The Lawman's Convenient Family
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Judy Duarte
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12
Chapter One
Detective Adam Santiago never wore costumes, unless you counted a disguise for use when he went undercover or on a stakeout. Yet here he was, dressed up as Zorro and attending the Autumn Gala, a local charity event.
The guy at the Halloween store had tried to talk him into getting a fake rapier, but Adam had declined. The costume was kitschy enough—he didn’t imagine he needed to add any props to complicate things.
He had, of course, gone with the black eye-mask, which was resting on the passenger seat. If he didn’t wear the typical Zorro eyewear, people might think he was just wearing a ruffled shirt for no reason. Or maybe that he was a bullfighter.
And speaking of other people, there’d be plenty of local folks inside who’d be surprised to see him here, since his idea of fun parties tended toward the smaller variety, something like having a few beers with a couple of friends at his favorite sports bar. Or better yet, a romantic dinner date that ended with breakfast. But tonight’s gala was an exception. Adam had actually gone so far as to pay a hundred dollars to attend the event that would benefit both of his favorite local Brighton Valley charities, the Rocking Chair Ranch and Kidville, a children’s home.
When he’d first learned of the gala, he’d planned to make a generous donation and to tell the folks in charge that he had to work tonight. But he’d changed his mind when he’d heard that Lisa Dawson would be here. A mutual friend had shown him a picture of her, although the image was a bit blurry.
Adam didn’t need help when it came to meeting women, but his friend Stan had been pretty convincing. Lisa’s perfect for you. She’s a flight attendant, house sitter and part-time dog walker, which means she’s away from home a lot. So she won’t expect you to spend every free moment with her. She’s also bright and fun to be around. And like you, she’s a big Star Wars fan. More important, her life’s goal isn’t to get married and to drive around town in a minivan full of kids. When he still hesitated, Stan added, She’s also a blonde—and I know you’re partial to them.
That was when Adam agreed to meet Lisa. Lately, he’d gotten a little tired of playing the field. He wouldn’t mind settling down some, but he wasn’t going to make a major commitment to anyone. He liked his freedom way too much, not to mention his privacy.
But from what he’d gathered, Lisa might actually like the idea of having a one-on-one relationship with some well-defined boundaries. So he’d decided to approach her at tonight’s gala. He had no idea what she’d be wearing, but he figured he could find her in the crowd and introduce himself.
Who knew? Maybe they’d hit it off immediately. And if so, they might even cut out early. Together.
He parked his classic 1973 Ford Bronco under one of the streetlights and headed to the front entrance, yanking at his shirt, wishing the damn sleeves weren’t so poofy. As he approached the main entry to the Wexler Grange Hall, the outside of which had been decked out with bales of straw, scarecrows and the usual Halloween decorations, he slipped on his half mask. Then he stepped inside and scanned the crowd. Even in costumes, he recognized a lot of the townspeople, but he was more interested in seeking out one petite blonde.
And there she was, packing a fake lightsaber on her hip and wearing a skimpy outfit befitting an intergalactic warrior princess. The black strips of fabric that made up her short skirt revealed plenty of skin, including a striking pair of shapely legs. Her hair was swept up in a prim twist, an interesting contrast to that sexy outfit.
She had her back to him, but it had to be Lisa. She was the only petite blonde here. And, apparently, the only Star Wars fan.
Before he could cross the room and lay a little buenos dias on her, he spotted Donna Hoffman, who was dressed as Mrs. Claus. Donna and her husband, Jim, were in charge of Kidville, the home for abused and neglected kids between the ages of five and twelve. Adam met the couple when he’d offered to mentor some of the older boys. After he’d given them his résumé and shared his background as well as his reason for wanting to work with the troubled youths, he’d added, Who better to lead a kid in the right direction than a guy who grew up in a similar situation?
The Hoffmans had agreed, and he’d been volunteering his time there ever since. It was cool knowing he had something to offer those kids. He just hadn’t counted on getting something from them in return.
“Hey, Donna,” Adam said, greeting the older woman with a smile. “Or should I call you Mrs. Claus?”
She gave him a warm hug, then took a moment to check out his costume. “Did you lose your sword, Zorro?”
“I don’t have a concealed carry permit for it, so I left it at home,” he joked. “Besides, this seems like a pretty tame party. I doubt I’ll need to use it.”
