Free Knock, knock... by Dale Mayer

her."
     
    "And yet, you still have each other."
     
    "And you have no one. Why aren’t you married with a family of your own?"
     
    Roman groaned silently. Since he'd returned to Portland, his grandfather hadn't quit harping on Roman’s single status. "I was married, remember?"
     
    "That was a childhood romance. It lasted what...two years? Then divorce. Bet you don't even remember her name," barked his grandfather. "Young kids these days… You don't know what marriage is anymore."
     
    There wasn't much Roman could say to that. Not anything that he hadn't said a dozen times before. "When I find the right woman, I'll get married again. Until then, I'll just enjoy my single status."
     
    "Ha. When was the last time you went on a date? You're always working."
     
    Finally he had something new to add. "That's not true. I'm going on a date on Saturday night. I'm taking a young woman out for dinner."
     
    "Do I know her?" Grandfather asked suspiciously.
     
    "Yes, you do. It's Shay."
     
    "Ah." His grandfather chuckled. "That would make Bernice happy. She always thought the two of your should meet. She spoke highly of Shay’s business acumen – and for Bernice that was something. But a couple of times, I sensed she wanted to say more about her but she always stopped herself before saying what was on her mind."
     
    That fit. Bernice wouldn't likely have said too much to his grandfather. Grandfather's comments were nothing if not pointed. He said at his age, he shouldn't have to hold back for fear of offending anyone. Still this behavior hadn't just started. He'd been very vocal all his life.
     
    "Where are you taking her?"
     
    "Not sure yet. I haven't had a chance to try out too many places here."
     
    "Take her to the Sandors. Great seafood."
     
    "Maybe." Except all the patrons there were Grandfather's age. Roman had actually hoped to take her dancing. He didn't know if she danced or not, but with that body she was probably a natural. And he sure wouldn't mind holding her in his arms for a little while.
     
    And he didn't know what she was hiding, but she was hiding something.
     
    And he wanted to find out exactly what.
     
    ***
     
    Finally some action. After the old bat died. Not much yet. Not enough for Shay to understand. But she would figure it out. And the police would, too. Eventually. But by then they wouldn't be able to do anything about it.
     
    And damn, if Shay didn't look to have another hunk at her heels. At least the type of man she favored – he’d hovered by her side at the Foundation reception. Roman Chandler. Wealthy businessman and budding artist. The Chandlers are a well-known family.
     
    He looked good too. Damn good. In many ways, the two suited each other. And Roman Chandler had walls, too. Getting around them was possible, but it would take time – time that wasn't available.
     
    There was a deadline to meet. A death to honor. Justice to be served. It was long past due. But it will be done… Then I can move on.
     

Chapter 5
     
    Monday mid-morning…
     
    A fter Roman left the office, Shay pulled in her scattered thoughts and hit the first speed dial number on her phone, trying for a second time to make this call. She leaned back in her comfortable chair, hoping Roman's brother was available. She couldn't ignore the niggling unease in her belly. Something wasn't right.
     
    Ronin must have recognized her on caller ID. "Hi Shay. How are you doing?"
     
    The calm, warm voice on the other end made her smile. How anyone could do the job Ronin did and still have such a lighthearted personality amazed her. Though she didn't know Roman's brother all that well, Ronin'd been there for her every time she needed him. He was a good man to have on her side. As he'd proved when Darren died. She could only hope his brother was a good man, too.
     
    She laughed lightly. "I'm fine. As always."
     
    "Not if you're calling me, you aren't." He paused. "I heard about Bernice. I am sorry." His tone turned