Kane shook his head.
“She help you any?” He pointed to Kayla.
“She still doesn’t know what last night was about.” And he wasn’t looking forward to enlightening her.
“You’re certain she wasn’t tipped off about us and canceled activities last night?”
“Convince yourself. Have a talk with her yourself.”
Reid nodded and walked over to Kayla and her sister. Kane made himself scarce and strolled the perimeter of the small outer room instead. By the time the captain returned, Kane realized Kayla had turned this place into a reflection of herself. Books lined the metal shelving on the back wall, the topics wide and varied.
“You’re right.”
Shoving his hands into his pockets, he turned to his superior. “She’s as much in the dark as we are,” Kane said.
“Seems that way. She’s bright and can hold her own in conversation but if she’s lying about her knowledge, I’d eat my badge, like you said. None of the signs were there. As for the sister, I wouldn’t want to fall into that mouth again, but I doubt she knows anything, either.”
“Kayla’s in danger.” The knowledge sent a flood of emotion shooting through his veins. He welcomed the rush of adrenaline but not the depth of caring she drew from inside him. But he meant to keep his promise to Catherine. He’d keep her safe.
“That’s debatable. I’m not convinced this was anything more than a bungled job. A druggie wanting cash, hoping for a quick getaway, and coming up empty, maybe,” Reid said.
Kane shook his head. “Put someone on her.”
“Can’t spare more manpower on a hunch, McDermott, not even yours. The most I can give you is an hourly drive-by.”
Kane shoved his hands into his jeans pockets. “Not good enough.”
“It’ll have to be.”
“For you maybe. But I’m taking that R&R you seem to think I need.”
Reid raised an eyebrow. “To do what?”
“Babysit her myself if I have to. Instinct has kept me alive, and I won’t ignore it now.”
“You too personally involved with this one?”
The words hit the intended target, but Kane refused to back down. “No.”
Reid shrugged. “Whatever you say. You’ve got one week, but this is strictly off-duty. What about the sister?”
“I don’t need two targets and, considering she’s not involved in running the business, she’s not in any immediate danger.”
Shoving his hands into his front pants pockets, Reid said, “I agree.”
“So I want her out of the picture.” Kane didn’t need two women to watch out for.
Reid glanced at the two sisters with their heads bent close together, and his chuckle filled the small room. “Good luck,” he said and laughed again.
Kane didn’t know whether the older man referred to Kane’s ability to make Catherine back off or his self-imposed week alone with Kayla. Either way he needed all the luck he could get.
Chapter Five
The ice had begun to help her head. Even the nausea was no longer as bad. And then Kane spoke. “I’m taking you home.”
His deep voice—still sexy to her ears—penetrated the remaining fuzziness in her brain. Kayla’s stomach revolted at the thought. “I think I’m going to be sick.”
Catherine grabbed for the nearest garbage pail, gaining a smile from Kayla despite how lousy she felt.
“I don’t think that’s necessary.” Kayla turned on Kane. “I’m not going anywhere with you.” Although her talk with Captain Reid had been enlightening, she still didn’t know enough.
Apparently, Kane’s superior knew nothing about Kane and Kayla’s late-night activities. Unlike other men, he hadn’t been quick to brag that he’d scored with Kayla Luck. She wondered what that meant other than the fact that he didn’t want to jeopardize his career.
The captain had questioned her about her business and clientele but was less than forthcoming about the reasons behind the police interest. He said he’d leave the divulging to his best detective. She suppressed a cynical laugh. Kane was good all right, at more things than just his job.
He crouched down until they were eye level. Razor stubble covered his cheeks, adding to the dangerous edge she’d only imagined before. The musky scent of his skin mixed with subtle aftershave heightened her awareness and put her senses into overdrive.
He bore no resemblance to the salesman who’d wined and dined her the night before, yet he was still the same man who intrigued her on a primal level. A man she didn’t know. Yesterday’s clean-cut appearance had obviously been another lie for her benefit. She had the distinct impression she now faced the real Kane McDermott.
She cradled her head in her hands and glared at him.
“You might not like me much right now. Hell, I’m not too thrilled with myself. But you aren’t going home alone. It isn’t safe.”
“I agree,” Catherine said. She folded her arms over her chest and waited.
“Would you please find something to do?” Kane muttered. “I’ll talk to you later.”
Catherine glanced at her sister.
Kayla didn’t like it, but she and Kane had unfinished business. “It’s okay.”
With a nod, her sister headed for the back room.
“She always act like your mother?” he asked.
“Only when I’m being threatened.”
“And that’s what you think I’m doing?” Despite his behavior, the thought made him laugh.
“I don’t know that any more than I know who you really are. Last night was obviously a setup.” She ignored the hurt the knowledge brought. “You’re investigating me and my business. What for?”
His deep inhale warned her she wouldn’t like what came next. “Prostitution.”
Her hand moved of its own volition, cracking across his roughened cheek. Tears quickly followed. She swiped at them with her sleeve, but he’d seen anyway. He didn’t flinch, but in his eyes she viewed the same glimmer of emotion she’d caught last night. He masked it just as fast.
He was good at hiding his feelings and even better at hiding himself.
She swallowed over the painful lump in her throat that threatened to grow larger. Not only had he treated her like a hooker, but he’d thought she was one, too. “I didn’t know detectives were into such hands-on investigation.”
“Last night had nothing
