Dani checked her watch. It was going on one o’clock. She had to start getting organized for the birthday party. She shot Spencer a quick glance. How long was he planning on sticking around?
“And third”—Spencer rested a hip on the counter—“King doesn’t fit the profile for this kind of murder. If he kills someone, it will be in the heat of the moment. He’ll lose his temper or his sex games will go too far. He’d do it with his bare hands or whatever is nearby. And then he’d run home to his mommy and daddy.”
“I know you mentioned that you weren’t a profiler, but were you with the FBI?” Dani began taking the tea sandwiches from the massive restaurant-size refrigerator. “I don’t recall you or Ivy ever specifically saying what you did in law enforcement.”
“The program at Quantico is available to other agencies.” Spencer lifted the plastic-wrapped tray of smoked salmon and dill from her hands and put it on the counter.
Dani remained silent, aware that Spencer had avoided naming his previous employer. Wondering what he was hiding, she slid the platter of stilton and pear next to the first tray, quickly following with the cucumber and cream cheese and the egg salad. The party’s head count was set at twenty-five and she had prepared 150 tiny sandwiches. Any that were left could be shared with the residents and staff of the assisted-living facility.
“What would be the profile of Regina’s killer?” Dani asked, fetching the containers of linzer and shortbread cookies, then going back for the lemon-curd tartlets and the ginger scones with cardamom.
Dani had only been able to squeeze in this gig because the birthday cake was being provided from a specialty bakeshop and the assisted-living facility was taking care of the tea and punch. At first, the grandniece who had booked the event had said that if Dani couldn’t make the cake, they’d just skip it. But Dani had pointed out that a party without a cake was really just a meeting.
Dani had been brusque with the grandniece, hoping the woman would either book someone else or reschedule. But she hadn’t, and Dani had had to get up at five in the morning on Thursday to prepare the food. She could only hope that the sandwiches held up okay overnight.
Spencer broke into Dani’s thoughts. “Regina’s killer was probably an intelligent, precise woman with a great deal of self-control and determination.” He scratched his head. “Although a meticulous man is a slight possibility.”
“I hope you didn’t share that with the police chief.” Dani went into the pantry and came back with a rolling cart. “Your description sounds a lot like me. Or any other successful businesswoman.”
“Or college student.” Spencer helped Dani load the trays and containers onto the cart. “I think Bliss is still our best suspect.”
“I hate to admit it, but that’s true.” Dani rolled the filled cart outside and toward her van. “Bliss is by no means as empty-headed as she pretends to be. And she had to have a lot of self-discipline to put up with Regina’s demands.” Dani and Spencer lifted the loaded cart into the cargo area and Dani added, “Not to mention that Bliss is certainly unwavering in her determination to marry Vance.”
“But you don’t want it to be her.” Spencer patted Dani’s shoulder.
“No.” Dani headed back inside to change clothes. “I would much rather have it be Vance. But I can’t hope that an innocent man goes to prison.”
“Good thing it isn’t up to us.” Spencer followed Dani to the bottom of the stairs. “As long as you and Ivy are off the hook, I consider our part of the investigation over.” He shot her a firm look. “You need to keep off of Mikeloff’s radar. Understand?”
“I know you’re right.” Dani’s answer was grudging. “Which is why I’ll do it.” She narrowed her eyes. “Not because you issued an order.”
Spencer looked a little sheepish and nodded, then stood staring at her. Dani shuffled from foot to foot. Was he staying? Did he plan on going with her to the party?
As if coming out of a fog, Spencer said, “Okay. I’d better let you get ready.” He walked down the hallway toward the front door. “Don’t forget to lock up behind me. You really should get an alarm system.”
“As soon as money gets a little less scarce, it’s on the top of my list,” Dani said, then remembered her manners and yelled, “Thank you for everything.”
“No problem.” He turned and smiled at her.
When she’d discovered the mansion had been vandalized and Spencer had not only made sure she was safe, but also agreed that she shouldn’t call the cops, Dani had known he was a good guy. However, it was him sticking around this morning and helping her out with the lunches and everything else that sealed the deal.
Ignoring the voice inside of her that said even though she now knew she could trust Spencer, she shouldn’t get involved with him, she added, “I owe you a fabulous dinner.”
Spencer paused. “You really don’t.” Then, his expression unreadable, he said, “But anytime you want to cook for me, just tell me when and I’ll bring the beer.”
“How about tomorrow night?” Dani said before realizing it was a Saturday. Feeling her cheeks heat up, she blurted, “Unless you have a date with your girlfriend. I mean you’re welcome to bring her.”
“Where did you get the idea that I have a girlfriend?” Spencer frowned.
“Detective Mikeloff.” Dani looked anywhere except at Spencer.
“He lied,” Spencer said firmly. “There isn’t any other woman in my life.”
“Other?” Dani whispered, her heart fluttering. When Spencer didn’t respond, she said, “So, dinner tomorrow?”
“Sure.” Spencer studied his shoes. “I have to work the rally, but after that I’m free. Is six o’clock okay for you, or do you prefer later?”
“Six is good.” Dani waited for Spencer to leave, and when he didn’t, she couldn’t figure out how to