Donna laughed and handed him a candy cane from the white frilly apron she wore over a red flannel skirt. “Jim and I bought our costumes for the Kidville Christmas party. I know they’re not very Halloween-y, but rather than invest in something else for tonight, we decided to utilize them twice this year.”
“Good idea.” Adam’s gaze drifted across the room, seeking Lisa—at least, he thought it was her. Who else could it be?
He spotted her near the buffet table, her back still to him, her hands on her hips. What was she doing? And when was she going to turn around so he could get a glimpse at her face?
The party had barely begun, yet Lisa’s appeal and his interest in her were growing steadily. He wondered what she had planned for the rest of the evening.
“Will you be coming out to Kidville again on Monday?” Donna asked, drawing him back to the here and now.
“You bet. I’m making some headway with Tommy.”
“We’ve noticed. And so has his teacher. We all appreciate what you’ve done for him—the private tour of police headquarters, the ride-along in a patrol car, the visit to the ice cream shop afterward. Tommy’s never had anyone take a special interest in him.”
“Sometimes, that’s all it takes.” At least, that’s how it had worked for Adam. Stan, his mentor, had been a cop, too. A patrolman who’d found him hanging out in the city park one night after curfew. A guy who’d eventually become his foster dad and his best friend.
Adam again glanced to the buffet table where he’d last seen Lisa, when Donna tugged at his poofy sleeve. “You keep looking across the room. What, or rather who, has caught your eye?”
Donna had been happily married for more than thirty-five years, and she thought everyone ought to take that same route, including Adam.
“I like looking at all the costumes,” he lied.
“Aren’t most of them great? It’s amazing how some people go all out for an event like this.”
He agreed, although it was one particular outfit that had caught his eye. He was just about to excuse himself and head for the buffet table when he glanced that way again and realized Lisa was no longer there. He took another scan of the room, including the dance floor, but she seemed to have vanished.
Maybe she’d gone to powder her nose—or whatever it was that sexy space women did.
What the hell? The night was still young. He’d find time to talk to her. And now that he’d seen her outside of her blurry photo, meeting her in person had become a high priority.
The food hadn’t been brought out yet, but Julie Chapman didn’t like the way the buffet table had been set up in the local Grange Hall. Before changing things around, she returned to the kitchen and asked Ralph Graystone, her boss and the owner of Silver Spoon Catering, if she had his permission to do so.
“Go ahead,” Ralph told her as he filled a platter with appetizers. “You did a great job on the decorations at that wedding we catered last weekend, so I trust your judgment.”
Julie thanked him, then returned to the party, stopping in the doorway long enough to tug at one of the flimsy black strips that made up her short skirt, the length of which had obviously been altered.
When Ralph asked the crew to wear costumes for tonight’s event, she’d objected at first, explaining that she didn’t have anything to wear.
Borrow something, he’d told her. It’s a Halloween party. We’re all dressing up. I’m going to wear my chef’s hat, but I’m painting my face like the Joker. And don’t forget it’s a charitable event.
And that was the only reason Julie had decided to be a good sport about it, but she wasn’t the least bit happy about the Star Wars getup Carlene, her coworker, had loaned her this afternoon, saying, You’ll be a space princess. A sexy badass.
Julie had expected to wear some kind of sci-fi getup, but she had no idea that Carlene had shortened and altered the intergalactic costume to the point that Julie would reveal way too much skin. Unfortunately, she’d waited until the last minute to pick it up, and by the time she tried it on, it was too late to find something else.
Carlene, who was dressed as a bawdy tavern wench, her double Ds practically pouring out of the low-cut bodice, didn’t seem the least bit uneasy about the way she was dressed. But unlike Julie, Carlene ran with a wilder crowd.
Still, when she entered the Grange Hall kitchen earlier, she’d told Carlene that she’d brought her Silver Spoon Catering shirt and a pair of black slacks with her and suggested it as a more appropriate option.
Her friend had clucked her tongue. Don’t be a party pooper, Julie. We’re all dressing up this evening. Just go with the theme and have fun.
So here she was, trying to make the best of it. And from the bursts of laughter coming from the people mingling in small groups and from the smiles of those kicking up their heels on the dance floor, everyone in attendance seemed to be having a good time so far. But that didn’t make Julie feel better about the way she was dressed.
