laddie." The old man's voice was thin.
Mac gave Angus's shoulder a squeeze and then moved into the brisk outdoors. Almost immediately, his cell phone rang.
"Mac, its Captain Kincaid. I got a call from the Watch Commander saying something about Jade Donovan being in a Las Vegas hospital and you're there with her. What's going on?"
Outside the entrance to the hospital, Mac shifted his cell phone to the other ear as an ambulance approached. Lieutenant Ryan must have the captain on speed-dial, Mac thought. It had only been about twenty minutes since Mac had hung up from the Watch Commander.
The captain's voice was full of professional understanding. However, below the surface, Mac heard an edge - an edge of controlled panic. The captain, no doubt, was afraid the situation was going to explode, possibly ruining his chance for promotion - or worse. Many a department commanding officer had his or her career stalled over a misstep by a subordinate.
"Jade and I are in Vegas to attend her father's wedding. We got here earlier this morning. Her son is with us too. We saw some sights, ate with her father and his fiancée, and then returned to her room. Jade began having severe abdominal pains. I thought she might have food poisoning, so I called paramedics. Now we're at the hospital - and captain, it doesn't look good."
"Hmmm. I see."
"Uh, but there's more," Mac added.
"Go on." This time there was a definite bite to his tone.
"Someone is stalking Jade. He's been sending her dead flowers for about a week and a half. He must be following her, because on our way up here, he left a box on top of her truck in Barstow while we were eating. He sent flowers last week to the station, too."
"Do you think the stalker is responsible for her illness?"
"It's too soon to tell."
"Why didn't she notify somebody?" the captain barked.
"She did, but Lieutenant Lasko wasn't interested, so Jade decided to handle it herself."
"Sounds like she may have handled herself right into the grave." He gave an irritated sigh. "Okay, I've got to call the bureau and let the deputy chief know what's going on. I'm going to see if I can get the department plane, but if not, I'll catch the first commercial flight I can. Is there anything else I should know?" he said sarcastically.
"I was hoping you'd be able to call Vegas Metro P.D. and get some uniformed officers to stand guard over Jade while she's here in the hospital. I know for a fact this nut followed us to Barstow, and now he's probably in Vegas."
"You know, Mac, since you've returned to the department I've been in your corner, but you've put me in a bad position. You're on probation socializing with your training officer, you've been sucked into her stalker problems, and now you're across state lines asking for protection from an outside agency. How do you think that's going to sound to the Chief of Police? How is that going to make me look? I'll do what I can, but you'd better prepare yourself to fight for your job again. I'll suggest to the deputy chief we might get Vegas P.D. involved, but I'm not promising. These multi-jurisdiction cases can get very messy."
"Fair enough," Mac replied. "And captain? Jade and I are just friends."
"Uh huh, and when I went to bed tonight I was lying awake hoping I'd get called with some cluster-fuck. I'll see you as soon as I can get there." The line went dead. Mac shivered in the cold and returned to the hospital lobby.
Angus looked up at Mac with hound-dog eyes.
"I was just talking to my boss," Mac said.
"Well, what'd he have to say?"
"He isn't happy, he's on his way, and I'll probably lose my job."
"Not an ounce of concern for my Jade in there dyin'?" The old man shook his head in disbelief.
"Oh no, Angus. That's why the captain's coming. Jade is part of the LAPD family, and every captain is kind of like a father to all the people who work under him. He's very worried about Jade."
Angus shook his head and crossed his arms across his chest. "Aye, lad. And later on, I'll be meetin' up with the Pope in a strip club down the road."
About an hour and half later, both Mac and Angus rose from their chairs as the doctor approached them in the waiting room. Mac scanned the physician's face for any clue as to the kind of news he was coming to deliver. A quick glance at Angus revealed his face pale, and his features set in hard lines as if he was about to take a blow.
The doctor stopped in front of them and gave a small smile. "Mr. Donovan, you can go see your daughter now. I'm guardedly optimistic, and I think we've got the problem identified."
"What is it?" Mac asked.
"Arsenic poisoning. After we pumped her stomach we had the contents analyzed and it appears she ate some chocolate laced with arsenic."
A chill engulfed Mac's body, but was quickly replaced by rage.
"Poisoning?" Angus said, "Who'd want to poison my little Jade?"
The doctor led them past quiet groups waiting in huddles for word of their loved ones. He punched a silver plate on the wall and wide double doors whooshed open to the treatment area. He turned to Mac.
"You gave her something to coat her stomach, right? You probably saved her life. It started to bind the arsenic right away. She'll need to stay in the hospital for a day, maybe two, but she should fully recover."
The doctor pointed to a door at the end of the hall. "She's in room eight." He started to walk away, but stopped. "Oh, because of the circumstances, I've notified the police. That's our protocol." The physician turned and jogged to a gurney being wheeled in by paramedics.
Mac led Angus into the treatment room. Machines monitoring Jade's vital signs beeped rhythmically while a redheaded nurse adjusted the flow of an I.V. connected to Jade's arm. The R.N. smiled as they entered.
"We're going to be moving her as soon as we get a room ready. She's a lucky girl. We got her stomach pumped and she's responding very well."
Angus moved over to the bed. Jade's usually porcelain skin was blotchy. Dark circles beneath her closed eyes stood stark against her paleness. He took his daughter's hand.
"Hey, darlin'. Your dad is here."
Ever so slowly, Jade opened her eyes. She winced at the glare of the florescent lights.
"I'm sorry, Dad," she whispered. "Heck of a way to start off a wedding celebration."
Angus waved his hand in the air. "Hush now, I won't be hearin' that kind of talk."
Mac moved forward to the other side of the bed. "How are you feeling?" he asked, brushing a strand of hair out of her eyes.
Jade grimaced. "Like I got hit by a truck. At least I'm not nauseous anymore. What happened to me?"
"They didn't tell you?" he asked.
Jade gave him a weak smile. "I don't know. I was out of it most of the time."
Mac took her other hand in his. "You were poisoned. There was arsenic in the chocolate you ate."
Jade frowned. "But Donnie could have eaten the chocolate. I was going to save some for him." Tears welled in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks. "Who is this monster? Why is he doing this?"
Angus spoke up. "What are you two talking about? What's going on?"
Mac looked at Jade for approval before he began. At her slight nod, he recited the events leading to the poisoning.
"Ah lassie, I've always told you your Irish pride would get you into trouble. You should have made your boss listen when it first started. No matter now. We'll all watch over you until this barbarian is caught. You go to sleep now."
Angus sat in a chair by Jade's bed holding her hand while as she drifted off to sleep. Mac slipped away and confirmed Malcolm's story with one of the Emergency Room doctors that there was, in fact, a medical seminar in town.
Next Mac telephoned the hotel where Malcolm said he was staying. When the line was connected to Malcolm's room, the doctor's voice came through loud and clear.
"Who the hell is it? Don't you know what time it is?"
Mac disconnected the call and returned to Jade's room. Angus was stretched out on the bed next to his daughter's, softly snoring. Mac settled into the chair next to Jade.
He must have dozed off, too, because when he awakened, the beginnings of daylight filtered through the blinds.
"Are you Officer Stryker?" the nurse whispered.
Mac nodded.
"There's a Captain Kincaid here for you. He's waiting in the break room. It's down the hall, first door on your left."
Jade stirred and opened her eyes. "Did you have to call him?" she asked, her voice barely more than a whisper.
Mac stood and took Jade's hand in his. "You almost died. It's time for the department to get involved." Mac gently placed Jade's hand on the bed. "I'll be back shortly."
"Mac, wait. I've got to talk to you."
Angus stirred and opened his eyes.
Mac rubbed Jade's shoulder. "I'll be back as soon as I can. The captain was annoyed when I called and told him what happened. I don't want to make matters worse by having him cool his heels in a hospital break room."
"But it's important," she said.
"I promise, I'll be right back."
Angus slipped his shoes on. "Wait for me, laddie. I want to know what this Captain Kincaid is going to do to protect my little girl."
Jade's gaze moved to her father's as if seeing him for the first time.
"Dad, be nice. Don't let your temper get the best of you." She gave her father a weak smile.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," groused the elderly man stepping into the hallway.
Mac led the way. Glancing at his watch, he frowned. Over six hours had passed since he'd talked to Kincaid. The captain had sure taken his time. When they got to the break room, it was empty.
"That's odd. I wonder where he is," Mac said.
"Maybe he's in the men's room," Angus answered.
After waiting for ten minutes, they returned to Jade's room. She'd fallen back to sleep. Captain Kincaid stood at the foot of the bed.
"Captain," Mac whispered, motioning for his boss to step in the hallway.
Kincaid looked professional and in complete control. He wore a fitted navy suit displaying his broad shoulders and trim build. His gaze shot to Mac, then swept over Angus. The captain extended his hand.
"Captain Douglas Kincaid, and you are...?"
Angus wiped his clean hand on his pants before taking the captain's hand. "I'm Angus Donovan, Jade's father."
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Donovan." He turned his attention to Mac.
"So, Stryker, what can you tell me?"
Mac apprised the captain of the poisoning and the fact Jade was on her way to recovery. "What did the deputy chief say about getting Vegas P.D. to assign some uniformed officers here to guard Jade?"
Kincaid shook his head. "At this time, he doesn't want to involve an outside agency."
Mac felt his ears start to burn. "Captain, they're already involved. The doctor already notified them of the murder attempt on Jade."
The Captain's look was stony. "We don't know what happened. It could have been a bad batch of chocolate."
"Excuse me, laddie, but the doctor just told us. Jade was poisoned. Somebody tried to kill my daughter and my grandson. Are you tellin' me you won't be looking into it?"
Kincaid faced Angus, his expression forming a mask of concern.
"No, I'm not saying that at all. I'm just saying our department wants to get all the facts straight."
Angus started to open his mouth, but closed it when Mac placed a cautioning hand on his arm.
"I'll be telling the whole story to the Vegas P.D. investigators as soon as they get here," Mac advised.
The captain regarded him with a hard look. "I expect you to fully cooperate with the investigators from both departments. Detectives from our Internal Affairs and Robbery Homicide Division are driving up as we speak. Since the doctor notified Vegas P.D., I'd better meet with their brass. Then, I get the pleasure of calling our chief and letting him know what's going on." The captain took a roll of antacid tablets out of his suit pocket and popped one in his mouth. "I'll be back here in a few hours to see how Jade is doing." Kincaid nodded curtly and walked down the hall.
"He's hiding something," Mac said to Angus. "They've got a whole lot of people coming to Vegas. Something's not right. I'm sure I'll find out soon enough. We better go grab a bite while we've got the chance."
Within hours, detectives from both police departments arrived and commandeered the nurse's break room as a place to share notes and conduct interviews. Mac sat in a corner, sipping a cup of coffee watching with interest as Captain Kincaid pulled aside the head of the Las Vegas Detective Bureau and met with him in private. When they emerged from the meeting, Kincaid made an announcement to personnel from both agencies that LAPD would be taking the lead with Jade's poisoning, however, Las Vegas P.D. would be assisting as necessary. The Captain then requested that Jade be moved upstairs to a more secure room and a uniformed officer be stationed outside her door.
As people moved about to get the arrangements made, Mac slipped out of the room without being noticed. He went to the lobby where he found Angus, Mona and Donnie.
"Mr. Stryker!" Donnie ran up and threw his arms around Mac's legs. "I want my mama," he said, with a quiver in his voice and his eyes filling with tears.
Mac lifted the boy and held him tight. "I'm sure you do, Donnie. They're moving her to a new room, but the good news, is they've found out what made her sick, so they can fix her right up."
"Will she be able to come back to the hotel with us?"
Mac shook his head. "Probably not today."
"Darn!" Donnie said, kicking his feet to be let down.
Mona grabbed the little boy's hand. "Why don't we all get some breakfast in the cafeteria and decide what our plan for the day will be?"
Angus told Mona he and Mac had already eaten, but they'd join her and Donnie for another cup of coffee. The group made their way to the hospital cafeteria. While Mona and Donnie went to pick out a healthy meal, Mac and Angus got coffee and found a table.
"Angus, something strange is going on," Mac said. "Normally, when there's a crime, the agency where the crime occurred will investigate."
"So?"
Mac related to Angus that LAPD was taking over the investigation of Jade's poisoning. "It doesn't make sense. Las Vegas should be taking the lead."
Angus waved his hand. "What difference does it make who investigates it as long as they find out who did it."
"I've got a bad feeling about this, Angus. My gut is never wrong."
After agreeing that Jade needed all the rest she could get, Mona said she'd take Donnie to one of the hotels that had circus acts and another one where they had a lion exhibit. She reassured Mac and Angus it was more important for them to stay at the medical center to support Jade's recovery.
When they returned to the emergency room, they were told Jade had been moved. Outside her door, they dutifully showed their identification to the guarding officer before he'd let them return to Jade's bedside. She slept most of the time, which Mac took as a good sign. He figured whatever poison was left in her system was working its way out.
Before long, a stout detective entered the room and extended his hand to Angus. "Mr. Donovan, I'm Detective Crandall from Robbery Homicide Division of the LAPD. I need to ask you a few questions if you don't mind."
"Sure laddie, ask away."
The detective smiled. "Actually I need you to come with me."
Angus shot Mac a questioning look.
"It's standard procedure, Angus. They always separate witnesses," said Mac.
Angus hoisted himself out of the chair he'd been sitting in. "Okay, let's go."
About twenty minutes later Angus returned, and Detective Crandall turned to Mac.
"Ready?"
Mac nodded and followed the investigator to an empty hospital room. He wasn't surprised to see a tape recorder on the rolling tray used for patients. The department would take an attempt on Jade's life very seriously.
Crandall introduced his partner and then they began advising him of his rights. Mac interrupted them.
"You can't possibly think I poisoned Jade," he said. "The only reason you'd be Mirandizing me is for a criminal investigation. We've shared a few meals together and while it may be Department misconduct, it isn't a crime."
"Stryker," said Detective Crandall, "do yourself a favor. Let us Mirandize you, then answer our questions."
Mac held up his hands in surrender. "Fine. I've got nothing to hide."
After Mac waived his rights to an attorney, he related why he and Jade were in Las Vegas. As Mac started to explain, they stopped him and directed him to begin with when he and Jade started working together.
Mac knew he'd probably lose his job because he was about to come clean and be truthful about how his relationship with Jade extended to off-duty hours. He also knew Jade would probably be disciplined as well. They'd both misled Callie Lasko when she was investigating the black SUV almost running them both over.
But this was no time to try to cover anything up. Jade's life depended on the truth and the capture of the stalker.
The recorded interview took almost two hours and both detectives took copious notes. That fact made Mac uneasy. Although the Robbery Homicide detectives inquired into the circumstances surrounding the poisoning, they seemed even more interested in Mac and Jade's actions prior to coming to Las Vegas.
