Sudden Second Chance

Duke got that fierce look he must’ve learned on the mean streets of Philly and Beth shivered. It meant a lot to have a man like Duke on your side—if you weren’t stupid enough to throw it all away.

Gregory even looked a little worried. “I’ll keep you posted, Ms. St. Regis.”

Duke took the suitcase handle from her and dragged her bag toward the elevator.

She shuffled after him, yawning. “I am so ready to call it a night.”

Duke gave her a sideways glance and stabbed the button for the second floor. The elevator rumbled into action and Beth closed her eyes. The wine had made her sleepy, and she felt the lure of a comfy bed with no surprises in it, although she wouldn’t mind one surprise—a prince instead of a frog.

The elevator lurched to a sharp halt and Beth’s eyes flew open. “Whoa. This thing needs service.”

The elevator had stopped moving but the doors remained shut.

“Oh, God, not another prank—as Unger called it.” Her gaze darted to Duke’s face, still fierce but set, his jaw hard.

“I’m the one who stopped the elevator.”

“What?” She braced her hand against the wall of the car. “Are you crazy? What did you do that for?”

Duke crossed his arms and widened his stance as if she could pull off an escape from the car.

“You’re going to tell me what you’re really doing in Timberline, and you’re going to tell me now or this elevator isn’t going anywhere.”

Chapter Six (#ulink_51e0960a-b1e7-5ebb-9571-417220439887)

Duke felt a twinge of guilt in his gut as Beth’s pale face blanched even more. Was she claustrophobic, too? He knew she had those panic attacks, and if she started down that road he’d cave. He had a weakness for this woman.

“I...I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m here to do a Cold Case Chronicles episode on the Timberline Trio—come hell or high water.”