Terminal 9 (40 page)
“We're in trouble now,” Mac said, then added his congratulations.
“Right. The first order of business is the stunt Philly pulled out at the airport.”
“You're not thinking about suspending him, are you?” Kevin asked.
“He'll be off a week without pay, but I doubt that'll deter him. He's a loose cannon, but he's far too valuable a detective to lose for much longer than that. My first order of business was to suspend him; my second will be to pass the hat to make up his pay for the week.”
“I know someone who made a lot of overtime this month.” Kevin nodded in Mac's direction.
“I'm glad you're here, Mac. It's been a while.” Eric's thin face lit up with a smile as he shook his cousin's hand.
“Yeahâthis case really had us going.” Mac smiled. “Do you take checks?”
“Good job on that case.” Eric gripped Mac's shoulder. “I was just reading through some of the reports. Anyway, I wanted to invite you to the big shindig out at my place on Sunday. Bring Nana. We're celebrating Kevin's promotion and the end of his chemo.”
“And Eric's promotion,” Kevin added.
“And Dana's official promotion to detective.” Eric leaned his thin frame against the wall. “So are you coming?”
“I wouldn't miss it.” Mac thought about bringing Kristen and Andrew but didn't ask. He didn't know where he stood with her and wasn't sure he wanted to find out.
“And yes, I will take your check for Phil.” Eric smiled back.
T
HE NEXT WEEKEND, Mac was stretched out on his couch, hoping to watch a game during a well-deserved Saturday off. Lucy was snuggled down on the floor beside him. The doorbell sent Lucy to barking as she bounced to her feet and rushed over to the window.
Mac ran a hand through his uncombed hair and went to answer the door, thinking it would be his partner. She was early. They'd agreed to meet and talk over the caseâwanting to wrap up any loose ends. She'd been the one to suggest meeting at his place. Moving from probationary detective and filling in for Kevin and given a full time position with their team must have softened her up a little as far as being seen together outside the workplace. Dana wanted to be pals, and he was okay with that. He pulled open the door.
“Hey, Mac.” Kristen stood on the porch, holding a bouquet of roses. She handed him the flowers and grinned. “I know guys usually bring the flowers, but I wasn't sure what else to bring. I know you don't drink beer.”
“Thanks.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I'd ask you in, but the apartment . . .”
Kristen groaned and pushed past him. “I don't care about your apartment.”
Mac followed her into the kitchen. “You got a vase or something?” she asked.
“Ah . . . There's a quart jar on the counter. I just used the last of the peaches.”
She sighed. “Guess I should have brought one.”
“Kristen, why are you here? Why the flowers? The last time weâ”
“Shut up, cowboy.” Kristen set the flowers on the counter, wrapped her arms around his neck, and gave him a long, searing kiss. Mac forgot about the game and everything else. His hands slipped to her waist, and he pulled her closer. “Does this mean we can keep seeing each other?”
“Yeah, I guess it does.”
“UmâI was just about to watch the Spurs game.”
“Cool. Got anything good to eat?” She turned back to the sink and rinsed out the jar.
“Microwave popcorn?”
“Bring it on. How about drinks?”
“You okay with Coke?”
“Sure.”
While they were waiting for the popcorn, Mac asked, “Why the change of heart?”
“There was no change of heart, Mac. I still have a thing for you. I'm just coming to my senses. We have something going, and I don't want to throw it away. But I meant what I said about taking things a little slower.”
Mac nodded, a silly grin plastered on his face. “I can live with that.”
“What about Dana?”
“Dana!” He glanced at the door and, as if on cue, heard a knock. “Umâthat's her. We were going to watch the game and debrief.”
Disappointment flitted across Kristen's features, but only for a moment. “Well, don't just stand there. Open the door and let's get this awkward moment over with.”
“She's not my girlfriend,” Mac protested.
“Hmm.” Kristen walked past him. “If you aren't going to let her in, I am.” And she did.
Kristen greeted Dana, and Dana acted as though Kristen's being there was the most natural thing in the world. Dana set a platter of raw veggies and dip on the coffee table. “Thought we might want some real food.” Giving Mac a wink, she added, “Gotta watch these waistlines, you know.”
Mac wasn't sure how he felt about entertaining both women, but he needn't have worried. They settled in as though they were close friends. Mac popped an extra package of popcorn, set out bowls, and offered the women cans of soda. The three of them watched the game and talked about the investigation.
“I heard how you rounded up the bad guys.” Kristen sighed. “Who would have thought the ricin guy would be a doctor? Guess I like to think of us medical people as more ethical than that.”
