Passion's Law

JOE COLTON’S JOURNAL

I am enormously grateful that my niece, Heather McGrath, has come to Hacienda de Alegria, for a short sabbatical. With so many troubles befalling the family, I need all the emotional support I can get right now. Once I thought the Colton empire was indestructible, but now that another attempt has been made on my life, I wonder how much longer I’ll be around to keep the Colton clan together. Fortunately, the investigating detective, Thaddeus Law, has sworn to see justice done and to keep us all safe. He seems to be particularly interested in keeping an eye on Heather, even though he does an awful good impression of the big bad wolf whenever she’s around. My sheltered niece is hardly this world-weary single dad’s type, but unless my sight is starting to fail, I swear I see stars glistening in her blue eyes whenever Thad storms into a room. Could my sweet and innocent niece have finally found her Prince Charming in the form of this dark and brooding lawman?

About the Author

RUTH LANGAN

is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than sixty books, both contemporary and historical and has been described by Romantic Times Magazine as “a true master at involving your emotions, be they laughter or tears.” Four of Ruth’s books have been finalists for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Award. Over the years, she has given dozens of print, radio and TV interviews, including some for Good Morning America and CNN News, and has been quoted in such diverse publications as the Wall Street Journal, Cosmopolitan and the Detroit Free Press. Married to her childhood sweetheart, she has raised five children and lives in Michigan, the state where she was born and raised. She hopes her readers will love her warm and wonderful characters in Passion’s Law as much as she does.

Passion’s Law
Ruth Langan

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Meet the Coltons—a California dynasty with a legacy of privilege and power.

Heather McGrath: A country club dilettante. Though she’s lived a charmed life, Joe Colton’s foster niece’s two broken engagements have made her despair of ever meeting her Prince Charming. Until she runs into a hunky single dad who seems to be just what Cupid ordered!

Thaddeus Law: A jaded detective. A far cry from the smooth-faced, golden boys Heather has been dating in San Diego, and a decade older, this lawman just might be her diamond in the rough.

Silas “Snake Eyes” Pike: A conniving little weasel. Hired by Meredith Colton’s evil twin sister to find Emily Blair, this hit man has just tracked her down to Keyhole, Wyoming….

For Nora, who keeps challenging me to fly.

And for Tom, who never lets me fall.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

One

“Hey. Where did you go just now?” Peter McGrath, Chief Financial Officer of Colton Enterprises, easily maneuvered the car around a curve in the road and glanced over at his daughter, Heather, who was staring pensively out the window. “What are you thinking, honey?”

Heather watched the passing scenery with keen interest. “Just thinking how big California is. And how different it looks once we leave San Diego.”

“I hope you’re not regretting your decision to come here and give your Uncle Joe a hand with his business affairs.”

She gave her father a gentle smile. “Of course not. In fact, I was thinking just the opposite. There’s such rugged beauty here. I’m glad I’ll have some time to really see it. You know I’ve always loved the ranch. As for Uncle Joe, I’m happy to help. Really.”

Peter was delighted by his daughter’s response. He had a special love for his foster brother, Joe Colton. Joe had been the one to see to Peter’s education at one of the best universities in the country, and been enormously proud of Peter’s intelligence, especially his mathematical talents. After graduation from Stanford, Peter happily accepted a low-level job in the accounting department of Colton Shipping. Because he proved to be a whiz at finding loopholes and shelters in the corporate tax laws, he quickly came to the attention of his supervisors, who sang his praises to Joe. Joe in turn gave Peter free rein within the company, and Peter had soon worked his way up the corporate ranks of Colton Enterprises. This put Peter in a position to repay his foster brother many times over by acting as a diligent watchdog on Joe Colton’s behalf.

There was a special bond between these two men. One that had always grated on Joe Colton’s blood brother, Graham.

Peter reached over to lay a hand on Heather’s. “That’s my girl.”

He turned the car up the familiar long, winding driveway and came to a stop in front of the large, sand-colored adobe house. “Welcome to Hacienda de Alegria.”

Heather smiled, showing her dimples. “House of Joy.”

Her father’s smile faded slightly. “There hasn’t been much of that here lately.” He sighed before switching off the ignition and shoving open the car door.

Heather knew he was thinking about the summer birthday party for her uncle, and the shocking attempt on Joe Colton’s life. She tucked her arm through her father’s as they started up the walk together. “Then maybe we can change that.”

They were met at the front door by Meredith Colton, Joe’s wife. Her brown eyes seemed to narrow at the sight of them. “What are you doing here?”

