Big Easy Temptation (The Perfect Gentlemen #3)(20)

Holland’s stomach took a nosedive. She definitely didn’t want to be the one who had to tell Dax that his mother believed the accusations. “Why don’t you start at the beginning and tell me everything you know. I’d also like any and all information you have on the victim.”

She didn’t say alleged victim. One way or another that girl had been victimized. She’d been fifteen. Holland had seen Amber Taylor’s picture on the evening news, watched as she’d been escorted into the police station by two burly officers at her side. She’d been a pretty girl who, with a little makeup, could definitely have passed for much older. She had the body of an adult, but Holland had been haunted by her eyes. They’d been what truly made the girl look older. She’d had the blank stare of someone who had seen far too much and no longer cared.

Had Admiral Harold Spencer put that look on the girl’s face? She didn’t want to believe it, but then she knew enough about criminals to know the smart ones could fool the people closest to them. The most successful pedophiles, rapists, and killers came with nice faces and demeanors that hoodwinked those around them.

Holland started taking notes as her uncle ran through the basics of the case with her.

Almost an hour had passed when she stood and stretched. “I know you’re against me looking into this. So thank you for sharing your information with me.”

Her uncle approached from behind his desk and enveloped her in a bear hug. “Now, honey, you know I’d do anything for you. I love you like you were my own. That’s why I’m going to tell you to be careful with that Spencer boy.”

She gave him a squeeze and then pulled away. “I’m not dating him.”

“But you’d like to.” He gave her a little shake. “Hell, if I was female I’d want that boy, too. He’s handsome and rich and charming. Apparently he’s got a very large—”

“Uncle Beau!”

“Heart.” He laughed out loud. “You didn’t let me finish. I was going to say that he must have a big heart since he’s done so much charity work. You hush that nasty mind now, girl. All I’m saying is I understand the impulse to be around the boy. But he’s asking something of you that you might not be able to give and I don’t know how he’ll handle it if you tell him something he doesn’t want to hear.”

If she had to tell him all the evidence pointed to his father’s guilt, he would be so angry. He could possibly turn that anger on her. No one liked to hear bad things about their loved ones. Yes, cops got to hand out bad news all the time. It was part of the job. Still, she couldn’t stand the thought of Dax Spencer hating her. Even though they weren’t together, knowing they liked each other was somehow a comfort.

“I’m sure it won’t cause any trouble. I’ll be professional and he will, too. He’s given this over to me, so you shouldn’t have to deal with him at all.”

Her uncle raised his brows. “Really? Not even once? Because it looks like I’m about to deal with him right now.”

She turned and sure enough Captain Spencer was standing in the middle of the precinct, staring at her with his eyes narrowed. He wore civilian clothes, slacks and a dress shirt. No tie. He didn’t need one. He looked cool and in charge. And fairly angry, if she read the set of his shoulders right.

He stormed over. She could practically hear the clomping of his probably ridiculously overpriced loafers as he made his way toward her.

“So it’s all professional?” Her uncle sounded entirely amused.

“It is on my side.” But something about Dax’s expression looked as if he had other ideas.

He strode up to them, his stare never leaving her face. “Hello, Holland. I thought we were meeting tomorrow.”

“I did as well.”

“I thought we were going over the case tomorrow at lunch.”

“No. I never said anything about lunch.”

His face turned a bit pink. “Holland, I thought we were partners. Tell me you’re not here talking to your uncle about my case.”

Was he serious? They had some misconceptions she needed to clear up. “No, we’re not partners. I’m looking into your father’s case. And why, pray tell, are you here, Dax? Do you have some parking tickets? Because those should really be dealt with at the parish courthouse.”

He fell quiet for a moment, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t feel his anger. “We had a long talk about this yesterday. I thought we’d been clear.”

“Then why the hell are you here, Spencer?”

She was pleased when he went a more brilliant shade of red.

Her uncle leaned against the doorjamb. “You two seem to be completely on the same page. I’m utterly sure this is going to work out for the best.”

Dax exhaled, looking as if he tried to relax. “You never told me your uncle ran the civilian investigation.”

“I didn’t think it mattered. I told you I would look into it. And I made plans to keep you up to date. You never intended to let me investigate, did you? You thought you’d be with me every step of the way.”

Her uncle let out a long sigh. “Y’all obviously have more to work out than you thought. I don’t think this is the place to do it. You might not mind some gossip, Captain Spencer, but I don’t like men flapping their gums about my niece, not even the ones I work with.”