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She undid the apron and hung it on a hook next to the refrigerator. “Just plate the burritos when Hannah comes down. Make sure she eats, will you? She gets stressed and forgets.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Ryker placed a kiss on the older woman’s cheek. Pam was a local, and while she’d lived in different places over the years, had maintained close ties to the town. She’d known Ryker since he was in diapers and was close to his mother. “Don’t worry. I’ll take good care of your girls.”
She patted his shoulder. “I know you will. See you later.”
With a last wave, she left. Silence descended in the kitchen. He took a moment to check his email for any updates on the case, and while progress had been made, the culprit was still at large. He guzzled coffee while eating a breakfast burrito. The food and caffeine went a long way to erasing his fatigue.
Footsteps on the staircase proceeded Hannah into the kitchen. She was dressed for work in a suit, her shiny hair pulled back into a professional bun. A few strands had wriggled loose and played with the delicate curves of her face. Light makeup added color to her cheeks, but nothing could erase the faint circles under her eyes. She hadn’t slept well. In her arms, she carried Charlotte.
Ryker’s heart inexplicably kicked up a notch. The woman was stunning, and the sight of her holding the baby, conjured up white picket fences and puppies. His reaction was disconcerting. Hannah wasn’t the kind of woman who’d entertain a casual relationship, and he had no intention of settling down.
Losing his first love in a tragic and sudden way had impacted his heart deeply. He couldn’t imagine how painful it would be to lose a spouse. Ryker had decided a long time ago he didn’t want to risk finding out. Until now, there’d never been a reason to question that decision. But this attraction to Hannah was unlike anything he’d ever experienced before. It was deep and powerful and visceral.
“Morning.” Determined to keep things casual, Ryker set his mug on the counter. “Pam made breakfast burritos. I hope you’re hungry. There’s fresh coffee too.”
“Wow.” Hannah arched her brows as she settled Charlotte into a highchair and strapped her in. Her gaze swept across the table, which held a fruit salad and glasses of orange juice. “She didn’t need to go to all this trouble. My normal breakfast is an apple as I slide out the door. Where is Pam anyway?”
“She left for the office.” Ryker scooped up scrambled eggs seasoned with peppers, tomatoes, sausage, and cheese with a spatula. A warm tortilla rested nearby on a plate. He added the eggs and set it on the table before tilting his head toward the television playing quietly in the corner. A news reporter was standing outside Hannah’s neighborhood, microphone in hand, giving the latest on the attack. “You’ll need more than an apple to get through the morning. Someone leaked the contents of the letter to the media sometime last night.”
Hannah’s nose wrinkled. “I know. My boss called me early this morning. Thomas’s attorney, Jose Ortiz, has filed a motion to dismiss. It’s on the docket for later this morning. They’re hoping to get the case thrown out by the judge.”
Ryker wasn’t surprised. In fact, he wouldn’t put it past Jose to have leaked the letter himself. The defense attorney was known for playing dirty and doing whatever it took to get his clients off. As a result, he was paid top dollar by drug dealers, killers, and white-collar criminals. “Do you think the judge will throw the case out?”
“No, but I’m going to face more pressure to let this case go.”
“From who? Not your boss, right?”
Hannah worked for the District Attorney, Bruce Foster, who’d been elected last year. He’d accepted campaign contributions from Thomas. As a result, he’d recused himself from handling any aspect of the case in order to appear impartial. The decision was smart politically, but it put Hannah in a vulnerable position.
“No, Bruce won’t interfere with my decisions. He’s escaped a lot of heat by recusing himself.” She crossed to the pantry and removed a jar of baby food. “But the constant media coverage means that someone’s head is going to roll if things don’t go well. Since I’m in charge of pursuing this case—”
“You’ll be the one to take the blame.”
She nodded. Ryker’s chest tightened at the stress riding the narrow line of her shoulders. Hannah wouldn’t lose her job if she didn’t nail a conviction, but she could be demoted. Or moved to a different department. Coupled with the threats on her life and caring for her niece… it was a lot for anyone to take on. He took the jar of baby food from her hand. “I’ll feed Charlotte since I’ve already eaten. Dig in before your food gets cold.”
Hannah hesitated, eyeing him suspiciously.
Ryker pulled out a chair next to the baby. “Don’t look at me like that. I’ve got a big family with scads of little ones always running around. When it comes to feeding kids, I’m a pro.” He gently tweaked Charlotte’s dimpled chin, which earned him a gummy smile. “We’re gonna be fine, aren’t we, darlin’?” Then he smiled charmingly in Hannah’s direction. “Word of warning, I don’t do diapers.”
That comment earned him a laugh. “Got it.” She settled into a chair. Her head bowed and a silent prayer moved her lips before she dug into her breakfast burrito. Her eyes widened after taking the first bite. “This is so good. I didn’t know Pam cooked this well. She’s been keeping secrets.”
Ryker laughed. “You should get her to bake you some Snickerdoodles. They're fantastic.”
“Good to know.”
He scooped baby food onto a plastic spoon and offered it to Charlotte. She obligingly opened her mouth. Little fists banged in excitement on the high chair tray. “Were you able to get hold of your brother or sister-in-law last night?”
“I sent them an email explaining that everything is okay.” Fire flashed in her eyes. “Normally I wouldn’t say anything since they’re in war zones. Distraction can get them killed. But since the media picked up the story, I can’t be sure they won’t hear about it somehow. Ben and Danielle are going to be worried sick. I hope my email convinces them it’s all under control.” She grimaced and set down her burrito. “It’s bad enough Charlotte was here during the break-in. I’ve said half a dozen prayers thanking God for keeping her safe.”
He understood exactly what she was feeling. Ryker had spent the early-morning hours in prayer as well. “I know you’re concerned about distracting them with the news, but it’s better to hear it from you than the media.”
“Pam said the same thing. We also discussed what to do with Charlotte this morning. Normally she goes to daycare, but I don’t feel comfortable being separated from her after what happened last night, so Pam will watch her while I’m in court.” Hannah sighed. “It’s not professional to take Charlotte to work with me, but given the circumstances, I want her behind metal detectors in a place with a large police presence.”
It was a smart move. Hannah’s office was on the second floor of the courthouse. Access was restricted to personnel with badges and visitors had to be escorted through the area. Additionally, deputies guarded the main entrance to the courthouse, as well as the courtrooms, so there were always a dozen or more on duty at all times. Charlotte should be safe.
“Have you heard anything from Claire?” Hannah lifted the coffee mug to her lips. “Or anyone else on the ranger team? I know it’s only been a few hours, but the sooner we catch the perpetrator, the better.”
Ryker gently wiped the baby’s mouth with a napkin. “There were no fingerprints on the note, on the knife the perpetrator took from you, or around the access point he used to gain entrance to the house.”