“Meredith.” Peter stepped closer, to kiss her cheek, but she stepped back, avoiding him. “Joe’s expecting us.”

She nodded. “Business, I suppose.”

“That’s part of it. But mostly we’re here because we’re family, and Joe needs us.”

She turned away without even acknowledging Peter’s words and completely ignored his daughter. “Joe’s in his office, I expect. That’s where he seems to spend all his time these days.”

She walked away, leaving them staring after her. The housekeeper, Inez, beckoned, leading them through the central courtyard where a fountain splashed and flowers grew in profusion in dozens of containers.

“Now that was a warm welcome,” Heather whispered.

“Nothing we didn’t expect. She and Joe were probably fighting again. They seem to do a lot of that lately. It’s obvious the tension is getting to both of them.”

Peter kept his arm around his daughter’s shoulders as they walked along a cool, dim hallway and paused before ornately carved double doors. The housekeeper knocked once, then opened the doors and stood aside, allowing them to enter.

“Joe.” Peter’s smile was back, brighter than ever. Joe Colton may not be blood-related, but he meant the world to the younger man, who had always looked up to him.

Across the room Joe Colton, seated behind a massive desk, shoved back his chair and sprang to his feet to hurry across the room.

“Peter. I’ve been watching for you.” Joe caught the younger man in a great bear hug, before holding him a little away to look him over. “You’re looking good.”

“Thanks. So are you.”

Joe turned to Heather and embraced her warmly. “Hello, sweetheart. It was generous of you to offer your help.”

She gave him a hard, quick hug before looking up into his smiling eyes. “I’m happy to do it, Uncle Joe.”

The older man kept hold of his niece’s hand as he led her toward his desk. It was then that Heather realized they weren’t alone.

A man got to his feet beside one of the high-backed leather chairs, watching with a quiet intensity that Heather found disconcerting.

“Thad Law, this is my little brother Peter McGrath.” Joe saw the man’s brow arch and was quick to add, “We have different last names because we’re not blood brothers. But the bond is the same, wouldn’t you say, Pete?”

“You bet. Even stronger than blood.” Peter gave a firm nod of his head.

Joe added, “Pete, this is Police Detective Thaddeus Law.”

As the two men shook hands it was Peter’s turn to arch a brow. “Police detective? Has there been more trouble?”

Joe patted his brother’s arm. “Now don’t go making a big deal of this. We just had some things to discuss.” He drew Heather closer. “Thad, this is Peter’s daughter, Heather. She’s agreed to live here for a while and act as my assistant.”

“Miss McGrath.” There was that intense look again. As though he were dissecting her, inch by inch.

Heather forced a smile as she offered her hand. “Detective Law.”

His big hand engulfed hers and she felt a quick rush of heat that left her startled. When she looked up to see if he’d felt it as well, he abruptly shifted his gaze to her uncle.

She used the opportunity to study his profile. A wide forehead. Strong, chiseled features. A jaw that jutted with an air of determination. Jet black hair cut military-short.

He wasn’t handsome in the classic sense, but he was an imposing figure, not just because of his size, but because of some unfathomable air of command. It was obvious to anyone looking at him that even without a uniform he was a cop.

His voice was deep, the words spoken in a staccato delivery, as though by someone accustomed to giving orders rather than taking them. “I’ll go over the information you gave me, and get back to you tomorrow, Senator.”

Joe’s smile was quick. “I told you, Thad. That part of my life is long over. It’s just plain Joe now.”

The detective nodded. “Okay, Joe. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. On my way out, I’ll look over your security system, and see if I can find any flaws.”

The two men shook hands. As the detective stepped away, he turned the full force of that steady gaze on Heather once again, and she felt the heat rise to her cheeks. But only because, she told herself firmly, she’d been caught staring.

Peter waited until they were alone before asking, “What’s going on, Joe?”

The older man shrugged. “Nothing to worry about. Thad was one of the first detectives on the scene when that shot was fired at my party. He’s been back ever since, combing for clues they might have missed. Obviously he’s not happy with some of the things he’s found. I like the way he works. I had a few things I wanted him to check for me.”

Peter’s voice lowered. “You worried about something, Joe?”

“What? Me worry?” Joe gave an easy laugh. “Come on, Pete. Let’s have a drink and then we’ll enjoy some lunch in the courtyard.” He opened a cabinet and pulled out a crystal decanter. “Heather, will you join us?”

His niece shook her head. “No thanks. I think I’ll walk around and get reacquainted with your beautiful home, Uncle Joe. I’ll be back in time to join the two of you for lunch.”