Mac rose from his chair and Detective Crandall extended his hand. "Okay, Stryker, I think that does it for now."
Mac nodded and started out the door.
"Hey, Stryker," the detective called, "did you bring a gun with you to Vegas?"
Mac stopped in his tracks. "My duty weapon. Why?"
"I need to book it as evidence. I'll give you a property receipt."
Mac frowned. "Why would you need my gun? You're investigating a poisoning, not a shooting."
The partner detective, who hadn't said a word the entire time, shrugged. "Just routine. It's no biggie."
Mac snorted. "Maybe it's not a big deal to you, but it's a big deal to me. Why don't you tell me why you really want it?"
Detective Crandall sighed. "Don't make me order you to give it up."
Mac stood perfectly still and considered his options. He didn't want to be unarmed at any time, but especially when he was chasing a stalker. But if he didn't give up the gun willingly, they'd just order him to relinquish it. He didn't know why they wanted it, but he hadn't shot anyone. He had nothing to fear. Maybe by giving up the gun he'd rack up some brownie points to be cashed in if the department tried to take his job away.
Clenching his teeth, he undid his belt and slid his holster from his waistband. Silently he handed the weapon to Crandall, then turned to leave.
"Stryker, one more thing," the other detective called after him. "Don't plan on leaving Vegas unless you let us or your captain know."
Furious, Mac returned to Jade's room. Her bed was raised with her upper body supported by several pillows. Angus spooned cherry-red gelatin into her mouth. She still looked fragile but she gave Mac a smile when he entered the room.
The older man set down the plastic container and spoon and shuffled toward the door. "I'll let you two young people talk. I'm going back to the hotel to check on Mona and Donnie."
"You want me to drive you?" Mac offered.
"Nah, you stay here with my little girl," the old man said, hugging Jade. "I'll take a cab."
"Thanks, Dad. Tell Donnie I'm feeling fine and that I love him. Give him a big hug for me."
"Don't you be worrying about the wee one. Mona and I will take good care of him. You just concentrate on feeling better, okay lass?" Angus blew her a kiss and left.
Mac struggled to calm down from his interrogation. Jade had enough problems without him upsetting her. "How are you feeling?" he asked.
"Better since you got here. Where've you been?"
He pulled up a chair beside her bed. "RHD detectives questioned me. I assume they'll question you too. I told them everything," he said, his gaze leveling into hers.
Her eyes grew wide and the beeping of the heart rate monitor attached to Jade's finger increased considerably.
"Everything? Did you have to? We'll probably lose our jobs."
He took her hand in his. "There was no other way. I'm just hoping neither of us gets into trouble. But the important thing is we keep you and Donnie safe and catch this guy."
"What did they ask you?"
He shifted in his seat, debating with himself whether or not to tell her they'd confiscated his gun.
"You know, it was funny. They seemed more interested in the stuff that happened before we left L.A."
"Mac, I've got to tell you something."
Just then there was a knock at the door and Detective Crandall and his partner entered and introduced themselves to Jade.
"Officer Donovan, we'd like to ask you some questions if you feel up to it."
The cadence from the heart monitor accelerated again. Jade frowned. "I guess so."
Crandall turned to Mac. "We'll need privacy, and this could take awhile."
Mac stood and evened his gaze on the detective. "She's still very sick. Don't overdo it," he warned. Then he turned to Jade. "If you get tired, you stop. They can come back later and ask questions." His tone was harsher than he'd intended, so he smiled. "I know you would do anything to stay here a little longer."
She waved him out the door. "Go and get some rest. I'll be fine."
Mac returned to the hotel and was surprised to find an LAPD evidence seal discretely placed on the door to their suite. Out of curiosity, he slid the plastic room key into the lock. The door didn't unlock. He tried a couple more times then went downstairs to the front desk.
The clerk apologized but explained the police had sealed the room as evidence in a crime scene.
"What happened to all our clothes and belongings?"
The woman gave him a sympathetic smile. "They sealed the room with everything in it. Oh, but they did ask us to provide you with another room." She typed some information into her computer and a few seconds later provided him with a new room key.
Thanking the clerk, he shook his head in disbelief. This was too much. First LAPD detectives took his gun and now all his other property was sealed in a hotel room. What the hell was going on?
The new hotel suite was identical to the one he and Jade had previously.
Mac made a quick call to Angus and Mona's hotel to be sure Donnie was all right. There was no answer, so he figured they were all out sightseeing.
After hanging up the phone, Mac pulled a pillow from beneath the tropical bedspread and sprawled across the colorful fabric. Within seconds he was asleep.
Detective Crandall flipped through the numerous pages of notes he'd written on a yellow legal tablet.
"You know, Officer Donovan, it just doesn't make any sense to me you'd be receiving boxes of dead roses for over a week and not report it to someone -- anyone in the department."
Jade sighed. "We've been over this before. I did report it. I told Lieutenant Callie Lasko. Ask her. She thought it was a prank. After that, I didn't want the department involved. I thought I could handle the situation myself."
Crandall didn't miss a beat. "And who do you think is sending you the florist boxes?"
There was no way Jade was going to tell these two about Douglas Kincaid in drag in a San Francisco bar. But during her entire interview she was wondering if her commanding officer might be responsible.
"Like I told you before, I have no idea. I've told you about Dr. Malcolm Toombs, but I don't think he's involved."
Crandall's partner shook his head. "You say that even though he's conveniently in Las Vegas and even more amazingly, literally ran into you at the hotel where you were supposed to be staying?" The detective sat up straighter in his chair. "Let me tell you what I think. I think you and Malcolm Toombs are staging this stalking business together. I don't know why you're doing it, but I'd bet my next commendation on it."
"Well then you'd be a loser," Jade snapped.
A nurse came in and frowned at the two detectives.
"Gentlemen, you've been in here for over two hours. We need to do some tests on Miss Donovan and she also needs to rest. Whatever you're discussing is going to have to be put on hold. At least for a little while."
The lawmen sprang from their chairs apologizing profusely to the attendant.
Jade took pleasure in her caregiver's upbraiding of the detectives. Cops never wanted to piss off a doctor or a nurse; they never knew when medical services might be required to save their own life.
However, these detectives were way out of line. Jade knew they were baiting her to get her say something stupid or incriminating. Little did her nurse know she'd just thwarted the strategy of two detectives.
"We've got enough to get us started with our investigation," Crandall said. "Maybe we could come back later this evening. How does seven o'clock sound, Officer Donovan?"
"I don't know why you have to come back at all. I've answered all your questions at least three times." By the tone in her voice, Jade's irritation was clear.
"You know how things work," Crandall said easily. "We have to make sure all our i's are dotted and our t's are crossed."
Detective Crandall and his partner both nodded to Jade, and then they left.
Several hours later, Mac approached Jade's room only to have the LVPD officer stop him out front. "Sir, I need to see some identification please."
Mac bit back his aggravation and produced his police identification card. The guard looked at it carefully and then motioned for Mac to enter.
Pushing the door open, he was surprised to see no one other than Jade in the room. With the many police personnel conducting their investigations, it seemed as though Jade never had a moment to herself.
Her head was turned toward the door, her face relaxed as she slept.
Mac moved to the bed and watched her sleep. His heart filled his chest. He wanted to take her in his arms and never let her go. With guilty shock he realized he loved her. Almost losing her had made him recognize he wanted her in his life -- no, he needed her in his life. Suddenly, it was so clear. Jade was another chance at love. Not a second choice, but a new beginning. All he had to do was take a chance.
Jade stirred and opened her eyes. Her gaze settled on Mac and she smiled.
"Hey partner, how are you feeling?" he asked.
"Much better," she replied. She looked better, too. Her face had regained some of its color. Her dark hair was pulled back into a smooth ponytail. "I'm only allowed soft food. I'm trying to get them to give me a real meal."
"That's a good sign."
"Where's Donnie? Is he all right?"
"He's fine," Mac assured her. "Last I heard he and Mona went to see the white tigers displayed at one of the hotels. Now, he's badgering her for a stuffed version."
"I need to get out of here and take care of my son."
Just then there was a light tap on the door and Detective Crandall pushed the door and peered through the crack.
"Officer Donovan, are you ready to continue?" Crandall asked, as he and his partner, along with Captain Kincaid entered the room.
Jade frowned at the commotion and sighed. "I've told you everything I know about the flowers, the stalker, and the poisoning. I don't know what else you could possibly ask me." "Well, how 'bout this," Crandall asked. "Would either of you like to explain how Callie Lasko wound up dead in Mac Stryker's bed?"
Jade's gaze swept to Mac's face. His features registered disbelief. His eyes found hers and she wondered if she wore the same shocked expression.
"What do you mean she was found dead in my bed? What the hell was she doing there?"
Detective Crandall gave a smug grin. "We were hoping you could tell us. But before you do, why don't we go down the hall where we interviewed you before?" He glanced at Jade. "I'm sure Officer Donovan won't mind the chance to collect her thoughts." The detective turned to Captain Kincaid. "Would you mind keeping Officer Donovan company for a little while?"
The captain pulled up a chair and sat down. "Not at all."
Jade watched with incredulity as Mac was led from the room.
She was alone with the captain. A wave of apprehension washed over her. Things were moving too fast. She needed to think, but because she was so weak, her mind wasn't sharp. She felt around in the sheet and found the remote control to summon the nurse. Holding the device with her finger over the button she felt foolish, but it was all the protection she had. If the captain were the one terrorizing her, he wouldn't try anything here, would he?
"How long have you known about this?" she asked. She watched him consider how much he should tell her.
"I was notified just before I left L.A. That's what took me so long to get here. I responded to the crime scene to see it with my own eyes."
"How was she killed?"
Captain Kincaid shook his head. "I don't think I should say anything more."
"Why not?" Jade demanded. "Surely you don't think Mac had anything to do with this."
The captain shrugged, but said nothing.
The tempo of her heart rate monitor quickened to a rapid pace. "That's ridiculous," she said, fuming. "I was with him the whole time." Then understanding crept into her mind. "You think I might have killed her, don't you? Or worse yet, we did it together." She crossed her arms across her chest and forced herself to close her eyes and breathe deeply. The hurried beats coming from the warning system sounded dangerously fast.
Captain Kincaid looked at her worriedly. "You need to relax and calm down." He got up and paced the room. "What I believe happened to Callie Lasko makes no difference. The investigation will tell the story." He turned to her and moved to the side of the bed. "But you must admit, it seems like any woman connected to Mac Stryker winds up dead -- or almost dead. First his wife, then Lasko, and now you." He came to stand by the side of her bed.
"What possible reason would Mac have to kill Callie Lasko," she spat out.
"How about he gave her a verbal smack-down in Roll Call the other day. And did you know she was alleging misconduct against you two? She said you were having an affair. It's no secret she didn't like you."
Jade narrowed her eyes at her captain, furious at his ugly thoughts. It was obvious the captain thought Mac was guilty. He probably believed she was too. And given the events of the past week, both Jade and Mac did look like they might have motive -- weak as it was. They were both in trouble. Jade needed to go on the offensive.
"Did I tell you a couple of weeks ago I took a trip to San Francisco for a friend's wedding? Did I tell you we went to The Queen Elizabeth, a club with female impersonators?"
The captain's face went white beneath his bronzed, golf course-obtained tan.
Good. She had his attention, and there was no question she was in control of this conversation. "There was one performer who really caught my eye. Kendra the Naughty Kop. You know, there was something so familiar about Kendra. And some of the moves she made with her baton were straight out of the LAPD academy. I think I even managed to get a couple of pictures on my cell phone."
"What do you want?" he asked quietly. He cleared his throat. "There wasn't any evidence to support Lasko's allegations of misconduct, so you have nothing to fear from me there. I can't change the murder investigation."
Jade looked at a broken man. If word of his proclivities leaked out, he'd be the laughing stock of the department. A cross-dressing former SWAT leader in the LAPD would spread through the law enforcement community like a Santa Ana wind-driven fire.
"How can you possibly think Mac or I killed Callie Lasko?" she asked.
"Come on, Jade. Lasko was found in Mac's bed!"
"Well, you've got some skeletons in your closet. Maybe Callie found out your dirty little secret and was threatening you. Maybe you killed her. Maybe you're the one who's stalking me."
"Jade, this is crazy. I'm not stalking you. What good would that do me?"
"Maybe you saw me at the Queen Elizabeth. Maybe you thought by leaving the dead roses you could intimidate me into not revealing your penchant for women's clothes." His face turned red. Jade wasn't sure if it was from embarrassment or anger.
"Jade, I didn't see you that night. I'd have nothing to gain from trying to scare you. In fact, by frightening you, it could bring my, um...hobby out in the open. I'd have no guarantee you wouldn't go above my head to report me."
She considered what he'd said. His tone was even and he didn't appear to be angry. And he was right. There was nothing for him to gain by sending her the boxes of flowers.
"I don't think either of us killed Lasko," he continued. "I don't like thinking Mac did, but maybe he's not right after his family's murder. Maybe he snapped or something."
"If you really believe that, I think you should to leave," she said flatly. "I need my rest and I don't have anything else to say to you, Detective Crandall, or anybody else who winds up wandering into my room." She flung herself to her side, dismissing him.
"And what about San Francisco?"
"At this point, I have no reason to say anything."
"Thank you," he said softly.
Jade heard the door open and relaxed. The captain had gone.
Her father's brogue filled the room. "I'm sorry, captain. I didn't know anyone was in here. I brought a surprise to my lassie."
"Mama?" Donnie called out shyly.
Jade turned over, surprised to see her boss hadn't left, but Angus, Donnie and Mona were walking through the door. Struggling to a sitting position she smiled and motioned Donnie to come to her.
"You'll have to come to me, honey. I've got this fancy machine hooked to my body."
Donnie's eyes were wide with apprehension. She could see him taking in the monitor hooked to her with its numerous wires, display of multi-colored lines synchronized with the strange beeps coming from the apparatus. She smiled at him again. "It's all right. This gizmo tells the doctors what's going on in mommy's body. It doesn't hurt."
With her reassurances, her son ran to the side of the bed. "I've missed you Mama. When do you get to leave here?"
Mona looked at Jade and the captain. "Angus and I just spoke with the doctor. He says he'd like you to stay another full day. They want to be sure the toxins are completely out of your body and you can tolerate solid food again."
Jade pulled her face away from her son's embrace. "Well then, they'd better start giving me some," she said, pointedly.
The captain excused himself, advising Jade he wanted to check on Mac and Detective Crandall. He said he'd be back in a few minutes. They shared a knowing look before he exited the room.