“You never know.” Dana nabbed some popcorn. “Mac, I went to see Kelly yesterday.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yep. Wanted to check up on her and ended up getting more ammo for our case against the good doctor.”
She had his interest for sure. “What did you find out?”
“Well, it seems money wasn't all that plentiful in the Cassidy household. The good doctor was into gambling big-time. He frequented the casinos a little more than was healthy. Kelly is devastated. She knew he did some gambling but had no idea how much he'd lost. Turns out some of those out-of-town trips he was taking were to the various casinos here in Oregon.”
“That ups our motive quotient for sure. Good job.”
“Poor Kelly. She could really use the money, but you know what? She'll be handling the estate. Even though the second will was never notarized, she's following her dad's wishes. Most of the land is going to the railroad museum and park.”
“Wow. That's great news,” Mac said. “Somehow, I didn't think she would.”
“She wants to honor her father.” Dana smiled. “She's keeping a strip of the land for herself along the river and plans to build a small house there. She'll sell the one on Copper Mountain. I love that house.” Turning to Kristen she said, “It's phenomenal. If you want, we can go up and take a look. Maybe you'd be interested in buying it, and I could come visit you.”
“How much is it going for?”
“That's the zinger,” Mac said. “She'll probably be able to get a million for it.”
“More, I think.” Dana popped a few kernels into her mouth.
“Gee, maybe I'll dip into my savings.” Kristen laughed. “With nothing down and a hundred-year mortgage, I might be able to swing it.”
“Hmm.” Dana took a sip of Coke. “Do you know any guys rich enough to afford it, who are single, well-bred, and honest? Oh, and cute?”
“You know . . .” Kristen tipped her head and winked at Mac. “I just might.”
While Dana and Kristen talked about eligible bachelors, Mac focused back on the game. This was one discussion he wanted nothing to do with. He reached down to pet Lucy, but she wasn't there. The dog had inched over between the women, who were both petting her and sending her into ecstasy.
Traitor,
Mac thought. Three women and one man. The odds were definitely not in his favor.To make matters worse, the Blazers were getting trashed.
He leaned back in his recliner and watched the Spurs score another point.
BOOKS BY PATRICIA RLSHFORD
THE MCALLISTER FILES
Secrets, Lies & Alibis
Deadfall
Terminal 9
THE ANGEL DELANEY MYSTERIES
Deadly Aim
Dying to Kill
THE HELEN BRADLEY MYSTERIES
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep
Red Sky in Mourning
A Haunting Refrain
When Shadows Fall
THE JENNIE MCGRADY MYSTERIES
NON-FICTION
Have You Hugged Your Teenager Today?
What Kids Need Most in a Mom
It Shouldn't Hurt to Be a Kid
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BOOKS BY HARRISON JAMES
THE MC ALLISTER FILES
Secrets, Lies & Alibis
Deadfall
Terminal 9
Open up the first of
The McAllister Files
With his newly minted detective badge firmly in place, “Mac” McAllister reports for his first assignment with the Oregon State Police Department a particularly gruesome homicide. It's a headline case, as the victimâMegan Tysonâwas brutally murdered mere weeks before her wedding.
The investigation and autopsy turn up far too many suspects, and too little hard evidence. Why would the beautiful Megan, engaged to a wealthy businessman, be involved with the seedy lineup of characters who seem connected to her? With more questions than answers, Mac and his partner try to uncover the secrets Megan took to her grave and sort through th lies and alibis before Megan's murderer strikes again.
Not sure that he can trust his instincts, Mac depends heavily on the advice of his partnerâa seasoned detective with a strong faith in God. A faith Mac has no use for until he must come to terms with his own past and the secrets that haunt him.
Fiction that reflects the grittiness of
real life . . . and the reality of faith.
Mac Is Back!
It's been just three months since Detective “Mac” McAllister solved his first homicide case
with the Oregon State Police. Now he's working the search for a ski instructor who has mysteriously disappeared. The man's parents claim their son wouldn't have committed suicide, but they suspect his girlfriend of something sinister.
The case gets more complicated when Mac and his partner, Kevin, are called to investigate a gruesome homicide nearby that may or may not be related. A few days later a body turns up in the Columbia River, and the autopsy reveals surprising information about the victim's suspicious death
When their investigation seems at a dead end, Mac is determined not to let the crimes go unsolvedâeven if it means putting his life on the line to catch the killer.
Fiction that reflects the grittiness of
real life . . . and the reality of faith.
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