Cavanaugh Encounter by Marie Ferrarella

Author:Marie Ferrarella
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin Romantic Suspense
Published: 2017-09-05T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

“Are you familiar with the term blackmail?” Frankie asked pointedly later that day, just as Luke was shutting down his computer.

Luke raised his eyes to meet hers. “Well, I know I only get to work with crimes having to do with dead people and I don’t deal with the breadth of crimes the way someone in Major Crimes does,” he told her. “But yes, I do happen to be familiar with what the word blackmail refers to. Why?” he asked.

“Because you’re obviously guilty of it,” she informed him.

“Well, I wouldn’t have to resort to blackmail if you weren’t digging in your heels the way you are.” He gave her a penetrating look. “Why are you so afraid of coming to one of my family’s parties?”

“I’m not afraid,” she retorted. “Who told you I was afraid?”

He didn’t have to pause to think before answering. “You did.”

Frankie was about to protest that she had done no such thing then realized what he was basing his accusation on. “Because I didn’t want to come to a big gathering?” she challenged.

“No, because you looked like a deer caught in the headlights over the idea of being around a family gathering.”

Her eyes blazed as she told him, “I know you’re the lead detective on this case, but you’re also imagining things.”

She looked magnificent when she was angry, he thought, fascinated with the way her eyes flashed. But he still wasn’t going to let her win this.

“Am I?” Luke asked.

She shut off her computer with a flourish as she shot back, “Yes, you are.”

“Okay,” he conceded. “Then prove me wrong. Come with me to the party,” he told her. “I’ll pick you up at eleven.”

For a second, Frankie was completely speechless. And then she pulled herself together.

“Eleven?” she questioned. “Isn’t that kind of early? Is it a kids’ party?”

“It’s an everybody party,” he replied. “Some of the family members have kids, and Uncle Andrew insists that they bring them. Like I said, everybody’s welcome.”

“What time will it be over?” she asked Luke. Maybe, because there were children, it was one of those two-hour parties. She could put up with two hours if that meant she could finally get O’Bannon off her case.

“When the last person goes home,” he answered. Luke saw the slightly puzzled look on her face and explained. “There is no time limit on these things. Uncle Andrew just wants everyone to enjoy themselves. They’re free to stay as long as they want—or go home whenever they feel like it,” he added for her benefit.

“Well,” Frankie admitted, “I have to admit I do like the last part.”

Luke laughed. “Yeah, I had a feeling you would. So it’s settled. I’ll pick you up at eleven,” he told her just as he began to leave the squad room.

Frankie sighed, then raised her voice so it would carry. “There’s no getting out of this, is there?”

“Nope. Besides,” he said as he made it out the door, “you don’t want to insult Valri.”

Frankie had already shut down her computer.

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