Not wanting her father or Mona to worry, Jade didn't share the news of Callie Lasko's body being discovered in Mac's bed. Instead, she asked them to recount what they'd been doing to keep busy.
Donnie told of his adventures to see white tigers, his visit to a pyramid, a castle and circus tent where he saw men and women fly on a trapeze.
While they visited, Mac returned along with Detective Crandall and Crandall's partner."Mr. Stryker!" Donnie ran over to Mac and threw his arms around him. Tears filled Jade's eyes. Feeling the detective watching her, she rubbed the moisture from her eyes, and then looked at Mac. His expression was grim, but he rubbed the top of Donnie's head.
"Folks," Crandall interjected, "I need to talk to Jade alone for a little while."
Angus frowned. "We just got here. Can't you talk to her tomorrow, lad?"
"I'm afraid not, sir. I would if I could."
As much as Jade hated Crandall's presence, she believed he did hate to kick her family out.
Mona put a slender arm around her fiancé. "Come on Angus. Tomorrow we'll spend lots of time with Jade."
The scowl on her father's face didn't budge but he allowed himself to be led to the door. "Come on, Donnie, we'll go back to the hotel. Mona and I will take you to the hot tub."
Now Donnie's face creased with displeasure. "I'm tired of the hotel. I wanna stay here with my Mama." Slow tears slid down his cheeks.
Before Jade could say anything, Mac bent down to the little boy's level. "Hey Champ, how about this? Your Grandpa and Mona go back to the hotel, and you and I go ride the roller coaster we saw when we drove into town. After that we can get some ice cream. How does that sound?" Mac looked over at Jade to get her approval.
She nodded her head, again fighting back her tears. Before she knew it, everyone but the detectives had cleared out of her room with promises to come back the next day.
Detective Crandall turned to a fresh page in his yellow legal tablet while his partner set up the audio recorder. After Crandall stated the date, time and location of the interview he got down to business and read her Miranda rights.
Jade interrupted him. "I know my rights."
"Well, humor me," he said. "You know you have to be Mirandized before I can question you." After Jade waived her rights, agreeing to talk to him, he began.
"I find it interesting that you had no qualms about letting your son go off with Stryker alone. Do you really think that's prudent when a female coworker was found dead in his bed this morning?"
"Detective, you're off your rocker if you think Mac would hurt Donnie."
The detective leaned closer. "What makes you so sure?"
"Because I know. Mac has been wonderful with Donnie."
Crandall leaned back in his chair. "Okay, as long as you're comfortable sending your defenseless son off with an alcoholic who, no doubt, has mental issues. I guess there's no need for me to worry. Let's move on. Officer Donovan, what was your relationship with Lieutenant Callie Lasko?"
Jade struggled with her impulse to punch Crandall in the face, but instead decided to ignore his rudeness and answer his question. "Lasko was one of my supervisors at work."
"How did you get along?"
Jade thought for a few seconds on how to answer and decided honesty was the best. "I didn't like her."
"Why not?"
"I have no respect for people on this job who do minimal amount of time on the streets, then snag some inside job where they're able to study to promote. After they make sergeant or above, they come back and tell the working cops how to do their job. In reality, they have no clue how to be a good cop. Callie Lasko was one of those people."
Detective Crandall nodded his head. "I see. When was the last time you saw her?"
Jade reviewed the last week in her mind. "She came to my apartment along with another unit when I called to report someone in an SUV had almost run over me."
"And how did that interaction go?"
Jade remembered the lieutenant's words. "She said if she found out Mac and I were seeing each other socially she'd have my badge."
Crandall scribbled some notes. "And as we've learned from investigating your poisoning, you were having an affair with Officer Stryker."
Jade clenched her jaw. "No, that's incorrect. We've been investigating who might be stalking me. We have not been having an affair."
The detective's gaze hardened. "So the last thing Callie Lasko said to you was she'd have you fired if you were seeing your probationary officer socially. And you were, in fact, seeing Mac Stryker socially."
Jade began to chew the inside of her lip. "Well, yes. I guess you could say that."
"Now, let's move to the morning you, Stryker and Donnie left for Vegas. I already know you and your son were living with Stryker. Did you ever go into Stryker's bedroom that morning?"
"No, I've never been in Mac's bedroom. Donnie and I sleep in the guest room."
"Do you know if Stryker had any guests over the night before?"
"No, I'm sure he didn't. If you're trying to imply Callie Lasko came over that night and Mac killed her you're way off base."
Crandall looked at her with interest. "And how do you know that? Do you know who killed Callie Lasko?"
"No, I don't." Jade was starting to get mad. "It's just silly to think Mac snuck Callie into his house, to kill her right beneath my nose."
"Yes, I guess being a cop and all that would make you look rather stupid."
Jade didn't react, knowing Crandall was baiting her.
"Okay, let's move on to something else. The morning the three of you left for Vegas, were you and Stryker together right up until the time you hit the road?"
"Ye-, oh wait. Donnie had left his fireman's hat over at my dad's house. I took him over there to get it. Mac wanted to check the fluids and the tire pressure in my truck before we left, so I took his truck to my dad's house. He came and met us at my dad's."
"I see," he said with an interested tone in his voice. "How long do you think it was from the time you left for your dad's until Stryker showed up to pick you up?"
"Surely you don't think-"
"Just answer the question, Officer Donovan."
Jade rubbed her forehead with her fingers while she thought. "Um, maybe an hour. I talked to Dad and Mona for awhile." A sense of dread overcame her. "I know this will sound suspicious, but then I left Donnie with them. I went to the drug store."
"Really? And what was so urgent you needed to rush to the store?"
Jade felt her face warm, and knew her cheeks were turning red. "I, uh, needed some feminine products." She got perverse satisfaction when Detective Crandall's cheeks also flushed.
He cleared his throat. "How long were you gone? What store did you go to, and do you have the receipt?"
Jade told him the errand had taken her about forty minutes.
"Uh, I don't mean any disrespect, uh, but, just, uh, exactly why did it take you so long to, uh, select your items for purchase?"
Jade actually enjoyed watching the detective struggle with his question, especially since he'd assumed she'd bought tampons. In actually, the products she'd gone to retrieve were condoms. She hadn't been prepared the first time she and Mac had made love. If they happened to make love on their trip to Vegas, she'd wanted to be prepared.
"Well, Detective Crandall, I could go into a whole dissertation on how I shop for those types of items, but I'll spare you. Actually, the clerk was having trouble with cash register tape and she had to call the manager to fix it." Then Jade provided him the name of the store and, with regret, told him she'd thrown the receipt in a trashcan as she walked to Mac's truck.
The detective reviewed his notes, then stated aloud to the tape the interview was concluded. Turning off the recorder he gave her a hard look. "Hopefully the drug store will have video tape of you in the store." He put his notes and the tape recorder in his leather briefcase and snapped it closed with a flourish, then he and his partner left her with her thoughts.
The next morning, Jade pushed her legs as long as they would go in a luxurious stretch; a result of the sleep aid she'd asked for the night before. Her arms pushed over her head as her eyes opened. Her gaze came to rest on a prominently displayed gold box placed on its end on a padded chair in the middle of the room.
She gasped and tore off the wires monitoring her body, causing a frenzied chorus of beeps. She swung her legs over the edge of the bed, but in her weakened condition, she almost fell to the floor when she tried to stand up. She hobbled to the door in her room and yanked it open. Clearly startled, the police officer stationed outside looked up from the newspaper he was reading.
"Is everything okay, ma'am?"
"Who came in my room last night?" Jade demanded.
"Just your nurses. Why? What's going on?"
Nurses ran toward her, responding to the frantic alarms coming from her room. "I'm fine," she called out to them. "Call Stryker and get him here right away."
"Miss Donovan, you need to tell me what's wrong." The cop's voice was determined.
"Take a look for yourself," Jade said, sweeping her arm in front of her indicating he should enter. "If you open the box, you'll see two dead roses. Thank God the stalker wasn't down to his last rose -- I probably wouldn't have woken up this morning." Jade hated the shrill tone of her voice, but she couldn't help herself.
The officer entered her room and swore. "I have no idea how that box got in your room. I only left to use the bathroom, and I had a nurse come sit with you while I was gone." He used his knife to slice the ribbon and open the box, confirming Jade's prophesy.
Nurses hovered around Jade, urging her to get back in bed, and when she refused, they called for the doctor. Once he arrived, he wanted to give Jade a sedative, which she also refused.
Thirty minutes later, Mac barged into the room. He looked like hell. His hair stood out at odd angles, his shirt was buttoned incorrectly, and small beads of sweat clung to his forehead. "What the hell happened?" he demanded, glaring at the embarrassed lawman and the sergeant the cop had summoned.
"I'm going to get dressed," Jade said, grabbing a powder blue athletic suit Mona had brought her the day before. She slammed the bathroom door closed, and burst into silent, frightened tears.
He can get to me any time he wants, she thought. Even a cop posted at my door can't keep him away.
She took a quick shower and got dressed. She found the mint flavor of her toothpaste energizing as she brushed her teeth. Before she emerged, she made sure there was little sign of her crying.
Her room was a madhouse. Detective Crandall and his partner were talking to the officer who'd been posted outside her door. A tired-looking nurse stood aside, quietly biting at her cuticle. Another man, wearing a badge identifying himself as the supervisor of hospital security, was speaking in low tones on a cell phone. Mac was gesturing emphatically at the Las Vegas Metro police supervisor whose ears were the color of raw hamburger. Jade wasn't sure if the crimson coloring was due to anger or embarrassment.
As she stepped into the room all talk ceased.
"Oh, don't stop on my account." She turned her gaze to Mac. "I'm checking myself out of here right now. I'm feeling better, and it's obvious no one can keep this monster away from me."
The security supervisor, whose plastic badge identified him as Alan, stepped forward.
"Please, Miss Donovan. Let us figure out what happened."
"I know what happened. While I was supposedly safe asleep, with one of Las Vegas's finest outside my door, some psychopath came into my room and left another damn box of dead flowers. I'm lucky he didn't slit my throat."
Alan flinched at her words.
"Now, you can get my doctor to release me, or I'll check myself out."
"Miss Donovan, I believe your doctor wanted to complete one more blood test. I must warn you, if you leave now it will be against all medical advice."
Jade tossed her brush and some lip balm into her purse. "Fine. I'm outta here," she said, sweeping into the hall.
The nurse, who'd stood quietly during the exchange, jumped to her feet and followed Jade. "I'll get your paperwork for you to sign."
Mac muttered something to the others in the room and trotted after Jade.
"Do you think you're handling this correctly?"
Jade stopped and spun on her heel. "I'm not safe here. I'm not safe anywhere. Why should I stay?"
Mac's voice was calm and controlled. "I'm not saying you shouldn't leave the hospital, but I think you need to relax enough so we can figure out how the guy got in your room. The hospital has security cameras and we probably have this creep on tape."
"So let's review the video already."
"That's what I was trying to arrange when you stormed out of your room. Let me go get the head of security and we'll take a look at the video tape."
The door to her room opened and the group of people inside streamed out following Alan, the security supervisor. Someone from the hospital must have called Captain Kincaid because he strode down the hall, a worried look on his face.
A few minutes later, everyone was seated around a large table in the hospital conference room.
Alan strolled into the room, DVD in hand, his face flushed. He moved with an air of self-importance.
With a flourish, he punched at a button on the wall. The only sound in the room was the motorized whirring as a large, white, movie screen lowered from the ceiling. Moving to a computer, he inserted the shiny disk.
Mac got up and turned off the lights as the screen jumped to life. The projection was divided into eight equally divided sections, a different camera view for each.
"This is the security video from the third floor where Miss Donovan's room is located. Each floor has its own series of cameras. All of the nurses' stations on the floor are shown as well as all the hallways." Alan used a laser pointer to indicate the proper section of the screen. "There's Miss Donovan's room."
"Can you isolate that view?" Mac asked.
Alan punched a button on a remote and the scene took over the screen. The assigned officer sat in the chair outside Jade's room sipping on coffee, perusing pages in a magazine. Various nurses and other hospital workers passed by, sometimes appearing to make a comment to the obviously bored cop.
The officer said something to one of the female employees and she nodded her head and went into Jade's room. The officer rose from the chair and walked down the hall.
A few seconds later a male dressed in blue scrubs pushed a large cart outside Jade's room. He removed a handheld plastic holder containing equipment to draw blood. He too, walked into Jade's room. A few seconds later, the nurse walked out and returned to the nurse's station. The lab technician followed almost immediately and went to the cart and pulled out a long, gold, florist's box. He returned to Jade's room, then came out, minus the box, and pushed the cart down the hall. Seconds later the police officer, oblivious to the activity in Jade's room, waved to the female nurse and resumed his duty manning the chair.
Mac spoke first. "Now we know how the box got in the room." He turned a hardened gaze to Alan. "Can we zoom in on the suspect? I saw several tattoos that we might be able to identify."
Alan nodded and pressed the controls on the remote he held. The images reversed then, with another push of the button, the action moved forward again.
"There," Mac yelled. "Stop!"
Alan magnified the photo of the suspect several times.
"He's wearing what appears to be a valid hospital I.D. card. He may be an employee, although I don't recognize him."
The suspect had been careful to keep his head down and turned away from the security camera.
Alan slowed the tape for frame-by-frame viewing. They saw the suspect's arms were covered in tattoos. As he pulled the flower box from the cart, the short sleeve of the hospital shirt rose up his bicep.
"There! Stop," Mac directed. The image was grainy, but a snake coiled around a dagger was clearly visible.
The sergeant from the Las Vegas Police Department spoke. "Probably not too many of those running around. There's a good chance we can I.D. this guy. Do we think he's local?"
"No. This weirdo has been following me for more than a week," Jade said. "He followed me from L.A." She turned to the LAPD detectives. "You guys can run the tattoo through the computer and maybe come up with a name."
Detective Crandall nodded. "We'll want to talk to the nurse in the video, too."
The tape was still running and Alan had isolated and enlarged another tattoo on the suspect's neck.
"SST," Mac muttered. "I should have known."
The Las Vegas sergeant shifted in his chair. "You've dealt with this gang before?"
Jade noticed an uncomfortable look wash over Mac's face. "It's the Stafford Street Gang. Jade and I were in a shooting with one of them. Jade killed him."
The sergeant looked impressed.
Jade shook her head. "That shooting happened almost five years ago. If they wanted me dead, they would have done it already."
Mac snapped his fingers. "Didn't the dead kid, Souza, have a brother in prison?" he asked excitedly.
Jade shook her head. "I already thought of that. I ran his status after I received the first two boxes of dead roses. The older brother is still in custody in prison."
"If the brother wanted you dead, he'd have arranged it from there. He wouldn't wait five years to put the hit on you," Mac said.
