Return of the Maverick

‘Best thing you ever did, my girl. For me anyway.’ David stood up. ‘Anyone for coffee?’

‘No, thanks.’ Erin leaned over the back of her chair to dig inside the fridge for a can of soda she’d put there earlier. The snap of the tab was loud in the sudden silence.

Brad was watching her, a thoughtful expression clouding his face. ‘Where did you move from?’

He was full of questions.

‘I was of no fixed abode. An army brat who grew up and then joined the very service I’d hated all my childhood.’ Always shifting from one base to the next, new schools and new kids to get on side with. The only constant had been Jonathon. For some bizarre reason, more often than not they found themselves living at the same base and going to the same school. He’d been her best friend who became her husband. The services had been the only life she’d known. She’d panicked when the time had come to choose a career and a town to live in. The services had been a safe option.

‘So you left the army to do your nursing training?’ Brad sounded genuinely interested.

‘No, I took three years’ leave when I turned twenty. Then once I’d qualified I transferred from the signals corps to the medical unit.’ She got up and shoved a window open. Brad seemed to consume all the air, leaving none for her. ‘It’s hot in here,’ she said lamely, then glanced at her watch. ‘Oops, I’ve got a patient coming in for her hep. A shot. Lucky girl’s off to Tanzania next month.’

At the door she stopped, remembering Katie Bryant. ‘Brad, I’ve made an appointment for you to see Katie Bryant. She came in for her immunisation shots this morning. I tried to get her mother to stay on this morning but she already had another appointment at the dentist.’

Erin paused, thought about the unease she’d felt when she’d seen Katie. ‘I would’ve talked to either of you first but you were both busy at the time. I think there’s something wrong with Katie but I don’t know what. Just a gut feeling. She’s pale, underweight, sleeps a lot.’

‘When’s her mother bringing her back?’ Brad asked, wariness edging his voice. The same caution she’d noted in Alison’s voice when they’d talked about Katie.

‘Wednesday morning. I tried to persuade her to bring Katie before then but with nothing specific to go on I didn’t succeed.’

Brad turned to David. ‘Are Katie and her mother related to Joey Bryant?’

‘Wife and daughter.’

Brad’s Adam’s apple bobbed. ‘Maybe you should see them.’

David caught Brad’s eye. ‘No. You’ve got to start somewhere and Joey’s family is perfect.’

Brad stared at David for a long moment before turning to Erin and asking, ‘Does the mother think there was anything out of the ordinary with her daughter?’

What was going on here? Something had just gone down between David and Brad that she couldn’t understand. Erin focussed on the question Brad had asked. She’d think about the rest later. ‘Not at all. Said it was nice that Katie had begun sleeping so well. Sleeping has always been a problem with her, driving her parents to despair at times.’ She sipped her soda. ‘I’m probably wasting everyone’s time but I want to be sure.’

Erin Foley. Brad hadn’t managed to dispel her image from his mind all day. Not even his trepidation about seeing Joey’s wife had wiped his mind clear of the nurse. Which said a lot because he was as nervous as hell about talking to Alison. Maybe when Alison told Joey who their new GP was, their appointment would be cancelled. That would not be good for little Katie and more than anything Brad wanted to do what was best for his patients. Erin was concerned about the girl so he must see her.

Erin. His brain always switched back to her. When she’d arrived at the medical centre in such a damned hurry that morning and he’d seen that mass of shining black curls tumbling down her back, he’d have fallen flat on his face if he hadn’t grabbed the filing cabinet. She was a knockout.

She’d flustered him, her laughter echoing through the building when she’d been with those children first thing. She certainly had a way with her that had made each one of them giggle and talk non-stop, forgetting about the needle about to stab their thigh. She’d make a great mother, if that was anything to go by.

An unbidden thought, an unwanted one, entered his head. Did she have a partner? David had said she lived alone, which surely meant no partner, no children? But a beautiful woman like Erin would never be completely single. There had to be a man somewhere in her life.

That idea made Brad’s good mood evaporate in an instant. Which was plain silly. He did not want to get involved with any female. Been there, done the time. A fling might be all right but he wasn’t having one with Erin Foley. A bad idea in the circumstances.

‘Goodnight, Dr Perano,’ Marilyn called from behind her desk.

He paused. ‘What would it take to get you to call me Brad?’ Marilyn appeared to be in her late fifties, and seemed a stickler for protocol. So far she’d refused to budge on using his first name, but he was determined to win. Judging by the set of her jaw, it might take a while.

