To Trust a Cop. Sharon Hartley

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ Back to business. So how would she locate Cody? No help but to look for him game by game.

      With fingers entwined in a tall chain-link fence behind home plate, she searched the closest field, figuring Cody must be coaching his son’s Little League team. Of course, the man was married and had kids. The absence of a ring never meant a thing. She ignored the nagging sense of disappointment that accompanied her thoughts.

      She considered leaving without finding him. How embarrassing that she’d allowed her imagination to take off like a runaway train.

      But no. What did she care if the man had ten kids? She’d come on business, pure and simple. And, damn, she wanted to find out what was so important.

      At the third game she visited, she looked up at a tap on her shoulder.

      “Keep your eye on the shortstop. We’re convinced he’s headed for the majors.”

      “Yeah?”

      Cody towered over her, his eyes hidden by dark sunglasses. “No doubt about it.”

      Merlene judged the shortstop in question to be around eight or nine, his hair a similar light brown color to Cody’s. The boy focused intently on the batter, his face screwed into a tight ball of concentration.

      She also tried to concentrate on the game but found Cody’s long, muscular legs distracting. He wore tan coaching shorts and a blue shirt that emphasized the width of his shoulders.

      “Heads up, Charlie,” Cody yelled.

      The shortstop grinned when a pint-size batter swung nowhere near the ball.

      “That’s strike two,” Cody said. “When this team is out, Charlie will be first up.”

      She nodded at the batter. “That kid’s not standing close enough to the plate.” Her brother had had the same problem his first year.

      “You’re a baseball fan?”

      “I used to be.”

      The little boy missed again, and she felt a twinge of pity as he fought tears. Poor little guy. Donny’d hated it when he struck out.

      “Third out,” Cody said.

      Ten small players raced toward the dugout. “Is that talented shortstop your son?” she asked.

      “Nephew.”

      Nephew? Interesting. “Is your son here, too?”

      “I don’t have a son.” He faced her and grinned. “Thanks for coming. How’d it go in Judge Robinson’s court?”

      “Other than not getting called until after lunch, fine.” Looking up, she smiled back, liking the friendly expression on his angular face. Damn, but Cody was tall. Okay. No son, but what about a daughter?

      She sighed. “I’m just glad my testimony is over.”

      He led her away from the game to a concrete bench in the shade of a large oak. The bench and the ground below were covered with oak leaves. Cody brushed the debris away.

      “Testifying is never a picnic,” he said as they sat. “Believe me, police hate going to court, too. It’s time away from our regular duties, and I’m sure you know how defense lawyers try to destroy our evidence, make us look bad.”

      At his mention of cops, familiar suspicion bumped into her good mood. So why was Cody acting so nice? He obviously wanted something. No one ever did anything for free, especially not cops.

      “Are you going to tell me why I’m here?”

      “Relax, Merlene. You don’t have to rush off to Ocala. Dr. Johnson is back in Miami.”

      “What? Are you sure?” She searched his face, wishing she could see his eyes behind the glasses.

      He nodded. “I confirmed it myself even though I’ve been reassigned. He’s at his office this afternoon.”

      “Reassigned?” she asked. “What does that mean?” When he leaned toward her, the scent of fresh grass and clean masculinity curled around her senses.

      “That you’re free to watch your favorite doctor as much as you want. He’s no longer under active investigation by my department.”

      “But why? Has he been cleared of whatever you thought he’d done?” Which Cody still hadn’t told her about, by the way. Was he about to tell her now?

      “No, ma’am. I didn’t say that. In fact, I was hoping you’d tape the comings and goings from the good doc’s house for me.”

      “What? Come on, Cody. You have to tell me what’s going on.”

      Cody removed his sunglasses and ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t know why yet, but I’ve been pulled from the case. So has the county attorney my partner and I’ve been working with.” He leaned back and caught her gaze. “Guess what? It’s not because of budget cuts.”

      “Wow.” Merlene thought hard and came up with only one explanation. “Dr. Johnson must have powerful friends.”

      He nodded. “That’s what we think. So if you stay on him, at least I’ll still receive some information.”

      “Because his friends can’t call me off,” Merlene said, nodding. “And I suppose you’ll want a full report?”

      “I wouldn’t mind.”

      The complete irony of the situation caused a laugh to bubble up from deep in her chest. She tried to stop herself but couldn’t. At the confusion on Cody’s face, she clamped a hand over her mouth. “Sorry,” she murmured.

      “My case is a disaster, and you’re laughing?”

      “Because you chased me away twice and now...now you want me back.” She shook her head. “I never thought I’d live long enough for the police to ask me for help.”

      “At least something I say can make you smile.” He startled her by raising his hand, but merely brushed a lock of hair away from her face, then dropped his hand to her shoulder.

      She sucked in a quick breath but didn’t move.

      “Do you know you have a beautiful smile?” he said.

      She didn’t reply, only felt the weight of his hand resting on her shoulder.

      His eyes searched hers, and an unfamiliar yearning shot through her as he leaned closer. His hand inched closer to her neck. She found herself shifting in his direction. Was he going to kiss her? She suddenly wanted him to. Wanted him to more than she’d wanted anything in a long time.

      “Hey, Cody,” a voice shouted. “Get back over here. Charlie’s up next.”

      She stiffened, and Cody dropped his hand.

      He angled his head toward the ball field. “Want to come with me to watch my nephew at bat?”

      “No!” СКАЧАТЬ