"Well, the fact the suspect has a Stafford Street tattoo could be a coincidence, or a fake to throw us off the trail. And that's what we intend to find out," said Detective Crandall, getting up from the table. He turned to Alan. "Are there surveillance cameras in the parking lot? I doubt this guy walked to the hospital."
"We have them, but they probably won't help you. The quality isn't very good. They only cover the entrance doors to the main lobby and the emergency room."
"We'd like to take them with us anyway."
"Sure, no problem," Alan replied. "I can burn you a copy of the DVD." Everyone rose from the table.
Mac spoke with the L.A. detectives and the Las Vegas sergeant.
"We'll go back to Los Angeles immediately," Mac said. "I'm sure the Chief will want to assign some Metro officers to a surveillance detail outside Jade's house as well as her father's home."
Detective Crandall spoke up. "Look, Stryker, I don't want you going anywhere without letting me know."
Looking at his partner, Crandall continued. "I need to get more detectives on this. I've got two investigations going -- Jade's stalking and poisoning, and the Lasko murder. We'll have Captain Kincaid see if the gang unit can get a line on the guy in the video." Crandall ran a hand through his hair. "When Jade gets back to L.A., we'll get authorization for a couple of Metro officers to watch her apartment, Stryker's house, as well as Mr. Donovan's house."
The Las Vegas sergeant held out his hand to Crandall. "Let us know if there is anything else we can do. We'd also like to be kept informed if Officer Donovan decides to stay in Vegas." He offered his hand to Mac.
"You got it," Mac said, grasping the sergeant's hand.
Mac turned to Jade who'd been sitting quietly. "Are you ready to go?"
"You bet. My dad is getting married tomorrow," she said, glaring at Mac. "I make my own decisions. I'll decide when I'm ready to go home, and I'm not leaving until my Dad and Mona are husband and wife." Before he could answer, she went with the nurse to sign herself out of the hospital.
A short time later, Jade sat on the couch in the hotel room her father and Mona shared. Donnie sat on the bed watching cartoons.
"Aye lassie, you really had me worried. I wish you'd a told me about this stalker fella when it started."
Jade waved her hand at her dad. "I didn't want you to worry. Besides, you know I'm too ornery to let some creep get the best of me."
"I think it's dreadful a monster like that is walking the streets," Mona said. "You've been through so much."
Mac twisted the cap off a bottle of water. "Our next order of business is to figure out the best way to get Jade home in one piece and not put anyone else in danger."
Jade frowned, crossing her arms in front of her. "I already told you I'm not going home until my father is a happily married man."
"Daughter, don't be silly. Mona and I can get married another time."
"Yes, dear. Angus is right. We'll get married once this nasty business is all over," Mona said.
Jade shook her head. "That's silly. You came here to get married and we're all here. The arrangements have been made. Let's just do it."
"Jade, you're the one being silly," Mac said. "This guy has already made one attempt on your life and was brazen enough to show up at the hospital and leave another box of two dead flowers. Do you want to give him another shot at it?"
Mona grabbed the remote control and snapped off the television. "Donnie and I are going to go downstairs and get some ice cream. We'll be back in a little while." She quickly ushered the child to the door.
"Wait for me, darlin'" Angus called after her. "I'm feeling like a wee bit of something sweet myself."
Mac waited until the door was safely closed behind the trio before he spoke.
"Jade, you're acting like a fool."
Her eyes blazed green at him. "I'm not about to let some jackass run my life. My father and Mona came here to get married and I intend to see they do."
"Even if you, or someone in your family gets killed in the process?"
There was a slight hesitation before she spoke. "He's not after my family. He wants me, and if he really wanted to kill me, he'd have done it in the hospital. He certainly had the chance."
Mac's face turned to granite. "You don't get it. Right now he's toying with you. He just wants to scare you, but make no mistake -- he's serious. I'm sure Callie Lasko's murder is his doing."
Jade stuck her chin out. "Captain Kincaid seems to think you and I are likely suspects in Callie's death." She gave him a pointed look. "I know where I was and what I was doing before we left for Vegas. There's probably videotape of me making a purchase at a drug store." She got up and began to pace. "I do find it interesting that as soon as I was out of the house a lieutenant who obviously had the 'hots' for you winds up dead - in your bed, no less."
Mac's features, already stony, hardened. "So you think I'm capable of murder? I'd like to shake some sense into you, but I doubt it would do any good."
"I don't know what to think! Right now I think we're probably running neck and neck in the 'who killed Callie' pool. But I can't take anymore." Large tears started to roll down her cheeks. "I'm tired of being worried. I'm tired of being stalked. And I'm tired of being afraid."
He ran a hand roughly through his hair. "One thing you don't have to be worried or afraid of is that I'm telling you the truth. I didn't kill Callie Lasko. I have no idea how she wound up dead in my house. But frankly, she's dead and there's nothing I can do about it. Right now, my main concern is to get you back to L.A. where I can get some help keeping an eye on you."
"I'm not going back to L.A. yet. I will not live my life according to the schedule of some psycho kook."
Mac sighed. He knew he wasn't going to win this battle. She was scared, but he realized Jade felt like her life was out of control. Hell, it was out of control. She was just trying to get back to a position where she was calling the shots. He knew that cops, more than anyone, hated to be told what to do, and if he continued to make decisions for her, she'd just dig in deeper.
"Okay, let's make a deal," he said. "You agree that we all change hotels, we get your Dad married, and then we go back to L.A."
She took a moment to consider his offer. "I don't like the idea that we're changing hotels again, but it's the smart thing to do." She extended her hand. "You've got yourself a deal."
Standing in the vestibule of the chapel at the new hotel, Jade straightened her Dad's bow tie.
"Nervous?" she asked.
"Nah," he assured. "Well, maybe just a little. It's been a long time since I've had a wife."
"It's probably like riding a bike - you never forget."
Angus stopped Jade's fussing with his clothes by clasping her hands in his. "You know, I wouldn't be the man I am today if it wasn't for you."
"Oh Dad, don't-"
Angus raised an eyebrow at her. "Let me finish, lass." He indicated they should sit on a small tufted bench along the wall.
"It was your threats of calling in the authorities to take you away from me that pulled me out of the bottle." The old man nodded in remembrance. "Yes, indeed. There you stood, your hands on your hips, your hair pulled into a horse's tail and tellin' your weak old Dad that you'd rather live with strangers than live with a drunk."
"I'm sorry, Dad, you-"
"Please, let me finish daughter. Anyway, although you were just turnin' into a young woman I said to myself, 'Angus you old geezer, this girl loves you. You've already lost her dear Mama, don't let your little girl slip away too.'" Tears filled the older man's eyes. "It was that very day I called A.A."
Jade was crying too.
"Oh Dad, it was all a bluff. I'd never leave you!"
Angus shook his head. "No, daughter, you meant every word you said. You always have. And your determination gave my life back to me."
Angus drew Jade into a hug and kissed her temple.
"Now, lass, here I am, a cranky old geezer fixin' to tie the knot. And what a fine woman I'll be marryin'."
Jade nodded. "You're very lucky. And Mona is lucky too."
She laughed when her father blushed.
Suddenly, the chapel doors opened and the minister came out.
"Mr. Donovan, are you ready? I've met with your bride, and may I say she's lovely."
"Yes, lad, I'm burstin' with pride I am." Angus leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on Jade's forehead. "I'm guessin' this is it."
Jade squeezed his hand. "I'd better go check on Mona."
"Don't be lettin' her run away or anything."
"I don't think there's any fear of that," she said over her shoulder as she moved to the bride's dressing room.
"Come in," called Mona, in response to Jade's knock.
Opening the door, Jade couldn't help her sharp intake of breath on seeing the bride. Mona's statuesque beauty was on full display, highlighted by the classic lace, form-fitting, long sleeved gown. A vintage hat, with a short net veil, reminiscent of the golden age in Hollywood, sat upon her grey-streaked blonde hair, swept into a sleek up-do.
"Wow, Mona. Dad's eyes are going to fall out of his head. You're gorgeous."
The elder woman's eyes crinkled as she smiled. "Thank you, dear. I'm the luckiest woman in the world and so proud to become Mrs. Angus Donovan." Mona moved to a small settee and sat down, patting the seat next to her. "Please sit down for a moment, won't you?"
Jade sat next to her soon-to-be stepmother.
Mona took Jade's hand in hers and looked deep into Jade's eyes. "I know you haven't always approved of the relationship Angus and I share."
Jade looked away. It was true. She couldn't really imagine her father married to anyone, much less Mona. Mona was so sophisticated and worldly. Angus was a man who'd spent much of his life drifting from job to job while climbing in and out of the bottle.
"I know you must have had a horrible childhood, Jade. I know that because my own weakness with alcohol made me an unfit mother. To the point my children asked to go live with their father. I get a call from them now and then, and a card every Christmas. But, in their minds, I'm no longer their mother."
"I'm sorry, Mona. I had no idea."
Mona shook her head. "I don't want your pity. I want your acceptance. I've no intention of trying to replace your deceased mother, but I'm hoping we can be friends. You see, I love your father, Jade. He's a good man now. We make a good team. With every fiber of my body, I know he loves me and that love is enough to keep him sober. And there's no way I'd risk losing your father for a sip of alcohol."
Mona released Jade's hand and smoothed the lace of her wedding gown. "I think we'd best be going," she said, standing. "Angus is probably cursing a wild streak about women-folk always fussing with their hair."
Jade smiled and stood. She reached out to her father's bride. "Mona, my father has been so happy since he met you. My reservations about your relationship are more about my insecurities of his ability to stay sober than a reflection on you. It's silly on my part, considering he hasn't slipped once since he met you." Just then there was a tap at the door.
"Come in," Mona called.
Mac stuck his head into the room. "Are you ladies about ready? I'm not sure who's more of a handful, Donnie or Angus."
Jade gave him a knowing smile. "We're on our way."
Mac nodded and retreated, closing the door behind him.
Jade started to move toward the door, but Mona grabbed her arm. "You know, Jade, Mac Stryker is a good man. I bet the love from a good woman would keep him sober too."
The wedding went off without a hitch. Jade stood as Mona's maid of honor and Mac stood up for Angus. Donnie's role was that of ring bearer.
Tears formed in Jade's eyes watching her son, his face so solemn, walking down the aisle carrying the white satin pillow holding two plain gold bands.
Jade glanced at Mac. He was smiling broadly at the child he did not know was his son.
Donnie paused and looked first at Jade, then at Mac with a big 'see I'm doing good,' smile on his face. Jade made the decision she would tell Mac tonight he was Donnie's father. An immediate sense of relief came over her. She must be making the right decision.
"Do you Angus Elmer Donovan take Mona Celeste Spaulding to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"Aye, I do."
"And do you, Mona Celeste Spaulding take Angus Elmer Donovan to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"Yes. Yes, I do." Tears slid down Mona's face.
Jade swallowed hard and tried to blink back the droplets threatening to roll down her own cheeks.
"By the power vested in me by Clark County in the State of Nevada, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your beautiful bride."
Angus pulled Mona into a tight embrace, kissing her with enthusiasm.
"Congratulations, Dad," Jade said, hugging and kissing her father. "Welcome to the family," she said, moving to embrace Mona.
Mac extended his hand to Angus, who pumped it with gusto. Mac offered his hand to Mona who pulled him close and gave him a squeeze.
"Mama, does this mean Mona is my grandma now?"
"Yes, Donnie. How does it feel to have a new grandma?"
"It's okay I guess. Will she still make me and Grandpa lunch and give us snacks?"
"She'd better, boy'o," Angus said, as he took his bride's arm, "or our next trip will be to Mexico for a quickie divorce!"
"Dad! Can't you just celebrate the moment?"
After a handful of wedding photos were taken, the group walked through the hotel where they'd all relocated.
Mac and Angus had decided they shouldn't take any chances and make it as hard as possible for the stalker to find Jade. They'd chosen one of the most expensive establishments on the strip, figuring that a tattooed gang member would immediately garner the attention of the vigilant security staff.
They'd enlisted the help of the Las Vegas detectives and checked in under an assumed name. After the detectives from both agencies had gone through Mac and Jade's personal belongings from the suite, their clothes and toiletries were released back to them.
The pillared hotel and casino was named Southern Comfort. Built to resemble an antebellum mansion, the resort boasted the finest food and service to be found in Las Vegas. The scent of magnolias filled the air.
The tuxedoed maître d' ushered them to their table, reserved in a secluded corner of the dining room of General Grant's Steak House. Located at the far end of the room, their table waited behind a cloistered arch. Rich navy brocade drapes were pulled back on each side of the opening. Each curtain was secured with a gold-fringed tie that could be released to provide more privacy for the diners.
The waiter appeared with champagne, stating the sparkling wine was compliments of the house to the new bride and groom.
Jade couldn't help but notice Mac's eyes lingering on the dark green bottle. Her own words echoed in her mind. 'Once a drunk, always a drunk.'
"Thanks, but we don't drink alcohol," she told the server in a cool tone.
Unfazed, the steward smiled. "Perhaps a sparkling cider would be more appropriate?"
"Fine, laddie, that's just fine." Angus said, grinning at Mona. "Meanwhile, I'll be a dancin' with the lovely lassie I just married."
From the main dining room, strains of a string ensemble reached their sheltered haven.
Angus stood in front of Mona and gave a slight bow.
Blushing, she shook her head at her new husband and placed her hand in his. They slowly waltzed at the side of the table.
"Hey, Champ, let's get you situated here," said Mac to Donnie. He pulled out a chair covered in hand-stitched needlepoint and secured a booster seat brought by the waiter.
As Mac lifted him into the chair, Donnie asked, "Mr. Stryker? Why do mommies and daddies get married?"
Jade stopped sipping from the glass of water she'd picked up from the table. She wanted to hear Mac's answer to Donnie's question.
"Well, Donnie, a man and woman get married because they would feel empty if they didn't have the other person in their life, to share the happy times and the sad times, the exciting times, and the ordinary days. A man and woman get married because they're in love and their life isn't complete unless they're with that one special person who loves them no matter what. Just like a mommy and daddy love their children no matter what."
Sadness washed over Jade. She'd never experienced that kind of love and sharing. She'd lived off of one night of passion and fed off of it for so long, she didn't know how to have a relationship. I threw myself into being the best parent I could for Donnie and thought nothing about myself as a woman -- at least until Mac dropped into my life again. Now I think about Donnie needing a father, and I need a husband -- a partner, someone to be there for me, and I can be there for him.
"Jade, are you with us?" Mac teased. Pulling herself from her thoughts, she forced a smile.
The server returned with several bottles of cider that he opened under Donnie's scrutiny.
"Would you like to dance?" Mac asked her. "It's a shame to let this music go to waste."
