Truth be told, Detective Beth Andrews didn’t mind working with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. They’d lived up to their reputation in the past. But one thing was certain, she didn’t relish the idea of talking to a psychologist, criminal or otherwise. It brought back horrific memories, flashes of fists and broken promises.
Still, if Captain Aikens could put his neck on the block for her—and she did realize what a risk he was taking—she could give a little in return.
The man entered at Aikens’ request, and the captain made the introductions. "Doctor Jordan, this is Detective Andrews. She’s primary on the case."
"I’ve already had the pleasure." His deep, faintly mocking voice seemed somehow familiar.
The captain frowned in obvious confusion. "You’ve met?"
Beth studied the tall, good-looking man, trying to recall when she’d had the pleasure. His hair was the color of a midnight sky and he wore it glossed back. Usually she thought men with such hairstyles looked like Mafia hit men. This one didn’t. His hair went well with his expensive, blue double-breasted suit. And his face. Surely she’d remember meeting a man this handsome.
"Last night. Miss Andrews didn’t take it too kindly when I trespassed on her crime scene."
"Detective Andrews," she said automatically. Then her eyes widened as it all came back to her. The Humphrey Bogart dress-alike—the man she’d wanted to detain for questioning—he was a criminal psychologist with the OSBI? Why hadn’t he said something? Maybe his Bogie impersonation was part of his own little delusion. Maybe he needed some help himself.
"Good to see you again, sweetheart." His dark eyes shone with amusement, as if it were all a joke.
A joke she didn’t find funny. "I wish I could say the same for you. And don’t call me sweetheart." Beth frowned. Pain spiked her head like rusty nails. No more wine.
The captain cleared his throat. Beth turned to stare at him. Aikens took another bite of his chocolate-covered doughnut and her stomach lurched in response.
"Show some respect, Detective. Doctor Jordan has cracked the minds of some of the most brutal serial killers," he said as he chewed. "Real crazies. I don’t know how he does it. The man has even made a few of them repent like judgment-bound sinners."
"Please, Captain Aikens, I’ll get a swelled head."
Affecting disbelief, Beth shook her head. Bad mistake. "He interrogates and profiles. Head shrinks, too. What a medical marvel."
"Thank you."
"I was being sarcastic."
"You’re supposed to work with the man, not insult him."
"It’s all right. Detective Andrews isn’t feeling well. Maybe she should lay off the wine."
Aikens said nothing as Sam Jordan rose from his chair and walked toward her. Adrenaline flooded her veins. She couldn’t move. Swallowing a whimper, refusing to let him know how much he frightened her, she watched his approach. And was helpless to stop him when he placed his large hands on either side of her head. Gently, he began to massage her temples, using a slow, circular motion. Warmth spread from his touch, replacing her panic with a strange languor. She felt as if she was floating high above them, an impartial observer to the scene enacted below.
"The pain will stop." The room rang with his command.
Her eyes widened in wonder. "What on earth did you do?"
Samuel Jordan smiled and she thought it a lovely smile. He touched me without my consent. I should be angry, but he did make the pain go away.
"I’m a medical marvel, remember?"
Ashamed of her performance, she dropped her gaze, staring at the floor in embarrassment. This man couldn’t help it if she thought all mind physicians were head shrinking phonies. Besides, maybe he was different. Since they had to work together, she hoped so. And, since they might be spending quite a lot of time together, she’d better make this as pleasant as possible.
Standing up, Beth offered him her hand. She forced herself to make eye contact, thinking she deserved whatever condemnation she might find on his face. "Please accept my apology, Doctor Jordan. Let’s start over, shall we?"
Sam smiled and took her hand in his firm grasp. "Glad to, Detective Andrews."
"Call me Beth." He kept her hand in his and she did nothing to make him release it. All she could do was stare at his mesmerizing brown eyes and at the sexy cleft in his chin.
Captain Aikens cleared his throat. "If you two are finished gawking at each other, can we get down to business?"
