Read Online The Detective's Dilemma by Kate Rothwell - Free Book Online

safe. But no, this imaginary Brennan scolded her far more harshly than the real one would. He’d be the last person to berate someone for allowing attraction to override good judgment.
    Walker clomped over to her. She opened her eyes to see him looming over her, holding out a hand—an empty hand, no gun pointing down at her. “Come on, up, up.”
    She grasped his hand, and he hauled her to her feet so quickly and hard, she stumbled a bit. The gun lay on the sideboard. “Grab it if you want it,” he said. “I have the bullets, so go on and take possession of the weapon.”
    “Why did you pull me up?”
    He scratched the side of his face and scowled. “You looked all crumpled, like you’d been thrown down, or given up.”
    “I have given up, I told you. You’re in control. I shan’t tell you where Peter is—I’m not sure where he is, thank goodness—but otherwise, you decide what will happen.” She tugged her sleeves down and straightened her skirt, hoping he wouldn’t notice the book in her hand. “Shall we go to the police station or wherever you are supposed to report?”
    “No. The assignment was to deliver the boy, not you. I was to stop you from kicking up a fuss, but I’m sure that was because of your neighborhood and your family’s reputation.”
    “The Winthrops’ reputation.”
    “Sure. Anyway, I don’t know exactly where we are, but I doubt anyone around here knows you or would much notice if you protested, even loudly.”
    “I have a very piercing scream,” she warned. Her heart began to thump far too fast.
    His eyes glittered. “I bet you do. And I bet you would kick like a mule. Good for you.” He smiled at her, and the warmth remained in his face, even though he no longer needed to deceive her. “Listen, I’m not going to drag you in.”
    Did she believe him? Yes.
    She wobbled with relief as she walked back to the sack of food, and, under the act of grabbing one of the apples from her sack, she managed to hide the book under the rest of the food. She took the apple back to the sofa. “What is your plan?” she asked. “You must have one.” She only hoped it was better than any she’d come up with. She sat and bit into the fruit.
    Her stomach still roiled, but her short display of despair and defeat had ended.
    He sat next to her, not so close that he crowded her, but not far enough for her to feel comfortable. “I’ll wait until you tell me where your son is.”
    That will never happen , but she didn’t say the words aloud. She nibbled the apple and wished she had a plate, a napkin, and a knife. Much of her training had vanished since James’s death, but she still felt most comfortable eating like a lady. It gave her a connection to her mother, whom she missed every day. She said, “If I miss the meeting with Brennan, he will simply depart, taking Peter with him.”
    “You and Brennan…” The detective paused, started again. “I know enough about your background. You wouldn’t treat servants with familiarity. It isn’t done. When did his status change?”
    “I beg your pardon, but I have no intention of discussing Brennan with you.” She wished she hadn’t snapped the words. It wouldn’t do to offend him.
    “Why not? You’d be smart to try to win me as a collaborator. And since you’re unlikely to use your body and feminine wiles, maybe telling me about your life will do the trick.”
    “What might I gain if I did use my wiles?”
    He grinned. “Hmm. You’d get my interest.”
    “Would it be enough?”
    “Give me a kiss or two, and we’ll see.” He shifted so he could gaze into her face, and his expression grew somber. “Or you can talk to me. I’ll listen.”
    She had to have a taste for drama, because she wanted him to move closer. She’d press her mouth to his, feel that large body against hers. They wouldn’t take off their clothes, just embrace and explore kisses.
    Lord, how she missed kisses. Soft, sweet kisses, and then the deeper ones. James