Donnie's face lit up. "Yeah, Mama, dance with Mr. Stryker." The boy turned to Mac, his face very serious. "She dances good. We dance together lots at home."
Jade wanted the floor to open and swallow her. "Donnie, I'm sure Mac doesn't care what we do at home."
"I think you underestimate my interest in what you do, or don't do, at home," he said, pushing back his chair and offering her his hand.
Jade's heart fluttered as she felt his warmth. His fingers closed around hers as he led her to the center of the room.
"Hopefully, I won't faint dead away. I'm still a little woozy from my hospital stay."
Smoothly, he led her to the edge of the dance floor where they could still keep an eye on Donnie. Slipping his arm around her waist, he drew her close. "Don't worry, Jade. You can always lean on me." She automatically rested her left hand on his shoulder. She inhaled the tempting scent of his woodsy aftershave. He was so tall, so male, so close.
She tried to relax and follow his lead, but the more she concentrated on being mellow, the more nervous she felt.
"You feel good in my arms," Mac murmured in her ear.
"I, uh, well..." A red heat flooded her cheeks. "I'm sure it's because you're doing such a fine job of leading."
"Why are you so tense? You're supposed to be enjoying yourself. Or maybe you don't like my company."
"Oh no," she answered too quickly. "I'm having a wonderful time. I haven't seen Dad so happy in years." Mac guided her to where they could see Angus and Mona beaming at each other, whispering softly while moving in time with the music. Donnie sat at the table watching both couples while grinning from ear to ear.
"Isn't it funny how two people who seem to have such different styles found such happiness?" he asked.
"I never thought Dad would give up the bottle. It was his first and only love after my mother died." Jade glanced over at Donnie who now played with small firefighter action figures at the table. "I wasn't much older than Donnie when I started taking care of our house. I never really got to be a kid."
"That's a lot of responsibility for such a young girl. Did you resent your father for it?"
She shook her head. "I'm sure at the time I did, but it only made me a more responsible adult. It gave me the strength and confidence to know I could raise a child by myself."
"Why do you have to? Where is Donnie's father?"
Jade took a deep breath and looked him squarely in the eye. "I'd like to tell you about that. Why don't we go outside?"
By his furrowed brow and the cant of his head, Jade knew he was curious.
Reluctantly, she pulled herself away from his grasp. "Let me ask Dad and Mona to keep an eye on Donnie. I'll just be a minute," she said, over her shoulder.
Approaching her father and his bride, a wave of guilt came over Jade. She shouldn't be asking them to watch Donnie on their wedding night. On the other hand, the time had come to tell Mac that he was Donnie's father.
"Dad, I'm really sorry to ask you this, but can you keep your eye on Donnie for a little while? I've got something important to discuss with Mac."
Angus and Mona released each other on the dance floor. It was Mona who spoke first.
"Of course we'll watch Donnie for you!" She gave Jade a wink. "Maybe you and Mac will be the next ones walking down the aisle."
Jade shook her head. "I seriously doubt that, but I do need to talk to him. I'm thinking we'll be gone maybe a half-hour or so."
Her father waved an impatient hand at her. "Go ahead lassie, I'm thinkin' it's a good thing for the two of you to be alone. Take all the time you need. We'll order up some of them fancy hors d'oeuvres. Don't give us another thought."
Mac studied her as she returned to him. She looked sexy as hell and yet strong at the same time. Her life must have been a challenge. He couldn't wait to find out what kind of idiot would let a dynamite woman like Jade slip through his fingers...to say nothing of Donnie. Mac realized he'd lost his heart to Jade and Donnie. The boy's father was never mentioned, so obviously the guy was out of the picture. Mac's spirits lifted with the thought. Then another realization struck him. Maybe Donnie's father was dead. Maybe Jade was struggling as he had over the loss of a mate. If that was the case, he had to tell her there was light at the end of the tunnel. His heart had opened again, and hers could, too.
Mac smiled, watching her move between tables of other diners. He also noticed how the gazes of other men lingered on her shapely form. His focus moved to her face where her lips were pursed and tight. She looked scared.
"Dad and Mona said they'd keep an eye on Donnie. Let's go."
She was really tense. "Jade, look, it's none of my business about Donnie's father. It's just I see you doing a balancing act wanting to be a good mother and a perfect cop. It doesn't seem fair for you to have to do it all by yourself."
Wordlessly she took his arm and led him outside. The night was chilly and she shivered. He removed his jacket and placed it over her shoulders. She didn't seem to notice as she walked along a pathway that led to the pool area.
"I didn't know Donnie's father well. At the time, he was a loser."
"Jade, this really isn't-"
She held up a shaking hand.
"It happened just once..." Her voice trailed off.
Mac's mind flooded with intimate images of her and another man. He had to make them go away. He grabbed her upper arms and pulled her against his chest, his lips finding hers.
"I told you, it doesn't matter," he said.
"Mac, wait," she protested. He escalated the kiss, placing his hand behind her head to hold her still. He needed this woman. He didn't want her in the arms of another man -- real or imagined.
Two giggling adolescent girls approached, all bare bellies and tight jeans. "And they say teenagers are out of control," one of them sneered.
"Geesh," said the other, as they passed, "why don't you guys get a room?" Laughter filled the air as the girls continued down the lighted pathway.
Mac drew his head away from Jade. "They've got a point, you know." Mac's voice was low. "Jade, I need you. I want you. This is more than just a one-night stand. Come with me to our suite."
Jade, locked in the bathroom, couldn't believe this was happening. She'd come so close to telling Mac about Donnie, but instead was silenced by his vision of a happily ever after.
Mac wanted her and it wasn't like the last time. Then, he'd been a grieving drunk. She'd tried to remove the devastating loss of his wife and daughter for him the only way she knew how.
At work the next day, he hadn't even remembered her being at his house. Her lover in the most passionate night of her life hadn't even remembered the experience. She'd felt foolish and ashamed, which was magnified a hundredfold five weeks later when she'd learned she was carrying his child. That very night she'd shot and killed the gangster, and she'd never seen Mac again, until he'd shown up in roll call a few days ago.
Gnawing at her lip, she realized she had to come out of the granite-tiled lavatory sooner or later. Squaring her shoulders and lifting her chin, she opened the door.
The lights were off and the heavy drapes were open wide. A soft incandescence tinted the room, a glow created by the vibrant lights of the hotels and casinos below. It took a second for Jade's eyes to adjust.
Mac was sitting in an armchair by the window. "I was wondering if you were ever coming out."
"Me too." Moving to him, she stared at the manic lights lining Las Vegas Boulevard.
He took her hand and pressed it to his lips. "Did you ever think that after all these years we'd be here together like this?"
She felt herself stiffen.
"What's wrong? Don't you want to be here?" A boyish smile played on his mouth. "Tired of me already?"
"It...it's not that, but this seems so...so sudden." What a liar you are, she admonished herself. You've dreamt of having another night with Mac Stryker for the past four and a half years. Now you're faced with the opportunity and you're scared to death. What if it turns out like before - you give him your heart and he falls off the wagon?
"What can I do? Or would you rather go back to the reception?" The disappointment in his voice was palpable.
She shook her head and smiled. "The truth is I've wanted us to be together since I was on probation." A burning heat filled her cheeks.
His eyebrows shot up in surprise. "I had no idea. I was a drunk. What did you possibly see in me?"
She extricated her hand from his and her eyes locked on him. "I saw a troubled man. A man drowning his sorrows in alcohol."
"I've come a long way since then."
She smiled. "Yes, you have," she said, remembering Mona's words that Mac was a good man waiting for the love and support of a good woman.
He stood, facing her. Sliding his arms around her waist, he pulled her to him. "I've started a new journey, and I'd like you to come with me." His eyes, dark with desire, bore into hers as he lowered his head and captured her lips with his.
Needing him and unwilling to filter her feelings, she surrendered to his kiss.
Mac groaned when she parted her lips, allowing him to deepen the kiss. Bringing his hand to her face, he stroked her cheek and her chin. His nearness was intoxicating. He released her lips and briefly nuzzled her ear. Then his mouth caressed her neck.
She moaned, and her head fell back, allowing him easier access to her fevered skin. Her hands slid into his hair, holding him closer.
His lips skimmed the rapid throb of her throat. Moving his head lower, he nestled his mouth at the edge of the neckline of her dress.
She moved her chest toward him, encouraging him. He didn't need any urging. He slid his tongue between the fabric and her skin.
"Oh, Mac, more, more," she whispered.
He moved his hands to the back of her dress and deftly pulled the tab of her zipper. Nuzzling her upper body, he waited for the top of her gown to slide off her shoulders, but nothing happened.
He burrowed more vigorously; the dress stayed put.
She giggled.
"What's so funny?"
"You're out of practice. There's a hook and eye above the zipper."
"Turn around," he growled.
This was too much fun. "No, I'll get it," she said, taking a step backward, her eyes never wavering from his. She smiled at him from the sheer joy of being with him.
The pulse in his neck jumped as she reached behind her and unclasped the top of her dress. Shrugging her shoulders, the creamy material skimmed down her arms.
"Oh, Jade," he whispered, "You're so beautiful." He scooped her in his arms and carried her to the bed where he laid her down. She kicked off her high heels. Gently rolling her on her side, he slipped the dress from her waist and down her legs. He leaned across her body and kissed her again. His hands started on her face, but soon drifted below her shoulders.
"I want to feel your skin on mine," she breathed.
Drawing away, he pulled his shirttail from his slacks.
"Let me," she said. Slowly, she unbuttoned his shirt, starting at the neck and moving down. With every button she undid she'd kiss the exposed skin.
He groaned. "If you excite me anymore, I'm going to have the party all by myself."
"Oh no you don't," she cried, hurriedly unbuckling his belt and unclasping his pants.
After she helped him undress she darted to her suitcase, grabbed a string of foil packets, and then waved them at him as she ran back to him.
"You beat me to the punch," he said, pulling her into his arms and then kissing her.
I'm so happy, she thought, as they pressed into each other, lips to lips, chest to breasts, skin to skin.
Their lovemaking was tender, and yet, consuming. Afterward, he sank onto her. He sighed and kissed her temple, then shifted to his side, intertwining their legs.
"That was incredible," he said, propping his head next to hers on the pillow. His eyes were heavy with satisfaction.
"It was heaven-"
Suddenly the phone jangled to life. Mac shot up and snatched the receiver from the cradle. "Stryker," he said.
Jade's heart pounded as Mac's face became a hardened serious mask. More alarming were the questions he was shooting at the caller.
"How long has he been gone? Where was he last seen? Did anyone see him leave? You've notified hotel security, right?" After each question there was a slight pause for an answer, but the tightening in Mac's jaw alerted Jade he wasn't getting the answers he wanted.
"Mac, what's wrong?"
"We'll be right down," he barked as he slammed the handset into the cradle.
Jade leapt from the bed, pulling the sheet with her. "What is it? What's going on?"
Mac pulled on his clothes as he spoke. "It's Donnie. He seems to be missing. One minute he was on the dance floor with your dad and Mona, the next he was gone."
Jade sank to the edge of the bed, the sheet slipping from her grasp, exposing her breasts. "Oh my God. The stalker has my son." Tears cascaded from her eyes as a dry heave wracked her body.
Mac moved in front of her and bent to her level. "Get dressed. Donnie may have just wandered off. We'll find him. Hotels in Vegas have some of the best security systems in the world. We'll find him," he repeated.
Mac started to stand, but Jade grabbed his arm. "Mac, there's something you should know." Her stomach lurched and she felt nauseous. The impatience in his eyes seared. She inhaled deeply. "I've been so stupid. I've made a mess of everything. I should have told you sooner...Donnie is your son, too!"
The irritation in his gaze flashed to anger. "What in the hell are you talking about?"
"You and I making love tonight wasn't the first time. We hooked up when I was on probation. You got drunk at a party. I drove you home. You were so plastered you didn't even remember it the next day."
He grabbed her wrists yanking her to her feet. The bed sheet slipped to the floor, leaving her totally exposed. She shivered, not knowing if her response was to the chill in the room, the fury in his eyes, or fear for Donnie's safety.
"I don't know what game you're playing, but now isn't the time. Your son's life is at stake. Get dressed," he ordered, walking to the door. Placing his hand on the doorknob he paused. "One more thing. Once we've found your son, I don't ever want to see you again."
Jade threw her dress over her head and charged out of their suite, shoes in hand, zipping her gown as she ran. In the elevator, she yanked on her shoes.
Once on the ground floor, she sprinted through the crowded casino, calling out apologies as she ran. Mac was nowhere in sight. As she jogged toward the restaurant where Donnie was last seen, two men wearing blazers and earpieces stepped in front of her and blocked her path.
"I'm the boy's mother, Jade Donovan," she gasped.
Upon hearing her name, she saw a flicker of recognition cross their faces. The awareness was soon replaced with a look of accusation. She saw them take in her tousled hair, swollen lips, and wrinkled dress. Wordlessly, the men stepped aside. In the dining area, patrons and employees were at tables being interviewed by plain clothes and uniformed police officers. The absence of quiet conversation, background music or dishes being cleared cast an eerie atmosphere through the room.
The tiebacks securing the curtains surrounding their table had been undone, affording a little more privacy. Jade moved forward and swept the panels apart.
Mona sobbed silently into a linen napkin. Angus rested his chin in his hand, sanding his fingers with the emerging stubble. Seeing him biting the inside of his lip, Jade guessed he desperately needed a drink. Mac wasn't with them.
Her gaze swept the room for him but there was no sign of Mac. Mona, seeing Jade, got up from the table and ran to her.
"Jade, darling, we're so sorry. One minute he was here with us, the next he was gone. It's just awful." A new wave of sobbing hysteria came over the newlywed bride.
One of the Las Vegas detectives who'd been at the hospital when Jade was poisoned approached. "Miss Donovan, try not to worry. We've got an all-points bulletin out for your son, and every available officer is looking for him."
"What about the surveillance cameras? What do they show?"
The investigator looked uncomfortable. "I, uh, I'm really not sure. I haven't seen the images myself."
Jade snorted in disgust. "Don't feed me that crap. That psycho has my son, doesn't he? Doesn't he?" Jade yelled. All conversation in the room ceased as cops, customers, and hotel employees turned to stare at her.
Angus rose and moved to stand beside his daughter. "Darlin', calm yourself. We'll find the lad, you'll see."
Jade closed her eyes, exhaled heavily and mentally counted to ten. Lifting her lids, she glanced around the room. "Nobody gets it," she spat out. "My son has been taken by some nut who has already tried to kill me."
One of the jacketed security men who'd stood outside the dining room approached. "Detective, we've got the security camera footage available for you to view, if you'll follow me, please."