She let herself out of the office and strolled to the courtyard, pausing to watch the play of sunlight on the fountain. It was such a pretty picture, with the pots of colorful flowers and trailing ivy. The cool tile, the expanse of glass, the sound of water all added to a feeling of peace and serenity.

She strolled through the great room and paused at the windows, crossing her arms over her chest as she studied the magnificent view in the distance. The lush valley. Rolling green hills. Oh, it was so pleasant here. So perfect.

It was hard to believe that in this serene setting there was so much seething hostility. So much pain. Her uncle had lost a son to death, an adopted daughter to a kidnapping. And then there was the horrible attempt that had been made on his life. As yet, no one had been arrested. But Uncle Joe had, as always, tried to take the high road, downplaying the incident, insisting that they’d all made too much of it.

She didn’t believe him, of course. Being the target of an assassin’s bullet would leave a person traumatized. But it was obvious that Joe Colton was determined to get on with his life, and to locate his daughter, Emily.

That factor had weighed heavily in Heather’s decision to move here. She knew how much her father loved Joe Colton, and how concerned he was. She shared that love and concern. If her presence here could ease his burden even a little, then she would stay here for as long as he needed her.

As for her Aunt Meredith’s cool reception, she’d already decided not to let that bother her. Her aunt had changed in the past few years. Everyone had noticed it. Meredith had become caught up in herself and her own selfish needs. Heather would simply keep her distance from her aunt and concentrate on what her uncle needed.

She already knew the business. After college she’d gone to work for her father, in the financial department of Colton Enterprises. She’d proven herself efficient, good with figures, and a quick study. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t do if she set her mind to it.

She sighed, thinking about the life she’d left behind. It had been so easy to adapt to her family’s charmed lifestyle. She knew her mother had several young men already picked out as potential husbands for her. Her friends thought it so amusing, especially since she’d been engaged twice and had both times broken the engagement after only weeks. She never let those around her see the pain and confusion she’d suffered. How could they understand? Heather had dreams of her own. Dreams she hadn’t shared with anyone, even her adored brother, Austin.

Austin. How she ached for him. She was probably the only one who could see that behind that angry, brooding facade, he was hiding a broken heart. She would give anything to help him. But she knew, with a woman’s instincts, that he would have to find his own way through the maze that his life had become.

She was suddenly relieved that she’d agreed to come here. Not only could she help her favorite uncle, but this might also prove to be the perfect break from a lifestyle that had become almost too hectic, too crammed with parties and lunches and activities. And complications, she thought grimly. A mother determined to get her only daughter married to the right man, someone who would fit in with their up-scale lifestyle. And a father who adored his only daughter and was far too willing to pull strings to get her whatever her heart desired.

The problem was, she wasn’t certain just what she wanted. She knew only what she didn’t want. She didn’t want the empty life her friends were living, and though she adored her parents, she wanted more than the life her mother lived.

Unlike her Aunt Meredith, who had allowed herself to become caught up in the pursuit of happiness to the exclusion of those around her, Heather yearned for something else. Something simpler. Right now, living and working here at her uncle’s ranch, without having to deal with outside influences, could be the antidote she’d been seeking.

Heather wasn’t sure how long she’d been standing there, lost in thought, when she sensed that she wasn’t alone. She whirled and found herself face to face with a scowling Thad Law.

“Detective.” She brought a hand to her throat in a gesture of surprise. “I didn’t hear you.”

There was a breathy quality to her voice that intrigued him. If he hadn’t noticed it earlier in her uncle’s office, he’d write it off as nerves. Without realizing it, his frown deepened. He took a step closer, until they were mere inches apart.

With each step that he took toward her, she had an almost overpowering urge to step back, out of reach. Foolish, she knew, but the feeling was too strong to deny. This man made her uncomfortable. Odd, since she’d never before been anything but completely comfortable in the presence of men. But then, this man wasn’t like any she’d ever met.

Though she thought of herself as tall, she had to tip her head back to see his face. He had to be several inches over six feet, with broad shoulders and a powerfully muscled chest. For a big man he moved with surprising catlike grace.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.” His voice was low and deep, with a hint of impatience.

“You could have warned me you were here.” She had the distinct impression that he’d been there for some time, watching her, and had been as uncomfortable as she when she’d turned and caught sight of him.

“And interrupt those deep thoughts of yours?”

So, he had been watching her.

When he drew close she saw again that piercing stare. It had the strangest effect on her. She’d thought his eyes dark, but in the sunlight streaming through the windows she could see that they were a deep midnight blue.

A breeze flitted through the open window, flinging a lock of her hair across her face. Without warning he lifted a finger to it and brushed it aside. It was the slightest touch, and yet it sent a jolt of electricity charging through her system with all the force of a lightning bolt.