Still, she had a heart for children, as well as the elderly. In fact, if she hadn’t been working at the gala, she would have gladly paid to attend.
As she added the finishing touch to the second of two buffet lines, she scanned the festive Grange Hall, which the gala committee had decorated with wispy ghosts, dangling bats and spiderwebs. Then she double-checked the dinner tables.
Silver Spoon Catering had provided the food at a discount. The generous donation to the cause had actually been her boss’s attempt to promote his new business venture and to impress some of the wealthier people in the area.
As Julie noted the smiling attendees, she suspected Ralph’s plan just might work. She took a moment to admire their costumes, some of which were pretty cool.
One in particular, a man dressed as Zorro, caught her eye once more. The dark-haired, olive-skinned hunk was wearing black slacks, a crisp white shirt opened at the collar and a half mask. It was a great outfit, especially for a hot guy who appeared to be in his late twenties or early thirties.
She’d first noticed him when he’d entered the Grange Hall with a confident stride, clearly sure of himself. Off and on, she’d studied him surreptitiously, wondering who he was and realizing that he sure seemed to know most of the people here.
There was something vibrant about him, something alluring that drew her attention. So much so, that she continued to steal glances his way every chance she got.
She’d better be careful, though. She had work to do and a job she needed to keep, even if she considered it only temporary.
She’d no more than turned away from the buffet line when she spotted Santa Claus. She recognized him instantly. It was Jim Hoffman, the director of Kidville—and just the guy she’d hoped to meet. Now was her chance. So she approached the heavyset gentleman and said, “Excuse me, Mr. Hoffman. My name is Julie Chapman, and I’m a music therapist. I’d like to make an appointment to speak to you about a job at Kidville.”
He brightened, his eyes twinkling just like jolly ol’ St. Nick’s. “My wife and I would love to incorporate music into our therapy program, but our funding is stretched to the limit right now, so I’m afraid we can’t offer a paid position.”
Julie actually needed a steady paycheck, which was why she’d gone to work for the catering company. But she could also use some experience to add to her resume, not to mention an opportunity to get a foot in the door at Kidville.
“I’d be willing to volunteer for the time being,” she said.
“Now, that’s an interesting proposition. Do you have any experience?”
“I graduated recently and, other than working with children during my internship, I haven’t had a paid position yet. But I majored in music, play several instruments and sing in my church choir.”
“I’d like to discuss this further and hear more about your thoughts on a music therapy program, but this isn’t a good time for either of us. Can you come to Kidville on Monday morning? I’ll give you a tour, and we’ll talk more then.”
“Awesome. I’ll be there bright and early.”
As Mr. Hoffman strode away like Santa on a mission, Julie tugged at her skirt again. Apparently, her outfit hadn’t bothered the man in charge of Kidville, which was a relief. Another potential boss or some of her more conservative church friends might not have been so accepting.
Too bad she hadn’t thought to smear on some clown makeup before getting out of her car this evening. That would have hid her face, especially the flush on her cheeks. Oh, well... She’d just have to keep a low profile.
As she turned toward the kitchen, a tear-streaked redhead wearing a tiara and a long turquoise gown strode toward a pirate and let out a curse that made her sound more like a drunken longshoreman than the princess she was supposed to be.
She lifted her index finger and jabbed it at the pirate’s chest. “I knew you were a big flirt, Derek, but do you have to be on the prowl when you’re with me? I’ve had it with you. It’s over for good this time.” Then she removed her frilly white half mask, as well as her faux tiara, threw both on the floor and swept toward the entrance in a huff, leaving the frowning pirate in her wake.
Julie assumed he’d hurry after her. Instead, he let out a little chuckle and returned to the party.
You clearly made a wise decision, your majesty. And one you probably should have made sooner. Julie snatched the discarded white half mask from the floor, slipped it on her face and muttered, “Finders, keepers.”
The moment she reentered the party, she spotted Zorro again, and her heart made a series of somersaults that would make a young gymnast proud.
She took a moment to appreciate his costume, not to mention his muscular physique and sexy swagger. Her interest, as well as her curiosity, grew by leaps and bounds. Who was he? Did he have a connection to Kidville or to the Rocking Chair Ranch?