Before the detective could move, Jade fell into step with the security man. She urged him to hurry as he led several police personnel, Angus, Mona and Jade to a conference room.
Mona's muffled sobs were the only sounds as everyone wordlessly found seats. The door opened again, and faint sounds of jangling coins and slot machines jarred the quiet.
An impeccably dressed man entered the room. His midnight blue suit set off his coral shirt and shiny silk tie. Chunky gold rings adorned the fourth finger of each hand. A high-dollar haircut and the scent of spicy aftershave completed the look. In the old days of Las Vegas, he might be mistaken for a "wise guy." Today, he offered his hand and identified himself as Carmelo Grimes, the head of security for the Southern Comfort Hotel and Casino.
"Ms. Donovan, please let me express our sorrow and concern about this unfortunate incident with your son. Be assured our staff and security people are doing everything they can to assist local police with the investigation. May I introduce Captain Haggadorn from Las Vegas Metro P.D.?" Grimes gave a slight bow and motioned to another man.
Dressed in a sport coat, gray flannel slacks, a white shirt and conservative tie, the man walked up to Jade, offering his hand. The sleeves of his well-worn navy jacket were frayed. "Miss Donovan, our department is giving this case top priority. We're working with hotel security to get your son back safely. Mr. Grimes indicates their surveillance system is excellent and shows exactly what happened." Captain Haggadorn turned to Carmelo Grimes. "Can we run that video now?"
Jade's stomach churned as she watched the flickering images on the giant plasma monitor. The picture was so clear Jade had no trouble studying Angus, Mona, and Donnie dancing together. From their flailing arms and rapid footwork, it appeared the song was a fast-paced number. Then the images on the screen slowed their movements.
Jade's heart pounded as she watched Donnie say something to Angus and then shuffle to their table and reach for a glass of water. Angus and Mona melded into each other and swayed -- the perfect picture of newlyweds. Donnie gulped his water. A male server, dressed in a long-sleeved white shirt and black pants, moved into the screen carrying a pitcher.
Jade's breath caught in her throat. She'd know him anywhere. "That's him," she whispered. "That's the dirtbag who left the flowers in my hospital room."
Horror surged through her body as the waiter said something to her precious little boy. Donnie nodded, extending his arms to offer his glass for a refill. The man smiled, and said something else, pulling a small red fire truck out of his pocket and showing it to Donnie. Then the man held out his hand to the child. Donnie nodded obediently and placed his chubby hand into the hand tainted by tattoos.
"No, Donnie, he's a stranger," Jade mouthed. Her warning went unheard -- as she knew it would. Tears slid down her cheeks. She watched as the stalker led her son out of the restaurant.
To their credit, Angus and Mona realized almost immediately Donnie was gone. As the surveillance video continued, uneasiness in the older couple morphed into frantic searching. Concerned hotel staff soon joined the mission.
Jade closed her eyes and shook her head after viewing the controlled frenzy that ensued once the staff was alerted to Donnie's disappearance.
Carmelo Grimes pressed a button on a remote and the picture changed to the covered parking garage. The movie of the suspect and Donnie showed them getting into a small, green, compact car, and driving from the property.
Jade wanted to throw up. All the long talks she'd had with Donnie about not going with strangers had been wiped away with a small red fire truck.
Captain Haggadorn spoke first. "This surveillance tape is so good we were able to pick up the license plate number. The car was reported stolen in the city of Henderson this morning. Just before you arrived here, I got word the vehicle was discovered four blocks away with the engine still running. We'll get it impounded and printed right away."
"Was there-," Jade's voice broke, "was there any evidence in the car that Donnie's been hurt?"
Captain Haggadorn shook his head. "No. Nothing like that." The quiet man stood and offered his hand. "If you'll excuse me, I want to report to the command post. Hopefully, we'll have some good news soon. I'll call you immediately if we hear anything." The captain briefly huddled with the head of security, Carmelo Grimes, then both men left the conference room.
"Daughter, I don't know what to say. I'm so sorry." Angus's brow furrowed with anguish.
"Dad, it's not your fault." Jade's voice wobbled. "I shouldn't have left him. I was gone too long."
"Nonsense." Mona's tone was terse. "You're entitled to have a little fun. We promised you we would watch Donnie and we didn't." She looked around the restaurant. "By the way, where is Mac?"
Jade's shoulders slumped and she threw her hands in the air palms up, indicating she didn't know. "We had a fight. I don't know where he is and I can't sit around worrying about Mac. I've got to find Donnie."
Mona eyed a group of hotel employees as the detectives released them. "I wish I could turn back the clock an hour."
The fatigue in Mona's voice caught Jade's attention and she noticed the weariness in the faces and bodies of her father and his bride.
"What a horrible way to spend your wedding night. Why don't you two go to your room?" She stood and massaged the back of her neck. "I'm going to the command post. I'll call you if there is any news -- good or bad."
"No, lassie, my place is here with you. I don't want you to go through this alone." The elder Donovan cleared his throat. "I've never pushed you about Donnie's father because I didn't think it was any of my business, but...don't you think you should notify him that Donnie is missing?"
Jade brought her hand down from her neck and clutched the back of one of the chairs. "He already knows. I might as well tell you now. Mac is Donnie's father. He didn't know. I just told him tonight, and when I did, he was furious. He stormed out of our suite, and I don't know where he is although my first guess would be a bar."
"Oh, lass. That must'a been a big shock to him." Angus gave a small shrug. "Can't say I'm sorry to hear Mac is the wee one's father. He's a good man, and I'm bettin' a darn good daddy."
Mona nodded as she regained her composure. "Jade, dear, do you want us to go try to find him and have him meet you at the command post?"
Jade waved her hand with impatience. "Mac is the least of my worries. I've got to find Donnie." She blew a strand of hair out of her eyes. "You both look exhausted. Why don't you go to your room? I don't want you collapsing in a casino on your wedding night. Besides, someone needs to be around in case Donnie is found. He'll need to see a face of someone he knows. I'll let you know the minute I hear anything."
Angus put a protective arm around his wife's shoulder. "Well, daughter, if you're sure you'll be okay." His voice sounded skeptical.
Jade nodded her head and made a brushing motion with her hands.
"I'm thinkin' the new Mrs. Donovan and I will go to the honeymoon suite, order some room service and wait for some news. Call us if there's any change at all." After checking with the detectives, Angus and Mona headed to their room, while Jade went in the opposite direction.
Jade asked one of the detectives and learned the command post was on the top level of one of the parking garages. Making her way through the casino toward the parking structure, she zigzagged through the throngs of tourists, many of them tipsy. Jade tried to tell herself Donnie would be all right, but in her heart she didn't believe it. Remembering the vicious attack on her apartment, she knew the suspect's actions had steadily been getting more aggressive. Now he had her son.
Following the path of the gaudy carpet, she strode toward the conference area parking structure of the hotel. The isolated quiet was a welcome relief from the clanking coins, and drunken cheers of the casino.
A beveled sign that hung above a pair of intricately carved oak doors indicated the room inside was a library, and yet when Jade glanced, she realized it was a cocktail lounge. Looking through the open doors, oak paneled walls contained floor to ceiling bookshelves -- all of them lined with books, candles and other knick-knacks. Oil paintings and heavy antique furniture were shielded from the desert's relentless sun by velvet burgundy drapes.
The high gloss bar formed a rectangle around the room. Fewer than a dozen patrons sat on the tapestry-upholstered stools, their faces garishly illuminated by video poker machines built into the flat surface.
Her assessment of the room was made within seconds. Her attention focused on a booth tucked far into a dimly lit corner. There, a familiar figure sat hunched, his back to the wall, utilizing basic cop tactics. Mac rested his elbows on the glossy oak table, his hands clasped, his mouth resting on his fingers. He appeared to be deep in thought or praying. On the table in front of him sat a half-filled glass and a bottle containing an amber liquid.
A voice in Jade's head taunted her: once a drunk, always a drunk.
"You go ahead and tie one on," she whispered at the distant man, who an hour ago she thought she loved. "I'll find our son. Obviously, you've got more important things to do." Spinning on her heel she marched out of the lounge.
Jade made her way to a bank of elevators to transport her to the command post in the parking garage. The mirrored doors opened with a whoosh. Before she could step in, she heard her name being called. Letting the conveyance leave without her, she turned to see a female employee of the hotel hurrying toward her.
Jade's knees almost gave out. The young woman carried a shiny gold florist's box.
"I'm glad I found you." The woman was breathless. "A gentleman asked me to find you and give these to you. He insisted you have them immediately." She pushed her bangs out of her face. "He tipped me very well to track you down. He even showed me a picture of you and your son so I'd recognize you." She held the box out to Jade.
Jade hoped the woman couldn't see her hands shake as she accepted the container. "Th---thank you very much."
"You're welcome." The woman turned to leave.
"Oh, miss? Did the man have my son with him?"
"No, he was by himself, but he said he'd be seeing you soon."
"Did he say anything else? Where he was going? Where he was staying? Anything?"
Jade could see the woman's demeanor change from relieved to have found her, to worried.
"No, he didn't say anything else. Is something wrong?"
Not wanting the young lady to get suspicious enough to alert the police, Jade forced a smile. "Thank you. You've been very helpful."
Aware of the 'eye in the sky' surveillance cameras scattered through the hotel, Jade fled to her room before opening the box.
Seated on the bed, she yanked off the red gossamer ribbon holding on the lid. As she pulled the top off, blood pounded in her ears. She gasped with surprise.
Nestled in a sea of tissue paper lay a single decayed rose and a note. Words formed from letters cut out of magazines and newspapers added to the sinister impression of the message.
If you want the kid back alive, go to the abandoned Desert Dunes hotel tonight at midnight. Come alone. If you call the cops, I'll turn the kid loose in the desert for coyote kill. P.S. -- I hope you've liked your roses. This is the last one.
Jade pushed the box to the other side of the bed and paced the room. Her mind spun faster than the reels on a slot machine.
She was aware of the location chosen. The old landmark hotel was scheduled for demolition to make way for a new million-dollar resort.
She knew she should let the detectives know about the note. But Donnie's life was at stake. She had no idea how Las Vegas P.D. would handle the situation. If shots were fired, she didn't want Donnie in any danger from a trigger-happy cop. Often, one shot led to 'contagious fire,' where cops started shooting because other officers had discharged their weapons. Besides, the stalker seemed to know her every move. What if he found out she'd notified the authorities? No telling what he'd do to Donnie.
She made her decision. It was best if she went by herself. For an instant it crossed her mind to see if Mac wanted to go, but just as quickly she rejected the idea. The last time they'd confronted a gangster, he was too drunk to respond. It wouldn't be any different this time; the last place she'd seen him was in a bar.
Glancing at her watch, she realized she'd better get moving if she was going to make the rendezvous on time.
Mac bent over the highball glass, breathing in the tantalizing aroma. The smell greeted him like an old friend. His heart pounded and he wasn't sure if it was from excitement or fear.
Lord, he wanted that drink. He craved the instant relief he knew would be delivered with just a few swallows. He'd welcome the relaxing numbness that would course through his veins and ease the tension from his mind and limbs. The sensation would be even sweeter because it hadn't been experienced in quite some time.
A voice in his head urged him to take a sip -- one drink wouldn't hurt. Besides - he'd quit once; he could do it again.
Previously, he drank because the pain of losing his wife and daughter had been too much to bear alone.
On the advice of his coworkers and the department chaplain, he'd never seen the murdered bodies of Susan and Ashley. It was a decision he'd come to regret. Because he was a cop, he imagined the worst kind of carnage.
At the time, his captain wanted him to talk to the department shrink, but Mac would have none of it. He assured everyone he was okay, and they seemed only too happy to believe him. Instead, he'd go to the house, the one his wife had so lovingly made a home, and wander amongst the belongings of his wife and his eight-year-old daughter.
Beer had been his beverage of choice, but he soon learned he could get the same effect much faster if he drank vodka.
He thought he was doing a pretty good job of hiding his addiction from his coworkers until the night Jade killed the gangster. Then his pathetic secret was literally placed under the glare of high-powered lights.
"How you doin' over there?" asked the bartender from behind the bar. Mac gave him a thumbs up and glanced around the room. To his surprise, it was empty.
"Yep, you got the place to yourself. Enjoy it while you can, and let me know if you need anything."
Mac nodded. The fellow behind the bar was no youngster. Mac probably wasn't the first drunk the guy witnessed battling the urge to drink.
It would be so easy to lift the glass and send the soothing liquid past his lips. But things were different now. He'd been given a second chance. He had a son. A son! He knew now the reoccurring dream of he and Jade making love was his drunken memory of Donnie's conception.
Rage toward Jade filled his heart. She'd known all these years he had a son and she hadn't told him. He didn't even know she'd been pregnant. Well hell, Stryker, you didn't even remember doing the deed.
And then there was Jade. As much as he'd fought it, he'd fallen in love with her. He'd even imagined the three of them as a family. But one of the cornerstones of any relationship is trust -- and Jade failed miserably in that department. She hadn't trusted him enough to tell him he was Donnie's father. He'd been excluded from his son's first few years of life, and there was no way to get that time back. He seethed, thinking of the birthdays and holidays he'd missed. He had Jade to thank for that.
Worse yet, his son's life was in jeopardy. Just like it had been with Ashley, he had no control over the situation. He didn't know what to do to save his child. If something happened to Donnie, Mac knew he'd slide right back into the bottle and never climb out.
Suddenly, a flash of gold outside the entrance to the bar caught his attention. It was Jade. She carried another one of those damn flower boxes. She walked so fast he'd almost missed seeing her. He would have to hurry to catch her.
He pushed the untouched alcohol to the middle of the table, then grabbed some bills from his wallet and tossed them on the table.
"Have a good night, sir," called the bartender as Mac hurried out, following Jade.
Jade sighed with impatience, guiding her truck through a strip hotel's parking structure. The squealing of her tires echoed in the cement chamber. After pulling into a parking space she paused and took a deep breath. From there she walked through the concrete building, the strap of the large canvas purse she carried cutting into her shoulder. In the satchel, along with her personal items, was a flashlight, a pair of handcuffs, and pepper spray. She cursed the fact that her gun had most certainly been booked into evidence by the LAPD detectives in the investigation of Callie Lasko's murder. Oh, how she wished she had that gun now. The pepper spray would have to do.
There wasn't much foot traffic at this time of night in this part of the strip. The hotels in this section of Las Vegas Boulevard were older, smaller and not nearly as popular as the resorts further up the boulevard.
An icy breeze blew through her long-sleeved, black turtleneck T-shirt and jeans. She'd considered wearing a jacket, but didn't want to be encumbered by bulkiness. She'd worn a loosely woven black V-neck sweater over the top, but she still shivered as she rushed toward the abandoned Desert Dunes hotel. A piece of her long bangs blew into her eyes. Irritated, she dug in her purse and retrieved a plastic tortoise shell comb and secured the distracting tresses.
