Shadows at Dawn Page 7

  Muffin, little hussy that she was, moved over to Jax’s lap, and he absently started rubbing beneath her chin.

  Mindy leaned against the sofa with a tired sigh. “I don’t think it’s here.”

  “You checked your laptop case, right?”

  “Only half a dozen times.” She looked up at him. “It could be anywhere, Jax. Maybe I never even had it. Maybe there’s no such thing as a flash drive with valuable secret information. Maybe we’re completely off base.”

  He shook his head. “I did a little more digging on Shipman, and I think Maddox could be right. The guy was always out for himself. Shipman Construction had a number of one-star reviews, jobs he never finished or didn’t stand behind. This feels right. It’s the only way all the odd-shaped pieces fit together.”

  She toyed with the hem of the pink T-shirt she was wearing. “We’ve looked everywhere and we didn’t find it. If you’re right, what do we do now?”

  “I’ve been working on that. Something you said has been rolling around in my head. The only link you had to Ryan Shipman was through the owner of DeMarco Staffing.”

  “Susan DeMarco.”

  “She’s Jonathan DeMarco’s wife. Jonathan DeMarco—the billionaire owner of DeMarco Industries. She’s the person who told Ryan to call you.”

  “That’s right.”

  “So how were the two of them connected? I’ve seen pictures of her. Susan’s a beautiful woman. Her husband’s thirty years older—younger woman, older man. I had a feeling Chase would know something about them, since he runs in the same megarich social circles, so I called him.”

  Chase Garrett and his two younger brothers owned Garrett Enterprises, a billion-dollar oil and gas company. They were Dallas elite, just like the DeMarcos.

  “According to Chase,” Jax continued, “Susan isn’t the saint her husband believes her to be. Chase says she’s had half a dozen affairs behind her husband’s back, but she’s always been able to keep them secret. Chase says if DeMarco found out his wife was cheating, he’d divorce her in a heartbeat.”

  Mindy straightened on the sofa. “You think Susan was having an affair with Ryan?”

  “You think it’s possible?”

  She thought of Ryan Shipman. Late thirties, sandy hair and blue eyes, a lean, athletic build. “As you said, Susan is beautiful, and Ryan was definitely good-looking.”

  “Yeah, I saw his photo on the internet—along with a couple of mug shots.”

  Ryan had always been pleasant, on the verge of charming. She couldn’t imagine him in an orange jumpsuit. “Now that I think back on it, a couple of times while I was at his house, a woman called—I could tell by the way Ryan was talking to her. Once I remember him saying he would meet her that afternoon at the Westin hotel at the Galleria.”

  Jax started nodding. “That’s good. I’ll check it out, see if I can find something that links the two of them.”

  Mindy watched the gentle glide of Jax’s hand over Muffin’s fur. Last night, the way he’d touched her, she’d felt like purring herself.

  “We’re getting closer,” Jax said. “I can feel it.”

  With a sigh, Mindy fell back against the sofa. “I don’t know...it’s an awful lot of ifs, I-don’t-knows and maybes.”

  “You’re right. At the moment it’s all conjecture, but that’s the way an investigation works. You follow a lead till it solves the puzzle or comes to a solid dead end. My gut is telling me to follow this one.”

  He glanced at the old-fashioned mahogany clock on the wall. “It’s getting late. Tomorrow while you’re at the office, I’ll take a ride out to the Westin, see what I can find out.” Setting Muffin aside, he stood up from the sofa.

  Mindy stood up, too, her gaze going to the glass-fronted Bedford clock, the brass pendulum swinging back and forth with a soft ticktock she usually found comforting. It was bedtime. Or close enough.

  When she looked over at Jax, she couldn’t mistake the hunger in his eyes. He wanted her. He no longer bothered to hide it.

  Heat tugged low in her belly, spread all the way down to her toes. The more time she spent with him, the more she wanted him. But the deeper she got involved, the more difficult it would be when it was over.

