Landry's Law (10 page)

Callie piped up with, “Please tell me it wasn’t the night she was
in
your jail. If it was, I will no longer like you and you won’t be the godfather of my baby.”

“We haven’t had sex!” Seth fairly screamed.

“Is that good or bad?” Taylor Reese asked when she appeared in the doorway with a full laundry basket. “Hi, Savannah. Ready for tonight’s test?”

To his surprise, Savannah answered, “Yes. I got up at 4:00 a.m. and went over all my notes. There’s nothing about victimology I don’t know.”

“I haven’t even started yet,” Taylor admitted. “I do better if I go over things right before they happen. Speaking of happenings, why is Seth yelling that you aren’t having sex?”

This is getting out of control!
Seth went to Taylor and had her fish a pair of heavy socks out of the neatly folded laundry. “Put these on while I change my shirt and get my riding boots,” Seth advised Savannah. “And don’t talk to any of them. They’ll twist your words. Trust me.”

“He’s testy,” Barbara said as soon as Seth had gone upstairs.

Savannah remained quiet, not because of Seth’s warning, but because she didn’t know how to respond to that.

“Sexual frustration,” Taylor offered.

“I agree,” Callie added. “Sam was like that before we got together.”

“Cade, too,” Barbara chimed in. “Landry men get very, very ill-tempered when they aren’t getting any.”

“Gee, Barbara,” Seth said when he returned holding his coat and hopping on one foot to pull on the other boot. “Can you be a little more crass, I
don’t think Savannah has quite gotten the whole picture yet.”

Barbara made a dismissive noise very much like a grunt. “You know it’s true, Seth Landry. Or do you expect us to believe that you see Ruthie every couple of weeks just for a home cooked meal? Face it, Landry men just have
needs.
It’s as hereditary as the sexy half smile you all have.”

“Shane doesn’t have it,” Taylor said. “He only has outdated come-ons.”

“For the zillionth time, Ruthie and I are just good friends,” Seth said, “Let’s go, Savannah.”

She was more than willing to comply. The conversation was a tad frank for her. Actually, that wasn’t true. What was bothering her was thinking about Seth having a sex partner.

Snow crunched beneath her feet as she walked in silence next to Seth.

“Don’t brood,” he warned.

“I’m not brooding, I’m thinking.”

“About Ruthie Nestor and me?”

“Yes. I feel uncomfortable knowing I kissed you when you have—”

“What I have with Ruthie is a friendship. I look after her son. She appreciates that. Yes, we tried dating a few years back, but it didn’t work. We parted as mutual friends, in spite of what most of greater Jasper seems to think.”

Savannah remained silent.

Seth grasped her arm and forced her to look at him. “Listen. Ruthie isn’t an issue. Got it?”

“Okay,” Savannah said as she pulled her arm free. “I no longer feel like a poacher.”

“Poacher?” he repeated, incredulous. “I can promise you, Savannah. I’ve never felt this way before about any woman. I know you don’t want to hear this but I lo—”

Quickly, she covered his mouth with her gloved hand. “Don’t. Don’t even think it.” She took her hand away.

Seth appeared so frustrated she guessed he would love to punch something. Still, she had to stick to her guns. Falling in love was not allowed.
So why did the mere thought make her want to cry?

She was given her choice of horses and Savannah decided on a gray mare who seemed to have some life in her.

“You sure?” Seth asked.

“Yes, why?”

“Because Betsy is a little skittish.”

Savannah grinned up at him. “I’m very good at calming animals.”

“Just remember, she was your choice,” Seth warned. “Especially when you have to cough up a hundred bucks.”

One of the hands, a man called Bull, saddled and readied the horses for them. Well, truthfully, Seth saddled his horse and Bull saddled hers.

Ignoring the hand Seth offered to help her mount, she managed to get her foot in the stirrup and sit the saddle without his aid. She gave him a saccharin smile once she had accomplished the task without assistance.

Seth was grumbling something about hardheadedness as he went over and lithely swung his large frame onto the animal.

The gray was skittish, as Seth had warned. No amount of petting and soothing her seemed to control her nervousness. Still, Savannah was sure the horse would come through for her once they were on their way. Because of the deep snow, Seth and Savannah had to ride first on paths already cleared on the property, then out onto the highway. So far, she was controlling her skittish animal as well as he was handling his expertly trained stallion.

“I’m winning,” she announced as she pulled up on the inside.

“How do you figure that?” he scoffed.

