Nora Roberts Land (33 page)

“Hey!” He reared back.

She shoved him and ran for the house, her laughter making puffs in the cold air. As she raced, she looked up and saw her parents watching her from the window. They looked tanned and rested. And still very much in love.

She’d resigned herself to never having what they had, but each time Tanner swept her off her feet, she believed she could have her own Nora Roberts Land.

Chapter 41

T
anner tucked the sheet around Keith, who wiggled like a worm in the massive king bed. “Night, buddy.”

“Don’t wanna go to sleep yet,” he said, kicking at the covers.

Peggy kissed his cheek. “Too bad. It’s way past your bedtime. Be grateful we didn’t have Thanksgiving here. I would have made you go to bed even earlier.”

“You’re so strict, mom.”

“Comes with the badge.” She tapped him on the nose. “Now kiss Uncle Tanner goodnight.”

When Keith wrapped his little arms around him, Tanner ruffled his hair. The kid’s adoration was up there with his Pulitzer in terms of lifetime accomplishments. He kissed him on the head. “Love you, kid.”

“Love you too. Can Hugo sleep in my room? Please!”

He lifted a brow at Peg.

“Okay, but we’re still not getting a dog.”

“But Mom!”

The stare she leveled would have stopped an armed robbery.

The kid’s frown accentuated the toothpaste in the corner of his mouth. “Okay, sorry. We have to wait until I get older, Uncle Tanner. Jeez.”

“We’ll send Hugo up, but if I hear talking, he’s coming back downstairs.”

Tanner winked at Keith before shutting the door halfway and calling the dog. “Want something to drink?” he asked Peg as they jogged down the stairs to the kitchen.

“Coffee.” She settled on a stool, watching him brew a pot without making conversation.

“What?” he finally asked.

“I didn’t say anything.”

“No, but you’re thinking something. Give.”

She cleared her throat. “You didn’t tell me you were in love with her.”

He dropped the coffee scoop, spilling grounds on the counter. He swore and grabbed a towel.

“I wasn’t sure I should say anything, but this is serious, Tanner.”

“Jesus, do you think I don’t know it?”

“So you are in love with her?”

He glared. “Is that a capital offense?”

“No, but I want to hear you say it.”

“I love her.” Even to his ears, his voice turned hoarse.

She threw up her hands. “Then tell her the truth. The longer you wait—”

“Don’t you think I know that?” He pounded the coffee lid on.

“Okay, I won’t torture you anymore.” She tapped the counter with her nails. “Meredith has some dirt on Sommerville.”

“Jeez, Peg. How did you find that out?”

“I worked it into the conversation. She denied it, but she’s a terrible liar.”

“Yes, she is.”

Her brow rose at his growl. “It was easier for me to ask.”

“She wasn’t suspicious?”

The snort had his teeth grinding. “Please, I’m a professional. What do you want to do?”

“I’m telling her when you leave. Okay? Get off my back. It’s hard enough worrying about how this might affect David.”

“He’s an adult now. Any promise you made mom—”

“Doesn’t have a statute of limitations.” He stared at his toes, reining himself in.

Silence stretched in the kitchen.

She set her coffee aside. “Okay. I’ll shut up. Let’s go through what we know about the kid’s murder again. See if we’re missing anything.”

Tanner knew enough about police procedure to know this was how Peggy worked. Repetition. Going through the files over and over again until something popped.

When he walked into his room an hour later, he wanted to kick the door closed. Nothing had popped.

He thought about what she’d said about Meredith having something on Sommerville. Was he willing to use Meredith to stop the asshole?

He didn’t like anyone else fighting his battles.

Well, he’d tell Meredith about the whole damn thing on Sunday and see what she said. Best lock the doors beforehand or steal her car keys. If she bolted… Well, he’d get her back. He was not losing her.

According to the clock, it was just shy of midnight, but he wasn’t tired. He drew out his phone, staring at their picture like a teenager. He cursed and hit her number.

“Tanner?” Meredith answered in a hushed voice, so similar to how she sounded when he woke her in the night to make love. “Is everything all right?”

“Yeah. I wanted to say goodnight. I…wish you were here.”

“Me too. I like your family.”

“And they liked yours.”

Of course, what wasn’t to like? Her family was completely different from his. Her parents were clearly crazy about each other. In his home, there had been constant fights and tears. And that was before his drunk of a father had left them.

