ICE PRINCESS, page 15
"No." He hurried by, before his emotions could pull him into conversation, and ran right into the object of his distress as he rounded the corner.
Claudia had used the three-mile distance from the house to his office to work in a run. Her cheeks were slightly flushed from the exertion, sweat glistened on her skin. Both were a disturbing reminder of their lovemaking, something Zach preferred not to recall.
"Hi." She drew in a breath and bent to stretch out her legs and calves. "I didn’t know your work number or I would have called. I forgot I needed the Jeep to go to the funeral."
He dug the keys from his pocket and tossed them her way. "Take it and go."
Claudia caught the ring in one hand and watched him storm off in the opposite direction. "What the hell’s wrong with him?"
Rowan turned her toward the Jeep. "Oh, I suspect you know. Come on, I’ll follow you home and let you fix me lunch."
They returned to Claudia’s house and settled in the kitchen with drinks and vegetable pita sandwiches.
Her sister-in-law was the most non-intrusive person Claudia knew. A true friend, never offering her opinion or butting in unless asked to do so. With Rowan she could relax and not worry about being judged. Claudia had always treasured that about their relationship…until now. She was busting to tell Rowan all she was feeling. Finally, she could keep quiet no longer.
"Zach and I slept together last night."
Rowan stirred the ice in her water with a forefinger, avoiding her sister-in-law’s gaze. "Yes…I know."
Claudia drew back. "How? Did Zach—"
"Because…for lack of a better term…you’re glowing." She picked at her pita and cuddled baby James, still not looking Claudia’s way. "I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned. I’m not going to insult you by asking how you feel about him. I know you well enough to know that you must feel something or you wouldn’t have taken that step."
She focused on Claudia then, her eyes filled with compassion, friendship, and concern. "Are you prepared for all the emotions involved here…good and bad?"
Claudia pulled in a deep breath. "Is anyone ever prepared? All I know is that I’m tired of hiding from them. I’ll deal with whatever comes…good and bad." She took a decisive bite of her sandwich.
"That’s all anyone can hope for." Rowan smiled. "Be patient with Zach. He’s dealing with a few strange emotions of his own right now."
Zach was dealing with something, of that she was certain when he barrelled through the house and into the kitchen before Rowan’s words officially died.
"How did you get—"
"Cruz Montoya drove me home. He told me Sinclair is planning to attend Sunline’s funeral this afternoon in his capacity as commanding officer."
"But you think he’s going there to watch me and Allison?"
"That’s exactly what I think. That’s why I’m going with you."
Claudia laughed softly. "What could he possibly do in a church filled with people?"
"Nothing, because I’ll be there with you."
"Zach, I doubt Allison will feel comfortable with you—"
He beat his fist onto the countertop, rattling the dishes in the cupboard. "I don’t give a damn about how Allison Sinclair feels! This is about you…your safety. The discussion is closed."
Claudia clamped her mouth shut. There was no reasoning with him.
Rowan cleared her throat. "So, Zach, do you know now or do you still think?"
His gaze grew wary, then shifted from Claudia to Rowan.
"I know. I’ve always known," he quietly replied, then bounded up the stairs.
A slow sigh lifted Rowan’s shoulders. "As I said, Claudia…patience…lots of it."
Both of them finished their lunches in silence.
* * *
It was standing room only at the base chapel. Claudia was glad they arrived early. She sat with Allison toward the front with the rows of other women who had come to pay their last respects. Each clasped a pink rose.
To Zach’s credit, he remained in the rear. But Claudia wasn’t certain if that was out of respect for Allison or due to his need to play watchdog. Claudia glanced back only once, in time to see Martin Sinclair arrive. He was surrounded by an entourage of Marines from his unit, one of whom was Eric Hanson.
The Hispanic major by his side looked their way, then directed Sinclair’s attention away. Claudia guessed him to be Cruz Montoya. They were too far away for her to read his nametag.
