All I've Ever Wanted by Adrianne Byrd Page A

but managed to answer in a patient tone. “Yes.”
    â€œMind if we ask which route you generally take?”
    â€œI follow the main road where there are street-lights. A girl can never be too careful.”
    â€œYou’ve never been tempted to just cut through the back woods?” Collier asked. “I’d imagine that it would be quicker—wouldn’t you?”
    â€œIt might be. I wouldn’t know.”
    â€œNo?” He smiled and reached inside his jacket.
    Heat rushed through her a she struggled to stifle the urge to slap his smug expression off his face. Why did these men have to come here?
    â€œYou wouldn’t happen to know then, how this ended up in the woods?” He dangled the delicate locket in front of her.
    Her breath hitched and she immediately realized her mistake. They’d caught her. Just like that. There was no sense in denying that the necklace belonged to her. No doubt it had been her father’s picture that had led them to her doorstep.
    â€œMs. St. James?” Collier’s smile had disappeared. Kennedy pulled her gaze from the locket and lifted it to meet his.
    â€œYou want to know what I think? I think that you didn’t follow the main road last Friday night. I think you made a detour through the woods and saw something you wish you hadn’t. Am I right?”
    If she said yes, her world—her life would change. They’d want to drag her down to view a lineup. They’d make sweet promises they couldn’t keep, or they’d die trying…just as her father had.
    Max read volumes in the woman’s delicate features. Behind her cool, almond-shaped eyes, she was planning, thinking, calculating.
    Amusement twisted the corners of his mouth. Shewas actually contemplating lying to him. He expected better from a cop’s daughter.
    â€œI don’t know how that ended up in the woods.” She reached for it, but he jerked it out of reach.
    â€œI lost it months ago.”
    Anger made her even more beautiful. She lifted her chin as if daring him to call her a liar.
    He smiled. “I’m relieved.” Two could play her game. “Because, the way we figure it, there may be a witness to what happened to Underwood. Isn’t that right, Dossman?”
    His partner moved toward them and answered Max. “Uh, that’s right.”
    â€œWe also think—” Max’s steady gaze returned to hers “—that whoever killed Underwood is quite aware of the existence of this witness.”
    â€œYeah,” Dossman jumped in. “Judging by the number of shots fired down there that night.”
    Kennedy swallowed.
    â€œBut we’re glad to know that it wasn’t you.” Max gave his sarcasm free rein. “I’d hate to think that your life was in danger for being at the wrong place at the wrong time.”
    She narrowed her eyes. “You can stop playing games. I know what you’re up to.”
    â€œAnd what’s that?” Max challenged, crossing his arms to stare down at her. She had beautiful eyes, he realized. They were a unique shade of brown—light, with gold specks glistening in them. She glared at him.
    Instead of answering, she turned and opened the front door. “I want you to leave.”
    Max’s lips widened and Dossman actually laughed as they headed toward the door. “Are you sure you’re making the right decision about this?”
    Kennedy continued to glare at him, her expression motionless.
    Dossman’s hand dropped heavily against Max’s back. “Come on, partner. Maybe we were wrong about this. Have a nice day, ma’am.” With a confident smile, he sauntered out through the open door.
    Max knew he was right. Not only did he feel it in his gut, but also he saw it in her eyes. He suddenly regretted how he’d handled this situation and tried once again to win her over.
    â€œYou know, you can trust us. The police,” he added