‘I’m sizing you up, young man. Give me time.’

Did she know of him from the past? He didn’t recall her at all, but the stories about him might have coloured her perception of him even before they’d met.

‘Young man?’ Brad muttered. ‘I’m thirty-four.’

‘And I’m sixty-four, so be patient.’ She stood and pushed her chair under her desk, then leaned down to retrieve her handbag from the floor. Then she looked him in the eye. ‘Just be good to our David and you’ll have me calling you any damned thing you like.’

So he was on notice from the office staff. But the fact that David’s staff cared so much for the older man actually made Brad hum as he opened the door to the car park. He might’ve been slow in getting here but others had stepped up to the mark. Guilt caught him. David had shown no censure towards him. Which only said how big-hearted the man was and how much further indebted he had become.

Outside David called to him from beside his car. ‘You on your way home, too? Want me to pick up anything from the supermarket?’

‘No, I’ve got all I need to cook tonight’s dinner.’ Brad scratched his chin thoughtfully. ‘So Erin lives down the bottom of our drive. That’s kind of handy for you.’

‘Perfect situation.’ David raised pale blue eyes to him. ‘Don’t tell me you’re bothered by it? Why would you be?’

Because she’d be too close to him. There’d be no getting away from her. It was one thing that they’d be working together. He could probably manage to keep her at arm’s length here, but to have her practically living on his doorstep meant he’d never have peace of mind. He slapped his hands on his hips and stared across at David, suddenly cross. ‘I don’t like it.’

‘Erin’s been very helpful and always there if I’ve needed anything.’ David talked as though he hadn’t seen Brad’s angst, but Brad knew better. David missed nothing, and now his eyes twinkled suspiciously. ‘I think you two will get along very well.’

‘You are so wrong.’ They’d light up like flames with petrol added. Something indefinable and hot already sat between them, something he wasn’t prepared to explore.

‘Give her a chance. Get to know her. You’ll like her.’

I already like her. A lot. Too much. But bitter experience had taught him people weren’t always what they first seemed to be. ‘You could be wrong.’

‘Bradley, you give her a chance. I’ll not have you upsetting the cosy set-up we’ve got at work or anywhere else.’

David only called him Bradley when he wanted to make a point, but that didn’t stop Brad arguing. ‘It’s not wise to socialise with staff.’

David chuckled. ‘You can’t expect me to agree with that. Not when my Mary was a nurse on my surgical ward when I was an intern.’

‘There are always exceptions.’ Was the old boy matchmaking?

How much worse could this get?

CHAPTER THREE

‘WHAT a day I’ve had, Lucky.’ Erin chattered to her cat as she drove carefully through the streets towards home. ‘First day back and already I feel like my holiday is so long ago it didn’t happen.’

Lucky was unusually silent, sitting in the cage staring straight ahead, ignoring Erin entirely.

‘Come on, stop sulking. It’s not as though I left you incarcerated in some dire cat hostel with no one to care for you. I know for a fact you’ve been pampered beyond your wildest dreams.’ The fees had been horrendous, but well worth it. The Paws Cattery came highly recommended.

‘We’ve got a new neighbour.’ Her mouth turned up into a reluctant smile. ‘He’s gorgeous.’ An image of Brad on his Harley-Davidson made her mouth water. She’d been putting drugs away in the clinic’s fridge when the bike had roared to life outside. Discreetly nudging aside the curtain a tad, she’d studied the man who’d had her heart rate rising and falling alarmingly throughout the day. The Harley belonged with him, balanced perfectly between those muscular thighs, adding to his sexiness. Brad intrigued her, confused her, and had her wondering what it would be like to get to know him.

To have an affair with him? The steering-wheel flicked sideways. She straightened the car, her heart pounding in her throat. Just thinking about Brad was dangerous.

‘Definitely no affair,’ she reassured Lucky. Brad would be used to experienced women, not someone who’d only ever known one man intimately. Anyway, she liked her life where no man told her how to live, where to work, when to cook dinner.

But an affair might get this sizzling sensation out of her blood so her life could return to the peaceful state it had been in when she’d woken up that morning. But, no, it wasn’t going to happen. Affairs always ended with bad feelings on at least one side, which would not bode well for working with Brad afterwards. So she lied to the cat. ‘Brad’s not my type, Lucks. Don’t you go schmoozing up to him, either.’