“My horse is much more difficult to manage, so I’m obviously the better rider.”

“The trip isn’t over yet,” he said.

Savannah had forgotten how much she loved riding. She’d been going at least a couple times a week since she moved to Jasper, thanks to a local stable that rented to tourists. But this was the first time she was able to ride freely in the shadows of the Rockies.

They were so majestic, they nearly took her breath away. The only thing she could think of that was more attractive was the man next to her.
Stop it!
her brain screamed.

Soon they entered the wildlife reserve in Clancy. There were paths, so Seth led her to one that placed them beneath snow-ladened pines. It was pure magic to be in such an incredible place. She could smell the fresh mountain air and feel it cool her lungs. Everywhere she looked, she saw pristine forest and the occasional hint of a stream winding through the park.

They had been riding less than fifteen minutes when Savannah heard pops that sounded like firecrackers. Apparently so did her horse, because Betsy became jittery again.

“Do they do that to move the animals from one part of the refuge to another?” she asked.

“Nope, if my hunch is correct, that’s Cal Nestor shooting a gun he found in the ventilation system. I think the killer dropped his trophy in his haste to climb out and Cal is currently using it to shoot at something.”

“Or someone,” Savannah mumbled. The thrill of competition drained away and was replaced by real, genuine fear.

“Or,” Savannah began tentatively, “it isn’t Cal. It’s some kind of poacher. If so, shouldn’t we call the wildlife police, or whatever they’re called?”

“If it’s a poacher—which I’m pretty sure it isn’t—I’ll handle it.”

He spoke with such authority that Savannah truly believed him. She also remembered that he had a gun on him somewhere. That made her feel a tad safer.

They continued to ride, getting closer to the sporadic sounds of the shooting. The closer they got, the more anxious her horse became. Savannah empathized. She wasn’t exactly used to going
in
the
direction of gunfire. In New York, there’d been a shooting on her block. She had raced around the corner as if her life depended upon it. Actually it had, since the shooters turned out to be two romantic rivals firing wildly at each other in the middle of a normally quiet street.

Seth held out a hand indicating she should stop. Looking ahead about ten yards or so, Savannah saw a tall, gangly teenager with carrot-colored hair standing in a rocky clearing with a brown mare tethered nearby. He was standing with his back to them. On the edge of a large bolder about ten feet in front of him were rows of several soda cans.

Seth dismounted and handed her the reins to his horse. She watched in amazement as Seth soundlessly managed to cross the snowy path, until he was within a foot of the kid.

“Hi, Cal,” Seth said calmly, as if he were there to discuss the scenery.

Cal turned, his freckled face shocked, then filled with the defiance only a teenager can display. “What are you doing here?” he challenged.

Savannah could tell by his body language that the boy wasn’t at all as brave as his voice. He was shifting from foot to foot and kept one hand behind his back. She already knew that the one hand held the gun Seth hoped would help solve Whitlock’s murder, which might solve the other two, as well. Which would mean she would no longer be the topic
of the gossip hounds and she’d have evidence that might spur Peter into action. Surely adding murder charges would make him schedule the trial sooner.
Right?

Lifting his coat, Seth reached into the back waistband of his jeans and retrieved his gun. Cal’s eyes seemed to grow as wide as one of those Precious Moments children.

“You can’t shoot me for ditching school,” Cal insisted.

“I’m not going to shoot you,” Seth said reasonably.

Seth proceeded to shoot each of the cans in turn, knocking them off the boulder. Savannah was impressed and for a second, she saw that Cal was, too. Then he donned his mask of attitude again.

Savannah didn’t hear what happened next. Her spooked horse suddenly reared up while Savannah was trying to hold the reins of Seth’s horse, as well.

“Hang on, girl,” she soothed as she did everything in her power to get the skittish horse mellowed out.

Seth appeared by her ride, saying, “Having troubles, great rider?”

“Take these,” she snapped, tossing the reins at him with no care where they hit him. “Woah, girl,” she soothed as the horse reared again.

“Need some help?” Seth asked.

“No,” she assured him. It took her a few minutes and a lot of cajoling to get the animal to stop rearing
and bucking. All the while, Savannah deftly used her thighs to stay in the saddle. Heck, she would have used her tongue if it meant staying on the animal. She was not going to give Seth the satisfaction of getting the better of her on a bet.

“Okay,” Seth said, once she had the animal under control. “I owe you a hundred bucks.”