The sidewalk wasn't nearly as well lit after she left the day-like glow from the hotel where she'd parked her car.
She kept a good pace, knowing as a woman alone she'd be considered an easy target by many street thugs. Any other time she might welcome the chance to surprise a dirtbag with some street justice, but tonight her only focus was to get Donnie back safe and sound.
"Hey lady, ya got any spare change?"
A scruffy man held out his stained hand and smiled, displaying a chronic drug-user's mouthful of crooked and rotting teeth.
"No. Sorry." She didn't make eye contact nor did she slow down.
"Bitch," the man called after her.
About fifty yards from the panhandler she came to the temporary wooden walls surrounding the remnants of the Desert Dunes.
She walked the long length of the barrier and couldn't find any weakness on the street side she could breach.
Maybe on the side or in the back I can get in, she thought.
Turning to the south side of the property, her senses went on heightened alert. If the darkened sidewalk was intimidating, this flank of the property was downright creepy. Jade thought of the flashlight in her purse, but security cameras around the aged resort were likely. She didn't want to draw attention to herself. She must get inside. She must get Donnie.
A thump behind her halted her progress. Standing statue still, she held her breath and listened. Passing cars and occasional bleats of horns from the Las Vegas Strip were the only sounds she heard. Her gaze swept the darkness, but saw nothing between her and the distant safety of the bright lights of the strip.
Exhaling, she continued along the weathered wooden panels, searching in the darkness for some kind of an entrance.
Stumbling on a rock, she pitched forward, almost tumbling to the sandy soil.
Regaining her balance, she forged ahead. She'd gone about a hundred yards when the barrier made a right angle and she stood at the rear of the establishment.
Taking a quick peek around the corner, she was surprised to see there was no sign of a security guard. As she moved along the wooden fence, her surveillance revealed two wood panels secured by a hasp and padlock. There was no evidence of tampering. If anyone wanted in, all they'd have to do was cut the lock.
Shaking her head at the inadequate precautions, she continued, knowing there had to be another way inside the compound. She didn't want to scale the wooden fence if she didn't have to. Besides, the stalker would have gotten here before her and he had to get in somehow.
Moving further, she discovered just what she'd been looking for. Someone had kicked out a panel of the plywood, then propped it into place so the breach wasn't noticeable. She easily fit through the opening, and as she did so, she noticed the damage to the timber appeared new.
"I'm coming for my son, you freak," she whispered. As she got her bearings inside the compound, the ordinary hotel fixtures looked menacing. Donnie must be scared to death, she thought with dread. "Mommy's coming, honey," she whispered.
Since there apparently were no security guards or cameras on the premises, she fished her flashlight out of her bag. Out of habit, she held the light in her non-shooting hand. Academy training dies hard, she thought wryly. Moving her right hand over the lens of the light to dim the illumination, she flicked it on. Small shards of illumination shot between her slightly separated fingers.
Where thick glass doors once led the way to the hotel lobby and casino, a gaping hole now stood. Sweeping the flashlight beam across the interior, Jade discovered the large structure was nothing more than a shell.
Her heart hammered in her chest, but nothing would keep her from getting to her son. Nothing.
Placing her steps carefully to cut the noise, she slowly proceeded. Switching the flashlight off, she plunged her hand into her purse. She wrapped her fingers around the canister of pepper spray. Pointing the nozzle forward and putting her finger on the "trigger" wasn't very reassuring. She'd give a year's salary to have her Glock in her hand. The lack of light would be a problem, yet she didn't want to continue to use the one she'd brought because it would pinpoint her position to the stalker.
Taking a deep breath, she descended the four entry stairs into what had been the casino. She decided to move clockwise along the wall. She held her pepper spray at a low ready, the same way she'd hold her gun if she'd had it. Her right wrist rested upon her left with her flashlight in her left hand ready to be switched on in an instant.
She'd moved about twenty yards when she came to a doorway leading to a hallway. Not wanting to pass unknown territory, she shifted her direction, sneaking down the passageway. Thankfully, all the doors in the building were removed so her search was quick. Coming back up the hallway, she froze as she heard a noise from the direction of the main room. Humming in her ears competed with the hammering of her heart as she listened to get a fix on the location of the noise - nothing but silence.
Exiting the hallway, she continued her clockwise pattern. She'd gone another ten yards when a feeling of dread overwhelmed her. The sensation was no stranger. She'd felt it many times on patrol; almost always before something life-threatening happened.
Stopping again, she silently assumed a shooting stance, feeling foolish, holding nothing more than pepper spray. Her right arm locked out and her left wrist pressed against the back of her right, creating support through isometric tension.
A voice cut through the blackness. "You might as well turn on your light and drop your mace. I've been watching you since you got here."
Jade didn't move. She tried to ascertain where the man stood from the sound of his voice.
"Listen, you stupid whore, I'm not screwin' around. You and I have a score to settle. Don't forget I have your kid."
Since he knew where she was, she might as well level the playing field. She pressed the switch on her light and the area was brightly lit.
He was about twenty feet in front of her. The surveillance tapes didn't do him justice. He was built like a tank. Not tall, but broad and muscular. Intricate prison tattoos of skulls, webs, and naked women marked his thick bare arms, which hung menacingly - oblivious to the frigid air.
She tried to keep herself from shaking, but she was failing miserably.
His bald head shone as he removed night vision goggles from his eyes. "I'm thinkin' you got a problem understandin' English. Drop the spray."
Giving up her only weapon wasn't a good idea. Better to keep him talking and come up with a plan. She had to fight to keep regret out of her thoughts that no one knew where she was.
"Where's my son?" she asked, managing to get the words out of her dry mouth.
"He's safe."
"The police are coming right now."
His smile was maniacal. "Nice try. If that was true, they'd have shot me by now. Course if that happens, you'll never find the kid."
He's right, she thought. Donnie's probably dead and it's all my fault.
Hoping to appease him, she dropped her arms to low ready. "Why don't you tell me why you're doing this?"
The stalker snorted and cursed. "This is called revenge, baby." A sickening smile lit his face. "The good news is that God agrees with me. You know, the 'old eye for an eye' thing. I'm sure it's all in a day's work for you and your drunk partner to kill a kid. Especially a kid from the 'hood.'."
Understanding hit Jade like a freight train. "Are you talking about Vinnie Souza?"
"My baby brother. My only brother. Ma never got over him bein' dead. You killed her too. She took a bunch a pills and died six months after he did. Today I get my payback." He took a step closer, flipping his wrist. Instantly, she identified the metallic snap of a switchblade. The metal gleamed in the beam of her flashlight.
You mustn't let him know you're afraid.
"What's your name?"
"I'm the angel of death, baby." The stalker smirked.
"So you're the one sending me the dead roses."
He nodded. "Kinda romantic, don't ya think? A dozen dead roses." A proud smile came over his face. "It was a little tough getting into your hospital room, but once I'd swiped some doc's I.D. I had carte blanche."
"So, what was the point?"
"Ya know," he said, pointing the switchblade for emphasis, "you cops ain't too bright. Whadda ya think they mean? Today was the last one. It's the end of the road for you. Adios. Sayonara. Stick a fork in you -- you're done."
She had to keep him talking. Maybe she'd be able to disarm him.
"You said my son would be here."
"I lied."
"Where is he?"
"He's fine, relax. I've got some bud on me. Wanna smoke? Maybe that'll calm you down." The gangster laughed at his own sarcasm.
"That wasn't the question. Where is my son? Who's watching him?"
The stalker ran the edge of the knife blade across his cheek, almost as if he were shaving.
"If I were you, I wouldn't be worryin' about my kid."
Bile rose to her throat. "Look, we can work this out. Just let me be sure my son is safe and we'll work out the rest."
"Listen, you bossy bitch, you're not callin' the shots here -- I am." The stalker shifted on muscled legs. "You seein' your son again ain't gonna happen. You ain't leavin' this empty building. When they blow up the Desert Dunes hotel, your body will go with it. I've had years in prison with nothing to do but figure out how to kill you."
"But what are you doing out of prison? I checked. Your records say you're still locked up."
"Obviously your records are wrong, babycakes. I've heard paperwork is all fucked up 'cause a furlough days." He shrugged. "You're almost as dumb as that woman cop I wasted a few days ago, but you're definitely a finer piece of ass."
"Are you talking about Callie Lasko, the female officer in my partner's condo?"
The felon snickered. "That, wasn't planned, but it sure was sweet."
Jade's stomach gurgled at his glee.
"I figured you and your partner were shacking up at his place, but I was never able to tail you to his place 'cause of the security gate." The killer shook his head. "The other day, I see a cop car pull up to the guard shack. The broad in the car says something to the guard and the gate swings open. I pull up and yell to the goon in the shack that I'm undercover and with her." The man grinned. "Stupid rent-a-cop believed me."
As the gangster relived his actions, Jade watched for an opportunity to attack or disarm him.
"I don't know how the broad got in, but she left the front door unlocked. I didn't find anyone downstairs, so I go to the second floor. In the very first bedroom I come to, I see a cop uniform and gun belt on the chair, and somebody covered up in the bed." The man smirked. "Next thing I hear is a woman's voice comin' from the bed." The killer affected a falsetto voice. "Mac, I've waited a long time for this. Now, take off your clothes and do me." The stalker laughed and shook his head.
"What could I do? I obliged the lady. 'Course I had to beat her up a little to get her in the mood. Afterwards, I didn't want her to identify me, so I smoked her." The ex-con shifted on his feet. "I got so wrapped up killin' the broad, I almost missed you guys leaving town. I had a couple of homies watching your apartment and the place you drop off the kid. One of 'em called me tellin' me you had suitcases and looked like you were goin' on a trip. He followed you 'til I could catch up."
The canister of pepper spray was slippery in Jade's damp hands. "So you followed us to Barstow and put the flowers on the truck in the restaurant parking lot."
The stalker nodded. "I was going to put them at your partner's house, but you left town. I needed to get them delivered." He displayed a fiendish grin. "For a couple of cops you sure are dumb. In Barstow I attached a tracking device to your truck. You never even saw me."
"How did you get the poisoned candy in our room?"
The killer rocked back on his heels. "How do you think? I slipped a maid a c-note. She took care of it for me."
Jade shook her head. "Why would a maid risk her job to help you?"
"Do you know what those people get paid? For another hundred bucks, she would a snatched the kid too. I wanted you to know I could get to you any time, any place."
Pulling himself out of his memories, his eyes hardened. "This is the last time I'm going to tell you to put that pepper spray down."
Panic filled Jade's body as she clenched the pepper spray cylinder tighter. Unfortunately, he was out of range for the stream of blinding pepper spray to hit him, yet he could throw the knife and kill her instantly. Mac was right. This guy meant business and he was done playing with her.
He crouched. His eyes narrowed. He charged.
Jade pressed the trigger on the canister. The liquid shot out in an arc, striking the felon in the neck. She turned to run but wasn't quick enough. Terror washed over her as the beast grabbed her arm and swept her legs from beneath her. Her flashlight flew from her hand, crashing to the ground with a clatter. Damn! She hit the ground hard, on her back, her head slamming into the concrete floor, one arm sprawled above her head. Instantly, the knife was at her neck. Remembering the sign at the police academy, she fought to keep her eyes open and stay conscious. The more you train, the less you bleed.
The stalker, on his knees, leaned over her, his putrid breath smothering her face.
"You thought that stuff was going to stop me, huh? I just got out of prison. They spray us with that crap all the time. It ain't got no effect on me."
While he talked, Jade fingered the decorative comb in her hair. Never give up. Those who survive have the will to live. In one movement, she snatched the hair restraint from her head and slashed it across the stalker's eyes.
An onslaught of profanity spewed from his mouth as he brought his hands to his eyes. Her arrest and control training kicked in and she put him in the guard hold. Deftly, she flipped him on his back. Using the heel of her hand, she punched him in the nose, hearing bone give way.
A wounded yell filled the night as her attacker reached to put his hands around her throat. The fingers of his right hand twined around her neck, pulling her closer to him. With all her might, Jade bit his forearm and he released his hold. She had to get away; there was no way she'd be able to fight much longer.
Jade rolled and clambered to her feet and ran about thirty feet before tripping on an exposed bolt from the floor. Sprawled across the gritty cement floor, her eyes swept behind her for her pursuer.
The stalker sprang up, wiping his forearm across his eyes. An ugly laceration across his face oozed bloody droplets, while blood gushed from his nose. Giving a tribal yell, he lifted the switchblade above his head, gingerly holding the blade in a throwing position.
A shot rang out. Then another. The assailant's eyes widened in surprise. The knife slipped from his fingers and clattered to the floor as a stain of red wetness enlarged across his broad chest. His startled gaze shifted from Jade to the blackness beyond the discarded flashlight's range.
Mac emerged from the shadows. His nine-millimeter semi-automatic handgun, still smoking, was held on the gangster. The smell of gunpowder hung heavy in the air.
The stalker swayed like a willow in a breeze but kept his feet.
Dumbfounded, Jade watched.
The ex-con's mouth opened and his jaw moved, but no sound came forth. His face muscles hardened with concentration; his weight began to shift, as if he might take a step. Then, grunting, he collapsed to the ground on his side, his arm stretched above his head. The switchblade lay inches from his fingertips.
Jade wanted to kick the knife out of reach, but stayed put, fearing he might grab her if she got too close.
"Stay where you are," Mac ordered, as though reading her mind. "I'll come to you."
He approached the downed man cautiously. When he reached the stalker's feet, Mac kicked the expensive tennis shoes. The beast didn't move. Mac drag-stepped to the knife and kicked it into the darkness beyond the illumination of the flashlight.
Not taking his eyes off the stalker, Mac hurried to Jade with a one-handed grip on the gun, keeping it aimed at the stalker. He grasped her arm and pulled her up, then put his arm around her.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"I'm fine, although I can't seem to stop shaking. Thank you for saving my life." She nodded her head toward the stalker. "Is he dead?"
"Looks that way," Mac said, displaying a wry smile. "Apparently no one taught him you don't bring a knife to a gun fight."
Mac holstered his gun, pulled a cell phone out of his pocket and called 911 to notify local authorities.
"I'm glad he's dead." Then realization hit her. "Oh, my God! How are we going to find Donnie?"
"Don't panic. When Metro P.D. gets here we'll search the body for clues to Donnie's whereabouts." He slipped the phone in his pocket.
She pulled from Mac's grasp and ran toward the dead man.
"Jade! Stop!"
She skidded and halted. "Are you crazy? Donnie is out there somewhere scared and alone. I don't give a rat's ass about protocol or this guy's rights -- he's dead."
