Joint Investigation. Terri Reed

way of thinking.”

      She liked him. Which was surprising considering earlier tonight he’d derailed her plans of capturing Birdman, but then again, as she’d concluded earlier, he’d saved her life. Twice now. An endearing fact, one she’d have to remember to keep in perspective. They shared the same commitment to their respective jobs. And that included saving a fellow law enforcement agent from harm.

      She put two slices of bread in the toaster slots. As she twisted the tie on the end of the plastic bag, she was reminded of being tied up not so many hours ago. Thankfully, her wrists bore no marks from the zip ties.

      A thump overhead sent a jolt of alarm through her body and kick-started her heart. She dropped the loaf of bread and reached for her weapon.

      “Whoa, stand down,” Drew said softly.

      Her gaze swung to him. “Did you hear that? Someone’s in your house.”

      “It’s my dad.” He covered her hand holding the gun with his. The warm pressure sent tingles up her arm. His hands were big, strong and capable. “You’re safe here.”

      The way he looked at her, as if he was really concerned for her, made her want to believe him. For some reason this man inspired trust.

      Heavy footfalls sounded on the wooden staircase. An older man, wearing a white T-shirt and flannel pants, stepped into the kitchen and halted abruptly. His assessing gaze was cool as he regarded Sami and her gun, then swung his gaze to Drew. “I take it we have a guest, eh?”

      “Yes, Dad.” Drew removed his hand from over hers. “We have a guest. This is Special Agent Sami Bennett of the FBI. Sami, my dad, retired RCMP inspector Patrick Kelley.”

      Exhaling, Sami quickly released the hold she had on her weapon before thrusting out her hand at Drew’s father. “Nice to meet you, sir.”

      Warily, Patrick slid his big hand into hers. His calloused palm scraped against her skin. She could see the resemblance between father and son. Both were tall and formidable with the same dark hair and hazel eyes. Drew’s face had more angles and planes, whereas the elder Kelley’s face was softer and lined with age.

      “Likewise, Sami.” Patrick shook her hand briefly. “It’s not often I enter my kitchen to find a beautiful woman holding a gun. Special agent, eh?”

      Heat rushed to her cheeks at the compliment and for the fact she’d almost drawn on him. “I’m sorry about that. It’s been a stressful night.”

      “Eggs, Dad?” Drew went back to scrambling eggs in a bowl.

      “Don’t mind if I do, eh?” Patrick bent down to pick up the loaf of bread. “I’ll have some toast, as well.”

      Sami cringed at the result of her embarrassing reaction. “Here, sir, let me.”

      He handed over the bread and then turned to retrieve plates from the cupboard. “So, Sami, what brings the FBI to our door?”

      “A case.” She pushed down the toaster button and sneaked a glance at Drew. How much would he tell his father?

      “How long have you known my son?”

      Drew poured the scrambled eggs into a sizzling pan. “We actually met tonight.”

      Patrick’s eyebrows rose. “This I can’t wait to hear.”

      * * *

      An hour later Drew walked Sami to the guest room at the top of the stairs. He pushed open the door, glad to see the room was made up. They didn’t have many visitors, so the room wasn’t used often.

      “You should find everything you need. Extra blankets and pillows are at the top of the closet.” He pointed to the door across the hall. “Restroom’s there. Towels and washcloths are in the cupboard under the sink.”

      Sami gazed up at him. Her blue eyes reflected the hall light, making them glow. “Thank you for everything.”

      “You’re welcome.”

      She pushed her honey-blond hair over her shoulder. “I like your dad. He’s a character.”

      A strand of her hair stuck to her black sweater. Her hair looked so silky and soft he wanted to touch it. Instead he jammed his hands into his pockets. “Dad was in rare form tonight. He’s not normally so chatty.”

      “I don’t mind chatty,” she said, her voice soft and breathless.

      He met her gaze, noticing the lighter ring of blue around the darker pupils. She had pretty eyes. It had been a long time since he’d felt the pull of attraction the way he did with Sami. His pulse quickened, setting his nerves on edge.

      He mentally shut down his reaction. He wasn’t looking for a personal relationship with her. Or anyone, for that matter. The last time he’d fallen for a woman, he’d ended up nursing another wound to his battered heart. Not quite as devastating as his mother’s abandonment but close enough to make him even more wary.

      He took a step back. “Is Sami short for Samantha?”

      She gave an imperceptible nod. “My dad calls me Sami.”

      He liked the nickname, more approachable and feisty, like the woman. “It suits you.”

      One corner of her mouth lifted, drawing his attention. She had nicely shaped lips. Lips made for kissing. He tugged at the collar of his shirt, suddenly feeling as if they were standing under a heat lamp rather than the soft glow of the hallway light.

      “Where’s your mom?”

      Her question doused the mood like a bucket of ice in his face. What was he thinking? Kissable lips? Silky hair? Dude, get a grip.

      He needed to stay focused on the objective. Keep Sami safe and find a killer. Nothing more. Nothing less. Attraction had no place in this high-stakes situation.

      “That’s a discussion for another time, another day.” Or never. “Good night, Sami.”

      Her head tilted to the side with curiosity and...was that disappointment? The awkward silence stretched. The need to open up tugged at him. Not going to happen. Keep this professional, he chided himself.

      He cleared his throat. “Okay. Good night, then.”

      The trill of his cell phone echoed through the quiet house. He pulled the device from his pocket. “Inspector Kelley.” As he listened to Blake’s news, a knot formed in his stomach. “Okay. Tomorrow we’ll follow up.” He clicked off.

      “Well?”

      He met Sami’s expectant gaze. “The victim was an American woman from Kansas. Melinda Watson. She was in town for a job interview.”

      Anger and empathy flashed in her blue eyes. “And the credit card? Did they find out anything about the cardholder?”

      The knot tightened. “Mr. Clark’s a Canadian. He owns an aviation-parts business and is married with two adult kids. His wife told officers that her husband was at a convention in Las Vegas. He had texted her to say he was extending his stay. That was five days ago. She’s heard nothing from him since but hadn’t panicked, because they were having marital problems and she was thankful for the time away from each other.”

      “I’m going to Las Vegas. I could catch a flight out tonight.”

      Drew held up a hand. “Slow down. The card was last used in Phoenix, Arizona, two days ago. Mr. Clark registered at a spa resort.”

      She gave a sharp nod. “Then I’ll go to Arizona. Cloud Jet Airlines has reasonably priced flights.”

      He marveled at her dedication. She traveled on her own dime. He shook his head. “Which may be what the killer wants you to do.”

      She shrugged. “I have to catch this guy.”

      “Why you?”

      Pain flashed in her eyes. “He