She settled back in her seat, trying to adopt the appropriate level of grief. It wasn’t hard. All she had to do was think of the woman by her side.
"Did you know Teddy before Zach?"
Allison’s question was softly spoken. The meaning behind it less so—was Claudia in the same situation as she or had her problem existed prior to Zach?
She curled her fingers over the other woman’s arm and smiled. "A long time before Zach."
"Then you were able to leave and find happiness just like Linda Hanson."
Hanson? Hanson? Claudia fought to maintain some level of composure. Perhaps she’d just found the motive Vic was looking for. She forced herself to smile. "Yes, just like her, Allison."
Four women in front of them turned.
"Are you Teddy’s weekend trip?" one asked.
Momentarily flustered, Allison didn’t know how to answer. Claudia squeezed her arm.
"Who wants to know?"
"Helen Moore. Are you Teddy’s weekend trip?"
Slowly Allison nodded.
Helen nodded back. "You’re to come with us. We’ll take care of you now. Janie’s got a room all ready for you. You and your baby will be safe with us."
Allison shot Claudia a nervous glance. All of her secrets had just been revealed. "I…I can’t. He’s watching."
"Honey, they’re always watching. Look around this church. You know how many women there are? Trust me, he ain’t gonna dare screw with you here. Don’t let Teddy’s last act of kindness be in vain."
"But my clothes…my things."
"All that matters is your life and your baby’s."
Strains of organ music died as the military chaplain stepped up to the altar to begin the service. Allison quivered while tears of grief and fear streamed down her face. She never uttered a sound, yet clutched Claudia’s hand as if by letting go she would lose her last lifeline.
Claudia watched the women around her. Teddy’s family sat in the front pew. The niece and nephew, now young adults, perched between his parents and Teddy’s other sister and brother. And she felt like a fraud. She had tarnished the memory of this man by pretending to be something she was not.
His last act of compassion must not be in vain. Claudia owed him that much. With his dying breath he had pulled her in as accomplice. She would not deny him a final victory.
The mourners filed past pew by pew. One woman after another placed a pink rose for Julieanne on Teddy’s coffin. Who could not be moved by such an act? By the time Claudia and Allison stepped forward, she, too, had tears in her eyes.
They turned to leave. Allison froze. Martin Sinclair stood at the exit. By unspoken command, the women surrounded Allison, protecting her by their sheer numbers.
"All right. Let’s go," Helen said quietly.
"I…can’t," Allison squeaked out.
"Yes, you can. Straight out the door."
To anyone else, nothing would seem out of order. They were friends filing as one from the church, supporting each other in this trying time. With each heart-pounding step, Claudia prayed they would make it.
She watched Zach ease in behind Sinclair. Montoya took the other side. Behind them all—Vic. The mass of women shoved by, out the door, down the steps. And for a few glorious minutes Claudia actually believed they were going to pull this off. She underestimated Martin Sinclair’s determination and control over his wife.
He called to her over the crowd. Not a shout, just her name. Then he walked their way. Allison stopped.
Helen positioned herself between Sinclair and his target. "We were on our way to escort Teddy’s coffin to the airport. After that we were going to have a private condolence gathering."
"You can do it without my wife. Allison and I have our own condolences to make to the family."
He curled his hand over Allison’s wrist and tried to pull her free. The women closed ranks, shoving him back.
Sinclair’s lips thinned to a harsh white line. Through a tight smile he addressed Allison. "Darling, you’ve been sick. Not to mention the strain of saying good-bye to a fine Marine. Come home where you can rest and I can take care of you."
There was enough of a hesitation to give him an edge. Only Helen stood firm. Claudia pushed to the forefront.
"Colonel, they mean no harm. We are friends of Teddy’s who want to mourn him in private."
He smiled down at her, but his eyes blazed with rage. His voice was low, for her ears only. "Frankly, Mrs. Taylor, I’m surprised to find a woman of your caliber associating with this…cult. I can assure you, my wife will not be a part of it."