She looked at him questioningly, confused that he would acquiesce before the ride home.

Seth offered a guilty but attractive half smile. “Betsy there isn’t known for her comfort around loud noises,” he explained. “Which is why I tried to get you to pick another horse before we left. I figured she would bolt when she heard the gunshots.”

Savannah was angry. “You could have gotten me killed!”

Seth mounted his horse. “I don’t think so. She’s never been quite that aggressive before. I had no idea she’d buck, but you seem to have everything under control.”

“Gee, thanks.”

Seth chuckled. “If she had thrown you, you’d have landed in the soft snow. The only thing I figured you’d hurt was your pride.”

“You are such a gentleman,” Savannah returned, each syllable dripping with sarcasm. She looked up into the open space where Seth and Cal had been. The boy wasn’t there. “What did you do to Cal?” she demanded.

“I made him climb down and pick up the cans I shot. It was either that or a fifty-dollar fine. I made it his choice.”

Savannah had to admit that was pretty good manipulation. “You’re an incredible shot. Did he have the gun?”

Seth patted his jacket pocket. “Thanks. It’s important for a law enforcement officer to be a good shot. And the Glock is right here.”

“You’re more than a good shot. You’re exceptional.” Savannah felt herself truly relax for the first time in a while. “That’s great. You can get fingerprints and find out who is doing this to me, right?”

“Thank you again and maybe,” Seth said. They turned and started back for the ranch. “Depends if Cal smudged all the usable prints.”

“Don’t even
think
that,” Savannah insisted. “I want this over with as soon as possible.”

“I’ll handle it as expeditiously as possible. I’m going to have J.D drive it to the lab today.”

“Can you light the same fire under Peter White? I want this trial behind me so I can go back to my real life in Connecticut.”

“Connecticut, huh?” Seth made it sound like a vile curse.

“Of course. That’s where my family is. My roots, just like you’re rooted to Jasper.”

His jaw was taut when he asked, “You really couldn’t stand living here permanently?”

Savannah felt tremendous guilt. “Seth,” she began softly, “we’ve been over this. Even after the trial, if there’s still a contract out on me, I’ll have to remain in the Witness Protection Program. I can’t think of anything in terms of permanency. It wouldn’t be fair.”

“To which one of us?” Seth countered, clearly angry.

“Me. You. Both of us, I guess.”

He turned and held her gaze. “Has it dawned on you that I’d be happy for whatever time we could be together? I know you can’t make promises, but I’d rather have one day with you than a lifetime with any other woman.”

Savannah truly wanted to cry. “I don’t think I can do that, Seth. I’m sure you could tell this morning that it’s been more than six years since I’ve been held or kissed like that. I don’t want a one-night thing with you. I need all or nothing. Because of my situation, it has to be nothing.”

She turned to his strong, handsome profile. Seth was glaring straight ahead. “Seth?”

He wouldn’t look at her. She tried calling his name again. Still nothing.

“Be childish,” she snapped. “Just respect my feelings and my decision. This topic is no longer open for discussion.”

Seth pulled his horse to an instant halt, grabbed her reins in the process. He looked deep into her eyes
and said, “This topic is still open for discussion. I’ll bring it up anytime I want because I think you’re lying to both of us.”

“I am not!”

“Do you want me to drag you off that horse and kiss you again?” he taunted. “And don’t try telling me that this morning was just about some long dry spell you’ve had. I felt your desire, Savannah. I felt the way you pressed yourself against me, but mostly I felt the emotion behind your kiss.”

“I never said I didn’t find you attractive,” she lamely claimed.

“Tell yourself whatever you need to,” Seth said. “Just remember that I don’t intend to follow your rules.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning that when I think you’re ready, I’m going to make love to you.”

S
AVANNAH WAS HAVING
a very difficult time concentrating on her test notes, thanks to Seth’s earlier warning. Well, she would just have to make sure she never appeared ready and willing to the arrogant man.

She was seated in his Bronco outside the sheriff’s office under the watchful eye of Deputy Greg. She was supposed to be reviewing her notes, but she couldn’t seem to hold on to any of the information she’d been reading. Darn him for disrupting her life!

Seth returned shortly, followed by J.D., who was carrying the Glock in an evidence bag. Seth got in the car after speaking to Greg. J.D. was already speeding off somewhere with his sirens and lights blaring.

She checked her watch when he got in the car and started the engine. “I’m going to be late,” she told him curtly.