"Jade, I want to find Donnie too, but we're in Las Vegas, not L.A. We don't know how they conduct their shooting investigations, and since we're both murder suspects in Lasko's death, I think it's in our best interest to wait until the crime scene is documented before we search the body."
"Well, I hope they hurry up and get here. I need to find my son!"
"Listen, you can hear the sirens in the distance now," he said.
"How did you know where I was?"
"You left the florist box with the note inside on the bed in our room. I tried to flag you down in the parking structure, but you didn't see me. I grabbed a cab."
"Where'd you get a gun from? You said Detective Crandall took it."
"The night you were poisoned, I saw your gun on the shelf in the closet. When they took you to the hospital, I couldn't leave it in the room for the maid or anyone to see, so I took it with me. When I got the chance, I hid it in the spare tire compartment in your truck. When the detectives took my gun, I got yours, and I've been wearing it ever since." He glanced at the body on the ground. "I didn't think I was going to make it in time."
"Thank God you did," she said, looking toward the sound of the approaching sirens. "I wish they'd hurry."
Mac pulled his phone back out and dialed Captain Douglas Kincade's private cell phone number. "Captain, this is Mac Stryker. Sorry to tell you this, but you better hop on a plane back to Vegas. I just shot and killed the stalker."
After listening for a few minutes, with Mac making occasional "yes, sir" replies, he disconnected the call and put the phone away. "He's not happy. We've both been cleared of the Lasko murder and now this.
"They recovered the tape of you in the drug store, so that cleared you. The security guard at my condo complex admitted to seeing a tattooed guy follow Callie inside. He didn't say anything earlier because he was afraid of losing his job. Apparently, Irma, my maid, was leaving when Callie arrived. She tricked Irma into letting her in the house. Because Callie was in uniform, Irma let her in. Once inside, Callie stripped down and hopped in my bed. She was beaten and shot five times."
Jade shook her head. "That's awful. I didn't like her, but I didn't want her dead. You know, the stalker said he's had us followed, and the note indicated there were other people involved in the kidnapping. What if they have Donnie?" Her eyes filled with tears. "What will they do if this jerk doesn't come back?" Holding her face in her hands, she wept.
The approaching sirens got louder, and then the sound of people running filled the air. Suddenly, the room was ablaze with flashlights. Las Vegas police officers stormed in with guns drawn. They took Mac's gun from him and he informed the officers they hadn't searched the body for additional weapons. The officers quickly determined the stalker didn't carry additional weapons. The officers wanted to take the two of them to the station for questioning, but Jade refused.
"Look, this guy kidnapped my -- our son. The command post at the Southern Comfort is in place to find Donnie. He's still missing. Any questions you have about this shooting are going to have to wait until we get our son back safe and sound."
The sergeant was skeptical, but after a conversation with the command post, he backed down.
Paramedics arrived, their hands encased in turquoise rubber gloves. After a quick check of his vital signs, they officially pronounced the stalker dead. Then they searched the dead man's pockets for identification or any other clue to his identity. From his jeans they pulled cigarettes, a lighter, and a small plastic baggie with an off-white substance. Jade immediately recognized the fine powder as the illegal drug methamphetamine. Grunting, the rescue personnel turned the body over and out of another pocket recovered a handful of various receipts and papers.
Jade started toward the find, but the Las Vegas sergeant stepped in her way.
"You can't go through that stuff. We're conducting the kidnapping and shooting investigation. All that stuff is evidence. I'll get our detectives over here to see what we've got."
Jade raked her hand through her hair. "My son could be in the hands of killers, and you want me to stand around waiting for your detectives to get here? Dream on!"
"Lady, you go near that body or those papers and I'll arrest you for interfering with a crime scene."
Another sergeant had arrived and was directing officers to set up crime scene tape and look for additional evidence.
Mac stepped between the first sergeant and Jade. "There's no need to arrest anyone. We're all police officers. We'll be careful not to disturb the crime scene. We want what's best for the child. What if it was your boy who was missing? Wouldn't you do anything to find him?"
The sergeant, considering Mac's words, stood still and blinked a few times. He moved ever so slightly. "Okay, but be careful."
Within seconds, Jade, Mac and the sergeant were sorting through the slips of paper while the rescue personnel packed their equipment.
"Most of them are ticket receipts from slot machines," the sergeant said. "I've got a receipt from a fast-food restaurant out on Boulder Highway. Looks like just one burger combo. No kid's meal."
Jade grabbed the largest paper in the pile. Excitement filled her veins as she realized she was looking at a receipt from the Tangiers Hotel.
"It's an agreement for childcare in the Tangiers Little Tyke Tiger Camp," she yelled waving the paper in the air. "It's time-stamped right after Donnie was taken."
Mac jumped up and then pulled Jade to her feet. "Let's go," he shouted.
Jade and Mac rode in the back seat of the sergeant's cruiser, lights and siren blaring as they wove through grid-locked Las Vegas Boulevard.
Mac held Jade's hand. "Look at me," he said.
She didn't respond.
"Jade, please look at me." He picked up her other hand and held them both in his. She turned her face to his. He looked her straight in the eye.
"Earlier tonight I over-reacted. You took me by surprise telling me I was Donnie's father. I found myself sitting in a bar staring at a bottle of whiskey. I'd used my drinking to numb me against the pain of losing my wife, Susan, and my daughter, Ashley. My family was everything to me. Then it struck me. I have a family. A little boy so precious and good, any man would be proud to be his daddy." Mac, brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it.
"Jade, you were right to keep me out of Donnie's life. Back then I was a drunk; certainly not fit to be a father. But, you've been a wonderful mother, a mother who did what she had to do to protect her son. I can't imagine my life without you being a part of it, Jade. I love you. I love Donnie. I wasn't there for Susan and Ashley when they needed me. I wasn't there for you when Donnie was born, but I'm here for you now, forever and always."
Jade threw her arms around him and kissed his neck, but then drew back. "Thank you, Mac, but I'm sorry; I can't think of anything but finding Donnie. I can't stand it. What if Donnie isn't at the Tangiers?"
Mac nodded in understanding of her feelings. "Think about it. Where else would he be? I'm sure this idiot was working alone, or why not have his cohorts watch Donnie? Why would he risk putting Donnie in a public place? And he needed a place to keep Donnie where no one would get suspicious. Don't worry; our son will be safe. I can't wait to tell him I'm his daddy."
Concern clouded Jade's face. "I don't think we should tell him tonight. He'll be confused enough."
"I didn't mean now. How about after we tie the knot?"
"Let's find Donnie first, and then we can talk about it."
"I'm determined to make an honest woman of you, Jade Donovan."
Jade gave Mac's hand a squeeze as they pulled to the valet parking area of the Tangiers Hotel.
Before the cruiser came to a complete stop, Jade and Mac were out the door.
"Where's the Little Tyke Tiger Camp?" Mac shouted to the valet parking attendant.
The man gave quick directions, and Mac and Jade ran through the crowded lobby trailed by the LVPD sergeant. After running up several floors of escalators, they finally saw the neon jungle sign advertising the hotel's childcare service.
When Jade and Mac got to the entrance, the employee in charge refused to let them in to find Donnie. The nervous worker called her manager. The sergeant produced the childcare agreement receipt, handed it to the manager, and they hurried inside.
"Donnie's been a very good boy," the caregiver said. "I kind of sensed something wasn't right. He's the only kid I know to come in here wearing a tux, and he didn't ask once about the man who claimed to be his father and left him here."
"Where is Donnie now?" Jade asked.
"He's lying down in the 'rest tent.'"
Jade and Mac approached the big canvas structure, which was supported by smooth wooden poles. As she pushed aside the flap used as a door, her breath caught at the sight of her little boy, asleep on a cot. There were four other children on makeshift beds of their own.
Jade went to Donnie and knelt. "Hey firefighter, Mommy's ready to go back to our hotel. How about you?"
The little boy's eyes fluttered open and he focused first on Jade, and then on Mac. His pudgy arms reached out to her. "Mama! That man said he'd come back and take me to you, but he never did."
Jade pulled Donnie into her arms while tears fell freely down her face. "Oh, Donnie, Mommy was so scared."
"Mama, you don't need to be scared. Mr. Stryker is here. He can take care of us."
Jade stood up bringing Donnie with her. "Yes, he can," she said smiling into his gaze.
Mac pulled them both into his strong arms. "Count on it."
The next evening, back at Mac's condo, Mac, Jade and Donnie sat around the kitchen table eating green salad and pizza. Cupcakes baked in the oven, filling the condo with the aroma of chocolate. Donnie recited his Las Vegas adventures, recounting the roller coaster ride he took with Mac as his favorite. Surprisingly, Donnie's memories of time spent with the stalker were vague and seemingly of no consequence to him, which was a huge relief to Jade.
"Mama, are we ever gonna go back to our 'partment?"
Recalling the devastating destruction done to her home by her crazed pursuer, Jade shook her head. "No, Donnie. We'll be finding a new place to live."
"Why can't we live here with Mr. Stryker?"
Jade started to open her mouth to answer, when Mac spoke up. "Yeah, why can't you live here with me?" The pitch in his voice mimicked the wheedling tone of Donnie's.
Jade looked over Donnie's head to Mac. "You're not helping," she said with a smile.
"No, I mean it Jade. Why can't you and Donnie live here?"
"For starters, it's against department policy. Second, I can't share my bed with Donnie forever. Third, people will assume there's hanky-panky going on."
"Whoa," Mac said, holding up his hands. "I wasn't talking about just 'living' here."
Jade's heart felt like it skipped a beat.
"Mama, what's hanky-panky? Is it a dance like the hokey-pokey?"
Jarred from her thoughts, Donnie's question caused Jade to start laughing. Mac apparently found the double entendre equally amusing as he gazed at her while chuckling at his son's innocent remark.
"Donnie," Mac said, "depending on whose doing the dancing, the hokey-pokey and hanky-panky can be almost identical. It just depends on what 'hoke' is being poked."
"Mac! Don't tell him things like that," Jade said, trying to sound outraged, but instead, giggling while she talked.
"Well then, how about I tell him about the big surprise I've been putting off?" Mac's face tensed with eager yearning.
Jade noted Donnie's gaze going back and forth between the two adults, trying to figure out what was going on. She nodded her head in approval that Mac should proceed.
Mac rose and indicated they should follow him into the den. "Let's sit on the couch; Donnie you go in the middle." Once they were all situated, Mac reached out and took one of Donnie's hands in his. Then he extended his other hand across Donnie's lap and took one of Jade's hands as well. She felt woozy worrying what her son would say in learning that Mac was his father.
"Donnie, the time I've spent with you and your mother has been some of the best and most exciting days of my life. In fact, so much so, that I can't imagine my life without either of you." Mac looked at Jade and smiled, then returned his gaze to his son. "You're a big enough boy that you're old enough to know the truth."
Jade took a deep breath, knowing what was coming.
"The truth is, Donnie, I love you very much. I love your mother too. In fact, I love you both with all of my heart. I'd like us to be a family, that's why..." Mac paused and then slid off the couch to get on his knees in front of both Jade and Donnie. "That's why I want to ask your permission for your mommy to marry me."
Jade heard the startled intake of her breath. That wasn't what she'd expected Mac to say.
Donnie nodded his head so hard, Jade worried he'd hurt himself. "Mama, tell him yes! Mr. Stryker could be my daddy!"
Jade looked into Mac's face seeing raw hope in his eyes. Then she gazed at her son, and saw the same exact expression.
"Jade," Mac said softly, "please say you'll be my wife and allow me to be Donnie's father."
Jade cleared her throat, effectively swallowing the lump that had formed there. "Donnie, it seems to me you'll be calling Mr. Stryker 'daddy' from now on."
"Yipee! Yipee!" Donnie yelled, jumping from the couch and dancing wildly across the room. "I'm gonna go get my music player and we can all do the hokey-pokey!"
Jade slid off the sofa onto the floor and took Mac's face in her hands. "Mac, I love you so much. But, you know, we still haven't told Donnie you're his father."
Mac pulled her close and kissed her, then pulled away looking deep into her eyes. "He seems pretty happy right now. There's plenty of time to tell the boy where his chromosomes came from." Then Mac playfully pulled her into a reclining position on the floor and straddled her. "I'm thinking after Donnie goes to bed, we'll be doin' the hokey-pokey - hanky-panky style."
Six months later...
Towering pines shaded the tropical rock garden at the Police Academy. A hill of rocks, ferns, waterfalls and ponds made a dramatic backdrop for the arched wooden trellis adorned with tulle and every color rose imaginable.
About twenty people sat in folding chairs facing the decorated canopy, fanning themselves in the fading July sunset.
Captain Kincaid came up to Jade and shook her hand. "I've got good news," he said smiling. "The internal investigation is closed and the Chief of Police has cleared you and Mac of any misconduct whatsoever."
A look of astonishment filled Jade's face. "How could he possibly do that?"
The captain beamed with pride. "I pointed out to the Chief you really weren't violating Department policy by seeing Mac in your off hours. The two of you share a son; it's only natural you'd interact off-duty."
A soothing melody from a harp began. "I think that's your cue," the captain said with a wink as he began to saunter away.
"Captain, wait!" Jade hurried to her boss. "I've never told a soul about what I saw in San Francisco," she whispered, "and you have my word I never will."
"Thank you, Jade. Now go get married -- and that's an order."
"Yes, sir!"
Donnie and Mac, in matching tuxedos, marched to the altar where a minister stood patiently.
The music changed to the bridal march and Jade, her arm linked in her father's, moved in beat with the music down the white runner.
Mac leaned down and whispered in Donnie's ear. "Have you ever seen anyone so beautiful before?"
"Yes, Daddy," Donnie said proudly, "my Mama always looks that way when she's with you."
Jade moved smoothly down the aisle, her simple, strapless, satin gown accentuating her multi-colored bouquet of a dozen perfect roses.
A little about Kathy Bennett:
I worked for the Los Angeles Police Department for over twenty-nine years. My career with the LAPD began as a civilian employee, but in 1990, I became a sworn police officer. Most of my career was spent working patrol in a black and white police car. Prior to retirement, I was assigned as a Senior Lead Officer, with approximately five square miles in the San Fernando Valley my responsibility regarding crime and quality of life issues.
I also served as a Firearms Instructor at the LAPD Police Academy, a crime analyst in the 'War Room', a Field Training Officer, and worked undercover in various assignments. In 1997, I was honored to be named Officer of the Year.
I'm married to a Los Angeles Police Officer, and we have one daughter and one granddaughter along with an assortment of dogs and cats. I'm currently revising my next book and hope to have it available soon. I love to chat with readers, so connect with me online at:
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/KathyBennett
http://facebook.com/KathyWritesLAPD
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