  On the other hand, she’d never felt as alive as Jax made her feel.

  “You rather we stay here or spend the night at my place?” he asked.

  He wouldn’t leave her. She never doubted it. He would protect her until the danger was over.

  “I’d rather stay in my own home,” she said.

  He walked over to the door and checked the locks, took a walk around the apartment checking windows, making sure there was no one outside. She looked up to see him walking toward her, looking like the hero in an action movie, muscled chest beneath his snug T-shirt, jeans riding low on his hips, a pistol in the holster clipped to his waistband.

  His eyes were dark and smoky as they moved over her body then returned to her face. “You said you liked a man who takes charge.”

  Her pulse kicked up. Soft heat slid into her core. “I—I meant in the bedroom.”

  A corner of his mouth edged up. “Then I guess that’s where I’d better take you.”

  She gasped as he swept her into his arms, lifted her against his chest and carried her down the hall. He wasn’t asking her to make some monumental decision. He was going to make the decision for her, going to make love to her and she was going to enjoy every moment.

  Desire washed through her, hot as sin, sweet as honey. Jax carried her into her bedroom, closed and locked the door. Slowly, he released her, letting her body slide the length of his, letting her feel every muscle and sinew, letting her feel his arousal.

  Unclipping his holster, he set the gun on the dresser, reached for her glasses and slipped them off her nose, set them next to the gun. His hands slid into her hair, tipping her head back. Mindy moaned as Jax leaned down and very thoroughly kissed her.

  * * *

  SHE WANTED A man who would take the lead? Well, by God, he was going to do just that. Maddox’s words rang in his head. He was a SEAL. If he wanted something, he went after it. He had wanted Mindy Stewart for weeks. Months. He had only recently figured out it was more than her body he wanted.

  Since he had to begin his campaign somewhere, sex was a good place to start. Jax kissed her until his pulse was pounding and Mindy was gasping for breath, then he paused long enough to strip off her jeans and panties.

  He started kissing her again, lifted her as her arms slid up around his neck. He palmed her lush breasts, felt the tips grow hard in his hands.

  “Wrap your legs around my waist,” he commanded, pressing hot kisses against the side of her neck. His hands slid down her body, over the naked curve of her bottom, cupping each globe to hold her in place as he backed her against the wall.

  She looked at him, her big blue eyes cloudy with desire and excitement. She was wet and ready. Jax was more than ready as he buzzed down his zipper and freed himself, took care of protection and eased himself inside.

  A soft sigh slipped from her throat, and her hold tightened around his neck. Her breasts were round and heavy, sexy as hell. He loved the feel of her body gloving him so sweetly, loved the way she gave herself so totally into his care. He drove into her, taking his pleasure, stroking her as he moved, determined to make it good for her, good for both of them.

  What seemed like seconds later, she started coming, her body clamping around him so fiercely it was all he could do to hang on to his control. She was responsive to his every touch, every demand of his body. He had never been with a woman who aroused him more or suited him more perfectly.

  She came again before he followed her to release, then he carried her over to the bed and stripped off the rest of her clothes.

  A blush crept over her skin. “Oh my God, you’re still dressed. I didn’t even notice.”

  He chuckled. “I wanted you. I didn’t want to wait. Any complaints?”

  She smiled and shook her head, moving her heavy mane of hair. “Definitely not. Curt insisted we always make love in bed.”

  Jax grinned. “Then you’re in for some surprises, honey. I promise you.”

  Mindy laughed, and Jax frowned. “Wait a minute. Curt wasn’t the only guy—”

  “No, of course not. But it had to be special, or it just wasn’t worth it, and that hasn’t happened very often.”

  He tried and failed not to be glad.

  Jax headed for the bathroom. By the time he got back, Mindy was asleep. Jax joined her on the bed, snuggled her against him and kissed the top of her head.

  She belonged to him. He had never felt that way about a woman before, but he could feel the rightness deep in his bones. All he had to do was convince Mindy.

