Death and Her Devotion (Rogue Vows #1)(17)

“Did you know he was coming?” questioned Zane.

“I know Josh talked to him, but he didn’t tell us that Aiden was coming.”

“What did Josh tell him about the murder?” Zane hoped Josh hadn’t compromised the investigation.

“Dunno.”

“I better put a stop to this,” muttered Zane. He’d barely opened the police department door when Aiden finished his short speech and hopped off his stump to head in Zane’s direction. Zane folded his arms across his chest and watched as the Hollywood agent came toward him, thankful he didn’t have to wear a suit to work every day. Aiden Tierney was tall and thin, with blond hair that ran straight back from his forehead. He strode with purpose, showing perfect white teeth as he drew closer to Zane.

“Are you Chief Duncan? Josh told me you were in charge. I’m Aiden Tierney; I represent Chase.” His handshake was strong and he looked Zane in the eye, but Zane felt as if he were about to be pitched a Mexican time-share.

“What did you tell those reporters?” Zane asked in a quiet voice as the man grinned expectantly at him. Zane wasn’t about to pretend he’d just met his newest best friend.

The man sized him up and the grin faded away. “I told them who I was and that I’d make certain whoever killed Chase was brought to justice. We lost a national treasure, you know.”

“How do you plan to bring this killer to justice?”

Aiden narrowed his eyes. “By giving you whatever you need.”

That’s better.

“Why don’t you come in and we’ll talk.” Zane pulled open the door, and the man entered ahead of him.





“Thanks for finding my son a place to hang out this morning,” Jenny said to Stevie as they walked toward the police station.

“My sister-in-law, Debra, loves kids. I think Brandon and her boys are going to get along just fine. He probably won’t want to leave when we pick him up.” Stevie had dropped off the boy at James’s house so she could talk to Jenny alone.

“Look at all the people,” Jenny murmured.

Stevie stared. The number of news vans had tripled overnight, and the town’s usually empty sidewalks were full of people wandering, looking in store windows, and carrying cups of iced coffee. “This is insane. Is that CNN?”

“Yes,” replied Jenny. She slid on her sunglasses. “I hate reporters.”

“Have they ever poked around you and Brandon?”

“No. We’ve been very lucky.”

The two of them ducked into the police station, where they found Zane talking to Toby and a man in a suit Stevie didn’t know.

“Jenny!” exclaimed Suit Man, immediately enveloping her in a hug. Jenny met Stevie’s gaze and rolled her eyes.

Toby watched the couple hug with a pathetic look on his face. “I’m gonna deliver breakfast,” he announced, and darted out the door without greeting Stevie. She looked to Zane, who lifted one shoulder at the young man’s abrupt action.

“How are you holding up?” Suit Man asked Jenny in a sad voice. He’d stepped back but kept his hands on her shoulders. Jenny’s expression was one of extreme patience, and Stevie disliked him immediately.

“This is Officer Stevie Taylor,” Jenny said instead of replying to the suit’s question.

Suit Man held out a hand. “Aiden Tierney. I represent Chase.”

His agent? “Even in death?” Stevie asked as she shook his hand. “Aren’t you out of a job?”

He frowned. “Chase was my friend.”

That didn’t answer my question.

“I will always have his best interests at heart,” he added, and turned back to Jenny. “Speaking of which, we need to discuss the next step.”

Caution crossed Jenny’s features. “What are you talking about?”

“I think it’s time to tell the world about Brandon,” Aiden announced solemnly.

Stevie’s jaw dropped, and Zane took a half step backward.

“No!” Jenny snapped, pointing a finger at the agent. “We’ve talked about this before. There’s no need for that. Especially now.”

“Now is definitely the right time,” said Aiden. “What are you going to do for money now? This is our last chance to create a buzz around Chase. If we play it right with Brandon, we can rope in book deals and talk shows. You’re young and attractive. We can make it—”

“That’s enough!” Zane stepped between the two of them. “You heard what she said, and she’s the boy’s mother.”

“This doesn’t involve you.” Aiden glared at him.

“You’re in my office and in my town; you involved me.”

“Aiden,” said Jenny. “This is my final word on the subject. Brandon will have his privacy, and if I find out that you leaked any word of Brandon’s real father, I will sue you for every penny you have.” She gestured at Stevie and Zane. “I have witnesses to what you just suggested. Forget about it and don’t ask me again.”

“But Jenny—”

“No.” She turned to Stevie. “Can we talk somewhere else?” Her brown eyes pleaded.

“Absolutely.” She led Jenny down the hall to the tiny conference room. Jenny sank into a chair and covered her eyes with her hands.