Lucky continued staring ahead, rocking slightly as Erin turned into her drive.

‘You just remember you’re on my side.’ She really, really wished Brad could go and live somewhere else. But that also wasn’t going to happen. David needed him so she couldn’t deprive David of the man he considered his son.

The garage door lifted and Erin nosed the car inside. ‘Home, sweet home, Lucky. Let’s see if some of your favourite gourmet tuna feast will make you love me again.’

Out of her cage, Lucky arched her back and stared around. Erin sighed and picked up laden grocery bags. In the kitchen she dumped the bags on the bench and switched the oven on to heat up a ready-made pasta bake. Turning, she gasped. ‘What the—?’

Drawers from the dresser were on the floor, their contents spilled out over the floor. Apprehension filled her. Had she been burgled? She glanced around warily. Someone had certainly been in here. She’d locked up before she’d left for work that morning. Hadn’t she? She had been in a rush. Maybe she hadn’t checked all the locks.

What if the thief’s still here? Her heart rose in her throat. Reaching a shaking hand into the utensil drawer, she removed the rolling pin.

‘Lucky?’ The cat stood in the centre of the kitchen, her back still arched, her eyes wild. ‘Are we alone? Can you hear anyone moving around?’

Lucky’s head flicked from side to side. Not a lot to go on. Erin sucked a breath. She’d done self-defence training in the army, and come up against some big, stroppy men in the process. A burglar couldn’t get the better of her.

Raising the rolling pin, she did a quick, thorough search of her home. No one hid behind the doors or in the wardrobes. Upstairs in her bedroom drawers had been emptied over the bed, and some small change had gone, but as far as she could make out that was all that was missing. Kids?

Down in her laundry the door that led out into the garden wide was open. Closer inspection showed it had been jemmied so now it wouldn’t shut properly.

Feeling more confident, Erin quickly walked around the outside but found no trace of her burglar. Glancing across to the trees that bordered onto her section from David’s place, she made to go and search there, hesitated. Maybe not a wise idea. The area around those trees looked darker than usual.

Returning inside, she picked up the phone and dialled the cop who lived in the adjoining townhouse. No reply. Next she tried David’s number. She didn’t want him to coming racing down here but he might’ve noticed someone loitering.

‘David Taylor’s house. Can I help you?’ That disturbingly sexy voice rolled down the line at her.

Of course Brad would answer. How silly of her not to think of that.

His voice snapped into her musings. ‘Hello? Any one there?’

‘Yes, It’s Erin.’ Then added, ‘Erin Foley.’ ‘Yes, I think I know who Erin is. Super nurse and crazy cyclist.’

‘Why crazy cyclist?’

‘Anyone who prefers to pedal than use a motor has to be crazy.’

So he wasn’t an exercise freak. Again the image of Brad on his Harley rose before her eyes.

‘Erin? I find one-sided phone calls rather awkward.’ She shook her head. ‘Sorry. Is David there? I wondered if he’d seen anyone hanging around the back of my house. Or maybe in his front garden.’

‘Why? Has something happened? Are you all right?’ ‘I’m fine. But my house has been broken into.’ ‘Don’t go outside. Lock all the doors. I’m on my way.’ ‘Too late, I’ve already checked out there.’ But her words fell into a void as Brad banged down the phone at his end. She pushed redial. She didn’t want that Goliath in her house. His presence would make it feel claustrophobic. She wouldn’t know what to say to him. ‘Answer the phone.’ He didn’t.

He thumped the back door repeatedly, calling out, ‘Erin, it’s me, Brad. Open up.’ He did not want to be here, about to walk into her home. Like walking into the lioness’s den. But he couldn’t ignore the fact Erin might be in trouble.

‘It’s not locked,’ he heard her call. His top teeth ground across the bottom ones. Hadn’t he told her to lock up?

The door swung open, revealing Erin with her arms full of a grey tabby. ‘Come in.’

‘You should’ve checked it was me before you opened the door,’ he growled. His hands gripped his hips, his chest rising and falling after his frantic run down here.

‘Your voice is very distinctive.’ Her face coloured as she stepped back, holding the door wide. ‘Anyway, the lock is broken.’

His voice distinctive? How? ‘I’ll take a look at it.’

‘Thanks. I’ve already looked around outside. No one was hiding behind the shrubs.’

‘You did what?’ His heart stuttered. ‘What if your burglar had been out there? You could’ve been attacked.’