“No, you won’t,” he assured her. Then he turned on the sirens and lights on top of the Bronco and headed toward Montana West University.

“Isn’t this some sort of abuse of power?” she asked.

“Nope. It’s getting you to class on time. How long is your class?”

“Normally it’s three hours.” She saw the pained look on his face. “But it shouldn’t take me more than forty minutes to take the exam.”

He gave her a quick glance. “Don’t rush through it on my account.”

“I’m not,” she said. “Tests are normally the easiest part of a course for me.”

“Brains and beauty,” Seth said.

Savannah’s heart fluttered slightly at the compliment. “Thank you.”

“Oh, so now you’re being formal with me? Care to tell me why?”

“Because of what you said earlier at the wildlife refuge. I don’t want to say anything to give you the impression—”

“Savannah, you don’t have to say anything. I’ll know by looking into your eyes. They are the windows to your soul.”

“My soul feels the same way my intellect does,” she insisted.

“I warned you not to test me, Savannah,” Seth said as he pulled the Bronco onto the shoulder and stopped. After releasing both their seat belts, he dragged her across the console and held her in his lap.

He took her mouth with such hungry pleasure that Savannah knew she was incapable of not showing a response. It was just too delicious an experience for her to pretend otherwise.

His mouth slowed, became gentler. Then he lifted his head and peered straight into her eyes. “You want this as much as I do, don’t you?”

She didn’t answer. She didn’t have an answer, she just knew she wanted to feel his mouth on hers again. Lifting her hand to his head, she pulled him back down to her. Instantly, he was coaxing her lips apart. Her breaths were coming in short gasps and her heart was pounding against her rib cage.

He effortlessly made her insides catch fire. He lifted his dark head long enough to unzip her coat. Slipping his hands inside, Seth touched her fluttering stomach, then moved higher, until his hand closed over one breast.

Savannah moaned and panicked all at the same
time. “Don’t do this,” she implored. “I’m not ready for this.”

Seth moved his hand instantly, then gently returned her to her seat. His dark eyes were still filled with unspent passion when he said, “Your intellect just betrayed you.”

She remained silent. What could she say? He was right. The minute he touched her she turned into a quivering blob of hormonal need. It was disheartening to realize that she was so transparent. It had never happened before. She’d suffered her way through more than one desperation date and several blind dates. The men never seemed to pick up on the fact that she would have rather removed her own spleen with an oyster fork than be out with them.
So how come some small town cowboy seems to know me better than I know myself?

Because he must realize that I’m in love with him. Lord, what a mess. How do I keep him from using it against me?

“I can’t,” she muttered.

“What?” Seth asked.

She hesitated for a brief second, then said, “I can’t seem to keep my information straight, thanks to you.”

Seeing his pleased grin out of the corner of one eye didn’t exactly make Savannah happy.

She was in a vile mood when she walked into her class a little while later. Thankfully, Seth agreed to
wait in the student lounge across from her classroom. The last thing she needed was to have him sitting next to her while she tried to remember things like the use of victimology in profiling and all the elements that were supposed to be in the profile.

She gave Taylor a reassuring smile before they began the exam.

True to her word, Savannah was finished in less than thirty-five minutes. Molly Jameson, her professor, took her blue exam booklet and didn’t seem the least bit surprised that she’d finished so quickly. But this was her third class with Molly, so Molly was familiar with Savannah’s fast recitation of facts and theories.

Molly mouthed the words “Good night,” before Savannah walked out the door.

She entered the lounge at the exact moment Seth’s pager began to beep furiously.

“You are quick,” he remarked as he read the number. “It’s my office,” he told her. “Can we go now? I’ll call from the car phone.”

Savannah dug into her purse and produced a cell phone and passed it to him. “Government issue,” she said kind of shyly.

“Are you allowed to let other people use it?”

“It’s supposed to be used when I need help or information. Maybe the call is from J.D. and they have the fingerprints back.”

Seth shook his head as he punched in a number.
“It will take them a while to lift the prints off the Glock. I sent along Cal’s and mine for elimination purposes, but—”

He stopped in midsentence, listening, then spoke into the phone. “You didn’t recognize the voice?”

Then, “I’m on my way there.”

Followed by a very loud, “I don’t care, she’ll just have to deal with it. Get me a warrant ready. I’ll be there in less than an hour.”

Seth handed the phone back to Savannah and excitedly said, “We either have a crank call or our first solid lead.”

Her heart jumped and she felt joy. “What is it?”