He tightened his hold and tugged again. Helen barred his way. Claudia gently pulled her away.
"I can certainly understand your concern." She forced a smile. "And I’m grateful for the warning. Allison, I’m going away for the weekend and could use a little company. Would you like to go to San Francisco with me?"
Sinclair’s smile turned to a grimace. "My wife goes nowhere with you. She’s ill and needs her rest."
One final tug, and Allison was his. In a last ditch effort, Helen leaped for him. Sinclair clipped her ankle with his foot. She stumbled back. Claudia caught her before she fell. It was over in the blink of a moment.
In Sinclair’s wake, Zach’s shadow fell across them. "Let’s go."
"But—"
"Now, Claudia."
More mourners filed from the church. The last thing they needed was another scene.
Zach didn’t say a word during the short drive home. He didn’t have to—the clenched jaw said it all. He waited as long as it took to get inside the door, even had the presence of mind to shut it quietly. But as it clicked closed…
Zach slammed his keys against the wall, denting the plasterboard. "What the hell were you thinking?"
Claudia splayed her hands across her chest. "It wasn’t my idea."
"But you sure as hell went along with it. And when that didn’t work, you invited her to San Francisco with you, for godssake. Why the hell don’t you just tattoo it across your forehead?" He drew a line in the furrows of her brow. "Come kill me, too! Now pack your stuff, and let’s go."
"That’s not fair, Zach. You’re panicking for no reason. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I’m trained in self-defense."
He parked his hands on his hips. "I’d like to see you go one on one against a car or a bullet or God knows what else. And what about last night?"
"It was a kid and he caught me from behind!"
"But it could have been Sinclair!" Zach smacked his head. "This is insane."
"What is?"
"This. Debating this with you. This stupid investigation. Everything."
Now they were at the crux of the problem. "Everything, Zach?"
He paused as if considering his next words. "Yes…everything. My God, Claudia, we didn’t even use protection this morning."
She laughed. "It was safe. It wasn’t the right time for me to get pregnant. In addition, I know I don’t have any social diseases, and the Marine Corps makes sure you’re as healthy as a horse."
He turned away and braced his arms on the wall. "It was a stupid chance to take."
Claudia dusted her arms over his shoulders. "Then if that’s what has you so upset, we’ll just be careful the next time."
Zach shook his head. "There won’t be a next time. I want you gone. I want you out of here now." I want you safe.
She curled her hand to the cleft between her breasts. "Zach…are you upset because we made love?"
He hated himself for what he was about to do. There was no other way. She was too stubborn for her own good. Shoving himself upright, he stared down at her, but not in her eyes. He couldn’t bear to look into those beautiful blue eyes.
"Don’t kid yourself by calling it making love, Princess. It was sex, pure and simple…nothing more. Now…shall I help you pack?"
Claudia bit her lip and forced her chin up. She had two bright spots of color above her cheekbones. Dignity in the face of dishonor. What a class act. God, how he loved her!
"No, thank you. I believe I can manage on my own."
Chapter 12
* * *
"I’ve listened to as much as I can take."
Claudia looked at Phillip from the corner of her eye while she blotted annoying tears away with the edge of a tissue. She had thought she was discreet enough. It wasn’t as if she was bawling her eyes out. In fact, the realization that she was crying at all made her angrier than she could say.
It wasn’t supposed to have mattered. She had steeled herself to deal with whatever came her way and move on. Claudia wasn’t counting on the pain of Zach’s words to bring her down.
"You’ve been sniffling over there for four hours. Don’t you even want to talk to me about it?"
"There really isn’t anything to say. And even if there were, I don’t want to talk about it."
The tremor in her voice told a different story. She longed to pour out her heart, but hadn’t the faintest idea where to begin.
"So you’re back to keeping things bottled inside." Phillip snorted. "It’s a wonder you don’t have a stomach full of ulcers."
