Capacity for Murder (Professor Bradshaw Mysteries) by Bernadette Pajer Page B

up.”
    “Been saving that speech, have you?”
    “Until the opportune time, yes.”
    The wind blew her hair across her face. She brushed it back with a toss of her head, and challenged him with a narrowed gaze.
    “I don’t know who yet to trust in the house. I want you in a cabin. I should probably send you all home.”
    “Who do you suspect?”
    “I don’t yet know who’s involved.”
    “You’ve taken an interest in Mrs. Thompson.”
    What did she mean by that? She’d never known his late wife, but she’d seen her photo on his mantel. Did she, too, see the resemblance to Ingrid Thompson? Was she alluding to his inner turmoil, the jumble of emotions over his past with Rachel, his future without her …?
    “I could be of use to you in the house. I could speak to the family, befriend Mrs. Thompson—”
    “You will befriend no one.”
    Her raised eyebrow told him she’d read deeply into that remark.
    “Whatever happened here was personal, involving those here at the time. If you and the others stay out of the house except for meals, you won’t get involved, and I won’t be distracted by worrying about you.”
    “I don’t want to move.”
    “Then pack your bags, you’re going home.”
    “You can’t send me off like a child.”
    “No, if you were a child, you’d be obeying me.”
    “Your past skews your judgment, Mr. Bradshaw.”
    “Yes, it does. You will relocate or leave.”
    “What has happened to make you feel I’d be unsafe in the house?”
    “I won’t discuss the case with you.”
    “I could help.”
    “Yes, you probably could, but I don’t want your help.”
    “Why are you so angry with me?”
    Not you, he wanted to say, at me. But even if he’d been brave enough to say that, opening the door to an honest discussion with her, he couldn’t, because galloping up the beach toward them was Deputy Mitchell.
    Missouri, unaware of the deputy’s approach, said, “You’ve made it clear, Mr. Bradshaw, by keeping your distance for two years, that you’ve chosen to suppress your feelings for me. It’s not our age difference or the fact that I’m Henry’s niece or even the scars of your marriage that worries you because Ann Darlyrope helped you through those—”
    His shock must have registered on his face, for she continued, “Yes, I knew about her, and I also know that it’s over now. Yes, I was jealous, but she was good for you, I could see that. I might be young, but I understand more than you realize about relationships and a man’s needs, and I thought maybe you’d have some sense now, or at least be willing to discuss the very real differences between us to see if we can find a way past them.”
    He still couldn’t look away even though his face burned at the thought that she knew about his affair. The deputy paused on his march toward them, bending to examine a shell, and Bradshaw opened his mouth to say something, anything, while he had the time. But the only thing that came to him was the ridiculous thought that she was a wildflower, and he a boulder, and if he were to act on his feelings, he would crush the life out of her.
    “Never mind. I’m tired of pondering your inhibitions, and tired of wondering if you’ll ever get over them. You’ve chosen your path, and I’m striking out on my own.”
    His heart wrenched. “What is that supposed to mean?”
    “You’re a college professor, decipher my meaning. Furthermore, you have no call to be angry when Colin shows an interest in me. Sending him off with Uncle Henry—”
    “Henry needed a ride into town.”
    “—and then marching down here pretending your anger is all about your fear for my safety. Do you take me for a fool?”
    “Colin’s behavior has nothing to do with my frustration with you at this moment.” The deputy, now just a few yards away, lifted a hand in greeting that Bradshaw did not return.
    She said, “You’re jealous of Colin.”
    Bradshaw’s eyes snapped back to Missouri. “Don’t play