LITMIR.BIZ

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Studio Killer case, a serial murderer who specialized in killing porno flick stars near the location where their latest movie had been shot.

      “It’s Thorpe.”

      “Figures.” Congressman Thorpe was the prime suspect in his aide’s disappearance three years ago. Thorpe was suspected of having an affair with her and though they’d found no conclusive evidence of his involvement in her disapearance, Luke hadn’t let up on his investigation. But Thorpe didn’t like anyone messing with his life and he’d let Luke know it. “What’s his problem now?”

      “His attorney’s threatening a lawsuit. Says you have a vendetta, that you’ve prejudiced the public with your investigation and that it’s detrimental to his upcoming election.”

      “I thought my taking a vacation was supposed to help, get me out of sight for a while. Besides, Thorpe should’ve thought about that when he seduced a sixteen-year-old and forgot he had a wife.”

      “She was twenty.”

      “She wasn’t when he met her. He’s a predator.” Luke’s grip on the phone tightened.

      “Okay, I know how you feel about it. But the reason I called is to make sure there’s no question on procedure if Thorpe’s attorney goes ahead with the suit.”

      “None whatsoever.” He might be aggressive in his investigations and quick to jump on things, but he was thorough.

      “I also wanted to tell you I’m putting St. James and Santini on the case.”

      Luke’s nerves tensed. He’d worked his guts out on this case and now because some politician threatened to sue, he had to give it up?

      “It’s not permanent,” Carlyle said. “And they’ve both got full loads right now.”

      That meant the assignment was only for looks. No one was really going to work on it. “I’m on it again when I get back, right?”

      After a long pause the captain said, “Sure.” Then he asked, “How’s your father?”

      “He looks terrible.”

      “Well, you’ve got two weeks, or longer if you need it. I just wanted you to know.” Carlyle clicked off.

      Luke felt satisfied. The captain knew Luke would be pissed if he came back and found the Renfield case had been pulled out from under him. It didn’t matter if Jordan and Rico actually worked the case or not.

      That Thorpe’s attorney had the gall to file a lawsuit burned Luke’s ass. Thorpe had the kind of connections that might help him if he was ever arrested and brought to trial—only the congressman wasn’t about to let it go that far. He wanted to be vindicated now and a lawsuit would probably guarantee it if no other evidence turned up.

      Yeah, well, Luke didn’t give a damn about anyone’s connections. With every fiber of his being he believed Thorpe was responsible for the disappearance of the young aide. If the evidence showed he was right, the congressman was going to jail.

      Whether he was reelected or not. As far as his having a vendetta—if seeking justice for murder victims was a vendetta, then yeah, he did have one. And the sooner he got back to L.A., the better.

      Only in this case, justice would have to wait. He had to first assess his father’s health and see what he could do to help him while he was here. Maybe find him a hired hand—someone who could stay at the ranch. And when his father discovered that plan, all hell would break loose.

      “GOOD MORNING,” Julianna greeted Luke when he came in from outside. “Out doing chores?” She busied herself making coffee, trying not to look at him.

      “Funny,” he said, letting the kitchen door slap shut with a bang.

      “Well, you know there’s plenty of work to do around here. Too much for your father.” She scooped some coffee into the basket.

      “I noticed. Everything seems to have fallen apart since I was here last.”

      “He could use some help.”

      “He could easily afford to hire someone.”

      “You mean if he wasn’t so stubborn and didn’t think he could do everything himself.”

      He paused for a moment, as if considering what she’d said. “Yeah. While I’m here, I’m going to see what we can do about getting him help.”

      “Good idea.” But she hoped that didn’t mean he intended to stay for long.

      Luke sat at the old oak table, wearing only a white T-shirt and faded jeans, his sandy sun-bleached hair still wet from the shower. He smelled of fresh soap and shampoo, and just looking at him made her breath hitch. Still. After all these years.

      “Weren’t you cold out there without a jacket?”

      “I’m tough,” he said, smiling.

      She turned and retrieved a pan from the maple cabinet next to the harvest-gold stove that had one door half hanging from its hinges. Even though she had her back to Luke, she felt his gaze boring into her.

      “You never did answer me last night,” he said. “What brings you here?”

      She turned, leaned against the counter. “I answered you. I said I was invited and I came.”

      He arched his brows without commenting. It was obvious he didn’t believe her and his smug know-it-all attitude annoyed her. “I don’t need a reason to visit someone I care about.”

      Luke had been gone most of the time they were married so she doubted he had any idea she’d developed such a close relationship with his father, or that they’d become even closer after the divorce.

      “I could ask you the same thing. What’s the real reason you’re here?”

      He shrugged. “I don’t need a reason to see my father.”

      “And when did that become important?” The second the words left her mouth Julianna regretted them. Abe didn’t get along well with people in general. She also knew the distance in Abe’s relationship with Luke hurt Luke a lot—but just like his father, he was too stubborn to admit it.

      “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.” She turned away. “But…can you at least tell me how long you’re staying?”

      He shrugged. “It depends.”

      She heaved a sigh. If he wasn’t going to leave, then she would have to. Just talking with Luke made her anxious. Made her remember too much. And her only defense seemed to be anger. She wasn’t proud of that, but there it was. “Well, don’t let my presence be a factor in your decision. I’ll be leaving soon.”

      “You’re not going anywhere,” Abe’s voice boomed as he came in and joined them in the kitchen. “What kind of nonsense is that?”

      The scent of hazelnut coffee wafted through the room and she noticed the pot had stopped burbling. She reached for the old chipped mugs, brought them to the table and poured them each a cup. “I’ve been thinking it might be…easier if I go. Besides, I have more investigative work to do on the next series and—”

      “Well, you just stop that kind of thinking, young lady.”

      Julianna had to smile. She didn’t want to hurt Abe’s feelings, but if Luke stayed, she had no choice.

      Luke leaned back in his chair, raised his arms and clasped his fingers behind his head. “You can both stop worrying. I’ve got to get back to L.A. Something has come up.”

      She raised her chin. Of course. The job. The job that was more important than just about anything. But she’d swallow her tongue before she’d say it. If it meant he’d leave, she was grateful.

      Abe coughed. “I’m going to work on the fence out on the line.”

      “What’s wrong with the

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