She supposed it didn’t really matter, so she did her best to shake off her attraction as she crossed the room. Before she reached the kitchen, a hand settled on her shoulder, warming her from the inside out.
She turned to see Zorro, his gaze locked on hers. When he offered her a dazzling smile, her breath caught.
“Lisa,” he said, “I’d heard you were going to be here.”
He clearly thought she was someone else. She probably ought to say something, but up close, the gorgeous bandito seemed to have stolen both her thoughts and her words.
“It’s nice to finally meet you.” His voice, whether authentic or altered to complement his costume, was laced with a slight Hispanic accent that set her senses reeling. “I’ve never really liked blind dates.”
Talk about masquerades and mistaken identities. Before Julie could set him straight, he took her hand in a polished, gentlemanly manner and kissed it. His warm breath lingered on her skin, setting off a bevy of butterflies in her tummy.
“Dance with me,” he said.
Her lips parted, but for the life of her, she still couldn’t speak, couldn’t explain. And she darn sure couldn’t object.
Zorro led her away from the buffet tables and to the dance floor. When he opened his arms, she again had the opportunity to tell him who she really was. But instead, she stepped into his embrace, allowing him to take the lead.
His alluring aftershave, something manly, taunted her. As she savored his scent, as well as the warmth of his muscular arms, her pulse soared. She leaned her head on his shoulder as they swayed to a sensual beat, their movements in perfect accord, as though they’d danced together a hundred times before.
Now would be a good time to tell him she wasn’t Lisa, but she seemed to have fallen under a spell that grew stronger with every beat of the music. The moment turned surreal, like she’d stepped into a fairy tale with a handsome rogue.
Once again, she pondered revealing his mistake and telling him her name, but there’d be time enough to do that after the song ended. Then she’d return to the kitchen, slipping off like Cinderella. But instead of a glass slipper, she’d leave behind her momentary enchantment.
But several beats later, a cowboy tapped Zorro on the shoulder. “Pancho, I need you to come outside.”
Zorro looked at him and frowned. “Can’t you see I’m busy?”
The cowboy, whose outfit was so authentic he seemed to be the real deal, rolled his eyes.
Julie wished she could have worn her street clothes. Would now be a good time to admit that she wasn’t an actual attendee but here to work at the gala?
“What’s up?” Zorro asked.
The cowboy folded his arms across his chest and shifted his weight to one hip. “Someone just broke into my pickup.”
Zorro stiffened. “Right now? Where?”
“Here, in the parking lot. I had an envelope filled with cash donations to Kidville under the seat.”
At that, Julie’s heart thumped, and she clamped her mouth shut. Someone had stolen money meant for the Hoffmans’ kids? Who would do such a thing?
“Is the money gone?” Zorro asked the cowboy.
“I don’t know yet. I didn’t look.”
Zorro stiffened. “Any witnesses?”
“A stray dog. But he ain’t talking.”
“Very funny.” Zorro’s gaze returned to Julie. “I’m sorry, Lisa. I’m going to have to morph into cop mode.”
Now it was Julie’s turn to tense. He was actually a police officer in real life? A slight uneasiness settled over her, an old habit she apparently hadn’t outgrown. Not that she had any real reason to fear anyone in law enforcement nowadays.
When Zorro removed his mask, revealing the rest of his face, he was even more handsome than she’d imagined him to be. She stood mesmerized, darn near smitten by a face and persona that were movie-star quality.
The cowboy, who’d been frowning when he’d approached, wasn’t bad looking, either. He tipped his hat to Julie. “Would you mind excusing us, ma’am?”
“No, not at all.” Julie took a step back and glanced at Zorro.
A smile dimpled his cheeks, and little gold flecks in expressive brown eyes sparkled as he handed his mask to her. “Hold this for me. I’ll be back.”
She probably should have corrected his mistake then and there, but for the life of her, she couldn’t seem to utter a single word.
As Zorro followed the cowboy out the side door, Julie held on to his mask as if it were a glass slipper and studied him from behind. He was both gorgeous and charming. A dashing ladies’ man, no doubt. She could tell by his self-assurance and flirtatious manner, both of which were interest-snatching and blood-stirring.
They also set off flashing red warning lights. If there was anything Julie avoided these days, it was suave and flirtatious men who thought they were God’s gift to women.
And Zorro, the handsome devil, was too darn sexy to be heaven-sent.