Claudia jerked her head around. "I’m not bottling things inside. It’s just that it’s none of your business."
"Fair enough."
To her disappointment, Phillip let the subject drop. The least he could have done was wheedle the information out of her. What kind of brother was he?
She drummed her nails on the armrest. At least his comment gave her the impetus to stop crying. Now all she had to focus on was her anger. She was foolish to believe she had seen something in Zach’s eyes which obviously didn’t exist and an idiot to let him have what he’d been after all these years. As far as Zach was concerned, she was just another notch on his bedpost.
"Just how many women has Zach slept with?"
Phillip shrugged a shoulder and kept his gaze focused on the road. "At least a million."
Sarcasm. She needed comfort and he threw out sarcasm. See if I talk to you again.
On the north side of Bakersfield, Phillip pulled into a coffee shop. "I could use a cup of coffee and some dinner. How about you?"
"It doesn’t matter to me. You’re driving."
Her stomach was too tied in knots to eat. All she wanted was the comfort of her apartment. While Phillip carved into a steak, it was all Claudia could do to pick at the small salad she had ordered.
"I take it your part in the investigation is over?"
The question caught her off-guard. In the aftermath of Zach’s rejection, she had forgotten about the case. "Of course not. I promised the station a story, and I’m determined to help Allison. When you go back to Twentynine Palms, I’m going with you. Why would you think otherwise?"
"Well, I know what a strain it is to have to live with someone you don’t care for. You and Zach have never gotten along. I imagine the constant bickering has taken a toll—"
"Cut the crap, Phillip. I’m sure Rowan’s already told you."
He chewed for a while before replying. "Rowan’s told me a lot of things. To which specific thing are you referring?"
Claudia laughed. "I don’t feel like playing games, Phillip."
He set aside his fork. "Good. Neither do I. Let’s cut right to it. Why did you sleep with him in the first place…honestly?"
The intensity of his gaze was too much to bear. Claudia pushed her lettuce around on her plate. "Lust, I guess."
"So much for honesty."
Heads turned as her fork clattered to her plate. "All right. The more time I spent with him, the more I wanted to be with him. To see what I’d been missing all these years. I was tired of living in a shell. Of hiding from my wants, my feelings, my desires. I wanted him. I liked him. And once I thought I saw that he cared for me, I went for him."
"And what about you? Do you care for him?"
She looked away again. "I thought I did. I was wrong."
"Wrong, or just too angry to focus on anything else?"
Claudia sagged under the weight of the question.
"Don’t you think it’s a bit odd that Zach would go from actively pursuing you to shoving you out of the house?"
She propped her chin in her hand. "I just felt he had gotten what he wanted and that was that. He made it quite clear that it was about sex and nothing more."
"Read between the lines, Claudia. What did he really make clear?"
A headache beat behind her eyes. She didn’t feel like discussing this anymore. She had made a fool of herself by falling into bed with Zach. The consequences were hard enough to bear. Why did Phillip insist on dissecting her folly?
He smacked the table with his open palm. "I’m not playing this game any more. Here’s the bottom line, Claudia."
When she looked up, he continued.
"My instructions from Zach are to take you to San Francisco and leave you there even if I have to sneak out of your apartment to do so. Now…I’m not stupid enough to think that will be enough to keep you there. I argued with Zach until I didn’t have a breath left in my body. He still won’t listen to reason."
A new rash of tears blinded her. "Does he really hate me that much?"
Phillip reached across the worn table and cupped her hands in his. "No…Claudia…he loves you. Zach loves you."
She felt her jaw drop, but could only blink uncomprehendingly at her brother.
He squeezed her fingers. "He is insane with worry. Frantic that you’re going to be killed. That’s why he wants you gone."
"Why didn’t he just tell me himself?"
"You’re angry as hell with him right now and that’s still not enough to keep you away. If Zach had told you how he feels, would it have made a difference?"