  Jax sighed into the darkness. First, he had to find the men who threatened her. Until then, he had to keep her safe.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  AFTER A SECOND night of glorious sex, Mindy went to work with Jax on Monday morning. Before he left her at the office to drive out to the Westin hotel, he checked with Jason Maddox to be sure his friend would protect her until his return.

  It didn’t sit well with Mindy. She might not be a former police detective like Lissa and Wolfe, or former military like Jax and Maddox and some of the other guys in the office, but she was smart, and she was used to taking care of herself.

  She didn’t want to be a burden to her friends. She was an independent woman and she wanted her life back.

  Thinking about it as she sat behind the reception desk, her shoulders slumped. She would never have her life back exactly the way it was. She would have to quit her job as soon as this was over. No way could she come to the office every day, see Jax and not yearn to be with him.

  But the two of them would never work. They were just too different. She was a bookkeeper-receptionist, planning to take night classes to get her CPA accounting degree. He was a hot navy SEAL, a private investigator who took perilous assignments, and did God only knew what else. He lived on danger, while she wanted a quiet life with a husband and kids.

  There was no way she could be with him, and once she ended things, it would hurt too much to be around him. Jax Ryker was a very virile man. A man like that had needs, and she wasn’t willing to be his booty call no matter how much she wanted him. Which meant he would turn to other women, and there was no way could she could handle that. She hadn’t forgotten the crushing pain she’d felt when Candace had appeared at his door.

  She forced her thoughts back to the ledgers she was working on, glanced up a few minutes later to see Lissa walking up to her desk. She stood half a foot taller than Mindy, around five-nine, slender, with short, softly curling blond hair.

  “Want to take a walk?” Lissa asked. “Maddox can keep an eye on things, and I need a cup of coffee. How about you?”

  She could certainly use a cup. “That sounds great.” Rising, she followed Lissa into the break room. The smell of coffee hit her as Lissa filled a mug decorated with a cowboy hat on the side and handed it over. She poured a mug for herself, and they sat down at the round, Formica-topped table.

  Lissa took a sip of coffee. “I thought the Sunday meeting was very productive, didn’t you?”

  Mindy sighed. “I guess. We still don’t know what’s going on.”

  “No, but we came up with a couple of solid working theories. Jax is tracking one of them down right now. I know Jason and Chase are both trying to come up with something useful.”

  “I know.” Mindy’s hands tightened around the mug. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate everyone’s help. It’s just... I feel so useless.”

  “Hey, we all have our strengths. Jax and the rest of us—we’re each involved in law enforcement in some form or another. That’s what we do. We want to help you solve this.”

  Mindy took a drink of coffee and sat back with a sigh. “I hope it doesn’t take too much longer.”

  Lissa smiled. “Just think of the time you get to spend with Jax.” She lifted her mug, looked at Mindy over the rim. “How’s that going, by the way?”

  Surely Jax wouldn’t have told Lissa. Surely not. “I’m not...not exactly sure what you’re talking about.”

  “Seriously? You’re going to take that route?”

  Mindy straightened. “How did you know?”

  “It wasn’t hard to figure out. I could tell you were attracted to him when I saw the way you looked at him in the office. It’s tough to hide that from another woman. When the two of you walked into that meeting yesterday morning, it was written all over your face.”

  Mindy stared down at the dark liquid in her mug. “I’ll have to quit my job when this is over. I feel bad about that. I really like my job.”

  Lissa’s features tightened. “Who says you have to quit? That’s a load of bull crap. Just because you and Jax hooked up—”

  “It’s not that. Not exactly. Once it’s over, I won’t be able to remember what a great time we had and just let it go. I know that’s what men do, women, too, but I’m just not that way.”

  Lissa studied Mindy’s face and one of her blond eyebrows arched up. “You aren’t falling in love with him, are you?”