“Your sister said you have a younger brother in New York City. Where did he spend Thanksgiving?”

His throat squeezed tight. Damn Peg. He was sure she hadn’t meant anything by it, but it made him break out in a sweat.

“He lives in the Bronx with his wife and daughter. My mom spent the holiday with them.”

He pushed off the bed and paced.

“What does he do?”

“Ah…He’s a local councilman.”

God, he hoped she wouldn’t look David up out of curiosity. The recent article in her ex’s paper would be the first Internet hit.

“Wow, a cop, a local politician, and a journalist. That’s a pretty impressive group. Your mother must be proud.”

“Yes, she is. She practically raised us alone while working two jobs. I don’t know how she did it.”

They’d never had much, but she’d always done her best. He’d finally made his peace with her after realizing that.

“She sounds like an incredible woman. I hope I get the chance to meet her.”

He rubbed his throat, liking her train of thought. It implied they’d have a future. “Me too.” Since his gut was churning like a whirlpool with all the unsaid things between them, he changed the subject. “So, since we’re celebrating what we’re thankful for, why don’t you tell me what you’re wearing?”

She made a humming sound. “Thanksgiving ended a few minutes ago.”

“I’m still celebrating.”

“In that case…”

When she told him about her lace and satin undergarments, he settled down and decided acting like a teenager wasn’t such a bad thing in some cases—especially when it took your mind off murder and mayhem.

Chapter 42

T
anner smiled as Keith helped him hold Don’t Soy With Me’s door open for Peg and Meredith. Never too early to start acting like a gentleman.

“Jill, can I help make coffee?” Keith asked as they approached the counter.

Jill bounded toward them and swept him up in her arms. “Sure you can, if it’s okay with your mom.”

Peggy bopped Keith on the head with her gloves. “You listen to Miss Hale.”

“Okay, Mom.”

Jill pulled Keith around the counter. “Looks like we have some customers.”

As Meredith unwound her scarf, Tanner stopped her. He trailed his fingers along her neck as he slowly slid the white scarf off. Her green eyes warmed.

“Don’t make me arrest the two of you,” Peggy murmured. “At least let me get some coffee first.”

“Party pooper.”

“That’s me, Tanner. Let’s order.”

Keith chattered like a magpie as he helped Jill make their coffees. Meredith tensed next to Tanner when Larry Barlow strolled in. Knowing what he had done made it difficult to manage a poker face. Unfortunately Meredith’s sucked, so he nudged her.

“Honey, why don’t you grab us a table? I’ll bring the coffees over when they’re ready.”

He thought she was going to argue, but she gave a stiff nod. “Okay.”

Peggy put her hands on her hips, taking in the scene. Decked out in a green winter jacket with Eagle County’s Sheriff’s Department stitched on the front, Peggy would no doubt put two and two together.

“Tanner.” Barlow slapped his leather gloves in his hands.

“Barlow.”

The asshole lifted a brow when Tanner didn’t make introductions. “I don’t know you, ma’am, and I know most people in town,” he said to Peggy. “I’m Deputy Sheriff Barlow.”

She turned, flashing a girly smile. “Hi! I’m Tanner’s sister, visiting from out of town.”

Peggy’s fake feminine side creeped him out. Did she just bat her eyelashes? Dear God, she must be awesome at undercover work.

“Hi there,” Keith cried out, standing on the stool Jill had found for him. “What can I get ya?”

Barlow strolled closer. “Aren’t you a little young to be working here?”

“It’s not against the law, sir,” Keith said, shrugging, “so long as she doesn’t pay me.”

Barlow chuckled. “You’re correct, young man. Who are you?”

“I’m Keith. That’s my mom.” He pointed to Peggy.

The urge to prevent Barlow from talking to Keith was strong. Tanner didn’t think Barlow would do anything, but he wanted him to stay away.

This wasn’t a social call.

“You wanna ride in my police car?” Barlow rested his hands on his police-issue belt. “I do it for all the new kids.”

Peggy’s gripped Tanner’s arm when he took a step forward.

“Nah,” Keith responded. “I’ve been in police cars lots of times.”

Tanner’s insides cramped like he’d consumed bad milk. “Hey, Keith, why don’t you check on our order?”

Barlow straightened and tapped the counter. “You been arrested a lot, son?”