‘I’ll have you know I’m very well trained in self-defence.’ But there was a sheepish look in those startlingly blue eyes.

‘I’m sure you are.’ But he didn’t like the idea someone might’ve hurt her. Even more, he didn’t like it that he cared a lot about what happened to her. He stepped inside and pushed the door closed behind him, leaning back against it. Why her sheepish look?

‘Come through. Did you ask David if he’d seen anyone hanging around?’ She shrugged at him as though she didn’t care if he followed her or not.

Brad didn’t believe that nonchalance. It sounded forced. His estimation of her rose higher. She was one brave woman. He placed his hand on her shoulder, forcing her to turn around and meet his gaze full on. A hint of worry lurked in the deep blue shadows. ‘Want me to take a look through your house?’

The cat tensed in her arms, and Erin ran a soothing hand down its back. ‘I already did. The drawers in the kitchen dresser and my bedroom have been rifled but nothing else seems to have been touched.’

‘Then you’re fortunate.’ Relief swamped him. At least she was safe. He dropped his hand, but not before her heat radiated up his arm, sending jolts of yearning through his body.

‘I guess, but it does annoy me, someone breaking in. Whoever it was took a few dollars but that seems to be all.’ Her tongue slid across her bottom lip.

Brad dragged a hand over his head, trying to ignore her sweet mouth and the need to kiss it brought on by her action. Stepping back, he bumped up against the door again. ‘I’ll see what’s needed to repair your door.’

‘I’ve got some tools in the garage if you require them. Help yourself.’

‘Maybe you should call the police.’

Erin told him, ‘My neighbour’s a cop but he’s not home yet. I’ll call the watch house later.’

‘Okay.’ Brad left her and went to poke around in her minimal tool collection for a hammer and nails. ‘This’ll help secure the door for now but tomorrow I’ll get a new lock and install it,’ he told her as he passed the kitchen again.

‘Thank you, but that won’t be necessary. I’ll phone the locksmith in the morning.’

He had a sudden suspicion. ‘Any idea what time this happened?’

She shook her head, sending her shiny black hair swirling around her shoulders. ‘I only got home a few minutes ago.’

‘Cain and Tony.’ He’d bet his Harley on them being the culprits.

‘Who?’

‘The two boys from this morning. I had them come around and meet David before they mow his lawns next weekend. I’m trying to teach them that they have to earn money for the things they want in life. Which I think you mentioned to them quite forcefully.’ It had been her comments that had made him think about ways to help the boys.

‘There’s quite a leap from walking off with an abandoned bike to being guilty of breaking and entering.’ Amusement lit up her eyes.

‘You might be right.’ But the more he thought about it the more certain he was he’d found the culprits. ‘Will you give me a chance to talk to them before you talk to the cops?’

She folded her arms under her breasts. His mouth dried, and he had to struggle to hear her through the pounding in his ears.

‘How long have you known those boys?’

‘Since this morning.’ Most of my life. They are me at that age. ‘I’ve found out about their backgrounds. Not good. I’d like to help them if I can.’ Like David and Mary did for me.

Her gaze was disconcerting. As was her next question. ‘You sure you know what you’re doing?’

‘Yes.’ He wouldn’t plead for her to understand him. Neither would he divulge his history, if she didn’t already know it, in order to win some slack for the boys. She had to accept his opinion.

‘Okay.’

‘That’s it? No conditions? No questions? You’ll let me talk to them first?’ She’d surprised him. Deflated him, really. He sucked a breath, added belatedly, ‘Thanks.’

She nodded. ‘I’ll make some coffee while you’re fixing that door.’

‘I’d prefer a beer.’ Brad slipped into the laundry and tackled the broken lock.

Either the kettle was slow or he was fast because soon he was standing in her kitchen, watching her put her groceries away. The cat strolled across and used his boots to sharpen its claws. Unperturbed, he hunkered down and rubbed the back of its neck with his forefinger. ‘What’s the moggy’s name?’

‘Lucky. Lucky I found her at the SPCA.’

‘So you’re into looking out for strays, too.’ Cats. Boys. They all needed love and understanding.

Looking up at Erin, his chest tightened. Her gaze was fixed on his finger stroking the cat. A light flush coloured her cheeks, sending his imagination running riot. It wasn’t hard to envisage caressing her skin. Hell, it seemed they only had to be together for a few moments and the fireworks started.

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