Free Suspicion of Guilt by Tracey V. Bateman Page A

you?”
    “Sure.”
    She lifted the platter from the patio table and held it out. Fran’s laughter echoed through the air. Denni reached for the tray and caught a glimpse of Shelley’s face darkening as she watched the playful antics.
    “Is there a problem?” Denni asked.
    Shelley blinked back to attention. “No. Just surprised, that’s all. When did the queen of mean get so friendly with Kojak?”
    Denni snickered at the reference to the bald-headed cop. “All he needs is a lollipop.”
    “So what gives with those two anyway? New romance or a father figure?”
    Alarm shot through Denni. Surely not romance? Ordid Reece like younger women? “I don’t know. Friends maybe? They both like to play.” She glanced across the yard. Fran was on her way back to the deck. Reece seemed to be focused on Mrs. James’s backyard.
    “Yeah, who’d have thought it of either of them?”
    A breathless and soaked Fran climbed the steps onto the deck, her face shining with pleasure. “I’ll be back to help out in a sec, Denni. I have to change my shirt.”
    “New boyfriend?” Shelley baited.
    “Gross.” Fran threw her a look of disdain and disappeared through the sliding glass door into the house.
    Denni’s lips twitched, as relief flooded her. “Guess that answers that little question.”
    Shelley chuckled. “I guess. Kojak wouldn’t appreciate the sentiment, though.”
    “Stop calling him that. He’s going to hear you.” She tossed a towel at the girl and laughed despite her admonishment.
    Grinning, Shelley grabbed a stalk of broccoli from the enormous salad bowl. “You think he’s never heard it before?”
    “Maybe so, but it’s a little insulting.”
    “Then maybe he ought to let his hair grow out.” She frowned. “What’s he doing, anyway?”
    “What?”
    “Corrigan. He’s doing something to Mrs. James’s fence.”
    Denni followed Shelley’s gaze. Reece bent and studied something at the bottom of the fence, then stood up.
    He turned, as though in thought, and noticed his audience. He waved and headed toward the deck just as Leigh and Sean joined the group from inside.
    “Hi everyone,” Sean said.
    Denni smiled at their laced fingers. Oh, Lord. Please protect Leigh’s tender heart .
    She turned to Reece. “What’s up with Mrs. James’s yard?”
    “Just trying to see how Buffy keeps getting through her fence.” He shrugged. “I didn’t see any weak spots in the fence, though.”
    “That’s because she jumps it, genius.” Leigh rolled her eyes.
    Reece’s eyebrows shot up. A giggle bubbled to Denni’s lips. He had to admit the girl had one-upped him this time. His lips twisted into a sheepish grin. “Why didn’t I think of that?”
    Leigh shrugged, refusing to join in the camaraderie if it meant sharing a laugh with Reece.
    “What do you think, Sean? Got another project in you?”
    “What kind of project?”
    “I’m thinking maybe we should add a foot or two to Mrs. James’s fence.”
    “The battleax that called you a pimp?”
    Leigh, Fran and Shelley let up a howl.
    “She called you a pimp?” Fran asked, nearly out of breath. “I suppose we’re your stable of fillies?”
    “Presumably.” Sean grinned at her. Leigh shifted beside him, her eyes narrowing. Jealousy?
    “I think that would be really nice of you.” Denni smiled at Reece. “And I’d feel a lot safer without Buffy roaming around growling at everyone.”
    “Me too.” Reece’s gaze captured hers and Denni read volumes of meaning in the two-word sentence.
    He wanted to keep her safe, but there had to be another reason he played the hero.

Chapter Eight
    R eece kicked back in a cushioned patio chair on Denni’s deck. The chair had seen better days as far as he was concerned. He shifted as a rough seam in the material rubbed against his bare legs.
    Sean sat next to him and they watched as the girls tossed a Frisbee in the yard.
    Leigh turned toward them. “Hurry up you two.”
    “In a minute,” Sean called back.