In the Shadow of Evil by Robin Caroll Page B

Gritting her teeth, she trudged up the stairs. She balanced the travel mug and case with one arm while unlocking the door.
    An engine roared behind her.
    She spun, dropping not only the mug and attaché, but also her keys. Hot coffee splashed up and dotted her jeans. So much for its claims of being spill proof. She narrowed her eyes at the men getting out of the car now parked beside her truck.
    Should have known. Maddox Bishop and his partner. Just her luck.
    The older detective—the good cop—rushed up the stairs. "Sorry for startling you. Here, let me help." He bent to gather her mug and keys.
    She grabbed her case and straightened. "Thank you, Detective . . ."
    He smiled with the kindest eyes. "Wallace. Detective Houston Wallace."
    "Thank you, Detective Wallace." She took the keys from him and unlocked the door, then waved him inside. "Come on in." She glanced over her shoulder to find Maddox leaning against the bottom of the stair railing. "You too."
    He quirked a single brow at her, but she refused to allow him to put her on edge. Not today. She'd remember what Lincoln said. Maddox was a good cop, interested in getting to the truth. And that's what she wanted.
    As quickly as possible.
    She stomped her muddy boots on the welcome mat. Not that it did any good. The reddish goop stayed adhered. Well, the good detectives could think what they wanted. She wouldn't track mud all over her hardwood. Layla kicked off her boots and let them fall beside the front door before moving to the reception desk where she set her case and mug.
    Detective Wallace glanced at his own shoes, then at Layla's boots.
    She smiled. "Yours are fine. I stepped right into a puddle."
    He chuckled and swiped his feet on the mat. "With all the rain we've had, it's a mess most everywhere."
    Maddox filled the doorway. Not just physically, but the mere presence of him in the room pressed against her.
    She swallowed and backed against the reception desk. Heat fanned the nape of her neck most uncomfortably. Made no sense at all. She was a grown woman, a business owner in a male-dominated field—she could ignore the stupid stirrings in her gut.
    "So, how can I help you gentlemen?" Layla forced her voice not to wobble.
    "We need a list of all the workers you contracted to work on the Hope-for-Homes site."
    Maddox's voice unnerved her more than she was willing to admit. "Of course." She sat behind the desk and wiggled the mouse, waking the computer. She'd created a file yesterday with all the pertinent job information. Anything to make this visit as short as humanly possible.
    Maddox lowered himself to perch on the edge of the reception desk. The heating unit kicked on, blowing a hint of his cologne her way. Just enough for her to detect. Just enough to distract her.
    Layla accessed the file and set it to print. The sooner she gave them the information they needed, the sooner they'd leave.
    And she could return to being a full-functioning adult.
    "Have you met Ms. Caldwell? The lady who was supposed to move into the house?" Maddox asked.
    "Yes." She chanced looking him in the eye. Well, the world didn't spontaneously combust, but she felt affected just the same. "Hope for Homes lets the new homeowner be involved in the interior completion."
    "What'd you think of her? Ms. Caldwell."
    "I think she's a strong, resilient, nice lady." She crossed her arms over her chest. Where was he going with this? "Her kids are well behaved and respectful. She's had a hard life but is doing the best she can for herself and her kids." Layla stood. "Why?"
    "Just wondering what your impression was." Maddox lumbered to his feet, towering over her.
    "Let me get you that printout." She turned and headed down the hall to her office. For once she was glad she'd purchased only one printer for the office and networked all the computers to it. Gave her an excuse to get away from Maddox. Get a little space to clear her head.
    Splinters! The man muddled her mind.
    She snatched the papers from