At that simple touch she stood perfectly still, absorbing the tremors that rocked her. Her eyes widened and she had to clasp her hands together to keep from flinching.

Had he felt it, too, or was she the only one affected like this? A quick glance at his face revealed only a slight narrowing of his eyes. But it was enough to tell her that he wasn’t as cool and disinterested as he tried to appear.

He cleared his throat. “Did I understand that you’re going to be living here?”

She nodded, afraid to trust her voice.

“For how long?”

She swallowed and prayed she wouldn’t sound as uneasy as she felt. “I don’t really know.” She looked at him, then away. “I guess I’ll be here for as long as my uncle needs me.”

“Needs you for what?”

“He’s been spending most of his time here since the…” She couldn’t bring herself to mention the shooting. “Since his party. And because I’m familiar with the work, I offered to come here and act as his assistant.”

“I see.” He glanced around. “Have you considered the isolation of this place?”

She nodded. “That’s part of its charm.”

“For a week or two maybe. After that, when people realize they can’t shop at high-priced boutiques, or reserve a table at a fancy restaurant, the charm starts to wear thin. How long do you think you can stand it, Miss McGrath?”

“I told you. For as long as my uncle needs me.”

“Even if it turns out to be months?”

She nodded. “That’s right.” She arched a brow. “Is that a look of skepticism, Detective?”

“Could be. Personally I doubt you’ll last more than a week or two before you get the urge to race back to civilization.”

“Is that so? You wouldn’t care to bet on that, would you?”

For the first time his lips curved slightly, the only hint of humor. “Are you asking a man of the law to gamble?”

“Afraid you’ll lose?”

He continued staring at her. “Are you a betting woman, Miss McGrath?”

“I’ve been known to make a wager or two.”

“Have you now?” He gave her a measuring look that had the heat rising to her cheeks. “Five bucks says you’re bored out of your mind and out of here within two weeks.” He stuck out his hand. “Deal?”

She glanced down at his hand, then up into those challenging eyes. “Oh, yeah. How can I resist such an easy way to make five dollars? You’re on, Detective.”

He closed his hand over hers and, too late, she remembered how she’d felt the first time his hand had held hers. The heat was back, racing along her spine, surging through her veins. But when she tried to pull free, he merely drew her closer, until his lips hovered just above hers. “My friends call me Thad.”

“Really?” She wanted to look away, but wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. Instead she lifted her head, forcing herself to meet that steely gaze. “Then I guess I’ll call you Detective Law, because I don’t see the two of us becoming friends. Would you like to pay up now? Or are you going to make me wait until the two weeks are up?”

He chuckled. He’d give her this much. She didn’t back down. “You haven’t won anything yet, Miss McGrath. As for me, I think my job just got more interesting.”

“Your job?” She was suddenly alert as she yanked her hand free and studied him more carefully. “You’re…working here? I thought this was just a routine visit, and that you wouldn’t be back.”

“Sorry to disappoint you.”

For the first time she noticed the notepad in his other hand. Her voice lowered. “If this isn’t merely a routine check, does this mean something is wrong?”

He kept his features deliberately unreadable. “Sorry, Miss McGrath. I’m not at liberty to discuss my business with anyone except your uncle.”

“Of course.” She felt the sting of censure and wondered how it was that this man could make her feel so damnably awkward. In any other man his attitude would come across as pure arrogance, but she had the feeling that in Thad Law, it was simply the way he conducted business. No doubt he put up a wall between himself and every civilian he came in contact with.

“Well.” She took a step back, needing to put some distance between them so she could catch her breath. “Don’t let me stop you, Detective.”

Instead of giving her the space she so obviously wanted, he leaned close and watched the way her eyes narrowed. “I told you. It’s Thad. Why don’t you try it?”

“Why don’t you—” She drew in a breath when she saw the hint of humor in his eyes. She counted to ten, then tried again. “Okay. Why not? I guess I’ll be seeing you around, Thad.”

“You can count on it, Miss McGrath.”

“My name is Heather.”

He seemed to consider that a moment, as though fitting the name to the woman. “You can count on seeing me around, Heather.” He stood there a moment longer, feeling the tension hum between them. Then he turned on his heel.

She watched him walk away. It occurred to her that he didn’t so much walk as stalk. Like a panther on the trail of some poor, unsuspecting prey.

She shivered at the thought.

Crossing her arms over her chest, she waited until her breathing had returned to normal and her legs felt steady enough to carry her without stumbling. Then she headed in the opposite direction. She didn’t want to bump into Thaddeus Law again. There was something far too dark and dangerous about him.