Peggy’s laughter trilled out. “Oh, that’s too funny. My kid loves cop shows. He’s taken a few rides. Honey, Jill looks like she could use your help. Don’t fall behind in your duties.”

“I’m not, Mom.” He turned back to Barlow with a frown. “I haven’t gotten in trouble, Officer. I ride in my mom’s car sometimes. She’s a cop too.”

Peggy’s fingers clenched Tanner’s coat. “Keith, honey. Why don’t you take this man’s order? I’m sure he doesn’t have a long break.”

She met Barlow’s gaze, and her smile dropped.

He smacked his gloves against his hand. “You’re a cop?”

“Yes, out of state. I’m only here for the holiday.”

Barlow scanned her body. “You carrying?”

“No.” She had her gun locked up in his house.

“You didn’t think about checking in with us?”

“As I said, I’m here on vacation. It’s nice to be away from the job. You know.”

Her appeal to professional camaraderie was worth a try. Maybe Barlow wouldn’t feel threatened.

And pigs would fly.

“Well, we don’t have much crime here. Do we, Tanner?”

He settled back on the balls of his feet and met Barlow’s stare dead-on. “I haven’t seen any in the police reports.”

Barlow’s mouth twisted. “Good to remember. We keep things quiet in Dare.”

“That’s nice to hear,” Peggy noted, her voice like rough gravel now.

“Here’s our coffee, mom,” Keith called. “I’ve got the bestest hot chocolate in the world.”

Tanner reached for their drinks so he wouldn’t deck Barlow.

Peggy pointed across the room. “Go sit by Miss Hale. Good to meet you, Deputy.”

“Nice meeting you,” Barlow said, stepping closer. “Have a safe trip.”

Her eyes turned to slits. “Thanks. We will.”

Tanner’s insides felt like they’d been tossed in a blender. Barlow hadn’t known Peggy was a cop, but he did now. Would he wonder if she was involved? Of course he would.

He kissed Meredith’s frown as he sat down next to her, placing a coffee in front of her. “Drink up,” he commanded gently.

Her worry radiated like the space heater against the window, the blast impossible to ignore.

Peggy wrapped her hands around her cup. “Gee, that was fun.”

“Sure was,” Keith cried, bouncing in his seat, totally misreading her sarcasm.

When Meredith blew out a breath, Tanner wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “It’ll be all right.”

“What will?” Keith piped up, his young eyes scanning the adults like they were a mystery he needed to figure out.

Forcing himself to wink, Tanner said, “Everything.”

Meredith and Peggy started to sip their coffees, their gazes flicking out the window to watch Barlow tear out of his parking space.

Keith’s smile dimmed. “What’s wrong, Uncle Tanner?”

“I’m just glad you’re here,” He said, pulling the boy onto his lap.

“I don’t want to go tomorrow,” Keith whined, hugging him.

It’s for the best, kid,
he thought.

“It’ll be okay,” Peggy assured him.

God, he hoped so. He wouldn’t sleep well until his sister and nephew had left town.

Chapter 43

Y
ou sure you have everything?” Tanner asked as Peggy loaded the last action figure into the car.

She patted her chest, where she was hiding the two evidence bags. “I’m good.” She turned to Keith, who was holding Tanner’s leg with one hand and a dancing Hugo with the other. “Are you, young man?”

He lifted his shoulder in the perfect imitation of a sulk. “If not, we can always come back.”

She stared him down. “No. Uncle Tanner will have to pay lots of money to the mailman to send anything you forgot. You don’t want that, do you?”

“I don’t wanna go!”

Tanner picked him up and hugged him tight. “I’ll see you soon. Christmas is only a few weeks away.”

He’d decided he liked this whole family holiday thing. He was already thinking about what he’d buy Meredith for Christmas—and how they would spend it together. Fucking scary thoughts for a man who’d never had roots.

This kid pulled back. The wet gleam of tears alarmed him. Oh, don’t do it, he wanted to say, it rips my guts out. Instead, he gave him another bear hug. “I love you, Keith.”

“I love you too.”

“We’ll call you when we get home,” Peggy assured him.

He set Keith aside. When he turned to Peg, she wrapped her arms around his waist.

“This was nice. I’m glad we met Meredith. Good luck telling her.”

He eased back. “What will she do?”

“She’ll be hurt, and she’ll worry about trusting you. But I think she’ll forgive you. It may take time, though. We divorced ladies need a little extra patience.”