  Mindy managed not to glance away, but the truth must have shown in her face. What she felt for Jax went way beyond physical attraction. For months, she had watched the way he treated people, everyone from the delivery boy to Chase’s wealthy friends. It made no difference to Jax.

  She had noticed his intelligence, his honesty and courage, his loyalty to his friends. In the past few days, she had learned he was all the things he seemed and more.

  Lissa reached over and squeezed her hand where it rested on the table. “It doesn’t matter. This isn’t over yet. Jax cares about you. I know he does. Give it some time. Who knows what could happen?”

  But Mindy knew. She swallowed, wishing the conversation had never come up. She finished her coffee and stood. “I’ve got to get back to work. I’ve got some ledgers I need to bring up to date.”

  She walked over to the sink and washed out her mug, set it in the rack to dry. “I really do appreciate everyone’s help.” Turning, she walked out of the break room, back to her desk up in front.

  * * *

  JAX PARKED THE Dodge in the parking lot of The Westin Galleria and walked into the lobby. It wasn’t a five-star luxury hotel, but with its open interior, modern design, sleek wood paneling, thick columns and beige marble floors, it was nice.

  It was part of the Galleria shopping complex, a convenient place for shoppers to stay when they came to Dallas to spend their hard-earned money. It would also be a convenient place for a lovers’ tryst, Jax thought, the perfect excuse to be in the area if either party happened to be spotted. I was just out shopping, honey—no big deal.

  In a pair of tan slacks and a dark blue blazer, a white shirt open at the throat, Jax walked up to the front desk. If you wanted information from a desk clerk, dressing well always gave you an edge.

  “Checking in, sir?” the desk clerk asked. He was in his late thirties, wearing glasses and a dark brown sports coat.

  “I just need a little information,” Jax said. “I’m hoping you can help.” Reaching inside his jacket, he pulled out a photo he’d printed off the internet and set it on the counter. “Any chance this guy looks familiar? His name is Ryan Shipman.”

  The clerk looked at the photo. “I’m afraid not. But even if he did, it’s against our policy to give out a guest’s personal information.”

  “The guy in the photo was murdered. Sooner or later the police will be asking you the same questions I’m asking you now.”

  “Are you a cop?”

  Jax reached back into his pocket, pulled out his badge wallet and flipped it open. “Detective. I work private.” He dug a folded hundred-dollar bill out of the wallet and smoothed it open on the counter. “How about any of the other employees? Like I said, the cops will be after the same information. I’m sure you’ll want to cooperate with them, so the info’s going to get out anyway.”

  The clerk eyed the hundred and picked up the photo. “I’ll ask in the back.” He disappeared behind the wall and came back a few minutes later with one of the other clerks, a young woman in her twenties with chocolate eyes, coarse black hair and an olive complexion.

  “I’ve seen this man,” she said. “But I don’t remember his name. It was several months back. He came in a couple of times a week for at least two months. It was during my shift, so I was the one who checked him in.”

  “In the afternoon?”

  “It would have been during the day. I don’t work in the evenings.”

  “Was he by himself or with someone?”

  “He was always alone. He was good-looking, a little flirty, a definite player type if you know what I mean. I was pretty sure he was meeting a woman.”

  “Do you remember if he paid for the room or if it was paid for by someone else?”

  “It was always prepaid online. I just checked him in and handed him a room key.”

  Jax passed her the hundred. “If someone can give me a name or a decent description of the woman Shipman was meeting, there’s another hundred in it.” He took out a business card and handed one to each of the two clerks. “My cell number’s there. Call me.”

  “I’ll ask around.” The young woman stuck the card in her jacket pocket and disappeared behind the wall.

  Jax turned back to the male clerk, Bob, his name tag read. “Thanks for the help.”

  “What about the police?” Bob asked.

  “I’m sure you’ll be hearing from them sooner or later.” He still didn’t have enough to call Gunderson, but if his theory proved correct, eventually he would.