Like a man who’d seen too much. And knew too many secrets. Secrets he had no intention of sharing with anyone.

But then, why should he? A man like that probably didn’t need anyone or anything. He gave every impression of being a law unto himself.

Thad headed toward Joe’s office. But though he mechanically noted the security sensors positioned overhead, his mind was still on Heather McGrath. When she’d first stepped into Joe Colton’s office, he’d felt like some sort of awestruck schoolboy. She was almost too perfect. Like every man’s ideal woman. Tall, willowy, with soft blue eyes and a turned-up nose. She even had perfect dimples when she smiled. And to top it off, all that smooth blond hair flowing like silk.

He’d had to touch it. Just to assure himself it was as soft as it looked. The jolt he’d been forced to endure had been worth it. It was the kind of hair a man wanted to sink his hands into.

And then there were those lips. So perfectly formed. The lower lip full and inviting. He’d been shocked by the urge to kiss her, to touch his mouth to hers and drink his fill.

The perfume she wore was intoxicating. Like crushed roses. When he’d breathed her in, she went straight to his head and sent it spinning.

A man could get addicted to a woman like that.

He’d been grateful for those few minutes to study her when she’d first arrived. It had given him the advantage when they’d been introduced.

Of course, that didn’t explain why he’d spent all that time studying her again when he’d come upon her just now.

He frowned. Men didn’t need a reason to look at a woman like that. It was the most natural thing in the world. And it wasn’t as if she didn’t know she was beautiful. How could she not be aware of it? She’d probably been stared at by men since she was old enough to wiggle those sexy hips.

He knew her type. In his line of work he’d come across dozens of women like her. Rich, pampered, adored. They took their beauty and their lifestyle for granted. And when things started to fall apart, so did they.

He’d be willing to bet that her idea of work was leeching off her rich uncle and talking endlessly on the phone to her friends. The first time she broke a fingernail she’d probably throw a tantrum.

Still, when they shook hands, he’d felt the heat clear to his toes. There was no denying she was one hot little female.

And, he figured, as long as he was going to be here conducting an investigation, he may as well enjoy the view. Even though he’d have to remember not to touch.

Heather McGrath was too rich for his blood.

He knocked, then opened the door when he heard Joe Colton’s voice summon him to enter.

“What’d you find, Thad?”

“It’s a good security system, as far as it goes. But I’d recommend that you add some refinements.”

Joe nodded. “Okay. That’s why I asked for your help. How soon can you have it done to your satisfaction?”

Thad shrugged. “A day or two. I can order the parts you need. If you don’t mind, I’d like to hire the workmen myself. No sense having strangers on the premises that haven’t passed a security check.”

Joe smiled. “Whatever you say, Thad. Can you stay for lunch?”

“No, thanks.” Thad turned away. “I’ll see you first thing in the morning.”

When the door closed behind him, Peter McGrath gave Joe a long, measuring look. “Seems to me you’re going to a lot of trouble for a man who doesn’t think anything’s wrong.”

Joe clapped a hand on his foster brother’s shoulder. “After what’s happened lately, I’ve decided to wise up and take precautions. Besides, my favorite niece plans on living and working here now. I’d like to think that all these security measures will give you and Andie some peace of mind.”

Peter nodded, thinking of the way his wife, Andie, had reacted when she’d heard what Heather planned to do. She liked having her daughter close. “You’re right, of course. I’m grateful that you’re finally ready to put your safety in the hands of an expert.”

At the appearance of the housekeeper, Inez, announcing that lunch was ready, the two men made their way to the beautiful dining room, overlooking the courtyard. They met Heather just coming from the other direction.

“Will Aunt Meredith be joining us?” she called cheerfully.

Joe shook his head. “Meredith never eats lunch here. In fact, she’s rarely at home. That’s just one more reason why I’m so glad you’re here, sweetheart. You’ll be great company. Besides, your father assures me that you’re an expert at whipping an office into shape.”

As the three were seated they could see, through the floor-to-ceiling windows, Thaddeus Law walking to his car.

“Speaking of experts.” Peter nodded toward the figure of the officer. “I wouldn’t want to mess with Detective Law. He looks like he could take on an entire gang of gunmen without flinching.”

“Yeah.” Joe laughed. “And spit out their bullets if they were foolish enough to fire at him.”

The two men shared a laugh while Heather merely watched in silence as the man they were discussing tossed his jacket on the passenger seat before stepping inside and driving away in a cloud of dust.

Somehow she had the impression that her father and uncle weren’t too far from the truth.