Spontaneous - Brenda Jackson [27]
The suite had a separate sitting room with a sofa that pulled out to a bed. There was a spacious bath with a hot tub and the bedroom area had a king-size bed. There was no doubt in her mind that she and Duan would be sharing that bed.
“I have an idea what you’re thinking, Duan,” she said.
It was then that he glanced over at her. “I doubt very seriously that you do. But if you want to take a stab at it, then go ahead and tell me.”
“You’re probably wondering what the hell you’re doing here, and wishing you were someplace else.”
He looked down at the carpeted floor and then lifted his gaze back to hers. “I’m alone in this hotel room with you, with a king-size bed, and you think I’d rather be someplace else?”
She released an exasperated laugh. “Be serious, Duan.”
He stared at her for a moment. “I am serious when it comes to you, me and the bed.”
She nodded. “And how serious are you about Edward? I could tell you don’t like him. Why?”
Duan moved across the room to stand in front of Kim. She had asked a good question, and maybe it would be best for all concerned if he answered it. To be fair to the man, he hadn’t planned to tell her what he suspected until he had something concrete, not speculation. But Kim was very observant, and it would be best for the investigation if he leveled with her now and hoped she would understand and not blow his cover. “Duan?”
“We need to talk.” He reached out and took her hand in his and gently led her toward the couch. She sat beside him and he saw the curiosity in her eyes.
Her hand tightened on his. “What is it, Duan?”
He muttered a silent curse. He would tell her, but he would also make sure she understood that although Villarosas might think Duan was onto him, it was important to keep him guessing. Duan had long ago discovered that a man with something to hide would begin messing up if he thought he had a reason to look over his shoulder.
He pulled in a deep breath and began talking. “The moment you mentioned Edward Villarosas’s name to me that day we were leaving Chicago, it sounded familiar. All it took was a phone call to one of my partners for confirmation.”
Kim’s eyes widened. “Your partner? Are you saying Edward is in some kind of trouble?”
“I’m not sure yet.”
Kim shook her head and released Duan’s hand to stand. She stared down at him with numerous questions in her eyes. “Not sure? Duan, we’re talking about a man my mother is planning to marry. Just what are you sure about?”
Duan stood also. He knew she was not going to like what he was about to tell her, and would probably wonder why he hadn’t told her sooner. “A few years ago, on two occasions, Edward came under suspicion for a crime, but nothing was proven.”
Kim placed her hands on her hips and met his gaze. Duan could clearly see the worried look in her eyes. “What was he suspected of doing?”
A part of Duan wished they weren’t having this conversation, but another part of him was glad they were. He hadn’t like withholding information from her. “He was married twice.”
Kim nodded. “Yes, he admitted as much, but according to him he got a divorce in both situations. Are you saying that he didn’t?”
“No, there were divorces.”
Duan paused a moment. “Both women turned up missing during the marriage, and to this day have not been heard from.”
Kim bit down on her lip and fought to keep her composure. “Are you saying what I think you are?”
He nodded. “Yes. On two occasions Edward was a suspect in his wives’ disappearances. No one was able to prove foul play on his part because he had real good alibis.”
Kim’s eyes widened. “But if he was in some way responsible, that means…”
He knew what she was thinking, although it was apparently hard for her to say it out loud. “Yes,” he said softly, gazing deep into her eyes. “That’s what it means.”
8
“OH, MY GOD.” Kim closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath. She