Free Heart of the Night by Barbara Delinsky Page A

he moved and talked bespoke sheer male power. Though Savannah appeared to be totally comfortable with him, Susan felt threatened.
    Of course, she had no intention of showing it. That was the part of the game she could play well. Tipping her chin up a notch, she slipped her hand into his and returned a firm grasp. “On behalf of the Vandermeers, I’d like to thank you for being here, Officer.”
    â€œLieutenant,” he corrected in that same, slow drawl, then amended it to, “Sam.”
    Determined to hide her nervousness, Susan hurried on. “It’s kind of you to give us your time. This is a new and frightening experience. I’m sure you’ve been through it before. We deeply appreciate your help.” As smoothly as possible, she retrieved her hand.
    He offered her the faintest tip of his head. “My pleasure.” Then he turned to Savannah and without a trace of a drawl said, “This has to be your sister. Her pictures don’t do her justice. She’s stunning. Why have you been hiding her?”
    Momentarily amused, Savannah argued, “I haven’t been hiding her. You saw her at the party I threw at my father’s house last year.”
    He shook his head. “I would have remembered.” He looked at Susan again. A faint smile touched his lips. “She really is a beauty.”
    â€œUh-huh,” Savannah said, still slightly amused.
    Susan wasn’t amused. With the disappearance of Sam Craig’s drawl, she felt taken for a fool. She didn’t like that at all.
    Addressing herself to him, she said, “Did no one ever tell you that it’s impolite to talk about someone as though she weren’t there?”
    â€œIs it?” Sam asked innocently. “Funny, you seemed to feel it was okay when you did it to me a minute ago.”
    â€œThat was different. I didn’t know who you were.”
    â€œThen it’s okay in some situations but not others? If I’d have been a thug, like you first thought, it would have been all right?”
    â€œWhen I first saw you, I was frightened. I was talking to my sister.”
    â€œAbout me, within easy earshot.” His drawl returned. “You’re a snob, Miss Susan.”
    â€œAnd you’re out of line, Lieutenant. As a member of the police department, your job is to serve the taxpayers of this state. Given the hefty chunk the state takes from my income each year, I’d say a little respect is in order.”
    In a perfectly respectful tone, Sam asked, “And what do you do to earn that income?”
    Impertinent question though it was, it held enough of a dare to goad Susan. “I allow various banks and foundations and corporations the use of my money. In that sense, I’ve been involved in urban renewal, cancer research, and higher education. I serve on the boards of two art museums, one historical society, and hospitals both in Rhode Island and New York. I also happen to know how to give a party, and considering that a single evening’s event can raise several million dollars for one worthy cause or another, that’s nothing to sneeze at.” Drawing herself straighter, she said, “I’d think about that, if I were you, Lieutenant. I’d think about it the next time you put on that drawl and come at me with that sexy walk. We’re not in the same league, you and I. Sorry to disappoint you, but it’s true.”
    She started to walk past him, then, on impulse, stopped and reached up to lightly brush her fingers through the shorter layers of hair by his cheek. “Nice cut, though. Maybe you’d give me the name of your stylist. Lately I haven’t been able to do a thing with my hair.” With a haughty smile, she left the room.
    Sam stared after her. For another minute, he remained silent. Then he muttered, “Jesus, she’s tough.”
    Savannah shook her head. “It’s a front. She’s having a hard time finding